Good news for Davao’s art lovers: Galerie Raphael, one of the country’s top galleries for modern and contemporary art, has just opened its doors to the public in Azuela Cove, Davao City.
“This is an exciting development not only for Azuela Cove but also for the entire Davao province,” said Ayala Land VP and Sr. Estates Development Head, Yeng Tupaz. “Galerie Raphael is a force in the Philippine art scene. We are happy to have one of the top names in fine arts dealership right here in Davao.”
Only the best for Davao
Galerie Raphael was established in 2006 as one of the first art galleries to open in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. The gallery soon set the pace for the growth of BGC’s now thriving art market as it became one of the prime art destinations in BGC, inspiring the establishment of other galleries and arts venues in the area.
With over 15 years of experience in the country’s contemporary and modern art scene, Galerie Raphael brings a finely curated selection of artworks by the country’s foremost artists to Davao. The gallery carries works by art legends, such as National Artist Arturo Luz, Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, and Abdulmari Imao, as well as Presidential Medal of Merit Awardee Juvenal Sanso, and master of neo-genre art Dominic Rubio. It also represents some of the brightest new names in Philippine art, including Katrina Cuenca and Ombok Villamor.
The gallery fittingly opened in Davao this October with a landmark show by Victor Secuya—one of Davao’s home-grown talents and one of the country’s widely collected names in abstract expressionism. Upcoming exhibitions at Galerie Raphael Davao include shows by Jomike Tejido and Kublai Millan.
Azuela Cove
Set beside Davao Gulf with vast views of Samal Island and Mt. Apo, Azuela Cove is Davao City’s 25-hectare prime waterside lifestyle district. Ayala Land and the Alcantara Group—the companies behind the development—are reimagining Davao City’s commercial spaces by offering only the best in retail, business, leisure, culture and art in the estate.
Azuela Cove is set to become the pride of Davao. The estate is highly accessible to prestigious residential villages and key commercial and business areas in the city. On top of its retail and events offerings, Azuela Cove is also home to open parks for fitness and outdoor activities. In addition, the estate is only 20 minutes away from the Davao Airport, making it an ideal launching pad or resting point for any business or leisure sojourn in Davao.
According to Andreas Tuason, the gallery’s managing partner, the Azuela Cove brand is well aligned with Galerie Raphael’s vision for Davao’s art market. “Azuela Cove’s target demographics coincide with our dedication to fine arts and goal of catering to an experience-seeking audience in a relaxed yet vibrant district,” he said.
“Our first branch was established in BGC, an Ayala development, so we look forward to the comforts and conveniences that Ayala has continuously provided its partners through the years,” said Mr. Tuason. “The proximity of Azuela to our target Davao market and the social connectivity of an Ayala development is an advantage for Galerie Raphael, especially with the niche market for the visual arts.”
“An art space like Galerie Rapahel is essential for building a vibrant community in Azuela Cove,” added Anton Hechanova, VP and GM for Alsons Land Corp. “Art spaces serve as a conduit for the exchange of ideas and bridging cultural divides. They support civic pride and deepen our ties with Mindanao’s culture and history. We are excited for the next series of shows and events at the gallery.” Aside from watching for these upcoming events, discerning Davao art collectors on the lookout for works by particular artists may also visit Galerie Raphael to check their buying options. The gallery is open from 10am to 6pm every day at the Retail Block 2 of Azuela Cove at Km 7 Lanang, Davao City. Art patrons may also check: www.galerieraphael.com.ph; or follow @galerieraphaeldavao on Instagram, and Galerie Raphael Davao on Facebook.
