1. WHAT TO YOU IS THE MEANING OF COMMUNITY SERVICE?

The two words at times seem hackneyed, overworked, self-serving. But considered in the light of actual deeds, these are not mere works of benign philanthropy, instead these are strategic investments in the future of our society. It is sharing with others a part of us, devoting and sacrificing part of our time, talents, skills to serve our worth in the community. Community service is void of its truest essence if it does not serve above self interest. Projects that are developmental that helps others help themselves bring a quiet revolution of hope for our people.

2. HOW HAVE YOU RESPONDED TO THE CALL AND CHALLENGES OF NATION BUILDING?

Architecture gives symbolism to any nation. As a Filipino architect I designed buildings that can promote Filipino pride, may it be international or local, may it be any genre, the heart of the design is still Filipino and will always be. The challenge of nation building is instilling national pride among its people. The pride of culture, heritage, belongingness and territory are part of the much sought aspect of a country. I believed that my profession in its most simplistic form gives man’s basic necessity, shelter, and in its most noble form brings inspiration, hope and love for a nation.

I have nurtured my leadership in my field to be effective and forward looking. I actually envisioned the society I want to build, and as early as now I have form bonds with the people who at the same time in the near future will take significant roles in nation building and remain to that vision.

3. WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF EXCELLENCE AND BEING OUSTANDING IN TODAYS'S SOCIETY?

In today’s highly competitive society, excelling and being outstanding are the key factors to have as much opportunities to achieve our goal. There is no room for mediocrity in a dog-eat-dog world. It is a driving force for a society to progress as well as be competitive in the global scene. It also promotes meritocracy rather than the culture-based nepotism and “padrino” system. It is significantly a preserving tool to the idealism of the next to strive for excellence as well as a guiding inspiration.

4. HOW WERE YOU ABLE TO LEAD A BALANCED LIFE AS A STUDENT?

I prioritize the things that are important to me. I give due time to them. God gave us enough 24-hours to lead a balanced life, to be of better influence, to lead by example, excel in our endeavor, nurture relationships with our neighbors, serve our community, to be a social being, enjoy life,and yet some still fall to stagnation. Proper time management has always been my principle to live the life that I want to be. Time is not against us, time is actually a friend.

5. WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO BE WHERE YOU ARE NOW? WHO WERE THE PEOPLE AND WHAT WERE THIER ROLES IN CONTRIBUTING TO THE VALUES AND PRINCIPLES YOU LIVE BY TODAY?

God gave me intelligence,talents and various opportunities that honed me to be personally motivated and there is no greater manner to show my gratitude to Him by using these gifts to excel,lead and serve the people.

My parents, provided the acknowledgment of my intelligence and talents. They gave me confidence and trust in my decisions. Amidst adversities and trials, they taught me how to deal and rise from it through their own living examples. Their unconditional love and teachings eventually motivated me to have a personal vision of my life: To treat people with dignity and integrity;Respect toward all religions;Be an encouragement to people to live up to their own ideals without being adversely critical of others;Honesty;Benevolence; be intuitively of service;

Faith in God. To quote some of Mahatma Gandhi's, “I will not have pleasure without conscience, knowledge without character, wealth without work”.

I.M.Pei,architect of the Louvre Glass Pyramid, inspired me with his boldness in modern architecture and at the same time he valued the environment its built. He contributed to the formation of my values. To be attentive to new ideas, to advancing means, to dawning needs, to impetuses of change so that we may achieve, beyond architectural originality, a harmony of spirit in the service of man.

6.WHY DO YOU CONTINUE TO LIVE BY THE VALUES YOU BELIEVE IN? WHY ARE THESE VERY SIGNIFICANT TO YOUR LIFE VIS-A-VIS YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY?

Inherently these are true-north principles that I believe I should anchor my life to. These serve as my moral compass. This is how I envisioned my life. The only way I can respect myself. Sometimes even if its difficult, I have to abide to my personal pack whether I get rewarded or not. This is my contribution to society, to be a role model, to be a catalyst of change, a vehicle to which progress can be sustained, where service can be found.