Francisco Mañosa

Francisco "Bobby" Tronqued Mañosa (February 12, 1931 – February 20, 2019) was a Filipino architect considered one of the most influential Filipino architects of the 20th century for having pioneered the art of Philippine neovernacular architecture. His contributions to the development of Philippine architecture led to his recognition as a National Artist of the Philippines for Architecture in 2018.

Although he was popularly known as the architect of the Coconut Palace, his other notable works include the EDSA Shrine, the Mary Immaculate Parish (Nature's Church) in Las Piñas, the Davao Pearl Farm, and Amanpulo resorts.

Mañosa devoted his life's work to creating a Filipino identity in architecture, advocating design philosophies that harken "back to the bahay kubo and the bahay na bato,” and other traditional vernacular forms. Mañosa became known for combining these traditional forms and indigenous materials with modern building technology to create structures which he felt were those best suited to the Philippines' tropical climate. Mañosa opted to go to Japan, which had also inspired architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Breakthrough: San Miguel Corporation Headquarters Building Mañosa's breakthrough as an architect happened while he was still working at Mañosa Brothers, when the firm was hired to design the new headquarters of San Miguel Corporation in Mandaluyong. The brothers designed a building which was inspired by the Banaue rice terraces, with “green” design features which were ahead of the times. So the Cardinal approached Mañosa about designing a shrine commemorating the event.

Mañosa had first proposed a completely different design for the shrine, above-ground and based on the bahay kubo. However, this design was disapproved when "an influential member of the committee" insisted on a Spanish design for the church.

While not working on his projects for the company, Mañosa was also part of the jazz band The Executive Band. He played piano for the band.

In 2012, Mañosa fell and cracked two vertebrae which had to be fused in order to heal. He also needed heart bypass surgery in order to repair a life-threatening ventricular blockage.

Death

Mañosa died on February 20, 2019. He was 88. Mañosa's remains received full state honors when laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

Works

Churches Mary Immaculate Parish (Nature's Church) Assumption College Chapel Quadricentennial Altar Risen Lord Parish Church Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace, Our Lady of EDSA