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Friday, June 21, 2013

BELIEFS about STAIRS

By Arch. Ernesto R. Zárate, FPIA

An eastern orientation is usually required for stairs. Ilocanos position their stairs so that they rise with the morning sun. To them, if it were the other way around, you would be turning your back on your fate. But builders in Pandi, Bulacan, just like many typical Filipinos with the spirit of controversy running strong in their veins, believe that a stairway facing east is considered bad luck because, they say, anything facing the early sun dries up ahead of all others and, in the same token, wealth that is brought into the house will dry up much faster.

If there is no way you can make the stairs face east, at least make them face any nearby mountain. If your lot abuts a river, locate the stairs so that they rise towards the direction of upstream. This is so in order that good luck from your house would not be washed away together with the river’s flow. If the proposed house is beside the sea, or if you are building a beach house, plan the stairs in such a way that they run parallel with the shore to avoid having to grapple with the above precept. If the stairs were placed perpendicularly to the shoreline luck may flow in, but also flow out with the tides.

Do not place a large window in the wall directly facing the stairs so that good fortune will not easily go out through that window.

Most Western countries consider it bad luck to walk under a ladder. (Personally, avoiding this is more of a safety precaution.) In the early years of Christianity, according to mystics, the triangle symbolized eternity. A ladder set against a wall forms a triangle; thus passing under it is sacrilegious because it would be as though one was defying eternity.

Locally, one should not make into a passageway any area under the stairs. Tagalogs never use the space beneath the stairs as sleeping quarters (as the poor Harry Potter did). The underside of wooden stairs of Ilonggo houses are usually completely covered not because of peeping Toms but because the old folks say so.

For business establishments, especially the home-based small ones, the cashier or the place where money is kept should not be located under a staircase. In homes, rice should not be stored under the stairs because it would mean that whenever one goes up or down the stairs, “parang inaapakan ang grasya ng Diyos,” (It would seem like one is treading on the grace of God.)

When planning a structure with two or more storeys, the stairway should not be positioned at the exact center of the structure that would divide the building into two equal parts.

It is believed that the dried umbilical cord of a son or daughter of the house owner inserted in the staircase will strongly bond together the stringer with its supporting girder.

Workmen going up newly constructed stairs the very first time are admonished by the old folks to always use the right foot on the first step. As they go up and down the stairs on that first day, they must have full stomachs and must have money in their pockets. This is to ensure that prosperity and abundance will always be present in the house being built. The owner or contractor usually lends some money to the carpenters assigned to do the stairs. Oftentimes, the money lent for this purpose is not returned but later spent for snacks (pansit and soft drinks) to celebrate the successful erection of the stairs.

There was a time when dwellings in the north, from Moncada in Tarlac, and Pangasinan all the way up to the Cordilleras, had stairs—well, these were actually short ladders—that were removable and were stowed inside during the night or when the owners were away to keep off predators, rats, and thieves.

The Manobos of Agusan, meanwhile, place two spears across their doorway when they are away; if the spears point upwards, this would mean “keep out” but if they point downwards, the owners are saying “Please come right in and wait.”

It is but proper for a Filipino to call out “Tao, po!” when he announces his arrival at a house even before knocking at the door. This doesn’t mean he is asking if anyone is home—he is just declaring that it is a human being who is there, neither an animal nor a ghost.

In the olden days, Ilocanos living in small huts make known their absence from their houses by putting away the short run of their bamboo stairs or by straightening up the stairs making them point skywards thus not leaning on the threshold of the entrance door.

(From the book MORE FILIPINO BUILDING BELIEFS by Ernie Zárate.)

Feature Project: “BALAY TAWID” (FACTORA RESIDENCE), Sarrat, Ilocos Norte

This article illustrates the detailed process of an architect’s professional service in a residential project from its conceptualization to its completion.

The Factora Residence or Balay Tawid (Heritage House, Ilocano) is a 700-sqm, 2-storey, 11-bedroom house designed by Architect Raison John J. Bassig for the Factora family in 2012.  Located in a 1,100-sqm corner lot across the 16th-century Sta. Monica Church in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, the design of the house was influenced by the architect’s desire to meet the family’s spatial requirements and the perpetuation of the traditional Filipino-Hispanic dwellings of the Ilocos Region.

Façade of the Factora Residence at night as seen from the northwest corner 
during landscaping works in December 2012
The Interior Courtyard and Fountain
Project History

The lot was the site of the family’s old house, a 2-storey chalet, built in the 1950s.  Movement inside the house was restricted due to poor accessibility.  Spaces were cramped to hold family reunions.  Inadequate storage caused bedrooms to be used as stockrooms.  Most parts of the house appeared dilapidated as shown by large cracks in the concrete, broken Capiz-windows, ceiling damages, exposed wirings, rusted pipes and clogged drainage.  These issues prompted the owners to hire a professional who could help solve the problems besetting the family’s home – an architect.
The old house as seen across the Sta. Monica Church in October 2011
The owners, 6 siblings, spent their childhood in this old house until most migrated to different parts of the world.  Due to their divergent locations, communications by and through the architect were done via email and Skype.  On February 9, 2011, the owners consulted the architect about their spatial, structural and utility problems.  The architect evaluated the house and the concerns of meeting the family’s wants and needs as well as blending the site with the environment.  The architect proposed his services to the owners in designing a more durable, more efficient and more beautiful home.

Design Concepts

The architect illustrated his ideas and presented a conceptual design on March 15, 2011 showing the inspiration, form, and space layout of the new house.  Some concepts were approved while some were discarded.  Discussions on pros and cons of each owner’s preferences and the architect’s opinions transpired for several weeks until initial plans were refined.
Conceptual design sketches presented in March 2011
A new scheme was presented by the architect featuring a central interior courtyard bounded by naturally-ventilated and handicapped-friendly halls leading to all areas of the house.  Bedrooms, each pair with common baths, were located east (cooler side) while service areas were located west (hotter side).  Only the east and south wings extended to the 2nd level preserving views to the Sta. Monica Church.
Layout showing zoning, access, vistas and orientation 
of the proposed scheme presented in May 2011

Perspectives showing the exterior appearance 
of the proposed scheme presented in May 2011

Walls and arches were brick-cladded akin to the church’s exterior.  Capiz-like aluminum windows, wood-finished concrete ventanillas, Tegula-shaped metal roofs, and synthetically-landscaped azoteas merged the traditional with the innovative design of the house – an allusion to the architecture of the Bahay na Bato.  The owners unanimously approved the scheme on May 20, 2011 with the concern of fitting the design within their budget.

Architectural Design Development

The scheme faced several revisions amid 5 months of brainstorming.  The first, on June 17, 2011, proposed a prayer room, air-con locations, grilles and paint color options.
Azotea with grilles and exterior color revised in June 2011
The second, on July 08, 2011, reduced the house by 50m2 to cut costs while retaining the optimal room sizes. 
Spacious living-dining areas revised in August 2011
The third, on August 26, 2011, had larger bedrooms without the common baths; spacious living area omitting the TV wall divider; prayer room reverted to a balcony; and entrances minimized for security.  The last, on September 13, 2011, included bigger kitchens; common baths in the southeast; and cabinets for custodial supplies.  The final design development plans, with 11 bedrooms (6 owners, 3 caretakers, and 2 guests), a living area with loft, dining, 2 kitchens, 6 baths, laundry, foyer, lanai, 3 porches and 2 roof decks, were approved on October 19, 2011.
Final design development plan in September 2011

Specifications and Engineering Design

Having considered various brands to lessen costs, the architect canvassed ideal materials to be specified.  After updating the plans and specifications, the architect directed his engineers to design their respective engineering systems.
Architect’s conceptual structural framing in October 2011

The civil engineer, aided by the architect’s structural concepts, designed a reinforced concrete grid system.  Foundation consisted of 35 isolated footings, 1.20m below grade, braced by tie beams.  Columns, of 250mm x 250mm sectional area, supported beams of varying depths bonded to two-way slabs 125mm thick.  Exterior and interior walls were 150mm and 100mm thick concrete hollow blocks, respectively.  Welded steel trusses and purlins were used for the roof framing.

The master plumber designed a double-filtered water supply system, distributed by polypropylene pipes, and connected to both the municipality and a private deep well.  Water heaters were provided in most bathrooms.  Sewerage system, through vented PVC pipes, led to a septic tank built 15m from the well.  Rainwater, from gutter-less roofs to a series of trenches, was allowed to permeate the soil.  Proper grading of the site’s sloping terrain averted water runoff to the house.

The electrical engineer designed a 230V, 60Hz, single-phase power supply distributed by copper wires, in thermoplastic high heat-resistant nylon-coated (THHN) insulators.  The main lines, 150mm2 in size, served a 227-amp load on separate power and lighting panels, each with 24 circuits.  The system had 10 motor outlets, 24 ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets, 51 convenience outlets, 12 TV outlets, 6 phone outlets, and 296 lighting outlets controlled by 123 switches.

Construction Blueprints for the Building Permit

The architectural and engineering blueprints, with 27 sheets (14 Architectural, 4 Structural, 5 Plumbing and 4 Electrical) were drafted in November 2011.  Signed and sealed by the respective design professionals (Architect for Architectural, Civil Engineer for Structural, Master Plumber for Plumbing and Electrical Engineer for Electrical), the blueprints, with the specifications and estimates, were submitted to the owners on December 07, 2011 for the building permit application.
The architect submitting the blueprints and clarifying 
the technical details to the owners in December 2011
Bidding and Selecting the Contractor

The owners, having dealt with unreliable contractors before, sought the architect’s help to avoid the same difficulties again.  The architect insisted that contractor selection must be through a bidding process.  To protect the owners’ finances, the architect wisely stipulated in the bid conditions that the house must be built below the approved estimates.

The architect invited 20 prospective contractors wherein 7 expressed their interest to bid.  From February 13, 2012 to March 01, 2012, only 4 submitted their tenders, 2 withdrew and 1 disqualified for missing the deadline.  The architect verified that all data were submitted by the bidders: their licenses, proofs of satisfactory performance, bank statements, company profile, manpower, equipment owned, and other guarantees.  In examining the bids, only 2 passed the criteria.

On March 07, 2012, with the building permit approved, the 2 qualified bidders were separately interviewed by the architect and the owners.  Details of the construction contract were negotiated.  The architect instructed the bidders to show their projects for final assessment of their works.  The next day, the owners decided to award the construction of their new house to Asean Pearl Construction & Development Corp.  The contract was signed on March 12, 2012.

Construction and the Architect’s Extended Services
On March 15, 2012, the contractor began demolishing the old house.  Structural and pipe works for the new house were done by May 2012.  Walls were plastered in July 2012 while roofing, ceiling and exterior painting started in August 2012.  Midway in the construction, the owners insisted that antique-inspired motifs be infused to the minimalist interiors.  The architect expedited the modifications by designing Vigan-style furniture and lighting fixtures, wood and metal trims, and customized cabinets to the owners’ satisfaction.  The architect facilitated the fabrication, procurement and installation of these interior components including appliances, window covers, finish hardware, kitchen accessories and wall paintings.
Excavation works after the demolishing the 
old house and clearing the site in March 2012
The architect and the project engineer discussing 
the structural works in May 2012

The architect instructing the engineers and the foreman on the 
wall layout for the common baths in July 2012
Custom furniture designed by the architect being 
fabricated in Bantay, Ilocos Sur
By October 2012, all doors, windows, tiles, fixtures, carpentry and floor finishes were fitted by the contractor.  The owners additionally requested the architect to modify the outdoor areas by providing personalized designs of the fountain, grilles, fences, landscape and signage.  By mid-December 2012, lighting fixtures and appliances were installed while interior painting and site works were about to be completed.  An average of 30 workers per day was employed by the contractor.
The architect checking and fitting the wine glass holders at the kitchen nook
The architect demonstrating to the engineer and the carpenter the layout of the 
family’s signage to be constructed in the bedrooms
The architect and the engineer discussing the modified fence construction
Diverse works on the house façade
Installing the decorative chandeliers
The architect worked a total of 88 days of 8-hour on-site supervision.  All construction queries were responded to by the architect.  Unforeseen problems required the architect to play a vital role in resolving issues.  When changes were proposed by both the owners and the contractor, the architect had to render quick but objective decisions considering the viability and aesthetics of their suggestions.  All payment requests of the contractor were first evaluated by the architect before the owners paid their bills.  Likewise, the architect assessed all additive changes ordered by the owners and advised the contractor to make appropriate adjustments to the original contract price accordingly.

The architect inspecting the custom-designed lamp post grilles
The architect and the workers installing the customized ceiling fixture at the porch
The paintings of a local artist were mounted by the workers
Adjustments on courtyard trench drain grilles
Project Completion

On December 22, 2012, the new house was substantially completed.  Imperfections found by the architect were instantly repaired by the contractor.  For the owners’ interests, the architect required that defects caused by improper installation are guaranteed to be rectified by the contractor without costs to the owners for a period of 1 year.
Capiz windows from the old house reused as lighting fixtures for the foyer
Modern/vernacular-inspired main stairs at the loft-type living area
Hallways around the house provided with handrails for accessibility
Problems beyond the responsibilities of the architect and the contractor were matters concerning public utilities, such as, blackouts, water shortages, and lack of local drainage system.  The architect addressed these anticipated issues ahead of time by designing provisions for an emergency power supply, an elevated water tank, and drain pipe stub-outs around the lot.  The back-up generator and water tank are to be purchased and installed by the owners when their finances permit.

Overall, the new home of the Factora family was greeted with praise and admiration.  The 6 siblings and the caretakers, with their respective families, each had their own rooms complete with closets, desks, and storage spaces.  As a result of careful planning and interrelationship of spaces, movement around the house was more convenient. 

The interiors were less cluttered with ample built-in cabinets and better furniture layout.  Heat gain was minimized by proper orientation of rooms and appropriate use of insulating materials.  Visual connectivity of the outdoors from all areas inside the house was maintained.  The design of the house exemplified the fusion of the contemporary with the vernacular that essentially synthesized the soul of the structure with its surroundings.  With the architect’s help, the owners had fulfilled their dreams of a beautiful home that shall be their legacy to their family’s heritage, to their parents and to their community.

Raison John J. Bassig, 30, is a registered and licensed Architect (1st placer, 2006 Board Exams), Master Plumber (10th placer, 2007 Board Exams), and Environmental Planner (4th placer, 2008 Board Exams).  He is the principal architect and owner of Le Studio de Raison, based in Quezon City, Philippines.

For more detailed photos of the design and construction process of the Factora Residence, kindly visit the Architect’s Facebook Album “Factora Residence (from concept to reality)” or by copying the link provided below and paste it on your web browser’s address bar:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150622577001880.414914.555506879&type=3
 

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Why should you approach an architect?


For most people a house is the single biggest and most valuable investment you will make in your lifetime. The value of that property is measured by either its resale potential or ability to generate income. The question which you have to ask yourself is what would be the best thing to do to cut on costs.

So…why should you approach an architect?

1. Save money: When presented with a costing from a contractor few people know what to look for which leads to expensive realizations at a later stage. In other words; whatever you are saving on architectural fees will be going into somebody’s pocket in any case…Architects are trained to spot hidden or missing costs. They can also advise a client regarding the application of alternative and cost saving measures, without sacrificing quality.

2. Relieve stress: The construction process can be stressful, especially if you do not know what you are doing. Having the process carefully planned will help notify you when something is wrong. Asking the correct questions will make all the difference. Not knowing what is really going on can be very stressful.

3. Security: “The contractor ran off with our money”. We’ve all heard the phrase. This is a concern which can be addressed by appointing a qualified professional. During the construction process a contractor would submit interim payment certificates, which would be validated by an architect prior to being presented to the client for payment.

4. DIY doesn’t Sell: So many potential buyers have viewed properties where a badly done renovation has left a foul taste lingering. Do you think that the current owner was ever under the impression that he might be doing serious damage to his investment? One’s personal preference and taste does not necessarily coincide with that of future buyers. In fact the costs involved in rectifying your DIY fetish will only discourage future buyers.

5. Integrated design vs. a couple of ideas slapped together: Architects are trained to perceive the greater opportunities presented by a situation. This leads to more informed decisions and in the end a more coherent whole. Having an architect draw up a master plan will assist you in planning the process step by step and prevent you from incurring unnecessary costs at a later stage.

6. Objective Advice: Being sentimentally involved with your property means that you are not always able to make the correct decisions. Unless your budget is endless the construction process will always involve sacrifice. An architect will be able to advise you when and what to sacrifice in order to unlock the maximum potential of your property.

7. Qualified advice: An architect’s training includes an undergraduate degree comprising 5 years full time study. After completing his/her studies successfully, an architect still has to complete 2 years in practice training and then pass a Professional Licensure exam. This adds up to a minimum of 7 years which is almost the same time it takes to become a doctor (integrated course)). The question to ask yourself: Have you ever been to the doctor and negotiated a price or even told him what to do and how to do it?

8. Restrictions: A zoning ordinance is a legal document, which records all land-use rights on properties in its area of jurisdiction. It includes regulations and restrictions on such rights and how they can be exercised. The zoning ordinance is enforced by the Office of the Building Official (where you apply for Building Permits). Zoning restrictions include: building setbacks overlooking features, bulk calculations, heritage concerns and can often be complicated and time consuming.

9. Insurance: Few people are aware that not having a professional might lead to dire consequences later. Essentially what you are doing is creating a loophole for your insurance provider. Even if nothing goes wrong during the actual construction process. Any damage to the structure, even though it only manifests itself years later will be attributed to the particular alterations, if not conducted appropriately.

10. Legal: Lastly, it is the most legal thing to do. Only Registered and Licensed Architects (RLAs) are allowed to practice architecture in the Philippines. Architects have been issued the Certificate of Registration upon passing the tough Licensure Examination in the Philippines and are also granted the Professional Licenses (PRC Cards) to be able to practice. Republic Act 9266 solely grants to RLAs the right to sign and seal architectural documents.

source

“Drafting is the soul of architecture”

By: Arch. Ernesto R. Zarate

I wonder if this old man’s envy is common to others his age—envy for those younger architects who are experts at what is now known as “electronic drawing.” Envy for not being able to create such clean beautiful lines without the use of a drafting table, scale, T-square, triangle, pencil, eraser and other paraphernalia. It’s the fingers now that do all the work, pressing numbers and letters on the keypad of a PC or laptop.

Honestly, I don’t remember being taught how to draft. What is vivid in my mind is when our instructor in college scolded me for using the scale like a ruler. “It is only used for measuring,” he sneered. Although later I would discover it could also be a convenient tool for cutting tracing paper from a roll or for scratching an itchy back.

I remember the very first time I used a T-square. It was so cumbersome. I hadn’t learned the technique yet of pulling on to the ruling surface with my left arm while positioning or holding down the triangle with the hand. Later also would I learn the convenience and good sense to draw vertical lines along the left side the triangle starting from the bottom towards the top and for horizontal lines from left to right.

I also had to unlearn how to hold a pencil when drafting. And that one had to twirl the pencil as a line is drawn so that pantay ang pagkapudpod and you end up with a rounded pencil point, not chisel-edged which could tear the paper and ruin your work. But with the early mechanical pencils (or “lead holders” as they were called then) the leads were about 1/16 of an inch in diameter so one had to constantly sharpen the point of the pencil either with a “pencil pointer” contraption or a piece of fine sandpaper stapled to a piece of flat stick. Extreme care would always be taken in sharpening pencil points because there was always the danger that the dust from the graphite particles would smudge one’s work.

For general drafting work, I always used “B” especially during humid weather or within an air-conditioned drafting room. “HB” or “F” for the fine thin lines. During dry days though, I would use “HB” for general drafting; “F” and “H” for finer lines. You see it is not the lead that is the problem but the softness of the paper, or moisture absorbed by the paper you being used (“Snowhite” was the “in” brand then). The harder pencils were for dry weather and the softer grades for humid or wet weather.

Before my eyesight started to fail, I used to pride myself in drawing bricks to scale (1:100M) without any miscue in the verticals of a “running bond” pattern (what many mistakenly call “hollow block pattern.”) Ahhh… them were the days… And I used to pride myself in having different gradients or thicknesses of lines. I used to observe how the drawings were done in the Architectural Graphic Standards and copy the line gradients as best I could. I also tried to copy, again as best I could, the style of lettering used in the book… some sort of flattish expanded Helvetica or Arial—all caps. If there was time, I would always ink my title blocks using my trusty “Doric” lettering set (I couldn’t afford the more elaborate “Leroy” set then).

In the early 60’s, in the office we established with Arch. Ruben Payumo and three other aspiring architects, we copied the drafting standards set by Adrian Wilson (where Archs. Lina Orobia and Freddie Hocson, our other partners, used to work together with Ruben) where specific sized letters and callouts were followed. And for a more “professional” look, I even adopted their lettering style of using the triangle for all verticals or stems of block letters. Neat.

But it was always the layout of the drawings in a sheet that drew special attention. These were never done haphazardly. They were always aligned vertically and horizontally—in good order and harmony. It was like setting various dishes on a buffet table… they had to be pleasing to the eye and look invitingly delicious.

That was architectural drafting in the old days. I am sure ALL the great architects of the Philippines today took pride in their drafting work… MANUAL drafting, that is. Electronic drawings? Ah, anybody could do that… even a CAD operator who knows nothing of architecture can do that. But manual drafting? Truly, that is the soul of Architecture.

by Ernie Zárate.)

The Tapsi Turvee World of Pinoy Signs and Names

By: Arch. Ernesto R. Zarate

HOMESPUN WIT AND HUMOR are manifest in the signs the Filipino puts up and the names he coins. He is quite creative. It may even be claimed that he is either very inventively humorous or humorously inventive.

In the early fifties and sixties, for example, when the basic transportation fare within Metro Manila was just ten centavos, the creative Filipino jeepney driver, instead of using a formal statement to request passengers to sit properly in public conveyances, posts the sign “Upong Diyes Po Lamang.” One admires, too, the truck driver who crudely paints the quaint warning at the rear of his vehicle “Potpot Bago Losot.” A more sophisticated bumper signage is “’Wag Gumitgit; Baka Sumabit.”

However, the Filipino blue collar oftentimes makes use of many well-meaning signs that often makes me wince, like “Parking Strickly for Costumers Only”; the cryptic “No Beer is Prohibited to Minors Below 18 Yrs. Old”; the mind-cringing “Specialize in Vokswagen”; and the irritating “Road Close.”

Do Filipino drivers know how to read traffic signs or is it because they just don’t care? Here’s a testimony of their indiscipline: Along the highway, an ordinary “NO OVERTAKING” sign is not enough. After a few hundred meters, it has to be followed with “STRICTLY NO OVERTAKING.” This makes me sometimes wish that the next signpost along the road would be a large arrow pointing to a total wreck of a car with a placard beside it that says “AYAW MANIWALA KASI, E. ”

From EDSA, when you turn towards Ayala Avenue or the central business district of Makati, you would be confronted by this officious looking sign: “CLOSED DOOR POLICY STRICTLY ENFORCED.” Don’t take this as a sign of snobbish corporate exclusivity. It simply means that buses plying the route are required to keep their doors shut so that reckless passengers cannot jump in or out in the middle of dangerous intersections.

A friend who lives out of town and only occasionally comes to Manila was wondering why so many new signs were put up for a visiting Chinese VIP named “PED XING” until she almost got arrested for jaywalking.

Shortly after the EDSA Revolution, a makeshift sign was painted behind the giant bust of Marcos on the mountainside along the highway to Baguio that says ”PUEDENG UMIHI DITO.”

At EDSA Crossing in Mandaluyong, naughty street vendors scraped off the letters “W” and “D” from a “DITO PO TUMAWID” sign to the delight of passers-by.

Not far away, along the side road near the China Overpass, I found a perfect illustration of irony and an innocent denigration of government ineptitude. The common government infrastructure sign, “THIS IS WHERE YOUR TAXES GO,” was used as a temporary barrier over an open storm drain manhole.

And now, lets turn to signboards of commercial establishments. Among my early favorites are the ironic “Funeraria Mabuhay,” and the intriguing “3 Sisters Vulcanizing” (One wonders if the girls are still doing their thing till now). Now, we have “Elizabeth Tailoring,” “Goldirocks Gravel & Sand,” “Peter Pan De Sal,” “Scissors Palace Barber Shop,” and “Mercy Buko Fresh Coconuts.” “Cinna Von” does not sell sweet pastries—it is a Laundromat. “ Pansit ng Taga-Malaboni” is a noodle shop found near Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City. And if you love James Bond thrillers, this one would surely stick to your brain: “Farmacia With Love.”

Here are other store names: “Maruya Carey” (selling turon and maruya), “Wrap and Roll” (a lumpia outlet), “Isda Best” (a fish restaurant), “Curl up and Dye” (beauty parlor), “Petal Attraction” (flower shop), “Maid to Order” (a placement agency), “Doris Day and Night” (a 24-hour karinderia), “Candies Be Love” (a candy store), and “Ali Baka” (a shawarma establishment).

Oftentimes, a catchy name would spell the difference between success and failure when trying to attract customers into a store or eating-place. Riding on the popularity of the brand names of big chains may help in memory recall but somewhat cheapens the business establishment. Just like these flippant puns: “Caintacky Fried Chicken” at Cainta, Rizal, or, “Aristobak,” an eatery frequented by taxi drivers behind the classy Aristocrat Restaurant in the old days. I’m sure you’ve also heard of the insolent imitations like “Mang Donald’s,” “Jobillee” and “Magnobia” almost infringing on the copyrighted brand names of the food giants. How about the jeepney that was remodeled and now serves low-priced quick lunches at sidewalks? Its name? “VIAje MARE.”

What I personally found cute was this small karinderia near Banawe, which boasted of delicious home-cooked food—“Cooking ng Ina Mo.” It became so successful that a competitor, wanting to get even, perhaps, put up one just like it right across the street—“Cooking ng Ina Mo Rin”!

Still on the subject of business names, small gift shops or boutiques owned by three partners often take the first syllables of the owners’ first names to call their shop. “Felumar’s,” for example, may be owned by the kumadres, Fely, Lumeng and Maria. “Rodeliz,” meantime, comes from the first syllables of Rowena, Delia and Elizabeth. Following this trend, business partners Potenciana, Tangerine and Innamorata, should either change their given names, choose a store name not based on their names, or maybe should not go into partnership at all.

The Filipino loves to concoct delicious names. Not so long ago, for instance, an alternative basketball league (MBA or Metropolitan Basketball Association) was established to complement (if not compete with) the very popular PBA or Philippine Basketball Association. Similar to the NBA of the USA, the original plan was to decentralize the game and organize several teams to represent different areas in the country. That kicked-off a mad guessing game among punsters on what names these ball clubs would be sporting—the more preposterous, the funnier. Early suggestions were: “Cavite Anting-Antings,” “Batangas Balisongs,” and “Cubao Farmers.” Later contributions were getting more outlandish—“Bulacan Sweets,” “Pampanga’s Best” and even “Baguio Beans.” Who would be courageous enough to play against a team that calls itself the “Muntinlupa Inmates”? The only lineup that could probably match up to them would be the “Iwahig Internees.” Then there is this mythical group of tall boys from Bicol called “Legaspi Towers” and the paradox of a team, the “Pandacan Giants.”

Even well known personalities are not invulnerable from the blitz of creative name-callers. For instance, there is this gravel and sand company owned by four guys whose family names are Andrada, Trinidad, Ortega and Yap. Their corporate name? “A.T.O.Y. Co.” How about this small talipapa in Guadalupe that is named “Orly’s Mercado”?

The “gaya gaya, puto maya” syndrome is not an exclusive Filipino trait. The Japanese, for instance, came out with “Land Cruiser,” an all-purpose, all-terrain utility vehicle when they copied the British “Land Rover.” But what do you think the Filipino called its copy of the “Pajero”? You guessed it—“Parejo,” with the “j” pronounced the way Spanish do.

Chateaubriand, ratatouille or coq au vin are popular French dishes. But did you know that we have our own version of escargot? It is called “iskargu” which is the short for the common man’s ulam: isda, karne at gulay.

Let’s be more plebeian. Roasted chicken feet are simply called “adidas”; barbecued chicken intestines, meanwhile, are “IUD’s” because they do look like those birth-control devices; a broiled chicken kidney is “bato.” Char-grilled pork ears are labeled “Walkman.” An exotic aphrodisiac fare of pork testicles is listed as “Great Balls of Fire.” A menu item with the name “The Day After the Fiesta Special” is actually “paksiw na lechon.”

The combo breakfast of tapa, sinangag and itlog is now commonly known as “tapsilog” (“tapsi” for short), “tusilog” has tuyo as the main entrée, while “longsilog” has longanisa. Many more creative combinations have been invented since. Then the eateries where these are served followed suit. One such outlet calls itself “Tapsi Turvee.”

“Truth in advertising” disallows the use of claims for a product or service that are refutable, but is limited to just that—claims. In other words, if a word or words describe some salient feature of a product but is endemic to the name and no claims are made about it, it is okay. For example, “Katialis,” a local skin ointment, actually does not remove the itch but attacks the cause of the malady. In the same manner, if you call your building “The X Tower,” it’s okay even if the structure is only six stories high. One cannot complain that there are neither plains in the hilly subdivision of White Plains, nor hills in the relatively flat Greenhills area.

Whether he lives in an exclusive subdivision or in a cramped hovel under a bridge somewhere, the Filipino’s talent and penchant for dreaming up names and signs are incomparable. Aside from the admitted fact that “likas na palatawa and Pinoy,” he is proud to call his country “The Land of a Thousand Smiles.” That is why he swears by the sign that says: “Bawal ang Nakasimangot Dito.”


by Ernie Zárate.)

“Bawal ang patiwarik”

By: Arch. Ernesto R. Zarate

YOU MAY BRAND ME SUPERSTITIOUS… nay, not just superstitious but overly superstitious for delving on this topic. But, as I have often said in my books, “Oro, Plata Mata, Filipino Building Beliefs” and its sequel, “More Filipino Building Beliefs,” (with tongue-in-cheek, of course) “Wala naman mawawala,e. Kaya sumunod ka na lang.”

There is this Batangueño building belief that they call “Bawal ang patiwarik” or “Upside-down is forbidden.” This means that building materials shall be installed in a house with their natural ends where they should be—the bottom end of a piece of bamboo should be at the bottom part, and the top end should be on top. Even wood members have to follow this “rule.”

The poser, as mentioned in the books, is—“How would you know which is the bottom or top part of a piece of wood that has been precision-cut in a lumberyard?” The ends look the same. One cannot visually differentiate the bottom from the top, it seems.

Well, there are three ways in which to distinguish the natural top from the natural bottom.

First, tie a piece of cord or rope at the exact middle of the length of wood. Raise it up. The end that tips down is the bottom. You see, wood is denser at the bottom.

Second, scratch both ends of the wood and smell it. The end that has the stronger scent of sap is the bottom because, by gravity, sap settles to the bottom of the wood.

The third method is by observing how the piece of wood flows down a stream. (Lumber used to be delivered to the job site in this manner during the olden days.) The leading end is usually the heavier end, thus the bottom end. The lighter end always trails.

Batangueños abide by this “Bawal ang patiwarik” idea because of the belief that if a post or vertical member is placed in a house with the wrong end up, “palubog din daw ang buhay ng mga nakatira doon.” (The lives of the people staying in that house would also sink.)

This belief applies also to other things and not necessarily limited to just construction materials.

Which is brings us to the bone of contention of my “dissertation”.

The root cause of all the ills and troubles of the Philippine National Police is this: their logo is upside down.

What I am talking about is the shield symbol… it is upside down.

I am from the North. And I observed that all the ceremonial shields used by the Igorots have their three points up and two points down. It is the representation of a warrior in a defense position. This is similar to a boxer in defense who has his two hands up. The third point would be his head. While the two ends pointing down would represent his legs.

In the course of my researches for the books I have written, in all the illustrations I have come across of indigenous Filipino weaponry, it is the same… three ends up and two ends down.

Baligtad ang ginagamit na kalasag ng PNP.

“Bawal ang patiwarik.”

Maybe the leadership of the PNP can look in to this. As I say again and again, “Wala namang mawawala kung sumunod sa pamihiin, e. Magastos nga lang kung ngayon pang gagawin ang pagbabago.


by Ernie Zárate.)

LUCKY NUMBERS

By: Arch. Ernesto R. Zarate

Wikipedia tells us that “Numerology is any study of the purported divine, mystical or other special relationship between a number and some coinciding observed (or perceived) events… but are no longer considered part of mathematics and are regarded as pseudomathematics or pseudoscience by modern scientists.” Let’s leave this matter to these experts. We shall just concern ourselves with what Filipinos believe are lucky numbers, and as architects, on the auspicious dates to commence any endeavor like starting the construction, pouring of concrete for the foundations or beams, or moving in to the completed structure.

Many believe that these important endeavors must be carried out on dates that end in number “8” or “0” because as one writes these numbers, the hand movement is upwards. “5” and “2” and are not too bad and are permissible as the writing of the numbers ends in the horizontal. All the other numbers, however, end with a downward stroke and thus are usually not selected by staunch believers of this superstition..

But this goes diametrically opposite for other people. They say the 7th, 17th, or 27th, of the month are the best dates for launching any endeavor.

Aside from dates, for many Chinese, the Arabic number “8”, because it has the shape of two closed rings, or two coins placed one on top of the other, is considered luckiest or at least attracts good fortune. Many rich people from Hong Kong often buy at premium prices automobile plate numbers bearing the number “8”, especially “888.” It would not be improbable then that this also should be applicable to lot or house numbers.

In this regard, 1990 National Artist for Architecture, Leandro V. Locsin has to be the luckiest architect in the Philippines. He was issued PRC Reg. No. 888. We all know that PRC Registration Numbers are not chosen by successful examinees in the government exams—they are issued at random by the Board of Architecture of the Philippine Regulation Commission.

by Ernie Zárate.)

MUSIC AND ARCHITECTURE

By: Arch. Ernesto R. Zarate

18th century German philosopher Friedrick von Schelling is the author of the famous quotation: “Architecture in general is frozen music.” The relationship between architecture and music is truly amazing. We could write several pages of dissertation comparing the two arts. It is no wonder therefore, that many architects are into music.

Here is a motley list of trivia that I was able to gather:

1. To pay for his passage, 1973 National Artist for Architecture Juan F. Nakpil worked as a pianist in the ocean liner he sailed in when he first traveled to the United States to study.

2. 1990 National Artist Lindy Locsin had to make a career decision whether to be a concert pianist or an architect. Thank God he shifted to architecture before his completing his final recital.

3. Filipino Architecture advocate Bobby Mañosa is a proud member of the Executives Combo, a band composed of prominent politicians and businessmen. His first choice of a college course was music but his father dissuaded from taking up music.

4. TV personality Ariel Ureta finished his architecture at UST but did not take the board and went to Radio then TV. He was one of the most prolific jingle composers during his advertising days.

5. The oldtimers would remember Eddie Peregrina, a singing idol of the seventies. He was the classmate of Arch. Ramon Zaragoza at the UST College of Architecture and Fine Arts.

8. Joey de Leon studied architecture at NU. He too composed many pop songs. He is also an accomplished artist (painting).

9. If he did not relocate to the United States in the eighties, Arch. J. Ramon Faustmann would have been one of the prominent architects in the Philippines today. Guitar music was his forte. He also performed with the Executives Combo.

10. Pop singer Ariel Rivera studied architecture at George Brown College in Canada.

11. Famous stage and screen performer Leo Valdez quit architecture while in his third year into the course to concentrate on his stage career.

12. Many still remember Nonong Pedero during the OPM era of Philippine music. He was an architectural student at UP when I first met him.

13. Singing idol Christian Bautista who seems to be more popular in Asia than in his home country is a graduate of Landscape Architecture at UP.

14. In the seventies, we also had composer/arranger and orchestra leader Emil Mijares who also took up architecture at Mapua together with the Pat Boone of the Philippines then, Nick Balbona, Jr.

15. In the States, Art Garfunkel of the famous Simon and Garfunkel songwriting and singing duo, studied architecture at Columbia U.

Other personalities who took up architecture in college but were not necessarily into music:

1. Jaime Zobel de Ayala graduated at Harvard where he finished a course on Architectural Sciences. He later went on to attend the Advanced Management Program in the Far East, conducted by the Faculty from the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration in Baguio, in 1963.

2. Lito Atienza, the former Mayor of Manila and former DENR Secretary, studied architecture in UST.

3. Newly elected Mayor of Pasig Maribel Andaya-Eusebio is a registered licensed architect and takes over from her husband, Bobby Eusebio who is also an architect.

4. Pol Medina, the cartoonist and writer of the comic strip “Pugad baboy” finished his architecture at UST in 1983, worked for two years in Iraq, then started his career as a cartoonist with the comic strip about a community of fat characters called “Polgas.”

5. Other movie stars who took up architecture include Rita Avila, Ernie Ortega, Vic Vargas, Romnick Sarmenta and of course Miss Shamcey Supsup.

Did you know that even Adolf Hitler almost became an architect? In his biography found in Spartacus International on the Internet, we read that “…when he was eighteen Hitler received an inheritance from his father's will. With the money he moved to Vienna where he planned to become an art student. Hitler had a high opinion of his artistic abilities and was shattered when the Vienna Academy of Art rejected his application. He also applied to the Vienna School of Architecture but was not admitted because he did not have a school leaving certificate.”


by Ernie Zárate.)

DOES “MATA” REALLY MEAN “DEATH”?

By: Arch. Ernesto R. Zarate

Some scholars opine that the word “mata” in the Filipino building belief was originally “mala” or “bad” in Spanish but through the years, it metathesized or mutated to become “mata.” Although it is not the literal translation, it sounds much like the term for “death” in Tagalog (“mamatay” is to die) as well as all the other vernacular languages and it is for this reason that Filipinos readily accepted the Spanish “mata” to mean “death.”

In my later researches, I discovered that this particular custom of counting steps did not originate from Spain. Considering that the galleon trade has been flourishing in our country for centuries during the Spanish regime, I am of the belief that we adapted the phrase “Oro, plata, mata” from South America. In fact these words are found in several refranes (proverbs) from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Venezuela, Panama, and other Latin American countries.

One proverb common in these areas goes this way. “Aceituna. Una oro, dos plata; la tercera, mata.” Translating from Spanish, this is “Olive. One is gold; two silver; the third kills.” Another common saying is “Sandia. Por la mañana oro, al mediodia plata y por la noche mata,” translated as “Watermelon. For the morning gold, afternoon, silver and for nighttime, kills.” “La naranja, (orange)—oro, por la mañana; a la tarde, plata; a la noche, mata."

Some scholars claim that these refranes advise that it is best to eat fruits in the morning, may be permissible during daytime but never at night. One went to the extent of explaining the acid contained in fruits especially melon, watermelon, or orange, does not work well with human digestive juices at night when our body should rest.

There might be some other symbolism being presented here because I have doubts if one gets killed after eating three olives. Some translations state that “mata” actually means “bush,” not “kill” or “death.” To learn more of this, I posted the question “What is oro, plata, mata?” in the service feature of Internet provider Yahoo called “Yahoo Answers” and one Internet surfer gave this reply:

“ORO in ORO, PLATA, MATA does not refer to gold itself but to gold coins, the symbol of royalty and fine living. PLATA does not refer to silver itself but to silver coins, the symbol of the lifestyle of commoners. MATA refers to shrubs, the symbol of the working class whose life depended not on symbols of the currency but on what the earth gives, the crop.” (jodywisteria@yahoo.com.)

Correlating this now to our stair belief, it would seem that “mata” does not mean death to the occupants of the house that uses a wrong stair count… just an apprehensive portent that the house will have poor residents.

(From “More Filipio Building beliefs” by Ernie Zárate.)

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Hiring an Architect is the best investment you can have


If you are building a house and on a tight budget, hiring an architect is the best investment you can have. An architect can assist and help you achieve your needs, aspirations and vision, as well as add value to your project through good/proper design and sound construction. An Architect strives to transform a building into architecture through the right combination of form, materials and details. He/She creates spaces that will make you feel good, places where you can relax and a place you can call home.

Undertaking a building project - whether a new build, extension or a renovation – can be a daunting experience. When you engage an architect you are employing someone who has undertaken seven years of architectural training (5 years of formal college education and 2 years of apprenticeship) and has passed the tough government regulatory examination – no other building professional is trained in design and construction to such a level of expertise. Would you trust your project to anyone else?

Remember that bad design have its corresponding costs. Badly designed buildings and places incur costs to the building's owner, community and even to society. This costs may include monetary value, running costs, maintenance costs, function, etc. And don't forget the emotional stress you will get once you come home everyday and experience the result of bad design. So think twice before getting any person to design your house. It is only the Architect who can do the work for you.
source

How safe is it to use centralized gas piping in a building or house?

To date, it seems that investigations to the Serendra blast is focusing on the use of the centralized gas piping system in the building, the system being used in all Bonifacio Global City buildings and condominiums. This type of system is widely used in developed countries. But in the Philippines, only few developments have used this type, which is still relatively much safer than using the conventional tank system.



So if the building is using a centralized gas piping system, here are some safety tips for homeowners in such condominiums. When the gas passes through a customer's gas meter, it becomes the property of the customer.  Once inside the home, gas travels to equipment and appliances through piping installed by the home-builder and owned by the customer, who is responsible for its upkeep.

When the gas reaches a customer's meter, it passes through another regulator to reduce its pressure to under ¼ pound, if this is necessary.  (Some services lines carry gas that is already at very low pressure.) (see distribution system)  This is the normal pressure for natural gas within a household piping system, and is less than the pressure created by a child blowing bubbles through a straw in a glass of milk.  When a gas furnace or stove is turned on, the gas pressure is slightly higher than the air pressure, so the gas flows out of the burner and ignites in its familiar clean blue flame.

It is important for you and your family to know what to do when you smell, hear, or see gas leaking.
Even a slight gouge, scrape or dent to a pipe or coating may cause a dangerous break or leak in the future.


When you suspect a gas leak you should...
* Leave your home immediately and take others with you. If outside, get well away from where you suspect the gas is leaking.
* Open windows before you leave if the odor is faint.
* Call emergency hotlines.
* Tell responders if there is also a problem with your electric service.
* Follow directions from emergency responders who are on site.

When you suspect a gas leak you should NOT...
...do anything to create a spark that could cause an explosion, such as:
* Light a match
* Turn appliances or lights on or off (including flashlights)
* Use a telephone or cell phone
* Ring a doorbell
* Start a car

Gas Safety in the Home
Follow these gas safety rules at home:
* Never use a gas range or oven to heat your home.
* Gas-fired appliances such as stoves or gas dryers that are attached to a flexible connector should only be moved or replaced by professionals. Old flexible connectors should be replaced and not reused because they may become brittle over time and develop small cracks, which leak enough gas to reach a hazardous level.
* Don’t step, sit, lean, or place any objects on flexible connectors attached to appliances.
* To prevent combustible gases from entering a building through sewer lines, make sure that indoor sewer-line caps are intact and securely attached.
* Keep cleaning products, gasoline, paints, and other combustible materials away from gas appliances.
* Don’t let children play near gas appliances.
* Keep the path and area around the gas meter clear so it can be reached in case of an emergency.
* Don’t enclose your gas meter. Remove dirt from around your gas meter and associated piping by using a brush instead of a shovel.

Protect Yourself Against Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that can cause serious illness or death if inhaled in large concentrations for even a short period of time. Every home has fuel-burning appliances that can produce CO if they are not working properly.

Symptoms of CO poisoning include headaches, tightness of chest, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue.
* If you suspect CO poisoning, immediately evacuate the premises and call 911.
* Install CO detectors in your home. If you use a battery-operated or plug-in detector with battery backup, check the batteries every month and replace the batteries once a year.
* If the CO alarm sounds, but no one is showing symptoms of CO poisoning, open windows, turn off all potential CO sources, and leave. Have a qualified technician investigate the source of the CO and inspect your appliances, detector, and chimneys to make sure they are operating correctly.
* All vents, chimneys, and flues should be inspected and cleaned annually by a qualified technician.
* Be sure appliances, including portable generators, are properly adjusted and working to manufacturer’s specifications and local building codes.

* Do not use kerosene or propane auxiliary heaters indoors or in any enclosed space.
* Never use a gas range or oven to heat your home.
* Barbecue grills and portable generators should be used only outdoors. Do not use them in an enclosed porch or garage.
* Never leave your car, lawn mower, snow blower, or portable generator running in an enclosed space or in a garage or shed, even if the door is open.

Signs of a Gas Leak
* Smell — A distinctive, strong odor similar to rotten eggs. A distinctive odor to gas is added so that leaks are easier to detect.
* See — A white cloud, mist, fog, bubbles in standing water, blowing dust, or vegetation that appears to be dead or dying for no reason.
* Hear — A roaring, hissing, or whistling sound may indicate escaping gas.

It is important for you and your family to know what to do when you smell, hear, or see gas leaking.

source1 and source 2

Service Agreement between Owner and Architect


ARCHITECT - OWNER AGREEMENT 
for Full Detailed Architectural and Engineering (DA&E) Design Services

(In Full DA&E Design Services i.e. the Architect brings in all of the Design Engineers as part of his Design Team. The Architect’s Fee is computed based on a percentage of the Project Construction Cost (PCC). The Fee percentage (%) shall also be based on the type of the Project. The ultimate determinant of the Architect’s Fee is the Final Project Construction Cost (FPCC), computed at the completion of the construction work.) 


THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into this ___th day of Month, Year Two Thousand and _________ by and between ________________ with postal address at _______________________________________________, the party of the First Part, hereinafter called the OWNER, and _____________________________________with postal address at ___________________________, the party of the Second Part, herein called the ARCHITECT.

WITNESSETH,

That whereas the OWNER intends to build a ______________________ to be located at _________________________________________, hereinafter called the PROJECT. 

NOW, THEREFORE, The Owner and the Architect, for and in consideration of the foregoing promises and of the other covenants hereinafter named, agree as follows: 


ART. 1. SCOPE OF WORK

That the scope of work to be done by the Architect, as herein authorized by the Owner for the subject Project herein referred to, consists of professional services for the following: 
1.01 Site development planning (SDP) of the grounds of the building, including other concomitant structures within the Project site, as may be determined by the Owner. 
1.02 Basic (Regular) Detailed Architectural and Engineering (DA&E) Design of the Project to be located at ________________________________. 


ART. 2. ARCHITECTS BASIC SERVICES

The Architect's Basic (Regular) Services shall consist of the following:

2.01 Project Definition Phase 
This phase shall involve the definition of the requirements of the Project by the Owner. The Architect in turn shall inform the Owner of the technical requirements of the Project and the concomitant professional fees. In this phase, the Architect shall:
a. consult with the Owner to ascertain the conceptual framework and related requirements of the Project and confirm such requirements with the Owner;
b. gather relevant information and data leading to the definition of the requirements of the Project, including the scope of the Architect’s services;
c. review and refine the Owner’s space requirements and translate them into an architectural program; d. prepare an initial statement of probable construction cost.

2.02 Schematic Design Phase
This phase shall consist of the preparation of schematic design studies derived from the Project Definition Phase, leading to conceptual plans. The Architect shall:
a. evaluate the Owner’s program, schedule, budget, project site and proposes methods of Project deliveries;
b. prepare the initial line drawings representing design studies leading to a recommended solution, including a general description of the Project for approval by the Owner;
c. submit to the Owner a Statement of the Probable Project Construction Cost (SPPCC, reference Annex “A”) based on current cost parameters.

2.03 Design Development Phase
Based on approved schematics and conceptual plans, the Architect shall prepare:
a. the Design Development documents consisting of plans, elevations, sections and other drawings;
b. the outline specifications to fix and illustrate the size and character of the entire Project as to type of materials, type of structural, electrical, mechanical, sanitary, electronic and communications systems;
c. the diagrammatic layout of construction systems; and
d. an updated SPPCC for submission to the Owner.

2.04 Contract Document Phase
Based on the approved Design Development Documents, the Architect shall:
a. prepare the complete Contract Documents consisting of detailed designs and construction drawings, setting forth in detail the work required for the architectural, structural, electrical, plumbing/ sanitary, mechanical, electronic and communication works prepared by the Architect and by the other State-regulated building professionals involved;
b. prepare the Technical Specifications describing type and quality of materials, finish, manner of construction and the general conditions under which the Project is to be constructed;
c. submit to the Owner seven (7) sets of all construction drawings and Technical Specifications for purposes of obtaining a building permit;
d. update the SPPCC based on changes in scope,  requirements or market conditions; and e. assist the Owner in filing the required documents to secure approval of government authorities having jurisdiction over the design of the Project;

2.05 Bidding or Negotiation Phase
a. In this phase, the Architect shall:
i. prepare the Bid Documents such as forms for contract letting, documents for construction, forms for invitation and instruction to bidders, forms for bidders’ proposals, general/ specific conditions of contract, etc.;
ii. assist the Owner from the early stage of establishing a list of prospective General Contractors to the award of the Construction Contract;

b. For competitive bids/ procurements, the Architect shall:
i. furnish complete sets of the Bid Documents for purposes of bidding, in as many sets as may be required to conduct a successful bidding. The said documents are loaned to bidders at an amount sufficient to cover direct and indirect costs attendant to the preparation, packaging, reproduction and delivery of the said documents; the Bid Documents are the intellectual property of the Architect (Sec. 33 of R.A. No. 9266), and must be returned by all entities acquiring bid documents; a bond may be required to assure the return of the Bid Documents; the Architect retains the sole ownership and copyright to the said documents (Sec. 33 of R.A. No. 9266); as such, bidders must not reproduce nor use the documents for unauthorized purposes; the Owner must also not use the documents for any other purpose other than the Project for which the Owner and Architect signed a Service Agreement;
ii. help in organizing and conducting pre-bid conferences;
iii. respond to questions from bidders;
iv. assist the Owner in obtaining proposals from General Contractors, analyze bid results and prepare the abstract of bids, notice of award, notice to proceed and other/ related construction contracts; and

c. For negotiated contracts, the Architect shall perform similar functions as in item b. above but negotiates with one General Contractor instead of many bidders.

2.06 Construction Phase
In this phase, the Architect shall perform the following:
a. make decisions on all claims of the Owner and Contractors on all matters relating to the execution and progress of work or the interpretation of the Contract Documents;
b. prepare change/ variation orders (CVOs), gather and turn over to the Owner written guarantees required of the Contractor and Sub-Contractors;
c. make periodic visits to the Project site to familiarize himself with the general progress and quality of work and to ascertain that the work is proceeding in accordance with the Contract Documents; the Architect shall not be required to make exhaustive or continuous eight (8)-hour on-site supervision to check on the quality of the work involved and shall not be held responsible for the General Contractor's failure to carry out the construction work in accordance with the Contract Documents; during such project site visits and on the basis of the Architect’s observations, he shall report to the Client defects and deficiencies noted in the work of Contractors, and shall condemn work found failing to conform to the Contract Documents;
d. determine the amount owing and due to the Contractor and issue corresponding Certificates for Payment for such amounts based on his observation/s and the Contractor's Applications for Payment. These Certificates will constitute a certification to the Client that the work has progressed to the state indicated and that to the Architect’s best knowledge, the quality of work performed by the Contractor is in accordance with the Contract Documents; the Architect shall conduct the necessary inspection to determine the date of substantial and final completion and issue the final Certificate of Payment to the Contractor;
e. Should more extensive inspection or full-time (8-hour) construction supervision be required by the Client, a separate full-time supervisor shall be hired and agreed upon by the Owner and the Architect subject to the conditions provided in the 2010 SPP Document on Full -Time Supervision. When the Architect is requested by the Owner to do the full time supervision, his services and fees shall be covered separately in conformance with the applicable and appropriate 2010 SPP Document.

ART. 3     ARCHITECTS FEE AND MANNER OF PAYMENT
3.01      That the Owner agrees to pay the Architect for professional services, a fee of ______ Percent (0.0%) of the Final Project Construction Cost (FPCC), with other payments and reimbursements as hereinafter provided, the said percentage hereafter called the Basic Fee. For the initial computation of the Basic Fee for use in this Agreement however, the Statement of Probable Project Construction Cost/ SPPCC (reference Annex “A”) shall be used.
3.02     That payments to the Architect on account of the agreed Architect’s Fee shall be made by the Owner as follows:
a.     A minimum of Twenty Five Thousand Pesos (P25,000.00) upon signing of this Agreement as the mobilization component of the agreed Architect’s Fee.
b.     Upon the completion of the Schematic Design Services, but not more than 15 days after submission of the Schematic Design to the Owner, a sum equal to fifteen percent (15.0%) of the Basic Fee, computed upon a reasonable estimated construction cost of the Project, less the amount paid under a.
c.     Upon the completion of the Design Development Services, but not more than 15 days after submission of the Design Development Documents to the Owner, a sum sufficient to increase the total payments on the fee to forty percent (40.0%) of the Basic Fee computed upon the same estimated construction cost of the structure as in b.
d.     Upon the completion of the Contract Documents Services, but not more than 15 days after submission of the Contract Documents to the Owner, a sum sufficient to increase the total payments on the fee to ninety percent (90.0%) of the Basic Fee computed upon a reasonable estimated construction cost of the structure as in b.
e.     Within 15 days after the awards to the winning Constructor-bidder or bidders the payments to the Architect shall be adjusted so that it will amount to a sum equivalent to ninety percent (90.0%) of the Basic Fee, computed upon the lowest bona fide Bid or Bids or upon the winning Bid Price.
f.    Progress Billing on the remaining ten percent (10.0%) of the Architect’s Fee based on the original Statement of Probable Project Construction Cost (SPPCC);
g.     Upon completion of the work, the balance of the Architect’s fee computed on the Final Project Construction Cost (FPCC) of the Project shall be paid.
3.03    That the Owner agrees to make partial payments during each of the various stages of the Architect's work, upon request of the Architect, provided that such payments are within the framework of the manner of payments outlined above.

ART. 4     THE OWNER'S RESPONSIBILITIES
The Owner shall undertake the following acts:
a.    provide full information as to his requirements for the Project;
b.    when necessary, designate a representative authorized to act on his behalf;
c.    promptly examine and render decisions pertaining to documents submitted by the Architect to avoid unreasonable delay in the progress of the Architect’s work; the Owner shall issue orders to the General Contractor only through the Architect;
d.    furnish or direct the Architect to obtain at Owner expense, a certified survey of the site, giving, as may be required, topographical and/or relocation surveys covering grades and lines of streets, alleys, easements, encroachments and related information, boundaries, with dimensions and complete data pertaining to existing buildings, structures, trees, plants, water bodies, wells, excavations/ pits, etc. and other improvements and full information as to the available utility/ service lines both public and private; zoning compliances, clearances, deed/s of restrictions, encumbrances and annotations to titles, association guidelines and standards, and soil investigations/ tests, borings and test pits necessary for determining soil and sub-soil conditions;
e.    promptly pay for architectural and all other engineering and allied services required for the Project;
f.    pay for the design and consulting services on acoustic, communication, electronic, and other specialty systems which may be required for the Project;
g.    arrange and pay for such legal, auditing, insurance, counseling and other services as may be required for the Project;
h.    pay for all reimbursable expenses incurred in the project as called for in ART 5: “Other Conditions on Services” and all taxes including VAT (but not including income tax) that the Government may impose on the Architect as a result of the services rendered by the Architect for/ on the Project, whether the services were performed as a natural person i.e. an individual practitioner or as a juridical entity i.e. as a sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation; and
i.    if the Owner observes or otherwise becomes aware of anything that may impair the successful implementation of the Project, he must give prompt written notice to the Architect.

ART 5.     OTHER CONDITIONS ON SERVICES
5.01    Conditions for the Architect’s Fee
The Architect’s Fee is based on the Project Construction Cost. Where the Architect has to render additional services, additional compensation shall be required.
5.02     Other Services
Other services that may be needed in order to complete the Project such as services of acoustic and illumination engineers/ specialists, mural painters, sculptors, and other service providers are to be recommended by the Architect for the Owner’s approval. Costs for these services are to be paid for separately by the Owner and shall be subject to a coordination fee payable to the Architect.
5.03    Scale Models, 3D Models and Walk-Thru Presentations
Should a scale model, 3D models and/or walk-thru presentation of the Architect’s design be necessary, they are to be recommended by the Architect for the Owner’s approval. Costs for these services are to be paid for separately by the Owner and shall be subject to a coordination fee payable to the Architect.
5.04    Per Diem and Traveling Expenses
A per diem plus traveling and living expenses shall be chargeable to the Owner whenever the Architect or his duly authorized representative is required to perform services at a locality beyond fifty kilometers/ 50 km (air, straight line or radial distance) from his established office as it appears in the Architect’s letterhead.
5.05    Extra Sets of Contract Documents
The Owner shall pay the Architect for additional sets of Contract Documents.
5.06    Change/s Ordered by the Owner
If the Architect renders additional professional services due to changes ordered by the Owner after approval of the Architect’s outputs, the Owner shall pay the Architect for extra time, resources/ drafting, or other office expenses.
5.07    Work Suspended or Abandoned
If the work of the Architect is abandoned or suspended in whole or in part, the Owner shall pay the Architect for the services rendered corresponding to the amount due at the stage of suspension or abandonment of the work. The primary service of the Architect is the preparation of architectural plans/ designs, specifications and other building construction documents, in collaboration with other State-regulated professionals. These are sets of detailed instructions that shall serve as the basis for the General Contractor to implement the Project. Once the Architect has prepared all these documents, the Architect has completed the Detailed Design and Contract Documents Phase of his services, which is equivalent to Ninety percent (90%) of his work. When the Owner therefore fails to implement the plans and documents for construction as prepared by the Architect, the Architect is entitled to receive as compensation the sum corresponding to ninety percent (90%) of the Architect’s fee.
5.08    Different Periods of Construction
If portions of the building/s are erected at different periods of time, thus increasing the construction period and Architect’s burden of services, charges pertaining to services rendered during the Construction Phase shall be adjusted proportionately. When the suspension of construction exceeds a period of six (6) months, the fee for the remaining works shall be doubled.
5.09    Services of Specialist Consultants
If the Owner requires the services of specialist consultants, they shall be engaged with the consent of the Architect. The cost of their services shall be paid for separately by the Owner and shall not be deducted from the Architect’s fee.
5.10    Separate Services
Should the Owner require the Architect to design movable or fixed pieces of cabinets and other architectural interior (AI) elements, site development plan (SDP) components, urban design elements, and other items of similar nature, the Owner shall pay the Architect in addition to the Architect’s fee. The compensation shall be based on the Project Construction Cost as provided for under the 2010 SPP Document 203 and its applicable guidelines.
5.11    Fulltime Construction Supervision
Upon recommendation of the Architect and with the approval of the Owner, full-time construction supervisors as will be deemed necessary shall be engaged and paid by the Owner. If no Project/ Construction Manager is present, the full-time construction supervisor shall be under the technical control and supervision of the Architect and shall make periodic reports to the Owner and to the Architect regarding the progress and quality of the work done.
5.12    Estimates
Any SPPCC or any Cost Estimate submitted by the Architect can attain only a certain degree of accuracy. As the Architect has no control over the cost of labor and materials, or the many factors that go into competitive bidding, he does not assume any professional responsibility for such cost estimates, unless glaring errors or discrepancies are clearly evident.
5.13    Government Taxes and Services
The Architect’s Fee is a net amount. Any tax (exclusive of income tax) that the national and/or local government/s may impose on the Architect as a consequence of the services performed for the Project shall be paid by the Owner.
5.14    Ownership of Documents
All designs, drawings, models, specifications and other contract documents and copies thereof, prepared, duly signed, stamped and sealed and furnished as instruments of service, are the intellectual property and documents of the Architect, whether the work for which they were made is executed or not, and are not to be reproduced or used on other work except with a written agreement with the Architect (Sec. 33 of R.A. No. 9266).
5.15    Cost Records
During the progress of work, the Owner shall furnish the Architect a copy of the records of expenses being incurred on the construction. Upon completion of the project, the Owner shall furnish the Architect a copy of the summary of all cost of labor, services, materials, equipment, fixtures and all items used at and for the completion of the construction.
5.16    Design and Placement of Signs
All signboards of the General Contractor, sub-contractors, jobbers and dealers that shall be placed at the project site during the progress of construction shall be approved by the Architect as to size, design and contents. After the completion of the project, the Owner or his building lessee shall consult the Architect for the design, size of all signboards, letterings, directories and display boards that will be placed on the exterior or public areas attached to the building project in order to safeguard the Owner’s interest. Nothing should be installed inside or outside of the building that would compromise its safety and aesthetics.
5.17    Project Construction Cost (PCC)
Project Construction Cost (PCC, reference Annex “A” of this Agreement, as supplied by the Architect and as herein referred to), means the cost of the completed building to the Owner, including the structure, plumbing/sanitary and electrical fixtures, mechanical equipment, elevators, escalators, air-conditioning system, fire protection system, alarm and clock system, communications and electronic system, elements attached to the building and all items indicated in the plans, designs, drawings and specifications prepared by the Architect and his consultants. The construction cost of other items planned and designed by the Architect, such as architectural interiors (AI) and site development plan elements and other items of similar nature, additionally planned / designed by the Architect are also part of the PCC.
The cost of materials used and the labor for their installation are part of the PCC. If these items are furnished by the Owner below its market cost, the cost of the material and labor shall nonetheless be computed on the basis of the current (and fair market value) costs.
The PCC does not include any of the fees for the Architect, the Engineer, the Specialist Consultants or the salaries of the construction inspectors.
5.18    Project Development Cost
Project Development Cost shall include cost of the construction as well as all professional fees, permits, clearances and utilities and cost of acquiring the project site / lot, cost of money, etc.

ART.6     SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS
The Owner and the Architect each binds himself, his partners, successors, legal representative and assigns to the other party to this Agreement, and to the partner, successors, legal representatives and assigns of such other party in respect of all covenants of this Agreement. Except, as above, neither the Owner nor the Architect shall assign, sublet or transfer his interest in this Agreement without the written consent of the other.

ART.7     ARBITRATION                              
All questions in dispute under this Agreement shall be submitted in accordance with the provisions of R.A. No. 9285,otherwise known as the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Act of 2004 and as provided for under E.O. No.1000, governing Construction (and Consulting) Industry Arbitration, as well as the applicable provisions of the New Civil Code.

In case of any dispute concerning this Agreement, the Parties may venture into a negotiation/mediation period for fourteen (14) calendar days, failure of which would authorize any of the parties to engage in conciliatory discussions within another 14 calendar days, or to immediately seek arbitration modes of ADR under the Construction Industry Arbitration Commission (CIAC), guaranteeing a resolution of the issues presented within a six (6) month period, after which the losing party may file a Petition for Review before the Court of Appeals (CA).

The exclusive venue of such ADR proceedings shall be the CIAC Office at corners Sen . Gil Puyat Ave. and Makati Ave. in Makati City, PH.

The exclusive venue of such ADR proceedings shall be the CIAC Office at corners Sen . Gil Puyat Ave. and Makati Ave. in Makati City, PH.

The parties to this Agreement hereby agree to full performance of the covenants contained herein.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Agreement have on the day and year first above given, hereunto set their hands at the bottom of this page and on the left-hand margin of all the other pages of this Agreement.


____________________                                       ____________________
Owner                                                           Architect

SIGNED IN THE PRESENCE OF:


_______________________________                ________________________________


Republic of the Philippines)
City of ____________       ) s.s.

Before me, a Notary Public in and for the City of ______________, personally appeared the Owner, ________________________ with Community Tax Certificate No. 00000000 issued on Month 00, 201_ in ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬-____________ City and the Architect, _____________with Community Tax Certificate No. 00000000 issued in _________, on Month 00, 201_, both known to me to be the same persons who executed the foregoinq Instrument and its Annexes, and acknowledging to me that the same is their free act and deed.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Notarial Seal this ____ of _________ in the City of ___________, Philippines.