The first-ever Manila Clock Tower Museum in the Philippines has commenced its first National Arts Month Celebration with its first female solo exhibit by renowned and internationally celebrated, missionary visual artist, and Philippine Navy Reservist, CMO2 Kristine Lim (KSL).
Charlie Dungo, officer-in-charge of the Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila of the City Government of Manila, said that the Manila City Clock Tower is proud to play host to the renowned artist KSL who, over the years, has come to understand what visual art means for her.
Apart from exhibition, Dungo invites everyone to visit “the pride of Manila’s culture and art scene, the fast becoming popular, and will soon to be a significant figure in the country’s museum community” this whole month of February, and to feast their senses on the array of this once-in-a-lifetime display of the rich cultural heritage of Manila and experience the beauty of art like never before.
At the unveiling of the portrait of Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna, Manila City District 2 Councilor Numero “Uno” Lim said the portrait is a gift and was created in cooperation with Art Lounge Manila and renowned artist KSL.
Lacuna has been serving the capital City of Manila for almost half of her life, dedicated to public service. Her achievements and contributions to the city have been immeasurable, Lim also said.
“Her tireless efforts have made Manila a better place to live, work, and visit. It is only fitting that we have this portrait to honor and commemorate her accomplishments,” he added.
“The portrait created by KSL captures the essence of the mayor’s character and her commitment to the city. The painting is a testament to the mayor’s achievements and her unwavering commitment to the people of Manila,” he noted.
Besides Lacuna’s portrait, another artwork was also unveiled. Called ‘Himig sa May Nilad,’ it is likewise painted by KSL and a donation and gift to the Manila Clock Tower Museum.
“This stunning work of art symbolizes the origin of the name of the capital City of Manila,” he mentioned. “It is a powerful representation of the rich cultural heritage of our city, and we are proud to be able to showcase it in the museum.”
The addition of the painting is a significant step forward in the city’s mission. “We believe that this painting will not only serve as a reminder of the rich history of Manila, but also as an inspiration to all who view it,” Lim shared.
As the city commences its first National Arts Month Celebration with the first female solo exhibit by the renowned and internationally celebrated missionary visual artist KSL, “she has achieved a remarkable level of success in her career, and this exhibit is a testament to her talent, dedication, and hard work,” he stressed.
Manila City Vice Mayor Yul Servo said that the turnover of two magnificent paintings embodies the spirit and soul of Manila.
Colonel Simplitius Adecer, deputy commander of the Naval Reserve Command, on the other hand, said the discipline, good morals, and extreme sense of responsibility that KSL has shown proved to be a model for some of the Navy reservists to emanate.
Lacuna, for her part, thanked KSL for showcasing and sharing her talent not just to the city’s people, but also to the entire country.
“Diwatang diwa ang dating ko d’yan (I looked like a fairy in her painting),” said the fierce-looking mayor, who is honored to be given a piece of art.
During the event, there is a clear message for KSL: “I’m here to pray. You’ve heard, I’m an artist on a mission — a term coined not because I’m a soldier, but first I’m a missionary working for the Lord, delivering His message.”
The exhibit is part of the ‘Kuwento Ng Alon’ international exhibit tour, and serves as the kick-off of the second leg of the exhibit and its global tour.
‘Kuwento Ng Alon’ is an unprecedented project where missionary visual artist KSL interprets the songs of composer, songwriter and record producer Jonathan Manalo, as a series of artwork and art installations for the multi-venue and multi-country art exhibition and art book.
The international tour is with the cooperation of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Foreign Service Institute. It will be visiting 10 counties outside the Philippines, namely Australia, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, China, UK, France, USA, Canada, and Dubai.
‘Kuwento Ng Alon’ at the Manila Clock Tower is presented by The Manila City Hall, Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts of Manila, together with the Naval Reserve Command, Naval Reserve Forces NCR, Naval Reserve Center NCR, Naval Reserve Public Affairs Unit, and Art Lounge Manila, and for the benefit of Sustainable PH, Operation Mobilization Philippines, Artists On A Mission, and ABS-CBN Foundation.
