Tag: artablado

Nathaniel San Pedro & The Art of Wandering Wings

There is something cinema-like about how, as a seven-year-old kid, Nathaniel San Pedro was consistently competing and placing among the top three in on-the-spot painting contests. Nathaniel was a boy-wonder in terms of colors and composition. In high school, he was a member of the Young Artist Club of Saint Joseph’s College in Quezon City where he honed his creativity and painting skills even more. But there came a fork in the road and Nathaniel was nudged toward a different path. He shared, “My parents insisted that I take a course that is related to medicine or science. Being an obedient son, I took up a Bachelor of Science in psychology to appease my parents and graduated from Our Lady of Fatima University.” But the painter inside him was restless — like a bird poised and ready to take flight.

WANDERER (Philippine Trogon)

WANDERER (Apo Myna)

WANDERERS (Red Keeled Flowerpecker)

WANDERERS ( Whiskered Treeswift)

“When I started working in the corporate world as a recruitment specialist, I realized that drawing-painting is something innate. I looked at it as my never-ending passion,” he explains.

Now, the artist is back on his chosen path as Robinsons Land ARTablado presents Nathaniel San Pedro’s latest exhibition titled “Wanderers: Exhibition of Diverse Beauty of Philippine Birds,” on view from April 1 to 15 at the ARTablado space in Robinsons Galleria.

To get back into the groove, Nathaniel did the necessary work.

“For two years, I got serious in art and thoroughly studied painting,” he says. “I came to know the basics of painting, the process of paint application, the mixing of tonal values of paints, the combination of colors and right proportion of drawings. I took up an associate degree in fine arts at Global Knowledge in Boni, Mandaluyong City. I tried to study and enhance my painting skill even while working in the corporate world. After studying the basics in oil painting, the rest was self-taught by watching videos of oil painting on YouTube, reading books about drawing and painting, and even engaging in small talk with different artists. These things will help you hone and expand your skills.”

San Pedro had his first solo exhibition in 2020 which was about the passion and journey of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. The idea for his follow-up show began when he received a Christmas gift: a book titled Birds of the Philippines. He was awe-stricken by the variety and beauty of the winged creatures we have in our country. When he made trips to Bulacan and Pampanga to see and study religious images, he chanced upon even more birds.

Birds became a symbol for the artist, how beauty in this world is becoming truly fleeting because of how humans are destroying the environment. The splashes and colors in San Pedro’s paintings are emblematic of how birds and their habitat are slowly dying. According to the artist, his art serves a greater purpose: an eye-opener for people to start taking care of the world we live in and all the creatures we share it with.

“Yes, I believe that painting is a powerful tool to convey a message. I want to render the beauty of the Philippine local birds, especially the endangered ones. It goes hand in hand: when we see the beauty of birds in nature, we tend to appreciate and protect them, and we need to protect nature, including seas and trees, in order to conserve their habitat and food. By starting to appreciate birds, we are also starting to protect the whole part of nature-biodiversity.”

San Pedro has also started to involve himself in NGOs supporting local birds. He is currently supporting Wild Club Birds of the Philippines, sharing 10 percent of his earnings from exhibitions. The Wild Bird Club of the Philippines is the foremost birdwatching group in the country. Formed 20 ago, the club seeks to raise awareness about the Philippines’ avian biodiversity through birdwatching. To date, the club continues to work with various government agencies, LGUs and the private sector to promote birdwatching.

Peace, hope, harmony… These are the words that come to mind whenever San Pedro paints birds. “God created them and they are part of our nature. We need to do our part to take care of them.”

It is fitting that Nathaniel San Pedro is mounting his exhibition at Robinsons Land ARTablado, an exhibition venue that has allowed artists from all walks of life to exhibit their works, share them with a larger audience, and showcase their talents. ARTablado has allowed Filipino artists to soar.

“I believe that my second solo show is an answered prayer,” says Nathaniel. “I’ve been seeing ARTablado exhibitions from time to time. And since I’m also a constant follower on Instagram and Facebook, I see posts about their shows. So I prayed that one day I’ll also have my exhibit in ARTablado. Very accommodating kasi ang ARTablado, they give opportunities to new and aspiring artists like us. Without hesitation, the people involved gave me a slot to showcase my new work and style. And I know that ARTablado will reach not just the art collectors, but also people who are into arts as well as people who may not necessarily be into arts but appreciate skills and creativity.”

And as the ARTablado visitors and mall-goers gaze at the winged wanderers of Nathaniel San Pedro, may their imaginations and aspirations reach even greater heights.

March 30, 2023
‘Taym Pers’ Exhibit Takes a Look Back at Pinoys’ Childhood Games

We Filipinos have a rich storehouse of cultural touchstones — from art and literature, to everything pop and the very games we played with our childhood friends. Forget about going online, streaming, Steaming, or being zombified to a computer screen or tablet. Our games ruled: all we needed were our friends, our imaginative minds, and a few props here and there: a piece of chalk (piko), some marbles (jolen), slippers and cans from the trash bin (tumbang preso), or plain old arms, fingers, feet (patintero, luksong-baka, agawan-base). A full moon helps now and then — especially for those intense games of taguan. The games — simple, fun, original — were ritualistic and, well, interactive in the offline sense. They taught us kids about the value of teamwork, cooperation, camaraderie, friendship and thinking fast on our feet.

Thus, the members of an art group called Alpas would like to reminisce about those old Pinoy games and our innate sense of play in an exhibition billed as “Taym Pers!,” on view until March 31 at Robinsons Land ARTablado in Robinsons Antipolo.

Kariling by Len Makiramdam

According to the exhibition statement, “Taym Pers!” is all about looking back, taking a breather, reevaluating what we hold dear in the chaos, the maddening gyre of our existence.

“‘Taym pers!’ is the colloquial phrase used by kids that translates to ‘Time first!’ — which means to stop, pause, or take a break while in the middle of a game. Our theme was inspired by the concept of rest and taking a break in the middle of our chaotic and busy lives which we can learn from children’s play. A happy child is the perfect epitome of innocence and pure joy. Children reflect pure hearts and minds that have not yet been hardened by the world’s madness.”

The members of Alpas remember how valuable it was to take part in these communal activities. “Playing games is not only about having fun, developing social skills, problem-solving, and being competitive. It teaches us to increase our creativity and imagination, promote camaraderie, maintain customs, values, and traditions, foster a sense of belongingness, develop patience in taking turns — but most of all, to learn how to follow rules, play fair, accept defeat, and thrive in order to win.”

Grownups then did not think life lessons were rife in games where you hurl your slipper into a discarded can of sardines, but those participatory games fostered — a very valuable act in the current state of solipsism that the world is in — participation. For the kids of yore, those neighborhood games turned out to be a microcosm of the game of life looming ahead.

And the members of Alpas have found an ideal venue to mount their show which conveys a simple yet meaningful message.

“Ito ang kauna-unahang physical exhibit ng Alpas dahil twice pa lamang kaming nakapag-show at puro online exhibitions lang sila,” says an Alpas member. “Napili namin ang ARTablado dahil ito yung alam naming espasyo na nagbibigay na mga pagkakataong makapagtanghal ang mga katulad naming artist group na nag-uumpisa pa lamang. Kaya lubos ang paming pasasalamat sa ARTablado sa pagbibigay pagkakataong i-showcase ang aming naisip na pagtatanghal.”

ARTablado gives artists from all walks of life a platform to showcase their art, which otherwise would be ignored by other, more mainstream galleries. The space not only aims to discover fresh talent but also encourages these artists to explore new strategies, new methods, new ways of expressing themselves and presenting their ideas in the field of visual arts. Thus, ARTablado becomes a playground for articulation with the means of color and composition.

Malaya Muli by Jun Tuplano

Teks by Jami Samson

Now, ARTablado has become a literal playground as the members of Alpas hold activities in the exhibition area such as sungka, piko, etc. They even punctuated the paintings on view with old Pinoy toys — teks, pogs, and trumpo, among others. Were these games put up so viewers can wax nostalgic, so that they can remember how it was to be innocent once more, to harken to simple times before everything descended into pure madness and mayhem. Maybe. But if we take a breather, gather our thoughts, steel ourselves and rally our friends… we can surely win this thing or, at least, compete, give it our all, and with our heads held high.

According to Alpas: “Life is but a big game-field where we have battles to fight. Whatever challenges we may encounter in our daily lives, always remember that in order to win, we must learn how to pause and say, ‘Taym pers!’ and then thrive again.”

March 17, 2023
Vice Versa Artists Group Holds ‘No Place Like Home’ Exhibit

How the Philippine jeepney plies its route (say, from Gasak to Divisoria and then back to Gasak) is called “balikan.”

The members of an artist group found this term fascinating. The word evokes a lot of emotions — the idea of going back, of remembering, of eventuality or inevitability and, most importantly, of giving back. Thus, 10 years ago, they chose the name “Vice Versa” for this band of artists with humanitarian concerns.

“Dun nagsimula sa ideya ng ‘balikan’ na pamamasada ng jeep — ‘yung vice versa. Nabuo din ang isa sa mga prinsipyo ng grupo na ‘Kung ano ang meron tayo ay ibahagi natin sa iba’ at ‘ang pagmamahal sa lipunan ay katumbas ng pagsisilbi sa Diyos.’”

That is precisely what the members of Vice Versa did: they went back to their roots, to the communities in need, gave back and gave their all.

“Nagkaroon kami ng ibat ibang programs involving pagbibigay ng talento ng libre — tulad ng mga art workshops, long-term art mentoring programs — pagbibigay ng mga art materials, at pagsulong ng mga art-for-a-cause initiatives para sa mga nangangailangan ng tulong sa kanilang medical expenses.”

They visited places such as SOS Children’s Village in Lipa, Batangas — a village dedicated to providing a loving and caring home for orphaned children. Vice Versa held a five-day art mentoring program with 21 student-participants. The group gave the children paints, brushes, easels, mixing palettes, and even refreshments during sessions.

“Ang ‘No Place Like Home’ initiative ay naging educational hindi lamang para sa mga mentees, kundi pati na rin sa mga artists na nagtuturo. Natuto kami na ilagay ang aming sarili sa sitwasyon ng isang inosenteng bata na may simpleng pangarap sa kabila ng kanilang paghahangad na magkaroon ng isang tahanan o pamilyang tinatawag. Umaasa din kami na ang tinanim namin na kaalaman, karanasan at saya sa mga mentees ay magsisilbing isa sa mga open doors para maintindihan at pangarapin nila na maituloy ang kanilang pagmamahal sa sining.”

As Vice Versa looks back on 10 years of creating “art with a heart,” the group mounts an exhibit titled “No Place Like Home” on view until Feb. 28 at Robinsons Land ARTablado in Robinsons Galleria. This is the group’s second exhibit at ARTablado; the first one was in 2021. “No Place Like Home features over 80 artworks from the Vice Versa Artists Group, along with Chroma Garcia and Silay Lipa art collectives.

“Ang Chroma Garcia Artists Group na nagrerepresenta ng mga kabataang artists sa Padre Garcia na ngayon ay apat na taon na. Ang Sihay Lipa Artists Group na bagong sibol ngayong taon na ito ay mula sa Lipa City. Ang two groups na ito ang naging resulta ng matagumpay na pag-alalay sa mga aspiring artists hanggang sa lumago at yumabong. Ngayon, ang Chroma at Sihay Lipa ang katuwang sa pagpapatuloy ng misyon ng Vice Versa na hindi makasarili at layon ang tumulong sa mas nakararami.”

The exhibition will feature a wide range of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and installations, all of which will explore the theme of “Home.” Visitors can expect to see a variety of perspectives on the subject, with artists exploring the idea of home as a physical space, a feeling, or a state of mind.

The participating artists are William Abao, Aimer Kayle Barba, Alexandra Monserrat, Anthony Escueta, Bernardo Oronos Jr., Carlos Alferez Castro, Christine Dato, Dhennis Sigua, Edward de Castro, Gab Villalobos, Gilbert Tugbo, Jamaica Tocayon, Jay Vincent Gatdula, Jayson Leona, Jeboy Roxas, Jed Hael, Jelly Kalaw, Jerson Enriquez, Jhon Lhoyd Escueta, Jonathan Jalac, Klein Tristan Losauro, Kristel Magparangalan, Maria Althea Munlawin, Medardo Olaco, Miranda Patrick, MJ Palma, Ramil Tumampos, Rico Tubar, Dodel Malaluan, Ron de Torres, Ruru Mataverde Jr., Vicson Apostol, Vince Martin Macatangay, YelCast, Yna Reyes, and Edward Padilla Jr., with the special participation of student-artists who have been part of the mentorship program.

Vice Versa will donate 40 percent of the total sales of the exhibition to SOS Children’s Village. “No Place Like Home” is a celebration of the group’s 10-year journey of helping orphaned artists, aiming to raise awareness as to the importance of providing a loving and nurturing environment for orphaned children — to help them achieve their dreams through art.

The members of Vice Versa chose ARTablado as its venue for this milestone show because of ARTablado’s openness and encouragement to artists from all walks of life, especially the aspiring ones who don’t have the resources or necessary connections to the mainstream art establishments.

“Napili ng grupo na dito mag-celebrate ng aming ika-10 taong anibersaryo dahil ang ARTablado ay isa sa kilala at malaking entablado ng sining na bukas sa malaking grupo na nagsisimula pa lamang. Malaki ang maitutulong nito lalo na sa mga grupong kagaya namin na ang hangad ay mapalago at buhayin ang sining ng ating bayan.”

Home is where the art is for the members of the Vice Versa Artists Group. And, no matter how long, winding and tempestuous their artistic route may be, it always leads to this uplifting, inspiring idea of home.

February 21, 2023
ARTablado Presents Art Flare at Robinsons Antipolo

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 Tumampos

Lapu-Lapu by Pedrong Masipag

Emerald 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.

February 6, 2023
‘Buklod’ artists explore the positivity and possibilities of abstract art at ARTablado

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 Jesus

Composition 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 Aguas

Paano 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.

January 31, 2023
ARTablado Presents Andrei Solmirano Paintings to Celebrate Life, Faith, & Beauty

How does one become an artist? Does art come calling like a voice in the wilderness? Insistent, commanding. Does the urge to create art appear like a burning bush out of the vortex of the mundane, seeding one’s spiritless heart with a feverish flame? How does art become flesh?

For Andrei Solmirano, the muse arrived early: as other kids were playing with toys, Andrei as a 10-year-old child was always immersed in art materials and art books. Painting was her hobby during weekends, holiday breaks, and when she got home from school. Art became a path to escapism, a way for her to recreate the things around her that caught her attention: sunsets, flowers, the beach, and — for Andrei, the most beautiful at all — her grandma’s garden. From landscapes and seascapes, she would later on paint portraits of people and pets as well dabble in abstracts. Those abstract textures gave her — according to Andrei herself — “complete freedom” and allowed her to be “playful” with colors with “hints of imperfection.”

The girl, who comes from a musically inclined family, also loved singing. That muse overpowered the other muse. Andrei pursued singing as a part-time career — from doing gigs during family reunions and college programs, to appearing in big events. Painting took a backseat as she took on various jobs in the corporate world. But in 2020, the voice in the wilderness, that burning bush reignited Andre’s love of art. As a New Year’s resolution, she took up the brush again.

Sea of Galilee (Version 7)

That gesture led us here: opening on Jan. 16, Monday, at Robinsons Land ARTablado in Robinsons Galleria is Andrei Solmirano’s exhibition titled “Yadah to the King: Celebration through Art and Music.”

Andrei explains, “Yadah, taken from the Hebrew word for “hand” or yad, means ‘to throw, extend, or lift hands in thanksgiving and praise.’” For this self-taught artist from Caloocan City, art has become an expression of her faith and an “invitation for others to lift their eyes and experience God’s love and goodness.” Art is also a reminder for Andrei to be humble and that miracles do happen.

It is fitting that the artist is exhibiting at Robinsons Land ARTablado since the gallery has become a platform for artists with humble roots and who have gone on to do miraculously impressive art.

“This is a surprise blessing for 2023. Amazing,” she shares. “It is an answered prayer. It is a testament to ArtAblado as a supportive platform for new artists such as me. It feels like home.”

“Yadah to the King” is a collection of artworks that celebrate God – who He is and what He does: (1) The lion for the “Lion of the tribe of Judah to display His absolute authority and power over all creation”; (2) Abstracts reminding us that He is our firm “Foundation” and the chief “Cornerstone”, that He is King but He chose to be a humble “Carpenter”, that just like in the mount of “Moriah” He still provides, that just like in the “Sea of Galilee” miracles still happen; that there’s “Open Heaven” for those who believes and trusts Him; (3) Florals reminding us of our identity – we are loved, beautiful, valuable and more.

Ultimately, what Andrei Solmirano aspires for her art to be able to do is admirable.

“Let my art cause you to dream and hope,” she concludes. Art should “spark joy, faith and inspiration.” Sparking, kindling ineffable feelings the way Art — or an entire universe unfolding with a single brush stroke — opens up to a child for the first time.

January 16, 2023
‘Habi ni Ake’ Art Exhibit Now at Robinsons Antipolo

Most would agree that an artist should not be limited by the medium at their disposal. Or in the case of Racquel “Ake” Pagulayan, the lack of it.

An entrepreneur and mother of three, Ake has been making a name for herself with her artworks that are anything but traditional. Using everyday household materials, she is able to explore her creativity may it be with paintings, sculptures, accessories, cross-stitching, beaded necklaces, or artificial copper bonsai trees.

“My art gives color and hope to my life,” Ake explains. “It completes my being and it fills my heart with happiness especially when people appreciate my works, which is why I always look for ways to make it better. It is the only thing that kept me going when I felt alone and likewise I want to be able to make others happy through my art.”

Art, Ake says, is her place of comfort where she runs to whether going through situations that make her feel happy or sad.

Ake didn’t have the financial means to pursue the arts, much less a career in it, during her earlier years. As the breadwinner of her family, Ake worked in the garments industry and one might say she was always meant to discover the possibilities of the sewing thread. It was when she saw a mandala—a geometric configuration of symbols often attached to spirituality—made of sewing threads and that inspired her to use the unusual medium for her works along with iron nails, the contrast of soft and hard not lost in her. With it, she creates abstract images and eye-catching sceneries that demonstrate her eye for the visual arts.

Naturally, her subjects would consist of common themes like mother and child, nature, and every once in a while, dreamscapes, all of which are currently on display during “Habi ni Ake” by ARTablado until September 30 at the Upper Ground Floor, North Wing, of Robinsons Antipolo.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ARTablado (art + entablado) (@artablado)

The first of its kind since ARTablado started, Ake’s works is certainly something worth visiting for its uniqueness. The threads likewise symbolize our interconnectivity as humans and our stories are truly weaved into the overall master plan of the one creator who has bestowed upon each and every one of us the ability to create.

Robinsons ARTablado continues to support Filipino art by providing a second home for artists where they can showcase their creativity and artistic genius.

September 20, 2022
Robinsons Land’s ARTablado Presents the ‘Siklab’ Exhibit at Robinsons Galleria

The spark of an artist is so contagious that one look at a masterpiece can inspire a whole new generation of creatives. This is why it is important to recognize that there is an artist in every one of us that only needs to let that inner light shine through.

When the artist group Pilipinta came to be, it was started by independent artist Richelle Rivera. An entrepreneur who does impressionist and realist works, she created the group to help fellow artists to have a better platform to showcase their creativity.

With 10 members currently, the group is slowly making a name for itself with the artists participating in online and physical exhibits as well as competitions.

Pilipinta artists pride themselves in creating impactful pieces that they hope will ignite the same fire in each person that sees them so that the passion to keep art alive continues.

Thus, ARTablado’s ongoing show “Siklab” at Robinsons Galleria is exactly that, where the Pilipinta artists’ recent works are currently on exhibit.

Rivera’s common subjects are landscapes, seascapes, architectural, florals, portraits and still life. She believes that engaging in the arts can help boost self-confidence, heal the soul, and give positivity and resilience.

Drawing in Everyday Noise – Richelle Rivera

Jed Borja, a nurse by profession, is a self-taught artist who paints about nature, animals, and Biblical scenes using different art styles including pop, abstract, contemporary, and modern. He wants to inspire people to know that life may not always be perfect but it is still worth living through God’s amazing grace.

Siklab ng Kaginhawaan at Kayamanan by Jed Borja

Raphael Labuntog is a Filipino pop culture surrealist whose work is also a reflection of his life where balance is important. His works pay homage to his childhood as he grew up watching cartoons, reminding him of happy times.

Kring Dumalag is a contemporary artist from Quezon City who is fascinated by the beauty of nature and the uniqueness of an object. Her subjects are usually about women empowerment, landscape, found objects, flowers, and abstract.

Denzel San Jose likes to express his thoughts about anything that inspires him such as social perceptions, misconceptions, LGBT, with his works mainly featuring sharp contours on the face of his subjects.

Lamig sa Tag-Init – Danny dela Cruz

“Siklab” by ARTablado is on exhibit until August 31 at the Level 3 of Robinsons Galleria.

Robinsons Land’s ARTablado continues to support Filipino art by providing a second home for artists where they can showcase their creativity and artistic genius.

August 19, 2022
Robinsons Land hosts show for ARTablado ‘Create’ 2020 winner Ambrocio Mallari

When Robinsons Land launched ARTablado (a portmanteau of “art” and “entablado”) in 2020, the goal was to provide a platform for the best in Filipino art, putting the spotlight on artists from all walks of life. Later that year, it launched its first-ever national painting competition with the theme “Create,” since Robinsons Land ARTablado believes that in every Filipino lies a spark of brilliance just waiting to be illuminated. And even in the middle of a pandemic, Robinsons Land ARTablado decided on pushing through with the competition as a way of helping Filipino artists get through a crisis of such global scale.

The grand prize winner in the Representational category was Ambrocio Mallari, an artist who proves that art is ageless, limitless and undeniably boundless. (“Boundless,” by the way, is the theme for this year’s ARTablado initiative.)

Two years after his victory at the ARTablado Create Painting Competition, Mallari mounts his first solo exhibition titled “Nostalgia: Ode to Art Journey” at Robinsons Land ARTablado in Level 3 of Robinsons Galleria.

Ambrocio shares how totally unexpected his victory was. “Hindi ko po inaasahan dahil sa dami ng kalahok. Simple lamang ang aking istilo gamit ang oil on canvas na siyang dinalubhasa ko ng maraming taong pagsasanay—mula pa noong ako ay nasa advertising noong 1972.” And those decades of honing his craft have distilled Mallari’s vision into its essence with his winning piece titled “Kanlungan ng Lahi.”

He talks about the particular artwork: “Ang Pilipinas ay tahanan ng ibat’-ibang pangkat na hinulma ng kasaysayan. Kanlungan ito ng iba’t-ibang tribo at pangkat etniko na bumubuo sa mayamang kultura ng lahing Pilipino.”

For Mallari’s ARTabalado exhibition which is on view from July 16 – 31, the artist attempts to recreate the past by “not caricaturing the moment, but instead rendering its former glory.”

He amplifies, “I want to celebrate the human, the marks that people make upon the world. Treasure the local, the ordinary, the eccentric, the simple life that I experienced growing up in the province. I want to capture the rich culture of our nation with its story and history as well as the icons that marked the glory.”

Mallari goes for a throwback to those glorious days of hand-painted movie posters and billboards in the late Seventies that remind him of bittersweet memories—the hardships in life cushioned by a daily dalliance with paint, canvas and inspiration.

Thus, “Nostalgia: Ode to Art Journey” is an artist’s grand statement about “remembering the past, celebrating the present, and looking forward to a better future.”

Mallari concludes, “Malaki po ang pasasalamat ko sa RLC’s ARTablado. Dahil sa patimpalak na ito, akin pong napatunayan na sa tulong ng Panginoon at ng pagsusumikap ay maaari pang ipagpatuloy ang pangarap sa kabila ng mga pagsubok na pinagdaanan.”

Even at the age of 65, Ambrocio Mallari feels that his journey as an artist is about to get more interesting.

July 14, 2022
ARTablado Presents ARTiPARC: Shades, Shapes and Stories

The human experience consists mainly of shades, shapes and stories.

The artists who make up ARTipolo, an art organization founded in 2014 and based in Rizal Province, know this only too well. As a group, ARTipolo uses its creative power to bring forth “a common narrative condensed from the individual stories of each of the members”—as an artist or simply as a human being plowing through the very thickets and twists of contemporary existence. ARTipolo contends that, “shared individual stories become part of the collective narrative—or social history”—and eventually woven into the fabric of the national psyche.

To amplify this philosophy, Robinsons Land’s ARTablado recently signed an agreement with PARC Foundation and ARTipolo to mount “ARTiPARC: Shades, Shapes, and Stories,” on view from July 1 to 15 at ARTablado in Level 3 of Robinsons Galleria. The show features the works of 75 artists—a celebration of unity among its members, but also a testament to the sublimity of diversity, with each ARTipolo artist having his or her own distinctive style and artistic strategy. Robinsons Land ARTablado provides a platform for the members of ARTipolo to present every shade, shape and story of the human experience, all the transcendent hues of the examined life.

Using art as its platform, ARTipolo has been able to raise funds for various charitable and professional organizations such as Soroptimist International (Antipolo Chapter), Kiwanis Club of Antipolo, Hemophilia Association of the Philippines for Love and Service (Haplos), Philippine Bar Association (PBA) and even partnered with local businesses such as Loreland Farm and Resort, Café Lupe, Luljehetas Hanging Garden, Casa Nieves, and Hotel LeBlanc, to name a few. The beneficiaries of these exhibits and auctions are mostly youth and children.

“ARTiPARC” also benefits the PARC Foundation which transforms the lives of underprivileged youths through its flagship program billed as PARCaralan, a free artistic, life skills training program with character-building workshops, cultural immersion, and assistance in seeking career opportunities.

Robinsons Land ARTablado, on the other hand, believes in the advocacy of ARTipolo: it not only supports the creative endeavors of Filipino artists, but also the noble causes that are close to their hearts.

The participating artists are: Alexandra Monserrat, Amado Ongtauco, Amador Inlayo, Aminah Sioson, Antonette Literal-Tulay, Aris Ventures, Ber Nardo, Bernardo Matias, Celes “Onit” Untalan, Cha M. Baladjay, Charmaine Marie De Chavez, Chrisellie C. Guzik, Cindy Grace A. Santiago, Corazon Gaufo Patarata, Crishaira Peliño-Bode, Dana Bote, Daphne Lagunay, Dea Solis, Diane Cabas, Don Cabanza, Dyna Quizon Ondoy, Eleanor Habal Robleza, Gem Yonzon Blanco, Gerry Marasigan, Hilario Barrozo, Jaspreet Kaur, Jayson Z. Borlon, Jenella L. Medina, Jerry Y. Contridas, JM Guzik, Joemari Cagas, Jun Vicaldo, Katlene S. Enriquez, Krister Isip, Liana Mariz P. Mesina, Lyndon Garrovillas, Mac Baladjay, Mae Dy De Veyra, Marge DC Gomez, Maria Len len Moriones, Marie Claire, Marites Paragas-Mesina, Marj Sula-Aquino, Mark Joseph Beloria, Marlo Avila Roxas , Marque De Leon, Martha Poblador -Tan, Mary Rose Gob, Mathilda Sula-Sun, Michael Ocmer Briquillo, Michelle Diwa, Nanette Cruz, Nelson Basa, Nelson Dela Cruz, Nelson Francisco, Nelson Medina, Noel Martinez Basa, Norberto Villez, Pauline Dela Cruz, Pol A. Mesina Jr. , Ramil S. Rodriguez, Ran Bolivar, Rod Lopez, Rod Talde, Rodgie Gapayao, Roland Tulay, Rymer Gengoni, Sharisse Atacador, Sonny F. Perida, Tam Urao, Veronica Dumlao, Vivian Nocum Limpin, Ysmael Ablao Fontanilla, Yurika Palmones, and Zyril Contridas.

With this roster of 75 artists, this is by far the biggest show Robinsons Land ARTablado has ever hosted since its debut in 2020.

ARTablado, a portmanteau of “art” and “entablado” is Robinsons Land’s very own stage in showcasing the Filipino ingenuity and creativity. This platform allows emerging artists to freely express themselves through art and paves the way to greater recognition of their talent and hard work.

June 28, 2022