By VIANCA GAMBOA

Art makes deeper sense when surrounded by movement and transitions, particularly in what seems to be rushed and impersonal public transport systems worldwide. Be it airports, train stations, or bus depots, they become more than just mundane gateways and morph into moments of reflection, connection, and even discovery–akin to that profound "sonder" feeling where one realizes that every passerby “has a life as vivid and complex as their own.”

Take, for instance, the Chicago O’Hare International Airport, where The Sky's the Limit by Michael Hayden mesmerizes travelers with its display of overhead neon light sculptures. At Tottenham Court Road station, mosaics by Sir Eduardo Paolozzi present a geometric potpourri of London’s history and surreal future as the “machine age jungle.” Or, the immersive mosaic walls in the New York City Subway and the glass ceiling murals at Stockholm’s T-Centralen station—these examples highlight how art in transient spaces invite passengers to pause, even if just for a second, to admire the fleeting beauty around them and evoke spectrums of emotions. 

This art-in-transit approach is what makes the recent addition to Cebu Mactan International Airport (MCIA) so noteworthy. A breath of fresh air in the often-underwhelming Philippine airport experience, MCIA sets the stage for a memorable journey right from the moment travelers step inside. Unlike many airports perceived as just another stop before reaching the final destination, MCIA is now redefining itself as a cultural landmark, thanks to a two-year stopover of art installations from National Artist Kidlat Tahimik, also known as Eric Oteyza de Guia.

Through time and art
Recently awarded the Skytrax 4-Star Terminal rating, MCIA has embraced the integration of art to enhance the passenger experience, aiming to stand out globally. In the Terminal 2 International Departures Area, a sneak peek of Kidlat Tahimik's visionary artworks from his INDIO-GENIUS: 500 Taon ng Labanang Kultural (1521-2021) offers an immersion into Cebu's vibrant heritage. With provenance from the National Museum of the Philippines, the three-part walkthrough is part of a larger display set to arrive at MCIA in the coming months. 
The installations came to Kidlat’s mind as reimagined encounters between Magellan and the discerning “Indio-Indigenous” Cebuano people, touching on the island's layered history often steeped in folklores and legendary narratives. The art pieces, crafted from authentic wood and stone, entwine past events with contemporary realities like the Covid-19 pandemic—just things to ponder on and suspend disbelief for in liminality.

In an unconventional twist, one artwork features Ikeng, the enslaved person who could “read the waves, winds, and stars on the horizon,” becoming the guide for Magellan's journey across unfamiliar waters. Another piece questions, "OMG! Where did Ikeng learn the language of this island?" blending humor with history and asking observers to see these stories from fresh, unexpected angles.
“I think it's good whether there are international passengers here to pick up that story, or whether in a domestic airport, people will also carry the message that despite our colonization, our ‘Indio-Genius’ still exists,” said Kidlat Tahimik.

These efforts are part of a broader movement by MCIA’s new venture as a fully-owned Aboitiz InfraCapital subsidiary, transforming the airport into a cultural hub that represents the local identity, craftsmanship, and hospitality of Cebu. Alongside its commitment to sustainability, the airport is currently improving both international and domestic layover operations to ensure seamless connections and a swift, pleasant experience for transit travelers.

For Athanasios “Thanos” Titonis, chief executive officer of Aboitiz InfraCapital GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation, the art introduces a vital human element into what is otherwise a highly systematic environment. “It serves as a powerful tool for inspiring a greater sense of identity among our travelers and to help them appreciate the rich history and culture of our province,” he explained.
Even domestic departures extend a warm welcome through a ramp adorned with the artworks of Cebu’s emerging artist, Josua Cabrera, and painted texts of traditional Cebuano delicacy recipes. Unlike the sterile environments typical of most airports, MCIA's art installations give life into the space. They challenge the conventional airport experience by turning a usually hurried and stressful environment into one of calm and introspection for all kinds of travelers.

Service excellence to the global stage
While the airport basks in its newfound cultural glow, it has also set its sights on achieving further recognition. Recently, the airport launched its “Abiba Sugbo,” a seven-month Skytrax campaign, encouraging passengers and partners to support its bid to be recognized for having one of the World’s Best Airport Staff at the Skytrax Awards 2025. 
Winning the award would highlight the Philippines’ role as a significant driver of economic growth and cultural connections, embodying our homegrown values, according to Rafael Aboitiz, Vice President for Airports Business at Aboitiz InfraCapital. “Our mission is and will always be to elevate the airport and Filipino aviation as not a follower but a trailblazer in setting new standards of what it means to be a Filipino brand of airport management and operations.”