Cover Carmen Jimenez-Ong
Carmen Jimenez-Ong
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This ingenious art space took the city by surprise when it opened earlier this year. Know more about Tatler Homes Design Awards winner of Best Use of Art, the Menarco Vertical Museum
Launched last February, the Menarco Vertical Museum is the newest and most exciting art space in Bonifacio Global City. Menarco Development founder and CEO Carmen Jimenez-Ong tirelessly worked for seven years to create this one-of-its-kind museum.
Located at the modern and eco-intuitive Menarco Tower, the museum allows accessibility to visitors like no other. “Each piece benefits from this unique space with an interplay of holistic technology and timeless architecture. Each piece can be exhibited in new ways and configurations,” Josephine V Roque wrote in the museum’s catalogue.
Above Carmen with her son Menardo Christopher Jimenez Ong
Carmen with her son Menardo Christopher Jimenez Ong
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The initial collection showcases 39 of the most thought-provoking pieces of Philippine contemporary art, with the help of Silverlens Galleries and the Ateneo Art Gallery. Each floor of the museum features a rotating presentation of the artworks, allowing visitors to experience the collection gradually, almost story-likely, with each step revealing a new piece and building a clear and cohesive art appreciation experience.
Read also: Here are the winners of the Philippine edition of the Tatler Homes Design Awards 2023
Above Joseph Tay and Leo Po
Joseph Tay and Leo Po
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Guests during the launch were toured around, guided by Silverlens founder Isa Lorenzo, Menarco Vertical Museum’s Kagi Umpad, and the Ateneo art management team. The collection highlights some of the finest works of Pio Abad, Alfredo and Isabel Aquilizan, Martha Atienza, James Clar, Louie Cordero, Marina Cruz, Gaston Damage, Alfredo Esquillo, Patricia Perez Eustaquio, Nona Garcia, Gregory Halili, Nilo Ilarde, Geraldine Javier, Ged Marino, Aze Ong, Pow Martinez, Raffy Napay, Neil Pasilan, Wawi Navarroza, Elaine Navas, Bernardo Paquing, Gary-Ross Pastrana, Christina Quisumbing Ramilo, Sangviaje Artist Collective, John Santos III, Luis Santos, Pam Yan Santos, Rodel Tapaya, Maria Taniguchi, Olan Ventura, Ryan Villamael, MM Yu, and Eric Zamuco.
Read also: Inside the New York Gallery of Silverlens
Carmen Jimenez-Ong, Carolina Gozon Jimenez, Menarco Chairman Menardo Jimenez
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“Humanity is at the forefront of our decision-making process, and we place people’s well-being first. We are all connected, and our decisions that jeopardise our health or our environment eventually come back to bless or haunt us,” Jimenez-Ong said.
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Credits
Photography: Pat Kay Laudencia
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.
