Art week in Hong Kong has become ‘a thing’ for Filipinos. It feels like a major exodus from Manila happens at this time of the year, perhaps in the last three to four years. The recently concluded Art Basel HK held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center last 28 to 30 March, according to the MCH-Group.com, drew 240 galleries from around the world and welcomed 91,000 visitors, including collectors, curators, artists and patrons from over 70 countries.

Most go for the obvious reason; some for the “trend” or “statement” of it; others out of curiosity. Whatever the intention, Art Basel has been an important part of the calendar of events at least once a year. There’s has been a certain seriousness in art appreciation in recent years and the market in the Philippines has inspiringly expanded organically into the global scene.