Art Fair Philippines 2014

Time is indeed flying so fast, and just like that the 2nd Art Fair Philippines has just opened and it will be open to the public starting today, February 20 until February 23, 2014. And just like last year, it is still at the 6th and 7th floor of The Link, Ayala Center, Makati City.

I was one of the lucky few who got to see first the pieces that will be on display as the organizer decided this year to hold a collectors' day a day before the official opening. I'm not a collector, but luckily, since I'm now connected to Habitat for Humanity Philippines, and Kenneth Cobonpue, who is one of the featured artists of this fair, has chosen his latest piece, The First Light, to be on display in this exciting and artistically orgasmic display of Filipino artistry - which by the way is created to help raise funds for the families affected by Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda, local name) - I am here!

This year's Art Fair Philippines still features modern and contemporary art, but with a much wider space with the exhibition venue designed by Leandro V. Locsin and styled by design luminary Kenneth Cobonpue, more galleries were showcased, both local and international, but still with emphasis to local ingenuity.

Makati Hosts Art Fair Philippines 2013

Who would've thought that a plain and sometimes scary looking car park could be turned into a place where art pieces burst into an orgasmic riot of creativity and talents made by or very own local artists. I guess, there's really one city that could make things happen, and as far as I believe, this is the best contemporary art exhibit that you could find in the country! Yes, it's Art Fair Philippines 2013 here in Makati!

If you come often here in Makati,  you'll definitely not miss the banners that speak of the words "art", "fair" and "Philippines", and I'm sure that all these banners lead you that one place you'll never expect to be - the Car Park of The Link in Ayala Center.

Kenneth Cobonpue

Transformed by the Filipino design superstar Kenneth Cobonpue, the 6th level of The Link's car park was  turned in to a heaven of art collections from different renowned art studios and galleries in the country to join the first ever Art Fair Philippines. And to add some splash of colors and creativeness to this Contemporary Art Fair, 24 of the most forward-thinking galleries and art groups were chosen for their carefully edited and specially curated shows. Among the galleries featured in the art fair were Art Informal, Altro Mondo, Blanc, Boston Gallery, CANVAS, Finale Art Gallery, Galleria Duemila, Manila Contemporary, MO Space, Silverlens, Tin-Aw Gallery, The Drawing Room and West Gallery among others. 

Paete Reboot at Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences

Known for its artsy-artsy appeal to local and foreign guests of Makati City, Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences is happy to host a unique exhibit that display the magnificent and truly world-class talents our of artists from the beautiful and artistic town of Paete in Laguna in this Paete Reboot exhibit.

An exhibit prepared by Paete Artists Guild and curated by Mr. Glenn Cagandahan, Paete Reboot showcases that amazing talent that the town of Paete was known for - sculpting. With 15 artists namely Bayani Ray Acala, Phaern Afurong, Angelito Baldemor, Ely Kid Baldemor, Lell Baldemor, Patricio Balquiedra, Otep Bañez, Dhan Cads, Christine Cagandahan, Glenn Cagandahan, Odette Cagandahan, Nestor Cagayat, Benjamin Dailo, Bisoy Iglesia and Dominic Rubio, Paete Reboot will give you a glimpse of what more to expect from Paete, Laguna.

The main gallery of this exhibit is located  on the 4th level of Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences. Sculptures and other wood carvings by Angelito Baldemor, Phaern Afuring, patricio Balquidra, Dhan Cads, Glenn Cagandahan, Nestor Cagayat, Benjamin Dailo and Bisoy Iglesia are to be see in the his room.

Celebrate Independence with Pinoy Ingenuity

Tomorrow, the country will be celebrating its 114th Independence Day. And in line with this celebration, series of festivities will be happening all over the country starting from the flag raising ceremony in different government and private companies to commemorate this important event in our lives, to all-day partying that will highlight the greatness of our national heroes who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.

Here in Makati City, where I usually spent most of my time, the celebration already started last Friday with their Make It Happen, Make It Makati celebration. There had a been series of shows that showcased Pinoy ingenuity - from variety shows to arts and crafts that I find really fascinating.

One of the many arts and crafts exhibits that really mesmerized me was the "banig" exhibit that is on display in Ayala Triangle Gardens. "Banig" or hand women mat has been a symbol of Filipinos craftsmanship, and in the latest Department of Tourism's campaign "It's More Fun in The Philippines","banig" is used as a logo - a really clever one, I believe.