14/11/2025
โ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐๐๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐ช๐ต๐ผ ๐๐ผ๐ฒ๐ ๐ถ๐ ๐๐น๐นโ
By Althea C. Bonto, Publication Head of UAPSA Area C2
One of the most common struggles that a college student faces is the balancing between academics and hobbies. For most of them, it simply isn't an option. Sacrifices always have to be made. Greatness demands commitment, and a program as gruelling as Architecture calls for no less.
For ๐ฌ๐๐น ๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐น ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐๐ผ๐ป, a sophomore Architecture student at Silliman University, it isn't as black and white. Instead of choosing between one's hobbies and their academic life, why don't we let our passions feed our architecture?
When he isn't painstakingly poring over the details of his latest plate, Dionson can be
found laying strokes of color down with the precision of a scientist on the verge of a breakthrough. Wet plumes of viridian and burnt sienna stain the fibers of the page, breathing life
into what would be his next plein air piece in his signature realistic flair.
Otherwise, he might be rehearsing for his next choir recital. Yul is also a member of the
Silliman University Campus Choristers, an acclaimed singing ensemble known for its choral
performances and competitions. Recently, he joined a benefit concert at St. Joseph Seminary in
Sibulan with artists from the Negros Oriental Music Society. He says that his hobbies like art and Music have always been his way to express himself and unwind from the demands of Architecture.
Although his relaxed demeanor might tell you differently, Dionson isn't one to shy away
from a competition. One of his feats include joining an eight-hour on the spot painting competition for Pintahusay 2024 at the National Festival of Talents. Representing his hometown of Bais City, he carried with him not just his brushes and paints, but his pride in the culture that
shaped him. Dionsonโs subjects are often windows into the everyday; portrayals of the mundane
that need no flourish to appreciate. Indigenous people in the mountains of Bais, local communities, animals, as well as familiar landmarks and landscapes grace the stretch of his
canvases. His dedication to depicting the beauty of his roots is consistent. He recently painted a
series of watercolor artworks featuring Sillimanโs buildings and landmarks in a collection called
โSilliman Through My Eyesโ, which went on to be displayed during the Universityโs 124th
Founding Anniversary.
I was agasp with awe after reading about the extent of Yulโs extracurricular pursuits. It
didn't seem normal for a person to flourish in so many aspects of life and still have the vigor left
over for their architecture projects. Yet this wasn't an issue for Yul, in fact, it's art that inspires
many of his projects. He shares with me that the project he is most proud of is his Kindergarten design, the idea for which came from him watching children do origami. Their sense of imagination, evident as they transform a simple sheet of paper into endless forms and shapes,
was pivotal in how Yul approached his design. The angular, jagged roof of the building surges
outward with all the energy of a child ready to play.
โThe goal of this project was to create a nurturing and inspiring environment that
supports childrenโs natural curiosity and freedom to explore,โ He adds. โThe design philosophy
was influenced by Takaharu Tezukaโs open and boundary-less approach to learning spaces,
where children can experience a sense of community, movement, and connection with nature.โ
Even though Yul is in the early part of his architecture journey, thereโs already much to
learn from his approach. He admits that even he experiences periods when his well of creativity
runs dry. Taking it easy, Yul believes, is the key to unlocking imagination. Instead of forcing the
inspiration to arrive, he resets by browsing the internet, taking a walk, buying food, or watching something.
โAfter that, the ideas usually come back naturally,โ he supplies.
โI think itโs important to stay curious and open to learning. Whether in art or architecture,
growth takes time. Donโt rush yourself โ explore, make mistakes, and enjoy the process. What
matters is that you keep creating and keep moving forward.โ
For more of Yulโs artworks and projects, you can find them on his page, Yul
Gabriel: Artistry & Architecture.
