House of Song: Loboc Performing Arts Center by Obra Majoralia Design Studio

Welcome to the World Architecture Festival (WAF), Obra Majoralia Design Studio! Congratulations on your Loboc Performing Arts Center being recognized as the winner of the inaugural GROHE Young Visionaries Challenge. To kick things off, can you share what you believe makes your project exceptional? What distinguishes it from others, and which features evoke the greatest pride for you?

Jonathan Cruz, principal, Obra Majoralia Design Studio: Thank you so much to Grohe and Kanto for their incredible support of emerging studios like ours. Winning this opportunity feels surreal; we entered without high expectations, simply aiming to give our best effort. The Loboc Performing Arts Center is deeply significant to us as we sought to create a remarkable, timeless building that embodies Loboc’s rich musical and architectural heritage. We drew inspiration from iconic structures like the Parthenon while integrating traditional elements from the bahay na bato, the Loboc Church, and the essence of the Loboc River Cruise. Despite its boxy form, we focused on intricate details—subtle shifts in shape, wood-like materials, thoughtful landscaping, and an imposing colonnaded facade complemented by a reflective pool. It’s crafted to be more than just a landmark; we want visitors to feel compelled to enter and experience the stories and journeys it offers. We take pride in how these elements unite to reflect Loboc’s culture and aspirations.

Beautiful! This compelling blend of classical lines and strong cultural flavor proved pivotal in your Grohe Young Visionary win! WAF is happening in two days! How have you been preparing for your live presentation? Which competitors do you believe will challenge you the most?

Obra Majoralia Design Studio: We have dedicated ourselves to perfecting our presentation script, incorporating valuable feedback from team members, fellow architects, and jurors during our practice critiques with Grohe and Kanto. We organized a final critique session for the Cebu finalists, including San Studio and LLG Architects, inviting respected architects from the city to share insights and suggestions to enhance our presentation. It’s been refreshing to have such an informal gathering in Cebu, where we can transcend our differences in practice and design philosophies.

How nice to see you and your local peers on the shortlist helping each other out! Beyond the competition, what are you most looking forward to as you attend WAF for the first time? What do you hope to take away from this experience?

As a first-time WAF delegate, I’m thrilled to return to Singapore for the second time this year. I didn’t expect to visit this remarkable city filled with architectural wonders again so soon. Representing the youngest architecture firm from The Philippines at this year’s event is a tremendous honor. I’m particularly eager to meet and observe the presentations of esteemed firms like BIG, Foster + Partners, Pranala Associates, WOHA, Takaharu Tezuka, Zaha Hadid Architects, and, of course, my fellow Philippine delegates. This experience is all about growth and discovering new ideas—not just for my practice but also forging connections with fellow architects who share my passion. I hope to return with fresh insights and relationships that will shape the future of my work and our studio.

You’ll do great, Jonathan! Best of luck to Obra Majoralia at the WAF!

Loboc Performing Arts Center

Project description by Obra Majoralia Design Studio
Edited by the Kanto team

The Brief
The local government of Loboc sought to create a world-class performing arts center that would become the home of the renowned Loboc Children’s Choir, Rondalla, and other performing arts groups. The vision was to establish a landmark encapsulating Loboc’s musical heritage and architectural tradition while fostering future cultural and economic growth. This new theater aims to diversify Loboc’s tourism appeal and create a venue that resonates deeply with residents and visitors.

Context
Loboc is known as the “Musical Town” due to its significant musical legacy and the strong involvement of its community in the performing arts. The town’s rich architectural history, characterized by stone houses and the Loboc Church—a designated National Cultural Treasure—speaks to a long-standing tradition of craftsmanship and resilience. The devastating 2013 Bohol Earthquake challenged Loboc’s infrastructure, prompting efforts to rebuild and strengthen community ties. The Loboc Performing Arts Center emerges from this context as a symbol of renewal, paying tribute to the town’s enduring spirit while positioning it as a center for modern cultural engagement.

Design Solution
Situated on a hill overlooking the town, the design concept of the Loboc Performing Arts Center draws inspiration from timeless architectural forms, notably the Parthenon. This classical influence evokes a sense of grandeur and familiarity, integrating structural columns reminiscent of ancient theaters. The colonnaded facade, with its frames extending beyond the structure, symbolizes the stilts and beams of a traditional bahay kubo, further reinforcing local identity. This design element is also a nod to construction scaffolding, representing the rebuilding efforts following the earthquake and the community’s collective resilience.

The structure incorporates features from the bahay na bato and the Loboc Church, such as coral stones and wooden roof structures, bridging past and present through materiality. The lower level’s stone base and wooden upper levels pay homage to the vernacular architecture. At the same time, the tapered walls mimic the shape of a boat—a subtle nod to the iconic Loboc River Cruise that draws visitors to the town. This blend of modern and traditional elements creates an innovative space deeply rooted in local culture.

Features
The center houses a unique rooftop open theater discreetly integrated into the roof structure. This versatile space can host outdoor performances, community gatherings, and even nighttime cinema, offering a dynamic venue for cultural events. The rooftop’s hidden nature provides an element of discovery, inviting visitors to experience a new perspective of the town with panoramic views of Loboc.

Inside, the theater’s design emphasizes community ownership and cultural pride. The colonnaded facade not only pays a visual tribute to classical forms but also creates an inviting space where locals and tourists alike can feel a sense of belonging. The thoughtful integration of traditional materials and forms within a modern framework aims to encourage a connection between generations.

Community Impact
Beyond its architectural significance, the Loboc Performing Arts Center is poised to play a vital role in the town’s social and economic landscape. Offering a space for performances and cultural events bolsters tourism, diversifies the local economy, and generates job opportunities in a town already heavily reliant on its tourism sector. The center becomes a platform for celebrating Loboc’s musical identity while supporting growth and development. It stands as a testament to Loboc’s dedication to preserving its cultural essence while embracing new possibilities: a true beacon of hope for the community’s future. •