The best of Filipino artistry

In support of the thriving Filipino contemporary art scene, MasterCard presented Manilart 09, the country’s first and largest international contemporary art fair, showcasing works from art galleries in the Philippines and around Asia.

A total of 44 art galleries presented hundreds of artworks created by today’s most exciting Filipino and Asian artists at the grand exhibition held at the NBC Tent in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. A comprehensive guide to participating galleries was featured in the latest edition of Contemporary Art Philippines, an art magazine that debuted at the Manilart 09 fair.

Guests of honor National Artists Ben Cabrera and Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, Presidential Medal of Merit Awardee Juvenal Sanso, UP College of Fine Arts Dean Tina Colayco and artists Fred Baldemor and Betsy Westendorp were among those who attended.

Others seen were Taguig Mayor Fred Tinga, Makati Rep. Abigail Binay, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and Tourism Undersecretary Ed Jarque, Rolly Tanchanco, Nannette Regala, Ophie Camina, Tessa and Dennis Valdes, Butch and Ollie Campos, Paulino and Hetty Que, and Helena Colome. Guests enjoyed a wonderful night of world-class Philippine art, plus entertainment by renowned Filipino talents such as Coke Bolipata.

MasterCard International Philippines VP and senior country manager Poch Villa-Real said: “Sponsoring Manilart 09 is MasterCard’s way of celebrating Filipino artistry and contributing to the promotion of contemporary art in the country. Witnessing the finest exhibit of contemporary visual art and interacting with fellow art enthusiasts and collectors were truly priceless moments.”

Aside from the main exhibition, the art fair included a silent auction and art lectures by noted art critics.

‘East meets West End’

HSBC Philippines CEO Mark Watkinson and his wife Sarah hosted an intimate dinner at their home for visiting HSBC group chief executive Michael Geoghegan. Guests were composed of some of the country’s biggest names in business as well as valued clients of the bank.

The theme of the evening was “East Meets West End” with catering provided by Margarita Fores. The scrumptious sit-down dinner consisted of organic hard boiled egg and Negros chorizo with homemade mayonnaise on watercress with malt vinegar-acacia honey vinaigrette, seafood bouillabaisse, lamb shank adobo with English-style mint sauce and an assortment of accompaniments, and an assortment of desserts. Guests were also treated to a performance by theater artists Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and Michael Williams who performed a selection of songs from popular West End musicals.

‘La Dolce Vita’

The Tivoli, Mandarin Oriental, Manila’s fine dining restaurant, presents Michelin-star guest chef Marco Pedrelli in “La Dolce Vita,” a glorious Italian Food Festival. From Aug. 24 to 29, chef Pedrelli will create his gourmet specialties in special a la carte and set menus for lunch and dinner. The Italian Food Festival is held with the support of the marketing firm Greative, Inc.

As Chef de Cuisine at Dolce Vita restaurant at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, Pedrelli will be preparing gastronomic delights such as Filetto di Barramundi (Barramundi fillet with mini artichokes, black olives, gratinated mussels and tarragon foam); Ravioli di Zucca (Braised pumpkin stuffed ravioli with bacon, king scallops and white tomato foam); Fegato saltato (Pan fried Foie gras, with arugula parmesan risotto and shallot balsamic sauce); Merluzzo (Cod fish fillet on bouillabaisse risotto, Ligurian vegetables and saffron fond); Agnello in crosta (Pan-fried crusted lamb loin with creamy thyme polenta, green bean gateaux and garden herb jus); and Tarte di pere e gorgonzola (Port wine poached pears with dolce latte gorgonzola). 

On Aug. 29 at 9:30 a.m., Pedrelli will also conduct a special cooking demonstration of three courses: homemade tagliatelle with osso bucco ragout; pan fried crusted lamb loin with creamy thyme polenta, green bean gateaux and garden herb jus; and sorbetto gratinato (crusted Tahitian vanilla sorbet with white star anise-flavored oranges).

(Reservations are recommended, particularly for the cooking class. For information contact the Tivoli at 750-8888 or e-mail at [email protected])