In a feast for the senses, The Peninsula Manila celebrates its 47th anniversary with visionaries of Filipino music and a groundbreaking NFT Art Exhibit.
Since the 1970s, The Peninsula Manila has been more than a luxury hotel but a cultural monument for the arts. An elegant statement building at the heart of Makati, the sunburst sculpture by National Artist Napoleon Abueva has been the lobby ceiling’s unmistakable Peninsula Manila stamp for decades. The open floor plan flanked by arresting tapestries of Mayon Volcano and the Sierra Madre has always added to the dining experience, while occasionally complemented by the live music of violin quartets or the famous annual Christmas concert.
On Thursday, August 10, a one-night-only pre-47th anniversary dinner concert at The Lobby, “Meet Me at The Pen: A Symphony of Talent Unveiled” will offer a five-course dinner and concert that will take guests on a captivating exploration through the illustrious 47-year history of The Peninsula Manila, showcasing its unwavering commitment to nurturing Filipino musical and visual brilliance from the past, the vibrant present, and towards a promising future.
A Musical Odyssey
Maestro Ryan Cayabyab is considered one of of the pillars of Original Pilipino Music (OPM), while also a recipient of the National Artist of the Philippines for Music in 2018. In the dinner concert, Maestro Cayabyab will enchant guests with the timeless saga of his lifelong romance with music, delving into an extraordinary repertoire spanning renditions of the Great American Songbook. The concert will celebrate the brilliance of Gershwin—known for his Broadway folk opera “Porgy and Bess,” the expressive “Rhapsody in Blue,” and the steamy “Summertime.” Expect the soulful rhythm and blues beats of Motown, as well as the psychedelic counterculture anthems of musical group The 5th Dimension.
Joined by the Ryan Cayabyab Singers, the Maestro will grace the stage with his iconic original compositions that have earned him the esteemed title of a National Artist today (Think “Da Coconut Nut” as just one of his six hundred compositions).
Alongside the exciting musical lineup, songstress Nicole Asensio will be joining the Cayabyab group. A Filipino actress, singer, and songwriter, Asensio sang lead vocals for the all-girl rock band General Luna, until venturing into a solo career and releasing her first album Schizoprano in 2015. Asensio is set to premiere two long-awaited music videos while delighting guests with enchanting renditions of popular jazz tunes.
The “Art in Resonance” Program with Art and NFTs by Mano Gonzalez and Alaga
Apart from a slew of musical performances, “Meet Me at The Pen: A Symphony of Talent Unveiled” will synchronize with the hotel’s launch of its contemporary art program — “Art in Resonance.” During the concert, Maestro Cayabyab (who is an emerging visual artist himself) will highlight the event by creating a synergy between music and visual art.
The program aims to fuse different kinds of artistic expressions, forging a new chapter in The Peninsula Manila’s dedication to nurturing Filipino creativity through a cultural program. In the spotlight, the program will exhibit the works of emerging Filipino artists, Mano Gonzales and Alaga, who have been specially commissioned to craft captivating new works. Their artworks will grace The Lobby until September 30, 2023.
The Manila Peninsula moves with the times to embrace the future of art by transforming the installations into NFTs (non-fungible tokens) or digital art collectibles. Partnering with Scarlet Box, the premier blue-chip NFT art launchpad in Asia, this groundbreaking endeavor to blend blockchain technology marks an exciting step forward in ushering The Peninsula Manila’s art vision into the digital era.
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Mano Gonzales, a Manila-based self-taught artist, delves into the intricacies of politics, identity, and gender, unveiling the essence of a society’s vernacular memory. His diverse body of work spans drawing, sculpture, and fashion styling, drawing inspiration from a wide array of influences.
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Meanwhile, Alaga’s art is an exuberant tribute to queer ecology, passionately advocating for the preservation and safeguarding of Philippine biodiversity. Through their compelling textiles, performances, and illustrations, they depict how the indigenous flora and fauna mirror the social, economic, spiritual, and ecological facets of our archipelago.
With the advent of the “Art in Resonance” program, The Peninsula Manila continues its longstanding commitment to enriching the Philippine cultural ecosystem with a solid program that provides financial and logistical support to local artists. Throughout the duration of the exhibition, the hotel will be holding panel discussions and tours to foster a deeper connection between viewers and the art itself.
As the pleasures of visual art and music combine, the special event will be complemented by a five-course dinner. Seats will be available at P8,800, while dinner begins at 7:00 pm, followed by the concert at 7:15 pm.
For inquiries or reservations for “Meet Me at The Pen: A Symphony of Talent Unveiled,” call +63 (2) 887-2888, extensions 6691 or 6694 (Restaurant Reservations) or email [email protected]. You may also visit peninsula.com, like The Peninsula Manila on Facebook and follow @thepeninsulamanila on Instagram.
