For three vibrant days, from February 21 to 23, Art Fair Philippines 2025 transformed Makati’s Ayala Triangle into a pulsating hub of artistic expression, uniting local and international creatives in a spectacular showcase of contemporary and traditional masterpieces. This year’s edition not only continued the fair’s legacy of spotlighting Philippine art but also widened its global lens, featuring works from Austria, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Spain. As the fair evolves, it remains deeply rooted in its mission: to celebrate artistry that bridges cultures, traditions, and narratives in ways both thought-provoking and visually enthralling.
The Nostalgia of Everyday Filipino Culture
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One of the most compelling exhibits came from contemporary Filipino artist Carlo Tanseco, whose installation SARI-SARI SABI-SABI reimagined the familiar sight of the humble sari-sari store. His art pieces took a playful yet introspective spin on classic Filipino snack packaging, incorporating messages designed to inspire reflection. Through a masterful blend of pop art and cultural nostalgia, Tanseco transformed childhood treats into thought-provoking statements: Choc Nut became Choose Not (What Is Easy But What Is Right), Sky Flakes was reimagined as Sky Is Full of Stars, and Lucky Me Instant Noodles took on a new meaning as Life’s Not (Like) Instant Noodles (So Be Patient).
More than a tribute to Filipino commercial icons, Tanseco’s work encourages spectators to reflect on the passage of time and the deeper meanings behind everyday objects. His oversized renditions of these snacks were more than just eye-catching—they acted as an invitation to reconnect with personal histories and reexamine the simple joys that define Filipino identity.
Blurring the Digital and Physical: “KAKAKOMPYUTER MO YAN”
As technology continues to redefine human experiences, the interactive installation KAKAKOMPYUTER MO YAN presented a striking commentary on the country’s digital landscape. Featuring the works of 21 Filipino artists, this exhibit explored the hyperlocal reality of piso net culture—a prepaid internet model that shaped the way many Filipinos experienced the online world. In a country where internet access is often constrained by affordability, piso net shops became communal spaces, where young gamers, students, and online wanderers huddled over screens, navigating cyberspace one peso at a time.
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Through a blend of virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and animation, KAKAKOMPYUTER MO YAN provided a sensory-rich exploration of internet cafes as both a space of escapism and digital democracy. Plastic stools, glowing monitors, and the hum of overloaded computer fans became immersive elements in an experience that blurred the lines between nostalgia and contemporary digital identity. More than a tribute, the installation questioned the evolution of accessibility, creativity, and the internet’s role in shaping Philippine society.
A New Dimension: Expanding Spaces, Expanding Minds
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Art Fair Philippines 2025 marked a pivotal shift not just in content but also in spatial experience. With its move to Makati’s bustling Central Business District, the fair expanded beyond traditional walls and into outdoor spaces, redefining the interaction between art and its audience. The integration of ArtFairPH/Projects and ArtFairPH/Digital continued to enrich the lineup, offering a mix of groundbreaking installations, screenings, panel discussions, and artist residencies. These elements provided deeper engagement for both seasoned collectors and curious newcomers, further solidifying the fair’s reputation as a must-visit cultural event.
Beyond an exhibition, this year’s Art Fair Philippines proved to be a celebration of artistic convergence—where tradition met digital futurism, where nostalgia coexisted with new media, and where the Filipino creative spirit took center stage on an international platform. Whether through the evocative reimagination of everyday objects or the immersive journey into digital spaces, Art Fair Philippines 2025 reminded us that art is, at its core, a living, evolving dialogue between the past, present, and future.
