Competing against 20 global entries from architects, designers, and visionaries around the world, the 4th year Landscape Architecture students defied the odds with their exceptional work, , which emerged as the best in the world, .

Following a ten-day-long registration period, the competition challenged participants to design miniature urban forests in a creative and innovative way that dissolves the lines between urbanism and green spaces, aiming to bring “biodiversity, serenity, and sustainability into the heart of our cities.” 

What began as a random topic of conversation among three friends inside a Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant turned out to be a great success story and a major win! But how did they manage to “grab” the trophy from international contenders and professionals? 

In a recent interview where they gave an inside scoop about their major achievement and experience from the concluded event, Yamaguchi stated that they initially decided to join “just for fun.” 

According to them, it was their first time participating in a competition of this kind. They consulted their professor regarding the matter, and in response, were encouraged to participate, at the very least, “for the experience.” But fate had a more epic narrative in store for them. 

NEO-SILVESTRE checked all the boxes. From being a space that ‘blends nature with city life’ to exploring ‘new forest typology that can be used in various urban settings.’ Their design had three main parts: soft landforms, welcoming edges, and layers of plants that bring the forest to life. More than just a design, it was made to make people feel connected again.

“N���” is Greek for “new,” and ��پ���������ٱ����” is Latin for “forest.” The idea behind this centered around their concept of a “new way of designing a new set of guidelines for designing an urban forest,” according to Yamaguchi. 

The three brought their design to life via architectural design tools and software, i.e., Archicad for the 3D model, Sketchup, Lumion, Autocad, and Affinity. With these digital instruments, there was only one thing standing between them and their success story—time.

With the weight of having only a month left before the deadline, they were able to conceptualize, make the model, render, and complete all the work on time. Ramirez did all the rendering, and according to him, time management was their ultimate best friend. 

“Most of our model is like a cardboard/wood texture. It’s more like a study model,” Ramirez shared.

Despite the time constraint, minor inconveniences, and clashing schedules during the holidays, they were duly rewarded at the end. From the words of Demeterio, “Despite the lagging laptop, I enjoyed modeling. And seeing our final output, it made it all worth it. It was a wild ride!” 

When asked about the secret to their success, Demeterio expressed that, “It’s not likely a secret, but definitely the driving force behind all this, from sharing the competition to brainstorming, is Yuki. So, we owe him a lot.” 

For Yamaguchi, “The secret is you really have to understand the brief. I think, based on the critique of the jury, they were really able to see how we aligned our design with the competition requirements of the brief, and I made sure that the design was able to tackle every single thing that they asked for, aside from trying to think outside the box.” 

As advised, Yamaguchi highlighted the importance of not letting your “imagination cup” run dry. “I think the older you get, especially when you pass the second year, you start to think about your designs and the feasibility. You focus too much on how you can do it, so you start to lose your creativity and your imagination, so your design becomes boring. So I think you have to be consistent with trying to think outside the box, how to be creative, and how to set yourself apart, especially with your concepts and your ideas from everyone else. So just keep that spark since that’s been part of you ever since you were a first-year.”

Lastly, they encourage fellow Landscape Architecture students who might want to join. “If you have the passion, time, and resources, go for it. I think just don’t get too attached to your design or you’ll end up disappointed.” Ramirez and Yamaguchi also emphasized “not to be too perfectionist” and just enjoy, at the same time, learn, and “don’t think about winning, just do it for the experience.”

Their win was more than just landing first place. It is a promising image, especially for the current reputation of Landscape Architecture nationally, being commonly seen and regarded as an obscure work or career. In the spirit of creativity and perseverance, Landscape Architecture students from the University of San Carlos hope to see their career as one of the opted career pedestals in the country.

by Geo Jones Palo, with contributions from Bhillie Alyza Momo and Nainie Caparoso, 2nd year Bachelor of Landscape Architecture

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Overall, �������� has a passing rate of 70.83% in the LALE, compared to the national average of 64.08%. Meanwhile, it has a 29.75% passing rate for the IDLE, which is higher than the national average of 16.67%. 

To our newly licensed Carolinian landscape architects and interior designers, CONGRATULATIONS! 

Landscape Architects 

1. Alvarez, Rexam Dominic Amistoso
2. Antonio, Frances Monique Broce
3. Ascariz, Ghystel Marie Dela Rama
4. Catipay, Leehan Surban
5. Cosep, Julie Mae Amores
6. Judilla, Janine Angela Gupana
7. Lavapiz, Angela Kate Manlunas
8. Lim, Justin Andre Quimiguing
9. Mangubat, Geueleh Marr Plarisan
10. Mercado, Marie Catherine Lim
11. Petracorta, James Ryan Conde
12. Prado, Doreen Galeos
13. Sabang, Martha Maquilan
14. Suric, Thea Sofia Evangelista
15. Tabada, Mary Therese Polestico
16. Tanoy, Edi Mikayla Kuan
17. Tribucio, Lorenz L.

Interior Designers 

1. Gahi, Basil Rico Ravelo
2. Mahinay, Gerard Anton Logroño
3. Semilla, Franie Deveroe Villafuerte
4. Vernaiz, Naomi Ann Gecain

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The events were part of the bilateral academic exchange and teaching cooperation between MATE Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the University of San Carlos. 

Ar. Cabanlit participated in the following activities: 

• Student workshop at MATE Hungarian University (Buda Campus)
• “Garden Heritage in Tourism, Tourism in Gardens Conference” by Heritage Garden Foundation in Budapest, Hungary
• “International Conference: Smart Landscape 2 – Renewable and Sustainable” organized by the Croatian Association of Landscape Architects (CALA) in Zagreb, Croatia.

Ar. Cabanlit’s participation was made possible through the assistance of Br. Bela Lanyi, SVD, who facilitated the MATE coordination and visa application; former SAFAD Dean Ar. Margret D. Rosario, FUAP, who established the international linkages for the Landscape Architecture program; and SAFAD Dean Dr. Adrian P. del Monte Ph.D. and Department of Architecture Chair Ar. Adrian Yap, M.S. who provided support and made the exchange possible. 

With reporting from Ar. Ryan Antony Cabanlit

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The Interior Designer’s Licensure Examination was held last July 5-7, 2022 where �������� garnered an overall passing rate of 78.38% compared to the national passing rate of  65.68%. (See list below.)

Meanwhile, in the Landscape Architect’s Licensure Examination held last July 20-21, 2022, �������� produced eight board passers. (See list below.) 

Moreover, during the June 2022 Architect’s Licensure Examination, 92 out of 118 Carolinian graduates passed the exam.

In addition, a BS Architecture graduate of 2019, Kenn Nelson Rabe (see photo below), placed 6th on the July 2022 Master Plumber Licensure Examination with a rating of 85.20%. Another Carolinian, Michaelle Angela P. Arnedo, ranked first in the Master Plumber examination with a rating of 87.20%. �������� also garnered an overall passing rate of 69.84% in the Master Plumber licensure compared to the national passing rate of 51.28%.

To our new Carolinian Built Environment Professionals, CONGRATULATIONS! 

Interior Design

1. Albarillo, Breena Allana
2. Ambos, Kerstien Leane
3. Amit, Mary Stephanie 
4. Apoyon, Dianne Mae 
5. Baclayon, J-Louise 
6. Cayetano, Christine 
7. Co, Hallie Stephanie 
8. De Castro, Shara Glenn 
9. Cataluña, Messiah Mae 
10. Destreza, Andrea 
11. Kabahar, Therese Divine 
12. Labesores, Gerald 
13. Lluvido, Gabrilla Mae 
14. Macabare, Cristiane Mae 
15. Manalili, Celine Marie 
16. Montayre, Regine Arielle 
17. Obseñares,Gedion Jan 
18. Olino, Katreena Joyce 
19. Parrocho, Sharina Pauline 
20. Pasculado, John Erick 
21. Perral, Mary Gayle 
22. Romero, Jhessa Mae 
23. Rundina, Laurence 
24. Sistosa, Shanna Jean Nouvelle 
25. Tan, Amanda Maxine 
26. Tomenio, Armando Jr. 
27. Torres, Zoe Lauren 
28. Young, Samantha Dominique 
29. Yu, Hanni

Landscape Architects

1. Ang, Denzel Rain 
2. Cabanlit, Ryan Athony 
3. Carabuena, Louie Marie 
4. Cascuejo, Jiezl 
5. Gaviola, Celine Joie 
6. Llorad, John Paul 
7. Ronquillo, Alanis 
8. Velasco, Keith Justin 

by Hermie Ray Oplado

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