Of art & wines

The work of the late National Artist Cesar Legaspi was celebrated at EDSA Shangri-La, Manila’s monthly affair titled Art of Wine, an event that hails Filipino artistry and the art of fine wine.

Legaspi’s genius is specially recognized by the art community as he was color-blind and could only identify which colors to use based on their location on his palette. Legaspi’s works were held for public viewing at The Gallery at EDSA Shangri-La, Manila’s Mezzanine level.

Complementing the beauty of Legaspi’s masterpieces was a variety of delicious Veramonte wines from Chile, courtesy of Wine Depot.

A live jazz trio kept guests in festive spirits, as did the hotel’s executive chef Warren Brown’s spread of hearty hors d’oeuvres. 

Many thanks to EDSA Shangri-La, Manila general manager Patrick Schaub and communications director Cristina del Carmen for this feast for the eyes and the palate!

‘Celebrating the past, designing for the future’

The Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID) observed the passing of five glorious decades of existence in festive ceremonies held at the ballroom of the Fairmont Hotel in Makati.

From its initial founding group of 17 based in Manila, PIID’s membership has grown to 2,300 members from all over the country.  PIID’s most significant role was its leadership in instituting the professionalism of the practice for interior designers. The PIID has worked with the Professional Regulations Commission to create the licensure examinations for interior design starting in 1983. 

With the theme “Celebrating the Past, Designing for the Future,” the anniversary program featured a retrospective and a salute to the founders and mentors. The event also gave posthumous and emeritus recognition to deserving personalities. I am grateful to Wilcon Depot, one of the event sponsors, and PIID College of Fellows chancellor Johnny Hubilla, who was among the emeritus awardees, for the chance to emcee the affair. 

The PIID, in its golden anniversary, can lay claim to its goals of developing the interior design practice in the Philippines via professionalized endeavors, updated education and ethical practice. Take a bow!