I'll be here: ManilArt 11

I'll definitely be dropping by! I know it's a long weekend and many of you will be out of town, so I suggest you go on the first day, that's tomorrow! This is the third art fair of its size in Manila and so far it only seems to get better. You don't need to be a serious art collector to appreciate. Go!

When in New Manila-Design Field Trip Part II

Okay, so after coming from Resurrection Furniture and Found Objects Gallery on Alabama St., the next stop on this short design field trip, is just around the corner, ten minutes away.

Ronac Art Center is located at Ortigas Ave., Greenhills. Coming from Edsa it's a little after the whole shopping complex. You won't miss it, it's the only modern building breaking the usual sights in the area.

Designed by Jagnus Design Studio, which also holds office in the building's basement,  Ronac Art Center is surprisingly owned by Big Boy Cheng of Uratex. Yes, the mattress company! I mention that because the design of the building has all to do with their identity. This spiral staircase for instance represents mattress springs...

and the random holes and windows of the building is the foam. Quite playful don't you think? I'm really liking the mix of materials here: the wooden deck against the black driveway (I know the name of this stone I swear!)

As for what this uber modern building has to offer?  Well, there's quite a few reasons to visit. The first stop is Big Boy's Secret Fresh. Clearly his big boy playground with his own DJ booth to boot, Secret Fresh is part art gallery and part shop for collectible toys and knick knacks.

My little boy Lucas loved everything he saw! And my daughter Rocio wasn't to keen about being left out of this date either!

And it's totally understandable for if I were younger, my meager savings would have been in serious trouble after seeing this! I know I'm focusing on children's taste here, but I know of a few of my friends who would drool at all the stuff in here as well.

In any case, if you weren't into collecting toys or urban art, Ronac Art Center  has two pretty good eats to offer!

Charlie's Grind and Grill of Bgy. Kapitolyo fame serves the best black angus burgers and cheesesteaks with a choice of perfectly chilled beer or smooth and thick milkshakes! You have to be seriously famished before coming here to make room!

I didn't get to eat at this branch but suffice it to say, this is a far cry from it's hole in the wall roots, beside a roadside car wash. Regardless of where it's located, what's important is that the grease and the cheese remain the same!

For dessert,  you can choose to go next door to Yoggle. I know there are days when frozen yoghurt isn't as exciting as it used to be, and this was one of those days for me, but then I saw Yakult  yoghurt and was raving all over again. I'm not sure if they have it all the time but I sure was glad that Lucas was up for some frozen yoghurt that day!

So there you have it...a couple of unique places to go to in the New Manila area. Coming from the south, this is half a day worth of fun. Including lunch! Enjoy!

When in New Manila-Design Field Trip Part 1

 

The month of August never seemed to agree with me. I didn't even like writing that word... August.  August, when I was younger, meant that the school year was well on the way and any sign of a break was still far at hand. It was limbo for me then, and apparently, still no man's land for me now...seeing that I haven't dropped by in almost a month! 

So anyway, since even the Chinese consider August a ghost month when no business of importance  should  be started or decided on, perhaps it wouldn't be such a bad idea to kick it back instead,  and go on short design field trip for instance, to gather some inspiration in exchange for the work you may not be getting done!

Okay just so you know ahead of time, this design field trip will have you driving to the New Manila and Greenhills area. First stop is Resurrection Furniture and Found Objects Gallery.

It's a rather long name I know, but that's exactly what it is. Housed in an old bungalow on Alabama St., Resurrection has really pretty furniture made from found objects, like recycled wood  from old homes and school houses that have been torn down.

Even old wine bottles are resurrected and find new life as tea light holders.

Here you find half of the design duo behind Resurrection, Architect Leah Sanchez, sitting atop a chest of drawers made with salvaged, mismatched drawers. Apart from the furniture they make, they also have reasonably priced antique pieces.

 

Here you find a thing of the past, wooden card catalog drawers! I don't think my kids will ever use one, sadly. But for the home, my mom-in-law uses something like this to keep her medicines, batteries and other odds and ends. Quite useful...plus with the labels in front!

In addition to all the unique stuff at Resurrection, 10-A Alabama  may have since opened their Tea Laboratory. Even more reason to go and visit! Give them a call to check what else is new.

Resurrection Furniture and Found Objects Gallery

10-A Alabama St., Quezon City

+63918-9240580