Page 19 - 2017 JAN-JUN - KAAKBAY

January to June
2017 19

Pintô Museum Collections of Contemporary Philippine Art Showcased in New York

Diplomats, artists, New York businessmen and art enthusiasts, and members of
Filipino-American community graced the opening of the one day “Pintô Manhattan
Manila Exhibit” on 22 May 2017 at the Urban Zen, Greenwich Street in New York City.

The ceremony was attended by Pintô International Honorary Chairs Josie Natori,
David and Susan Rockefeller, Ambassador Teodoro Locsin, Jr and Mrs. Lourdes
Barcelon Locsin, ABAC Chair Joanne De Asis, Mercedes Zobel de Ayala and Fernando
Zobel de Ayala. Donna Karan who owns the non-profit space Urban Zen was also
present to show her support. The Philippine Consulate General New York was
represented in the event.

The exhibit was open to the public from 8:00 in the evening of that day until 8:00
Mr. David (left) and Susan Rockefeller (right) in the evening the following day.

congratulate Dr. Joven Cuanang, (center) Prior to the event, a press conference was hosted by the Philippine Consulate
Founder of Pinto Museum in Antipolo and on 17 May 2017 where Pintô Founder, Mr. Joven Cuanang and Dr. Luca Parolari, both
Chair of Pinto International .
Chairs of Pintô International, presented to the media the project which aims to promote
cultural diplomacy in the United States and Europe through contemporary art exhibits.

In his remarks, Dr. Cuanang narrated how the Pinto
Museum in Manila was conceived and was expanded to Pinto
International. “Mindful of the diversity and commonalities of different
countries which is important for understanding of peoples all over the
world, Pinto International will open doors for understanding of
peoples across the world through arts and science,” he said.

The artworks at the Exhibit were the creations of three
generations of contemporary Philippine artists. It is curated by
Federico De Vera, in coordination with Dr. Cuanang, art historian
Patrick Flores and Dr. Luca Parolari.

The proceeds of the event will be co-shared by Pinto Art
Museum in Antipolo and the Asian Cultural Council (ACC) headed (Left Photo) Donna Karan (Center) hosts the Pintô Manhattan Manila
by Ms. Natori. Both organizations support cross-cultural projects by Exhibit at her non-profit space Urban Zen in Greenwich Street in New York
Asian and American artists. Some of the artists who exhibited were City. Ms. Mercedes Zobel de Ayala (right) joins her in this photo. (Right
beneficiaries of grants from the ACC. photo) Dr. Cuanang with Ms. Josie Natori
(Continued from page 18… Restaurant Week Highlights)

Chef Frances Tariga-Weshnack, of Megu, said joining the
Filipino Restaurant Week was a total game changer. “I got huge support
from the Filipino community and surprisingly Americans loved it too. I will
definitely join the next Filipino Restaurant Week and encourage other
Filipino chef friends to be part of it too”.

“The FRW was more successful than ever with visitors from all
over the world. Happy to see this effort in its third year” said Nicole
Ponseca of Jeepney and Maharlika.

Michelle Hugo, co-owner Diners enjoy the Filipino Restaurant Week menu at Maison Hugo
of Maison Hugo, shared that their
restaurant’s exposure to Filipino Restaurant Week opened a lot of doors. “Not only did
it bring together a mix of communities but it also supports small businesses like ours
in this very competitive industry”, she added.

Dennis Mendoza of Swell Dive said Filipino Restaurant Week was a great
opportunity to let people know the reach of Filipino cuisine.. “Participating in the event
gave me an opportunity to meet some incredible food minds and share our love of the
Filipino cuisine” he underscored.

The Consulate’s Cultural Officer Olive Magpile (1 Consul General Ma. Theresa Dizon De Vega thanked all the participating
st
row left) with Filipino Chef Frances Tariga-Weshnak restaurants which have placed their own stamp on Filipino food for their active
of Megu (2 from right) and Community members
nd
involvement in the Filipino Food movement.