The next tour day was a Saturday, 16 March, and the theme for this particular day was still on Philippine art but the focus was on the history of art in the country. I had a group of eight guests, foreign buyers all of them and a representative from CITEM who was there mainly to evaluate the program and also to enjoy the tour.
Our first stop was at the National Museum (Hall of Masters) where our guests were to have a tour of the galleries and marvel at the creations of our patriots and visual artists from the Hispanic to the American period. As it turns out, we were not scheduled until three pm on that day and so our guide was not there to meet us so I conducted the tour at the Hall of Masters. As I was winding up commentary of the Spoliarium and parted the guests to continue on the Assassination of Governor Bustamante, our guide Jess was standing in front of the mural. I then introduced him and allowed him to conduct the rest of the tour interjecting from time to time on certain aspects which he may have left out... or forgotten...
Major changes have been undertaken at the National Museum since the restoration of the two adjacent buildings.So each of the rooms at the former Senate building is now dedicated to a particular era of visual arts works that have been collected over the years. These are significant art pieces which have defined a particular period in our development as a nation. Ergo, It would take more than a whole day (for serious art lovers, at least) to admire the artworks hanging on these hallowed halls.
Eventually, the Agriculture building (which is currently the Department of Tourism) will be taken over the museum as the Museum of Natural History. But I digress, the GSIS has so unselfishly turned over to the Museum some of the paintings which they have collected over the years. The most controversial (and most expensive painting of Juan Luna y Novicio) which they have acquired is now in the gallery which lumps together all of their paintings. Parisian Life is now in the museum for the public to view and enjoy.
After our visit to the National Museum, the next stop was at Galleria Duemila owned by Sylvana Diaz. Italian by birthright, but married to a Filipino, Sylvana has been living in Manila and is one of the country's renowned art dealers. Sylvana's husband is visual artist Ramon Diaz of the multi-talented and beautiful Diaz family; (Gloria Diaz and Rio are his sisters). Illiach Diaz is their son. Such a good-looking family with great genes also has great talent to boot. Their gallery is located at Loring Street in Pasay City where guests were treated to home-made ensaymada and iced tea.
Leroy New's contemporary works are now on exhibit in the gallery. Incidentally, Leroy New is also an exhibitor at the FAME show where some of his works are featured. Leroy's market is for the hip and moneyed. His works feature a collection of grotesque mixed media installations collectively entitled "Monstrosities"... colorful, unique and also quite expensive... No wonder Lady Gaga likes his designs!
Our next stop was at Albert Avellana's at 2680 F.B. Harrison, Pasay City where a series of old colonial style homes at the Chin Compound were converted into showrooms to feature art collections of Albert. I've known him since my days at Alliance Francaise. He has an extensive collection of contemporary art that spans a wide price range covering every budget. Incidentally, he has three homes within the compound where the artworks are displayed. Everything is for sale.
Eric Paras' showroom, on the other hand, has his collection of household items that is just distinctly rich and luxurious. He covers the lifestyle genre quite well offering one of a kind designs from cutlery to vases to china and boudoir items. All of them very chic and surprisingly some items offer mid-range price points.
Eventually, merienda was served at Albert's showroom where sotanghon, suman, dried mangoes, pan de sal, balut and drinks were served.Almost a fitting end to a busy and interesting afternoon. Traffic was nearly a stand-still when we got to the SM Mall of Asia area. There was the Pyro-musical Competition that evening and guests were given an added bonus...
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