For Sean Kyle Tonsay, performance isn’t just an art—it’s a language. One that moves, connects, remembers.
It’s no surprise, then, that his architectural thesis, “A Performing Arts Complex for Silay City,” pulses with rhythm, breathes culture, and dances between the past and the future. Titled HUBLAG—the Hiligaynon word for movement—his project doesn’t just propose a building; it embodies a vision for how a city tells its story.
“As a performer myself,” Sean shares, “I’ve seen how the arts can preserve identity, inspire change, and unite communities. Silay, with all its heritage, felt like the perfect place to amplify that.”
Known as the “Paris of Negros”, Silay is rich in ancestral houses, old-world charm, and a quiet but vibrant creative energy. Yet, as Sean noticed, there’s something missing: a centralized, modern space where art isn’t just remembered—but reimagined.
So, he designed one.
HUBLAG is a love letter in architecture. Inspired by local dances and the organic motion of cultural gatherings, the complex flows like choreography—from open plazas that invite spontaneous expression, to rehearsal studios, flexible performance halls, and communal learning spaces. Sean fuses traditional Filipino aesthetics with a contemporary, post-modern edge—resulting in a space that feels both rooted and revolutionary.
Every detail serves a purpose:
Barrier-free paths make sure no one is left out.
Open, flexible spaces adapt to both grand productions and grassroots workshops.
Material choices and spatial rhythms echo Silay’s own language of movement and community.
But it’s not just about the performers.
“This space is for everyone,” Sean emphasizes. “Whether you’re an artist, a student, a tourist, or a resident—this is where you can come to be moved, to feel connected, to see your culture celebrated.”
The long-term vision? A cultural landmark. A creative incubator. A living monument that celebrates what Silay has always had—its artistic heart—and gives it the platform it deserves.
“I want this to be more than a structure,” Sean says. “I want it to be a spark.”
And with HUBLAG, that spark just might light a fire across generations.
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