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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider World-renowned artist Jefrë unveils new sculptures championing Filipino Youth

World-renowned artist Jefrë unveils new sculptures championing Filipino Youth

Published Dec 31, 2021 10:22 am

The globally renowned Filipino metal sculptor presents ‘Bayani’ and ‘Pag-asa’

Capping 2021 with an artistic note is international Filipino artist Jefrë Figueras Manuel as he unveils his newest giant modern art sculptures in the city—“Bayani” and “Pag-asa.”

A tribute to Filipino youth, it is just very fitting that the two colossal artworks were launched on Dec. 30, 2021, Rizal Day, as one of the Philippines’ heroes, Dr. Jose Rizal, had long believed in the power and courage that come from the young. As his famous saying goes, “The youth is the hope of our future.”

Playing with the theme of hero and hope, the ultra-modern stainless steel sculptures symbolize “the future of the country as the young median age of the Philippine population is one of the key driving forces that fuel economic growth.” Adding to that, the artworks are also towering reminders of the dream of turning the country into one of the largest economies in the world within the next decades.

'Bayani' and 'Pag-asa' (Photo from @jefre_artist on Instagram)

“The Filipino words ‘bayani’ and ’pag-asa’ are a huge inspiration to create sculptures in this region of the Philippines. You need one and the other. The idea of a hero wouldn’t exist without hope and with hope, you can become a hero,” says Jefrë.

“I believe that the Filipino youth have the potential to be recognized as active participants in worldwide activities, hence the globe for the head,” he adds. “They’re both composed of very hard metal that is polished and brushed to perfection—very much like the story of the Filipino youth.”

Depicting a figure of a young person, “Bayani,” posted along the entrance of DoubleDragon Meridian Park at the Bay Area in Pasay City, would be hard to miss by any passerby and commuter with its height of 64 feet or about six-story high. Not far down the road is “Pag-asa” with its friendly hand gesture ready to greet anyone who looks up.

“We hope that this tribute to the Filipino youth, ‘Bayani’ and ‘Pag-asa,’ will in some way or another spark inspiration in our hearts and minds to remind all of us that the Philippines has what it takes to become a highly prosperous first world country,” says DoubleDragon and DD Meridian Park REIT Inc. Chairman Edgar “Injap” Sia II.

Check out the unveiling here:

Related Tags

Jefre Jefrë Figueras Manuel bayani pag-asa Arts and Culture
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