Filipino talent is well known around the world – from their drive and passion in sports, to their grace and beauty on the pageant stage, down to their world-class, well-crafted indigenous products.
The world has come to know the Philippines as a place of immense talent and great promise. Filipinos are embraced abroad, and even more so at home, where there is a growing appeal in décor and furniture made from the country’s natural gifts. 
This June, celebrating culture, creativity and nationalism, Rustan’s, in partnership with the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI), presents the “Art & Soul of the Filipino”, a month-long showcase of all things proudly Pinoy.
From June 8 to July 9, visit the exciting displays of Rustan’s Filipiniana Our Very Own products, which highlight Filipino creativity and ingenuity in design through a wonderful selection of accents, dinnerware, and linens
Local luxuries such as carved wood tabletop decor and refined pieces made of delicate capiz shells reflect the distinguished history and cultural heritage of the Philippine islands. 
Find as well an array of elegant linens and fabrics that will definitely elevate the ambience of the home, bringing in a touch of warmth to any room.
Alongside these designs, find other exciting creations at Go Lokal!, an inspiring initiative by DTI, which brings to the market new designs from aspiring designers and home brands. Rustan’s as the leader in lifestyle luxury and a staunch supporter of arts and culture opens up its doors— offering opportunities and a great platform for these talented entrepreneurs.
Launched by DTI in collaboration with select retail partners, Go Lokal! was initially developed as an opportunity for the country’s micro and small enterprises. Here, entrepreneurs can test their consumer appeal and gauge the marketability of their products for export. 
From bags and shoes to decor made from indigenous materials, Go Lokal! promises an exhibit of exceptional one-of-a-kind merchandise that are uniqely Filipino. Catch the Go Lokal exhibit at the 5th level of Rustan’s Makati.
During this month of patriotism and pride, also gain a deeper appreciation and love for the Motherland through compelling narratives as captured by the award-winning photography group, TP5. The photo exhibit, which will showcase the works of Adel Samson Esteemed opthalmologist, lead vocalist, technical scuba diver, athlete, teacher, internationally awarded photographer; also renowned cataract and lasik surgeon. This Renaissance man is generous with sharing his gifts as he has been blessed with them. Dr. Adel Vergel Dizon Samson is husband to his beautiful and loving Millie; and proud father to gifted Rico and Isabela.
The interplay of Adel’s passion and profession have inevitably shaped his perspective. “Photography was instrumental in my being a surgeon. It served as an inspiration to my being an opthalmologist in that the mechanics of a camera is patterned after the human eye. I came into full circle because of photography.”
Adel began his love for photography at the age of 9 when his father gave him his first SLR. Self taught by reading, experimenting, and working under the tutelage of Pancho Escaler in 1986, Adel has been winning and continues to win several photo contests earning him recognition both locally and internationally.
He is a member of the Camera Club of the Philippines since 2009. Adel has also been tapped by Leica to conduct talks during the brand’s product launches and other events here in the Philippines and abroad.
As a photographer, Adel values sharing the emotional response he captures. “To capture a scene and seeing God’s hand in shaping the landscape. To capture a private moment that probably no one else sees, and to share that.” His philosophy is embodied in his photography: “capturing moments that will never happen again. Capture what is true and real but set your artistry free, let it soar.” He pursues life with fire and passion and his images reflect that zeal and dedication. Adel’s ultimate goal is that his photographs evoke an emotional, cerebral, and spiritual imprint on his audience.
Bien Bautista His photographs are reminiscent of saffron-robed monks and gregorian chants. Eloquent silences that breed inner peace and tranquility, joy and harmony. Some people refer to it as the transforming power of Zen. Some say it’s simply the magic that is BIEN. BIEN S. BAUTISTA, the photographer/artist, is indeed true to the title accorded him. His collection of photographs, comprising his second one-man exhibit MUY BIEN, a sequel to his first, ESTA BIEN, invites the viewer to a rare journey. The kind that transports him, pensive and unhurried, through black and white musings and colored dreams, soothing rhythms and rich illusory images that are altogether simple, pure and still like revered siesta hours in faraway childhood towns. And when he arrives, refreshed, at the waking hour, he experiences a clear and calm, translucent understanding of the self. The trip ends yet the discovery continues, for as long as man lives and breathes, and the universe is overwhelmingly peaceful… if only in the mind. Bien from out of the Blue… Bien’s formative years began at the Ateneo de Manila (elementary), followed by Colegio de San Agustin (High School) , and University of Santo Tomas (Fine Arts/Advertising.) In between, his wanderlust inspired him to become an exchange student of the Youth for Understanding program. He attended Bridgeport High School and took up Architecture and Radio-TV production at Delta College, Michigan. After U.S. came Europe for a 3-month Art & Music appreciation scholarship. In 1980, Bien consolidated his expertise in all aspects of photography when he joined a professional photographic services group covering Advertising, Fashion, Industrial, Corporate, Travel, Documentary, Editorial, and Illustration. In 1987, he established Black & White Asia, Inc. with wife Remy and brother Floren as partners, and in 1989, added the Baby Sitter Portrait Studio to the business with his charming and talented wife, Remy, at the helm. E X H I B I T S One-Man Shows: “Esta Bien” Book Launch and Photo Exhibit Makati City, Philippines, February 2001 Conrad Hotel, Hongkong, June 2002 Manor Hotel, Camp John Hay, Baguio City, Philippines, November 2003 “Muy Bien” Photo Exhibit, Makati Shangri-la Hotel, Philippines April 2009 Camera Club of the Phil. Center, Makati City, 2010 Several Notable Group Exhibits: Sinag Photo Exhibit, August 2002 Philippine Consulate, New York 5 Masters Exhibit, May 2006 Ross Capilli, Pandy Aviado, Wig Tysmans and national artist BENCAB Large 8, an exhibit of Photo Abstraction, March 2007 SM Roadshow (MOA, Megamall, Baguio, Clark, the Block, Davao, Bacolod & Cebu) with Davocol, Escaler, Castillo, Guingona, Zobel, Tysmans & BENCAB Optical Medium Photo Exhibit, November 2009 Bencab Museum (Baguio) Asin, Benguet with Zobel, Tysmans and National artsist BENCAB Manila International Art Show 2010 BIEN S. BAUTISTA is the quintessential Artist-Photographer. His eclectic educational background in fine arts, painting, architecture, and photography, solidified by almost half a century of well-rounded professional photography experience has produced award-winning masterpieces, solo-exhibits, and a couple of world-class collector books. His photographs carry a distinct yet recognizable style that embodies the marriage between photography and fine art.
Bien is the founder and owner of Black & White Asia, Inc. He is also a Lifetime Member and Master Photographer of The Camera Club of the Philippines. He specializes in Advertising, Fashion, Industrial, Corporate, Travel, Documentary, Editorial Photography.
He has published two books entitled Muy Bien and Esta Bien, both of which were launched through respective One-Man Shows. His other notable exhibit includes : Sinag Photo Exhibit, with the Philippine Consulate in New York; 5 Masters Exhibit; Large 8, an exhibit of Photo Abstraction; Optical Medium Photo Exhibit; and the Manila International Art Show 2010.
Jijo de Guzman Back to Back Master Photographer for The Camera Club of the Philippines for 2015 and 2016. Master Cup finalist for 4 straight years. Three time winner of the Black and White Photograph of the year for The Camera Club of the Philippines for 2014, 2015, and 2016. Three time winner of the Single Shot Color Photo Photographer of the year for The Camera Club of the Philippines for 2014, 2015, and 2016. Holder of over 40 awards in various contests of The Camera Club of the Philippines for a span only of 3 years. Four time awardee in the 2015 International Photography Awards. Canon Ambassador and Crusader of Light.
With the barrage of acclamation, you would think that there is nothing more to say about Jijo De Guzman. However, at the core of this titan of a talent, is a humble and generous mentor whose true victories manifest in the aspiring photographers he educates and inspires through his teaching involvement with the Philippine Center for Creative Imagine and Canon Philippines. He also uses his talent for advocacy and issue-awareness campaigns. Among his recent involvements are with the Kalinga Feeding and Grooming program in Tondo and Unicef, among others.
While being a very well-rounded photographer, Jijo made his mark as the country’s premier Sports Photographer. He has shot over 60 sporting events, at least 12 of which were international events and 3 world championships.
Kakai Manotok-Arroyo and Jan Aliling Jose-Antonio “Jan” T. Aliling is a practicing lawyer by profession, but a photographer by passion.
Not to be thrown off by his jovial disposition, Jan is a seasoned litigation and corporate lawyer who is known for his no-nonsense work ethics and professionalism. He is currently the Managing and Senior Partner of Jose Antonio Aliling and Associates, and the Chairman of Acube Legal Support, Inc. He is a Supervising Lawyer at the University of the Philippines, College of Law, Office of Legal Aid and a Lecturer and Teacher at the College of Law of the New Era University.
Jan is also the Vice-President for Legal Affairs and Corporate Secretary of Jose Aliling Construction Management Group of Companies, one of the country’s largest, if not the largest, 100% Filipino-Owned Construction Management Companies.
He is also a part-owner of a several business enterprises in the food, trading consultancy, and retail services.
Amidst his busy schedule, he regularly accepts professional engagements for commercial, documentation, travel, and portrait photography shoots. He has serviced clients for photography services for brochures, annual reports, magazines, websites, and even a billboard.
However, if asked what genre he prefers to be identified with the most, he classifies himself as an “Advocacy Photographer”.
He passionately engages in Photography projects with a purpose. He has done various engagements with various agencies of the United Nations, including the UN International labor Organization and UNICEF, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and various charitable and socio-civic institutions to create awareness for their respective advocacies.
Jan has also won several awards and recognitions from various local and international photography competitions, including that of The Camera Club of the Philippines and International Photography Awards, among others. His works has been part of two published photography books: Intimate Images published by the Camera Club of the Philippines; and The Fifth Element published by Black and White Asia. He has participated in a number of photography exhibits as well.
Jan is currently a Director at The Camera Club of the Philippines.
While he has worn so many hats in his life — a bike messenger at the age of ten, a wholesaler of socks, an Avon man, copywriter, swimming and gym instructor, teacher, app software developer, entrepreneur, bar and restaurant owner, lawyer, and photographer –what he is most proud of is being a full-time father to his two boys, Yago and Nicolas.
will be held also at the 5th Level of Rustan’s Makati from the 8th of June until 9th of July. In support of this exhibit, Canon will be hosting photography workshops, focusing on portraiture and travel photography, on June 10 and 24 at the same area of the exhibit. There will be 2 sessions per day, 4:00-5:00PM and 5:00P-6:00PM.
See, feel and experience the true breadth, depth and beauty of Filipino creativity this June at Rustan’s “The Art & Soul of the Filipino.”
For more information, visit www.rustans.com.ph or drop by our stores today.
