note: a version of this was published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Arts and Books section, 20 September 2010.

After last year it was difficult not to look forward to ManilArt 2010. Last year meant drinks and music, a whole lot of camaraderie, a certain high to having such a huge event for Philippine art happen. This year, while the art was there in fantastic display, there seemed to be an amount of distance between art and people. Maybe there just wasn’t a lot of rock ‘n’ roll.

The distance of Manila Art

This year Manila Art was celebrated at the Mall of Asia, making it literally inaccessible. This year too, it went all out in creating a fancy opening night, which meant making it an ultra-formal affair, a nice dress and heels not good enough. The set-up of a red carpet and a ManilArt backdrop by the entrance of the conference hall is telling of who it is that Manila Art wanted to cater to. Obviously this is reason enough for many other people to stay away.

As there were many reasons to leave earlier than expected. One of which was the fact that food and drinks ran out (and yes, plates and utensils did too!), a far cry from last year’s Chef Laudico. And even if they didn’t run out, there weren’t a lot of trays going around, and staying within the gallery booths meant not getting any food at all. The food was fantastic mind you, but very few of us got to much of it. Oh and the heat! Between hunger and the failure of air conditioning, it was enough reason to leave. (more…)