Friday, October 21, 2011

AMW Reports: Freeway x Manansala Event

Early this week, I was one of the lucky bloggers who got an invite to attend the Freeway x Manansala Event.  The brand Freeway isn't new to me and I've attended a couple of their Freeway Loves Art: National Artists Collectors' Series and to those series that I've attended left me a good impact! My pride for our local artists expanded to this "nth" level!

I got tied up with super busy schedule so I wasn't able to attend the previous Two: Ramon Valera (Fashion Design) and the first living National Artist in the series, F. Sionil Jose (Literature)!  The latter, F. Sionil Jose is one of my favorite local novelist and I've read his book "Mass" from cover to cover (it was a highschool book report but I ended up liking it I reread it again a couple of years ago).

The Freeway x Manansala Event is no exception in putting me at awe so I'm glad I was able to bring myself to the event right in time!  Thanks Mira of Freeway for updating me!


To those who do not know who Vicente Manansala is ---

Vicente Silva Manansala was a Philippine cubist painter and illustrator.  Born in Macabebe, Pampanga on January 22, 1910, he studied at U.P. School of Fine Arts and received a six-month grant by UNESCO to study at the Ecole de Beaux Arts in Banff and Montreal, Canada.  He received a nine-month scholarship to study at the Ecole de Beaux Arts in Paris by the French Government.
Impressive right?
 Manansala painted an innovative mother and child, Madonna of the Slums, 1950 which reflected the poverty in postwar Manila.  Besides the Mother-and Child, his subjects included jeepneys, barong-barong, cockfighters, familieis gathering for a modest meal, and Quiapo women vendors of various goods.

Vicente Manansala was hailed a National Artist of the Philippines in Visual Arts in 1982.

The event was hosted by my schoolmate Tim Yap and the ever fierce Divine Lee both wearing Manansala outfits.  


The 22 piece beautiful collection was showcased in a Fashion Show.  Everything was in a blur (so many people in the event) so I took shots of my 'favorites' amongst the huge collection.

 Three Quarter Sleeve Tent Top 
with Neckline Loop Piping


Extended Collar Tailored Dress with Print
Php1,995.00

Halter Bubble Dress with Print
Php1,995.00

Oversized Sublimation Print Top
Php1,295.00

Fans!
  After the fashion show, 3 important guests were asked to come up on stage for a chat.
From Left to Right ---
Ronna Manansala, the Granddaughter of Vicente Manansala
Cedie Lopez-Vargas of The Lopez Museum
and Maritess Mendoza-Pineda, Presdient of Freinds of Manansala Foundation


The 3 guests shared to the audience the brilliance of the man of the hour --- Vicente Manansala.  Oh, according to Ronna (the granddaughter), Mr. Manansala likes watching his tv shows with light on top of his head then he would wear sun visor!  It's a tiny tidbit not everyone would know about the said National Artist!


After the inspirational interview, Freeway's CEO, Sheree Roxas-Chua Gotuaco gave her thanks to all the wonderful people behind the event!  The inspiration, the love makes National Artists Collectors' Series a success!


Some more merchandise from the collection that sparked my interest....I don't know about you but they do make a great gift especially to our friends from abroad!

Clockwise Starts from Upper Left 
Mother of Pearl Necklace with Print Php845.00
Sleeveless Tent Dress with Center Panel Print Php1,995
Wooden 4 Square Bracelet Php795.00
Mousepad with Manasala Sungka Print Php145.00

Clockwise Starts from Upper Left 
Canvass Tote Bag with Manansala Market Scene Php695.00
Commemorative Manansala Watch Php1,195
Knitted Bolero with print and Hem Ribbing Php1,495.00
Crop Semi-Circle Shaped Knit Top and Print Php795.00
 

For more information about the collection, visit Freeway website at www.freeway.net.ph. Like Freeway on Facebook (facebook.com/FreewayOnline) and follow on Twitter (twitter.com/FreewayOnline)

Which among the pieces above caught your interest?
Do you own any of the previous Freeway Loves Art: National Artists Collectors' Series piece/pieces?


Filipino Pride!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

6 comments :

  1. oh, i love the bubble dress with print and that bolero on tha last pic is pretty! :)

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  2. I'd love to get the sungka mousepad! ;))

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  3. @Issa bonnga no? I like their National Artists series!

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  4. @phey The mousepad is inexpensive and great for gift giving especially to our foreign friends!

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  5. @Roch I was late eh :( :( :( Sorry! The fashion show started na when I arrived!

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