An encounter with a magnificent sculpture or a mesmerizing mural can lift one’s spirits, offer a moment of respite, and spark joy — especially when it happens in unexpected places. This element of surprise instills a sense of wonder in people’s lives, reminding them that beauty can be found in the everyday. While artworks in private collections have this sheen of exclusivity, public art is all about accessibility and inclusion. After all, everyone deserves every bit of inspiration.
Lambat in Bridgetowne Destination Estate during the day.
Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) believes in the power of public art in transforming ordinary urban landscapes into beautiful, extraordinary places. How Bridgetowne — Robinsons Land’s premier destination estate — embraces this philosophy is evidenced by the unveiling of “Lambat.” Crafted by Jude Tiotuico, Miguel Aguas, and Vito Selma, this sculpture not only pays homage to the tireless Filipino working class, but also serves as a sanctuary, casting its protective shade upon people and creating a space for their children to play in.
Night shot of Lambat in Bridgetowne Destination Estate.
The piece depicts a fisherman and a fisherwoman casting a net in mid-air, embodying the Filipino people’s grit, resilience, and penchant for sacrifice.
Since RLC wants art to become part of everyday life (as exemplified by its ARTablado platform, which provides spaces for exhibitions for artists from all walks of life), it envisions Bridgetown as a place welcoming creators to the estate and seeing it as a place of creation, innovation and imagination.
Designers of Lambat in Bridgetowne Destination Estate.
The sculptors behind “Lambat” gave their all in this collaborative project. Jude Tiotuico, is the CEO and creative head of Industria Edition, a Pampanga-based company that creates modern metal furniture and decor. Miguel Carlos Aguas is the president and lead designer of MCCA Industrial Corp/Vulcan Resources Inc., a company that specializes in metal furniture. Vito Selma is a Cebu-based furniture designer known for his innovative and contemporary designs with wood and other sustainable materials. Each artist has a unique creative journey and draws inspiration from different sources, including mid-century, Art Deco, nature, sports and travel.
The process of creating “Lambat” began with a series of sketches and design concepts. The goal of the artists was to create a piece that embodies Bridgetowne’s function of “work.” They drew inspiration from fisherfolk, who often face the unpredictable and harsh elements of the sea while working tirelessly to make a living.
Once the design was finalized, the artists worked with a team of skilled metalworkers to bring their vision to life. They used a variety of techniques, including welding and forging, to shape the metal into the intricate forms that comprise “Lambat.”
Lambat’s designers discussing the process and partnership with Robinsons Land for the art installation.
A year and a half later, the fruit of this collaboration now stands in Bridgetowne. Tiotuico, Aguas, and Selma have created not only a powerful tribute to Filipino fisherfolk, but also a metaphor of how many of us go against the flow in pursuit of a better life, casting our nets into the sea of life, hoping to harvest something precious, something truly inspiring.
“Lambat” joins “The Victor” by Fil-Am artist Jefrё Manuel-Figueras, which was also commissioned by RLC for Bridgetowne. This was part of the plan to put public art installations that serve as a catalyst for the transformation of Bridgetowne into a thriving art hub, adding to the city’s allure, and creating a welcoming public space for residents and visitors alike.
“The Victor” was inspired by the remarkable success story of John Gokongwei, who transcended his humble beginnings to become a towering figure as a Filipino entrepreneur, industrialist and philanthropist.
“We work with local artists to manifest our vision of an urban landscape that empowers individuals to live, work, play, and find inspiration. Art breathes life into cities, infusing them with culture, soul and emotion. Just as with ‘The Victor,’ our aim is to inspire and unite people, spark their imagination, and leave a lasting impression on those who see and experience it,” says Mybelle V. Aragon-GoBio, RLC’s senior vice president and general manager for Robinsons Destination Estates.
ADVT.