This project was the output of an undergraduate research study entitled “The Three-Dimensional Presentation of Manila Cathedral’s Architectural Evolution”. It aims to produce a material showcasing the cathedral’s history through its architectural evolution. The research abstract are as follows:

Before starting the project, I read several articles about the history of the cathedral and discovered that it has undergone through several transformations before achieving its current look. Visual references such as photographs, architectural blueprints, and illustrations were utilized in recreating the structures in three-dimensional space.

I created this timeline to orient myself from time to time during production.

Originally, the plan was to recreate all the version of the cathedral but due to insufficient references, some were omitted during production. The video below is the first version of the project with the working title, “The Eight Faces of Manila Cathedral”.

This was presented to a group of panelist and was critiqued. I considered all their recommendations and applied it on the final output.

The first version of the cathedral has limited historical records, but still made it in the final cut for it establishes the cathedral’s humble beginnings. The model produced was based from a typical bahay kubo.

I used Autodesk Maya to create and texture the models. The process of three-dimensional modeling was done by creating polygons in reference to an image at the back. It would be refined further using different photo references to get the look.

To fill in the places of the statues, I placed downloaded models and re-textured it. The ship was also downloaded but not re-textured.

The trees, buildings, and other elements were added through Lumion. The animation and most of the rendering process were also done through the software.

The scenes were compiled and post processed through Adobe After Effects. Visual effects, voice-over, and background music were laid over.

To add life to the scenes, natural elements such as wind, dust, and flying birds were added.

After a few months of research and production, the final output was produced.

It was presented and was successfully defended at a thesis defense under School of Multimedia and Visual Arts (now School of Media Arts) at Mapua Institute of Technology, Intramuros (now Mapua University). It was also uploaded online which garnered attention in social media. The management of The Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of Immaculate Conception (Manila Cathedral) noticed the work and asked for my permission to use it as a promotional material. It is currently posted on their official website. (link: http://manilacathedral.com.ph/history)

In December 2017, Manila Cathedral celebrated its 60th anniversary. A small exhibit was opened inside the cathedral. The project was among the highlights of the exhibit.

On the lent of 2019, CNN Philippines premiered a documentary entitled "Inang Simbahan: Ang Kuwento ng Manila Cathedral". Parts of the project were shown on the documentary.