YOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE
How do you make Holy Water?
You boil the Hell out of it!
Apart from this unique title for an art exhibit, the 36th edition of Conrad Manila’s highly acclaimed Of Art and Wine series, I have an interesting story to tell about one of the beautiful masterpieces by the artist, abstract expressionist Coeli Manese.
Right after the ceremonial ribbon-cutting, I proceeded to take a closer look at each of the dozen or so mixed media works by the artist, beautifully displayed in the hotel’s Gallery C. I immediately mentally chose the standout, the best one from my point of view, which was done in acrylic and gouache on canvas. So I asked the artist to pose beside it (a photo is shown on this page), after which I went closer to take a look at the title of the masterpiece. Lo and behold, the title described exactly what I did: “I Chose You.”
A chat with the good-looking and young artist revealed that her collection of art pieces has three themes: Eternal Light, symbolizing an enduring presence beyond what is visible; Inner Illumination, reflecting the quiet force of insight and personal transformation; and Resilient Hope, portraying faith’s quiet triumph over adversity. Her use of mixed media and color further strengthens this narrative, as each hue is a symbol. Payne’s Grey stands for wisdom and growth, Turquoise for healing and renewal, and Burnt Sienna for humility and devotion.
Manese is a technically oriented artist who works primarily with oil, acrylic paint, and mixed media to create paintings centered on reflection and spirituality. She began her career in 2018 and subsequently developed her unique abstract expressionist style.
The following year, she earned a Certificate in Curating and a Certificate in Arts Marketing from Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London. The year after that, she received recognition from the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
The official opening of the exhibit was led by Elizabeth Sy, president of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation; Peggy Angeles, executive vice president of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation; Brigido Simon Jr., guest of honor; Lucky Ou, Conrad Manila’s director of operations; and artist Coeli Manese.
Capitalizing on the success of the exhibit, Conrad Manila is offering an inspired symphony of art and flavor in the adjoining C Lounge, with a meticulously curated afternoon tea of geometric savory and sweet creations, echoing the architectural spirit of Coeli Manese’s abstract compositions.
Customers have a choice of smoked duck on rye with truffle cream, taro and edamame purée on sesame crisp, seared tuna on toasted milk bread with yuzu aioli, grilled eggplant terrine with miso glaze, ashen sesame financier with black tea glaze, tan coconut mousse on almond sablé, coffee cream pyramid with cocoa dust, and burnt vanilla panna cotta. All are thoughtfully plated to reflect the exhibit’s introspective textures and hues.
Guests may enjoy the inspired afternoon tea experience at C Lounge, with welcome drinks and a pot of tea or coffee, good for two persons.
The Light That Never Goes Out, presented in collaboration with Space Alt, will be at Conrad Manila’s Gallery C until Sept. 13 this year. All artworks are available for purchase. More information may be obtained from +632 8833 9999 or email Conrad.Manila.info@conradhotels.com.
For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com
