Filling the afternoon with much-needed discussions on apprenticeships, networking, and connections, the United Architects of the Philippines Graduate Auxiliary (UAPGA) opened its doors to aspiring architects as it successfully held the UAPGA Open House 2025 via Zoom and Facebook livestream from 3:00 to 5:00 PM, October 4.
Former UAPGA National Presidents Ar. Vince Villacorte and Ar. Michael Cydrick M. Sesaldo shared stories of their journey with UAPGA as their northern star toward building their professional careers as architects.
“Excitement to connect, hunger for growth, selfless service,” Ar. Sesaldo emphasized as his reason for embracing the organization despite an already heavy workload, adding that “when leadership calls you, no matter how difficult, you always answer the call,” quoting former Vice President Leni Robredo as his final advice to the viewers.
Both leaders reflected on their memorable experiences, explaining how their participation in the organization brought them closer to fruition by helping them prepare for the Architecture Licensure Examination (ALE), and how, despite doubts and setbacks, they continued to soldier on with UAPGA as their compass toward becoming competent professionals.
“UAPGA is the smooth transition we all need to move into adult life, fostering teamwork, leadership, and communication,” Ar. Villacorte remarked, adding that. “It’s to simply enjoy the process of being an architecture graduate and a young professional. The journey may be filled with long nights, deadlines, and pressure, but all of those things are part of shaping you to who you are meant to be. It’s about being resilient enough to keep going.”
UAPGA National President Emmanuel de Luna urged attendees to join the organization by emphasizing the value of connections and friendships that enrich one’s professional journey, while National Executive Vice President Kim Manjares underscored how the sense of community formed during this transitory stage will profoundly shape the architects they will become.
Moreover, Monde Tipay, National Membership Director for Area A, and Erika Mangilaya, National Membership Director for Area B, energized the Open House as they hosted the program, setting the scene with their vibrant personalities while introducing distinguished guests and the newly appointed national officers of the organization.
Further, the event featured icebreakers, breakout room kamustahans per area, interactive polls, and an open letter from UAPGA graduates, concluding with closing remarks and a photo opportunity that marked this leap into the future as a successful step in strengthening the UAPGA community.