By Dara Clariza Evangelista
One of my favorite little joys in life is hanging out in hotels but not necessarily staying in them, but just soaking in the atmosphere. There’s something about their lobbies, cafés, and quiet corners that feels like an escape. And now, with To Life! on view at the Coro Hotel in Makati, that hangout sesh turned into something even better: a museum-like art experience.
The exhibit, a whimsical celebration of existence, is full of vibrant pieces, but personally, I naturally gravitated toward the happy art. Bright colors, playful strokes, and light-filled compositions, those are the works that make me stop and smile.
My Ultimate Favorite: The Sun Also Rises by Kristine Joy Padua
Standing tall and commanding at the center of the space, Kristine Joy Padua’s The Sun Also Rises immediately became my ultimate favorite. A massive golden sun glows over layers of muted mountains, textured and radiant. The gold leaf catches the light, transforming the piece as you move around it, it feels alive, hopeful, and steady. It’s the kind of painting you could stare at for a long time, feeling grounded and inspired all at once.
Swans in Flight by Kristine Joy Padua
Not far from it is another Padua work, Swans in Flight. Three golden swans rise against a pale textured canvas, their forms elegant and free. The strokes are simple yet powerful, capturing movement and grace. There’s a sense of weightlessness in the piece, almost as if the birds are carrying the lightness of hope within them.
Pag-asa ng Bagyo by Heidi Rodis
Another piece that caught me is a textured nightscape with houses bathed in stormy blue and streaks of golden light cutting through the canvas. Titled Pag-asa ng Bagyo, it speaks of resilience, how even in turbulent times, light finds its way in. The thick, almost sculptural textures make you feel the energy of the storm, but also the quiet promise of calm.
Citrus Treasures by Sharayah Concepcion
For a burst of cheer, Citrus Treasures shines bright with its vibrant yellows and fresh greens. Lemons dangle against a textured pastel-blue background, each brushstroke playful and full of life. It’s the kind of art that feels like summer bottled up, a reminder of warmth, joy, and simple abundance.
Autumn’s Song by Sharayah Concepcion
Lastly, Sharayah Concepcion’s Autumn’s Song stood out with its bold green canvas layered with fiery oranges and earthy strokes. It’s abstract yet organic, as if nature itself was dancing across the frame. I loved the energy here, it feels alive, in motion, and glowing with warmth.
Walking through the Coro Hotel lobby, surrounded by these works, didn’t feel like the usual hotel hangout I’m used to, it felt like a museum session. And maybe that’s the magic of To Life!: it reminds us that beauty and joy are always around us, waiting to be noticed.
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