I watched it all from my floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Since early morning Thursday, identical white tents systematically sprang in strategic spots all over Jaime Velasquez Park, familiarly known as Salcedo Village Park, in Makati City.

When Sunday came, the for-a-day-only stalls and booths were all promptly mounted up, all with objets d'art from the best of the best galleries, collectives, circles, groups and individual practitioners from all over the country. The mellow tunes from the Soulful Mood Strings emanated from their guitars. No announcements blared on the speakers and no one dared to sing karaoke.

I then decided to finally partake in the activities. As I crossed the street, with less than 50 steps from the portal, I was welcomed to the annual Art in the Park, organized, founded and made possible by Lisa Ongpin-Periquet and Trickie Colayco-Lopa as an entryway into the world of art.

They all came in hordes. There were solo flighters, while others were in pairs and groups. The general public came rushing in, all on the prowl for good buys. This was despite desperate calls received, for somehow the green oasis amidst tall buildings became difficult to arrive at due to several road closures. Detours were in order. Oh yes, they somehow braved the traffic and were ready to beat the heat. Some were more prepared than others, clothed in white and in comfy shorts, armed—can you believe that?— with fans made of local abaca. We even spotted a family of four with handheld battery-powered fans in colors which matched their outfits.