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Second Semester SY 2025-2026 Starts on January 12, 2025
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Four Ninjas Reach Top 10 in Asia’s Young Designer Award 2025–2026
Four architecture students have secured a place in the Top 10 of the prestigious Asia’s Young Designer Award (AYDA) 2025–2026, under the theme “CONVERGE: Crafting Cultural Legacies.” The award recognizes outstanding design proposals from architecture and interior design students across Asia, highlighting innovation, cultural sensitivity, and forward-thinking solutions for the built environment.
The qualifiers are Amethyst Fariolan, Jave Mark Tulod, Ejhay Durias, and Jaierah Mia Ramo, who successfully advanced to the final stage of the competition after a rigorous screening of entries from participating universities nationwide. Their selection places them among the best young designers representing the Philippines in this year’s competition. The official awarding ceremony will be held on March 19, 2026, at Lanson Place Mall of Asia, located within the SM Mall of Asia Complex, where the Top 10 finalists will present their works before a distinguished panel of jurors from the architecture and design industry.
This recognition marks the fifth consecutive year since 2021 that students from the institution have reached the Top 10 of the Asia’s Young Designer Award, demonstrating consistent excellence in architectural education, research-driven design, and cultural responsiveness in studio work. The continued achievement reflects the strong emphasis on innovation, contextual design, and critical thinking in the academic program, aligning with the competition’s goal of shaping future leaders in architecture and design across Asia.
Photo Source: AYDA PH FB Page
A Queen Defined by Purpose: Mutya ng UM 2025–2026 | Mutya CAFAE
Grace, purpose, and authenticity took center stage as Mutya #4, Mariah Miguela B. Cruz of the College of Architecture and Fine Arts Education (CAFAE), UM Main was crowned Mutya ng UM 2025–2026.
More than a symbol of beauty, Mariah’s journey reflects quiet strength, humility, and a sincere commitment to growth. She stood not to prove herself, but to honor the woman she has become—leading with heart and inspiring those around her through her genuine presence.
As she wears the crown, Mariah carries with her the pride of CAFAE, the support of the UM community, and a future guided by purpose and service.
Congratulations, Queen Mariah—our Mutya ng UM 2025–2026.
Welcome CAFAE Freshmen!
Welcome to the College of Architecture and Fine Arts Education’s School Year 2025–2026!
We are thrilled to welcome you to our community of creative visionaries and innovative thinkers. As you embark on this exciting new chapter, you will find countless opportunities to explore your passions, refine your skills, and collaborate with peers and mentors who share your dedication to architecture, fine arts, and interior design.
This academic year promises inspiring challenges, enriching experiences, and meaningful projects that will help shape your future in these dynamic fields. Welcome aboard and here’s to a transformative, fulfilling, and successful year ahead, Ga!
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UM ARCHI Young Designers shine at PROJETO: Ideas and Design Competition 2025 – Davao Leg
Congratulations to the winners of the Projeto: Ideas and Design Competition 2025 – Davao Edition! The event brought together talented young designers and student architects who shared their creative ideas and innovative designs.
After an exciting day of presentations, the following teams from UM CAFAE stood out:
Grand Winner – Team Tung Tung Tung Sahur
Nathan Jamco
Maya Crisologo
Larence Sermese
Kint Tesorio
Timmy Barnuevo
1st Runner-Up – Team Juno
Angelo Jules C. Josol
Kurlt Jame Patrich Gono
PROJETO encourages students to think big, design with purpose, and inspire others through their work. The competition was not just about winning, but about sharing ideas that can shape a better, more sustainable future.
We hope this event motivates you to keep building your dreams—and to go beyond "sustainnovation!"
University of Mindanao Architecture students secures 3rd Place in ARKWIZ 2025 National Architecture Competition
The University of Mindanao won 3rd place in the ARKWIZ 2025 competition held on May 3, 2025, at the Benito Pow Sy Auditorium in the University of the Philippines Diliman, College of Architecture. The event focused on the theme “Hospitality and Recreational Architecture” and brought together 36 teams from 19 schools across the country. Representing the University of Mindanao were students from Team UM Arki Ninjas B: Sophia Andrea Te and Softee Shane Siroy, with the support of their coach, Ar. Nurvin Zary E. Bustillo. Their strong effort and teamwork helped them earn a spot in the top three.
Team UM Arki Ninjas B:
Rachelle Mae Ebate
Marianne Joyce Racho
Team UM Arki Ninjas B:
Softee Shane Siroy
Sophia Andrea Te
Coach:
AR. NURVIN ZARY E. BUSTILLO
UM CAFAE Architecture Team Triumphs at 2024 International Architecture Workshop in Malaysia
Congratulations to the students and faculty of the University of Mindanao CAFAE Architecture program for their remarkable achievements at the 35th International Architecture Student Workshop 2024: Inception, held at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) in Kuala Lumpur and Kampar Campus, Malaysia.
Representing UM were architecture students Carrie Clyne Obemio, Dexter Infiesto, and Kennith Infiesto, along with their dedicated coaches, Ar. Keith Giovanni Querequincia and Ar. Nurvin Zary Bustillo. This prestigious workshop saw participation from over 20 international architecture schools in Malaysia and abroad.
Your hard work and creativity earned impressive wins across several competitions:
TEAM COMPETITIONS:
Best Short Video Competition (University of Mindanao)
Runner-up: Harmony Haven by Putrajaya Lake Design Competition (University of Mindanao-Carrie Clyne Obemio and Kennith Infiesto)
INDIVIDUAL COMPETITIONS:
Best Architectural Photography (Dexter Infiesto)
Best Architectural Photography (Kennith Infiesto)
Malaysian Institute of Architects Architectural Design Idea Competition (Dexter Infiesto)
Kudos, Ga!
Arllan Santillan, 8th Placer, together with the ALE Passers took their Oath as Architects
Arllan Santillan (BS Arch 2022) together with his fellow passers in the Architect Licensure Examination (ALE) took their oath as architects last August 10, 2024. This ceremony took place at the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila. The performance of the University of Mindanao in this examination was punctuated by these accomplishments.
Mr. Santillan got the top 8th place, with an overall average of 81.70%. The number one got a rating of 83.8%.
The passing percentage of 'first takers' is 78%. This is four percentage points higher than the national's percentage.
The overall passing percentage of UM is 68%, while the national's is 62%. Again, this institution is six percentage points higher.
The photo on the left was taken shortly after the oathtaking ceremony. Mr. Santillan now anarchitect is at the left most. He is joined by their dean, Ar. Iluminado Quinto, (from left to right), Ar. John Rell Tuyco, Ar. Vince Robert Ramirez, and Ar. Mark Gabriel Ben.
The theme of this batch of new architects was Sikalab. This was coined after siklab and alab.
Should your concern require a more immediate reply, please call the helpdesk mobile number below. Please note that this number may not be able to reply to text messages. Office hours 9:00 AM to 12:00NN, 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday.
0928 4306 844
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