February is all about celebrating National Arts Month in the Philippines, so it just makes sense that it ends with one of the biggest art events in the country — Art Fair Philippines. 

This annual art extravaganza brings together art lovers, curious onlookers and even the occasional crowd for a weekend of creativity in Makati.

This year, Art Fair PH switched things up with a brand-new venue at Ayala Triangle. 

From specially commissioned works to gallery exhibits, film screenings and thought-provoking art talks, this edition was all about breaking boundaries and making art more accessible than ever.

Visual overload (in the best way)

I couldn’t help but believe that art is truly something else as soon as I entered the fair. Something about witnessing how innovative brains push boundaries causes you to pause and view the world in a slightly new light.

The “Sari-Sari Sabi-Sabi” exhibit by Carlo Tanseco was one of the most impressive displays that drew large crowds. Imagine entering an area adorned with enormous packs of your favorite delicacies from childhood, such as Cloud9, Chippy, White Rabbit, Chocnut and Nagaraya, but with a unique twist. Tanseco replaced the wording with affirmations instead of the typical branding. Haw Flakes transformed into Heaven Blessed, while Chippy became Just Be Happy.

Tanseco perfectly captured nostalgia and good vibes in Sari-Sari Sabi-Sabi. It took me back to the days when life felt simpler — when the biggest dilemma was choosing between Piattos or Nova, and the ultimate reward was a snack from the sari-sari store. That kind of energy just hits different, like those lazy afternoons when I whip up some pancit canton for merienda and catch up on my favorite Filipino drama.