By Nickie Wang
Contributor/Manila Standard Today
24 may 2008
Rioting colors, rumbling musical instruments, graceful dances and beautiful smiles: these were the highlights of the visually stimulating floral installation by world-renowned floral architect Rachy Cuna at the lobby of the Intercontinental Manila on May 13.
Entitled BayanCuna: Unity in Philippine Artistry and ongoing until June 14, the exhibit features Cuna’s latest works using local raw materials. From driftwood, dried leaves to sprig of twigs, Cuna flaunted his intuitive artistry turning these materials to a whole new creation.
“When people are divided in thought and spirit, what brings them closer is culture. Our own culture teaches Filipinos to love one another. That is what BayanCuna is all about,” Cuna affirms. “This exhibit is also about having fun and staying positive. The vibrant colors of these masterpieces reflect the Philippine culture: lively and very rich,” he explains.
He added that the floral installation is in line with the celebration of the Philippine Heritage Month, and the better way to pay homage to the country is by celebrating the abundance of flora across the archipelago. This is same idea that inspires him every time he stages an exhibit.
The blooming show
Accompanied by the national folkdance company of the Philippines’ the Bayanihan, Cuna entered the venue like a royalty riding a boat-like chariot carried by the dancers. He was then applauded by the ethnically diverse audience who came to see the exhibition.
Mirrored in his piece “Tatlong Tugatog,” inspired by the mountains of Davao, is his third year in Intercontinental Manila as a floral architect. This year is also his third exhibition in the hotel. His previous successful exhibitions were the bamboo inspired “Kawayanihan,” and the Christmas Tree exhibit.
“Definitely, all of the masterpieces here reflect Filipino culture and history,” says Nonie Dono, an exhibition designer from Metropolitan Museum of Manila.
The primary purpose of the exhibition is to highlight the multi-faceted features of the Philippine culture through Cuna’s artworks: the piece “Tsinoy” tells the story of the Chinese influence in the country; “Puno ng Bahay” tells the modest living of the early Filipinos; “Dugong Bughaw” and “Yamang Dagat” illustrate the richness of the country’s marine life; “Kalakaran,” where Cuna utilized bakya (wooden slippers) depicts the busy life in the countryside; “Pag-usbong” and “Kayumanggi” depict the many Filipino talents that continuously surface here and abroad; and “Isa Pa Nga” and “Bingo Panalo” erected with bamboo and rattan, describe the peculiar yet jocose behavior of the Filipino people and just like the materials, resilient and have hurdled the tests of time.
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