Philips turns spotlight on country's top 10 architectural firms

MANILA, Philippines – Philips Lighting Philippines joined BCI Asia in honoring the top 10 architectural firms in the Philippines at a recent glitzy ceremony at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.

The BCI Asia Top 10 Awards for 2010 were presented to the most active players in the industry today with about US$10 billion worth of properties between them slated to start construction this year.

“The top 10 architecture firms turn the corporate objectives of clients into buildings that work for today’s environment. These firms deliver projects efficiently while accounting for rapidly changing economic circumstances and consumer preferences. In this year’s portfolios, we see a continued shift towards green building design,” said BCI Asia Chairman Matthias Krups.

“Philips is one with BCI Asia in celebrating the finest in the country’s architecture industry. We are proud to work with several of these firms and are excited to remain part of their current endeavors,” said Philips CEO Rico Gonzales.

Jun Palafox, founder and managing partner of Palafox and Associates, shared the same optimism regarding Philips efforts to bring the latest lighting technology to the Philippines. “Architects have a storyline for every design, and great lighting like that from Philips enhances that story by changing perceptions and moods,” said Palafox, whose firm was among the top 10 firms recognized by BCI Asia.

In keeping with its commitment to bring the best lighting technology to the Philippines, Philips, before the awards ceremony, sponsored a special seminar entitled “Green Façade Workshop using LED systems.” The session, which gathered leading Filipino architects and lighting designers, featured presentations on light sources and colors by Cruz & Borlaza Lighting Associates, lighting techniques by Christine Sycangco Lighting Design, and architectural lighting design by PL Light.

The seminar was capped by the application of discussed techniques to light the stone and cave structures by the poolside of Diamond Hotel.

Bob Ong of Carag + Ong and Associates, which was also honored during the ceremony that night, averred that advanced lighting technology is relatively underutilized in the Philippines and was an area that his company wants to explore further. “The challenge is to educate clients on the merits of using established brands like Philips in terms of both durability and cost-efficiency in the long haul,” said Ong.