Why This Filipino Architect Moved To Singapore To Become A Lecturer | Singapore Hour

Christopher Tapia's Singapore Life: A Detailed Account

Key Concepts:

• Diagetic Prototypes: Interactive, realistic prototypes used in design education to simulate user experiences.
• Problem-Based Learning (PBL): An educational approach where students learn through actively solving real-world problems.
• Inclusive Design: Designing products and services that are accessible and usable by people of all abilities and backgrounds.
• Filipino Community in Singapore: The experience of building a life and support network as Filipino expats.
• Cultural Adaptation: The process of adjusting to a new culture while maintaining one's own identity.

1. Introduction & Family Background

Christopher Tapia, an architect and senior lecturer at Republic Polytechnic (RP) in Singapore, shares his family’s journey from Haguno Bulakan, Philippines, to Singapore in 2008. The primary motivation for the move was to provide a better environment for raising their children, Rian (in secondary three) and Emmanuel (in his final year of IT with an internship). Christopher emphasizes the fortunate nature of having well-behaved children, attributing their success to the children’s inherent good character rather than solely to the environment. A playful interaction with his son, Rian, showcases their competitive spirit and close relationship, highlighted by a lighthearted race and Rian’s confident prediction of future athletic superiority.

2. Professional Life & Teaching Philosophy

Christopher’s professional life centers around architecture and education. He transitioned from practicing architecture – “building dream houses, dream offices” – to teaching at RP, where he now focuses on “building dream careers.” He is a senior lecturer teaching diploma courses in design and user experience. A key element of his teaching methodology is the use of “diagetic prototypes,” interactive simulations used to enhance the learning experience. He recently led a six-week module focused on these prototypes, emphasizing the importance of “ethical design,” defined as prioritizing “responsibility and impact,” specifically ensuring inclusivity and positive outcomes. He highlights the co-creative learning style prevalent in Singaporean education, contrasting it with more traditional approaches. He’s been teaching for over 20 years.

3. Republic Polytechnic & Collaborative Environment

Christopher describes his transition to RP as “easy,” attributing this to the institution’s emphasis on “problem-based learning” (PBL). He playfully questions the nature of PBL – “Will it give me problems or not?” – demonstrating a willingness to embrace challenges. He is highly regarded by his colleagues, described as a “great networking person” by Mak, who notes Christopher’s ability to connect people across different schools. This collaborative spirit extends to social activities, such as pickleball, which is available for free to RP staff. He values the perspective and levity offered by his colleagues, recognizing the importance of not taking life too seriously.

4. Daily Life & Community in Singapore

The video provides glimpses into Christopher’s daily life in Singapore. He and his wife initially lived in Jalan Sultan, then moved to Topayo and finally settled in Bishan, where they have resided for over a decade. Bishan’s central location and convenient access to amenities are key factors in their choice of residence. Scenes depict everyday activities like grocery shopping (buying a kilogram of lamad), getting a haircut, and enjoying meals. A humorous moment reveals his wife was initially his ex-girlfriend, highlighting their long-standing relationship. He acknowledges the ease of adapting to Singaporean culture, noting that it’s “easy to adopt into here.”

5. Maintaining Filipino Identity & Family Connections

Despite embracing life in Singapore, Christopher remains proud of his Filipino heritage. He mentions visiting his parents in the Philippines at least once a year, or having them visit Singapore. He acknowledges a slight difficulty maintaining fluency in Tagalog compared to his children, who are more proficient. He emphasizes the importance of spending quality time with his children, engaging in activities like cycling, badminton, and table tennis. The video showcases a family meal featuring authentic Filipino cuisine, including kare-kare (a peanut-based stew with beef and eggplant) and halo-halo (a mixed dessert).

6. The Filipino Community as a Support System

A significant portion of the video focuses on the strong Filipino community in Singapore. Christopher describes this group as “family away from home,” emphasizing the crucial role they played in his family’s transition. The “Kids Character Club” is highlighted as a platform for parents to bond with their children and share parenting advice, particularly valuable for new parents navigating the Singaporean context. He recounts a specific instance where the community provided unwavering support during a difficult time, solidifying their importance in his life. He states, “Singapore feels like home…they make us feel that we are valued and cherished.”

7. Social Gatherings & Cultural Exchange

The video culminates in a social gathering with friends, featuring a toast and a shared meal. The group discusses halo-halo, explaining that “halo” means “mix” in Tagalog, differentiating it from the English “hello.” This scene underscores the importance of cultural exchange and the joy of sharing traditions with others.

Notable Quotes:

• “As an architect, I’ll be building their dream houses, dream offices. But now I’m helping them build their dream careers.” – Christopher Tapia, on his shift from architecture to education.
• “Singapore feels like home. So for them to be around they make us feel that we are valued and then cherished you as well.” – Christopher Tapia, on the importance of his Filipino community.
• “Learning does not come purely from us.” – Christopher Tapia, reflecting on the problem-based learning approach at RP.

Data & Statistics:

• The family moved to Singapore in 2008.
• Rian is in secondary three.
• Emmanuel is in his final year of IT with an internship.
• Christopher has been teaching for over 20 years.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

Christopher Tapia’s story is a compelling narrative of successful cultural adaptation, professional fulfillment, and the importance of community. He demonstrates a remarkable ability to balance his Filipino heritage with his adopted life in Singapore, finding joy in both his professional pursuits and his family life. The video highlights the supportive environment at Republic Polytechnic and the invaluable role of the Filipino community in easing his family’s transition and fostering a sense of belonging. His commitment to ethical design and problem-based learning underscores his dedication to shaping the next generation of designers and innovators. Ultimately, the video portrays a life well-lived, characterized by resilience, gratitude, and a strong sense of connection.