Inspired By Love, DOT Unveils Murals Featuring Breathtaking Sites, Rich Biodiversity

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The Love Biodiversity mural by Island Artists Boracay displays the world-renowned island’s main attractions and rich wildlife. Photo by the Department of Tourism

Driven by the passion to let future generations witness the beauty of the Philippines, the Department of Tourism (DOT) unveiled a series of murals that featured not only breathtaking tourist sites across the country but also its rich natural wonders.

From July to October 2024, DOT’s regional offices led their respective celebrations of “Love Inspired: The Philippines, a Canvas of Biodiversity” in 16 locations, all popular tourist destinations.

The events, also called Love Biodiversity Day 2024, highlighted the launch of murals made by local artists and activities that raised the awareness of tourism stakeholders and local communities about taking care of the environment.

Among the tourist spots that joined the event was the world-famous beach and dive destination Boracay, which takes pride in its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters.

The Love Biodiversity 2024 mural along Magsaysay Boulevard in Tacloban City that DOT Assistant Secretary for Branding and Marketing Communications Gissela Marie Quisumbing called a “visual road trip to Eastern Visayas.” Photo by the Department of Tourism

Made by Lito Panganiban and Japs Avelino of Island Artists Boracay, their mural showed the island’s various attractions like the sandcastle, the Boracay Keyhole, Willy’s Rock, and the paraw sailboat, as well as the island’s wetland and marine residents like the sea turtle and clownfish.

“This vibrant mural showcases the region's lush flora and fauna, majestic landscapes, and vital marine environments, serving as a poignant reminder of our unique biodiversity,” according to the DOT’s Region 6 or Western Visayas office.

DOT Assistant Secretary for Branding and Marketing Communications Gissela Marie Quisumbing (middle), Clark Development Corporation President and CEO Agnes Devanadera (third from right), DOT-Region 3 Director Richard Daenos (second from right), and other guests join hands as they present the mural made by Placid Studio displayed at Clark Museum. Photo from Facebook/Department of Tourism – Region 3 Office

DOT Assistant Secretary for Branding and Marketing Communications Gissela Marie Quisumbing (left) and former DOT – Ilocos regional director Joseph Francisco Ortega unveiled the Love Biodiversity 2024 mural in the municipality of Bauang. The painting shows a thriving mangrove forest with a walkway, as well as La Union’s popular product grapes. Photo by the Department of Tourism

Aside from being an award-winning destination including Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination in the World Travel Awards 2024, Boracay is “home to numerous native species of trees such as Narra, Ipil, Kubi, Antipolo, Isis, Sakat, Balakat, Katmon, and Bakawan Dagat,” as well as “344 bird species (both native and migratory), 55 reptile species, around 39 bat species, 51 frog species, and 25 species of medium and large-sized mammals, all adding to the rich and vibrant marine life of the area,” said DOT-Region 6 Director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez.

The emerging tourism and events hub Clark in the province of Pampanga, also known as the culinary capital of the Philippines, participated in the mural reveal.

The mural created by artists from Placid Studio “honors the region's biodiversity, featuring the pawikan of Morong, Bataan, mole cricket (kamaru) of Pampanga, Acacia trees and crows of Clark, the Aeta community, Mount Pinatubo, and the waterfalls of Aurora,” according to information from the Tourism Promotions Division of the Clark Development Corporation.

It also carried the DOT’s tourism slogan “Love the Philippines.”

The DOT’s flagship campaign Love the Philippines is prominently displayed in the Love Biodiversity 2024 mural made by Paschal Artista. The painting, found at the Anilao Port in the municipality of Mabini in Batangas, features the rich marine life in the waters of Anilao. Photo by the Department of Tourism

Meanwhile, Tacloban City in Leyte province – which was among the areas leveled to the ground by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013 – also hosted a mural for Love Biodiversity Day 2024.

Located along the scenic Magsaysay Boulevard, which faces Cancanato Bay, local artists Kim Clinton Gonzales and Andrew Abainza finished the majority of the mural, which was later on finished by local and national government officials and other guests by painting more elements during the launch itself.

The mural “featured various protected landscapes and seascapes, including Biri Larosa, Calbayog-Pan-As Hayiban, Samar Island Natural Park, Guiuan, as well as the San Juanico Bridge, Mt. Naliwatan, Lake Danao, Mahagnao Volcano, Cuatro Islas, and Sogod Bay,” said a report from the Philippine Information Agency.

DOT Assistant Secretary for Branding and Marketing Communications Gissela Marie Quisubming even called the artwork “a visual road trip to Eastern Visayas.”

In Mindanao, the culture-rich regions of Davao and the SOCCSKSARGEN area hosted two murals that showed the island’s diverse flora and fauna, including the Philippine eagle.

The 18-meter Love Biodiversity Day 2024 mural in Region 11 can be found inside the Mt. Hamiguitan Natural Science Museum, and made by members of the Kwadro-Uni Arts and Outdoors Club of the Davao Oriental State University, according to the DOT’s Davao Region. It shows the panoramic view of Mt. Hamiguitan, seemingly being guarded by a Philippine eagle on top.

“The mural depicts the diverse flora and fauna of Mt. Hamiguitan. It also serves as a testament to Davao Region's commitment to continuing its efforts to preserve and cultivate its rich biodiversity,” it said.

Meanwhile, the 50-meter portion of the Surallah-Lake Sebu Road in South Cotabato was transformed into a canvas by members of the Kudlit South Cotabato and Ko’Gon Visual Artists of Koronadal, which “showcases the breathtaking biodiversity of South Cotabato and the natural wonders of Lake Sebu, reminding us of the importance of protecting these treasures,” said the DOT’s SOCCSKSARGEN office.

Aside from the inauguration of Love Biodiversity Day 2024 murals, select DOT regional offices also held activities engaging both officials and stakeholders to become more involved in preservation and sustainable tourism.

In Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte, where the mural for Region 9 or Zamboanga Peninsula was unveiled, guests took part in the coastal cleanup along Dipolog City Boulevard.

Officials and tourism stakeholders also planted more than 200 seedlings of mangroves during the launch of the Love Biodiversity Day 2024 murals in the province of La Union and Iligan City, Lanao del Norte. According to CURMA, a group that advocates primarily the conservation of sea turtles and joined the launch in La Union, mangroves can help “prevent soil erosion, protect fish landing zones, enhance biodiversity, and absorb carbon. "

Guests were also taught to weave hats made of coconut leaves during the Love Biodiversity Day 2024 mural unveiling in Batanes, among the Philippines’ most breathtaking destinations.

Other “Love Biodiversity Day 2024” murals were also launched at the diving site in Anilao Batangas, in the province of Marinduque which is said to be the geographical center of the Philippines, in the “abaca capital of the Philippines” Catanduanes, in the “summer capital of the Philippines” Baguio City, in Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental known as the “center of learning in the South,” in the province of Agusan del Sur rich in natural attractions and wildlife, and in Arroceros Park that is known to be the “last lung” of Philippine capital Manila.

The DOT pointed out that its regional offices “are the number one proponents of sustainable tourism in the Philippines, along with concerted efforts from the private sector.”

Assistant Secretary Quisumbing declared that each unveiled mural “serves as a powerful reminder of our collective commitment to conservation, emphasizing that every action counts in preserving our environment.”

“By making small changes in our daily lives—such as adopting a more sustainable lifestyle and supporting local conservation efforts—we have the power to foster positive change together,” she said.

She added the public – including tourists, officials, and other stakeholders – “can redefine tourism by making it a force for good.”

Avida Land Unveils the Biggest Outdoor Mural in the South

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Avida Land excitedly announces the official unveiling of “In Her Future Memories,” a stunning mural artwork and winner of their recently concluded South Park District Mural Design Competition.

 The eye-catching colors of “In Her Future Memories” invite lovers of art from all over the country to appreciate its beauty in person.

From championing local artists to elevating spaces with Filipino artistry is Avida's dedication to the arts, and this advocacy will continue to strengthen for years to come. They believe in the power of art to inspire, connect, and spark conversations, and "In Her Future Memories" embodies this spirit.

“In Her Future Memories” was designed and created by Jhocel “Anthony Marahuyo” Malicsi and his team of thirteen talented visual artists—Rheydene Luca Ortega, Rhealhet Luca Ortega, Laurence Sebolino Gutierrez, Ma. Aleilyn Joyce Domingo Botin, John Roland Alipis, Ainafer Rupal Arena, John Alexis Rupal Arena, Roma Nieves Huet, Rica Permejo, Mia Jormalyn Astrera Balaoro, John Lenarrd Soriano Barua, Michael Grospe Autos, and Jefferson Panghulan Parajas. On board to handle logistics for this team were Jerome Edianel Carandang, Charmaine Abiado Camba, Paul Denvir Delmonte, and John Carlo Decrepito.

Ms. Tess Tatco  and Ms. Anne Baylon-Jara overseeing the proceedings at the unveiling of “In Her Future Memories.”

Anthony Marahuyo shares insights into his team’s winning design.

Marahuyo Studio is gifted their prize money for winning the Avida South Park Mural Design Competition.

Team leader Jhocel Malicsi and his group executed their winning mural design on one of the exterior walls of the South Park Center. Using paints provided by Davies Paints, they turned the wall into a massive, eye-catching canvas on which the theme was well-interpreted in vivid colors with a clear visual story.

Towering 20 meters above the ground, “In Her Future Memories” is the biggest creative mural in the South that is expected to draw multitudes of art lovers and visitors to South Park District, a 6.6-hectare master planned mixed-use development in Alabang, Muntinlupa City that is home to 2 Avida residential developments which are Avida Towers Ardane - a pre-selling property, and Avida Towers Altura - a move-in ready home, right across the South Park Center and South Park Corporate Center.

Officials from Avida Land were present at the official unveiling of the completed mural.

Avida Land's Marketing Head, Tess Tatco, beams with excitement for South Park District's newest attraction. The towering mural joins Reginald Yuson's existing installations, painting a vision for South Park as a vibrant place to live and thrive. Tatco envisions not just Avida residents, but people from different cities visiting the mural in person. “Come see ‘In Her Future Memories’ for yourself,” she invites everyone, “and step beneath the towering canvas, feel the pulse of the city and nature merge, and rediscover the charm of the South.”

Ulysses Jose N. Rosal III, Business Development Manager at Davies Paints, shared his excitement to have been part of the production of one of the biggest murals in the entire country.

The mural’s creative team designed the art piece to adhere to the competition’s theme of “Part City, Part Nature, Pure South”. It prominently depicts a female cyborg whose mechanical parts seamlessly blend with a backdrop of brightly hued tropical flowers, creating a fusion of technology and nature. On the left, where the flowers open up to the futuristic city skyline, onlookers are invited to imagine what tomorrow might bring.

Through its appealing imagery, the mural transports us to a world where concrete skyscrapers rise amidst vibrant flora, symbolizing a hopeful future where progress does not come at the expense of the natural world. It’s an image that evokes nostalgia and a feeling of deep connection to one’s hometown.

This artwork transcends its physical form, offering an opportunity for reflection and creative expression - where casual passersby and art lovers can capture their own special moment and share this online.

Share your vision with #ArtInSouthPark #InspiredByAvida. Visit the mural at South Park District, National Road, Alabang, Muntinlupa City

The artists from Marahuyo Studio worked efficiently to bring their winning mural design to life.

 Artists from Marahuyo Studio and Avida Land officials stand proudly before the newly unveiled “In Her Future Memories.”

 The winning mural, “In Her Future Memories,” looms over the artists that brought it to life.

The artists of Marahuyo Studio share their thoughts with the media.

 Tess Tatco, Jhocel Malicsi aka Anthony Marahuyo, and Anne Baylon-Jara at the official unveiling of the completed mural in the South Park District.

Tess Tatco, Avida Land AVP for Corporate Marketing and Retail; Jhocel Malicsi aka Anthony Marahuyo, leading designer of the winning mural; Anne Baylon-Jara, Brand and Project Marketing Head of Avida; Chris Cahilig, President of Insight 360 Consultancy Services Inc., and Austin Cabatana, Mister International 2023 1^st Runner Up all posing with the mural “In Her Future Memories.”

“In Her Future Memories” envisions a vision of tomorrow where nature and technology blend seamlessly together.

Avida Land Corp. is the upper mid-income residential brand of Ayala Land, the Philippines’ leading developer of sustainable estates offering a diverse mix of properties such as residential, retail, office, hotels, and leisure developments that support local economic growth and nation-building.

For more information and updates on Avida Land’s projects, visit their website at https://www.avidaland.com/, like and follow @AvidaLandPH on Facebook and Instagram, and @avidaofficial on YouTube.