MANILA, Philippines – Philippine contemporary artists have recently given the country its much deserved buzz on the international art scene. Filipino artists here have made names for themselves and their works command respectable prices at auctions abroad.

So it comes as a surprise that compared to nearby Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, the Philippines has no international art fair of its own. That is about to change, however, when Manilart 09 takes place on July 16-19, at the NBC Tent, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Forty of the country’s leading galleries are expected to showcase the best of their artists and collections. Galleries from around the Southeast Asian region are also expected to join.

Over 500 artworks—paintings and sculptures—will be on display under one roof for the first time. This event should give not just art collectors but lovers of art in general a chance to gather, talk and purchase art while enjoying live art performances, on-the-spot painting competitions, art auctions, charity fund-raisers.

“Our art is our pride and our passion,” says project director Jonathan Sy. “It’s a good thing the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, through its Committee on Galleries headed by Lyn Yusi, initiated this project and approved its funding, because this international art fair is just what we need to unite ourselves and showcase to the whole world how advanced we are in terms of the visual arts.

“Manilart 09 is a fine opportunity to let Filipinos feel proud of their countrymen’s creativity while at the same time invite our friends from other countries to appreciate us better as a people through our art.”

Participating galleries include 1/of Gallery, ArtAsia, Art Circle, Art Informal, Art Verite, Artes Orientes, Blanc Art Space, Boston Gallery, City Gallery, Choice Expression, e Galerie, Finale Art File, Galerie Astra, Galerie Francesca, Galerie Joaquin, Galerie Stephanie, Galerie Y, Gallery BiG, Gallery Genesis, Gallery Nine, Kaida Gallery, Kulay-Diwa, Linda Gallery, Manila Contemporary Gallery, Mariyah Gallery, Masterpiece Gallery, Metro Gallery, my little art place, Nicolas, Paseo Art Gallery, Phinma Gallery, QuattroCento, Renaissance Art, Ricco-Renzo Galleries, Silverlens, Tam-awan, The Artesan, Village Art Gallery and Whitewall Gallery.

The Preview Night on July 16, which is by-invitation only, will bring together the who’s who on the Philippine art scene. It will also serve as the stage for the launching of Contemporary Art Philippines Magazine.

Guests of honor will include Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, Health Secretary Francisco Duque, Taguig Mayor Sigfrido Tinga, Makati Representative Mar-Len Abigail Binay, Taguig Rep. Ma. Laarni Cayetano and Philippine Daily Inquirer columnist Tessa Prieto-Valdes.

Performers for the night include Coke Bolipata, Bituin Escalante and DJ Caliph 8. Food will be prepared by chef Rolando Laudico.

Manilart 09 will open its doors to the public the following day at 11 a.m.

Admission ticket is at P200. Students and senior citizens with valid IDs can get 50-percent discount.

Activities include Manilart Auction (organized by Vita Sarenas of Finale Art File); “Looking for Juan in Art and Rakenrol” (a mini-concert featuring Peryodiko and Loquy; an art raffle by Delan Robillos of Canvas and 1/of Gallery); and “Oriental Strokes” (a Chinese painting demonstration by art teacher Haw Chok).

An art-fair catalogue, published by Contemporary Art Philippines magazine, will also be made available. It contains all relevant issues concerning Philippine art today as well as features on important museums and cultural centers and also serves as a virtual guidebook of Philippine art galleries.

Manilart 09 is a combined effort of the NCCA and the Bonafide Art Galleries Organization (Bago), an association of privately owned galleries.

Call 5316231 or 0917-8511333 or visit www.manilart.com.