People of ALT

Over 300 artists gathered at ALT Art Philippines at the SMX Convention Center Manila, turning Valentine’s weekend into a celebration of creativity, connection, and contemporary art.

Words Gerie Marie Consolacion
February 16, 2026

Over the weekend, ALT Art Philippines transformed the halls of SMX Convention Center Manila into a vast canvas of expression, presenting works from over 300 artists against tall, white walls that seemed to stretch endlessly. 

Timed with the celebration of Valentine’s Day, the fair became a reminder that love does not only live in candlelit dinners or bouquets of roses. Sometimes, it hangs quietly on a wall, stands boldly in the center of a room, or reveals itself in the silent appreciation of a masterpiece.

From the artists

Given the opportunity to speak with artists, curators, and gallerists, we asked a simple question: What made you fall in love with this fair?

For many artists, ALT Art created a space where their work could meet people beyond the confines of traditional galleries and museums. Art, they said, is not meant to remain enclosed within four walls—it travels, it breathes, it finds its way into the city and into the lives of individuals who pause, even briefly, to look and reflect.

Artists shared that their creations are rooted in observation and affection for their surroundings. It is the people, those who admire their talent, study every brushstroke, examine each chosen material, and recognize the emotion poured into every piece who inspire them to keep going. 

In a setting as expansive as ALT Art, that connection feels immediate and deeply personal.

From the gallerists

From one gallery to another, each space reflected distinct principles, values, and creative visions. Gaby Dela Merced of Vinyl on Vinyl emphasized that their participation goes beyond institutional presence.

“Actually, it’s more for the artist. That’s the framework we’re really trying to accomplish. If you look at it, we wanted to create a showcase that emphasizes the artists themselves,” she shared.

As one of the younger galleries in the fair, Vinyl on Vinyl represents a roster of fresh and emerging artists. For them, being trusted alongside senior and well-established galleries is both humbling and affirming. Dela Merced noted that collaboration, open communication, and the ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances were key to making the experience meaningful.

From Galleria Duemila, Lars Salamante highlighted the importance of collective decision-making. From planning the layout to positioning each gallery, collaboration shaped the fair’s overall architecture.

“We wanted to highlight the idea of Galleria Duemila being the longest-running gallery in the Philippines, how we’ve seen the evolution of art and artists,” Salamante explained.

For them, ALT Art is not only a platform for display, but a reflection of history, growth, and continuity within the Philippine art scene.

From the visitors

Across three days, the fair became a melting pot of art enthusiasts, casual visitors, students, and couples seeking a different kind of Valentine’s experience. The venue felt almost maze-like, perhaps intentionally so. Inviting guests to wander, to get lost, and to discover something unexpected at every turn.

Jon and Drei, a couple who chose to celebrate Valentine’s Day at ALT Art, shared that they were looking for something different.

“We’re both exhausted after a week of work, so we wanted to spend our time feeling more relaxed,” Jon said.

“What’s good about this is that the colors aren’t heavy—it allows me to breathe, like I can rest,” Drei added.

As they moved from one gallery to another, they described leaving each space feeling complete, connected in subtle and surprising ways to the works displayed across the wide venue and its towering walls.

Another visitor, Kyle, a student, spent her free time immersing herself in the exhibits. Her brother dreams of becoming an artist, and as she walked beneath the high white walls, she imagined one day seeing his work displayed there.

For others, words were not necessary. When asked the same question — what made them fall in love with the fair — some simply smiled, nodded, or softly said, “I have no words. I’m just happy being here.”

A love letter to the arts

As the fair came to a close and the white walls slowly emptied, what remained was not just the memory of paintings sold or photographs taken, but the quiet impact the works left behind. 

ALT Art Philippines became more than a weekend event, it became a meeting ground for passion, history, aspiration, and community.

In a world that often moves too quickly, the fair invited everyone to pause. To look closer. To feel deeper. To understand that art is not distant or exclusive, but alive and accessible.

And perhaps that is what makes people fall in love with it—not just on Valentine’s Day, but every time they stand before a blank wall and imagine what story it could hold next.