Makati’s Salcedo Underpass Displays Public Art Installation as Tribute to Filipinos
When passing through one of Makati’s underpasses, what we usually see are numerous posters and advertisements of products and services on the wall. However, every once in a while, these walls are decorated with a creative look to make it more pleasing to the eyes of the public.
If you happen to love art and photography, the Salcedo underpass now dons an artistic visage displaying a patriotic message honoring the Filipino heroes of our generation.
Launched last February 14, Federal Land Inc. partnered with Makati Central Estate Association to commission the public art installation at the Salcedo underpass along Ayala Avenue.
(Left to right) MACEA Chairman Arch. William V. Coscolluela; Makati Mayor Atty. Abby Binay; Federal Land, Inc. Chairman Alfred V. Ty; and mural artist Archie Geotina
“For over 48 years, Federal Land has strived to develop properties that are both iconic and valuable to society. My late father, Group Chairman George Ty, always dreamt of building beautiful residences that people will be proud to call home,” said Federal Land chairman Alfred Ty in a statement. “More than that, my father was an art enthusiast and this endeavor is a way of sharing that enthusiasm with everyone.”
The 2,000 square foot art mural, “Ang Lakbay ng 2015 Milyon,” was made by artist Archie Geotina. It features a collage of black and white photographs of Filipinos from around the country who have been hailed as local heroes—those who have left a positive impact on their respective communities.
As an experiential exhibition, the mural is a baroque-style image composed of the country’s best sites and unsung heroes reminiscent of the style in the Sistine Chapel. Some of the images were curated from the artist’s travels to Kalinga, Siargao, and Lanao Del Sur among others.
Geotina’s art aims to celebrate the heroic stories of 105 million Filipinos and the fascinating past that makes up the Filipino tradition dating back from pre-historic times up to the present time.
Walking under the magnificent mural is like being transported to places all over the country and throughout history.
A closer look at the mural
Meanwhile, portrait photos of unsung local heroes are also displayed on the wall. Some of which included the Hijab Troopers from Marawi who were the first medical aid responders during the Marwari siege in 2017 and Erlina Lavandia from Baguio who is considered as one of the greatest javelin throwers in the history of Southeast Asian Games.
Portraits of Erlina Lavandia from Baguio and Marawi’s Hijab Troopers
“We hope that with this piece of art, we inspire Filipinos to appreciate the people who are before us, behind us, and beside us, acknowledging their contribution to society because without one another nothing prospers,” says Ty.
This art installation shines a light on people who have contributed to persevering the nationalism and heritage of Filipinos. Hopefully, this will not be the last time we will see such an uplifting display of tribute to Filipino heroes.
You may catch this inspiring work of art at Salcedo underpass along Ayala Avenue corner Salcedo Street in Makati City.
Source: Federal Land Inc.’s Official Press Release
Images courtesy of Federal Land Inc.
