The world is their stage as three young artists from the Philippines were selected to compete at the Florence Biennale 2025 in Italy in October
What is Florence Biennale?
The Florence Biennale (officially Florence Biennale – International Exhibition of Contemporary Art and Design) is a major international contemporary art and design exhibition held every two years in Florence, Italy. It provides a platform for emerging and established artists from around the world to showcase their work in one of the most historically and artistically significant cities in Europe.
Road to Florence Italy
Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria and Holiday Inn & Suites Manila Galleria, in collaboration with Artablado, shine the spotlight on three Filipino artists – Marco Polo Cabrera, Marjowyn Vito, and Angelie Banaag via an exclusive art exhibition at The Gallery Bar of both IHG Hotels in Ortigas
Each piece is available for public viewing and purchase, offering art lovers a rare chance to collect works that will soon be showcased on international stage.
This exhibit is made possible through a partnership with Artablado, a platform committed to empowering Filipino artists by providing them with opportunities for exposure and advancement in both local and global arenas. The collaboration brings together the hospitality and art sectors to support homegrown talent.
The featured artists-Cabrera, Vito, and Banaag-will represent the Philippines in the Florence Biennale 2025, one of Europe’s most respected contemporary art events, where they will present their work to an international jury and audience.
“We are deeply honored to support Filipino creatives through this collaboration with Artablado,” said Patria Puyat, Cluster General Manager of Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria. “Our shared goal is to amplify local talent and give them the platform they deserve both here at home and abroad.”
Marco Polo Coria Cabrera (MarPolo)
Born in 1988 in Nagcarlan, Laguna, MarPolo is a multidisciplinary artist with a degree in Broadcasting from Laguna State Polytechnic University. While working, he pursued his passion for art and studied at Lasalle College of the Arts, Singapore in 2018. Influenced by music, nature, and Philippine mythology, his works reflect hope and cultural pride. In March 2025, he held his 4th solo show at the NCCA and represented the Philippines at Art Expo Hong Kong in May/June
2025. “I paint the colors of the sky… to preserve and share our rich cultural heritage.
Angelie Banaag
A self-taught artist from Dingras, llocos Norte, Angelie Banaag creates textured, colorful paintings centered on faith, femininity, and llocano heritage-often using inabel fabric. Her style, inspired by Gustav Klimt, features gold leaf and layered symbolism. In 2016, she founded Art on the Gogh, and later Artritos, promoting wearable art. Despite challenges, her art journey reflects resilience, spirituality, and cultural pride.
Marjowyn Vito
Creator of Contrasegmentism, Marjowyn Vito blends flat surfaces with textured volumes to produce vivid, thought-provoking works. Her art explores themes like women empowerment, climate change, and peace. She has exhibited globally-New York, London, Mexico City-and was the first Filipino to join Arte Capital.
Exhibit Duration:
Now through September 2025
Venue:
Gallery Bar, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria & Holiday Inn & Suites Manila Galleria
Admission:
Free and open to the public
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