Pinoy Kami, Bow, an installation of 30 bamboo poles topped by slightly bent salakots painted in the colors of the Philippine flag, include Salo Salo, a stylized orange table with white plates, glasses, a pitcher, lamp, and kaldero, and Sa Pula Sa Puti, an iconic Filipino pastime depicted with red rooster cages and white metal roosters.
These were among the nine amazing installations in Rachy Cuna’s Arte Filipino exhibit at S Maison that the country’s premier floral architect prepared in celebration of Heritage Month. A joint project of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Filipino Heritage Festival, Inc. and S Maison, the event brought together lovers of Filipino arts and culture who were awestruck at the works.
Rachy’s love for flowers was evident in his Bulaklakan installation of golden coffee branches abloom with large red hibiscus shaped plates; Hulog ng Langit created a golden reflection with oval shaped dried rattan sticks designed with hundreds of fossilized leaves and flowers; and Grande Flora, Rachy’s own painting of orchid flowers highlighted with crystals, amethyst, and jade in a chartreuse background.
The artist’s playful side was revealed in Bongga Bingo, the face of a woman with bingo baskets for her hair and cards for her earrings; the 20-foot Sorbetes Pinoy dressed up with moss and pandan leaves; and Sayaw Sayaw, Igorot dancers with Ifugao fabrics and antique baskets.
Singaporean Ambassador Kok Li Peng was the guest of honor during the launch, and took the lead in the ceremonial crowning of the bamboos with salakots. She was joined by Cuna, Filipino Heritage president Armita Rufino, FHFI finance director Araceli Salas, and NCCA executive director III Rico Pableo, as well as SVP for Marketing Millie Dizon and SM AVP for Operations Premier 3 Perkin So.
The Bayanihan Dance Company opened the launch with dance performances that showcased our preserved indigenous Philippine art forms in music, dance, costumes and folklore. Harpist Holly Paraiso then serenaded guests with her own rendition of Original Pilipino Music.
Arte Filipino is one of the many exciting cultural events of S Maison at the Conrad Hotel.