Written by Arnel Rasheed Defensor
As the June 2026 Licensure Examination for Architects (LEA) approached, the United Architects of the Philippines Graduate Auxiliary (UAPGA) conducted its 30th rendition of LARO (Learning Architecture Out-of-the-Box), entitled LIPAD: Sinulid ng Kaalaman, Pag-angat ng Pagkatuto, from April 25 to May 10, 2026, in partnership with VIZCODE. Designed to help future architects prepare for the Architecture Licensure Examination, the two-week review program combined expert-led lectures, mock board examinations, inspiring talks, and an immersive 1:1 scale architectural standards experience that transformed technical concepts into engaging, visual learning.
Offering a wide range of activities designed to make LEA preparation more engaging, LARO aimed to provide incoming board takers with alternative ways to review while easing some of the pressure leading up to the examinations. Throughout the event, participants attended comprehensive lectures, mock board examinations, motivational talks, and interactive activities, all designed to strengthen their understanding of Philippine architectural standards and building regulations.
“Gusto rin naming mabalik yung previous concept ng LARO na parang laro talaga,” Event Deputy and National Director for Reviews, Lectures, and Seminars for Area A and B, Mr. Aries Neil Lomansoc, shared. “We want to bring back the fun sa LARO,” he added.
The campaign ran for two weeks, featuring concise yet comprehensive lectures covering key topics in the LEA syllabus. Board topnotchers, respected educators, notable practitioners, and renowned examiners were invited to share their expertise, offering fresh perspectives and encouraging meaningful discussions that deepened participants’ understanding of architecture beyond memorization. The lecture series concluded with a mock board examination, allowing participants to test their knowledge and active recall in a simulation of the actual LEA.
Soon-to-be Architect Aaron David Domondon from the Technological University of the Philippines Manila reflected on his experience, saying, “As someone who likes compartmentalized information, but bad at doing it, LARO gave me focus. It provided me with real assistance.”
The lecture series concluded with an inspiring talk from Ar. Royelle-Mae Aguinaldo, who emphasized the importance of perseverance, balance, and intentional rest throughout the review journey.
“Yung profession natin, merong integrity, kailangan mong mahirapan bago maging professional,” she stressed. “Ingatan natin yung pangalan ng propesyon.”
The event culminated with an exciting collaboration between UAPGA and VIZCODE through “FROM CODE TO SCALE: LEA Prep Experience,” held on May 10, 2026, at Bigger Pictures in Mandaluyong City. The program featured a Masterclass with January 2026 LEA First Placer Ar. Mikes Jetigan, who shared his personal journey toward becoming a licensed architect and reflected on the different learning strategies that helped him succeed.
Referencing the diverse ways people absorb information, Ar. Jetigan emphasized, “There is no single framework or perfect way to review for the boards.”
The Masterclass was followed by the much-anticipated Patasa, where participants had the opportunity to have Ar. Jetigan sharpen their pencils—a long-standing tradition symbolizing encouragement and good fortune for incoming board takers.
VIZCODE Founder and CEO Ar. Bernard Berberabe emphasized that the event was designed not only to help participants master Philippine architectural codes but also to strengthen the sense of community among future architects.
“Aside from learning and mastery of architectural codes, a lot of our segments also focus on the community aspect… more interactions with topnotchers, getting more involved, and better insights,” he shared.
The program continued with a Question and Answer forum featuring Ar. Mikes Jetigan alongside Ar. Breman Tamani, Ar. Raia Alcantara, and Ar. Francheska Balisi. Participants were given the opportunity to ask questions directly to the panel, gaining valuable insights and clarity from architects who had recently experienced the licensure examination themselves.
“Don’t overthink it,” Ar. Alcantara expressed in her parting words to the participants.
To conclude LARO 30, VIZCODE transformed architectural standards into an immersive learning experience through its 1:1 scale interactive game in partnership with Bigger Pictures. Participants stepped inside life-sized visualizations of Philippine building codes, architectural standards, and LEA concepts, allowing them to experience technical regulations through real-world dimensions and interactive challenges. By translating complex architectural diagrams into tangible experiences, the activity demonstrated how visual learning can make technical concepts more accessible, memorable, and engaging.
Ms. Marielle Castillo, a graduate of New Era University, shared what drew her to the event.
“Actually, I was just curious about the visuals. Na-attract ako sa Bigger Pictures, and knowing that VIZCODE has good visuals, I was interested in how it works.”
The event concluded with a heartfelt message from UAP National Executive Vice President Ar. Chona E. Ponce, PhD, FUAP, CBP, EUAP. She encouraged participants to continue learning even after passing the LEA, emphasizing that while earning a professional license is a remarkable achievement, meaningful experience gained from working alongside seasoned architects provides an equally important foundation for long-term success. She highlighted the importance of building technical expertise, learning from experienced professionals, and understanding the realities of architectural practice before venturing into independent practice. Her message served as a reminder that licensure is not the finish line, but the starting point of lifelong growth as an architect.
The program concluded with a ceremonial toast, sending off the June 2026 LEA board takers with well wishes for success. It was a heartfelt moment that celebrated not only their upcoming examinations but also their future roles as architects who will help shape the built environment.
UAPGA’s 30th LARO demonstrated the impact of combining quality education, mentorship, and innovative learning experiences. By bringing together respected architects, board topnotchers, educators, and aspiring professionals, the event fostered confidence, strengthened technical knowledge, and encouraged participants to approach the Architecture Licensure Examination with greater preparedness and purpose.
To officially close the event, VIZCODE Founder and CEO Ar. Bernard Berberabe delivered a final message of encouragement to the future architects preparing for the June 2026 LEA. After thanking the organizers, partners, speakers, ambassadors, and participants, he reminded everyone that success is built not only through hard work but also through intentional rest. He encouraged the examinees to recharge, trust in the preparation they had invested over the past months, visualize themselves confidently walking into the examination room, and ultimately, taking their oath as licensed architects. His closing message reflected the spirit of both LARO and VIZCODE—that meaningful preparation goes beyond passing an exam and begins with building confidence, community, and a lifelong commitment to learning.
Watch the Event Recap
Missed the event or want to relive the highlights? Watch the official recap video below to see key moments, inspiring talks, and behind-the-scenes glimpses from CODE TO SCALE: LEA Experience, co-hosted with the United Architects of the Philippines Graduate Auxiliary National, live at Bigger Pictures.
▶ Watch here: [Click here]
