Felino Palafox, Jr.: Asia's Most Popular Urban Planner

I remember meeting with the renowned Filipino Architect a few times in the last couple of years. Each time, I was with some foreign property developers trying to build a top notch resort and retirement village in Morong, Bataan, very near the Subic Freeport Zone. Right now, the same US based property developer is working closely with Arch. Jun Palafox for the master planning of a 200 hectare world class resort community in the outskirts of Cebu.

Although the Bataan project has not materialized as of this time because of land ownership and environmental issues, I had an opportunity to listen to the very talented Architect-Planner as he described to us his visions about urban planning for some important places in the Philippines like the Pasig River and other impotant places in the country. He also emphasized the need for proper town planning in developing towns and cities throughout the country.

Because of his continuing quest for new technologies in the field of architecture and urban planning, he was able to provide answers to varied questions about future projects as they affect or compliment the given environment in different project sites or locations. His hectic schedules did not stop him from further educating himself by attending and participating in important and relevant conferences in the field architecture and urban planning. He even tried to find time to impart his experiences and knowledge to his students in one of the best universities in the USA where is is a visiting professor.

With several on-going and big ticket projects in different parts of the world, I find it hard to believe that he can make time for himself to visit and really work with his seasoned staff in various locations all over the world. He always make it a point to make himself available for consultation with the proponents of these porojects, be they government entities or private property developers.

Some of his on-going projects include: a US$1billion dollar worth logistics and service hub in Clark Freeport Zone, a 38 kilometer waterfront development in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, High rise residential projects is Dubai and the Pasig RIver Develpment Project, among others. His architectural firm has projects in 32 countries with more projects programed for the next few years.

The Architectural and Urban Planning firm of Jun Palafox has been in the business for almost 20 yrears and is now considered as one of the world's top 200 architectural firms according to a London-based Architecture magazine. It has also been certified as ISO compliant firm.

There are so much to say about the success story of Arch. Jun Palafox and his Architectural and Urban Planning firm. I wish to write more about his formula for success to serve as an inspiration for others to follow and emulate.

When I see him again I will gather more information about his formula for success. And when I do, I will write a second series to this article. As I write this piece, I am not even sure if he would still recall our past few meetings.