OFF THE WALL MANILA PARIS CONNEXIONS murals at the ONE AYALA Terminal Hub was inaugurated last December 2, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
Written and photographed
By Jude Thaddeus L. Bautista
What may be the first set of murals created in a transport terminal hub in the country was inaugurated last December 2, 2022. Street art is usually seen outside of structures. Here they are given a special place inside. It also just happens to be in one of the most central and best designed transport terminals in the country.
Murals by artists from left: Apok, Nebay and Dex Fernandez. OFF THE WALL MANILA PARIS CONNEXIONS murals at the ONE AYALA Terminal Hub was inaugurated last December 2, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
Located at the corner of the main arteries EDSA and Ayala Ave, the ONE AYALA Transport Terminal hub has access to buses going to different parts of Metro Manila. Above it is the MRT station connecting trains towards Taft Avenue and SM North, Roosevelt stations. That’s why office spaces in ONE AYALA just floors above the terminal hub is one of the most sought after in the country.
Foreground 3rd from left: Amb Michéle Boccoz, with from left: Ayala Malls President Chris Maglanoc, Ayala Land Estates Group Head Robert Lao, Makati Mayor Abby Binay, Cong. Luis Campos and MDBI Bouygues Construction (Philippines) COO Joris Thomas. OFF THE WALL MANILA PARIS CONNEXIONS murals at the ONE AYALA Terminal Hub was inaugurated last December 2, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
The project called OFF THE WALL MANILA PARIS CONNEXIONS was curated by Claire Thibaud-Piton from Rose Studio Art Gallery in Paris. And is a collaboration between French and Filipino street artists in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between France and the Philippines.
The murals were inaugurated by French Ambassador Michele Boccoz, Makati Mayor Abby Binay, Ayala Land Estates Group Head Robert Lao, Ayala Malls President Chris Maglanoc and MDBI Bouygues Construction (Philippines) COO Joris Thomas.
The largest mural shows the work of all participating artists: Ceet, Nasty, Nebay, Apok, Aralcru, Batto, Bitto, Chase, Dex Fernandez, Garapata, Distort Monsters and Trip 63. OFF THE WALL MANILA PARIS CONNEXIONS murals at the ONE AYALA Terminal Hub was inaugurated last December 2, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
First Bus Station with Art
French Ambassador Michele Boccoz in her speech was proud of inaugurating the first art collection for a bus terminal here, “Now it is our turn to support these artists who have worked to provide us with a museum of contemporary art. I was going to say open to the sky but half open because it is protected from the rain. I believe I am not mistaken in thinking that this is the first major bus station in the Philippines that features such a large and impressive collection of art.”
Amb Michéle Boccoz; OFF THE WALL MANILA PARIS CONNEXIONS murals at the ONE AYALA Terminal Hub was inaugurated last December 2, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
Boccoz gave credit to all artists involved in the project, French artists: Ceet, Nasty and Nebay. Filipino artists: Apok, Aralcru, Batto, Bitto, Chase, Dex Fernandez, Garapata, Distort Monsters and Trip 63.
Standing from left: Distort Monsters, Trip 63, Nebay, CEET, Dex Fernandez, Executive Producer Paolo Narciso of Honeycomb Arts and (on floor) Nasty. OFF THE WALL MANILA PARIS CONNEXIONS murals at the ONE AYALA Terminal Hub was inaugurated last December 2, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
Boccoz also expressed gratitude to organizations involved, “Thank you also to Ayala Land for having been able to adhere to this form of collaborative expression. Which will allow the many visitors of ONE AYALA to develop a flourishing and overflowing imagination on a daily basis. Thanks also to Mr. Joris Thomas from MDBI Bouygues Construction for having been one of the first sponsors of the 75th Anniversary by showing their financial support for this event.”
From left: French Artist CEET and MDBI Bouygues Construction (Philippines) COO Joris Thomas. OFF THE WALL MANILA PARIS CONNEXIONS murals at the ONE AYALA Terminal Hub was inaugurated last December 2, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
French Embassy’s New Home in Ayala Tower 2
Ayala Land Estates Group Head Robert Lao explained their involvement, “This initiative combines two special elements for any Ayala estate: access to public transportation and art. This program is in line with our commitment to provide a pleasant experience to pedestrians and commuters. Many of you are familiar with the artworks in the underpass and walkways around the Makati Central Business district. The murals at ONE AYALA will further enhance the experience of commuters and pedestrians by providing them with aesthetically pleasing surroundings.”
Ayala Land Estates Group Head Robert Lao; OFF THE WALL MANILA PARIS CONNEXIONS murals at the ONE AYALA Terminal Hub was inaugurated last December 2, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
CEET chickens meet Distort Monsters; OFF THE WALL MANILA PARIS CONNEXIONS murals at the ONE AYALA Terminal Hub was inaugurated last December 2, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
Lao believes the artists are among the best in the world, “The ONE AYALA Terminal is one of the key entry and exit points for commuters to the Makati Central Business district. Making it an ideal place to appreciate art. We are truly grateful to the Embassy of France, for choosing this venue for the murals. And for all their effort for making this project happen. This project is not only a collaboration not only between Ayala Land and Embassy of France, but also between French and Filipino artists. I was informed that the artists who participated in this project were carefully selected and are some of the best in the world.”
Posh interiors of ONE Ayala Terminal Hub; OFF THE WALL MANILA PARIS CONNEXIONS murals at the ONE AYALA Terminal Hub was inaugurated last December 2, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
He also announced that the French Embassy will have a new home, “It is indeed a fitting symbol of decades of partnership between our two countries. We have done several projects with the Embassy of France and will soon welcome you in your new office at Ayala Tower 2 in Ayala Triangle Gardens. We congratulate the Embassy of France on their 75th anniversary in the Philippines. We look forward for more partnerships in the future.”
3rd from right: Amb Michéle Boccoz from left: Ayala Malls President Chris Maglanoc, French Emb Cultural Counselor Marc Piton, CEET, Ayala Land Estates Group Head Robert Lao, Nasty and Nebay. OFF THE WALL MANILA PARIS CONNEXIONS murals at the ONE AYALA Terminal Hub was inaugurated last December 2, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
Allianz PNB Underpass Mural
Makati Mayor Abby Binay highlighted that Makati has different locations for murals. Most recently last October was a mural sponsored by Allianz PNB that showcased biking as an alternative form of transport. The newly inaugurated mural is located in Apartment Ridge Underpass also in Ayala Avenue.
Allianz PNB sponsored mural was inaugurated last October 2022 at Apt Ridge also on Ayala Avenue. Photo from Make it Makati fb https://www.facebook.com/makeitmakati/
Mayor Abby Binay also praised Dexter Fernandez, one of the participating artists in OFF THE WALL MANILA PARIS CONNEXIONS, “The City of Makati is actually a depot of several museums, several art galleries. Because the mayor is an art patron, maybe. I’m very glad to announce that I do have a piece by Dexter Fernandez. The other artists I also want a piece of their collection. I think Makati City is fortunate in a way. We are able to provide social services in our city but the same time, being able to provide projects for arts. Art culture is something you think will not be a priority of the financial sector, but it is.”
Makati Mayor Abby Binay; OFF THE WALL MANILA PARIS CONNEXIONS murals at the ONE AYALA Terminal Hub was inaugurated last December 2, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
She also made note of the city’s efforts at the construction of Museo Ng Makati. And also praised the more established Ayala Museum, “We are very proud of the Ayala Museum. The city will possibly partner with a lot of artists. We do have a lot of artists in this city. Even during the pandemic, artists were thriving. The galleries were thriving. Hopefully not just the local market but also the international market will recognize our local artists. … Ayala you are a lucky recipient of this collaboration between our local artists and French artists.”
Artist Dexter Fernandez; OFF THE WALL MANILA PARIS CONNEXIONS murals at the ONE AYALA Terminal Hub was inaugurated last December 2, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
From right: Amb Michéle Boccoz, Nebay and Makati Mayor Abby Binay. OFF THE WALL MANILA PARIS CONNEXIONS murals at the ONE AYALA Terminal Hub was inaugurated last December 2, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
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French artists signatures on pillar; OFF THE WALL MANILA PARIS CONNEXIONS murals at the ONE AYALA Terminal Hub was inaugurated last December 2, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
Artists from left: Nasty, Ceet, Dex Fernandez and Nebay. OFF THE WALL MANILA PARIS CONNEXIONS murals at the ONE AYALA Terminal Hub was inaugurated last December 2, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
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French artist Nebay signs his work. OFF THE WALL MANILA PARIS CONNEXIONS murals at the ONE AYALA Terminal Hub was inaugurated last December 2, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
Murals by artists from left: Bato, CEET and Chase. OFF THE WALL MANILA PARIS CONNEXIONS murals at the ONE AYALA Terminal Hub was inaugurated last December 2, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
French artist Nebay; OFF THE WALL MANILA PARIS CONNEXIONS murals at the ONE AYALA Terminal Hub was inaugurated last December 2, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista (20)
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Foreground 2nd from left: Amb Michéle Boccoz, with from left: Ayala Malls President Chris Maglanoc, Ayala Land Estates Group Head Robert Lao, Makati Mayor Abby Binay. OFF THE WALL MANILA PARIS CONNEXIONS murals at the ONE AYALA Terminal Hub was inaugurated last December 2, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
Curator Claire Thibaud-Piton of Rose Studio Gallery (Paris) talks about the collaboration of CEET and Distort Monsters (on the right). Mural on the left is by Frank and Cinos of Aral Cru. OFF THE WALL MANILA PARIS CONNEXIONS murals at the ONE AYALA Terminal Hub was inaugurated last December 2, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Artists from left: Dex Fernandez, Trip 63, Apok, Bato, Distort Monsters, RG Vizuals, ONE AYALA staff Merk Barte (assisted all artists during their work) and Executive Producer Paolo Narciso of Honeycomb Arts. OFF THE WALL MANILA PARIS CONNEXIONS murals at the ONE AYALA Terminal Hub was inaugurated last December 2, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
Pillars by from left: Distort Monsters and Dex Fernandez. OFF THE WALL MANILA PARIS CONNEXIONS murals at the ONE AYALA Terminal Hub was inaugurated last December 2, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
MDBI Bouygues Construction (Philippines) COO Joris Thomas; OFF THE WALL MANILA PARIS CONNEXIONS murals at the ONE AYALA Terminal Hub was inaugurated last December 2, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista (25)
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Curator Claire Thibaud-Piton of Rose Studio Gallery (Paris) talks about the collaboration of CEET and Distort Monsters. OFF THE WALL MANILA PARIS CONNEXIONS murals at the ONE AYALA Terminal Hub was inaugurated last December 2, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
Allianz PNB sponsored mural was inaugurated last October 2022 at Apt Ridge also on Ayala Avenue. Photo from Make it Makati fb https://www.facebook.com/makeitmakati/
From left: Trip 63 and CEET; OFF THE WALL MANILA PARIS CONNEXIONS murals at the ONE AYALA Terminal Hub was inaugurated last December 2, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista (28)
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Artists from left: Bato, Trip 63, Apok, CEET, Nasty, Dex Fernandez, Distort Monsters and Nebay. OFF THE WALL MANILA PARIS CONNEXIONS murals at the ONE AYALA Terminal Hub was inaugurated last December 2, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
2nd from right: Amb Michéle Boccoz, with from left: Cong Luis Campos, Makati Mayor Abby Binay and French Emb Cultural Counselor Marc Piton. OFF THE WALL MANILA PARIS CONNEXIONS murals at the ONE AYALA Terminal Hub was inaugurated last December 2, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
Center: Amb Michéle Boccoz with from right: Makati Mayor Abby Binay and Cong. Luis Campos. OFF THE WALL MANILA PARIS CONNEXIONS murals at the ONE AYALA Terminal Hub was inaugurated last December 2, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
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From left: Nebay, Curator Claire Thibaud-Piton of Rose Studio Gallery (Paris) and Tom. OFF THE WALL MANILA PARIS CONNEXIONS murals at the ONE AYALA Terminal Hub was inaugurated last December 2, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
Murals From left by: Frank and Cinos of Aral Cru, Collab by Distort Monster and CEET. OFF THE WALL MANILA PARIS CONNEXIONS murals at the ONE AYALA Terminal Hub was inaugurated last December 2, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
Artist Apok; OFF THE WALL MANILA PARIS CONNEXIONS murals at the ONE AYALA Terminal Hub was inaugurated last December 2, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista (34)
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Foreground 2nd from left: Amb Michéle Boccoz, with from left: Ayala Malls President Chris Maglanoc, Ayala Land Estates Group Head Robert Lao, Makati Mayor Abby Binay. OFF THE WALL MANILA PARIS CONNEXIONS murals at the ONE AYALA Terminal Hub was inaugurated last December 2, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
Murals by artists from left: Bitto, Trip 63 and Bato. OFF THE WALL MANILA PARIS CONNEXIONS murals at the ONE AYALA Terminal Hub was inaugurated last December 2, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Murals by artists from left: Distort Monsters, Nasty and Apok. OFF THE WALL MANILA PARIS CONNEXIONS murals at the ONE AYALA Terminal Hub was inaugurated last December 2, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
French artist Nasty; OFF THE WALL MANILA PARIS CONNEXIONS murals at the ONE AYALA Terminal Hub was inaugurated last December 2, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Food for thought by Writer / photographer Jude Thaddeus L. Bautista 