Issue 3: Manila Art: Ermita + Malate

July-August 2016

Free

Photo by RIZZA MAY BERTULFO

1950s Bar in Malate, a popular establishment featuring local artists

Editor’s Note

Rediscovery These past few months we saw several headlines that centered on bringing back the glory of old Manila. We have the rehabilitation of Intramuros, the clean-up drive of the Metropolitan Theatre, and the free entrance initiative of the National Museum of the Philippines. I personally applaud these initiatives because we need these: a reminder of the good things we take for granted.

I remember reading an old article revealing that Ermita and Malate districts were home of prominent families during the early part of the 20th century. The area used to be the center of trade and economy, like how Escolta was and Makati is today.

There were supermarkets that sold imported products from America, Europe, and Australia; cafes, beauty salons, and highclass restaurants; along Dewey Boulevard (now Roxas Boulevard) were stretches of houses and trees. Sadly, most were gone after the Second World War, leaving only the rubbles.

But while Ermita and Malate’s colonial glory is mostly lost (remnants of the past, like Luneta Hotel, blend among contemporary structures), the area became a living witness of triumph as well, of Filipinos rising from the ashes to rebuild their country. After the overwhelming misfortune and progress halted, the city moved forward.

We look on what Ermita and Malate are now, from the street scene of Adriatico to the museum circuit in Ermita -- a rediscovery of the districts that thrived from the rubbles.

Editorial Box

E.M. Alger

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E.M. ALGER Publisher PAOLO ABELLANOSA Editor

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CHRISTINE SORIANO Community Manager GENDALE BIEN TOMAS Features Editor OUTRIGGER is published bimonthly by Outrigger Media. No part of the magazine may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission of the publisher. All rights reserved.

ED JOSEPH CO Multimedia Editor

For inquiries, contact Tin Soriano at outriggermag@gmail.com / +639175144383 Unit 105, Seven Coronado Condominium, Coronado Street, Guadalupe Viejo, Makati City

CONTENTS July - August 2016 Cover story pic

06 Flavors of Malate

Amelie Hotel

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4 Editor’s Note

Artist’s Haven

8 National Art Gallery 12 Museum of the Filipino People 13 Metropolitan Museum 14 Hiraya Gallery 16 Fort San Antonio Abad 17 Cinematheque Center

Flavors of Malate 20

Amelie Hotel 28

What’s New?

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NEWS

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Manila’s Muses Compiled by Photos by

Paolo Abellanosa

Bien Tomas

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Ed Co

Whatever form of art interests you, there is something in Ermita and Malate that will suit your taste.

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Architecture & Visual Arts

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National Art Gallery

What to see: Parisian Life, Spoliarium, works of National Artists and Jose Rizal

Recently, the National Museum announced that admission is now permanently free of charge for all visitors, Filipino or foreign, to its museums nationwide. Traditionally, the National Museum only waives admission fees during National Heritage Month of May, but this year the museums are considerably packed with curious Filipinos, with queues observed during some weekends.

houses some of the most celebrated works of Juan Luna, namely the Spoliarium and the Parisian Life, the latter being the controversial national treasure purchased by the GSIS for P46 million. Works of National Artists are also displayed inside.

Secondly, the museum itself is an architectural marvel featuring Corinthian columns, Renaissanceinspired sculptures, and halls with intricately The museum is exceptional designed ornaments. for two reasons. Firstly, it 08

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Art enthusiasts will love the National Art Gallery, filled with sculptures many the products of National Artists

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Designed by the Americans as a public library, the National Art Gallery served as the legislative building of the Republic of the Philippines from the American period until the Marcos regime, when the Senate and House of Representatives separated buildings

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Museum of the Filipino People

What to see: pre-Hispanic artifacts, Spanish ship treasures, jar collections

The anthropological arm of the National Museum, this gallery occupies the former Department of Agriculture Building in Manila adjacent the National Art Gallery.

Visitors begin their journey inside the museum at the San Diego Exhibit, featuring

treasures and artilleries retrieved from Spanish ships. The gallery also features pre-colonial collections such as jars, china, and weaves and even fossils of extinct animals that once roamed the Philippines.

Photo by Steve Adanza

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Metropolitan Museum of Manila

What to see: Pre-colonial gold and artifacts and works of contemporary artists

Located near the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Metropolitan Museum was built for an international exhibition in the 1970s. Turned into one the Philippines’ most modern museums, the Met – its nickname – bears the philosophy of “Art for All” and thus adopted a bilingual style to communicate with its audience. Over the past years the Met has focused on featuring contemporary art

by Filipino artists.

Photo from Wikipedia Takes Manila—Richard Espiritu, Mei Tanchico, DK Solis (Wikipedia Takes Manila participant)

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Hiraya Gallery

What to see: Exhibitions, many inclining towards social issues Hiraya Gallery has been around since 1980.

Located opposite Jade Vine Restaurant along U.N. Avenue, the gallery is committed to the promotion and development of serious, imaginative, and relevant Philippine art, especially by young but talented Filipino artists.

One of Hiraya Gallery’s recent exhibitions. Photo From Hiraya Gallery

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Fort San Antonio Abad

What to see: Malate’s hidden fort Did you know about the 432-year old colonial fortress hidden within Malate? Between what is now Metropolitan Museum and the BSP Building, Fort San Antonio Abad was built in 1584 to defend this part of Manila and the route to Cavite during the Spanish colonization. The fort was captured by the British in 1762 and became under its command during the shortlived British occupation of Manila. Damaged during the Second World War, the fort was rehabilitated in the 1970s.

Photo by Eugene Alvin Villar via Wikimedia Commons

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Cinematheque Centre Manila

What to see: Old films and equipment The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) established Cinematheque Centre Manila along T.M. Kalaw to play a vital role in bringing local films closer to the Filipino people. It is an alternative venue in screening classic and contemporary films for both mainstream and independent Filipino movies. Foreign films that are part of FDCP’s Film Cultural Program will also be part of the movies that will be shown, but the center will also host workshops and symposium on directing, script-writing, editing, cinematography, and all other aspect of film-making and cinema.

The Film Museum focuses on six Filipino directors such as Manuel Conde and Lino Brocka whose works have substantially influenced the development of Philippine cinema. Included in the Film Museum are vintage analog film equipment such as film printer model, a telephote lens extension, and the film editing machine to name a few. Inside the Cinematheque is the National Film Archives of the Philippines (NFAP) whose primary task is to preserve the country’s film history. There are free movie screenings at the 101-seater theater the entire week but since the theater is also being used for screenings of commercial films, it is advisable to check the centre’s website for the latest schedules and updates.

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Literature

Solidaridad Bookshop

What to see: Rare titles, both foreign and local Located along Padre Faura Street, Solidaridad Bookshop is owned by National Artist for Literature F. Sionil Jose, one of the Philippines’ most prolific authors. He opened the bookstore in 1965, the fourth bookshop in Manila at that time, according to an article by the Philippine Daily Inquirer. The article revealed that Ninoy Aquino and Nick Joaquin, the late National Artist for Literature, used to hang out in the bookstore back in the days.

Photo from Solidaridad Book Shop Facebook page

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Flavors

of Manila Article by Photos by

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E.M. Alger

Bien Tomas

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Ed Co

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Malate and Ermita are known for their diversity, from the people who are living and visiting the area, the different communities built over the years and, of course, the various food establishments classics like CafĂŠ Adriatico, Bistro Remedios, and Tanabe (where Anthony Bourdain ate in a recent visit). Here are some of the must eat places in the districts that should not be missed either:

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Polka Dot Bakeshop Just across CafĂŠ Adriatico is the newly opened Polka Dot Bakeshop which offers a wide variety of desserts. Part of the LJC Group that owns and operates CafĂŠ Adriatico and Bistro Remedios, among others, the place supplies the cake and pastry requirements of all restaurants under the group.

The place is small yet cozy and colorful enough for the customers to feel the sweetness overload of the bakeshop.

They offer single serving of their dessert as well as full cakes. Among their items include Blueberry Cheesecake, Sans Rival, and Carrots & Cream, to name a few. Prices of each dessert ranges from PhP 65 to PhP 165.

Recommended: Cheese Roll

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Tambayan Hostel

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Known from its capsule-style rooms, Tambayan Hostel is home to Tambayan Gastrobar. It is their cocktail bar cum restaurant located in both the two floors of the hotel. They offer various Filipino dishes such as garlic chicken, chopsuey, and tokwa’t baboy which are often combined to their well-crafted beverages and desserts like their halo -halo. They also offer their signature bottled cocktails like Yellow Orosa (Philippine lime, pineapple juice, tequila, midori, and simple syrup) and Brown Luna (coffee, cocoa milk, brandy, and simple syrup).

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Erra’s Ramen Along Adriatico Street is Erra’s Ramen House. Open from noontime until 6am the following day, this ramen house has become a popular spot among backpackers, students, locals, and tourists. Low-key with its typical plastic tables and chairs and street side location, this local ramen house is often packed with customers who are craving for a delicious and various warm noodle fix. You can order one bowl of ramen for as low as Php50 which will be enough to

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quench your hunger; the most expensive we found is around Php85. This is a steal for those who want to enjoy food on a budget especially that they serve each bowl with generous soup and noodles. But be reminded that this is a street side stall, so don’t expect any fancy decorations or the cleanest floors.

Recommended: Tantanmen and Sho Yu (spicy)

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Jade Vine Restaurant One restaurant that never loses its touch and authenticity of their menu, Jade Vine Restaurant have been serving the Filipino people for more than 50 years.

Located along U.N. Avenue corner Bocobo Street, Jade Vine opened as a coffee shop in 1960 along M.H. Del Pilar and later on moved to its present location by 1963. From a simple restaurant, it

expanded its operations by opening 24 rooms as Executive Inn. Jade Vine offers a wide variety of food, from main entrÊe to main course. We tried their Sinigang na Belly, Fried Chicken and our favorite, Kare Kare, and Walnut Cake – the authentic flavors of each dish are evident in every bite.

Recommended: Kare Kare

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Braska Braska is a newly opened restaurant within Amelie Hotel Manila named after Calle Nebraska, the old name of the street where the restaurant is located in Malate. Good for families, large group of friends, and barkada, it offers a wide array of interesting dishes like Paella, Short Ribs Caldereta, and their must try dish Longganisa Meatballs. All of their dishes are for sharing so more reasons to come in groups. Braska also has a quiet and relaxed ambiance – a complete opposite of the party scene along the end of the street.

Recommended: Paella, Short Ribs Caldereta, Longganisa Meatballs, and Guava Jelly and Bacon French Toast 26

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Amelie Hotel

at the heart of Malate

Tucked along a quiet leg of J. Bocobo Street in Malate, the newly opened 70-room Amelie Hotel represents everything that is to love in the old and new Manila.

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Rising in a newly built edifice, Amelie Hotel Manila’s young and contemporary vibe cuts across the pool of hotels and accommodation options in the capital, many of which are too traditional or luxurious for the millennial traveler. Yet many parts of it are inspired by the heritage of the 500-year old city. "If you take a look at our lobby, we have a lot of art deco influence," says Mark Abellon, Amelie Hotel Manila’s brand director, referring to a visual arts design style that was widely used on Philippine buildings

during the American occupation. "If you take a look at the Metropolitan Theater that they're renovating right now, that's all art deco. You see traces of that everywhere and around Manila. Escolta has a lot of that as well. We wanted to keep that here and modernize it." Even the boutique hotel’s restaurant, Braska, was named so to reflect a time in history when several street in Manila were named after U.S. states. J. Bocobo Street was formerly Calle Nebraska.

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Amelie Hotel does not have traditional weaves or wooden accents that establishments who brand themselves Filipino-themed usually aim for and foreign guests have been used with. "We want to focus on something new that they may not come across if they

go to other hotels," says Mark. So instead, customers are welcomed by art deco furniture and stylized Manila maps in the lobby and old photos of the capital in their rooms, all encouraging guests to go out and explore the city.

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But it's not so much as grabbing random elements of the city and putting them as accents of the hotel. "The inspiration for [Amelie] came from this hotel in the States called Ace Hotel," explains Mark.

"Their concept is they embrace community. So that's kind of what we do. They're inspired by their surroundings." Amelie Hotel imbibes not only a localized European art style, but it has made the soul of Malate and nearby Ermita – design, cuisine, tradition, and all the quirks that come alongside – its heart.

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Amelie Hotel's outdoor event venue is perfect for intimate gatherings

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Amelie Hotel encourages guests to take a second look of Ermita and Malate beyond the red light district to try the food strip along Adriatico Street and Remedios Circle that feature Filipino, Japanese, and Korean cuisine, reflective of the new cultural mix in the city; the bohemian art scene in pocket areas that still thrives; the free museums and architecture by day

and the wonders that come by dusk when offices and schools close and nightlights begin to buzz.

"Most of the people that come here, they like to stay, they like Manila, they like the colorful fabric of what is here,� says Mark.

As a hotel that capitalizes on its neighborhood, Amelie Hotel rolls out that unique fabric and showcases it all for the world to see.

Amelie Hotel's function room on the top level

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Windows By The Bay features spectacular view of Manila at night Hotel Jen Manila has opened Windows By The Bay, a new place to hangout on the 19th floor of the hotel. The facility, which also functions as a business lounger, is open from 7:30 p.m. where guests can enjoy evening snacks over a spectacular view of Manila at night.

enjoy the view. To add a more relaxing vibe, we have entertainment every Thursday that will surely kindle the music lover in you – a guitarist playing classic acoustic songs will surely complete the night.

A super simple formula that will make you experience “That Jen Feeling.”

For inquiries and advance reservations, please call (632) 795 8888 or email food&beverage.hjm@hoteljen .com. Prices are inclusive of 10% service charge and applicable government taxes.

Visit Hotel Jen Manila’s Hotel Jen Manila invites website at www.hoteljen.com/ everyone to experience manila and facebook at Windows By The Bay. All you www.facebook.com/ have to do is to sit back, have hoteljenmanila for updates some wine, mingle over some and promotions.

“Calming, breathtaking, inspiring, and magical. These are the moods that we want our guests to experience by the moment they enter Windows By The Bay,” says the management of the hotel.

of our signature platters and

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Mang Inasal Founder Opens Own 3Star Hotel Brand Hotel 101 - Manila formally opened its doors to the public in June, the foray of Mang Inasal founder Edjar "Injap" Sia II into three-star hotel space.

Guests can enjoy the best of Spanish Mediterranean cuisines at Cocina Verde, the restaurant located at the ground floor, which offers daily buffet breakfast, and a la carte lunch and dinner. On the Hotel 101 is one of the newest second floor, families and hotel brands in the Philippines friends can enjoy the outdoor to open, with Hotel 101 – swimming pool, kiddie pool or Manila as its flagship hotel.

Jacuzzi, which opens to the Hotel 101 – Manila has 518 view of the famous Manila Bay Happy Rooms, each with a sunset. queen bed and single bed setup, offering ample space and With the vision of being one of comfortable accommodation. the best large-scale three-star hotel brands in the country, Its company, Hotel of Asia Inc. the brand promises to be an is a joint venture company of alternative accommodation, Injap Investments Inc., Staniel with services and facilities that Development Corp and Oishi address the real needs of a Liwayway Group. fast-paced leisure and "We envision Hotel 101 to be business environment. one of the most relevant hotel brands in the Philippines. This For inquiries, Hotel 101 Hotel 101 – Manila will be one Manila can be reached at +63 of the most significant projects (2) 553 1111 or +63(917) 637 among our future portfolio of 1111, by email hotel and resorts in different at manila@hotel101.com.ph, parts of the country," says Sia, or through its social media the group's chairman. accounts: @hotel101ph

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