Cover Sacheen Sandalo, Jack Lagat, Elo Quiambao, and Sarah De Veyra-Buyco opened Navitas Learning Haus for all those who would like to unlock more potential portals for leaning (Photo: Navitas Learning; Illustration: Raphael Quiason)
Sacheen Sandalo, Jack Lagat, Elo Quiambao, and Sarah De Veyra-Buyco opened Navitas Learning Haus for all those who would like to unlock more potential portals for leaning (Photo: Navitas Learning; Illustration: Raphael Quiason)
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Life is a big, never-ending school. Navitas, a unique learning centre, events space, and café, built in a restored and remodelled old house in Poblacion, Makati, offers kids and young-at-heart various new ways to appreciate education
Elo Quiambao, a former preschool teacher, along with her colleague Sarah de Veyra-Buyco and their fellow programme directors at Navitas Learning Haus, trace their shift towards establishing an unconventional learning space back to the COVID-19 pandemic. As this period reshaped perspectives for a great many people, for Quiambao it proved to be an opportunity to rethink education. As the head of Navitas Life and Learning Inc.—which first launched in Poblacion, Makati, and is set to open its inaugural location in Tagaytay—she saw a new way for people to learn and pursue their passions.
“When our everyday rituals were put to a temporary stop, we had a space to reflect on what the next chapter in our lives would be,” Quiambao says, sharing one of the realities educators had to face in that period in our recent history.
“I’ve been in the [traditional] school setup for almost 30 years, but even then, I wanted to break free from a more organised and structured system,” she continues.
Read more: Beyond the Crown: Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray’s enduring fight for education with Young Focus
Above At the foyer of Navitas Learning Haus is The Common Room, which retains many of the original parts of the old house that once stood in its location (Photo: Navitas Life and Learning, Inc)
At the foyer of Navitas Learning Haus is The Common Room, which retains many of the original parts of the old house that once stood in its location (Photo: Navitas Life and Learning, Inc)
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Quiambao clarified that while traditional and institutional school systems are not inherently flawed, she believes there is room to enhance these methodologies to foster more holistic cognitive development.
Together with her husband, Quiambao purchased a 3,000-square-metre property in Tagaytay, initially intended as the site for Navitas. “Its literal translation is ‘life’, ‘energy’, ‘get up and go’,” she explains. “I told myself before that one day, if there’s a grand project that life will give me, I’m going to call it ‘Navitas’.”
Read more: Why empathy and self-forgiveness are key to overcoming trauma
Above In front of the house is Jiro Coffee, a tenant café of the establishment which was designed to seem like a sari-sari store that fits perfectly with the existing aesthetics of the neighbourhood (Photo: Navitas Life and Learning, Inc)
In front of the house is Jiro Coffee, a tenant café of the establishment which was designed to seem like a sari-sari store that fits perfectly with the existing aesthetics of the neighbourhood (Photo: Navitas Life and Learning, Inc)
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The original vision for the establishment was to provide an outdoor space for activities, supervised play and innovative learning experiences—particularly in response to the ongoing pandemic.
“Navitas is an invitation to all individuals and families out there to rethink learning,” Quiambao shares. “Does it really happen only in schools? Does it really follow only a certain timeline based on an individual’s age? Is it really highly seen by the name of our degree or university? Are ‘classmates’ or ‘teachers’ really defined only by a number of things we have gotten used to? All these are good... But what if learning goes beyond these perceived platforms and formats?”
The construction of Navitas Garden in Tagaytay City took longer than anticipated. Fortunately, a quaint house with 1970s-era architecture became available in Makati’s trendy Poblacion district.
“We didn’t expect to find this property. One thing led to another,” Quiambao recalls. Many features of the original house were preserved and repainted, including the cladding, stairs, flooring, sliding door leading to the pocket garden and the massive double door at the entrance. Meanwhile, several elements required updates, such as the wiring, pipes, and insulation. Most importantly, the space had to be adapted to accommodate the learning centre’s various programmes.
Above Cultural performances and workshops are part of the Navitas Learning Haus’s programme (Photo: Navitas Life and Learning, Inc)
Above In November 9, Navitas Learning Haus hosted a classical guitar evening spearheaded by the Metropolitan Guitar Quartet, which also performed during the opening of the establishment (Photo: Navitas Life and Learning, Inc)
Cultural performances and workshops are part of the Navitas Learning Haus’s programme (Photo: Navitas Life and Learning, Inc)
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The programmes from Navitas include Math is not the Villain, helmed by teacher Sacheen Lee Sandalo. “Her dream was to forward math and love for math in a way that doesn’t scare people,” Quiambao says.
Another unconventional approach that Navitas offers is its Teacher Jack’s Guidance and Counselling programme, led by Jack Lagat. “She’s the counselor you meet not because you have a problem or are in trouble,” Quiambao says.
To reiterate that art is not only for the gifted, De Veyra-Buyco gives the Auntie’s Artnest programme. Meanwhile, Quiambao leads reading literacy through the Storytelling programme.
Above The Story Room is one of the spaces for rent at Navitas Learning Haus and usually used for many of its regular programmes (Photo: Navitas Learning Haus)
The Story Room is one of the spaces for rent at Navitas Learning Haus and usually used for many of its regular programmes (Photo: Navitas Learning Haus)
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“The brevity of life and mortality became very strong in our heads during the pandemic. A lot of people, including ourselves, resorted to online means of communication like Zoom. And we found ourselves asking, ‘What if, by some form of privilege, we’re told that we have six months to live and that it’s not going to be in the future? What would be one thing that we’d want to share with others?’” Quiambao raises the question quite poignantly, emphasising the importance of intimacy that might have been lost in the consciousness of many at the onset of the decade.
“Me, it’s storytelling. I still want to read books to children. With Sarah, it’s art. I think that question was a very good way to distil what’s most important in us,” Quiambao answers.
Navitas Learning House is a refuge for children, parents, and lifelong learners who want to spend more time with activities and people they value the most. Among its spaces for rent is The Kitchen, a show kitchen complete with appliances that visitors may use to make sumptuous meals for each other or even have a neatly aestheticised video of it.
Above Inside Quriocity, a newly-built space in the house, situated on the second floor. (Photo: Navitas Learning Haus)
Inside Quriocity, a newly-built space in the house, situated on the second floor. (Photo: Navitas Learning Haus)
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Another space on the ground floor is dedicated to art-making classes and book-reading sessions. Its décor evokes a sense of childlike wonder, inviting visitors to reconnect with their imagination.
The Common Room is a versatile space ideal for creative meetings, workshops, talks, book clubs, and other interest-based gatherings. Its warm, homey backdrop fosters a tranquil atmosphere and encourages meaningful exchanges.
The Story Room is designed for more than just storytelling sessions—it serves as an inviting space for private gatherings that require a quiet and relaxed setting. Depending on the group’s preference, tables and chairs can be arranged, or guests can unwind on the preserved wooden flooring.
Upstairs is Quriocity, an intimate venue with a rustic-industrial ambience, offering a blank canvas for various events, including exhibitions, lectures, and more.
Above Navitas Learning Haus is trying to reframe learning itself. The environment doesn’t always have to be a school but a place that appeals both to adults and children (Photo: Navitas Learning Haus)
Navitas Learning Haus is trying to reframe learning itself. The environment doesn’t always have to be a school but a place that appeals both to adults and children (Photo: Navitas Learning Haus)
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Navitas Learning Haus is not a traditional school that offers certification of completion or holds commencement exercises. As a result, it operates independently of the Philippine government’s Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education.
“Think of it as a summer school or enrichment course. Perhaps post-school for adults who prefer having more avenues for learning that would complement what they have already learned formally. We see it more as a creative house. You can be going to a regular school throughout the week and experience something different on weekends,” Quiambao clarifies.
Above Sacheen Sandalo, Jack Lagat, Elo Quiambao, and Sarah De Veyra-Buyco opened Navitas Learning Haus for all those who would like to unlock more potential portals for learning (Photo: Navitas Learning)
Sacheen Sandalo, Jack Lagat, Elo Quiambao, and Sarah De Veyra-Buyco opened Navitas Learning Haus for all those who would like to unlock more potential portals for learning (Photo: Navitas Learning)
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Innately and endlessly curious, Quiambao’s childhood played a significant role in shaping her vision for Navitas Learning Haus. While some might see this project as a way for the teachers and their adult students to heal their inner child, the educators themselves see it differently. Rather than revisiting their own past, they aim to share the childhood they experienced with a new generation.
“We would be playing in the streets when the rain would pour. After we did our assignments in the afternoon, we would play with other kids in the streets—not needing the supervision of adults. In lieu of digital media content and television, our grandparents would tell us stories while our parents were preparing our food to eat. We would climb trees and appreciate nature. In a way, learning happens in those peculiar moments,” Quiambao recalls.
For the pioneering batch of educators at Navitas Learning Haus, introducing learning in an organic, unstructured way is something they deeply believe in—so much so that it has become second nature to them.
“This is my work. This is what I want. I want my life and work to be just one and the same, to the point that I don’t feel like I’m working anymore... I also want others to have a memorable childhood,” Quiambao says.
For those interested in signing up for this month’s programmes of Navitas Learning Haus and their available spaces for rent, you may check their website at navitaslife.com.ph
This article is part of Business of Good, the series that explores how global leaders drive change through innovative ideas and positive action. New stories are out every Wednesday.
OTHER STORIES IN THIS SERIES
ArtSee co-founder Nabillah Jalal on how music mentoring bridges cultural and educational gaps
How Thrive is empowering cancer patients by supporting their mental health
From finance to conservation: Moses Tsang’s mission to inspire change for a greener future
About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
Work
Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
