Taguig City, Philippines, August 2023 – FilipinoArt.ph, an online art gallerysupporting Filipino artists, collaborates with JT’s Manukan Grille, a chicken inasal restaurant chain, via the art display titled “Colors and Flavors of Bacolod.’’ 

Ongoing until Oct. 15, 2023, the art display features acrylic paintings of local artists Roselle Manalastas and Jason Ray Zabat at JT’s Manukan Grille in 32nd Ave. cor. Bonifacio Blvd. BGC. 

“Colors and Flavors of Bacolod” portrays Bacolod City’s cultural heritage, seizingitsessence through vibrant colors and vivid emotions that showcase the city’s annual celebration of the Masskara Festival. The artists’ creations draw deep inspirationfrom the world-renowned street festival, which stands as a symbol of the Negrenses’ resilience, born during the sugar crisis of the 1980s. 

Joel Torre, the owner of JT’s Manukan Grille, wants to use his chains of restaurantsas a safe, creative space for Filipino artists. “Our original al-fresco setup wasn’t ideal for displaying traditional visual art due to dust. Nonetheless, we hosted performances and showcased films, aiming to turn the place into an arts hub. We arealsotransforming our branch in Boracay into an arts community, initiating storytelling, music, painting, and filmmaking workshops. This is our way of giving back tothecommunity.” 

Jason Ray Zabat, FilipinoArt.ph artist, shared his creation process of “Mr. JuanTilaok,” an intricately layered acrylic painting inspired by Mr. Torre. Zabat said, “Thechicken, embodying the restaurant and Mr. Torre, was vital in shaping the artwork. The attire reflects Mr. Torre’s artistic identity, enhanced by cultural elements liketheSarimanok-inspired tail and natural motifs of flowers and vines on the coat.” 

Zabat’s artwork has also incorporated Bacolod’s famous delicacies, such as inasal, piaya, and kansi, adding depth to the artwork’s narrative. 

Before this art display, FilipinoArt.ph also partnered with other local establishmentstopromote artists and expand its reach. Its initial collaboration was with BrewedSpecialty Coffee, a third-wave coffee shop in Pasig City. As part of the coffee shop’ssecond-anniversary celebrations, FilipinoArt.ph hosted an art display titled “Siningat Kape,” featuring the works by Pasigueño artists. 

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