“Fresh” isn’t really a problem, as PLAN’s transition from a few pages of (expensive) monochromatic print to a full-color online format guaranteed freshness from the start. With our new incarnation now able to transcend physical, financial, temporal, and geographic limitations, we are delighted by the overwhelming possibilities of cramming everything our stressed-out brains could cook up.

For starters, we thought of having a theme for each issue. We have devoted this release to Philippine/Filipino Landscape Architecture, June being the month associated with nationalism. Auspiciously it was at this time that the “father of Philippine landscape architecture,” IP Santos, was recognized as a national artist. We also introduce new sections and renamed old ones. In Focus zeroes in on the theme with an apt story. In Class Act an academician takes time off from books and shares his or her piece on the theme, while In Practice gives a designer in the field space for tackling real-world concerns. An undergraduate pens a story for New Blood while architect Abby Abiol’s travelogues fill Mole in My Sole . Finally, Details outlines product and technology.

The “appealing” requirement is also relatively easy to meet – just put Dicky’s picture in as many pages as humanly possible. He wouldn’t be called a heartthrob for nothing!

Now, the “quarterly” demand would be the easiest to fulfill IF we had more cooks to mind the broth. It is no surprise then that this revamped PLAN took some time to be served. Plain and simple, we badly need contributors to spice up the next editions.

Ultimately, no matter how challenging, assembling this issue has been an affirmation of our belief that the future for landscape architecture is rosy as ever.

Cheers!

Karla and Joseph

P.S. Watch out for the Environment Issue. If you wish to pitch in for a story or two, or send a letter of encouragement, email us at plan_editorial@yahoo.com. We also welcome snacks and coffee refills.