MANILA, Philippines - Young Star celebrates its super sweet 16 with “16x16,” an art exhibit featuring collaborations of 16 of some of the freshest and most talented young artists and photographers today. Less MTV, yes—but who wants the teenage tantrums anyway?
The event took on the persona of a slightly precocious teen, without forgetting the electricity of being young. Rockwell’s Archaeology section lent its polished floors to eight pieces by BJ Pascual and Valerie Chua, Your Evil Twin and Paulina Ortega, Cholo Dela Vega and Kristine Caguiat, Tricia Gosingtian and Christian San Jose, Carina Santos and Hannah Reyes, Luis Santos and Joseph Pascual, and Gabby Cantero and Cj de Silva. From supermodels in terno to Polaroids stitched with poetry, each piece rightfully reflected the collaborators’ styles.
Young STAR’s own Ralph Mendoza spun some sweet beats to go with Bizu’s even sweeter macarons, underscoring the artists’ congratulatory pats on each other’s backs. It was a grand acquaintance party—from columnists to the artists themselves. It was an accidental Meiday in Rockwell, as suggested by Regina Belmonte. Ultimately, it was the How To Make It In America party we’ve always had in our minds. And thanks to the artists, friends, the Department of Tourism and our sponsor Primer Group of Companies (exclusive distributors of Ellesse, Bauhaus, Native, Sanuk, Jansport, Bratpack, Go Travel, Swims and Res Toe Run), our super sweet 16 dream came true. It’s difficult to keep all the warm and fuzzy feelings inside, but it’s not like we’re trying. Art exhibits: it’s more fun in the Philippines.