Manila Unframed - A Curated Art Learning Journey

Manila Unframed:

A Curated Art Learning Journey
Filipino art & soul

Manila,
Philippines

Itinerary
Presentation

6-10 January 2026
5D4N ART TOUR
Curated by Jeffrey Say

Enjoy a fun-filled art adventure in Manila,
Philippines, where art meets culture in every step!

Contents

About the Learning Journey

Join us on an enriching art and cultural journey to Manila led by renowned art historian Jeffrey Say, and organised by Visual Arts Centre. This guided creative learning journey offers participants a chance to discover the city’s vibrant art scene, from contemporary art galleries and artist studios to art museums and cultural landmarks.

Throughout the trip, Jeffrey will share his expert insights into the development of Filipino art and its place within the wider Southeast Asian context. Participants will gain a deeper appreciation of Manila’s creative landscape while also enjoying the city’s dynamic cultural atmosphere.

Perfect for art collectors, enthusiasts, and anyone with a curious eye, this immersive tour blends learning, exploration, and discovery in the art capital of the Philippines.

Ronald Ventura | Pinamumugaran (Nesting Ground)

ABOut
Jeffrey say

Jeffrey Say is a respected art historian and senior lecturer at LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore. Known for his expertise in Southeast Asian and Singaporean art, he founded the world’s first Master’s programme in Asian modern and contemporary art. He is a passionate educator and advocate for visual literacy, frequently giving public talks and contributing to the local art discourse.
Manila is a vibrant cultural city where Filipino heritage shines through historic landmarks, museums, and a lively contemporary art scene, offering a rich blend of tradition and modern artistic expression.

luxury FIVE STAR hotel ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Information:

Makati Shangri-La
Ayala Avenue, Makati Ave, Makati City, 1200
Metro Manila, Philippines

Dusit Thani Manila
Ayala Center, Makati City, 1223 Metro Manila,
Philippines

Trip Highlights

Day 1

museum of contemporary art and design

Day 2

National Museum of fine arts

Day 3

Lui Medina’s STUDIO VISIT

Day 4

Patricia perez eustaquio artist studio visit

Day 5

Ateneo art gallery

Day 1

6th January 2026

Afternoon
arrival and check in museum of contemporary art and design

Evening
at robinson’s place

Museum of contemporary art and design

The Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD) in Manila is a dynamic space dedicated to showcasing innovative and thought-provoking works by both Filipino and international artists. As part of the De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde, the museum plays a vital role in cultivating critical dialogue and fostering creative exchange between artists, students, and the public. With its rotating exhibitions, interdisciplinary programs, and emphasis on contemporary practices, MCAD has become a hub for exploring current social, cultural, and artistic issues, contributing significantly to Manila’s position as a vibrant center for contemporary art in Southeast Asia.

Day 2

7th January 2026

Morning
Explore Intramuros – visit San Agustin Church, Casa Manila Museum, and Fort Santiago
Lunch: Dine at Ilustrado or Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant in Intramuros.

Afternoon
National Museum of Fine Arts

Evening
Ilustrado restaurant (Spanish-Filipino heritage dishes)

National Museum of fine arts

The National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila, housed in a grand neoclassical building that once served as the Old Legislative Building, is the Philippines’ foremost art institution. Located along Padre Burgos Avenue beside Rizal Park, it showcases 29 galleries filled with works by 19th-century Filipino masters, National Artists, and leading modern creatives, including iconic pieces like Juan Luna’s Spoliarium and Botong Francisco’s sweeping mural Filipino Struggles Through History—both designated as National Cultural Treasures. As a vital landmark in Manila’s cultural heart, the museum not only preserves and honors the nation’s visual heritage but also anchors the city’s art scene by offering public access to these masterpieces and reinforcing the deep roots of Filipino artistic identity.

Day 3

8th January 2026

Morning & Afternoon
Silverlens
Vinyl on Vinyl
The Drawing Room
Artinformal
The Alley at Karrivin Plaza
Lui Medina’s Studio

Lunch: Eat at The Alley, a café/gallery or nearby local
spot within Karrivin Plaza.

Evening
Dinner at San Lorenzo Place Mall

Lui medina

Lui Medina (b. 1981, Manila, Philippines) is a multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans painting, drawing, and digital C-prints, exploring themes of landscape, memory, and archipelagic identity. Trained at the University of the Philippines and the Slade School of Fine Art, her work has been shown in exhibitions such as Metamorphic Histories (Vargas Museum), The Notion of the Edge (ArtInformal), and Adaptation: A Reconnected Earth (Museum of Contemporary Art and Design, Manila). Through residencies in France and Italy, Medina has developed a practice that layers media and scale to reframe landscape as both lived experience and imagined space. As part of the tour, participants will also visit her studio to gain insight into her creative process.

SILVERLENS

Silverlens Manila, founded in 2004 in Makati, is a leading contemporary art gallery that champions Filipino and Southeast Asian artists on both local and international stages. Known for its strong exhibition program and global presence—including a New York outpost—it plays a key role in shaping Manila’s art scene by connecting emerging and established artists with wider audiences and fostering cross-cultural dialogue.

Day 4

9th January 2026
Morning & Afternoon Ayala Museum (modern Filipino/Southeast Asian art in Greenbelt, Makati). Lunch Greenbelt/Legazpi Village/Salcedo Village restaurants

Afternoon
Patricia perez eustaquio’s Studio

Evening
Dinner in Salcedo/Legazpi Village

Patricia perez
eustaquio

Patricia Perez Eustaquio (b. 1977, Cebu, Philippines) is a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans painting, sculpture, craft, and design, often exploring beauty, memory, and decay through fragile or discarded materials. A recipient of the CCP Thirteen Artists Award, she has exhibited internationally at venues such as Palais de Tokyo in Paris and the Singapore Biennale. As part of the tour, participants will also have the special opportunity to visit her studio and gain first-hand insight into her creative process.

Ayala Museum

The Ayala Museum, located in the heart of Makati, is one of the Philippines’ most prominent cultural institutions, offering a rich intersection of history, art, and innovation. Housing treasures such as pre-colonial gold, ancient ceramics, and the iconic diorama series of Philippine history, it not only preserves the nation’s heritage but also engages contemporary audiences through exhibitions, digital galleries, and educational programs. As a hub for both local and international visitors, the museum plays a vital role in shaping Manila’s art scene—bridging past and present, nurturing cultural appreciation, and fostering dialogue within the city’s dynamic creative community.

Day 5

10th January 2026

Morning & Afternoon
Ateneo Art Gallery (Ateneo campus, Katipunan).
Blanc Gallery.
Last-minute shopping.

Evening
Depart for Singapore

Evening
Dinner in Salcedo/Legazpi Village

Ateneo art gallery

Located at Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City, the Ateneo Art Gallery is the Philippines’ first museum of modern art. Established in 1960 through the donation of Fernando Zóbel, it houses an impressive collection of Filipino modernist and contemporary works. Now situated in the Areté building, the gallery features rotating exhibitions, artist talks, and the annual Ateneo Art Awards—making it a vital space for art appreciation, education, and emerging talent in the local art scene.

PRICE OF TOUR:
$2,980NETT / PERSON

*take $150 off (early bird - before 15th October 2025)

The price for the 5D4N creative learning journey is inclusive of:

Food, Hotel, Transportation and any gratuities within Manila

Excluding:
Flight Tickets

Optional Add-On: Travel Insurance at $60 (Singlife Travel Prestige)

*Payment for $2,830 is required as confirmation for participation for the learning journey. A full refund is provided for cancellation before 15 November.

To confirm the booking, please paynow to Visual Arts Centre with your full name as reference.

*Itininerary to be subjected to availability and further confirmation

THANK YOU!

HAVE
QUERIES?

Contact Us!
Whatsapp Iola @ 90056716 / 9239 8226

Experience the
Heart of Manila
Through Art.

Visual Arts centre

10 Penang Road,
#01-02 Dhoby Ghaut Green, Singapore 238469

info@visualartscentre.sg

6255 0711

Registration & Fees

Manila Unframed – A Curated Art Learning Journey
$2980
Location Visual Arts Centre
Validity
Only valid on workshop date and schedule stated.

All sessions are to be completed within the course duration stated. No refunds are provided for any courses/workshops/lesson purchased. Further extension of course validity of up to one month only may be provided with proof of overseas travel, hospitalization/medical certificate.

The course package(s) is/are valid within the stated date of registration. Each session under the adult and teenager course package is 2 hours 15 minutes. Visual Arts Centre reserves the right to reject/reschedule your lesson if you are late. Visual Arts Centre reserves the right to cancel/reschedule/postpone any course/session without prior notice. In the event that the course is unable to proceed due to unforeseen circumstances, a full refund of the fees will be provided. The registrant/guardian of the registrant indemnifies and holds Visual Arts Centre and/or its staff harmless from any losses sustained from any activity within the premises of Visual Arts Centre, including personal injury/loss or damages to property.

You will be redirected to the workshop registration page to fill in your enrolment details after you make payment. By clicking “Buy This Package”, you agree with our terms and conditions. Do note that there is no refund for signups.

Foundation In Digital Art

Embark on a captivating journey into the vibrant world of digital art! Our Foundation in Digital Art workshop invites budding creatives aged nine and above to unleash their imagination and hone their artistic skills in a dynamic, supportive environment. From mastering basic digital tools to crafting mesmerizing digital masterpieces, children will explore a spectrum of techniques guided by seasoned mentors. Through hands-on activities and interactive sessions, participants will discover the endless possibilities of digital expression while fostering creativity and critical thinking. Join us for an exhilarating adventure where young artists transform ideas into stunning visual realities, igniting a passion for digital art

Colour & Texture Exploration With Acrylic Painting & Collage
Prepare to unleash your inner artist in a kaleidoscope of color and creativity with ‘Colour Blast: Acrylic Painting & Collage Techniques’! Dive into a whirlwind adventure where vibrant hues and mesmerizing textures collide in a symphony of imagination. From mastering the art of seamless color blending to discovering the magic of mixed media collage, this journey is a playground for your artistic soul. With each brushstroke, explore new techniques that breathe life into your canvas, transforming it into a vibrant tapestry of expression. Join us and let your creativity run wild as you embark on this colorful escapade!”
World of Manga [Foundation & Styling]
A manga art workshop for children and teenagers sounds like a fantastic idea! Here’s how you might structure it:
Introduction to Manga: Begin by introducing what manga is, its history, and its influence on popular culture worldwide. Show examples of different manga styles and genres to give participants an overview.
Basic Drawing Techniques: Start with the fundamentals of drawing, such as line work, shapes, and proportions. Provide step-by-step instructions on how to draw basic manga characters, focusing on simple shapes that can be built upon.
Character Design: Move on to character design concepts, including creating unique characters, designing their personalities, and developing backstories. Encourage participants to get creative and think outside the box.
Expression and Emotion: Teach how to convey emotions and expressions through facial expressions, body language, and positioning of characters. This can be a fun and interactive exercise where participants practice drawing various emotions.
Storytelling and Paneling: Explore the basics of storytelling in manga, including paneling techniques, pacing, and layout. Show examples of different panel structures and discuss how they affect the flow of the story.
Inking and Coloring: Introduce participants to inking techniques using pens or markers. You can also cover digital inking for those interested. Then, demonstrate basic coloring techniques using markers, colored pencils, or digital software.
Feedback and Collaboration: Provide opportunities for participants to share their work and receive feedback from their peers and instructors. Encourage collaboration by having them work together on short manga projects or collaborative drawings.
Final Showcase: End the workshop with a showcase of participants’ work. This could be in the form of an exhibition, digital gallery, or printed booklet. Celebrate everyone’s creativity and progress throughout the workshop.
Remember to create a supportive and encouraging environment where participants feel free to express themselves and explore their creativity. And don’t forget to have fun! Manga is all about imagination and passion, so let that spirit shine through in your workshop.
Academy Drawing Traditions
The academy drawing and sketching tradition, rooted in centuries of artistic practice, emphasizes disciplined study of form, proportion, and technique. Originating from Renaissance workshops and formalized by institutions like the Royal Academy, it prioritizes meticulous observation and mastery of fundamental skills. Students progress from basic exercises to complex compositions, learning to depict still life and common objects with precision and expression. This tradition values both classical principles and innovation, encouraging artists to push boundaries while maintaining a deep respect for tradition. Through rigorous training and critique, artists within this tradition cultivate a strong foundation for creative exploration and artistic excellence.
Chinese Ink Painting and Calligraphy
This course on Chinese ink painting and calligraphy introduces young learners to the rich traditions of Chinese art. Through hands-on activities, students explore the basics of brush techniques, ink control, and the delicate art of Chinese script. They learn to appreciate the cultural significance of calligraphy and painting, developing skills in creating elegant strokes and expressive brushwork. The course fosters creativity, patience, and fine motor skills, while also providing insights into Chinese history and aesthetics. By the end, children gain confidence in their artistic abilities and a deeper understanding of Chinese cultural heritage.
Funk with Graffiti
Funk With Graffiti Workshop for children is an engaging and creative program aimed at introducing young artists to the vibrant world of graffiti and funk-inspired street style art. Participants learn the basics of graffiti history, techniques, and safety. Guided by professional graffiti artists, children explore the art of designing their unique tags, emphasizing creativity, expression, and individuality. The workshop includes hands-on activities, from sketching concepts to creating final designs with spray paint on provided surfaces. By the end of the session, children gain confidence in their artistic abilities and an appreciation for graffiti and funk as legitimate forms of street art. Each child completes two original artworks, which they proudly take home, showcasing their newfound skills and personal style.
Batik Tales

In the Batik Introduction Handkerchief Painting workshop, participants will learn the traditional art of batik, a wax-resist dyeing technique originating from Indonesia. The workshop begins with a brief history and overview of batik, highlighting its cultural significance and various techniques. Participants will then observe a demonstration of applying wax with tjanting tools and dyeing the fabric. Following the demonstration, each participant will design and create their own batik handkerchief, applying wax to create patterns and then dyeing their fabric. The workshop concludes with a group discussion, allowing participants to share their creations and reflect on their learning experience.