Showcasing the works of the Benilde Architecture program (BenArch), the Social and Academic Guild for Architecture (SAGA) opened its annual Portfolio Review (Po.Re) on March 27 at the 7/F and 14/F of the Design and Arts (D+A) Campus. Open to both Benildeans and non-Benildean visitors, the exhibit spans two floors, each boasting an array of design innovations, ranging from multiple forms of tectonic expression and explorative forms to more radical approaches in design.
The exhibit gathered diverse student works in one place, creating opportunities for interaction and engagement between exhibitors and the Benildean community. It stands as a place of both appreciation and knowledge—a reflection of the students, their peers, their mentors, and the context in which these interconnect and exist.
More than just a showcase
Daniele Ramos, an ID122 student from the Architecture (BS-ARCH) program and one of the exhibitors, shared in an exclusive interview with The Benildean that Po.Re goes beyond simply presenting outputs.
“It's not just to show na ‘oh ang galing ng Architecture’, but it is important to let the community know what we are doing… It is important [as a community] to actually understand where we are, not only as a student body, and for our instructors to know what is our common denominator,” she said.
This perspective reflects how Po.Re functions not only as an exhibit, but also a shared space for dialogue within the community. It became an opportunity for students to mingle, become aware of differing design philosophies, and engage in a new scale of learning.
Teamwork makes the dream work
As the exhibit entered full swing, The Benildean had the opportunity to speak to the various team members of SAGA on the preparations and experiences for this year’s architectural exhibit. SAGA President Ysabel Reyes, an ID122 student from BS-ARCH, shared her insights on the passion that went into creating an event such as this,
“With Po.Re you are able to showcase your projects, there are projects that promote change and how we can rise to be better with the help of our mentors. It shows that we can match up with the Architecture scene abroad,” she said.
Among the exhibitors, SAGA Vice President for internal affairs Nono Tan, an ID122 student from BS-ARCH, emphasized, “This year’s Po.Re is controlled, equal chances for all studios to present their best works,” he noted.
And such is noticeable in the addition of classes under the Architectural specialization courses to the usual line-up of exhibits. Under these studios, students work closely with specific mentors and develop projects within a shared direction. Studio Shoji stands in attendance for the Emergent Architecture (EMERGE) track, showcasing projects wherein they redefine and go beyond established public spaces through various creative outputs and design philosophies.
While RamosA UrbDesLab featured pragmatic urban design projects focused on site-specific projects that would help aid future city planning under the Urban Design track. There were also various outputs such as drawings, model iterations, and collages, across different courses under the BS-ARCH program—each bringing a unique mix to the event.
Co-head for logistics and exhibitor Christian Dordas, an ID122 student from BS-ARCH, shared that SAGA’s role focused on curating the space and assisting in the setup of the exhibit, while allowing students to present their works in their own way. “SAGA is there to guide and help make exhibits pop out,” he stated.
With the inclusion of off-season works and a more collaborative setup, this year’s Po.Re further reinforced its role as an inclusive platform for student design and expression.
An outlet, an identity
With an array of projects ranging from exploratory themes on redesigned marketplaces to challenging the status quo of verticality—Po.Re once again showcased the sheer creativity that has driven both mentors and students to bloom with each creation.
In an interview with The Benildean, Ar. Jiro Coronado, mentor of Syntax Academe and full-time faculty for BenArch, emphasized on how Po.Re is not just a platform for those who have their exhibits displayed but a spark of creative power to be passed to those in the Architectural field—whether they are a student or visitor. “I hope it lights the fire of the students' creative will and that it brings out the best of what they can do and what they have. Po.Re is a milestone for everyone, with the projects that they see here. It becomes their inspiration and I hope that this is something that we can sustain.”
Meanwhile, Ar. Enzo Belandres, mentor of +Axis and faculty of BenArch, expressed the importance of holding events such as this one, “It's a way for us to show credibility and legitimacy as a design school, not just for our community but for everyone else outside. So that they see where we are and where we level ourselves, where we are now and where we're going to.”
Both professors shared their encouragement for students to aspire to join Po.Re as it is a platform to build and grow oneself—not just in the Architectural field but also in mindset. Take strength in each iteration and fall—be unique, have heart, and love the technicality of it all—that will be the steps that will help towards being an exhibitor.
Community, camaraderie, and compassion
Po.Re 2026 became a space for reflection among students and visitors. For first-time attendees, the exhibit offered both inspiration and a closer look at the range of ideas within the program. Among them were ID124 students from BS-ARCH, Glys, Althea, and Kia. The three students shared how seeing the projects up close encouraged them to explore their own direction and aspire to take part in future exhibitions.
This shared experience highlighted how Po.Re extends beyond display, becoming a point of connection within the Benildean Architecture community. And in turn, SAGA Junior Officer for internals Kandice Enriquez, an ID124 student from BS-ARCH, expressed gratitude to both studios and participants, “We are grateful to all students who participated. It wouldn't be possible without them. SAGA is just the platform, but the projects and students make Po.Re important and shine. Stay committed and passionate about Architecture and show up, no matter how scared,” she shared in an interview with The Benildean.
As Po.Re 2026 remains open to both the Benildean community and to the public, it serves as a space that shapes students’ perspectives through shared experiences and exposure to diverse architectural works. It is the BenArch community that is the cornerstone and heart of the exhibit—utilizing the platform as a basis for growth and a place to foster generations of creatives.
So, when you are in need of some inspiration for your next project or simply want to appreciate the artistic collaboration of minds, make sure to visit Po.Re and include it in your list of events to look forward to.
Further updates, including the exhibit’s duration, will be announced on SAGA’s official Facebook and Instagram pages.
