I first met artist-curator Lara Latosa on an unforgettable evening at Conrad Manila’s Gallery C, during the opening of the Breaking the Glass group exhibit in 2024. She was a quiet force, moving gracefully between creation and curation, serving as both co-curator—alongside art consultant Nestor Jardin—and one of the featured artists.
Our first encounter was brief—a short exchange during interviews with the participating artists about their work. In our line of work, where people often pass through like moments in a gallery, it is a rare and quiet wonder when something takes root.
From that fleeting conversation grew a beautiful friendship, built on shared passions and creative curiosity, and deepened through a mutual love for the sea and the stillness it offers—even if we have yet to fulfill our dream of diving together. Some friendships arrive like waves: unexpected, steady, and deeply felt.
After the group exhibit launch, we stayed in touch through Facebook. Lara would occasionally post about her beach trips to Batangas—her way of unwinding and recharging. In one of our conversations, she mentioned preparing for a solo exhibit at Conrad Manila the following year. She spoke about some of the concepts she was exploring—ideas still taking shape but already carrying her quiet strength and thoughtful vision.
She later embarked on a groundbreaking project to restore coral reefs in the coastal waters of Batangas, in collaboration with Divescape Hub, a freediving center owned by master freediver Jet Paz and mermaiding instructor Anica Chan.
Lara designed a unique coral frame inspired by playground monkey bars, structured to let freedivers pass through easily while elevating corals at different heights to support growth and adaptation.
I’ve always admired how she blends creativity with environmental awareness. She often jokes about being called an “environmentalist,” a label she once found amusing.
of her dives in Batangas
“In 2020, after my first curatorial work with Sir Nes, media started calling me an environmentalist,” Lara said, laughing. “At first, I was embarrassed—I didn’t even know what it meant.”
Determined to live up to it, she sought partnerships with groups like the UP Marine Science Institute and Oceana Philippines, aligning her solo shows with environmental advocacy.
“In 2024, during my second group show, I was introduced as a master diver—though I wasn’t yet,” she recalled.
A month later, she went to Batangas to earn her freediving certification. That trip deepened her commitment, connecting her with marine conservation groups. Together, they now work on coral rehabilitation and support a local school to encourage ocean stewardship.
At the opening of her solo exhibit Bayside at Conrad Manila, Lara admitted she was anxious about what new label the media might give her, but also found herself curious, even excited, about what commitment might come next.
“Those mistakes led me here. They shaped me as an artist and storyteller,” she shared. “What seems like a mistake can sometimes be God’s way of leading us to who we’re meant to be.”
Bayside, her third solo show, merges art and advocacy, spotlighting the beauty and fragility of marine ecosystems. It runs until July 12 at Gallery C, Conrad Manila.
Part of the 35th Of Art and Wine series, the exhibit pays tribute to the ocean during World Ocean Month. Through vivid colors and fluid strokes, Lara captures the energy of waves and the sea’s connection to mental wellness and life’s fleeting beauty.
“My art is a love letter to the ocean—an escape and a way to express the bond I feel with the sea,” she said.
Among those present at the launch were SM Hotels VP Cathy Nepomuceno, Art Lounge Manila’s Susanne Tiausas, Angat Buhay’s Camille Genuino, and UP Marine Institute’s Dr. Deo Florence Onda.
Conrad Manila also introduced Art & Indulgence: A Bayside Inspired Afternoon Tea Experience, featuring ocean-themed treats like blue lagoon macarons and sea salt caramel éclairs.
I can’t wait to see what Lara’s next “mistake” brings—and maybe finally take that beach trip we’ve long talked about.
