Manuel Baldemor’s Kuwaresma Opens at The Manila Hotel’s Art Gallery

The Manila Hotel held the opening reception for Kuwaresma, a solo exhibit by acclaimed Filipino painter, sculptor, writer, and book illustrator Manuel Baldemor, on 13 April 2025, Palm Sunday, at the hotel’s Art Gallery. Kuwaresma presents a contemplative visual journey through the sacred season of Lent.

Manuel Baldemor, known for his signature distinctive fusion of folk art, religious imagery, and cultural narratives, explores the solemnity and symbolism of Holy Week in this 38-piece collection. Kuwaresma, which means Lent in Spanish, captures the spirit of the 40-day period of prayer, fasting, abstinence, and reflection—echoing Christ’s retreat in the desert.

The exhibit highlights Baldemor’s vibrant palette, intricate detailing, and deeply symbolic compositions that bring Filipino religious rituals and traditions vividly to life.

“As a painter and sculptor, I want to capture the essence of Filipino life and traditions, especially Holy Week,” shared Baldemor. “Kuwaresma is a culmination of my fascination with Lenten folk rituals, particularly the Nazareno procession, whose devotion continues to humble and inspire me.”

Manuel Baldemor

Among the distinguished guests who attended the exhibit opening were Atty. Jose D. Lina, Jr., president of The Manila Hotel; Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing of The Manila Hotel; Dr. Elba S. Cruz, exhibit curator; Virgilio Almario, also known as Rio Alma, national artist of the Philippines; and Cecile Guidote-Alvarez, founder of the Philippine Educational Theatre Association (PETA).

Atty. Joey Lina, President of The Manila Hotel

Kuwaresma is on display at The Manila Hotel’s Art Gallery until April 30, 2025. Admission is free. For interested buyers, email r.lo@themanilahotel.com.

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The Renaissance Art Gallery holds exhibition on the works of National Artist Arturo Luz

The Renaissance Art Gallery presents the much-awaited exhibition of National Artist for Visual Arts Mr. Arturo Luz, titled: “STREAMLINED: The National Artist ARTURO LUZ EXHIBITION,” on July 2-13, 2024 at the Art Center gallery, 4F of SM Megamall Bldg. A.

The works on display demonstrate the primary virtues that distinguished Arturo Luz from the rest of his contemporaries: linear and geometric, minimalist in conception, and executed with superlative technical skill and finesse.

Arturo Luz stripped Philippine art of its excesses in color and form, as evidenced by his classic subjects, ranging from cyclists, musicians, and performers down to his still lifes and Asian cities and architecture.

All the works are authentic and original, supplied with written and visual documentation.

The gallery is curated by Cid Reyes.

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GALING NG PINOY! - Two Filipino Artists won Talenthouse Art Competition for Morbius

Two artists from the Philippines were among the 5 winners of the just-concluded Morbius - Talenthouse Fan Art Global Competition. They are Adriann Delmo and Jireh Villafuerte (aka Kyouzins) whose entries captured the essence of the Marvel legend, Morbius.

Their artworks were selected by the panel including Morbius actor himself, Jared Leto. Each of the 5 winners will take home $2,000 and their works will potentially be featured on physical posters or used as digital art to promote the film.

Check out the winning fan art below and watch the action-thriller Morbius, exclusively in Philippine cinemas March 30.

Adriann Delmo

Jireh Villafuerte

Morbius is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

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Philippine Guild of Watercolorists hold convention titled "Hues of Hope"

Since 2016, the Philippine Guild of Watercolorists holds an annual convention where they provide an exposition of the works of passionate artists through watercolor as a medium, and aims to empower its members with new techniques, spread joy to the community, and inspire aspirations by telling stories through art.

This year, they, as ambassadors of hope, will paint the most aspiring colors through an exhibition entitled, Hues of Hope.

The Annual Members Juried Exhibit had 93 participants in total and was sent to International Artist Jurors. Of the 93, 55 members were accepted for the exhibition and will be launched this September 2, 2pm at the LRI Design Plaza gallery. The paintings were screened by the following jurors from here and participating countries including NCCA Haligi ng Dangal Awardee Ferdie Isleta, Cid Reyes (DLSU-PH), Eudes Correia (BR), Zeze Lai (HK), and Prafull Sawant (IND).

The convention will consist of a month-long series of virtual activities and demos from renowned artists from the local and international art community. It is open to members of the Philippine Guild of Watercolorists and non-members for a minimal fee.

Demonstrations will be conducted by the following watercolor artists -- Art Cunanan, Jayson Yeoh, Sterkhov Konstantin, Sandy Allnock, Yuko Nagayama, Dan Macapugay, Doc Alvin De Jesus, Emman Silva, Gerardo Jimenez, Gilbert Miraflor, Jen Consumido, Uhky-uhky Estremos, Dino Dante Pajao, and Pinky Peralta.

The convention can be also accessed via an exclusive Facebook Group where the virtual demos and activities will be streamed live. Should an attendee wish to view the demos at a much later time, the videos will remain in the Facebook Group for as long as the convention duration but for an additional fee, they will have a lifetime access to the videos. The convention will run from September 2 up to September 30, 2021.

The event is sponsored by the NCCA, LRI Design Plaza, Giftbox Inc, Pulp & Pigment, DE's Artroom, Play Crafts and Prestige Paper Products.

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Miss Celia Diaz-Laurel launches a book on her thespian life

How do we immortalize our life? Many would like to become legends and those we look up to open the pages and write themselves a book. On her 93rd birthday, Ms Celia Diaz-Laurel gives as a read about her life in marriage with the arts in a coffee table book called "My Lives Behind the Proscenium" - something that she has worked on this time of pandemic and we think that it could be a good time to share her story.

A mother, wife, philanthropist, writer, painter, thespian, theater production and costume designer, she dedicates her book to the women and men whose encouragement and confidence helped her become an actress namely: Mother IMMACULADA (Assumption Convent); WILFRIDO MA. GUERRERO (UP Dramatic Club, University of the Philippines); SONIA RIFKIN and DOÑA TRINING LEGARDA (Manila Community Players); JAMES B. REUTER S.J. (Ave Maria Players and The Cathedral Players); CONSTANCE WELCH (Drama Department, Yale University); BEHN CERVANTES (who persisted in urging her to write this book about her life in the theatre); and husband SALVADOR ‘DOY’ LAUREL, who understood her calling and allowed her to grow not only as an actress but as a person.

 

The book chronicles the life that Celia Diaz Laurel led with chapter titles: Stage-struck at Five, Wartime Years, Dramatic UP Days, Yale Years, Back to the Stage at Repertory Philippines.

“Celia has written an entertaining story about her theatrical life in a straightforward, simple, style that not only will give the curious reader an insight into her life and the social milieu of her time but is a historical narrative of the early years of Manila theatre and the personalities who were part of it. She writes about her early personal life as the background for the successful career she carved out for herself—not only as an actress but as a set and costume designer,” wrote Joy Virata in the foreword of the book.

 
Celia Diaz Laurel shares her insights about her book -- how she so much enjoyed her life as an artist, how she impacts the people she works with, and most of all, to share art to the audience.

MY LIVES BEHIND THE PROSCENIUM is edited by Suzie Laurel-Delgado and Cocoy Laurel; Dulce Festin-Baybay (Editorial Consultant), Miriam R. Castillo (Project Coordinator), Sarah L. Sanz (Photo Editor), Nestor Amador Malgapo Jr. (Book Design and Cover). Printed by GA Printing.

For book reservations and inquiries, kindly please contact Ms. Jenn Tejada c/o 88697298 Mon. - Fri. 1pm - 5 pm. Online orders can be placed on May 29 Facebook Live launch www.facebook.com/CeliaDiazLaurel.

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Manila FAME's 66th edition highlights Philippine culture, design and ingenuity

As the country’s premier design and lifestyle event, Manila FAME has worked towards promoting the Philippines as a reliable sourcing destination for home, fashion, holiday, architectural, and interior pieces. Through its shows, it continually supports seasoned and emerging design talents and small and medium enterprises as they present their work to the global exports market.

The show has stood as blank canvas on which the country’s esteemed designers embellish their best works to present an accurate reflection of the Philippines’ vibrant and multi-layered cultural heritage.

For its 66th edition, Manila FAME strips down to its roots, a show built upon the intertwine of Philippine culture, design excellence, and export promotions. On October 20-22 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila and the Philippine International Trade Center Exhibit Hall, join us as we present the crème de la crème of the Philippine lifestyle and design industry in a showcase of the country’s rich cultural heritage and its unwavering resilience against the test of time.

No less than eight show features will be included in the upcoming show. New Generation Weaves, a staple of Manila FAME for the past three editions, will return with Paris-based design specialist Nelson Sepulveda at the helm. Sepulveda will work with more than 30 small and medium enterprises to invoke harmony and balance through Philippine craftsmanship and the beauty of natural raw materials.

GREAT Women Project 2 will also return to highlight the works of women artisans across the country. The project was launched by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) in partnership with the DTI Project Management Team and is funded by the Canadian International Development Agency.

World-renowned designer Tony Gonzalez will also have his own curated setting that will marry the strengths of each Manila FAME participant to create a versatile collection made to match a variety of material requirements, techniques, and price points. Design Commune: Patterns and Palettes will be presented in four themes: Blues and Whites, Ethnic Nomads, Green Tinted, and Natural Black and White.

And to top it all, Philippine treasure and Buscalan's pride, Apo Whang-Od, the last mambabatok or tattoo artist comes to Manila FAME.

“Small and medium enterprises from across our country will join us in October to showcase the best artisanal products the Philippines has to offer,” Tugonon added. “Through Manila FAME, we will work towards supporting the success of our artisans and uplifting the Philippine brand internationally.”

Here's how you can enter ManilaFAME:

Day 1 - October 20
Php700.00 WTC Main Hall, WTC Tent, PTTC and HALLONE Exhibit
(All Access)
* Php500.00 PWD / Senior Citizen (All Access)

Day 2 and 3 - October 21-22
Php500.00 WTC Main Hall, WTC Tent, PTTC and HALLONE Exhibit
(All Access)
* Php400.00 PWD / Senior Citizen (All Access)
Php250.00 Private School Students (All Access)
* Free of Charge Public School Students (All Access)

Day 1, 2 and 3
Php250.00 Retail (WTC Tent, PTTC and HallONE Exhibit only)

For more information about this event, visit http://www.manilafame.com/

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NATIONAL ART FAIR this weekend, September 26-28

DTI-Bureau of Domestic Trade proudly invites everyone to attend this year's National Art Fair happening on September 26-28 at SM Megatrade Halls 1 & 2. This event features a showcase of Filipino creativity and wonderful entrepreneurship skills that makes Filipino products world-class.

The event will also showcase different national treasures, works of National Artists, and the works of Impy Pilapil, known for her graceful works in glass, metal and stone. There are also different art galleries and exhibits from different art groups and museums to display national heritage. Listen to concerts and learn new skills with workshops happening in the event.

Opening to the public at 2pm on Friday, this event is free admission.

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WOMEN honored in Galerie Anna

Galerie Anna's latest exhibition entitled WOMEN presents a contemporary presentation of the physical, emotional, psychological spiritual and sociological aspects of women.
Inspired by these aspects, 14 visual artists covey their appreciation with women through paintings on display today at the gallery. Dominique Alfonso, Fernando Antimano, Salvador Bañares Jr, Kevin Cerda, Leomar Conejos, Ronson Culibrina, Dino Gabito, Adrian Evangelista, John Marin, Jeffrey Salon, Bryan Teves, Erick Villaruz, JR Urao and Michael Zacharias applaud the beauty and fascination to the woman creature overlaid with rich imagination through the stroke of their brushes.

The exhibit was also in time for the celebration of International Women's Day happening on March 8, 2013. In honor of women, the designs show the different roles of women in the society, a mother, a lover, a part of the work force, the teacher and even the religious.

At the center of the gallery is Bryan Teves' Semana Santa, a real eye-catcher and a crowd favorite. Drawn from the inspiration of the Lenten Season, Bryan drew his sister's portrait like the crucified Christ. The portrait was copied from a photograph and immersed with the religious image. The execution was close to reality and everyone just can't take their eyes off it.

Semana Santa by Bryan Teves (detail)Two prominent subjects in art and history inspire artists, Frida Kahlo and Leonardo da Vinci's Pieta was depicted in detail closest to the techniques made in the real thing.

WOMEN in Galerie Anna is open until March 19, 2013. For more information, please call Galerie Anna at telephone numbers (632) 470-2511 or 470-9869 or visit their website www.galerieanna.com. Galerie Anna is located at The Artwalk, 4th level, SM Megamall Building A, Mandaluyong City.

see also this article in Herword.com.

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3D artworks on exhibit at Avida Centera!

a number street artists gather at the Avida Centera location at EDSA corner Reliance St. in Mandaluyong City for the 3D Street Painting Festival on March 18-20 2011. their works are themed Fast-Forward: Life at the Center of the Metropolis.

different groups transform the concrete floor into a canvass and drawn beautiful sketches and strokes of the brush colored the entire lot. painting sessions are in a 24-hour pace started at 8AM of March 18 up to 8AM of the following day, inline with the launch of Avida Towers Centera -- the latest high-rise development of Avida Land Corp.

on the following day, the works will be judged accordingly and winners may bag the following prizes:

Champion: Php 75,000 plus trophy

2nd Place: Php 50,000 plus trophy

3rd Place: Php 30,000 plus trophy

--- UPDATE! here are the winners of the contest ---

1st Prize

Group Name: Guhit Sudlungan (PUP - Manila)

Artwork Title: Greater access to convergence

Members: Neil C. Defeo, Arnold D. Lalongisip, Malanio Balauitan III, Joel Chavez, John Mark Saycon, Justito Fadriquela Jr., Jasper Barba

2nd Prize

Group Name: Stycon Group

Artwork Title: Connected and Green

Members: Alvin Anonuevo, Pars Cea, Jawo Gonzales, Manolette Tizon

3rd Prize

Group Name: 420 (UPD - CFA)

Artwork Title: Metropolis Mania

Members: Anna Leah Aldaba, Kathleen Fallaria, Clarissa Marie Rodriguez, Ralph Louis Barrientos, Clara Herrera

and by liking Avida Land's Facebook page, you can have a peek of the entries and help the image of the most number of likes will get another Php 20,000.00!

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LOPEZ MUSEUM DIGITIZED!

here is how the staff from Lopez Museum converts their published collections into digital archives to be available for easy research when you go visit:


edited using Sony Ericsson K608i mobile phone. video caught December 1 2010.

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new exhibitions in LOPEZ MUSEUM features contemporary art

In celebrating 50 years of foundation, the Lopez Museum features new exhibits featuring contemporary art. These displays eye-opening and liberating expressions from the artists and on a deep assessment of the masterpieces are unknown stories from the artists' perspective. The exhibits are entitled Extensions - a perspective beyond the Lopez Museum's existence, and Loob at Labas - a multimedia documentary presentation of the Philippine society.

When entering Gallery 1, you will find Maya Muñoz's works Calendar and Coming It Going. Maya is one artist who loves to travel. In her works, she shows or "documents" her travels and puts it into canvass. Calendar tells us how she reflects on the days of her travels. Others may be from looking back of her past adventures.

From my point of view, Maya may be a little sad in her expressions. The strokes of her pencils, the force she puts on drawing and the erasures displease her of traveling alone. It's sad to see someone leaves or for you to leave someone. Maya puts in her drawings that it's sad to be alone.

From a gloomy gallery, we proceed to a very scribbly and liberated form of art. Extra-normal doodles of monsters, celebrities combine into pop art. Here, the Lopez Museum encourages people to express what they feel. Plataporma and Pilipinas Street Plan play along with any type of material making the surroundings into a big graffiti canvass. The colors and images play in the imagination of today's generation somehow suggests that there is noise, and they need proper guidance. Religious images and cartoons have been merged with celebrities which seem to be rebellious. I don't know what really is their message and to whom are they addressing it to. For me, success really comes to the individual and social dependence comes next.

Going further with the exhibit gives as a critical view of the Phillipine justice system from the inmates' perspectives. Convicts may have sinned to others but sometimes, even if they paid their dues in the jail, their rights were also been taken from them. Loob at Labas tells their stories presented in a multimedia manner by Rock Ed. A video documentation provides unknown information of how prisoners are treated inside the jail. Somehow the society benefits from them by selling their arts and crafts made inside the prison. But the proceeds somehow are not going to go to jail development and rehabilitation of the inmates. Instead, the big problem of corruption still extends inside the cages.

Loob at Labas and Extensions are part of the 50th anniversary of the Lopez Museum. A different look into the modern history and encouraging us to observe, learn, and reach out. The exhibit closes on April 16, 2011.

The Lopez Memorial Museum is at the ground floor, Benpres Building, Exchange Road corner Meralco Avenue, Pasig City. See the exhibits from Mondays thru Saturdays, except holidays, from 8AM-5PM. For details, please call 6312417 or email pezseum@skyinet.net. You may also look into blogsite pezseum.blogspot.com, find them over Facebook, or follow the tweets here.

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CONNECTING WITH GREATNESS set on March 11

a display of environmental visual arts is set on March 11 at the LRI Design Plaza in Makati City. the exhibition is a show by visual artist, Ferdinand Cacnio, with appreciation on dance and environment with the theme Connecting with Greatness.

the designs in which trees and dancers combined in a single sculpture, one would know that greatness comes from their Creator. quoting Ferdinand Cacnio:

"They dance with the wind; they change with the seasons; they make me feel alive and safe.”

environment and values get around Cacnio's designs as human figures are distinctively small under tall trees conveying the message that we have a lot of favor from the environment as what the Creator has provided.

an invitational opening of Connecting with Greatness is set on March 11 2010 at 630 PM at the LRI Design Plaza. show will be opened to the public until March 27 2010.

LRI Design Plaza promotes exceptional visual arts from our local artists 6 years already and Connecting with Greatness is part of their anniversary. it is located at 210 Nicanor Garcia St. (formerly Reposo St.), Bel-Air II, Makati City. For further inquiries, please call tel. nos. 895-1772; 895-7949.

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Quezon City's Poster Making Contest against Climate Change

Climate Change has come upon us. the past year has brought enough tragedies calamities and it seems that actions are still not enough. if the mature people have been addressing the issue but it wouldn't work, would they listen if the young ones speak?

Quezon City has once become enlisted with the high rate of air pollution which is one of the main causes of global warming. and the risks of air-related sicknesses has increased because combustion is not controlled.

the city government of Quezon City has cried for great attention and now it's the chance for high school and college students of Quezon City to address and speak a louder voice to help mother nature through artistic medium. the Serbisyong Bayan project of Mayor Sonny Belmonte and Environmental Protection and Waste Management Department (EPWMD) announces a Poster Making contest against climate change with the theme: Every Day is Earth Day in Quezon City. students can now have a take on the issue suggesting actions and control regarding environmental issues.

Mechanics:

1. The entry must be submitted in poster format – 11 x 14 inches. Any form of media (paint, oil, acrylic, watercolor, crayon, colored pencil, pastel, charcoal, stickers, etc.) or other materials on paper or boards in either a flat or two-dimensional effect can be used. The entry must incorporate the theme “Every Day is Earth Day in Q.C.”.
2. All entries must be original and must include a completed entry form in duplicate (a copy must be attached at the back of each entry). Eligible high school and college students may submit multiple entries. Photocopies of entry forms shall be accepted. All incomplete entry forms will automatically be eliminated.
3. Entry forms are available at the Office of the Principal / Dean of all respective schools in Quezon City.
4. All entries must be submitted directly to the Environmental Protection and Waste Management Department (EPWMD) office located at Gate 6, Kalayaan Ave., Quezon City Hall Complex, Diliman, Q.C.
5. Deadline for the submission of entries is on or before January 29, 2010.

there will be 8 winners, 4 from high school and 4 from college levels. each will receive Php 20 000.00 which will help defray their tuition fees. and the winning entries will be reproduced and posted within the city so their works will be noticed by citizens and let's hope that their voices be heard and that everyone will take action.

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Christmas Displays

i'm sure you have seen many of them all over the town. but these displays really take me back to my childhood. animated Christmas Displays is a really unique concept because you can customize the theme every year. they are sometimes life-sized dolls that move and portray a story in relation to Christmas.

this concept was started by Manila COD years back. it has become a legend and with that, shoppers can go to COD every Christmas season after every show. unfortunately, Manila COD closed but the greater news is, there are more establishments that relived the tradition of COD and made it a growing culture in the country.

one of which is Marikina City that runs the display for the first time portraying the trip of Mary and Joseph to Bethelehem until the birth of Jesus.

From Marikina Animated Display

another which i found in SM Mall of Asia is tagged with Christmas around the world. dolls show Christmastime in different countries:

Christmas Display at SM Mall of Asia

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winner na winner ang TANG

sabay-sabay: TANG -- !

nakita ko lang to sa tiangge sa Marikina muntik ko nang bilhin. lol

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bakit may MMDA Art?

marami na ang nakapag-post tungkol dito.

nagtaka cguro kayo na biglang naging abstract museum ang buong Metro Manila noh? agaw-pansin talaga ung mga makukulay na likha ng mga pintor ng MMDA. sa kanila sisi e obvious ba? sa isip-isip ko, tama nga naman, alisin ang mga vandal sa mga dingding sa kalsada. para naman kahit papano may kaaya-ayang nakikita sa lansangan hindi ung mga @$#*^ na hindi ko na rin mismo maintindihan.

pero ok naman sya tignan diba? pagdating mo nga ng Marikina iba na sya e, FLOWERS NA! ganun din naman ang objective nito, itago ang mga vandal sa dingding. pero may iba pa akong pwedeng idagdag sa objectives nya:

i-develop ang mga utak ng mga bata (pati na rin ang ibang nakakakita nito) sa pagtangkilik sa sining, abstract reasoning, at iba pang skills na ginagamitan ng utak. ewan ko lang sa inyo ha, pero kapag tinitignan ko ung mga MMDA Art, minsan nag-iimagine na lang ako ng mga bagay na pwede i-associate sa MMDA Art. kapag puro bilog, iniisip ko, mga ulo ng tao. may malaki, hydrocephalus, shy type (maliliit). kung puro squares, bahay. pag triangles, mga bundok. o dba? mantakin nyo may ka-weirdohan talaga ako. hahaha

pero marami pa ring kritiko ang MMDA. sorry idol ko si BF kaya ganun nalang ang tuwa ko na nanalo sya sa Duets. lol pero bakit kaya taung mga Pilipino pag kapwa Pinoy ang gumagawa ng ikagaganda ng lipunan natin, pilit nating binabagsak? tignan nyo ung litrato sa kaliwa, maganda dba? pati ang pagkakagawa. pero ang pinapakita e isang elemento ng kaguluhan sa kanilang lipunan, mala-demonyo pa nga ang itsura nyan. pero bakit sa atin, ok naman ang mga hugis pero bakit natin binibigyan ng masamang puna?

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