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'Ugnay' weaves art, memory and civic spirit at The Peninsula Manila
Lifestyle
Arts and Culture
'Ugnay' weaves art, memory and civic spirit at The Peninsula Manila
'Ugnay' weaves art, memory and civic spirit at The Peninsula Manila
Rotary Club of Makati opens term with a compelling weeklong exhibit led by Dominic Rubio and three contemporary voices
Published Jul 13, 2025 06:49 am
Art speaks in many ways, but at Ugnay, it spoke most clearly through collaboration. Launched by the Rotary Club of Makati at The Peninsula Manila, the weeklong exhibition gathered four Filipino artists whose works explored identity, memory and public purpose. It was not just a showcase of skill, but a quiet conversation between heritage and the present, between personal reflection and shared responsibility.
The exhibit featured stylized portraits of Filipinos in colonial attire by Dominic Rubio, serving as a visual thread through the show. Known for his distinct, elongated figures, Dominic’s work evokes nostalgia and national pride. A native of Paete, Laguna and a commercial art graduate from the University of Santo Tomas, he transitioned from advertising to fine art and has since exhibited at Sotheby’s, Christie’s and in international civic spaces such as the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C.
“Dominic’s work captures the essence of Filipino culture,” said Rosita Lara Lumagui, managing director of Worldwide Resource Solutions Philippines, who attended the opening as one of the guests of honor. “It reflects traditions from the past while incorporating modern elements, all while maintaining a nostalgic flair.”
But the exhibit did not dwell solely in the past. Alongside Dominic were three contemporary voices whose styles offered contrast and dialogue.
Anton Cabrera contributed introspective works marked by muted tones and textured layers. His paintings invited open interpretation and embraced ambiguity. “Anton’s is intuitive and reflective,” said Rosita.
Jean Uy Yam brought brightness and clarity. A lawyer and mother of two, Jean turned to art during the pandemic and began exhibiting to support nonprofits such as Caritas Manila and AHA Learning Center. Her paintings, both abstract and representational, explored daily life through a vivid, layered palette. “Jean’s art quietly captures the poetry of daily life,” Rosita said. “Her palette is bright, her perspective deeply human.”
The most minimalist among them was Aaron Virata Mempin, who signs his work as “A.” His paintings featured geometric forms inspired by coastal lines, waves and natural rhythms. A member of Rotary himself, Aaron integrates civic advocacy into his practice, often tying exhibitions to environmental causes. “Through both his art and civic work, A uses his creative voice to inspire a deeper connection to nature and collective responsibility,” said Rosita.
Despite their distinct approaches, the works formed a unified narrative. “Aaron’s work is structured and meditative,” Rosita said. “Jean brings a kind of radiant clarity. Together, they offer a balanced conversation.”
The exhibit ran from July 9 to 11 across multiple spaces within The Peninsula Manila. Paintings were displayed in the Upper Lobby, the Escolta Corridor, and the fourth-floor Rubio Art Studio, with a culminating presentation in the Rigodon Ballroom Foyer on the final day.
‘Ugnay,’ a collaboration of art and community service organized by the Rotary Club of Makati, recently opened at The Peninsula Manila in Makati City. At the unveiling, from left, are artists lawyer Jean Uy Yam and Anton Cabrera, COMELEC Commissioner Ferdinand Maceda Jr., Rosita Lara Lumagui, managing director of WorldWide Resource Solutions; Eduardo H. Galvez, current president of the Rotary Club of Makati, featured artist Dominic Rubio, Supreme Court of the Philippines Justice Midas Marquez, Rotary International District 3830 Governor Reginald Alberto Nolido and past Governor Maria Concepcion Camacho, Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Abdul Malik Castelino, and RC Makati Rotarian and artist Aaron Virata Mempin.
During the opening program, Aaron acknowledged Rotary Makati president-nominee Attorney Howie Calleja for initiating the project and expressed his appreciation for the spirit of collaboration that guided the exhibit. “Ugnayan isn’t just about art — it’s about connection,” Aaron said. “Creativity and collaboration can make a lasting impact, not just among artists, but in the lives of those we serve.”
The launch drew a wide range of attendees, including COMELEC Commissioner Ferdinand Maceda Jr., Supreme Court Justice Midas Marquez, Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Abdul Malik Castelino, Rotary International District 3830 Governor Reginald Alberto Nolido, past Governor Maria Concepcion Camacho and Rotary Club of Makati President Eduardo H. Galvez.
At its core, Ugnay was a statement not of spectacle but of substance. It gathered four artists in conversation not only with each other, but with the times, offering viewers an invitation to pause, look closely, and consider how art connects across personal, cultural and civic lines.