| Edsa Shrine sanctuary for RP artistry, talent |
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| Edsa Shrine sanctuary for RP artistry, talent |
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By Charles Buban
Inquirer News Service
SINCE he began designing structures in the '60s, Francisco "Bobby" Ma?osa has been on a quest -- to develop and refine his vision of "contemporary Filipino architecture."
Such a quest has produced some of the finest architecture indeed, among them the Mary, Queen of Peace Shrine (more popularly known as the EDSA Shrine) in Mandaluyong City.
"When I was asked in 1986 to design a structure that would commemorate the historic [EDSA] revolt, I was already thinking of a church," recalled Ma?osa.
"No other structure can symbolize our faith and gratitude to the Almighty who helped us achieve the freedom we now enjoy because of EDSA I," he said.
Ma?osa's original plan was to construct a towering cathedral. However, he had to revise his design.
"The reasons were simple," he recalled. "I had to keep construction costs to a minimum since the project relied mostly on donations. I would be working on a small piece of property (a 3,000-square-meter corner lot donated by the families of Don Paco Ortigas and John Gokongwei), and I also had to consider future traffic flow and parking."
Despite the limitations, Ma?osa adeptly conveyed his architectural style, calling on his years of designing residences and institutions all over the country.
However, he refused to compare the EDSA Shrine with other churches and chapels he had designed.
"I think that a church should not be compared with another. Each has its own rationale and beginning," said the architect, who designed the Risen Lord Parish, the St. Joseph Church in Las Pi?as City and the Assumption College Chapel in Makati City.
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