The Admiral Hotel Manila – MGallery opened its Manila Festive Tales Exhibit on December 1, 2023, at its lobby restaurant, El Atrio Lounge. The exhibit, partnered with Filipino visual artist Neptalie “Rico” Aunzo, will feature ten masterpieces until January 15, 2024. The paintings, each measuring 36″ x 36″, reflect the memorable stories of Filipino Christmas celebrations in Manila and the Admiral Hotel, as part of the Once Upon a Filipino Christmas campaign, with a portion of proceeds donated to ChildHope Philippines.
Childhope Philippines’ vision is to help urban poor children gain access to fulfilling their rights, protection, and development so they grow as responsible members of society. Admiral Hotel’s Executive Assistant to the General Manager and Special Projects Manager Eli Bondoc said: “We strongly believe in doing business with a heart. We aspire to share the spirit of Bayanihan and this light of hope with the street children, through our partnership with ChildHope, who for many years, have strived to deliver education and health programs to the streets of Manila.”
The main guests who officially launched the exhibit were Admiral Hotel’s General Manager Matthieu Busschaërt, Hon. Gustavo Tambunting, District Representative of the 2nd District of Parañaque City, The Manila Times Chairman and CEO Dante “Klink” Ang, Atty Ma. Theresa Leonardo Ampon, and Rodel Agapito of Obra ni Juan.
Rico Aunzo said: “If you will notice my artwork, Pedro is always smiling with closed eyes. The smile represents that Pedro is present at the moment and enjoying what life has to offer, while the closed eyes are inspired by my elder son who was born blind.” Aunzo added: “Sometimes we take for granted the things we enjoy every day, like the beautiful sceneries of Manila, we have the world’s most beautiful sunset, and our streets and architecture are filled with so much beauty and history. That is why the city became my inspiration for my current exhibit, Manila Festive Tales.”
The artist drew his creativity from his early life experiences and challenges, learning that there is decency in hard work. In his late twenties, he pursued his passion for art and painting, looking up to national artists and renowned painters such as Malang, Bencab, Ang Kiukok, Manansala, and Botong Francisco. He was inspired by their uniquely different art styles and later on, discovered his own artistic expression.
