Singapore Airlines’ 60th Anniversary Marks Flight’s Homecoming

Singapore Airlines gifted the Singapore Embassy the sculpture Flight, made by Filipino artist Impy Pilapil, in commemoration of its 60th anniversary. The sculpture serves as a symbol of the long-standing partnership between the Philippines and Singapore. 

Words Niña Marrize Olaso
Photos courtesy of Singapore Airlines and Impy Pilapil
September 10, 2026

Artist Impy Pilapil with Flight, an original sculpture she created for Singapore Airlines in 2015

In celebration of its 60th anniversary in the Philippines, Singapore Airlines (SIA) has gifted the Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Manila with Flight, a commissioned artwork by Filipino artist Impy Pilapil, reflecting their strong cultural ties over the past decades. 

Flight was sculpted in 2015, made to capture the feeling of flying with SIA. The sculpture was previously located at SIA SilverKris Lounge in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.

Pilapil is an award-winning visual artist in the country, materializing her artistic vision with stone, glass, steel, wood, and paper that explores themes of nature, harmony, tranquility, and community. 

Her artworks have been exhibited across the Philippines and internationally, in Singapore, Japan, Australia, Italy, and the United States. 

Blooms by Impy Pilapil

In the presence of Singapore Ambassador to the Philippines, Her Excellency Constance See, and SIA Philippines’ General Manager Liwei Tan, Pilapil led the turnover ceremony in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. 

Reflecting on the significance of Flight, Tan said that the piece serves as the decades-long partnership of the two countries. 

“Art has always served as an important instrument in bridging countries and cultures. As we celebrate 60 years of Singapore Airlines in the Philippines and counting, we hope that Flight will carry on its legacy as an important symbol of continued bilateral ties between Singapore and the Philippines,” she said. 

Pilapil’s connection with SIA, however, extends beyond Flight. Three of her sculptures found a home in the Singapore Embassy in 2008, the year it was built. 

Flight by Impy Pilapil

“Every artist wishes to have a good home for their work, and then it becomes a gift when the ‘home’ is occupied by good people,” she said. 

Pilapil could not help but feel delighted as her four works have finally reunited.

“Reuniting Flight with its companion pieces feels like bringing back a missing dynamic element into a single, cohesive dialogue. Art, much like flight itself, is about movement, connection, and transcending physical boundaries. Seeing all four works together at the Embassy creates a complete narrative of harmony and shared identity between cultures. I’m very happy and feel blessed to have my [four] sculptures here at the Singapore Embassy,” she said. 

Silent Wave by Impy Pilapil

Pilapil also shared her long-standing admiration for Lee Kuan Yew, his son, Singapore, and its people. 

See echoed this, describing the hosting of Filipino artworks as a reflection of the Embassy’s continued commitment to building bridges between countries and cultures. 

“Singapore Airlines’ 60 years of operations in the Philippines speaks to the strength and longevity of the ties between Singapore and the Philippines. For six decades, SIA has helped connect our people, businesses and economies, bringing our two countries closer together. As a lover of Filipino design and creativity, I am especially delighted that this milestone also celebrates Filipino art. We are so happy to give Flight a new home at the Singapore Embassy, and to continue supporting and showcasing the creativity of Filipino artists,” she said.