Celebrating Philippine contemporary art

The fifth edition of the Art Fair Philippines was a success! The fair, which occupied four floors of The Link Carpark in Makati City, saw a significant increase in number of visitors from 22,000 last year to over 40,000 this year.

The country’s leading galleries were joined by participants from Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

“Every year, we strive to make the best of Philippine contemporary art accessible to more people, and continue to provide a massive venue for local artists to showcase their works with a spotlight that they deserve. And it’s apparent that with this year’s numbers, we have met our goals,” said Trickie Lopa, the fair’s co-founder. Together with Lisa Periquet and Dindin Araneta, they launched Art Fair Philippines in 2013.

Among the highlights of the fair was the Art Fair PH/Projects, which featured interactive and thought-provoking installations by acclaimed Filipino visual artists like Jose Tence Ruiz, Agnes Arellano, Elmer Borlongan, Tengal Drilon, Patricia Perez Eustaquio, Emmanuel Garibay, Dex Fernandez, Mark Justiniani, Erwin Romulo and Maria Jeona Zoleta.

Art Fair PH/Talks was presented at the fair in partnership with the Ateneo Art Gallery and Museum Foundation of the Philippines. “Over 600 people signed up for our talks, much more than we expected,” noted Araneta. The lineup of speakers included Canadian writer and sociologist Dr. Sarah Thornton, Filipino historian, academic and journalist Ambeth Ocampo,  director of Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona Ferran Barenblit and head of art at Hong Kong’s revitalized Central Police Station Tobias Berger. 

“We’re excited for all the great things awaiting the vibrant Philippine art scene, and we’re looking forward to showcasing again the best of the best in Philippine contemporary art next year,” Periquet added.

Art Fair Philippines 2017 was co-presented by Ayala Land, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Globe, Julius Baer and Bench. Major sponsors were Make It Makati, Ayala Land Premier and Volkswagen. The Philippine STAR has been the newspaper partner of the Art Fair Philippines since 2013.

(For more information, visit www.artfairphilippines.com and www.facebook/artfairph.)

Oh, shucks!

New World Makati Hotel shows its support and solidarity for the Sustainable Seafood Movement, which was started by Meliomar’s Christian Shcmidradner last year. More hotels joined the endeavor this year.

“It’s vital to participate in this movement. We see it as part of our responsibility as a major player in the hospitality industry to spread the importance of using sustainable harvested seafood and environment-friendly fishing practices,” said New World Makati Hotel general manager Farid Schoucair,

The hotel staged a friendly oyster-shucking competition among chefs Robert Davis of New World Makati Hotel, Philip Golding of Escoffier Philippines, Michael Luedtke of Hyatt City of Dreams Manila, and Meik Brammer of Marriott Hotel Manila.

Chef Robert Davis won by shucking 24 oysters in three minutes while chef Meik Brammer promised that for every oyster he opened, he would source 50 kilos of sustainably-caught seafood from the fishermen of Mindoro.

(For the latest news, events, and room and dining offerings, visit www.facebook.com/NewWorldMakatiHotel.)

Truly world-class

The new luxury hotel brand Niccolo Hotels is set to catapult into the limelight with the announcement of its exciting new flagship property in Hong Kong — The Murray, a Niccolo Hotel, Hong Kong. It is set to open in October on the legendary Cotton Tree Drive in the heart of the former Crown Colony. Seasoned British-born hotelier Duncan Palmer has been appointed as the hotel’s managing director.

The luxury landmark hotel was presented to the media at the Vu’s Sky Bar and Lounge of Marco Polo Ortigas.

During the event, it was also announced that Marco Polo Ortigas Manila earned a coveted five-star rating from the Forbes Travel Guide 2017.

Marco Polo Ortigas Manila general manager Frank Reichenbach said, “Warm hospitality with a modern touch is what we have always been proud to showcase. This award is the fulfilment of our hard work and passion for service. We will continue to live and exceed guest expectations in terms of service and facilities.”

(Visit www.marcopolohotels.com.)

(Follow me on Instagram @pepperteehankee.)