In the heart of Araneta City, known as the City of Firsts, where creativity pulses through every alley and inspiration is part of the skyline—ibis Styles Manila Araneta City proudly launches a pioneering artistic movement: The Style Curators. More than just a localized brand program, this marketing communications initiative is a bold celebration of artistry, community, and self-expression. It’s a space where emerging creatives—especially the young and upcoming creative minds with a passion for art, design, and storytelling can flourish. With vibrant, welcoming venues like Le Bistro and StrEATs Coworking Café and private corners, ibis Styles is reimagining hospitality as a playground for creativity and collaboration.
The Style Curators series is designed to empower emerging artists across the metro to uplift the next generation of visionaries—those who dare to dream, design, and explore. Whether it’s through visual arts, multimedia, fashion, or performance, these artists aren’t just creators; they’re changemakers shaping the evolving identity of Manila’s cultural landscape. In partnership with Studio ArtFix, the program features a rotating series of workshops, artist residencies, exhibitions, and creative labs that offer emerging talents not only a platform but also a community of support. It is a purposeful initiative at its core, empowering individuals whose works are rooted in culture, compassion, and meaningful impact.
“The Style Curators program shines a spotlight on Manila’s rising generation of creative leaders—visionaries who are boldly reshaping the city’s rich and diverse art scene, from visual to multimedia to performance art,” shares Erwin Dona III, Cluster Marketing Head. “At ibis Styles Manila Araneta City, we’re proud to offer them not just a platform, but a true creative playground. Whether it’s the inviting French charm and refined comfort of Le Bistro, the dynamic pulse of our coworking spaces, or the intimate vibe of our StrEATs private dining rooms, each corner of our space is designed to inspire, spark imagination, and connect to visionary talents. It’s here that bold ideas are born and artistic energy thrives—powered by community, collaboration, and style. As our very own property embodies the core DNA of the ibis Styles brand — a home for diverse and free-spirited creators.”
Kicking off the series is “Palette & Patterns,” a guided painting session happening on Saturday, July 5, 2025, from 2:30PM to 5:30PM at Le Bistro, Gateway Mall 2. Participants will get to customize their own artisan handwoven native bag with cherry blossom-inspired designs, while enjoying curated refreshments that include wine, coffee, or tea. Leading the session is the first Style Curator, John Salcedo, a self-taught artist and freelance art instructor whose vibrant work often blends nature, heritage, and community themes. Each PHP 2,499 ticket includes all painting materials, a locally made bayong, and expert instruction in a relaxed, inspiring environment.
On Saturday, July 26, 2025, the creative spotlight shifts to Jethro Medina, also known as Pintang Gala, with his workshop titled “Strokes & Totes” at the strEATs Coworking Café. Details on time and registration fees are forthcoming, but the session promises a colorful, hands-on experience where guests will paint their own tote bags under Jethro’s guidance. A multi-awarded Filipino artist and founder of both Studio ArtFix and Pintang Galà Studio, Jethro is known for blending mixed media, expressive painting, and outreach education to bring art closer to everyday people. His approach invites participants to explore both their creativity and personal narratives in an inclusive, community-driven setting.
The Style Curators series continues throughout the year with a compelling lineup of immersive experiences. In August, renowned calligrapher Gabiee Arboleda will host an elegant Calligraphy Workshop at strEATs Private Dining. September welcomes Nomer Husain, a multi-disciplinary artist who will lead a Coffee Painting session at Le Bistro Deli Atelier, showcasing a unique and aromatic approach to art. October introduces “Portraits in Clay” with sculptor Ken Sioson, an engaging tactile workshop on the basics of sculpting expressive busts. The series culminates in November with a collaborative Oil Portraiture workshop featuring both Jethro Medina and Nomer Husain—a deep dive into traditional portrait painting techniques in an intimate creative setting.
With each event thoughtfully designed to spark self-expression and artistic dialogue, ibis Styles Manila Araneta City invites everyone—especially the modern thinkers seeking creativity, connection, and purpose—to be part of this extraordinary journey. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just looking for a fresh way to unwind, The Style Curators offers a beautiful opportunity to learn something new, make meaningful connections, and carry your art—literally and figuratively—with pride.
“It’s a true joy for Studio ArtFix to be part of the ibis Styles’ Style Creators Series—a first for them, and a meaningful first for us as well. We’ve finally found a welcoming haven for creatives in the North, where art, culture, community, music, and entertainment all come together. It’s a space that feels safe, inspiring, and alive, just like what we’ve always envisioned for our art sessions. As a walking art studio, Studio ArtFix is always on the move, but finding a platform like this, with a thoughtful team behind it,
is something special. It’s true that everyone needs an ‘art fix’, so we’re excited to keep this creative energy flowing and make art more accessible to all through meaningful sessions like these,” says Claire & Jethro of Studio ArtFix about the said collaboration.
For updates and registration details, follow @ibisstylesmanilaaranetacity and discover how you can take part in this empowering celebration of emerging artistic voices. At ibis Styles Manila, every corner is crafted to inspire—and every moment invites you to create.
