Every time I am by the bay, I always get fascinated by the soothing sound of lashing waves on the shore, while the fresh sea breeze leaves me no choice but to relax in its cool comfort. This is why, when I feel I’ve had enough of the day-to-day struggle in the concrete jungle, I try to find time to “detox” myself and head towards any part of Manila Bay.
So, when I received an invitation for Conrad’s 35th instalment of its Of Art and Wine Series called Bayside, I made sure I’d make it a red-letter day on my calendar. You see, what I do is hit two birds with one stone.
First, I spend time at the al fresco veranda of the hotel’s C Lounge, and enjoy the fresh sea breeze while watching the famous, glorious Manila Bay sunset on the horizon. When the panorama of nature’s golden colors amidst the refreshing air has done its job of soothing my frayed nerves, then I proceed next door to the opening cocktails of the art exhibit.
Lara Latosa is a seasoned free diver and environmental advocate. Her artistic journey has been shaped by her profound connection to the sea. Looking at her colorful masterpieces, one can easily feel the energy of the ocean waves, the interplay of light underwater, and the fragile balance of marine life.
Her artworks transport viewers into a world of fluidity and energy. Her keen eye for detail and deep connection with nature shine through in every brushstroke, creating pieces that evoke the rhythmic dance of the ocean.
When asked to give a statement about her masterpieces, she declared, “My art is a love letter to the ocean! It is an escape from life’s struggles and a way to express my deep bond with the sea. The waves symbolize my passion for water, my journey with mental wellness and my belief in life’s ephemeral beauty.”
Going over her many art pieces on display, I right away found my favorite — Pusong Pinoy, as shown on this page. It has the striking colors of the Philippine flag, blending very well with the artist’s affinity with the sea in delivering its visual message.
When I asked her if there was any interesting story behind it, she immediately said that she worked on this piece during the Olympics when Filipino athletes were raking in gold medals. She was so inspired by their resilience and grit, which they displayed even when no one watched while they were still making their journey, but received praise only when they won. Looking at this colorful piece, one can easily see that the artist used the waves of the sea to convey her homage to our Motherland.
Latosa’s paintings are on display at Conrad Manila’s Gallery C until July 12 this year. They are crafted in acrylic on canvas, showcasing ocean waves in abstract form, and are available for purchase.
Complementing the exhibit, the hotel is offering a Bayside-inspired afternoon tea at the C Lounge also until July 12. Curated by its acclaimed chefs, the set for two offers a delightful journey of taste and refinement. The menu features a refined selection of ocean-inspired treats, such as Blue Lagoon Macaron, Passion Fruit Wave Tart, Coconut Panna Cotta with Mango Pearl Drops, Ocean Ripple Cheesecake, and Sea Salt Caramel Éclair. There is also Sea Breeze Cucumber Sandwich, Crab and Avocado Brioche, Smoked Salmon Mousse Tartlet, Shrimp Avocado Tartine, and Nori-wrapped Chicken Roll.
To further enhance the Bayside-inspired experience, this exquisite array of delectable snack favorites comes with a choice of coffee or a pot of tea. More information on this interesting afternoon delight may be obtained from Conrad.Manila.info@conradhotels.com or through +632 8833 9999.
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