Cover Impy Pilapil with ‘Flight’, an original sculpture she created for Singapore Airlines in 2015 (Photo: courtesy of Singapore Airlines)
Impy Pilapil with ‘Flight’, an original sculpture she created for Singapore Airlines in 2015 (Photo: courtesy of Singapore Airlines)
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Marking six decades of operations in the Philippines, Singapore Airlines has gifted a stunning original sculpture by renowned visual artist Impy Pilapil to the Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Manila
Renowned Filipino visual artist Impy Pilapil’s sculpture, titled Flight, originally commissioned by Singapore Airlines (SIA) in 2015, has been turned over to the Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Manila. Designed to visually depict the experience of flying with the airline, the artwork also highlights SIA’s long-standing collaboration with artists in Manila. For nearly a decade, Flight served as a distinctive feature at the SilverKris Lounge in Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, offering passengers a familiar sense of home before their departure.
Read more: The choreography of calm: a glimpse into NAIA Terminal 3’s First Meridian Lounge
Above Impy Pilapil with Her Excellency Constance See and Singapore Airlines Philippines’ general manager Liwei Tai (Photo: Singapore Airlines)
Impy Pilapil with Her Excellency Constance See and Singapore Airlines Philippines’ general manager Liwei Tai (Photo: Singapore Airlines)
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The official turnover ceremony took place at the Singapore Embassy located in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The event was led by the artist herself, alongside Her Excellency Constance See, the Singapore Ambassador to the Philippines and Liwei Tai, the general manager of SIA Philippines. This gesture commemorates the airline’s 60th anniversary of operating within the country.
With its relocation to the embassy, Flight joins three other original works created by Pilapil. When the embassy building first opened in 2008, it became home to her pieces titled Silent Wave, Quest, and Blooms. These artworks have long reflected the strong cultural connections between the two nations.
Read more: Get to know Impy Pilapil, one of the foremost female visual artists in the Philippine art scene
Above ‘Silent Wave’ by Impy Pilapil (Photo: Singapore Airlines)
‘Silent Wave’ by Impy Pilapil (Photo: Singapore Airlines)
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An award-winning visual artist, Pilapil is known for her work with stone, glass, steel, wood and paper. Her creations frequently convey themes of nature, harmony, tranquillity and community. Throughout her career, her pieces have been exhibited globally, reaching audiences in the Philippines, Singapore, Japan, Australia, Italy and the United States.
Expressing her joy at seeing her four creations reunited, Pilapil noted the significance of the new location.
“Reuniting Flight with its companion pieces feels like bringing back a missing dynamic element into a single, cohesive dialogue,” she explained. “Art, much like flight itself, is about movement, connection, and transcending physical boundaries. Seeing all four works together at the Embassy creates a complete narrative of harmony and shared identity between cultures.”
Above ‘Quest’ by Impy Pilapil (Photo: courtesy of Singapore Airlines)
‘Quest’ by Impy Pilapil (Photo: courtesy of Singapore Airlines)
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She further shared her personal admiration for the host country. “I am very happy and feel blessed to have my four sculptures here at the Singapore Embassy,” she remarked. “In the Philippines, everyone who knows me is aware that for decades now, I am the biggest fan of Lee Kuan Yew and his son, and I have the greatest respect for Singapore and its people.”
“Every artist wishes to have a good home for their work, and then it becomes a gift when the ‘home’ is occupied by good people,” Pilapil added.
For SIA, finding the right venue for the sculpture after its service at the airport lounge was a priority. “Art has always served as an important instrument in bridging countries and cultures,” stated Liwei Tai. “As we celebrate 60 years of Singapore Airlines in the Philippines and counting, we hope that ‘Flight’ will carry on its legacy as an important symbol of continued bilateral ties between Singapore and the Philippines.”
Above ‘Blooms’ by Impy Pilapil (Photo: courtesy of Singapore Airlines)
‘Blooms’ by Impy Pilapil (Photo: courtesy of Singapore Airlines)
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Ambassador See also welcomed the addition, noting that hosting the artwork aligns with the Embassy’s goal of bridging cultures.
“Singapore Airlines’ 60 years of operations in the Philippines speak to the strength and longevity of the ties between Singapore and the Philippines,” the Ambassador said. “For six decades, SIA has helped connect our people, businesses, and economies, bringing our two countries closer together. As a lover of Filipino design and creativity, I am especially delighted that this milestone also celebrates Filipino art. We are so happy to give Flight a new home at the Singapore Embassy, and to continue supporting and showcasing the creativity of Filipino artists.”
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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.
