/Conversations/Positions/Marika Constantino
Edward Ang
Mikee Atendido
Mars Bugaoan
Michael Cu Fua
Seb de Jesus
Auggie Fontanilla
Jett Ilagan
Miguel Lope Inumerable
Kat Medina
Katherine Nuñez
Julius Redillas
Jose Ma. Tanierla
Jose Tong
Derek Tumala
Urban Decay Planning
Janus Victoria
Gabriel Villegas
Escuela Taller
OPENING:
Friday, June 15, 2018, 6 pm
EXHIBITION DATA:
15 June to 13 July 2018
Maniobra is a Filipino word that connotes a manner of maneuvering or operation. On the other hand, mani translates to peanuts while obra suggests work or work of art. The various layers of translation provide levels of meaning that this project aims to showcase.
Brenda Aballa is a constant fixture along Escolta. During weekdays, one can see her at the corner of Burke and Escolta streets. She prepares, cooks and sells peanuts and other snacks every afternoon. These affordable nibbles have been partaken by locals, employees from nearby buildings, random pedestrians and other hungry souls who have strode the street looking for some edible pick-me-uppers. Together with her sister Juliet, who sells cigarettes and candies, her husband Joko who assists her, this family enterprise goes back for decades. Her mother Agustina Sabangan, who is commonly known as "Reyna ng Escolta," was one of the pioneer street vendors of the area, passed her entrepreneurial spirit to her children.
Mani|Obra is a neighborhood project initiated by Marika Constantino. She tapped artists she has worked with in 98B and the HUB | Make Lab to reflect on the family’s business, respond to the project and the efforts currently being done to mobilize a more concrete and tangible sense of community.