MAKATI CITY — As cities face increasingly intense heat, flooding, and rapid urban growth, finding ways to make urban spaces more resilient has become more urgent. These challenges will take center stage on September 15, 2026, at 6:00 PM, as the Ayala Museum hosts “Makati: Urban Recipes for a City’s Survival,” a free roundtable organized by Instituto Cervantes, the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines, and AECID. The discussion will bring together Spanish and Filipino practitioners to examine how sustainable architecture, urban planning, public spaces, and innovative design can contribute to healthier and more resilient cities.
Bringing Architecture and Urban Planning Perspectives Together
The roundtable will feature three panelists with expertise in architecture, urban planning, and creative policy. José Luis Vallejo, a Spanish architect and founding member of Ecosistema Urbano, will share perspectives on innovative approaches to urban design. He will be joined by Filipino architect and environmental planner Paulo Alcazaren, known for overseeing projects including the Iloilo River Esplanade, and Paolo Mercado, a creative economy expert and lead policy expert for the Philippine National Design Policy. Architect and urban heritage conservationist Michael Manalo will moderate the conversation, guiding the exchange between the panelists and the audience.
Rethinking the Future of Dense Cities
For Metro Manila, where development, population density, heritage conservation, public spaces, and climate risks intersect, conversations about urban resilience are increasingly important. Makati provides a particularly relevant setting for the discussion as the city continues to balance its role as a major business district with the need for greener, more inclusive, and livable urban environments. The roundtable also highlights how international collaboration can contribute to addressing local challenges. By bringing Spanish and Filipino perspectives together, the event creates an opportunity to exchange ideas and explore approaches that could help cities adapt to changing environmental conditions.
Plan Your Visit
“Makati: Urban Recipes for a City’s Survival” will be held on September 15, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Ayala Museum, Makati Avenue corner De La Rosa Street, Greenbelt Park, Makati City. Admission is free and open to architects, urban planners, designers, students, educators, and anyone interested in sustainability, architecture, and urbanism. Interested participants may reserve a slot through the organizers’ official registration form.
