Art Fair Philippines, for the nth time. (Specifically the ninth time.)
Notes on Art Fair Philippines 2024
My mom, sister and I have been going to #ArtFairPH since 2015, when it was still on its 3rd incarnation. The tickets at that time were maybe a quarter of the price —today it costs a ridiculous PHP700 to attend, but at least there are always promos from BPI and Globe— and the exhibits didn’t quite fill up five floors of The Link Makati just yet.
It’s a pleasure to see how things change, and also how things stay the same.
A few random highlights this year:
- My mom was excited to meet National Artist Ricky Lee (film and broadcast arts). I say my mom because even if it was indeed an honor, I would not have been able to pick him out in a crowd.
- I saw one of my colleagues and fellow enthusiasts from work, as well as a debate-related friend I haven’t seen in probably ten years! Sometimes the best part of big fairs and events are the random people you bump into along the way.
- The roofdeck was now even more of a place to be, with an art installation masquerading as a food tent and more options for dining.
The art, the people and the crowd. We’ll be back next year!
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And before I go on my favorite pieces from this year’s fair, a few notes for people who are interested in going next year:
- Avoid the queue— enter the fair through the bridgeway connecting Landmark and The Link. We tried going through the ground floor elevators way back in 2016 (?), and it was a congested nightmare.
- Enter for free. Get a BPI Gold or higher credit card to get free access. There’s a short queue but it’s well worth the wait. Alternatively, get a 20% or so discount through the GlobeOne Rewards program. Other discounts are offered for Makati students.
Speaking of banks sponsoring art events, I’ve recently discovered BDO is a partner in a relatively young event —ALT Philippines 2024, which is being held until today at the SMX MOA Convention Center. It’s on its third year. Anyone with any experience and feedback for the art show? I might also go next year if it seems interesting!
Gallery from #ArtFairPH2024
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These were the pieces that caught my attention the most, or that inspired me to save up for both the house space and the money for acquisition in the future.
When art interacts, it inspires me to ramble —sometimes as a shout inside my head, a whisper or a mumble, or a conversation with whoever I’m with. But for the now the captions alone would have to suffice. My specific thoughts would have to wait for next time (I’m busy having my hair colored as I write this).
I will say this: I liked the part where I became a tree. Sometimes digital art really is fun.
Postscript to weekend two
We passed by Ayala Museum on the way home to check out the piece we missed on our art walk.
And just like that: it’s weekend four, and February is almost over.
Until next time! ♥️
jari m 
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