Home to signature events that cater to all, Makati City once again hosted the celebration of the Dia Del Libro or International Book Day last April 22 (Saturday) at Ayala Triangle Gardens. The event was filled with a series of activities that kept the guests entertained from 11am to 10pm, beginning with the inauguration of the traveling exhibit featuring 53 life-size photographic print reproductions of masterpieces from The Prado Museum in Madrid. The collection includes works from the masters of the 12th to 19th centuries such as Rembrandt, Botticelli, Rubens, and Van Dyck.
The exhibit, which has been shown in cities around the world, is the first stop in an inspiring roadshow across the Philippines called El Museo del Prado en Filipinas (The Prado on Philippine Streets). A project of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) and The Prado, this endeavor is being carried out by the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines and the Instituto Cervantes de Manila.
The inauguration of the traveling exhibit was followed by the opening of The Book Stop Project- a pop-up library where visitors can borrow or exchange books. In addition, attendees were provided with various forms of entertainment as well as a lively performance from the Manila Symphony Orchestra, that gave a very festive yet educational experience through arts, music and poetry.
“These books transport us into other worlds, and this is what makes our partnership with Instituto Cervantes more special. As the developer of Makati, we strive to build spaces that allow people to explore, recharge, and reconnect with themselves and with others. Dia del Libro is very much aligned with what we’re about as a real estate developer. We have a long history of celebrating community, highlighting arts & culture, and really having a vision of helping to improve people’s lives through developing land. The Museo aims to bring art closer to the people – blended into the streetscape. Makati’s accessibility makes this the perfect venue for the exhibit. We know that our residents and visitors are hungry for the high arts, which is why we have made it more accessible for everyone to see and experience various forms of art,” said Cathy Bengzon, Head of Corporate Marketing.
Thousands of books published in Spanish, Filipino and English ranging from classics to children’s literature to dictionaries were made available to everyone through its book market. In addition, book buyers received lovely roses for every book purchase, following the Spanish tradition.
Ayala Triangle Gardens, which sits at the heart of the business district, is now a haven of arts and culture, bringing art closer to people as the month-long celebration is open to public — from the corporate set to residents to passersby, its accessibility makes it easier for them to appreciate paintings that have been passed on for decades. The traveling exhibit and The Book Stop Project will be at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati until May 22.
Beginning April 29 to May 21, visitors of The Book Stop Project are in for a treat as they will have activities every weekend. On May 12, an Open Mic Poetry Night: Tribute for Moms will be mounted, and on May 13, Romance Writing Dialogues will be held. From May 20 to 21, there will be a Spanish Cultural Night, featuring a Spanish Poetry Night and a screening of a Spanish literary film. There will also be a Japanese Cultural Night, featuring origami (paper folding), shodo (calligraphy), and Kamishibai, the Japanese form of storytelling.
Instituto Cervantes de Manila and Ayala Land Inc. have a long history of collaborating to deepen Filipinos’ love and appreciation of the high arts. It aims to capture the rich history and culture of Spain, to which Filipinos have a deep affinity.
For more information about the city that makes it happen, visit www.makeitmakati.com or like and follow Make It Makati on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Ayala Land is the Philippines’ leading developer of sustainable estates, offering a diverse mix of properties such as residential, retail, office, hotels, and leisure developments, that support local economic growth and nation-building.
The company was established in 1988 as the real estate arm of Ayala Corporation, a pioneer conglomerate and builder of the country’s premier financial and commercial district, now known as Makati Central Business District and Ayala Center.
Today, Ayala Land has a total of 20 sustainable estates and is present in 55 key growth centers nationwide. It has five residential brands, namely Ayala Land Premier, Alveo, Avida, Amaia, and BellaVita, which deliver quality homes to a broad segment of the housing market. Its commercial development and leasing portfolio is comprised of Ayala Malls, Ayala Land Offices, and Ayala Land Hotels and Resorts Corporation.