When I was given an opportunity to create an art piece that was going to be displayed in the lobby of Belle on Bev apartments in Historic Filipinotown in Los Angeles, I was eager to look back at this place History.

To pay respects to those who did it before me, I reached out to Faustino Caigoy and Eliseo Art Silva who are some of the most profound artists who have paved the way for the next upcoming generations. Their monumental art pieces, Iconographic murals and structures have been uplifting the spirit of the Filipino community in this specific area of Los Angeles since 1977.

 

Lotus Flower

When I think about Historic Filipinotown. I can see an image of a Lotus Flower Blooms at Echo park lake.

The image in my intuition was affirmed when I saw the classic photo of Ferraro with Faustino Caigoy in front of a Mural created by Faustino right around where Belle on Bev is located at Beverly blvd.

 

 

Palaspas Bituin Okir

Occasionally, I will play Dabakan and Agong for the Pakaraguian Kulintang Ensemble and Ube Arte.

In a fortunate coincidence during the celebration day when City View with Belle on Bev had a ceremony to plant a time capsule to the foundation of the property to honor the Historic Filipinotown,

I was there playing the Dabakan for Ube Arte with Marlo Campos , Jasmin Orpilla and Diane Valencia. The Dabakan Drums from Mindanao are carved with intricate Okir designs. I decided to use this pattern adding on to the mandala to commemorate that auspicious moment.

Not knowing later on I will be invited and get commissioned to create an art piece for its lobby.

The Ancestors have their strange ways of aligning.

 

Tala Gabay Guiding Star

In symbolism, Depending on some situations and circumstances, Continuing what has been done before gives strength and stability to the power of that symbol. 

In my situation of creating this design.

I want to honor and create another detailed version of Talang Gabay by Eliseo Art Silva.

Entering Historic Filipinotown through Beverly blvd.

You will be greeted by this Gateway Structure that proudly claims this Historic place.

In the center you will find the golden star.

For me, This Golden Star is a compass, Whether you are born in the USA or migrated from the homeland, The light of this star is a reminder that wherever you go, you are being guided by the Ancestors and Holy light. 

By incorporating this symbol to this Mandala, It's another way for me to pay respects to those symbols that have already been used to represent our community.

 

Sampaguita

Besides being a National Flower of the Philippines,

Have you ever experienced auspicious moments in your life where you happen to sense your ancestors accompanied by this sampaguita smell? 

The culture of the Philippines is very diverse like its islands, There are elements and practices that are similar and the use of sampaguita flower does not discriminate when it comes to Filipino Spirituality. I believe that despite all our differences, Sampaguita is an element that unites us all. 

Fragrantly Strange isn’t it?

​

With all these elements combined together,

I present to you the HiFi Mandala.

I feel humbled and honored to continue and create a symbol dedicated to Historic Filipinotown.

​

Special Thanks to Faustino Caigoy, Eliseo Art Silva, Stephanie Tuazon, Allison Carroll, Indi Adon, Julia Luu, Nadia Geller and its team, Belle on Bev, City View, Pulp Studios, Debbie Salmon,Jaime Caballeros, Nica Aquino and to all of you I forgot to mention that made this happen.