Heritage

In the Eyes of the Top 3: An Interview with New Architects of 2023

The top 3 for LEA June 2023 share their insights on how it is to prep, undergo, and succeed the exam

July 6, 2023

Shan Arcega

Every January and June, architecture students have the chance to take the Licensure Examination for Architects (LEA)–the nationwide exam managed by the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) and an essential test architecture students need to pass before finally becoming licensed architects.

For June 2023, the Philippines has 2.9k architecture students who passed the exam with the top three being students from Ateneo de Davao University, University of Nueva Caceres, and the University of Santo Tomas, respectively. Here’s an exclusive and short interview where each of the new, top three architects who’ll soon help shape inspiring architecture will share their feelings on being the top notchers, what they did to prep for the exam, and tips for future exam-takers.

Fritz Mari Sangalang Sendrijas

Fritz Sendrijas, an Ateneo de Davao University graduate ranked Top 1 in the June 2023 LEA, Sendrijas is actually one of those students who never dreamed about being an architect until he realized that inspiring and influencing people is something that he can do as an architect.

“Every time I am asked this question, my answer would always be because I like Math and Art.” Sendrijas says, “For 8 years, that is how I would respond to such questions. But right now, it’s more than that. I want to become an architect because I want to inspire and influence people. I want to help them build their dreams and impact their lives positively. I want to help them tell their stories through architecture. Most importantly, I want to take part in conserving the environment and our heritage.”

Congratulations on passing the licensure exam! It must’ve been an arduous journey. How did you feel when you first heard you passed? Better yet, how did it feel knowing you’re among the top 3?

Upon seeing my name in the list of passers, I was already thrilled and thankful. So, when my friend told me that I topped the board exam, honestly, I couldn’t believe it. It was very overwhelming. I didn’t know what to feel. I’m just very grateful to everyone who helped me, most especially to God who sustained me. I knew I had the slimmest chance of being part of the Top 10, what more to be the Top 1 but He made it possible.

Exams can get a little nerve-wracking, what were the preparations you did pre-exam?

After my two years of apprenticeship, I decided to resign from work and focus on my review. I enrolled in two review centers. The review was very challenging for me because I’m not a studious type of person. So, I tried to be consistent, making sure that I would spend at least two hours studying every day, be it through reading my review materials, watching informative videos, or discussing the topics with my study group. I created a Discord channel with my group wherein we would spend at least 1 day per week either studying together and/or taking various quizzes/mock exams together. We also visited different hardware stores to familiarize ourselves with different building materials and tools. We attended mass after almost every review session. We did novena together too, and the day before the exam, we visited different churches and prayed together. Lastly, two days before the exam, I stopped studying and relaxed. I even got a full body massage the night before to help me calm my nerves and prepare me for the exam.

What were the biggest challenges you faced as an architecture student? How’d you overcome them?

Architecture is a very demanding program. When I was still a student, I was physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially challenged. There were a lot of sleepless nights and exhausting days. On top of that, math subjects were very difficult, and our thesis was individual. To overcome these, it’s always best to have faith, dedication, and a support system like your family and friends. Don’t forget to stay physically and mentally healthy as well.

What do you love about architecture?

Aside from its diverse history and natural beauty, what I love most about architecture is its power to transform people and the community. Genuine architecture is not self-serving, and it always aims to create harmony with nature, people, and culture.

Any tips for the next batch of student architects who’ll be taking the next exam soon?

Faith, Determination, and Confidence – these things helped and will continue to help me in going through life. Don’t isolate yourself and enjoy the journey with your friends. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself and don’t be too complacent, as well. Dream big and be more. Don’t forget to have faith, work hard, and believe in yourself.

What do you do to relieve pressure or stress?

When I feel burned out and emotionally drained, I would usually go biking, binge-watch movies and/or play mobile games with friends. I think in everything that we do, it is important to find balance and to not be too hard on yourself. Find time to enjoy and relax, and don’t forget to pray as well. It is a very powerful yet comforting way to relieve stress and pressure.

Any firms you’re thinking of joining soon? Where and why?

I don’t actually have specific firms in mind, but I am looking for a design-driven, forward-looking, and environmentally conscious firm where I can learn more and grow professionally. I want to work in a firm that is not self-serving and always prioritizes its people.

Rizza Mae Marollano Pardiñas

*The University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) graduate, Rizza Pardiñas, Top 2 in the June 2023 LEA*

The University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) graduate, Rizza Pardiñas has dreamt of becoming an architect for a long time now. Specifically, all the way back when she was still in high school, and around the same time she learned more about the term ‘architecture’.

“It just fits perfectly with my passions, namely mathematics, science, and arts. Back then, I can see my future self as an architect.”

It was surreal! I was actually outside when I heard the news from my friend and I couldn’t believe it. Truthfully, I was feeling a bit down days after the exam, as I thought there was a chance I won’t pass. God surprised me and allowed me to not just pass the exam but to be among the Top 3. I’m beyond thankful for the experience.

Exams can get a little nerve-wracking, what were the preparations you did pre-exam?

I’d say my “formal” preparations started a year ago as I was supposed to take the January 2023 exam but due to circumstances, I needed to push it back to June 2023. I started by watching youtube videos of previous top notchers and board passers to have an overview of the exam and to learn and emulate their best practices. I was inspired by their stories and dreamed of being able to share my own story too, someday. I enrolled in a review center that equipped us with the knowledge we can use in the board exam and in our practice as architects. Plus, I augmented my learnings by doing my own research and watching construction vlogs and documentaries. I was curious about everything and thought of the WHYs and HOWs of things, instead of just asking the WHATs. Fortunately, we’re living in a world where technology made it easier to obtain information.

What were the biggest challenges you faced as an architecture student? How’d you overcome them?

The biggest challenge I faced as an architecture student was probably when all of the subjects have close deadlines. My time management skills were really trained and it prepared me for a life-long profession of deadlines. I believe the keys to overcoming this are to be organized and to have the discipline to stick with your schedule.

What do you love about architecture?

What I love about architecture is how it affects the everyday lives of people. Although not many people realize it, architecture actually influences our decisions and emotions. Also, I love being part of the dreams of the clients and seeing them happy with your designs. Just like what Ar. Robert Stern said, “The dialogue between the client and architect is about as intimate as any conversation you can have because when you’re talking about building a house, you’re talking about dreams.”

Any tips for the next batch of student architects who’ll be taking the next exam soon?

My advice is to not get overwhelmed by the amount of things to study. Start by writing down your motivations and aspirations in life and asking for God’s guidance to help you achieve those God-given dreams. When things get rough, hold on to your vision, dedication, and faith. Do not be afraid to aim for the moon because even if you missed, you’ll surely land among the stars. My friend shared this quote when we were in 1st year of college and it’s stuck with me ever since.

What do you do to relieve pressure or stress?

As for me, I find listening to music and singing along (although it’s not my gift) very relaxing. Meditating, praying, and keeping a journal also helped me organize my thoughts. Ideally, doing exercises also helps although I had a hard time applying this.

Any firms you’re thinking of joining soon? Where and why?

As of now, I’m not yet sure where to work or If I should do freelance. I hope to work in an environment where I can grow further as an architect and where I can contribute to the future of our nation. To be able to help shape our built environment that will greatly affect people’s lives and our surroundings is both an honor and a huge responsibility.

Nadine Anne Laurente Bagon

*Nadine Bagon is a graduate of The University of Santo Tomas (UST) and Top 3 in the June 2023 LEA.*

The top 3rd highest passer in the licensure exam, Nadine Bagon is a graduate of the University of Santo Tomas (UST). Her dream of being an architect started when she was in her last year of high school.

“I had a drafting subject and I really enjoyed what I was doing. I actually can’t remember if I was any good at it, I think I was just decent with it? (laughs). But yeah, that’s when I figured that architecture would be one of the choices I had in mind for college.”

Thanks again for the greetings! I first heard, rather read, that I passed from my block mate in college through chat. The announced date of the results was June 15, but I was already anticipating that they might release it earlier, that’s why I was already feeling anxious that day. When I first read the message, I didn’t immediately reply to it, and I still nervously searched for my name in the list of the board passers. When I saw my name, I just felt relieved and thought to myself that I can finally relax and all tension that I’d been feeling since I was reviewing was gone. I actually first read from a chat with a friend that I was in the top 10, as well. Again, I didn’t believe it immediately and frantically searched for the list of Top 10. I think because of all the giddy and nervousness that I’m feeling, I wasn’t able to find it. I just asked my friend for the link where she got her screenshot and that was it. My mother was just shouting when we knew and I think I was just speechless. My brother arrived at our house and when he heard the news, that’s when we just both started crying. It just felt surreal that I was able to pass and better yet, I was in the top 3. Even now, I still feel the same way when I think about being a placer.

Exams can get a little nerve-wracking, what were the preparations you did pre-exam?

The day before the exam, I went to St. Jude with a friend and attended a mass. I couldn’t review anymore as I was tired already and went to bed early to wake up early too. Unfortunately, I couldn’t sleep immediately as I usually sleep later. This was really bad and it caused me to have a headache during the afternoon of my day 1 exam. Thankfully, it still went well and I passed. I also followed and did a few superstitions (laughs) and shopped for red garment for good luck. I had my co-worker who was also my mentor, my professor at UST, my friend who was also a topnotcher, and my mom to sharpen my pencils that I will use for the exams.

What were the biggest challenges you faced as an architecture student? How’d you overcome them?

The biggest challenge I faced as an architecture student was definitely when I had to re-defend my thesis in my last year. It was difficult and very sad for me to not be able to pass and graduate with my friends. I think what I did then is I just rested for a few days to help me get back on track and I just did what I needed to do, revised what needed to be changed, and made improvements to my thesis to make it better. I finally passed on my second defense and it felt the same way when I knew I passed the boards, just relieved and very happy that I was able to finish what I started.

I think another biggest challenge I faced when I was a student was in my second year. Architecture was actually my second choice for college, Education being first. I was really having a hard time on my school projects then and I was kind of feeling burned out. I really wanted to shift courses then but through the help of my family, especially my mother, I was able to push through and made it by the end of my academic year. Since then, I just continued on my journey and here we are now.

What do you love about architecture?

I’m a very outgoing and social person and in architecture, one of the most important things to do is to get to know your client. To design a functional and successful project, it must answer to the client’s needs and provide even more, aiding in the client’s satisfaction. To do that, architects have a task to understand how the client would use the space, how he lives, his daily routines, etc. Our design process involves interacting with so many people in the field, not only with the client but also with allied engineers and construction staff and I think that’s what I enjoy most about the field, getting to know more people and at the same time, learning so much from them.

Any tips for the next batch of student architects who’ll be taking the next exam soon?

What I did then was I just followed the schedule of my review center, watched all their lecture videos, and read all the review materials that I could read. I think it’s also important to prioritize what review materials you’ll read. There were many review materials that circulated when I was reviewing, from review groups, friends that already passed, and my review center.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by them and I felt like I was drowning even when I was just scanning the load on these materials. It’s important to read first the priority subjects/topics first and just dive into the other sub-related topics when you finish the important ones. I think what also helped me greatly was to have a daily routine that works for me. What worked for me was not to stay up very late because I was already sleepy by then and reviewing without focus would just be a waste of time. Instead, I just woke up early and started my review early in the morning. This doesn’t mean that this is what you should do, find one that works for you. As for my friend, who was also in the top 3 last January ALE 2023, what worked for her is that she stayed up late every day to review and maximized her time. For me, I sometimes needed to take breaks to calm and rest my mind. At the start of my review, I was actually planning to be one of those reviewers that had their walls filled with review notes, but I wasn’t able to do that as it would take so much of my time when I could just be reading and reviewing. It’s very important to find out what works for you and not just copy your friends’ or others’ study styles or techniques. Don’t think often about the exam if it would just cause you to stress and panic and instead, just maximize your time to review and do your best every day leading up to the exam. Knowing that you prepared for this exam and did your best would greatly help to calm your nerves on exam day.

What do you do to relieve pressure or stress?

What I did then in my breaks was I watched an episode from a Netflix Series or a gameplay of my favorite streamer, I also went out sometimes with a few friends and had some drinks or just to catch up. I actually had a booked trip to Boracay with a few friends in the middle of my review. It was for a few days so that motivated me to review more than usual leading up to and after the trip as well, as to compensate for the time I lost during my short vacation.

Any firms you’re thinking of joining soon? Where and why?

A few companies have contacted me and asked if I had any interest in joining their company. Right now, I’m just still keeping my options open, whether to go back to my previous employer or to join and look for a new company that could further my experience in the field.

Exams of all kinds are some of the biggest stressors and challenges a student can experience. Passing this challenge in the architecture industry though is a milestone that not only gifts these new architects with more life lessons but also serves as inspiration and motivation for the pursuit of a fulfilling job that inspires others.

Of course, milestones like these aren’t accomplished alone. Here are just some short messages of gratitude from these topnotchers to their loved ones:

Fritz Mari Sangalang Sendrijas

To God, my grandparents in heaven, Pa, Ma, Ate Cheska, Ate Frances, Kuya Fernan, AltruFamily, Archi-D Family, my alma mater, teachers, mentors most especially to Ar. Bianne, Ar. Art and Ar. Love, my study group – Ar. Bel, Ar. Fave, Ar. Donna, Ar. RJ, Ar. Jasmine and Ar. Izan, my review centers, JPT & ArcStudio, coworkers, friends, relatives and everyone who helped me one way or another to reach this point in my life, THANK YOU SO MUCH! I will always be grateful to all of you.

Rizza Mae Marollano Pardiñas

I’d like to thank my family, relatives, friends, mentors, my alma mater, the University of Nueva Caceres, JPT Review Center, GPAD Studio, and everyone who prayed for me. I truly appreciate the encouraging words and support you’ve extended. This success is a conglomeration of all of your help and God’s grace in my life.

Nadine Anne Laurente Bagon

I’d like to thank my family, especially my mom, for always supporting me during my review and helping me in every bit of my need. Thank you for being patient with me as I can get hot-headed when pressure and stress take a toll on me. To all of my friends that were supporting me all the way and helped me relieve my stress and calm my nerves. To all of the people that believed in me, my brother and father, Mau, Christian, Eugene, Jam, Dan, David, and my other friends, that I can be a placer on the top 10, without your faith in me, I wouldn’t even have thought or had faith in myself that I can. To Liana and Jev, whom I constantly asked my non-stop and paranoid questions for the exam. To the review center that guided and fully prepared me for the boards. Finally, to God and St. Jude, whom I prayed to every morning before my review, every day after my exam, and before the result, thank you for everything.

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