ART imitates life and sometimes, vice versa. At Art Fair Philippines 2016, I graced the opening wearing a Pop Art ensemble that seemed I walked out of a Roy Lichtenstein painting.
Ongoing until today, this fourth edition of the Art Fair welcomes more participants spread over two floors of The Link, the carpark facility in Ayala Center, Makati.
Founded in 2013 by Lisa Periquet, Trickie Lopa and Dindin Araneta, this outstanding event showcases the vibrant Filipino art scene from Metro Manila’s leading galleries. This year, a wider roster of galleries from Southeast Asia, Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan joins them.
Alfredo and Isabel Aquilizan, the Brisbane-based Filipino husband-and-wife tandem that has participated in art events around the globe, headline the fair’s Special Exhibits. Also included in the lineup are Mark Justiniani, Martha Atienza, Nona Garcia, At Maculangan, Raffy Napay, Mac Valdezco and Pamela Yan Santos.
Intricate metal art
Taking the art scene by storm once again is extraordinary metal sculptor Daniel de la Cruz with his show called “HiSONly.” With religion taken from the Filipino devotees’ context as the main theme, the incredibly intricate art pieces capture different gestures that are totally powerful and moving. A must-see exhibit, Daniel’s craftsmanship and his deep faith are truly expressed in this unbelievable display.
Another favorite is the art installation of Justiniani who is one of the Special Exhibitors at the fair. “Infinity” is a fitting title to the series as it connotes multifaceted encounters as visitors experience his work. Using enclosed and layered screens, multidimensionality is cleverly created.
Visit Art Fair Philippines and discover young and emerging artists like Bryan Yabut, Josephine Turalba and Michelle Perez.
Art Fair Philippines is co-presented by Ayala Land, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Globe, Julius Baer and Bench. Visit www.artfairphilippines.com for more information.
Movie art
Art in cinematography is at its finest in “The Revenant”—the visually arresting film that premiered at the SM Megamall IMAX Theatre. Francis Soliven of Warner Bros. Philippines invited us to the screening; two weeks later, we enjoyed his hospitality again, watching “Deadpool.”
I’ve been watching a lot of movies lately; my daughter Annika and I also enjoyed “Love is Blind”—the newest movie of Swatch ambassador and hottie Derek Ramsay. Swatch queen Virgie Ramos hosted a private screening at MyCinema.
Derek surprised Annika with a pretty birthday cake after the screening.
Guests enjoyed a fajita buffet of steaks, shrimps and grilled chicken and a photo wall of hearts, complete with cool glasses and hashtag signboards. It was a fun movie, so catch it in theaters.
Malasimbo festival
Art is also in music. Musical virtuosos, spectacular collaborations and world-class Filipino artists come together at the Malasimbo Festival this March on Mount Malasimbo in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro.
Now on its sixth successful year, the Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival runs March 4-6, and the Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival follows on March 24-26. Headlining this year’s music installation is the acclaimed UK musician Jacob Collier, a digital one-man band using contemporary technology. The 20-year-old is a musical prodigy backed by noted American record producer Quincy Jones, best known for his work with Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson.
Highly renowned Gong Myoung of South Korea returns after five years to the Malasimbo stage to electrify the audience. The group is known for its harmonious mix of traditional Korean and Western percussion and wind instruments.
Malasimbo will also feature Tom Thum, an Aussie beatboxer whose voice captures a vast repertoire of sounds, matched with the Manila Symphony Orchestra under the guidance of Brisbane composer Gordon Hamilton.
Other acts include blues band Brat Pack, Tacloban-based Beatles cover band Reo Brothers, and the talented guitar trio Triple Fret. Lachlan Mitchell, one of Australia’s best composers and jazz guitarists, will collaborate with local artists of the Malasimbo Collective.
Malasimbo favorites such as the funky Golden Sound from Australia and Filipino percussion band Brigada will jam over the weekend with soul band Sinosikat. Local and international DJs will cap off each night with house music past midnight.
Lights and dance fest
At the outdoor amphitheater’s natural landscape, the lights and dance festival will have the talents of Wolf Squared, Afro x Chrizo, Aries, Diamond Heights, and more. International DJs on the Malasimbo stage include English record producer Lapalux, French hip-hop beatmaker Onra and house and techno DJ San Soda from Belgium.
The Malasimbo Festival, acknowledged by the Department of Tourism as a prime catalyst for the country’s continued advance in music, arts and culture, is exceptional for its breathtaking venue. The festival grounds will be dotted with close to 30 installations from the country’s leading visual artists. Visit www.malasimbo.com for more information.
The Malasimbo festivals are a production of Volume Unit Entertainment and the D’Aboville Foundation, supported by Ipanema and Rider, with the participation of Brew Kettle, H&M Loves Music, Nothing But H20, and Toms; official airline partner Air Juan; official hotel partner Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila; and official ticketing partner TicketWorld.
Art is in food. If you are unable to join Malasimbo on the weekend of March 4-6, drop by Gourmand Market by nawwTy’s Kitchen at C1 Park, Bonifacio High Street. Globe Platinum brings back this vibrant marketplace with various food and dessert stalls.
Gourmand Market brings art into food at a great price. It’s a definite go-to this March.
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