The invitation stated Foro de Intramuros — a venue I never heard before. However, an old friend immediately clarified it was once the Ateneo Municipal de Manila. Oh, I remember the place from many years ago, where we held a few official gatherings during my past professional life. I recall the area in total ruins, exposed to open skies and its harsh natural elements, with lush vegetation growing wildly. So on the way to this particular nighttime affair, with continuous rain through the day and a typhoon looming, I could only imagine what the organizers must have been going through. I genuinely felt for them.

Yet upon arrival, the expansive space, while still carrying the gravitas of its original Ateneo façade, floored me. It stood beautifully restored with massive open areas sans sturdy posts, completely covered by a gigantic tent, all modern, adaptable and flexible. It made the perfect setting for “Sky Islands,” the Asian Cultural Council (ACC) Philippines Foundation Inc.’s 25th anniversary celebration and fundraising auction.

Guests first encountered the commanding presence of Aze Ong’s encroaching crochet — gigantic streaming masses suspended from the ceiling, weaving, wrapping, and softening the industrial angles of the emplacement. A 2016 ACC fellow, she is known for transforming traditional crochet into spiritual, contemporary installations shaped entirely by intuition. She works alone, without patterns, letting the pieces flow and expand until they become immersive environments. If that was not enough, even her black dress for the occasion was crocheted!

On some tabletops were charming resin creatures, which channeled humor and social commentary, by 2014 ACC fellow Dex Fernandez, the mind behind Garapata. It has now become his signature visual language, and appears on tote bags, graffiti, murals and even animations. This is all a part of his evolving visual universe which has earned him international acclaim.

Striking stainless-steel pieces were by Sam Penaso. A 2013 ACC fellow, he has long pushed the boundaries of form, moving fluidly among painting, sculpture, performance, and experimental work. His practice has taken him across Japan, Thailand, Austria, Germany, Singapore, USA and UAE. Yet his Bohol roots still anchor his creations.

During cocktails, guests were treated to a soundscape by Teresa Barrozo, a 2014 ACC fellow.

Soprano Rachelle Gerodias, 1996 ACC fellow, then took to the stage for “Mutya ng Pasig.” She was accompanied by 2025 ACC Fellow Joed Balsamo. It was then followed by excerpts from “Pasig River” by 2007 and 2018 ACC fellow Susie Ibarra.