Finding Home and Giving Back: Belmont Hotel Manila and Fili Artists Celebrate "Hiraya"

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for
Hiraya: Colors of Life 

For many Filipino creatives, the journey of an artist is often a search for a place to belong—a "home" where their stories can be seen, felt, and truly appreciated outside the confines of traditional galleries. Belmont Hotel Manila has brilliantly answered this call through Hiraya, an ongoing, multi-edition lobby art and cultural exhibit series designed to champion world-class local talent by transforming luxury hospitality spaces into vibrant galleries. Spearheaded by Hotel Manager Ms. Mayann Malapote and Megaworld Hotels & Resorts Cluster General Manager Mr. Socrates "Sonny" Alvaro, the initiative has successfully bridged the gap between communities and contemporary art since 2003, featuring everything from watercolor paintings and coffee art to abstract sculptures and fine photography.

Continuing this tradition of creative empowerment, the seventh iteration of the series—Hiraya: Colors of Life—opens at Café Belmont, marking a deeply meaningful partnership with Fili Artists. Known for bringing local art out of conventional spaces and into prominent hotels nationwide, this non-profit collective of visual artists from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao has finally found a welcoming home at Belmont Hotel Manila to share the diverse beauty of Filipino culture.

“At Belmont, hospitality is about more than providing a place to stay. It is also about creating experiences, and bringing people together, and giving our guests meaningful ways to connect with the community around us. ‘Hiraya’ reflects us, making room for creative passion and expression using our hotel lobby,” said Malapote.

“With ‘Colors of Life,’ we are pleased to showcase works by Philly artists. Their collection brings Filipino artists together, and is shared in their catalogue to support youth development and educational activities. By giving their wrk a place to be seen, we hope to help introduce their creativity to more people and encourage a deeper appreciation of Filipino artistry,” the lady hotel manager added.

What makes Hiraya: Colors of Life truly extraordinary is the profound spirit of "paying it forward." Comprising 18 works by seven talented virtual artists, the exhibit is a charity program with a noble mission: 100 percent of its proceeds will directly fund a two-week summer educational program and youth outreach initiatives focusing on vocational skills, public speaking, etiquette, and moral development.

'Incredible Potential' is priceless according to Fili artist Rachel Padua which she painted at the height of her first pregnacy. Below, she's holding her first artwork - - a painting of her husband

This mission of giving back is intensely personal for the collective. As Reniel Padua, Assistant Director of Fili Artists, shares, many of the exhibiting artists—himself included—were once beneficiaries of that very same summer education program. Today, by showcasing their art in a prestigious hotel home that champions their craft, they have transformed their creative passion into a vehicle of hope, ensuring that the next generation of Filipino youth receives the same life-changing support. Through Hiraya, Belmont Hotel Manila and Fili Artists prove that art is not just meant to be displayed, but to build communities, uplift lives, and nurture the future of the nation.
The art works are on display until December 31, 2026 at Belmont Hotel Manila, Newport Boulevard, Newport City, Pasay City.