The month of February is known to be the National Arts Month, so wherever you are in the country, there's definitely going to be something that would definitely fuel the inner artist in you!
One of the events you can check out all-month-long is the Manila Biennale, which is the walled city's official art exhibition, where it puts itself into show through various art forms – from visual art to performance art. It's the first biennale to ever happen in the country, taking inspiration from the large-scale art events which started in Venice.
Running from February 3 to March 5, various spots in Intramuros will serve as a home to a number of art installations, all of which will be revolving around the theme "Open City". According to Carlos Celdran, the event's executive producer, the theme refers to a time in history when Manila had its moment of freedom and vulnerability when it became an Open City after World War II. "We're using that irony and that metaphor for artists to use it as a platform to create their works – open mind, open city, open heart, open communication," he added.
Apart from the open market weekends, theater shows, and cinema programs, one of the biggest events in this year's Manila Biennale is the Open City Exhibition, held in four different areas in Intramuros: Fort Santiago, Jesuit Mission House, Baluarte de San Diego, and the VIP Lounge of Casa Manila.
We got to check out what's on display at the Jesuit Mission House and Fort Santiago, and here are just some of the installations we really loved:
JESUIT MISSION HOUSE
FORT SANTIAGO
To those who want to see all the exhibitions at the four areas mentioned, they may purchase Day Passes at P880 (P350 for students) which is valid for a day or until exhibition sites have been covered. It also gives you access to all the film screenings and lectures which will be happening for the day. Tickets are available via their website or their email at opencity@manilabiennale.ph.
If you're one who wants to check out only those in Fort Santiago and Baluarte San Diego, you may do so by merely paying the entrance fee to these areas (P75 for Baluarte San Diego; P75 for Fort Santiago).
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For more information, you may visit Manila Biennale's official website, Facebook, and Instagram page. Make sure to tag them at #MNLBNL2018 when you upload the photos from your visit!
