Inside the elegant lobby of Belmont Hotel Manila, art and hospitality converge in a striking new exhibition that transforms the space into a gallery of imagination and craft.
The hotel, known for its commitment to showcasing Filipino talent, has unveiled its fifth lobby art exhibit, Hiraya: Crafted Visions by Josso Baldera, an artist whose sculptures speak to both the beauty and complexity of the world around us.
The exhibit, which opened on Feb. 27, is more than just a display of skillfully rendered three-dimensional works. It is a narrative in form and texture, a meditation on life, nature, and human experience. Each sculpture, shaped by Baldera’s meticulous hands, invites the viewer to pause and reflect, which is a rarity in the hurried pace of modern life.
Baldera’s path to becoming a sculptor was not born from happenstance but from years of quiet dedication. He studied under the celebrated Filipino artist Angelito Cacnio, spending nearly a decade refining his technique in the shadow of a master. During those years, he learned not only the technical demands of sculpture but also the discipline and vision required to carve out a distinct artistic voice.
Baldera’s artworks. (SHARED PHOTO)
That voice is now unmistakable. Baldera’s works, featured in Alphabet of Filipino Contemporary Artists Volume 2 by Lander Blanza, have drawn praise for their depth and emotive storytelling. His sculptures, often fusing organic forms with surreal elements, invite interpretation, offering no easy answers, only moments of contemplation.
Belmont Hotel Manila, part of the Megaworld Hotels & Resorts group, has long positioned itself as more than just a place to stay. Its art initiative, now on its fifth installment, aims to support and elevate Filipino artists by giving them a space to reach new audiences.
At the exhibit’s opening, Mayann Malapote, the hotel’s director of operations, and Socrates Alvaro, its cluster general manager, spoke about the importance of fostering local artistry. “We see art as an extension of our hospitality,” Malapote said. “It’s about creating an experience, not just for our guests but for the artists we showcase.”
For those eager to witness Baldera’s artistry firsthand, Hiraya: Crafted Visions will remain on display at Belmont Hotel Manila until April 20. And for collectors and enthusiasts, there is an opportunity to take home a piece of the exhibit, all artworks are available for purchase.
