Manila Bulletin’s HATCH Contemporary Visions, Timeless Setting Opens at the Grand Lobby of The Manila Hotel

The Grand Lobby of The Manila Hotel came alive on March 25, 2026, as distinguished guests, artists, members of the media, and content creators gathered for the opening reception of HATCH 2026, the 8 th edition of the premier art showcase by the Manila Bulletin in partnership with The Manila Hotel.

With the theme Contemporary Visions, Timeless Setting, HATCH 2026 bridges heritage and modern expression. This year’s edition brings together 12 contemporary and emerging Filipino artists, each invited to interpret the iconic acrylic egg transforming it into a compelling vessel of storytelling, identity, and imagination.

Set against the storied backdrop of The Manila Hotel’s Grand Lobby, the opening reception formally presented this year’s featured artists to the public: Marko Belo, Dino Blanco, Norman Blanco, Rachel Anne Lacaba, Jao Mapa, Raf Page, Tokwa Peňaflorida, JP Pining, Angelo Roxas, Alber Tabanao, Rene Tolentino, and Krishnamurti.

12 local artists

Cris "Krishnamurti" Villanueva

Jao Mapa

The event was graced by Mr. Basilio C. Yap, chairman of the board of The Manila Hotel; Dr. Emilio C. Yap III, vice chairman of The Manila Hotel and president of the Manila Bulletin; Atty. Jose D. Lina, Jr. president of The Manila Hotel; Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing of The Manila Hotel; and Leslie Araujo, brand and marketing manager of the Manila Bulletin and project head of HATCH 2026; alongside members of the media and content creators.

Atty. Joey Lina, Jr.,  President of The Manila Hotel

Mr. Marvin Kim Tan, VP for Sales and Marketing, The Manila Hotel

In his remarks, Marvin Kim Tan shared, “What began as a platform to showcase fresh ideas has grown into a meaningful space that champions creativity and emerging talent. We are proud to continue supporting this initiative and the community it has built over the years. Our sincere thanks to Manila Bulletin for their continued partnership, and to the 12 artists featured this year. When Ernest Hemingway visited in 1941, he remarked, ‘It’s a good story if it’s like The Manila Hotel.’ May this year’s exhibit at our Grand Lobby be another great story to tell.”

HATCH Contemporary Visions, Timeless Setting is on display at the Grand Lobby of The Manila Hotel until May 2, 2026. Admission is free.

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Manila Prince Hotel Hosts HATCH Emergence this July

The Manila Prince Hotel is proud to host HATCH Emergence: A Fusion of Filipino Street Art, an eye-catching exhibit that celebrates the bold creativity of both seasoned and emerging Filipino artists. Running until July 31, 2025, the exhibit transforms the hotel’s window display into a vibrant gallery of contemporary urban expression.

HATCH is an annual art initiative by Manila Bulletin that highlights local talent through painting on an unconventional canvas—an acrylic egg. This year’s showcase marks a special milestone as it forms part of Manila Bulletin’s 125th anniversary celebration.

Curated to spotlight the dynamic landscape of Filipino street art, HATCH Emergence features a collection of one-of-a-kind artworks painted on acrylic eggs. Each piece blends elements of pop culture, street narratives, and toy-inspired aesthetics. Together, they offer a fresh and playful take on Filipino creativity.

This year’s featured artists includes an impressive roster of talents: Jade Suayan, Trip63, Creon Chkn, Blic, Exld Manila, Distort Monsters, Gerilya (Jano and Mar Gonzales), Wesley Valenzuela, Isobel Francisco, Lianne Steffi Lim, Reen Barrera, Egg Fiasco, and Quiccs.

“We are honored to provide a space where creativity can be seen, celebrated, and shared with the community,” said Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing of Manila Prince Hotel. “HATCH Emergence reflects our continued support for local talent and our commitment to offering cultural experience to our guests.”

HATCH Emergence is installed at Manila Prince Hotel’s window display, offering free access to both hotel guests and the general public. Admission is free. For inquiries, call +632 5328 2222 or email info@manilaprince.com.

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HATCH Exhibit: The 6th Edition

The 6th edition of the HATCH exhibit debuts at The Manila Hotel, promising to inspire fresh creativity within the iconic spaces of the Grand Dame. Notably, this year’s exhibit features the participation of the inimitable National Artist of the Philippines for Film, Kidlat Tahimik.

“It’s a challenge I’ve never done before, mang-itlog (lay an egg), pero why not (But why not)? This octogenarian would like to remain innovative, even in his twilight years. So roll out your MB egg up to Baguio – and let’s see how my fantasy fertilizes this egg,” Kidlat shared via email correspondence, when invited to join this year’s HATCH.

HATCH challenges Filipino artists to unleash their talent on an unexpected canvas – a fiberglass egg. Past editions have seen these eggs transformed into whimsical, exotic, and even profound art pieces. Artists use everyday materials infused into the egg, turning them into masterpieces.

More than just an exhibit, HATCH is a platform for established and emerging artists to experiment, pushing their artistic boundaries. Expect diverse styles, innovative installations, and thought-provoking pieces that spark conversation and appreciation for Filipino art.

Beyond the gallery walls, HATCH fosters a vibrant community, connecting artists, art fans, and the public, offering a unique perspective on Filipino creativity.

A new generation of “egg-cited” artists has devoted their time, talent, and skills to showcase the creative genius of the Filipino mind. Featured artists include National Artist of the Philippines for film Kidlat Tahimik, Marcel Antonio, Melai Arguzon, Andre Chan, Elaine Clemente, Katrina Cuenca, Sean Go, Julie Lluch, Marlon Magbanua, Glenn Martinez, Dennis Montera, Bea Policarpio, Joel Reglos, Maxine Syjuco, Herminio Tan, Valerie Teng, and Manila City Vice Mayor John Marvin “Yul Servo” Nieto. Check out the album here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=OhmskiBlog&set=a.786861373463992

HATCH 6th Edition is on display at the Grand Lobby of The Manila Hotel from March 8 to April 7, 2024. Admission is free. 

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HATCH: The 5th Edition

For the forthcoming Easter season, The Manila Hotel, in partnership with Manila Bulletin, brings back HATCH – a one-of-a-kind showcase of artfully crafted Easter eggs. Displayed as a focal point of the Grand Lobby of the hotel, guests will be treated to a delightful display of novel collaboration of Filipino artists.

Hatch Lobby: The Manila Hotel

With the aim to promote the local art scene and highlight the creative genius of local artists, HATCH: The 5th Edition features 18 uniquely customized acrylic eggs showcasing multitude of creative styles and distinct personalities of Filipino contemporary artists who come from different disciplines. Just as the artists adapted their respective unique styles of mixed media, each Easter egg has a different story to tell.

Featured artists include: Addie Cukingnan, Agi Pagkatipuna, Al Perez, Aner Sebastian, Carlito Ortega, Carlo Magno, Cindel Tiausas, Carlos Cee Cadid, Demet dela Cruz, Migi Sebastian, Egai Fernandez, Emmanuel Nim, Jinggoy Salcedo, Margie Organo, Maria Magdamit, Migs Villanueva, Monnar Baldemor, Reen Barrera, Remy Boquiren, Roger “Rishab” Tibon. See full collection here.

In 2020, Manila Bulletin won the gold award for HATCH during the 55th Anvil Awards. The exhibit moved from city to city where visitors were introduced to an exceptional showcase of Filipino artistry.

HATCH will be on display at the Grand Lobby of The Manila Hotel until April 23, 2023.

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