Robinsons Naga’s Tree of Life is back and it’s brighter than ever.
The world-class installation was first unveiled in 2018, making history as the first digital installation by Jefre in the country, and the first permanent installation featuring 3D projection mapping in any mall.
The Filipino-American artist, whose real name is Jefre Figueras Manuel, designed the 15-meter fiberglass sculpture. Known for larger-than-life works of art, Jefre is also the artist behind The Victor, the Philippines’ tallest multimedia sculpture, which can be found at Robinsons Land’s Bridgetowne.
In creating Tree of Life, Jefre was inspired by Bicol’s beloved gabi (taro) leaf, which is used in everyday cooking in the region. “I was looking at the landscape in Naga and I saw that the taro leaf was a staple to the community,” he said.
Tree of Life reopened to the public on May 6, 2024. It now shines brighter at 26,000 lumens. The two-story sculpture wows viewers as it transforms with the use of projections. Shoppers can immerse themselves in a diverse array of visual spectacles, from spinning planets and galaxies to enchanting fairytale landscapes, promising to ignite the imagination. 3D Mapping shows happen daily from 6pm to 9pm.
“It’s almost like a symbol of what the city of Naga is all about in terms of the morals and values,” Jefre said. “The central story is really about this idea of the root that we plant in the community.”
The sculpture is now a source of pride in the Bicol region, a landmark for locals and a tourist attraction for those just visiting.
The Central Garden, with the Tree of Life as the focal point, is a great place for bonding with friends and family. It’s home to different restaurants, a great mix of national favorites and local establishments. Grab pizza at Shakey’s, chicken at Kenny Rogers, crispy pata at Kuya J or sisig at Gilligan’s. Bob Marlin serves Filipino food including Bicol specials like laing, Bicol express and inulukan. Indulge in your Chinese food favorites at Crown Park. Craving Japanese? Maki Ramen by JPY Juan should be your stop. Enjoy Pinoy comfort food at Molino Grill. Get coffee, cakes and more at Think Coffee. Children and adults alike can delight in our outdoor playground and have fun with our novelty spun chairs.
“The idea that public art is more than an object but a place and creates meaning in people’s lives is what makes this a very successful project,” Jefre said.
Tree of Life is just one of a number of public art installations people have enjoyed at Robinsons Malls. Mallgoers have previously seen Jefre’s “Heaven’s Gate” at Robinsons Galleria South in Laguna and Erwin Wurm’s “Austrian Mountain Cap” at Robinsons Galleria Ortigas.
Robinsons Malls continues its mission of bringing art closer to Filipinos with these installations and with its program ARTablado.
