Manila Bulletin Lifestyle recently attended the latest iteration of Crimson Boracay’s Art Warrior Philippines Championship, where we observed how the resort has uniquely carved out its identity in both the property industry and the arts world.
It was a particular delight to witness how Crimson Resort and Spa Boracay transformed itself from a typical (albeit very posh) premium beachfront property into an unexpected haven for the arts. This transformation creates a unique proposition for guests and tourists, setting the property apart from the plethora of snazzy developments on the famous island.
The competition itself, Art Warrior, was a thrilling event to see. It’s a competitive live painting event, typical in Western countries, but not so here in the Philippines. The setting was the pristine white sand shoreline of Crimson Boracay, where tents were set up, and rows of easels were lined up for the competition.
Leading up to the main event, there was also the inaugural Art Warrior Junior, which took place at high noon. Xialeigh Dawn Mateling took home the grand prize for that segment of the competition.
Artists that competed in the initial rounds of Art Warrior Philippines were brought back for the main event, with 11 contestants competing for the championship title.
Crimson Boracay provided all necessary materials for the artists to create their works, allowing them two rounds of “speed painting.” All while the audience closely watched. In the end, muralist Japs Avelino took the title, and was awarded a P15,000 cash prize, a solo exhibition in the selfsame hotel, and a staycation at another Crimson property - Crimson Hotel Cebu.
Art Haven
As a visual artist and the brainchild of the Art Warrior competition, Crimson Resort and Spa Boracay General Manager Patrick Manthe explained its genesis.
“I think art, in many respects, is perceived as boring—not the final product, but the process itself. Creating a painting can take days or weeks, and no one would sit there for days to watch, even our champion here, Japs, paint,” Patrick jokingly said.
“So, how can you make it more interesting and attract more people to art, combining it with something we all enjoy—partying on the beach? That's really how this whole idea came together. I always felt it matches very well with Crimson because we have a vibrant and bold brand. So, we always thought this is something we wanted to do here.”
Patrick also shared how local artists in Boracay face difficulties presenting their art to the world due to limited access to galleries and exhibit spaces. This is something the general manager also wanted to address—a way to give back to the community where the hotel is located.
“They have not been given many chances to showcase their art. We really want to bridge that gap with Art Warrior and the other activities here. The community we've gained now, personally as an artist and art lover, has been rewarding. They deserve better opportunities. If we can offer that through Art Warrior and other hotel activities, we will happily do so as much as we can.”
As we celebrated Arts Month this February, kudos to people like Patrick who support the culture and the arts. Businesses, small and large, can support the arts, as seen in Crimson Boracay, and simultaneously enhance the value proposition of the property—a win-win in our book. This is a worthy event that should be emulated and lauded across the industry.
(Photos courtesy of Crimson Resort and Spa Boracay)