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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On the Playlist: Myk Perez

I missed attending events that launch new artists and playing their songs. Happily attended Myk Perez's blog conference at the MCA Universal office and greeting him personally for his new album "My Acoustic."

After coming runner-up in ABS-CBN's The Voice, MCA signed him for his debut album and featured songs that we love and also his personal favorites.

• Easy
• Two Is Better Than One - duet with Sabrina
• Why
• Runaway
• Clarity
• Honey Under the Moon
• Fix You (his self-composition)
• Chasing Pavements
• Give Me Love
• Baby I Love Your Way
• Fix You (Unplugged) - bonus track

His cool voice goes perfectly with all tracks and it's a good company when you're driving or chilling on your room. He gives justice to all the songs in his own renditions and they are very relaxing. My personal favorite is his version of Runaway - being also a The Corrs fan and I could sing-along with his tune.

He is very nice and accommodating to even granted our song requests by playing them with his guitar. A tell-all interview was honestly answered by Myk with all the bloggers present. He played songs that will match his mood.

He gave all his thanks to his The Voice coach Bamboo Mañalac for what he had become in The Voice. If you're wondering if he had a choice to select from all the other judges, he'd choose Lea for musical experience. He also like to jam with Sarah Geronimo for her dancing skills.

For more info about Myk Perez's album, you can visit MCA universal's Facebook and Twitter accounts.

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