THE official opening of "Manara: An Interactive Moro Art Installation" by Ayala Foundation in partnership with Ayala Malls happened last August 9 at Abreeza Mall in Davao City.
Abreeza proudly unveiled the interactive art experience featuring the culture of Muslim Mindanao made by two outstanding Filipino artists: Internationally acclaimed sculptor and painter Toym Imao and industrial designer and installation artist Lilianna Manahan.
“Manara” is the Arabic word for “minaret,” which is a lighthouse providing light to people and vessels that need to find their way. A minaret is also an important architectural feature of mosques; it is where calls to prayer are made.
The Manara exhibit first launched at the Ayala Museum Plaza earlier in May to coincide with the start of the Holy Month of Ramadan, and now it is making its way to Ayala Malls in Visayas and Mindanao not just to shed light on the richness and diversity of Moro culture and inspire a deeper understanding of Muslim Filipinos, but also to serve as a call for peace and unity—for Filipinos, even though they come from diverse backgrounds, to become more open to dialogue and cooperation.
Furthermore, it comes in a timely fashion to Abreeza Mall as Davao City observes the annual Kadayawan Festival, which celebrates the interaction of diverse cultures.
The exhibit will run from August 9 to September 8 2017.
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