Cover Leonardo Aguinaldo’s ‘Travelogue’ (2008), hand-coloured carved rubber (Photo: courtesy of BSP)
Leonardo Aguinaldo’s ‘Travelogue’ (2008), hand-coloured carved rubber (Photo: courtesy of BSP)
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Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showcases selected pieces from its massive art collection at the National Museum of Fine Arts, sharing with the public the country’s storied past and the sheer Filipino artistry for future generations to remember
Although the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) that we know today began its operations in 1993, its history dates back to the post-Second World War period and was housed in the old Intendencia Building in the walled city of Intramuros. BSP, as the central monetary authority in the country, navigated the times amidst a turbulent political landscape. It was also during this period that Filipino contemporary art found its footing, and BSP, particularly its former governor (1981 to 1984), Jaime C Laya, found an opportunity to build its corporate collection.
As much as BSP discovered its eye for art—decorating its offices and other locations, most especially the then-rising headquarters along Roxas Boulevard, Laya explored his nose for art and later became one of the country’s foremost patrons of culture.
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Above Danilo Dalena’s ‘Enero Nuwebe’ (1982), oil on canvas (Photo: courtesy of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas)
Danilo Dalena’s ‘Enero Nuwebe’ (1982), oil on canvas (Photo: courtesy of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas)
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“The art world now is more complex and entirely different from what it was in past years,” says Laya in his speech during the opening of the BSP exhibition at the National Museum. He enumerates various art forms that have grown in appreciation today compared to how they were perceived before. “And so this is something that is, I suppose, puzzling and difficult, but in all other respects exciting as the future path and the future development of the Central Bank collection.”
As the BSP has expressed through opening to the public selected works among its corporate collection, which is estimated to be around 4,000 pieces scattered nationwide, “Art holds stories of the past”. Together with the nation that has informed its artists of themes to work on, the BSP collection likewise reflected an evolution of its catalogue, resulting in a two-gallery exhibition of ‘Kultura. Kapital. Kasalukuyan.’ which will be on view for free until November 15, 2027.
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Above Inside Gallery XVIII is ‘Pagmulat’, in the foreground is Mario Parial’s ‘Quiapo’ (1976), oil on canvas (Photo: courtesy of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas)
Inside Gallery XVIII is ‘Pagmulat’, in the foreground is Mario Parial’s ‘Quiapo’ (1976), oil on canvas (Photo: courtesy of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas)
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Inside Gallery XVIII is Pagmulat, which includes works that reflect scenes from daily life, revolving around themes of work, home, family and shared moments that form part of collective memory.
Meanwhile, Gallery XIX has the Pagtanaw chapter of the exhibition, which features works from the late 1980s to more recent years. The pieces highlight changing styles, techniques and subjects, offering insight into the growth and experimentation of contemporary Filipino art.
Above Inside Gallery XIX is ‘Pagtanaw’, displayed on the walls are Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera’s 1977 etching/ink on paper, ‘Larawan 1 (AP)’, Joey Cobcobo’s 2011 oil on shaped canvas ‘Mukang Piso’, and Melvin Culaba’s 2010 oil on canvas ‘Unresolved’ (Photo: courtesy of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas)
Inside Gallery XIX is ‘Pagtanaw’, displayed on the walls are Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera’s 1977 etching/ink on paper, ‘Larawan 1 (AP)’, Joey Cobcobo’s 2011 oil on shaped canvas ‘Mukang Piso’, and Melvin Culaba’s 2010 oil on canvas ‘Unresolved’ (Photo: courtesy of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas)
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Jointly, the artworks are by some of the most important Filipino artists, who rose to prominence in the Sixties and Seventies—a period that marked a deviation from the classical school of thought in the visual arts and the rise of artists utilising art as a powerful tool for social change. It also had prominent artists from later decades, whose oeuvres navigated the many possibilities of expression through the visual arts in the Eighties, Nineties, and recent years.
Kultura. Kapital. Kasalukuyan. Contemporary Art from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Collection highlights art as both cultural assets and social mirrors—serving as testimony to the Filipino people’s history and the evolution of national identity. It underscores artists not only as creators but as catalysts for reflection and resilience. By bringing its collection closer to the people, the BSP invites viewers to witness the rich tapestry of the Filipino spirit deeply woven into the socio-economic fabric of the nation. It affirms art’s power to inspire dialogue and transform Filipino consciousness and action.
Above In the foreground is Dan Raralio’s 1995 synthetic marble and brass pull ‘Psychology’, with Cesare A X Syjuco’s composite in acrylic and wood vitrine with a literary hybrid/text/object, ‘Veneration of the Lie’ (1996-2010), Leonard Aguinaldo’s 2008 hand-coloured carved rubber ‘Travelogue’ and Emmanuel Garibay’s 2011 oil on canvas ‘Palengke’ (Photo: courtesy of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas)
In the foreground is Dan Raralio’s 1995 synthetic marble and brass pull ‘Psychology’, with Cesare A X Syjuco’s composite in acrylic and wood vitrine with a literary hybrid/text/object, ‘Veneration of the Lie’ (1996-2010), Leonard Aguinaldo’s 2008 hand-coloured carved rubber ‘Travelogue’ and Emmanuel Garibay’s 2011 oil on canvas ‘Palengke’ (Photo: courtesy of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas)
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For Laya, understanding a nation requires knowing its people—their aspirations, history and way of life—reflected in their art and culture. This, the current exhibition upholds, as well as BSP Collection’s mission, that is, to collect and preserve works that embody the Filipino’s evolving ideas and collective spirit, for today and for generations to come.
Beyond the confines of the National Museum, the BSP Collection’s gold treasures are still available for viewing at the Ayala Museum. Also recently, BSP opened a multimedia exhibition during its 32nd anniversary celebration last July 3, which the public can view at the newly-opened BSP Hub along Roxas Boulevard (the former site of the Metropolitan Museum of Manila). This exhibition runs until the second week of September.
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
Work
Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
