Through My Lens

This is my third visit to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. The last one was in 2013 and I am simply surprised that it has expanded to about 3x its size in 2013. There are a lot more houses and hotel rooms that have been added and it's just become a more awesome place to bring your balikbayan friends. Well, not everyone is happy with what Mr. Acuzar is doing, demolishing rundown heritage houses, removing them from their original location and restoring them in his beachside property in Bagac, Bataan. Heritage conservationists are totally against him on this. But would you rather see them rot in their original location? I vote for restoring them wherever they can be well taken cared of. I just hope whoever inherits this place will have the same passion as Mr. Acuzar's in taking care of these houses. all photos ©alana palomique please do not use photos without permission

At the 2016 Art in the Park, I was able to purchase these limited edition hand-signed prints of artists whose works have covered the invitations of the event for the last 10 years. Each artwork was printed at 75 pieces, not a big number for those wanting to have their copies. Soon as the park opened, people already rushed and lined up to be able to purchase despite not knowing yet how much they would cost. When the price was finally announced, I saw no one fall out from the line even if they weren't inexpensive. Well, people who are keenly following the art scene in the country know too well that many of these artists have their original works priced at hundreds of thousands and even millions. The beautifully executed prints in giclee, individually hand signed by the artists all sold out in less than hour;   a testament perhaps that many Filipinos are now starting to see the value in and of art. Rodel Tapaya Pamela Yan Charlie Co Dex Fernandez Jomike ...