Cadiz City isn’t just a place—it’s a story in motion. And for architecture student Joseph Nap Batobatan, that story deserves a stage.
His thesis, “A Cultural Center and Park for Cadiz City,” is not just a tribute to hometown pride—it’s a declaration that creativity belongs at the center of community life..
“The idea came from a real need,” Joseph shares. “With the success of Kadisnon Lunsod Lunsad and our back-to-back wins at the Panaad Festival, the city’s creative energy is undeniable. But we lack a space where that brilliance can grow.”
Enter his bold concept: “A Village of Culture.”
Here, architecture becomes narrative. Twelve galleries, each inspired by a unique aspect of Cadiznon life—from the majestic 12 whales to the humble beauty of Ata weaving, from rice terraces and stilt houses to the riotous energy of the Dinagsa Festival—form an interconnected cultural landscape. These aren’t just rooms with exhibits. They’re living expressions of identity, linked by walkways, open courtyards, and gathering spaces that invite people to move, interact, and belong.
“Like a woven fabric,” Joseph explains, “everything is connected—people, culture, space.”
But this isn’t a museum to tiptoe through. It’s a place for everyone. Joggers loop around the park. Kids race through play areas. Artists set up easels. Elders tell stories under shaded trees. With PWD-friendly ramps, bike access, and human-scaled design, this complex welcomes the entire community—not just as visitors, but as participants.
At its core, the project does something powerful: it turns culture into a shared experience, not just a spectacle. It invites Cadiznons to see their heritage not as history, but as something living, evolving, and proudly theirs.
“This space is for nurturing our talent,” Joseph says. “But it’s also a way to say to the world: This is Cadiz. This is who we are.”
It’s a place to gather. A place to learn. A place to be proud of.
And in that vision, Joseph Batobatan doesn’t just design a park—he builds a future where culture leads.
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