Where To Immerse Yourself In Manila's Culture, Design And Art
Dancer-artist Gabby Prado, a leading light among the Philippines' young talents, takes us on a vibrant cultural tour of the capital.
Thick swaths of emerald green, squiggly sky-blue lines, and expressive cobalt brushstrokes are hallmarks of the abstract paintings by Manila-based visual artist Gabby Prado. But there’s more to these dynamic compositions than meets the eye. They express Prado’s synaesthesia, a condition where one sense triggers another – like tasting a colour or seeing shapes with music. Specifically, Prado experiences chromesthesia, seeing colour in response to sound and movement.
Gabby Prado
This unique perspective fuels Prado’s artwork, particularly when combined with her extensive background in dance. She trained in ballet for 15 years at the Halili Cruz School of Ballet before injuries to her knee and foot in 2009 led her to stop.
READ MORE: Explore Beauty Through Frida Kahlo’s Lens At This Exhibition At The ArtScience Museum
These personal and sensory experiences are central to Prado’s practice. “My work reflects my journey as a dancer and a person with a disability,” she explains, noting her severe hearing loss in her right ear and profound loss in her left. “When people visit my solo exhibit or view my art, I hope they feel a sense of dancing, as though they’re surrounded by the good things in life. I want them to leave feeling inspired and uplifted, as if they’ve experienced something beautiful.”
Gabby Prado's work – such as this mixed media piece, White-Depression – has a poetic and sensory quality, shaped by her extensive background in dance and her personal experience with severe hearing loss.
With such a vibrant connection to art and performance, Prado is uniquely positioned to offer fresh perspectives on Manila’s arts and culture scene. Read on for her favourite arts and culture spots and events in the Philippines' bustling capital.
A GALLERY FOR QUIET REVELATIONS: MO_SPACE
One of my favourite and most frequented galleries in Manila is MO_Space, located in the financial district of Bonifacio Global City. I often visit and appreciate how the quiet atmosphere allows me to engage deeply with each artwork. The exhibits – even the most intimate solo shows – feel all-encompassing within the space. A recent favourite of mine at MO_Space was the 2023 show, contain, by mixed media artist Pam Yan Santos (pictured). In this exhibition, she explored printmaking and assemblage, diverging from her usual painting. Santos used various jars to symbolise “countless acts of care, collecting, or compulsion... traces of memories and rituals.” Her artwork resonates deeply with me, as I am sentimental and tend to collect birthday cards and ribbons from family, relatives, and friends who have always supported me.
A HISTORICAL GALLERY: ATENEO ART GALLERY
The Ateneo Art Gallery is another favourite of mine. Located at Ateneo de Manila University, it was a stronghold for many Filipinos fighting against the injustices of Martial Law in the 1970s. The gallery’s programming frequently reflects this history, featuring exhibitions that honour the memories of victims and continue to address oppression.
A BOOKWORM’S PARADISE: EVERYTHING'S FINE IN MAKATI
The independent bookstore Everything's Fine in Makati has become one of my favourite spaces. They offer a diverse range of books to browse, from feminist literature to poetry collections by local writers. The store also hosts events such as exhibitions and artist talks that reflect their commitment to supporting the creative community. For me, Everything’s Fine is not just about encouraging reading among younger audiences but also about making publishing fairer and more sustainable for local authors, who often struggle for recognition and lack publishing opportunities.
AN INDEPENDENT CULTURAL HOTSPOT: 98B COLLABORATORY
98B COLLABoratory is another space run by and for artists. It serves as a platform for artists to engage with and share their practice with others. 98B COLLABoratory hosts events such as artist talks, workshops, and research projects.
A BRUTALIST MARVEL: PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTER
One of my personal favourites is the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), particularly because of the low ceiling at the entrance. Designed by Leonardo Locsin, a Filipino architect honoured as a National Artist of the Philippines for Architecture, it’s a remarkable example of Brutalist design. I find large-scale, unique designs like the PICC quite rare nowadays, as most contemporary architecture is so modern in comparison. I remember performing a dance recital there when I was very young, and the impression it left on me was unforgettable. The space manages to be both impactful and intimate at the same time.
AN ANNUAL ART EVENT NOT TO BE MISSED: ART IN THE PARK
Art in the Park is an annual event that takes place in Jaime Velasquez Park in Makati, and this year it was held in March. Although it was hot, it was great fun! I enjoyed strolling around and exploring the diverse range of art for sale, from original paintings and prints to pottery, sculptures, collectable toys, jewellery, and wearable items. I love that it provides an opportunity for visitors to engage with, interact with, and immerse themselves in Filipino creativity.