The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
If you think you know Bonifacio Global City (BGC) only as a leading financial and commercial district, then prepare to rethink that, because its managers are set to present it as a rising center for culture and the arts when it holds the fifth BGC Passionfest—and opens its newly built arts complex— from November 25 to 27.
Spearheaded by the Fort Bonifacio Development Corp. (FBDC), BGC Passionfest is described by the company as “an annual celebration of all things Filipino” and held to honor Andres Bonifacio, the supreme leader of the Katipunan after whom the district was named.
“It aims to rekindle the Filipino spirit and elicit a renewed sense of pride to be Filipino,” it said.
“For [three whole] days, BGC Passionfest will showcase the richness of Philippine culture and art, celebrate all passionate activities, and gather families and friends,” BGC City Marketing Manager Joanne Magno said in a statement.
This year’s Passionfest, which has “Bayanihan Fiesta” as its theme and will take place in Bonifacio High Street and the city center, shall feature a series of lively street dances, variety shows, exciting games and workshops, and sumptuous food.
During the Passionfest, visitors are encouraged to try out the giant Slidefest and join or watch fun and wholesome activities, which shall last from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
These include the Bayanihan Parade, which, Magno said, “all the stakeholders in the community will parade around the city center;” a wacky obstacle race, tangrams, and ring toss; and bike lessons offered by the National Bike Organization for both the old and young.
Doggie Olympics, where pet owners can dress up their cats or dogs and have them show their skills; Pica Pica Quiz Night: Hugot Lines edition; and Camerahaus Photolympics are also part of the festivities. Entertainment shall be provided by Globe Christmas Symphonies, The Mind Museum’s Science Circus, and four children’s choirs that will sing Christmas carols.
Exploring passion for art
Making this year’s Passionfest more special is the fact it coincides with the holding of an arts festival, the high point of which would be the opening of the BGC Arts Center.
“The festival will showcase the inspired spaces of this newest structure that will host art performances, exhibitions, and other forms of artistic expression,” said Monica Llamas-Garcia, art program manager of the nonprofit Bonifacio Art Foundation Inc.
She also said the BGC Arts Center “will be the new cultural hub” in the district and “be the space where you can explore your passion for art.”
The three-story complex is made up of three main structures, namely the Maybank Performing Arts Theater, the Alveo Central Plaza, and the Sun Life Ampitheater. The Maybank theater is home to three large performance areas: the versatile 500-seater Globe Auditorium that has retractable seats so that it could also function as an event space or banquet hall; the Zobel de Ayala Recital Hall, which can seat about 100 people and which Llamas-Garcia said is “suited for more intimate events and activities;” and the Exhibit Hall, which is found on the third floor of the theater that is perfect for art exhibitions, talks, art workshops, and classes.
The company describes the Alveo Central Plaza as featuring “a park of lush green landscaping with wide, open spaces” that “serves as the new home of the BGC Offiste Gallery and the BGC Art Mart,” and the Sun Life Ampitheater as “an open area perfect for outdoor screenings, music festivals and other open-air activities” that can “accommodate 300 people for a show.”
The BGC Arts Center is expected to be open to the public on December 1. ALVIN I. DACANAY
For more information about BGC Passionfest, BGC Arts Festival, and BGC Arts Center, send an e-mail to Joanne Magno at jbmagno@fdbcorp.com or visit www.facebook.com/bonifacioglobalcity.