An inspiring tribute to Maribel Ongpin at Elan by the Bay

One day, Manila’s culturati just woke up to see a stunning edifice with a refreshing view of Manila Bay.

Aptly called Elan by the Bay, it is an events place inspired by art and culture, to serve as a venue for those moments close to our hearts.

Such as: a tribute to Maribel Ongpin hosted by Jaime Ponce de Leon of Leon Gallery, Malu Gamboa Lindo, Peter and Elena Coyiuto.

You see architect Ed Calma’s refined language of love written all over the structure, starting from the entrance where his 15.4-meter yellow sculpture greets guests. And inside, a floral painting by Elena Coyiuto, a sculpture of two dresses by Marina Cruz, a dog mural by Indonesian artist Yunizar for starters, define the artistry and spirit of the place. Artworks by Soler, Kim Cruz, and Wynna Go further lift your soul.

And a lot of soul went into the tribute to Ongpin, described by Ponce de Leon as “a woman of substance—a writer, a thinker, an advocate, a champion for cultural heritage and women’s rights.”

Historian Ambeth Ocampo said in his typical style that makes us smile: “She is the person I want to be when I grow up.”

Ongpin’s golf buddy Marixi Prieto recalled heartwarming memories, with Tessa Prieto adding some spice and laughter. Art patron Dr. Joven Cuanang emphasized her virtue of kindness, while designer Rajo Laurel and artist Ana Raquel Santos expressed their admiration with a duet. 

In her speech, Ongpin said she thought she was invited by “my irrepressible, unpredictable, dynamic friend Elena” to just talk about her reading club.

It is the reading club founded by the late theater luminary Zeneida “Bibot” Amador of which Ongpin was a member. And the torch was passed on to Ongpin to keep the fire of literature burning.

Ongpin expressed her thanks for this surprise tribute, and ended with a reminder: “Choose worthy reading material and enjoy it. You will be an improved person—and perhaps a freer, more contented and more intelligent one.”