The results for ArchiNEXT 2026 have finally arrived, and this year’s theme, “Liparan: Crafting Gateways That Connect Cultures,” challenged the country’s brightest architecture students to look far beyond the typical glass and steel monotony of modern aviation. The challenge was rigorous, requiring a design for a domestic terminal that bridges the gap between today’s visionaries and tomorrow’s icons.
At its core, ArchiNEXT: HCG Young Designers’ Competition (AYDC) is more than just a contest; it is a high-level platform designed to challenge the ingenuity and proficiency of young students to create sound yet sustainable architectural masterpieces. By providing a stage for limitless creativity, ArchiNEXT recognizes the passion and hard work required to transform an industrious learner into a true trailblazer. The program envisions its young awardees as future leaders who will contribute inspiring trends not only to the growth of the architectural profession but also to the vital task of nation-building.
Leading the pack as the Grand Winner is the team from Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology. Designers John Lloyd B. Navarro, Aile Heydee C. Reolope, and Lyka C. Villamor introduced “Pagaspas,” a proposed domestic terminal for Daet, Camarines Norte. Their work serves as a rebellion against the monotonous airport terminal by drawing deep inspiration from the Pabirik, the traditional gold pan of Paracale, and the sweet Formosa pineapple. The architecture flows with a fluid circulation that mimics the movement of water in a gold pan, supported by mangrove-like columns that provide both stability and a sense of natural resilience.
Following closely in second place is “A SCENE of Pangasinan,” a masterful entry by Ma. Katrina C. Patricio, Gregory Rivera, and Rehd Voltaire R. Taeza from National University – Manila. The team treated the airport as a place of revelation, focusing on the traditional salt-making process of the province. Their design balances the harsh sun, the coastal wind, and the water through a parametric facade that makes the building feel crystallized by nature itself.
In third place, the University of Santo Tomas team composed of Gian Karlo D. Agripa, Joshua Vimar T. Cabiles, and Marc Andrew A. Farin presented “UNA.” Designed specifically for the rugged landscape of Basco, Batanes, this project adopts the iconic “Crown” roof of the traditional Ivatan Sinadumpara houses. Rather than standing as an isolated structure, the terminal acts as an extension of the Batanes rolling hills, integrating a civic park that serves as a communal space for locals and travelers alike.
The competition also recognized excellence through its special awards. Reaching the Top 4 and earning the Most Innovative Award were Arman Luis D. Lopez, Enjay Mico S. Paule, and Einor Asher C. Tayao of Pampanga State University. Their work, titled “Paragos,” stood out for its inventive structural logic and its ability to modernize traditional concepts into a high-functioning transportation hub.
The Best in Presentation award was secured by Rolito R. Apuya, Hyril Nicole T. Baradi, and Stephen R. Cacas from the University of Northern Philippines. Their presentation was a masterclass in architectural storytelling, communicating a vision with such creativity and precision that it elevated the entire design narrative through refined visuals and a clear, compelling voice.
Finally, the public’s choice for the Most Popular Entry went to Ronald C. Asis IV and Jan Jefferson B. Sariola of Bicol University – Institute of Design and Architecture. Their project, “V-astion,” proposed for Virac, Catanduanes, resonated strongly with the community. It stands as a testament to the power of design that beautifully reflects and embodies cultural identity, proving that the best gateways are those that make us feel like we have truly arrived home.
The success of these students was validated by a panel of the country’s most esteemed architectural minds. We extend our deepest gratitude to our panelists: Ar. Jason Buensalido, Ar. Willie Chua, Ar. Gerard Lico, Ar. Benjee Mendoza, Ar. Leo P. Pariñas, Ar. Francis Rodriguez, Ar. Luther Maynard Sim, and Ar. Daniel Terence Yu. The competition was further strengthened by the support of Sir David Chang, HPC Senior Vice President, Sir Paul Wu, HPC Senior Manager for Distributorship, and Ar. Richard Garcia, Former UAP National President and Current ArchiNEXT Adviser.
Beyond the prestige and the monetary awards, the stakes remain high for the Top 10 finalists. Each of these promising designers will have the incredible opportunity to be endorsed to one of ArchiNEXT’s partner architectural firms to secure a professional internship, providing a direct bridge from academic excellence to industry practice.
We are proud to witness these young architects prove that the future of Filipino design is not just about flying toward the future, but about grounding our gateways in the rich soil of our shared heritage. These winning entries offer a vital lesson: sustainable construction is not just about technology, but about understanding the soul of the site. Whether it is a wind-resistant roof or a salt-inspired facade, the future of Filipino architecture lies in its ability to remember where it came from while flying toward the future.
