Yesterday, I had the honor of being one of the jurors in an engaging deliberation with some of the most creative and brilliant minds: NCCA Chair Ino Manalo; Yael Buencamino Borromeo, co-curator of Andi taku e sana, Amung taku di sana / All of us present, This is our gathering at the 59th Biennale Arte; Dr. Edson Cabalfin, curator of The City Who Had Two Navels at the 16th Biennale Architettura; and Architect Peter Cachola Schmal, Director of the German Architecture Museum (DAM); with Dr. Patrick Flores, curator of Tie A String Around the World at the 56th Biennale Arte and the dedicated PAVB Secretariat as moderators to evaluate the curatorial proposals for the Philippines’ representation at the 2025 Biennale Architettura in Venice, Italy.
The depth and diversity of the concepts were truly inspiring. Each proposal’s strengths reflect a thorough understanding of architecture, art, culture, and the contemporary challenges we face.
Congratulations to the winning proposal, “Soil-beings (Lamánlupa),” curated by Renan Laru-an. The proposal stood out for its innovative and thought-provoking approach, aiming to reshape our understanding of soil not just as a static material but as a living, dynamic entity.
I am excited to see how this multi-sensory exhibit —involving scents and textures— will be brought to life, as it promises to offer a transformative experience, encouraging visitors to engage in meaningful discussions and reflections on ecological interconnectedness and resilience.
Looking forward to seeing how the Soil-beings (Lamánlupa) evolve and inspire visitors from around the world at the Philippine Pavilion.
