The Life ‘n Arts Festival 2025 is set to take place on October 24–26, 2025 at Town Plaza, Alabang Town Center. This three-day festival stands as a premier celebration of creativity, culture, and community — uniting artists, musicians, and creatives of all kinds in a vibrant showcase of talent.
With thousands of attendees expected from Metro Manila and beyond, the festival aims to amplify artistry and innovation through a series of engaging programs and activities. This advocacy to inspire audiences, entertain communities, and promote talent.
The festival features a diverse lineup of events designed to engage, educate, and inspire:
Art Auction – The largest art sale of the festival, offering exclusive pieces for collectors and enthusiasts, providing opportunities to connect directly with artists and acquire remarkable works of art.
Art Talks – Insightful discussions with established artists as they share their journeys, experiences, and perspectives on contemporary art and creative practice.
On-the-Spot Painting – A live showcase where artists bring their visions to life, demonstrating creativity and mastery in real time.
Performances – A vibrant program featuring live music, dance, cultural showcases, and special presentations such as the Fashion Show and Cosplay Parade.
Workshops – Hands-on learning experiences in pottery, crochet, and other creative crafts, open to both beginners and enthusiasts.
Fashion Show – A presentation of artistry and style, featuring the works of designers who embody innovation and Filipino craftsmanship.
Competitions – Opportunities for emerging and established talents to shine through events such as Battle of the Canvas, Photography Contest, Short Film Contest, Cosplay Competition, and the Pet PAWshion Show.
The Life ‘n Arts Festival 2025 invites the public to be part of this inspiring celebration that highlights talent and the power of artistic collaboration.
Today, the Cuartel de Santo Domingo stands as a living reminder of Santa Rosa’s rich history, showcasing what communities can accomplish when they actively honor their heritage.
Santa Rosa, Laguna, has recently become a hub of history, heritage, and community pride, as dignitaries, stakeholders, and heritage advocates gathered at the historic Cuartel de Santo Domingo for a milestone celebration. The event underscored the city’s vibrant cultural legacy and brought together leaders and advocates in a shared commitment to preserve and honor Santa Rosa’s rich past.
The event marked two anniversaries: the 20th year since the Cuartel was declared a National Historical Landmark, and the 25th founding anniversary of Kilusan Cuartel de Santo Domingo, Inc. (KCSD), the nonprofit organization championing its preservation.
Among the guests were Laguna Governor Marisol Castillo Aragones-Sampelo, Representative Roy Gonzales, Santa Rosa City Mayor Arlene B. Arcillas, Councilor Joey Catindig, Councilor Carmela Rosa Gonzales-Colmenar, Councilor Petronio Factoriza, and Councilor Eusebio Batitis Jr. Also present were former Ambassador to the Vatican Grace Relucio Princesa, Dr. Hereberto Jose Miranda of DepEd Santa Rosa Laguna, as guest speakers. SAF PNP Director PMGen Mark D. Pespes, former Representative for 1-Rider Partylist Col. Bonifacio Bosita, Father Gabriel Delfino, the PNP, BJMP, and cultural institutions also graced the occasion.
From left: BOD KCSD Inc. Eldo Medina, Councilor Carmela Rosa Gonzales-Colmenar, Councilor Luisito B. Algabre, Councilor Petronio C. Factoriza, Councilor Eusebio C. Batitis Jr., Councilor Mary Janine Cydney R. Aala, Antonia T. Laserna, KCSD Inc. Chairperson Gemalin Batino-Diaz, DepEd Superintendent Dr. Hereberto Jose D. Miranda, and Councilor Jose B. Catindig Jr.
The three-day event held from September 24 to 26 opened with a Heritage Conference and several ceremonial launches at the Cuartel Admin Building, including the Santa Rosa Heritage Magazine, the KCSD official website, and an exhibit titled First of First, dedicated to Mayor Arcillas.
“Heritage preservation is more than protecting structures,” said Gemalin Batino, chairperson of KCSD. “It’s about keeping the stories alive and making sure younger generations understand why places like the Cuartel matter.”
Gemalin Batino-Diaz, Chairperson of KCSD Inc.
Day two featured dramatized portrayals at the Cuartel grounds, where cultural performances showcased local history such as sugar milling traditions, heirloom products, and agricultural practices influenced by friars. These performances offered audiences an immersive look into Santa Rosa’s cultural roots.
The celebration concluded with a Gala Night: Baile & Concierto at Paseo Premier Hotel. Attended by officials, civil society leaders, and guests from across Laguna, the program featured cultural numbers, recognitions, and a community dance.
Women of Kilusan Cuartel de Santo Domingo, Inc.
“This celebration is not only about looking back at our history,” Batino said. “It’s also about reaffirming our mission to continue protecting Santa Rosa’s heritage.”
From left: KCSD Inc. member Nancy Milo, BOD Evelyn Wise, and KCSD Inc. Chairperson Gemalin Batino-Diaz.
Founded in 2000 and officially registered with the SEC, KCSD has long advocated for the Cuartel’s preservation through education, partnerships, and cultural programming.
Engineer John Bosco Batino-Diaz, President of Kilusan Cuartel de Santo Domingo, Inc.
The Cuartel itself, built in the late 1800s as Spanish military barracks, is one of the country’s few surviving examples of colonial military architecture. It later served as a police station, detention facility, and heritage site. It was recognized as a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines on July 21, 2005.
Today, the Cuartel stands as a living reminder of Santa Rosa’s rich history, showcasing what communities can accomplish when they actively honor their heritage.
Life ‘n Arts Gallery proudly presents a special one-man show and book launch featuring the works of renowned Filipino artist Raul Isidro at ManilART 2025, running from October 15 to 19, 2025, at the SMX Convention Center Aura, Taguig City. The highlight of the exhibition is the launch of the art book Soulscape of a Gilded Passion, written by Sherwin Paul Gonzales and produced by Lerma Julian of Life ‘n Arts Gallery. According to Julian, the project aims to honor and document the remarkable artistic journey of Raul Isidro, a living master whose lifelong dedication and evolving vision have shaped Philippine abstraction for more than five decades.
Born in Calbayog City, Samar, in 1943, Raul G. Isidro stands among the most respected names in modern Philippine art. A graduate of the University of Santo Tomas College of Fine Arts, he pursued further studies in painting at the Philippine Women’s University and later took an advanced art course at Sonoma Community College in California. Before devoting himself entirely to painting, Isidro worked in advertising and sales, balancing work and study as he developed his artistic voice. His story of discipline and quiet persistence continues to inspire generations of artists. He eventually became a full-time artist and teacher, serving as dean of Fine Arts at PWU and later president of both the Art Association of the Philippines and the Philippine Association of Printmakers.
Through decades of exploration, Isidro has developed a distinct visual language that reflects both his mastery of abstraction and his deep connection to nature. His paintings often capture the movement of light, water, and land in forms that blend emotion with structure. Each work reveals his contemplative approach to artmaking, where color and texture are harmonized to express peace, passion, and the timeless beauty of the natural world.
The newly launched book, Soulscape of a Gilded Passion, delves deeply into the life and creative evolution of Raul Isidro. Written by Sherwin Paul Gonzales, it presents not only a collection of his artworks but also a narrative of his artistic growth, philosophies, and influence in the Philippine art scene. Through essays, photographs, and reflections, the book offers an intimate look at the artist’s journey — from his early years of experimentation to his established position as one of the country’s foremost abstractionists. It is both a tribute and an archive, celebrating a life devoted to art, innovation, and purpose.
This year’s ManilART 2025, themed “Across Forms, Beyond Borders,” provides the perfect stage for Isidro’s new milestone. The annual national art fair, co-presented by the ManilART Foundation and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), is part of the official Museums and Galleries Month celebration and remains the country’s premier platform for showcasing Filipino artistry to a global audience. With its theme “Across Forms, Beyond Borders,” ManilArt 2025 underscores the dynamic intersections of art, culture, and community, a vision that mirrors Isidro’s own philosophy of transcending limits through creativity.
The launch of Soulscape of a Gilded Passion at ManilART 2025 is more than an exhibition; it is a celebration of passion, legacy, and the Filipino artistic spirit. Through this collaboration, Life ‘n Arts Gallery continues its commitment to honoring the masters and fostering a deeper appreciation of the arts, reminding audiences that the journey of an artist, like that of Raul Isidro, is itself a work of art, constantly unfolding and ever inspired.
ManilART, the Philippines’ national art fair, returns for its 17th edition from October 15 to 19, 2025 at the SMX Aura Convention Center, Taguig City.
Following the theme “Across Forms, Beyond Borders,” this year’s fair celebrates the cyclical nature of inspiration and how creativity transcends categories; from painting and sculpture to fashion, functional art, design, and cuisine.
Here’s a preview of some of the highlights and special shows to look forward to at this year’s edition of The National Art Fair and partner events.
A Luminous Collection by Gallery Nine
ManilART Booth A1
A Luminous Collection presents a convergence of visual art, fashion, jewelry, and functional design. This interdisciplinary showcase highlights how artistry transcends form, where brushstrokes, textiles, metals, and craftsmanship intertwine to create a cohesive narrative of Filipino creativity.
Prints of Patis Tesoro.
Headlining the collection are couture master Patis Tesoro, national art figure Romulo Galicano, and painter Bullet Dematera, alongside jewelry by Ramon Orlina, Helena Alegre, Maria Magdamit, Faico and Knoi Esmane of Hoseki and more. Bayo Atelier interprets works from a collaboration of Patis Tesoro and Francis Dravigny, Anna Orlina, Bea Policarpio and Anouck Tantoco. Completing the tableau are contributions from the country’s foremost sculptors from the Annual Sculpture Review, textile and fabric artists, and creators of fine furniture and wearable art pieces.
Galerie du Soleil’s Reframing of the American Award-winning Gummy Bear
ManilART Booth B6
Galerie du Soleil highlights two solo artists: EdCoronel with Reframing the Gummy Bear and Nelson Ricahuerta with a monumental piece entitled Pahina.
Winner of the American Art Awards in 2020 and 2022, Coronel reimagines the playful form of the gummy bear in radiant amber and green hues, blending whimsy with introspection. Meanwhile, Ricahuerta’s Pahina (Page) is a large-scale meditation on narrative and memory that symbolizes the turning of creative chapters. The two works embody the spirit of innovation and the dialogue between heritage and contemporary expression that define ManilART.
The Artologist Gallery: Vision and Grace
ManilART Booths C2, C3 and C7
The Artologist Gallery presents a dynamic trio of exhibitions featuring Pandy Aviado, Joemarie Sanclaria, and Monnar, each exploring memory, movement, and creative endurance through their distinct visual languages.
Pandy Aviado’s Persistence of Vision reflects on memory, motion, and the endurance of sight. His layered works translate the rhythm of the city into image, transforming scaffolding and steel into metaphors for progress and persistence. Through painting and print, Aviado’s exhibition stands as a meditation on Filipino visual memory and the quiet labor of creation.
Joemarie Sanclaria’s Flurries of Grace draws from childhood memories of winnowing rice, translating the movement of grain and sunlight into metaphors for nurturing, catharsis, and renewal. His works capture the tenderness of maternal love and the universal act of giving and receiving grace.
Monnar’s Finding Picasso reinterprets the legacy of Pablo Picasso through bright pastels, deliberate penwork, and expressive abstraction. His works bridge classical influence with contemporary freedom, revealing a timeless dialogue between artists across eras.
Together, these exhibitions form a cohesive presentation of vision and grace, where heritage, introspection, and modernity converge.
ART for Space artists ponder existence
ManilART Booth A3
To Exist in This Eclipse: Art for Space brings together the works of Demi Padua, Reyna Raymunda, Joshua Torres, Ezekiel Fajardo, Jane Cuevas, Baltek, Ali Alejandro, and Yao Sampana in a compelling reflection on resilience amid uncertain times. Through visions of a world poised between decay and renewal, the artists explore humanity’s shifting relationship with technology, nature, and hope. From Cuevas’s organic-mechanical hybrids and Alejandro’s futuristic imaginings, to Padua’s symbolic dolls and Fajardo’s purple-hued meditations on wisdom and aspiration, each piece offers a glimpse of light within eclipse. Baltek’svintage cartoon-inspired figures and Sampana’s affirmations of love and endurance further underscore the theme of courage and creativity flourishing even in shadow—affirming that, though the sun may be obscured, art continues to shine.
Synergy of the Traditional and Modern at Art Corner
ManilART Booth E7
Art Corner presents Synergy: A Collective Unveiling of Filipino Expressions, featuring six distinguished artists: Renee Avila, Binong Javier, Ejem Alarcon, Norlie Meimban, Jane Ebarle, and John Perry Pellejera. The exhibition celebrates the diversity and dynamism of Filipino creativity, uniting classical, pointillist, abstract, surreal, and contemporary styles into a rich and cohesive dialogue. Synergy emphasizes how traditional and modern sensibilities meet, championing artists who reflect the vitality and soul of the Filipino creative spirit.
Alab Pagarigan defies dimension with Artes Orientes
ManilART Booth B2
Alab Pagarigan’s fascination with line and form has evolved into sculptural works that capture both lightness and depth. Known for his life-sized wire sculptures that reach out of their two dimensional frame exploring human vulnerability, Pagarigan’s art conveys a sense of fragility and grace.
Alab Pagarigan, A Breath of Sunrise, H-38, L-24, D-15 in, Copper Wire, Epoxy Resin on a Metal Frame.
For ManilART’25, he unveils seven new sculptures—four wall-bound and three free-standing—that blur the boundaries between figuration and abstraction. By integrating diverse materials that complement his conceptual vision, Pagarigan continues to push the potential of wire as a medium, bridging structure, space, and soul.
San Pablo Art Circuit (SaPAC): A Regional Artstravaganza
10 Venues in and around San Pablo City the whole month of October
ManilART’25 partners with the inaugural San Pablo Art Circuit (SaPAC), an initiative uniting artistic and cultural venues in and around San Pablo City to celebrate the region’s natural and built heritage. Ten venues have joined forces to present a month-long Artstravaganza this October, featuring local visual artists, artisans, and traditions in vibrant conversation with the city’s historic character.
Participating venues include The Art Barn at Casa San Pablo, Art Corridor, Color Commune at Sining Labuyo, Fule-Malvar Heritage Mansion, The Lake House, Paraiso de Avedad Gallery, Studio 88, Sulyap Café Gallery & Museum, Verbena Gallery of Patis Tesoro, and the Villa Escudero Museum.
Launched on October 4 and 5, the circuit runs throughout the month in conjunction with Museums and Galleries Month, highlighting how regional collaboration continues to expand the reach of the Philippine art community.
LAMBANA – Angono Women Artists’ Collective at Angkla
Angkla Art Gallery, Angono Rizal
At Angkla Art Gallery in Angono, Rizal, the LAMBANA: Angono Women Artists’ Collective takes flight as part of ManilART’25’s satellite exhibitions. Opening on October 8 and running until October 31, 2025, this exhibit marks the debut of Angono and the region’s first all-women artists’ collective in the national art scene.
Inspired by local folklore, Lambana—the Tagalog word for fairy—evokes the mythical winged beings said to reveal themselves only to those with pure hearts. Formed in March 2020 during Women’s Month, the collective unites women from Angono’s leading art groups, galleries, and museums with a shared mission to empower women and children through art while preserving and enriching the cultural legacy of the “Art Capital of the Philippines.”
Their works range from figurative to abstract, traditional to experimental, embodying both heritage and innovation. Through Lambana, the collective reimagines Angono’s myths and affirms that women’s perspectives are essential in shaping the nation’s creative future.
Rojo Galerie: Urban Fireflies by Erwin Mallari
ManilART Booth D2
Rojo Galerie showcases Erwin Mallari in Urban Fireflies, a watercolor collection that captures the poetic and transient beauty of the city after dusk. Known for his masterful use of light and composition, Mallari transforms Metro Manila’s streets into luminous nocturnes, where the reflections of car lights resemble dancing fireflies in the urban night.
Rojo Galerie is an artist-centric platform dedicated to emerging and established voices.
10 .Rhythm of Nature with VAM International
ManilART Booth E4
Singapore-based VAM International Art Gallery presents Rhythm of Nature, featuring contemporary sculptor Patrick H. C. Naval and master painter-printmaker Fil Delacruz. Naval, trained in architecture, creates stainless steel sculptures with clean lines and reflective surfaces that explore motion, balance, and spatial harmony.
Fil Delacruz, CCP Thirteen Artists Award honoree, is celebrated for his painting and printmaking practice, international exhibitions, and long service as an educator and leader in Philippine printmaking. Recent distinctions include the Distinguished Thomasian Alumni Award and Outstanding UST Atelier Alumni Honors, with current participation in international art camps in Nepal and Vietnam.
Together, Naval and Delacruz trace a dialogue between structure and spirit, aligning with ManilART’25’s theme by revealing how inspiration moves across forms and practices.
Heritage Cuisine Special Exhibit: The Art of the Table
ManilART Lounge, SMX Convention Center, Taguig
Expanding the dialogue between visual art and culinary heritage, CocoKusina: The Philippine Coconut Kitchen presents Heritage Cuisine, a “tablescape” fine dining collaboration uniting artists and artisans across disciplines. The experience features mana-pulutan creations by Chef Riza Matibag Muyot, inspired by Filipino tapas made from local and artisanal ingredients, served on a tableau of functional art and design.
This immersive presentation brings together potter and designer Ugu Bigyan, sculptor Danny Rayos del Sol, and wood artist Agi Pagkatipunan, transforming the dining experience into a sensory exhibition where cuisine, ceramics, and sculpture come together. Heritage Cuisine celebrates the Filipino table as a living canvas, highlighting craftsmanship, sustainability, and cultural storytelling through food and form.
Museo Orlina goes Steampunk
Reflections Gallery, Museo Orlina, Tagaytay
Museo Orlina presents Steampunk: Filipino Artistry Meets Industrial Fantasy. Originating as a literary sub-genre of science fiction, steampunk draws inspiration from 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery and Victorian aesthetics. In visual arts, it is recognized through mechanical motifs, gears, pipes, cogs, and anachronistic designs—fusing the old-world charm of the past with futuristic imagination. When translated into sculpture, steampunk art often takes form in metalworks, assemblages, and inventive hybrids that reimagine technology as both functional and fantastical, embodying a playful dialogue between history and speculative invention.
Eskultura IV: Steampunk is a group exhibition of eight distinguished sculptors who explore the steampunk language through their own preferred mediums. Featured artists are Agi Pagkatipunan, Darwin Guevarra, James Dayrit, Jinggoy Salcedo, Otto Neri, Ram Mallari Jr., Richard Buxani, Ronwaldo Dasal.
ManilART’25 runs from October 15 to 19, 2025 at the SMX Aura Convention Center, Taguig City. For tickets, visit TicketBooth.ph. For group tours and inquiries, email manilartsecretariat@gmail.com.
For more details and updates, follow ManilART on Facebook and @themanilartfair on Instagram, or visit www.manilartfair.com.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), through the 37th edition of Gawad Alternatibo, hosts a special screening of BACKSTAGE PASS SEASON 3: The Pillars of the House on October 9, 2025, 2 p.m., at Cinema 2 of Red Carpet Cinema, Shangri-La Plaza in Makati City.
Backstage Pass Season 3: The Pillars of the House, under the direction of Joseph Mangat, puts the spotlight on a seasoned production manager, a visual arts installation staff, Front-of-House personnel and other support workers. The film offers an intimate glimpse into their commitment to their jobs within the ambit of a production.
As the CCP marked their 55th anniversary milestone with the Gawad CCP Para sa Sining, honoring outstanding Filipino artists and cultural workers in 2024, Mangat’s Backstage Pass Season 3: The Pillars of the House documents the painstaking, yet rewarding, preparations through candid interviews, archival footage, and behind-the-scenes commentary.
In this documentary, Mangat skillfully navigates the delicate balance of guiding the audience and ensuring the seamless flow of the program. The focus falls on the front-of-house team and ushers, alongside CCP’s production manager Dominique G. Torres and Orlando Jarme Jr. from the Visual Arts and Museum Division. Head of the CCP’s Production and Exhibition Department Ariel Yonzon, who began as an usher at the institution, spearheads the film’s narrative set against the backdrop of the CCP’s ongoing rehabilitation.
Coinciding with the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, Backstage Pass Season 3: The Pillars of the House provides a rare peek into the lives of dedicated individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes. This documentary elaborates on the teamwork that quietly shapes CCP’s projects from managing productions to calmly handling last-minute changes while remaining in the background.
Mangat’s Backstage Pass Season 3: The Pillars of the House is beyond a documentation of the magic behind the magic. As it illuminates unsung efforts, it is a poignant reminder of the CCP’s devotion to recognizing and honoring the artistry that goes beyond the corners of the stage.
Backstage Pass Season 3: The Pillars of the House is slated on the closing day of the 37th Gawad Alternatibo, which runs from October 6 to 9, 2025, at the Red Carpet Cinema of Shangri-La Plaza.
Backstage Pass Season 3: The Pillars of the House perfectly reflects the CCP’s eternal commitment to diverse storytelling. While expanding the country’s cultural heritage, the institution teases a deeper appreciation of what it truly takes to bring art to life through Mangat’s documentary.
Finalists of the 37th Gawad Alternatibo will be screened simultaneously with Cinemalaya 2025 from October 6 to 9 at the Red Cinema Carpet at the Shangri-La Plaza, with all screenings free and open to the public. The awarding ceremony will be on October 10, 2025.
For updates, visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) and Gawad Alternatibo’s website (https://gawadalt.com). You may also follow the official social media accounts of CCP, Cinemalaya, and Gawad Alternatibo across Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more information.
The hotel unveils a group exhibit at the Gallery C that highlights the artistry of weaving.
Conrad Manila presents the 37th edition of its esteemed ‘Of Art and Wine’ Series with a compelling group exhibition titled “Her Hands: A Loom of Stories”, running from September 16 to November 15, 2025, in collaboration with Space_Alt Contemporary. Showcasing 34 works of seven female contemporary artists, namely: Kristine de Jesus, Anita del Rosario, Jane Ebarle, Mia Go, Katrina Raimann, Anina Rubio, and Maria Salvador, this new collection at the hotel’s Gallery C celebrates the artistry of weaving, through textile art, sculpture, and mixed media.
“Her Hands: A Loom of Stories” emphasizes weaving, not only as a craft, but also as a vessel of memory, identity, and connection. Historically, this form of art is a profound expression of creativity and cultural identity, intricately linked to the role of women. Women have long been the custodians of this tradition, passing down techniques and stories through generations, preserving heritage and fostering community bonds.
Each thread woven into fabric carries not just color and texture but also the weight of history, emotion, and purpose. These threads transcend aesthetics, symbolizing resilience, unity, and the intricate connections between individuals and their cultures. By honoring the artistry of weaving and the pivotal role women play in this tradition, guests are invited to explore the deeper narratives embedded in each piece—celebrating both craftsmanship and enduring cultural legacies.
Hans Sy (Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime) & Elizabeth Sy (President of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation).
The exhibit opening at Gallery C, located on the hotel’s third level, was led by Elizabeth Sy, President of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation; Cathy Nepomuceno, Senior Vice President for Operations of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation; Mia Villanueva, President of the Philippine Textile Council; Adelaida Lim, President Emeritus of the Philippine Textile Council; Kaye Tinga, President of the Cultural Center of the Philippines; Lucky Ou, Conrad Manila’s General Manager, and four featured artists, including Kristine de Jesus, Anita del Rosario, Jane Ebarle, and Maria Salvador.
“Her Hands: A Loom of Stories” invites guests to immerse themselves in an enriching cultural experience starting September 16 to November 15, 2025. Through these intricate works, the artists share personal narratives and celebrate the Philippines’ thriving tradition of weaving.
All artworks are available for sale. For inquiries and more information, guests and art enthusiasts may contact +632 8833 9999 or email Conrad.Manila.info@conradhotels.com.
Art & Indulgence: “Her Hands: A Loom of Stories” Inspired Afternoon Tea Experience
Conrad Manila invites guests to indulge in a new afternoon tea experience at C Lounge, inspired by the featured art collection. Available from September 17 to November 15, 2025, this delightful culinary journey that celebrates both art and culture celebrates both art and culture through a selection of exquisite bites and sips. The artfully curated set includes baked gillardeau oysters, pan-seared lamb chops, U.S. choice beef tenderloin, pan-seared lapu-lapu, signature C Lounge burger, eton mess – signature, raspberry cheesecake, vanilla panna cotta with passion fruit and coconut sorbet, roasted coconut semifreddo with mango popsicle, and more– each dish echoing the intricacy and cultural richness of the artworks on exhibit at Gallery C.
Guests may savor the inspired afternoon tea experience at C Lounge, complemented with welcome drinks or a pot of tea or coffee, good for two persons. For reservations and inquiries, contact Conrad Manila at +632 8833 9999 or emailMNLMB.FB@ConradHotels.com.
As a child, visual artist Derek Tumala, one of the 2024 CCP Thirteen Artists Award recipients, has always been curious about the world around him. This innate curiosity eventually led him to pursue art as a career.
During his formative years, the artist often found himself reading through his family’s encyclopedia collection, a habit that sparked his interest in the connections between the natural world, geography, and world history.
He eventually entered art school, where he learned the fundamental principles of art-making and began to merge these with his interest for science and nature. After graduating, Tumala discovered a much broader spectrum of creative expression beyond traditional media.
This exploration became the foundation of his artistic practice. Among the many art movements available to contemporary artists, Tumala gravitates toward media art practices that focus on research and the interplay between art and ecology. He engages in art that is experimental, queer, and challenges materiality.
“I taught myself about emerging technologies and familiarized myself with contemporary possibilities. I expanded my art practice by traveling to different places, researching and working in different kinds of art spaces – from independent, artist-initiated to art institutions, museums, and commercial galleries,” shared Tumala.
Derek Tumala (photo: Geric Cruz)
Throughout his creative journey, Tumala has drawn consistent inspiration from everyday life. He finds meaning in both the ordinary and the extraordinary, whether it is reading a book, watching a film, traveling, visiting museums, or simply observing the world around him.
Even in moments others might consider dull, Tumala uncovers sources of inspiration – from the surreal such as falling in love or kissing a stranger, to the abstract like doing nothing or or just being alone. For artists like him, anything can be a muse.
His unwavering commitment to the artist’s path stems from a firm belief in the role of art as a vehicle for truth.
“Our practice serves as a model on how to live and articulate what life or living is all about,” related Tumala.
Contributing to society’s psyche
As an artist, Tumala aspires to be seen and heard through his work. His goal is to create art and share it with others. If it is able to contribute to society’s collective psyche, he considers it a personal success.
For the upcoming Thirteen Artists Awards exhibition at the National Museum of the Philippines this October, Tumala is preparing a piece centered on the theme of “loss and damage.” The work stems from his recent research on the climate crisis and its slow but steady impact. He also hopes to create a dialogue with the museum’s collection.
“I want to account for these scenarios in the form of a two-channel video. I hope to make use of the data of endangered animals in the Philippines at the National Museum of Natural History, and then juxtapose it with my sentiments and realizations on the vanishing practices of artmaking. What we, artists, experience today is a slow decline of the artistic practice due to inevitable consequences of capitalism, socio-political and technological degradation,” shared Tumala.
He thought about calling the piece – the “Vanishing Tribes,” featuring the two elements – the animals and the artists, which he categorizes as “endangered.”
Tumala is no stranger to criticism, which he describes as a double-edged sword. “Criticism can either be a stab or a prick. In the end, you fight for what you believe in with a nudge. Don’t kill, persevere,” he enthused.
Despite the challenges of a career in the arts, Tumala encourages young artists to embrace uncertainty and keep the faith. “Enjoy life, work hard, be persistent, focus, and believe in yourself.”
Now on its 55th year, the CCP TAA honors visual artists under the age of 40 who seek to “restructure, restrengthen, and renew artmaking and art thinking that lend viability to Philippine art.”
The CCP Visual Arts and Museum Division (CCP VAMD) received 82 nomination forms from various art groups, museum and gallery directors and curators, art critics, art educators, and previous TAA recipients around the country.
After careful and thorough deliberations of the 108 nominated artists, the committee named Catalina Africa, Denver Garza, Russ Ligtas, Ella Mendoza, Henrielle Baltazar Pagkaliwangan, Issay Rodriguez, Luis Antonio Santos, Joshua Serafin, Jel Suarez, Tekla Tamoria, Derek Tumala, Vien Valencia, and Liv Vinluan as recipients of this prestigious award.
For more information about the CCP Thirteen Artists Awards, you can visit www.thirteenartists.culturalcenter.gov.phand the CCP official website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph). You may also follow the official CCP and CCP VAMD social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for updates on future events and public programs.
From September 24 to 26, 2025, a series of events will honor both the 20th anniversary of the Cuartel’s declaration as a National Historical Landmark, and the 25th founding anniversary of the KCSD as a nonprofit organization.
Heritage, history, and community spirit will take center stage this September as the Cuartel de Santo Domingo and the Kilusan Cuartel de Santo Domingo Inc. (KCSD) commemorate two major milestones with a three-day cultural celebration.
From September 24 to 26, 2025, a series of events will honor both the 20th anniversary of the Cuartel’s declaration as a National Historical Landmark, and the 25th founding anniversary of the KCSD as a nonprofit organization.
Batino with Mayor Arlene Arcillas of Santa Rosa, Laguna. Courtesy: Gemalin Batino FB Page
“This dual celebration reflects not just the passage of time, but our shared commitment to preserve the rich heritage of Santo Domingo,” said Gemalin Batino, Chairperson of KCSD. “Cultural heritage gives us a sense of community and identity, pride and dignity anchored on a shared past.”
Honoring the Past, Envisioning the Future
The festivities will kick off on Day 1 at the Cuartel’s Admin Building with a Heritage Conference and Launching Ceremonies, featuring keynote messages, performances, and the unveiling of the new Santa Rosa Heritage Magazine. An exhibit titled ‘First of First’—a tribute to Mayor Arlene B. Arcillas—will also be launched alongside KCSD Inc.’s new official website.
BODs and cultural workers of KCSD.
“It’s about more than preserving a structure,” Batino noted. “It’s about keeping the stories alive, and making sure that younger generations know why this place matters.”
Day 2: History in Action
On the second day, September 25, the Cuartel grounds will host ‘Acts and Portrayals’ — dramatized vignettes showcasing the Cuartel’s rich legacy. Highlights include:
– The history of Cuartel de Santo Domingo
– Sugar milling and trapiche production in the area
– Agricultural life through heirloom products and friar-led initiatives
These acts aim to educate the public and rekindle appreciation for local traditions and the rural economy that shaped Santa Rosa’s past.
Day 3: A Night of Culture and Community
The final day will conclude with a grand Gala Night: Baile & Concierto at Paseo Premier Hotel. Guests will enjoy dance performances, acknowledgments, and an open floor for community dancing, all while enjoying cocktail snacks.
“This is a celebration not only of where we have been, but where we are going,” Batino said. “We want to highlight our legacy and renew our mission for the future.”
Board of Directors, supporters, and cultural workers of Kilusan Cuartel de Santo Domingo Inc. (KCSD).
By blending historical commemoration with cultural outreach, the event reminds attendees of the Cuartel’s enduring value. The multi-day program invites local residents and visiting dignitaries alike to reflect on Laguna’s past—and inspire commitment to its future.
KCSD’s dual milestone is a testament to years of advocacy, preservation, and community-building. Through exhibitions, living performances, and celebrations, Cuartel de Santo Domingo is not just remembered—it is renewed.
Please direct inquiries to KCSD Inc. or their email at kilusancuarteldesantodomingo@gmail.com.
A Site of Historic Importance
The Cuartel de Santo Domingo is a 19th-century Spanish military barracks, originally built to house the Guardia Civil. Over time, it served multiple roles—from a colonial outpost to a police academy, and even as a detention facility under the PNP. In 2005, it was officially declared a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.
Today, the Cuartel stands as one of the few remaining examples of Spanish colonial military architecture in the country. Its thick adobe walls and strategic location continue to inspire historical awareness and preservation efforts.
KCSD, established in 2000, has since grown into a cornerstone of local heritage advocacy. Through educational programs, cultural exhibits, and ongoing restoration projects, the organization remains steadfast in its mission to promote shared patrimony.
“The responsibility to preserve and conserve our heritage for posterity is ours,” Batino emphasized.
With this triple-day affair, the community of Santa Rosa reaffirms its commitment to honor the past, engage the present, and preserve the legacy for future generations.
The walls of Life N’ Arts Gallery came alive with vibrant hues, heartfelt stories, and a shared mission. “Seeing Colors of Hope” is the much-anticipated first solo exhibition of artist and entrepreneur Ioni Mendoza.
More than just an artistic milestone, the event was a celebration of resilience, gratitude, and giving back. Surrounded by family, friends, fellow artists, art enthusiasts, and the team from the Eye Bank Foundation of the Philippines led by their President Dr. Ivo John Dualan, Ioni welcomed guests into a deeply personal journey. The exhibit was shaped by her own experience of vision loss, treatment, and ultimately, the gift of sight through a corneal transplant.
“I was born with a condition that impaired my vision and came with many insecurities,” Ioni shared. “After years of treatments, I was blessed to receive a corneal transplant from a generous donor through the Eye Bank Foundation of the Philippines, under the care of the late Dr. Cosme Naval.”
Through her exhibit and every masterpiece, Ioni willingly dedicates part of the proceeds to the Eye Bank Foundation of the Philippines — an organization that works tirelessly to educate, process donations, advance research, and ensure the best outcomes for both donors and recipients.
An Immersive and Interactive Experience
One of the exhibit’s installations was the interactive canvas, where visitors were invited to share messages of encouragement, hope, and strength. Colorful sticky notes, paper flowers, and origami cranes quickly filled the board. Each one gives a colorful echo of the exhibit’s theme.
Seeing Colors of Hope Exhibit 2025.
Some wrote words like faith, strength, and keep going, while others left heartfelt congratulations and personal reflections. This collective display became an art piece in itself, a living testament to how creativity and community can intertwine.
Colors that Give Back
The exhibit draws inspiration from beauty close to home, much like Monet’s garden in Giverny. Each piece radiates warmth and movement, offering a visual reminder that hope can be found in the everyday.
Through this exhibit, hope extends beyond the canvas. Ioni’s commitment ensures that art lovers can also be part of a cause that restores the gift of sight to others.
Almost anyone can be a corneal donor — young or old, with or without glasses, even those who are blind — as long as the cornea is healthy and free from disease or injury. By pledging to donate your cornea and eye tissue after death, you could one day help restore the vision of someone living with corneal blindness.
Exhibit Extended
For those who missed opening day, “Seeing Colors of Hope” will continue to run at Life N’ Arts Gallery until September 9, 2025. Don’t miss the opportunities to experience the work, leave your message on the interactive wall, and support a cause that changes lives.
Following the thread of its Luzon and Visayas legs, SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation’s Tela Tales continues to weave sustainability in its properties one region at a time. Coinciding with the Kadayawan Festival, Tela Tales was officially launched in Davao City, in partnership with its hotel property, Park Inn by Radisson Davao.
Commemorating the occasion were SMHCC Vice President for Quality and Sustainability Ms. Leah Magallanes, Davao City Councilors Hon. Tek Ocampo and Hon. Myrna Ortiz; Department of Trade and Industry Regional Director Romeo L. Castañaga; and Department of Tourism Region XI Assistant Regional Director Judy Colaljo.
REPAMANA designer Dars Juson, featuring his creations for SMHCC and Park Inn by Radisson Davao’s joint sustainability project, Tela Tales.
“As a fashionably meaningful and purposeful sustainability project, Tela Tales transforms condemned hotel linens into meaningful fashion, functional pieces, creating a circular economy that bridges hospitality and local communities,” said Ms. Magallanes. Given that hotel linens are one of the top wastes produced by hotels and resorts, this initiative aims to create products that are highly marketable that resonate with target audiences.
Tela Tales has already made waves in other SMHCC properties such as Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo, Bacolod, and North Edsa; Pico Sands Hotel; Taal Vista Hotel; and SMX Manila. Now, it finds a home in Davao. To bring this vision to life, SMHCC and the hotel partnered with Davao-born designer Dars Juson, who studied in the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. He is making his name in the capital City of the Philippines as the co-founder of Manila-based label REPAMANA. Known for transforming discarded textiles into striking fashion, Dars’ philosophy perfectly aligns with the Tela Tales mission.
Kadayawan grazing table featuring ingredients from partners – Malagos Farmhouse and Hijo Farms, along with Davao’s abundant fruits – mangosteen, pineapple, rambutan, jackfruit.
The beneficiary of this effort is Think Outside the Trash, a women-led community group supported by Councilor Tek Ocampo. Under Dars’ mentorship, the women underwent training to create the debut Tela Tales collection—each piece a symbol of empowerment, sustainability, and craftsmanship.
For the first collection, Dars designed a vanity kit, tote bag, and bucket hats, which will be available for purchase at the hotel lobby. The items feature both plain and dyed designs, using the traditional Japanese shibori technique. This method involves binding, folding, twisting, and clamping fabric before dyeing—a process that Dars also taught to the women of Think Outside the Trash.
During the launch, Ms. Magallanes gave a brief presentation on the concept behind Tela Tales, along with other sustainable initiatives implemented by SMHCC as part of its goal to reach Net Zero by 2040. A panel discussion featuring Ms. Magallanes, designer Dars Juson, Councilor Tek Ocampo, and General Manager Sven Toune followed, fostering an open and engaging conversation.
Featured photo: SMHCC VP for Quality and Sustainability – Ms. Leah Magallanes, Park Inn by Radisson Davao GM – Sven Toune, REPAMANA Co-founder and designer – Dars Juson, Hon. Councilor Tek Ocampo, and Park Inn by Radisson Davao Director of HR – Natasha Mendoza
