It was an afternoon of fun and good cheer at the Grand Lobby of The Manila Hotel as artists, hotel executives, the media, and special guests gathered for an advanced Easter celebration with HATCH 2024.
Now in its 6th edition, HATCH is an annual exhibit organized by The Manila Hotel, in collaboration with the Manila Bulletin, to celebrate Easter in a unique, fun, and artful way. Prior to the event, fiberglass eggs were sent to established and emerging artists, giving them the opportunity to experiment, flex, and push their artistic boundaries. The result is an “egg-citing” batch of Easter eggs with diverse styles that spark conversation and appreciation for Filipino art.
The celebration was made even brighter with the presence of National Artist for Film, the legendary Kidlat Tahimik, who also lent his artistic genius by “laying an egg” of his own. “It's a challenge I've never done before, mang-itlog (lay an egg), pero why not (but why not)? This octogenarian would like to remain innovative, even in his twilight years. So roll out your egg up to Baguio - and let's see how my fantasy fertilizes this egg,” Kidlat shared via email correspondence, when invited to join this year’s HATCH.
VIPs at the event included Manila Hotel Chairman and Manila Bulletin Chairman of the Board, Basilio C. Yap, Manila Bulletin President Emilio C. Yap III, The Manila Hotel President Atty. Joey Lina, and Manila City Vice Mayor John Marvin 'Yul Servo' C. Nieto, who also contributed an egg to the event. Former Chief Justice of the Philippine Supreme Court Hilario Davide Jr. graced the celebration with his presence.
Participating artists for HATCH 2024 also include Andre Chan, Bea Policarpio, Dennis Montera, Elaine Clemente, Herminio Tan, Joel Reglos, Julie Lluch, Katrina Cuenca, Marcel Antonio x Glenn Martinez, Marlon Magbanua, Maxine Syjuco, Melai Arguzon, Sean Go, and Valerie Teng.
Photos by Arnold Quizol | Manila Bulletin