Art has always been a part of me. In many ways, it has quietly been my retirement plan.
I often imagine myself years from now—winding down from the pace of corporate life and business—somewhere by the beach, painting, embracing a slower, more intentional way of living. Art, for me, has never been about formal training or rigid rules. I don’t have a degree in fine arts, and I never claimed to be an expert. What I do have is curiosity, respect, and a deep appreciation for creative expression.
Early on, a serious art collector once gave me advice that stayed with me: “Train your eyes.”
Go to exhibitions. Talk to collectors, gallerists, curators, directors, and fellow art enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in the space. Learn by seeing, feeling, and listening.
That advice shaped how I engage with art today.
This is why I always look forward to Art Fair Philippines 2026, now in its 13th year. Every edition feels like an open classroom—one that welcomes not just seasoned collectors, but young people, first-time buyers, and those who are simply curious. There is so much to see, absorb, and learn. The presence of international galleries continues to grow, yet what stands out most is how Filipino artists hold their own—confident, distinctive, and deeply rooted in their own narratives.
It is always fascinating to witness how artists create something truly their own. Not copying, but drawing inspiration from masters while carving out a personal language. That courage—to be original, to experiment, to tell stories through form, color, and texture—is something I deeply admire.
This is where accessibility and education in art truly matter.
Art fairs play a crucial role in breaking down the intimidation often associated with art. They create safe, open spaces where people can ask questions, discover styles they resonate with, and begin their journey as collectors or supporters. For young people and first-time collectors, this exposure is invaluable. It removes the idea that art is only for the elite and replaces it with the belief that art is for everyone.
Schools, foundations, and community programs further strengthen this ecosystem by nurturing appreciation early on. When art is introduced not as something distant or exclusive, but as part of everyday life, it empowers future generations to value creativity, culture, and critical thinking.
Art appreciation is not built overnight. It is developed through repeated exposure, conversations, and experiences—exactly what art fairs make possible.
As we gather from February 6–8 at Circuit Corporate Center One in Makati, we are doing more than attending an art fair—we are helping create space for art to grow. Space for learning. Space for dialogue. Space for new collectors, emerging artists, and future advocates of culture. True appreciation begins when access is widened and education is embraced. Art fairs remind us that art does not need permission to be valued—it simply needs room to exist.
And when we continue to create that space, art becomes more than something we see. It becomes something we carry with us—into our homes, our lives, and eventually, into quieter, more meaningful seasons of living.
