It's PasCuna at Terminal 3

MANILA, Philippines - Rachy Cuna, the floral architect of the Philippines and the country’s premier lifestylist, wields his magic wand to spread holiday cheer. This time, his creativity – Rachy is actually creativity personified – has brought him to Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport where his enchanting and impressive art installations are on display. Rachy’s “Cuna para sa Mundo” will be on exhibit for the duration of the Christmas season.

If the smile on the faces of Filipinos and foreigners alike arriving at Terminal 3 is any indication, “Cuna para sa Mundo” serves its purpose of paying tribute to overseas Filipino workers and balikbayans coming home for the holidays.

“It is my simple gesture of wishing them hope and joy this Christmas season,” Rachy explains how “Cuna para sa Mundo” came about. 

Rachy’s “simple gesture” is actually works of art that are grand in their uniqueness. As is expected of Rachy every time he has a show, he gives life to the lifeless, meaning to the meaningless, and to some extent, color to the colorless.

Rachy is known for using indigenous materials in his creations. He fondly calls them “found objects” because “I just found them everywhere - on the street, in the forest, everywhere!” 

So, his found twigs are tossed and turned, tweaked and twisted so they will take another form, another shape, another life. This is evident in “Pagbubuklod,” an art installation where Rachy used rattan which seem to swing and swirl in mid-air.

In “Lahing Kayumanggi,” the master artist celebrates Filipino heritage by piling brown woven baskets into a work of art. Dried pandan leaves are perched on top of the baskets, proclaiming how beautiful and honorable it is to be Filipino.

As an artist, Rachy says that he has a social commitment. “Through these installation pieces, I want to celebrate the courage and triumph of the Filipinos who work abroad,” he explains. 

As such, Rachy interpreted their sacrifices via artworks that are hopeful in form, fluid in movement, inspiring in nature.

Because Rachy knows too well the psyche of Filipino OFWs, he recreated a scene of Filipino merrymaking of “tagayan” via a witty installation called “Isa Pa Nga!” In this artwork, Rachy painted empty gin bottles yellow. It is such a wonder how this artwork can bring intoxication to those who see it.

Hope and happiness are eternal in his work as Rachy presents “Salo-salo,” an interpretation of the warmth Filipinos share around the dining table. “This one is lovingly dedicated, too, to the balikbayan who misses being embraced again by his or her loved ones at home,” Rachy explains.

And for those who are being attacked by Christmas blues, “Kumukutikutitap,” a literally star-studded installation that combines native bamboo parols and capiz lanterns, will surely bring joy and gaiety.

In “Bukal ng Buhay” Rachy’s love for life is evident as he placed a spring of giant golden pandan leaves inside red woven conical vases. And for bountiful wishes to those who ogle at his artworks at the airport, Rachy touched some coconuts and turned them into golden spheres, styled them to symbolize prosperity and hope and called them “Coco Pasko.” 

As if to make a statement, Rachy’s “Pagkakaisa,” an installation with some towering rare species of bamboo that the artist collected from all over the Philippines, gives a fitting message of unity in a country that is divided by political chaos and social upheavals.

“I only wish the best for our country. If through popular arts I can contribute to its betterment, I wish to continue what I am doing now for the rest of my life,” Rachy says.

“Cuna para sa Mundo” is Rachy Cuna’s tribute to the loving and nurturing spirit of the people from around the world — the OFWs who are excited to celebrate the season again with their families; the balikbayans who want to be reconnected to their past so they will not forget the present and the future. To some extent, the exhibit is also dedicated to foreign guests arriving at Terminal 3 who are ready to experience the culture and hospitality of the Filipinos as we make merry in the season of hope, the season of giving.

“Cuna para sa Mundo” is a celebration of life and love the way Rachy Cuna knows it.