Esquire Philippines held its first-ever Esquire Exclusive on the evening of February 13 at Pablo Galleries, South of Market, Bonifacio Global City. This edition was a special reception for the website's February 2025 cover, featuring artist Manuel Ocampo, in celebration of National Arts Month. The evening brought together a distinguished gathering of creatives for an intimate night of conversation and culture. Ocampo's latest works were also on display at the gallery.
Manuel Ocampo: Esquire Philippines' February Cover
Known for his provocative and often controversial works, Ocampo has carved a niche for himself in the art world with a style that challenges conventions and provokes thought. His work is a reflection of a complex interplay between politics, religion, and cultural identity, themes that have remained central to his artistic journey.
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Ocampo's paintings are a rich tapestry of symbolism and iconography, often drawing from a wide array of sources, including Western religious art, Filipino folk traditions, and popular culture. This eclectic mix creates a visual language that is both familiar and disorienting, inviting viewers to question their assumptions and confront uncomfortable truths. His art is unapologetically bold, often featuring vivid colors and stark contrasts that demand attention.
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As an influential figure in the art world, Ocampo has been instrumental in promoting Filipino artists on the international stage. He has curated numerous exhibitions and has been involved in various art initiatives that aim to foster a vibrant and dynamic art scene in the Philippines.
PHOTO: Kieffer Carrascal
Esquire Exclusive at Pablo Galleries
Ocampo's impact on the Philippine art community is evident by the number of creatives who attended the special reception at the two-floor and intimate space of Pablo Galleries.
Esquire Philippines Editor-in-Chief Paul John Caña welcomes guests to the launch.
Following the big reveal and remarks from Esquire Philippines Editor-in-Chief Paul John Caña, Ocampo delivered a speech he had been working on in his little notebook just an hour earlier. He pondered on the role of the artist, ironically one who should always remember to be anti-celebrity—reflecting his initial hesitation on gracing the cover of a (digital) magazine. For Ocampo, creatives should always be bold in challenging the status quo and disrupting the system, making one the opposite of a politician.
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Manuel Ocampo's Speech
"It was a surprise to me to learn that I was asked to give a formal address or make a speech. I've always thought that speeches are reserved for politicians and professionals. I'm not a professional. I've always thought that speeches are reserved for politicians. Those who impress their constituents with their eloquence. After all, speeches can often serve as a tactic to pull the wool over one's eyes, as words frequently deceive.
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That's why I'm an artist. I chose to be an artist to rid myself of such formalities. To occupy the margins of professionality [and] professional culture. I hate professional culture. I hate professionalism. And to exist outside the mainstream, which propagandizes us into becoming mindless consumers as a form of distraction. It is in the fringe of cultural production to oppose the mainstream where I feel comfortable, yet here I am doing this song and dance. I'm performing right now.
Speaking of song and dance, artists are often perceived as fools, misfits, and jesters. I agree with this stereotype. Many view it as a negative image, but I beg to differ. Jesters and fools have historically played the role of mocking the establishment. As an artist, I am keenly aware of the privilege afforded to us jesters. What do I mean by that? A jester's privilege encompasses the ability to mock freely. Even to insult royalties without facing punishment. Even Martin Luther identified himself as a jester to mock the Catholic Church. That's the freedom artists should have. Nothing should be deemed sacred, especially not by those who are hoisted by the enormity of their own shit.
Anyway, politicians and artists often stand on the opposite sides of a pole. That is why it troubles me when an artist behaves like a politician or is regarded as a celebrity, similar to many politicians in this country. Artists are not celebrities. Artists are anti-celebrities. They may entertain, but the role of the artist is to disrupt the status quo, to fuck things up. The essence of art is to challenge existing norms. Artists do not wield the power of politicians, nor do they possess the entertainment value of celebrities. I believe artists can navigate between these two realms but must remain [on] the fringe. Artists tend to delve deeper into the darker side of existence, into perversion and transgression. They often reflect ailments, making us aware of problems. Not necessarily to cure them, but to identify and resonate with them. As Mike Kelly aptly stated, it is about making one sickness everybody else's sickness. Actually, I was sick when [the Esquire Philippines team] did the shoot in Bataan. So that's my thing. It's sickness. Everybody is sick.
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I am not advocating that everyone should be ill, but I do believe we should analyze our collective malaise as a symptom of society. This is the role of art, to examine our ailments in the context of society, with the hope that one day, our awareness of it, our sickness, will lead us to a cure.
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The rest of the night was enjoyed with expertly crafted cocktails courtesy of Hendrick’s Gin, the event’s official sponsor, as they mingled in the elegant setting of Pablo Galleries. The venue, renowned for its dedication to contemporary art, proved to be the perfect backdrop for an evening that underscored Esquire Philippines' commitment to celebrating Filipino artistry and cultural discourse.
More Photos of Esquire Exclusive: A Special Reception for our February 2025 Cover in Celebration of National Arts Month
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Artists Jomike Tejido and Haraya Ocampo Tejido
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Pablo Galleries co-owner Osie Tiangco-Ocampo, artist Manuel Ocampo, ArtFairPH co-founder Trickie Lopa, Summit Media Founder and President Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng, Esquire Philippines Editor-in-Chief PJ Caña, and Esquire Philippines Publisher Martyn Tambis
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Artist and art teacher Jao Mapa with wife, Cecil
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Curator James Tana, and artists Lena Cobangbang and Romeo Lee
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British Council PH Head of Arts Andrei Pamintuan, Nico Quejano of the Society of Filipino Film Reviewers, and artist Manuel Ocampo
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Museo Pambata Board Member Wilma Huang, Esquire PH's EIC PJ Caña, and writer Mario Villamor
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Esquire Philippines team (from L-R): Martyn Tambis, PJ Caña, Igi Talao, Christa De La Cruz, and Rhia Grana
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Manuel Ocampo is one of the featured artists of Art Fair Philippines, which runs from February 21 to 23, 2025, at the Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City.
Esquire Exclusive: A Special Reception for our February 2025 Cover in Celebration of National Arts Month is sponsored by Hendricks Gin. Special thanks to Pablo Galleries.
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