The Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Kawit, Cavite, has been named a finalist in the prestigious 2026 World Architecture Festival (WAF) Awards, a milestone that celebrates both Filipino craftsmanship and innovative religious design. This recognition places the sacred space alongside only 416 other global finalists in an event widely regarded as the "Oscars of architecture".
Sacred Geometry Meets Modern Innovation
The architecture of the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is distinguished by its use of the Vesica Piscis, an ancient geometric form formed by the intersection of two equal circles . This shape, long associated with Christian symbolism and divine glory, is elegantly integrated into the structure to create a sacred atmosphere .
Dominic Galicia Architects, the firm behind the design, has a well-documented history of creating sensitive and conceptual religious structures . The firm is deeply concerned with the conservation of significant architectural sites and has previously worked on the interior design of the Parish Church of St. Benedict in Silang, Cavite . The WAF nomination highlights the firm's ability to bridge ancient Christian geometry with modern structural form, a key factor in the church's international recognition.
A Testament to World-Class Filipino Design
The World Architecture Festival, set to take place in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in November 2026, is the only global awards program where architects present their projects live to an international panel of judges . The Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel's selection as a finalist underscores a major achievement for Philippine architecture on the global stage.
Dominic Galicia obtained his professional degree in architecture in 1988 from the University of Notre Dame in the United States . The church not only serves as a place of worship but also as a testament to the country's growing influence in contemporary architectural design. Competing among hundreds of entries from around the world, the recognition brings international attention to Kawit, which is historically known as the birthplace of Philippine independence and the home of the Aguinaldo Shrine . This WAF nomination underscores the evolution of religious architecture in the Philippines, proving that modern design can elevate spiritual spaces to be both globally relevant and deeply connected to local identity.
