VIA GRAPHIC PLUS | MANILA, Philippines — Singapore Airlines (SIA) gifted Impy Pilapil’s original sculpture Flight to the Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Manila. The gesture marks Singapore Airlines’ 60th anniversary of operations in the Philippines.
The turnover ceremony was led by Impy Pilapil at the Singapore Embassy in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, in the presence of Singapore Ambassador to the Philippines, Her Excellency Constance See and Singapore Airlines Philippines General Manager Liwei Tai. Flight will join three other original works by the renowned Filipino artist, currently on display at the Embassy.
In 2015, SIA commissioned Pilapil to create “Flight,” an original artwork that depicts the experience of flying with SIA, and reflects SIA’s long-standing collaboration with Filipino artists in Manila. The sculpture was originally located at SIA’s SilverKris Lounge (SKL) in Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, where it has been a distinctive feature of the lounge, giving guests a familiar piece of home before they embark on their journey.
A Natural Homecoming
For Singapore Airlines, it was important to give “Flight” an appropriate new home after its decade-long service in the SilverKris Lounge.
Singapore Airlines General Manager Philippines, Ms. Liwei Tai, said: “Art has always served as an important instrument in bridging countries and cultures. As we celebrate 60 years of Singapore Airlines in the Philippines and counting, we hope that Flight will carry on its legacy as an important symbol of continued bilateral ties between Singapore and the Philippines.”
When the Singapore Embassy’s building opened in Manila in 2008, three of Pilapil’s sculptures found their home in the Embassy, offering a reflection of the strong ties and cultural connections between Singapore and the Philippines.
An award-winning visual artist in the Philippines, Pilapil works and moves with stone, glass, steel, wood, and paper to convey themes of nature, harmony, tranquillity, and community. Her artworks have been displayed all over the world, including the Philippines, Singapore, Japan, Australia, Italy, and the United States.
Artist Impy Pilapil expressed happiness at seeing four of her works reunited at the Singapore Embassy.
“Reuniting Flight with its companion pieces feels like bringing back a missing dynamic element into a single, cohesive dialogue. Art, much like flight itself, is about movement, connection, and transcending physical boundaries. Seeing all four works together at the Embassy creates a complete narrative of harmony and shared identity between cultures. I’m very happy and feel blessed to have my [four] sculptures here at the Singapore Embassy. In the Philippines, everyone who knows me is aware that for decades now, I’m the biggest fan of Lee Kuan Yew and his son, and I have the greatest respect for Singapore and its people.”
“Every artist wishes to have a good home for their work, and then it becomes a gift when the ‘home’ is occupied by good people,” said Pilapil
Ambassador See said that hosting Filipino artworks reflected the Embassy’s commitment to bridging countries and cultures.
“Singapore Airlines’ 60 years of operations in the Philippines speaks to the strength and longevity of the ties between Singapore and the Philippines. For six decades, SIA has helped connect our people, businesses and economies, bringing our two countries closer together. As a lover of Filipino design and creativity, I am especially delighted that this milestone also celebrates Filipino art. We are so happy to give Flight a new home at the Singapore Embassy, and to continue supporting and showcasing the creativity of Filipino artists.”
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