Cover iBis Styles, a creative hospitality brand from leading hotel operator Accor, marks a major milestone in the Philippines with the launch of its first iBis Styles hotel in the country (Photo: iBis Styles Manila Araneta City)
iBis Styles, a creative hospitality brand from leading hotel operator Accor, marks a major milestone in the Philippines with the launch of its first iBis Styles hotel in the country (Photo: iBis Styles Manila Araneta City)
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Sparking creative spaces, iBis Styles Manila Araneta City hosts a rotating series of workshops, artist residencies, exhibitions, and creative labs through its Style Curators programme
iBis Styles Manila Araneta City recently launched a pioneering series of events, aimed at celebrating artistry, community and self-expression. Titled “The Style Curators”, the hotel’s programme presents young and upcoming creative minds with a passion for art, design and storytelling to utilise partner venues around Araneta City and private corners inside iBis Styles as their playground for creativity and collaboration.
“The Style Curators series is designed to empower artists across the metro to uplift the next generation of visionaries,” the hotel brand expressed in a statement.
In partnership with Studio ArtFix, the programme features a rotating series of workshops, artist residencies, exhibitions and creative labs that offer emerging talents not only a platform but also a community of support.
Above The initial poster of iBis Styles Manila Araneta City’s ‘The Style Curators’ series
The initial poster of iBis Styles Manila Araneta City’s ‘The Style Curators’ series
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“It is a purposeful initiative at its core, empowering individuals whose works are rooted in culture, compassion and meaningful impact,” the hotel continued in its statement.
Last July 5, the Style Curators series commenced with “Palette & Patterns”, a guided painting session held at Le Bistro, Gateway Mall 2. Participants, under self-taught artists and freelance art instructor John Salcedo, enjoyed customising their own artisan handwoven native bag with cherry blossom-inspired designs, while enjoying curated refreshments that include wine, coffee and tea.
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Above Some of the emerging artists participating in the Style Curators series of iBis Styles Manila Araneta City
Some of the emerging artists participating in the Style Curators series of iBis Styles Manila Araneta City
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On Saturday, July 26, the creative spotlight shifts to Jethro Medina, also known as Pintang Gala, with his workshop titled “Strokes & Totes” at the strEATs Coworking Café. The session promises a colourful, hands-on experience where guests will paint their own tote bags under Medina’s guidance. Medina is the founder of both Studio ArtFix and Pintang Gala Studio, who is known for blending mixed media, his expressive painting, and outreach education to bring art closer to everyday people.
“We’re proud to offer this rising generation of creative leaders not just a platform but a true creative playground,” says Erwin Dona III, cluster marketing head of iBis Styles Manila and Novotel Manila, both found at the heart of Araneta City. “Whether it’s the inviting French charm and refined comfort of Le Bistro, the dynamic pulse of our coworking spaces or the intimate vibe of our strEATs private dining rooms, each corner of our space is designed to inspire, spark imagination and connect to visionary talents,” he continues.
Above Some of the amenities at iBis Styles Manila Araneta City
Some of the amenities at iBis Styles Manila Araneta City
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The Style Curators series continues throughout the year with a compelling lineup of immersive experiences. In August, renowned calligrapher Gabiee Arboleda will host an elegant calligraphy workshop at strEATs Private Dining. September welcomes Nomer Husain, a multi-disciplinary artist who will lead a coffee painting session at Le Bistro Deli Atelier, showcasing a unique and aromatic approach to art. October introduces “Portraits in Clay” with sculptor Ken Sioson, an engaging tactile workshop on the basics of sculpting expressive busts. The series culminates in November with a collaborative oil portraiture workshop featuring both Medina and Husain, making it a deep dive into traditional portrait painting techniques in an intimate creative setting.
“It’s a true joy for Studio ArtFix to be part of the iBis Styles’ programme—a first for them and a meaningful first for us as well,” Medina shares. “As a walking art studio, Studio ArtFix is always on the move, but finding a platform like this, with a thoughtful team behind it, is something special. It’s true that everyone needs an ‘art fix’, so we’re excited to keep this creative energy flowing and make art more accessible to all through meaningful sessions like these,” he concludes.
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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.
