Mapping Manila's Chinese temples at VM Yul Servo's 'Directions VI'

MANILA VICE MAYOR HOLDS ART EXHIBIT ANEW Filipino contemporary artist and City of Manila Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto (center) is joined by Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna Pangan (left) and The Manila Hotel Vice President for Sales and Marketing Marvin Kim Tan (right) during the launch of ‘Directions VI’ at the Art Gallery of The Manila Hotel on Jan. 15, 2025. THE MANILA HOTEL PHOTO

The event celebrated the fusion of artistry and heritage, as Nieto unveiled a collection of works inspired by Filipino-Chinese traditions and culture.

The Manila Hotel Vice President for Sales and Marketing Marvin Kim Tan delivered the opening remarks, highlighting the institution's commitment to supporting local art and culture.

Nieto then delivered a speech sharing his inspiration behind the art pieces and announced that pro-ceeds from the sales will go toward purchasing vital medical equipment — such as wheelchairs, nebu-lizers, hearing aids, blood pressure monitors and walkers — to be donated to those in need.

Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna Pangan also delivered a few words before joining Nieto and Tan for the ceremonial rib-bon cutting, marking the exhibit's official launch.

In this collection of his artworks, Nieto reinvents his signature metal art pieces with elements of modern cubism, cartog-raphy or the art of map-making, and assemblage art.

These striking pieces pay tribute to Manila's cultural richness and include depictions of Manila's Chinese temples and histor-ic districts like Binondo and San Nicolas.

The exhibition's centerpiece, Temple Splendor, reimagines Chinese temples with golden nuts arranged on a grid-like map of Manila.

Complementing the wall-mounted works are two free-standing sculptures: Nest of Healing and Icons of Heritage.

As the Chinese New Year draws near, "Directions VI" pays homage to the rich traditions of Manila's Chinese temples.

These vibrant hubs of cultural activity come alive with lion and dragon dances, incense lighting, and offerings of lucky foods — time-honored practices that reinforce familial and cultural unity.

Admission is free.

For interested buyers, email [email protected]