The official Philippine international art fair has once again brought together under one roof artists, art collectors, and basically just about anyone and everyone who wants to be anywhere close to be considered artsy.
With 24 galleries showing off the best they have to offer for this annual event, many visitors were, indeed, impressed, and, apparently, so too was the guest of honor during the gala opening, newly proclaimed Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel, that he made a proclamation of his own stating there would be more support for ManilArt from government.
Also present were Department of Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro; Makati Rep. Abigail Binay-Campos; Department of Education Undersecretary Alberto Muyot; National Commission for Culture and the Arts chair Felipe de Leon; and NCCA commissioner Regalado Trota José, also the archivist of the University of Santo Tomas.
The night started
It is apparent the festival continues to draw visitors by the flock and it should only prove that, controversy or not, Philippine art remains vibrant.
Amy Loste of Gallery Nine echoes this sentiment in saying that, with the continuous support of the Philippines’ government institutions, private sectors, and the corporate world, ManilArt should remain strong in the coming years.
ManilArt 2011 was organized by the Bonafide Art Galleries Organization (Bago) in cooperation with the NCCA. It was supported by Allied Bank and Philippine National Bank.