By Jose Paolo S. dela Cruz
Long before Tagaytay became a stone’s throw away from Metro Manila (thanks to modern roads and highways), Taal Vista Hotel had already staked its claim to arguably the best view of Taal Volcano and its surrounding lake. And now, on its 80th year, the iconic property is set to add even more color to its already breathtaking vistas.
The well-loved hotel recently debuted its first art show titled “Art for Always: A Tagaytay Locale Exhibit.” Situated at the Lake Wing exhibit area, the two-month group show can be enjoyed by guests and art enthusiasts for free; and features the works of top and upcoming local artists such as Wilfredo Calderon, Michael Anthony Sagaran, Lawton Ladao, Celeste Lecaroz, Joemarie Sanclaria, Ronald Castrillo, Camille Chua, Tanya Gaisano-Lee and Joemike Tejido.
“This is our way of honoring and promoting the region’s great talents. And because good art moves, influences and affects how we feel, we are featuring art pieces that will make the viewers more engaged and inspired,” according to Taal Vista Hotel general manager Richard Gamlin.
Sagaran, one of the artists, finds inspiration in nature for his artworks. A hotelier by profession, Michael tells this writer that he finally found the time and energy to pursue his passion for painting when he started working away from Manila a few years back. “I have always been fascinated in the beauty of nature, life, and what makes it all connected. I love capturing the beauty of it in my own perspective, translating and sharing the beauty of what surrounds us through paintings, photography or visual art,” he adds.
Among the most interesting works are Lecaroz’s paintings that come out as a rather trippy, quirky take on what could usually be portrayed as somber subjects. Her “Mother Teresa in Spontanrealismus” is a beautiful picture of the iconic modern-day heroine, that carries raw emotional and visual impact through its explosion of colors. Simply put, it is a reimagined depiction of Mother Teresa that steers clear from the conventional.
Meanwhile, Sanclaria’s “Waiting Under the Sun,” like his other works on display, puts the spotlight on a woman’s delicate beauty. The gentle color palette and serene poses of the models eloquently communicate the artist’s mastery of shadows and light – most impressively when it comes to how he paints the silhouettes that the women’s bodies cast underneath the fabrics.
And of course, there are the always enjoyable pieces of Ronald Castrillo, whose works, ironically, evoke warm feelings of youth and nostalgia from cold metal and glass.
“Art for Always: A Tagaytay Locale Exhibit” is in partnership with Sorrell Publishing Company, New York – a highly respected establishment that specializes in publishing coffee table books, such Philippines Future Legends, an ensemble of upcoming Filipino visual artists and The Philippines Best Hotels and Resorts.
Taal Vista Hotel is along Kilometer 60, Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City 4120 Philippines. For inquiries and reservations, please call +63 (2) 917 8225, +63 (46) 413 1000 or +639178091254. Visit the Taal Vista Hotel website at www.taalvistahotel.com or follow them on Facebook (facebook.com/taalvistahotel) and Instagram @taalvistahotel.
