To say that Gil Francis Maningo is a multi-disciplinary artist is an understatement. This Cebuano wears many hats: as a photographer, a composer, an actor, a recording artist under the OctoArts label, graphic artist in the Chicago Sun Times Magazine, the founder of the brand of shirts dubbed as KULAS (Kusog ug Ligi-on ang Sugbuanon), a student of National Artist Jose Joya and Martino Abellana (“the Amorsolo of the South”), an ardent admirer of American-Indian art, a caricaturist and a visual artist. But for Gil, every role, well, practically everything is a manifestation of grace. And “to experience the illumination of grace in every aspect of life” is the message of his art.
Gil says that his faith in God’s plan gives him the courage to overcome challenges and fears. “Every person has something they cherish, whether conceptual, abstract, or tangible — lavish or miserly. It is a requirement in life that one holds dear to something. But we realize our treasure only when we step out and experience life as an adventure.”
Life is an adventure and Gil’s canvases are adventurous and colored with lightheartedness and controlled abandon. According to the artist: the tedious process of experimentation is an externalization of the gift of curiosity. “During the process of experimenting, one stumbles. But such is life.” Gil’s work exudes “a knight’s courage and a courtier’s confidence.” An observer notes how the artist’s works embody sprezzatura, which means a certain effortlessness, careless grace, a studied nonchalance. Gil’s works “conceal the conscious effort that went into each piece, often done with difficulty. Ultimately, with awe expressed, we are held as its audience.”
Viewers will get to see Gil Maningo’s adventurous forays in color and composition in “Foveo,” an exhibition of 19 paintings presented in cooperation by Robinsons Land’s ArtAblado in conjunction with Art Circle Gallery as part of National Arts Month. “Foveo,” which means “to cherish” in Latin, is on view until Feb. 25 at Level 3, near Sumosam, Robinsons Magnolia. The opening reception will be held on Feb. 18, Saturday.
The culmination of the show is a painting workshop to be facilitated by the artist and is open to 50 participants. Aspiring painters need to download the RMalls+ app and register; collect the free painting workshop voucher; and present the voucher code at the registration area.
RMalls Academy is Robinsons Malls’ learning platform. It aims to give fun and educational classes for everyone. This initiative gives the opportunity to mall-goers to maximize their learning potential and achieve their personal goals while inside Robinsons Malls. RMalls Academy offers various programs such as performing arts, visual arts, and different sports activities.
The workshop will give participants the chance to embark on artistic adventures of their own and maybe someday be like Gil: an artist who has “mastered the ebb and flow of allowing things to fall into place” and “one who surrenders as a medium of the Divine.”
That sense of play, the giving in to a higher self — to be experienced by the Gil Maningos in the making — are the reasons why painting is so undeniably fun and fulfilling.
It’s official, Art Fair Philippines 2023 has returned to The Link car park in Makati! After going hybrid due to the pandemic, the country’s premier art fair event is back in a multi-level art exhibition venue which also adopts a biophilic design this year, courtesy of Leandro V. Locsin Partners.
This year’s Art Fair Philippines offers an exciting lineup of offerings and programs to its guests, from the many art exhibitions presented by 63 exhibitors here and abroad, to the different sections that explore digital art, photography, and other forms of art, as well as workshops and talks that art enthusiast will surely learn from.
Before you visit Art Fair Philippines 2023 from February 17 to 19, here’s a sneak peek of the amazing artworks that are exhibited during the fair. Check out some of the photos below:
Are you ready to see the Art Fair? Purchase your tickets via www.artfairphilippines.com or through the reception area of Art Fair Philippines from February 17 to 19. For more information and updates, visit the Art Fair Philippines website and follow Art Fair Philippines on Instagram and Facebook.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) will carry on its mission and intensify its work in promoting and preserving the best of Filipino arts and culture amid its temporary closure and three-year structural redevelopment. The institution’s leaders led by president Margie Moran-Floirendo reinforced that CCP is committed to bring its programs and activities even closer to local communities as they tap various venues nationwide.
This year marks CCP’s next chapter by expanding the celebration of artistic excellence and cultural development through a more accessible and diverse lineup of live performances, productions, exhibits, as well as training and education programs highlighting the passion, creativity, and spirit of the Filipino. CCP shall showcase a more diverse pool of Philippine talent, promoting them alongside the projects of its resident companies Ballet Philippines, Philippine Ballet Theatre, the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group and the Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company, Tanghalang Pilipino, Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, the Philippine Madrigal Singers and the National Music Competitions for Young Artists Foundation (NAMCYA).
Kicking off the new year is the opening of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra’s (PPO) 38th concert season and fifth series last January, spotlighting Japanese-American conductor Maestro Shizuo Kuwahara, who is among the conductors shortlisted for the Music Director position.
During the Sixth and Seventh Series of concert season on February 24 and March 17, respectively to be held at the CCP’s Metropolitan Theater, fans can also immerse in delightful classical music performances with international guest soloists and renowned Filipino artists of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.
On February 3, Sunsets At Makiling brings the PPO to audiences in Los Baños and other nearby towns for a rare experience of live orchestral music with a beautiful backdrop of sunset in the mountains. The concert will feature light classical masterworks as well as “pops” arranged for the symphony orchestra and performed with special guest artists Antonio Jesus Quilloy on saxophone and soprano Pauline Therese Arejola, under the baton of Maestro Herminigildo Ranera.
Meanwhile, the largest annual multi-arts festival in the country, PASINAYA 2023: The CCP Open House Festival returns live on February 3 to 5, happening in various venues at the CCP Complex and in partner museums and galleries. Here music, theater, dance, visual arts, film, and literature are celebrated via over a hundred shows, workshops, and activities. PASINAYA 2023 invites revelers of all ages to maximize the festival promise – see-all-you-can, workshop-all-you-can, network-all-you-can, pay-what-you-can!
CCP also bids the public to rekindle or discover the joy of witnessing opera in a cinematic experience with the Met Opera Live in HD concert series season 7 featuring Camille Saint-Saëns’s SAMSON ET DALILA. Screening on February 7, Greenbelt 3 Cinema 1 in Makati City, this biblical epic brings together mezzo-soprano Elīna Garanča, tenor Roberto Alagna and Darko Tresnjak, a Tony Award–winning director.
Tanghalang Pilipino’s Ang Pag-uusig, the Filipino adaptation of Arthur Miller’s ‘The Crucible’ will also open on February 17 and run until March 12. A winner of six Philstage Gawad Buhay Awards (including Outstanding Translation and Outstanding Play) in April 2018, Ang Pag-uusig is a gripping production that dramatization of the Salem witch trials that occurred in during the McCarthyism era, a time when the United States government persecuted people accused of communist subversion.
There will also be a three-day festival called Performatura slated on March 31 to April 2, 2023 at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez. Performatura is the country’s biggest performance literature festival celebrating the written word, performance, and the rich history of Philippine literature. Expect poetry readings, storytelling, theatrical shows, dance dramas, musical presentations, and even spoken word competitions.
On March 28 to April 1, Ballet Philippines will hold a week-long dance celebration featuring electric characters of Carlo Calma’s Diyosa. Happening at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, this story is set in a dreamy, mythical world, depicting Filipino culture and heritage and even humor traits fusing fashion, art, music and architecture.
CCP will also conduct workshops and training programs for young musicians in different regions to upgrade their skills and performances and prepare them for professional careers with the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA). Bring out the best in you and join the NAMYCA Children’s concert workshop in Ayala Museum in April 2023. Aside from these, CCP also has outreach programs offering free musical training and scholarships for public high school students such as the Kabataang Gitarista Program scheduled every Saturday – January to December 2023 in various venues.
Through its programs and activities, CCP celebrates the Filipino creativity and passion, helping enrich Filipino’s social awareness, building the Philippine brand, and contributing to the country’s economic value.
According to Margie Moran-Floirendo, “We urge the public to continue supporting and participating in our celebration of arts and culture to help deepen our identity and tell our story within and beyond our shores.”
For more inquiries and information, visit the CCP website atwww.culturalcenter.gov.ph or like and subscribe to their Facebook Page, Twitter or Instagram accounts.
This year marks the closing of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) to make way for the three-year redevelopment in a bid to transform it into a state-of-the-art center for artistic excellence and cultural celebration.
The CCP’s over 50-year-old building necessitates retrofitting and refurbishment so it can continue to perform its roles as the premier national institution promoting Philippine arts and culture. The planned redevelopment will retain the iconic architecture and focus on structural improvements including upgrading its fire, drainage, electrical and environmental protection systems as well other building codes. The project is a climate change adaptation measure that will integrate sustainable features to improve energy and water efficiency, to name a few.
According to CCP president Margie Moran-Floirendo, “The building has gone through leaks, corrosions, and flooding and other issues from various typhoons and earthquakes over the years. We are also looking at technological and aesthetic upgrades responsive to CCP’s future programs and activities, particularly the comfort, safety and overall experience of performers, audiences, employees and other stakeholders.”
CCP will also add facilities to make the building gender-responsive and inclusive for persons with disabilities, senior citizens and more, fulfilling its vision of being a globally competitive, self-sustaining and future-ready destination.
The initial budget of Php900 million was allocated for the rehabilitation of the CCP Main Building, initially coming from the proposed budget for an Artist Center. The Pasay City Government is set to give the greenlight to kick off the first phase of the project, concentrating on the improvement of the center’s main performance venues – Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino and Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo, as well as the relocation of offices and theaters. This will take up about 40% of the budget, while the rest will be appropriated for the second phase, which will cover the repair of facilities such as the hydraulic lift, Freight elevator, LED lights, Rigging system, acoustics. But given the scale and ambitions for the project, more funds may be needed.
Throughout the project, CCP reaffirmed that it will continue its operations and will take it as an opportunity to work with artistic communities and bring its programs closer to the people in different parts of the country. On top of continued live performances and training, CCP will also strengthen its online presence.
“We hope that through our increased geographical presence and more outreach activities, the public will know that we are relentless in offering arts and cultural experiences for people from all walks of life. While we are temporarily closing our home, our commitment to fulfill our duties will even be intensified,” said Margie Moran-Floirendo.
The redevelopment of CCP supports the national priority to accelerate the reopening of travel and the economy and the creation of jobs. It also aligns with the CCP’s mission as the premier arts and culture institution of the Philippines to strengthen the Philippine brand.
“We are rebuilding a center for culture and arts that will push the country forward. We request everyone’s support and trust that the endeavor will set the stage for further creative and cultural development as well as international collaborations, showcasing the unique talent and spirit of the Filipino.”
Filipinos are truly passionate when it comes to people and things they love and that feeling only intensifies more during the month of February. And for artists, it’s also about celebrating the seven art disciplines with the Philippines celebrating the National Arts Month and its theme “Ani ng Sining, Bunga ng Galing”. As such, ARTablado is doing its part by presenting the exhibit “Art Flare” at the Robinsons Antipolo, which features five prolific visual artists: Neptalie “Rico” Aunzo, Pol Mesina Jr., Nelson Basa, Daniel Dumaguit, and Ramil Tumampos.
Mamang Lambatero #3 by Ramil TumamposLapu-Lapu by Pedrong MasipagEmerald Mountain IV by Nelson Basa
“Art Flare” will feature forty art works, all of which embody each artist’s love for country, with distinct colors and strokes that evoke excitement upon viewing. Themes also include maternal love and of course an appreciation for nature, culture, and religion—all presented to bring out the burning desire of the artists to create something beautiful and meaningful.
Dr. Jose P. Rizal referred the Philippines as the Pearl of the Orient Seas and this fact is not lost on the artists. Aunzo is known for his iconic character “Pedrong Masipag” (Industrious or Hardworking Peter) and “Mariang Marikit.” Both are his depictions of the model Filipino/Filipina—industrious, loving, family-centered, responsible, and with high morals. Aunzo incorporates different Filipino customs, traditions, and values, adding more aesthetic and cultural value to his paintings.
Viva Our Lady of Antipolo by Pol Mesina Jr.Nino Dulce by Daniel Dumaguit
Meanwhile, Mesina’s works focuses on the Filipino as a race and as a nation. With his stylistic, pointillist style, Mesina captures the essence and beauty of the people called “Filipino” and the country named after the King of Spain, the Philippines. With meticulous brushstrokes and theme composition, Mesina highlights the importance of preserving, protecting, and promoting our culture, arts, and the environment. A proud Antipoleño, Mesina also ensures that local tourism in Rizal is promoted in his works.
A prolific sculptor and painter, Basa presents traditional landscape scenes but with a twist. Through interplay of bright and lively colors and texture, Basa has been able to recreate—through imagination—images of nature with all its mystery, majesty, magic, and glory. For example, his mountains and river scenes show either the brightness of dawn (as the golden sun spreads its light all over the place) or the magnificence of the dusk (where King Phoebe bids farewell to his beloved Gaia or Earth).
Tumampos, on the one hand, shows how hardworking and creative Filipinos are through his works. Tumampos, a Kapampangan, is known for his “Bingwitero” (fisherfolks or fishing) series, honoring the efforts of our local fisherfolks in bringing food to our table. He also paints farmers, animals, and still life as well as the courtship tradition of the “harana”.
Known for his abstractions, Dumaguit now focuses on figures in his “Ligaya” series. A homage to his beloved mother who lovingly supported him and supplied him with all his needs while growing up, the series is also dedicated to all strong and independent women who persevered to achieve happiness in life. For Dumaguit, women play a very critical role in human society’s development.
“Naisipan naming mag-exhibit sa ARTablado dahil isa itong platform para maibahagi naming sa mga publiko ang aming sining,” Aunzo says. “Maganda ang lugar ng ARTablado dahil marami ang makakakita ng mga klase ng paintings at sculptures naming.”
ARTablado presents “Art Flare” will be on exhibit until February 15, 2023 at the Upper Ground Floor, North Wing of Robinsons Antipolo. Robinsons ARTablado continues to support Filipino art by providing a second home for artists where they can showcase their creativity and artistic genius.
Benefiting Filipino artists increasingly through the ACC cultural exchange grants program, Chairman Ernest Escaler and President Ma. Isabel Ongpin leads ACC Philippines Foundation to a series of program fundraisers this year commencing with the Asian Cultural Council Auction.
Leading up to its momentous 25th year, ACC Philippines revs up to the highly anticipated auction on February 18, 2023 in collaboration with staunch partner Leon Gallery and Director Jaime Ponce De Leon.
This year’s event banners some of the most sought after, rare and important works of art by Philippine masters and celebrated icons.
Rounding up the series of global festivities following its affiliate offices in New York, Hong Kong, Japan and Taipei marking the 60th ACC founding anniversary, ACC Philippines is in high gear for a special benefit gala dinner scheduled for November this year.
Proceeds from the fundraisers go entirely to the ACC Philippine Fellowship Program that supports Filipino artists in their journeys of self-exploration and development through cultural exchange in the United States and/or intra-Asia. Since ACC’s founding in 1963, over 300 artists have received fellowship grants. The ACC alumni roll holds exceptional talent across all disciplines, some of whom have become National Artists. Among them are Jose Joya, Lucresia Kasilag, Lamberto Avellana, Alejandro Roces, Francisco Feliciano, Jose Maceda, Kidlat Tahimik, Ramon Santos and Alice Reyes.
The latest ACC grantees on their fellowship are:
SASA CABALQUINTO (Dance) Fellowship to the United States and Japan to conduct research, immersion and exploration on Butoh dance and diaspora.
ROCKY CAJIGAN (Visual Art) Fellowship to the United States to explore curatorial and programming activities in New York.
RADNEL OFALSA (Music) Fellowship to support his second and final year as a candidate for the Master of Music Degree at the Mannes School of Music, The New School, in New York City.
The Asian Cultural Council Auction welcomes collectors and art patrons on Saturday, Feb. 18, at Leon Gallery, Makati City. Auction starts promptly at 2:00pm. To know more about the auction visit www.leon-gallery.com
Get ready for two days of unique museum experience with the CCP PASINAYA’s Paseo Museo, slated on February 4 and 5, 2023, at 13 participating museums and galleries in Pasay and Manila.
One of the festival’s main components, CCP partnered with various galleries, museums, and art spaces around the Paseo Museo Loop to put the spotlight on communal artistic spirit and collaborations. This year, the CCP has five new partners – AIMS Museo Maritimo, GSIS Museum, the Philippine Women’s University (PWU) School of Fine Arts & Design (SFAD) Jose Conrado Benitez (JCB) Gallery, Adamson University Art Gallery, and the Manila Clock Tower Museum.
Located at the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies (AIMS) Lighthouse along Roxas Boulevard corner Arnaiz Avenue, Pasay City, AIMS Museo Maritimo put the spotlight on Philippine maritime history, maritime trade routes and the contributions of Filipino seafarers in the global seafaring industry.
Launched in 2012, the maritime-themed museum is dedicated to Filipino seafarers and pays homage to their contribution to nation-building from the distant past to the present; utilizing imaginative exhibitions and displays to illustrate what the Philippine seafaring, training, and manning history is and who its pioneers and leaders are. Furthermore, it serves as a repository for valuable collections of marine art, ship models, and nautical artifacts.
Established in 1996, the GSIS Museo ng Sining is home to some of the best artwork collections in the country. In 2012, however, GSIS turned over the management of the GSIS Art Collection to the National Museum, with around 100 pieces, majority of which were done by National Artists Fernando Amorsolo, Carlos “Botong” Francisco, Vicente Manansala, HR Ocampo, Jose Joya, Ang Kiukok, Bencab, and Federico Alcuaz. They also have pieces by visual artists Diosdado Lorenzo, Jose Blanco, Juvenal Sanso, and Rodolfo Ragodon. The collection is currently on display at the 3/F National Art Gallery. Filipino painter Juan Luna’s “Parisian Life” is also entrusted to the management of the National Museum.
On display for the weekend at the GSIS are some of the retained works of other renowned artists as well as the winning entries of the annual GSIS Art Competition. These pieces are now on display at the GSIS Art Gallery, including the largest mural publicly on display done by Amorsolo entitled “History of Music” that used to adorn the Metropolitan Theater Lobby wall. The Museum still conducts its regular activities like exhibits for new and established groups of artists, lectures and seminars, special tours, concerts and other performances, among others.
Commemorating its 75th anniversary last year, GSIS put on display some of their memorabilia items on view at the museum entrance hallway. These items are now re-displayed and re-exhibited at the lower gallery of the museum. The space allocated for these items is renamed the GSIS Gallery of Institutional Memory.
The GSIS Museo ng Sining also handles other artworks and artifacts (antiques, decorative items, pieces of furniture, etc.) from foreclosed and important properties of GSIS such as Puerto Azul, Coconut Palace, and the Metropolitan Theater. Some of these items are also put on display.
First opened in 2012, the PWU’s SFAD JCB gallery has mounted visual art exhibitions featuring the works of PWU SFAD alumni, students, and faculty, as well as visiting artists. Managed under the Office of the University President, with the supervision of the Dean of SFAD, the gallery provides the confident affirmation of PWU as an avenue for art, culture and heritage that contributes to the expansion of the visual art language. It enjoins other schools within the university, and visiting cultural producers to engage with the gallery to avail its facilities for exhibitions and scholarly discourse related to art, culture and heritage.
Located at the left side of the AdU Theater, the Adamson University Art Gallery first opened in September 27, 2005, but was renovated in 2013 following the brutalist design with modernists and de-constructivist elements, by Arch. Sylvester Seño, a faculty member of the AdU College of Architecture. From being a part of the St. Theresa’s Auditorium and its surroundings, the art gallery has mounted several arts and photo exhibits and serves as holding area for special guests of the theater.
The Manila Clock Tower Museum features a variety of multi-sensory exhibits of the historical Battle of Manila highlighted by the Wall of Heroes. Launched in 2022, the museum initiated the adaptive reuse of the Manila City Hall’s clock/watch tower. Under the management of the Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of the Vity of Manila, the museum has five levels, designed and curated by Ohm David and Elba Cruz, with light design by Meliton Roxas, Jr.
Other participating museums and galleries, who have been PASINAYA’s regulars, include: National Museum of Fine Arts, National Museum of Anthropology, National Museum of Natural History, Museum of Contemporary Art and Design, Casa Manila, Museo de Intramuros, Fort Santiago, and Museo Pambata.
Paseo Museo, formerly Museum Mile, is in partnership with the Museum Foundation of the Philippines, who provided shuttles that enables audiences to visit the participating museums and galleries. This year, there will be 15 vehicles that will ferry the PASINAYA Paseo Museo viewers to Routes A, B and C* (*Saturday only).
Paseo Museo is part of the PASINAYA 2023: The CCP Open House Festival, the largest annual multi-arts festival in the country, featuring a wide variety of exciting activities. Audiences can experience-all-you-can, pay-what-you-can with over a hundred shows, workshops, and other various activities in music, theater, dance, visual arts, film, and literature.
Following the theme “Piglas Sining,” the biggest multi-arts festival returns live with five components; aside from Paseo Museo: Pagtitipon, a gathering of regional partners to share plans and programs; Palihan or workshop-all-you-can in all the art forms to be conducted by experts in their field, Palabas, see-all-you-can performances and film screenings featuring the CCP resident companies, professional, amateur and community-based artists and arts organizations in all the art genres; and Palitan, arts market where artists and art groups can pitch to prospective producers and content buyers.
With four outdoor venues at the CCP Complex and at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, this will surely be the biggest comeback to live events after the pandemic.
Follow the official CCP social media accounts in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates on CCP Pasinaya 2023.
In this world full of negativities, all we need is to help each other, show love, and unite to create peace and harmony. There are challenges but nothing is impossible! Like in art, putting together the colors, space, shapes, texture, value, and a line can form a rhythm, a balance that can emphasize a movement. Each of the 11 artists featured in the “Buklod” exhibition – From Feb. 1 to 15 at ARTablado in Robinsons Galleria – amalgamated their creative minds to create a show that can inspire every Filipino artist from newbies to experience.
Bionicface on Hand by Meyo de JesusComposition No 38 by Ross Del Rosario
“We see art as an escape from reality,” says the group spokesperson. “Whenever we create our art, we feel na nasa safe haven kami.” They make their own rules and spin their own ambitious abstract worlds — despite day jobs, mind you.
“Buklod” features the abstract works of 11 artists: Jas Agbunag, Anton Aguas, Richard Apostol, MarPolo Cabrera, Meyo de Jesus, Rolly delos Santos, Ross del Rosario, Danny Encabo, Veejay Palcunan, Patrice Palisoc and Ronald “Doods” Pena.
Jas Agbunag is a freelance graphic designer. Richard Apostol is a senior associate designer in a BPO firm. MarPolo Cabrera is at present an online writer and businessman. The rest are either freelance artists or have bitten the bullet and have become full-time art practitioners.
The word itself, buklod, has a comforting resonance. “Nagpapakita ito ng pagkakaisa ng mga Filipino artists — iba’t-iba man ’yung styles namin, we are united at nag-buklod kami to celebrate art and our passion.”
Fly by Anton AguasPaano Kung Ito Na Ang Iyong Pagkakataon by MarPolo Cabrera
“Buklod Para sa Sining,” is Robinsons Land ARTablado’s opening salvo for National Arts Month. Not only has ARTablado become a platform for artists from all walks of life (including artists both upcoming as well as the more senior ones) to showcase their artworks, it also encourages artists to give a free rein to their creativity and give in to that thirst for exploration and experimentation, to be the best in what they do.
Resonance of Nature by Doods Pena
“ARTablado is a perfect venue to showcase our passion sa art. We believe na ARTablado can give Filipino artists a space where they can show the world na ‘Ito ’yung sining ko at proud ako dito!’ ARTablado is a bridge between artists and the viewing public. Nakakatulong ang ARTablado na mas ma-promote pa lalo ang mga sining na gawa ng Pinoy!”
Meyo de Jesus, Danny Encabo and Rolly de Jesus have mounted or participated in exhibitions at ARTablado in the past. MarPolo Cabrera is one of the very first artists featured in the Robinsons Land venue.
“ARTablado opens so many possibilities and opportunities sa bawat artists. Some of the artists participating in ‘Buklod’ who’ve already exhibited in ARTablado can prove that.” The spokesperson shares how ARTablado is not just an exhibition space; the people behind ARTablado help artists promote their art, engage with art collectors and introduce them to the featured individual or group, and offer pieces of advice to artists on how to navigate that often tempestuous waters of the art scene.
“With ARTablado, the artists are in good hands. Blessing ang ARTablado.”
The group spokesperson said that they are 11 artists with different approaches and takes on what constitutes abstract art and how to give a semblance of form to the non-figurative.
“We have different perspectives sa sining namin. ’Yung iba sa musika humuhugot ng inspiration sa pagpinta. ’Yung iba sa emotions or experiences nila sa buhay. Dun palang each of us has his own identity.” Thus, viewers can differentiate which piece is by a particular artist.
“Magkakaiba man kami ng styles, naglalayon naman kami na magbuklod para sa sining.”
And — this may very well be the driving philosophy of the artists in “Buklod” — all are united in upliftment.
GET ready for two days of unique museum experience with the CCP PASINAYA’s Paseo Museo, slated on February 4 and 5, 2023, at 13 participating museums and galleries in Pasay and Manila.
AIMS Museo Maritimo (Photo by Kiko Cabuena)
One of the festival’s main components, CCP partnered with various galleries, museums and art spaces around the Paseo Museo Loop to put the spotlight on communal artistic spirit and collaborations. This year, the CCP has five new partners – AIMS Museo Maritimo, GSIS Museum, the Philippine Women’s University (PWU) School of Fine Arts & Design (SFAD) Jose Conrado Benitez (JCB) Gallery, Adamson University Art Gallery, and the Manila Clock Tower Museum.
Located at the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies (AIMS) Lighthouse along Roxas Boulevard corner Arnaiz Avenue, Pasay City, AIMS Museo Maritimo put the spotlight on Philippine maritime history, maritime trade routes and the contributions of Filipino seafarers in the global seafaring industry.
Launched in 2012, the maritime-themed museum is dedicated to Filipino seafarers and pays homage to their contribution to nation-building from the distant past to the present; utilizing imaginative exhibitions and displays to illustrate what the Philippine seafaring, training, and manning history is and who its pioneers and leaders are. Furthermore, it serves as a repository for valuable collections of marine art, ship models, and nautical artifacts.
GSIS Museo ng Sining (Photo by Kiko Cabuena)
Established in 1996, the GSIS Museo ng Sining is home to some of the best artwork collections in the country. In 2012, however, GSIS turned over the management of the GSIS Art Collection to the National Museum, with around 100 pieces, majority of which were done by National Artists Fernando Amorsolo, Carlos “Botong” Francisco, Vicente Manansala, HR Ocampo, Jose Joya, Ang Kiukok, Bencab, and Federico Alcuaz. They also have pieces by visual artists Diosdado Lorenzo, Jose Blanco, Juvenal Sanso, and Rodolfo Ragodon. The collection is currently on display at the 3/F National Art Gallery. Filipino painter Juan Luna’s “Parisian Life” is also entrusted to the management of the National Museum.
On display for the weekend at the GSIS are some of the retained works of other renowned artists as well as the winning entries of the annual GSIS Art Competition. These pieces are now on display at the GSIS Art Gallery, including the largest mural publicly on display done by Amorsolo entitled “History of Music” that used to adorn the Metropolitan Theater Lobby wall. The Museum still conducts its regular activities like exhibits for new and established groups of artists, lectures and seminars, special tours, concerts and other performances, among others.
Commemorating its 75th anniversary last year, GSIS put on display some of their memorabilia items on view at the museum entrance hallway. These items are now re-displayed and re-exhibited at the lower gallery of the museum. The space allocated for these items is renamed the GSIS Gallery of Institutional Memory.
The GSIS Museo ng Sining also handles other artworks and artifacts (antiques, decorative items, pieces of furniture, etc.) from foreclosed and important properties of GSIS such as Puerto Azul, Coconut Palace, and the Metropolitan Theater. Some of these items are also put on display.
First opened in 2012, the PWU’s SFAD JCB gallery has mounted visual art exhibitions featuring the works of PWU SFAD alumni, students, and faculty, as well as visiting artists. Managed under the Office of the University President, with the supervision of the Dean of SFAD, the gallery provides the confident affirmation of PWU as an avenue for art, culture and heritage that contributes to the expansion of the visual art language. It enjoins other schools within the university, and visiting cultural producers to engage with the gallery to avail its facilities for exhibitions and scholarly discourse related to art, culture and heritage.
PWU-SFAD Jose Conrado Benitez Gallery (Photo by Kiko Cabuena)
Located at the left side of the AdU Theater, the Adamson University Art Gallery first opened in September 27, 2005, but was renovated in 2013 following the brutalist design with modernists and de-constructivist elements, by Arch. Sylvester Seño, a faculty member of the AdU College of Architecture. From being a part of the St. Theresa’s Auditorium and its surroundings, the art gallery has mounted several arts and photo exhibits and serves as holding area for special guests of the theater.
The Manila Clock Tower Museum features a variety of multi-sensory exhibits of the historical Battle of Manila highlighted by the Wall of Heroes. Launched in 2022, the museum initiated the adaptive reuse of the Manila City Hall’s clock/watch tower. Under the management of the Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of the Vity of Manila, the museum has five levels, designed and curated by Ohm David and Elba Cruz, with light design by Meliton Roxas, Jr.
Manila Clock Tower Museum (Photo by Kiko Cabuena)
Other participating museums and galleries, who have been PASINAYA’s regulars, include: National Museum of Fine Arts, National Museum of Anthropology, National Museum of Natural History, Museum of Contemporary Art and Design, Casa Manila, Museo de Intramuros, Fort Santiago, and Museo Pambata.
Paseo Museo, formerly Museum Mile, is in partnership with the Museum Foundation of the Philippines, who provided shuttles that enables audiences to visit the participating museums and galleries. This year, there will be 15 vehicles that will ferry the PASINAYA Paseo Museo viewers to Routes A, B and C* (*Saturday only).
Paseo Museo is part of the PASINAYA 2023: The CCP Open House Festival, the largest annual multi-arts festival in the country, featuring a wide variety of exciting activities. Audiences can experience-all-you-can, pay-what-you-can with over a hundred shows, workshops, and other various activities in music, theater, dance, visual arts, film, and literature.
Following the theme “Piglas Sining,” the biggest multi-arts festival returns live with five components; aside from Paseo Museo: Pagtitipon, a gathering of regional partners to share plans and programs; Palihan or workshop-all-you-can in all the art forms to be conducted by experts in their field, Palabas, see-all-you-can performances and film screenings featuring the CCP resident companies, professional, amateur and community-based artists and arts organizations in all the art genres; and Palitan, arts market where artists and art groups can pitch to prospective producers and content buyers.
With four outdoor venues at the CCP Complex and at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, this will surely be the biggest comeback to live events after the pandemic.
Follow the official CCP social media accounts in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates on CCP Pasinaya 2023.
After going hybrid due to the pandemic, Art Fair Philippines is finally returning onsite this year, transforming The Link car park in Makati City once more into a multi-level art exhibition venue for the country’s premier art fair which will run from February 17 to 19, 2023.
A biophilic design for its venue
This year, as the Art Fair Philippines celebrates its 10th anniversary, guests can expect a new biophilic design in its venue layout that they created with Leandro V. Locsin Partners for a refreshed experience in an organically designed setting and an enhanced sense of surprise and discovery.
“They take their inspiration from how nature forms itself, the randomness of some things but with an underlying order. It actually presents to the public a sense of discovery, in the same way, that one walks into a gallery and experiences art.” Andy Locsin, administrator and design consultant of Leandro V. Locsin Partners, told the media in a press conference for the Art Fair.
An exciting lineup of exhibitors
This 2023, Art Fair Philippines welcomes 63 exhibitors from the Philippines and overseas.
The exhibitors from the Philippines include: 1335/Mabini, Anakbanwa Creative Residency Project, Art Cube, Art Elaan, Art for Space, Art Lounge Manila, Art Underground, Art Verité, Artery Art Space, Boston Art Gallery, CANVAS, Early Light, FIFTH WALL FEST, FotomotoPH, GALERIA PALOMA, Galerie Stephanie, Gravity Art Space, isTorya Studios, J Studio, Jes Aznar, Kaida Contemporary, KalawakanSpacetime, KANTINA, Kapitan Kulam, León Gallery, Lunang Mentoring Program, Mark Lewis Higgins, METRO Gallery, MONO8, Mugna Gallery + Foundation University DAFA, no space, Orange Project, Paint Bukog, Paseo Art Gallery, Pintô Art Museum, Qube Gallery, Secret Fresh Gallery, SILVERLENS, Sitting Room Studios, Sulyap Gallery by Tahanan Pottery, Super Duper Gallery, TARZEER PICTURES, The Crucible, Tom Epperson, TRIANGULUM, Tin-aw Art Projects, Village Art Gallery, White Walls Gallery, and Ysobel Art Gallery.
Village Art GalleryLeón GalleryWhite Walls Gallery (Photos courtesy of Art Fair Philippines)
These leading galleries from the country will be joined by a wide roster of foreign galleries such as Art Agenda (Singapore and Jakarta), Artemis Art (Malaysia), Gallery Kogure (Japan), Kobayashi Gallery (Japan), Cayón (Spain), GALLERY SCENA (Japan), La Lanta Fine Art (Thailand), Nunu Fine Art (Taiwan), Gajah Gallery (Singapore), Vin Gallery (Vietnam), Yavuz Gallery (Singapore and Australia), and YOD Gallery (Japan).
Gallery KogureYOD GalleryLa Lanta Fine Art (Photos courtesy of Art Fair Philippines)
Also joining the fair are several art groups from the three main island clusters of the Philippines through a section focused on local regions. These are no Space (Luzon), Orange Project (Visayas), and Panit Bukog (Mindanao).
Orange ProjectPanit Bukogno space (Photos courtesy of Art Fair Philippines)
ArtFairPH/Digital to highlight AR, VR, NFTs, and more
Art Fair Philippines also introduces a new section focusing on digital media and works that incorporate computer technology, animation, virtual or augmented reality, the metaverse, and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs).
It will highlight two special exhibits featuring Filipino digital artists making waves in the global digital art sphere: Skye Nicolas presents Frequencies of Nostalgia, while Mark Inducil, who currently lives and works in Melbourne, mounts Homecoming. These special exhibits are curated by CryptoArtPH artists Bjorn Calleja and Jopet Arias, and this new section is co-presented by Globe Platinum.
Skye NicolasMark Inducil
ArtFairPH/Projects & ArtFairPH/Photo further expands the fair
For ArtFairPH/Projects, Art Fair Philippines works once again with art consultant Norman Crisologo to showcase works that are commissioned for the fair from artists who have made an impact both critically and commercially.
The artists mounting their special exhibits are Faye Abantao, Kiko Escora, Mark Andy Garcia, Raymond Guevarra, Pow Martinez, Yeo Kaa, and Peter Zimmerman. This section is co-presented by BPI and located at The Link’s Roof Deck.
Mark Andy Garcia (Photo by Jojo Gloria)Faye AbantaoYeo Kaa (Photo by Jojo Gloria)Kiko Escora (Photo by Jojo Gloria)Raymond Guevarra (Photo by Jojo Gloria)Pow Martinez (Photo by Jojo Gloria)
“BPI sees the works of these talented artists not only as cultural expressions but also as art forms for investing in the future. Art is also a means to immortalize an idea that defines a generation. It is history in the making,” said Jenny Lacerna, BPI Product & Sales Head of Unsecured Lending and Cards.
Meanwhile, ArtFairPH/Photo will showcase photographer Wawi Navarroza’s series of striking self-portraits, which also feature in a current survey of Southeast Asian photography at the National Gallery of Singapore, come together for As Wild As We Come for this year’s ArtFairPH/Photo section.
Wawi Navarroza (Photo courtesy of Art Fair Philippines)
In addition to these special projects, the fair will also hold a special exhibition by Indonesian artist Yunizar titled YUNIZAR: New Perspectives, and the works by German painter, sculptor, and object artist Peter Zimmerman.
Peter Zimmerman (Photo: Art Fair Philippines)Yunizar (Photo: Art Fair Philippines)
Pioneering female abstractionist Rosario Bitanga, who in her 80s still creates art, will be showcasing both old and new works in the show Rosario Bitanga: Past, Present, Participant curated by architect and art consultant Miguel Rosales.
Rosario Bitanga (Photo courtesy of Art Fair Philippines)
Making tributes & showcasing artist residencies
The Art Fair Philippines will also be paying tribute to two art world personalities who have recently passed away, Norma Liongoren (Liongoren Gallery), and Albert Avellana (Avellana ArtGallery). Both Liongoren and Avellana have left their marks on the local art scene with their works and galleries.
Liongoren Gallery – Artwork by Danny DalenaAvellana ArtGallery – Artwork by Allain Hablo
The art fair will also be exhibiting works from this year’s batch of artists who completed artist residencies in different parts of the country: IC Jaucian for Manila Observatory, Nicolei Gupit for Linangan Art Residency, Aaron Kaiser Garcia for Emerging Islands, ESL Chen and Jonathan Baldonado for Orange Project, and James Clar for Butanding Barrio. ArtFairPH/Residencies was launched in 2021 in partnership with Bleeding Heart Rum Corporation, makers of Don Papa Rum.
Learning at the Art Fair Philippines
Enhance your art appreciation and learn straight from the notable artists of the fair with ArtFairPH/Talks. Made in partnership with the Ateneo Art Gallery and Museum Foundation of the Philippines, this section will offer visitors a variety of lectures, panel discussions, and talks. See the full details here.
Get more learning opportunities through ArtFairPH/Workshops which will focus on digital art this year, organized with their educational partner Tezos and its Asian arm, TZAPAC. Learn more about getting into digital art and the local crypto art scene with ArtFairPH/Workshops.
ArtFairPH/Film will also continue this year, with the Ateneo Art Gallery curating the program with two evenings of compelling selections. Alternative Cinema : History, Theory and Practice will feature renowned filmmaker and film historian Nick Deocampo who will present an overview of how the country’s alternative cinema continues to develop.
For the second night, ArtFairPH/Film will screen a selection of lumbung films featured for DOCUMENTA 15 in Kassel, Germany. The lineup for the second film evening is co-organized with Resbak and Lost Frames.
The 10 Days of Art are back
Also to complement the fair, the 10 Days of Art initiative which runs from February 10 to 19 will feature a series of events around the Makati Central Business District. Galleries, museums, bars, restaurants, and retail establishments will join in celebrating art beyond the venue of the art fair. The 10 Days of Art will kick off with Gallery Weekend, where visitors are encouraged to visit galleries and see the exhibitions at their respective locations. For the schedule and updates, visit www.10daysofart.com.
Purchase your tickets in advance at www.artfairphilippines.com. Tickets will also be available at the reception area of Art Fair Philippines from February 17 to 19. For more information, please visit the Art Fair Philippines website and follow Art Fair Philippines on Instagram and Facebook.
Art Fair Philippines 2023 is co-presented by AyalaLand, Bank of the Philippine Islands, and Globe Platinum, with a special project partner Don Papa Rum. The fair is also sponsored by Rizome. Its official hotel partners are Fairmont and Raffles Makati, and Holiday Inn and Suites.
— Homestream images from Art Lounge Manila, Paseo Art Gallery, White Walls Gallery, and Super Duper Gallery.
