Within the heart of the bustling business district of Metro Manila’s Makati City lies a hidden gem where art, culture and luxury intertwine seamlessly. Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Raffles Makati offers a journey through the rich tapestry of Filipino creativity with its ARTour, the city’s only tour led by an art concierge outside of a museum. The property’s exceptional collection, which spans more than 1,600 works, has become a must-see for art enthusiasts and cultural connoisseurs.
Yet not many people know about this secret offering — there’s no link for it on the hotel’s website, and it’s exclusively for guests. The ARTour dates back to 2012, when the visionary curator of Raffles Makati meticulously handpicked a selection of local artists whose works authentically captured the essence of Filipino culture and lifestyle. Drawing inspiration from the storied legacy of properties like Five-Star Raffles Hotel Singapore, the all-suite hotel aimed to carve out a distinct identity that would resonate with guests worldwide.
“In 2016, the former hotel manager requested projects from [certain staffers] of Raffles Makati,” says Julio Lapuz, the property’s head butler and art concierge. “I was part of this group. I chose the Raffles Makati art concierge tour because I fell in love with fine arts a year before. Presenting the art collection like a museum tour was my mission.”
The vision behind the ARTour transcends mere admiration for aesthetic beauty.
“The tour itself is a celebration of sorts,” Lapuz says. “Wouldn’t it be great for the international guests of Raffles Makati to know our stories and identity and for balikbayans [Filipino expats] to reconnect with their Filipino heritage? The oeuvres in the collection showcase our culture and lifestyles, festivals, myths and legends, music and dances, architecture and history and many other interesting glimpses and insights into the Filipino psyche and rich culture.”
While you will discover unique art in your accommodations, the collection extends beyond the confines of the suites to the restaurants, bars, public spaces and more. To see the highlights, arrange a personalized tour with the Raffles Makati art concierge. The best times to go on this cultural odyssey are often after breakfast or before the enchanting afternoon tea at the Writers Bar. The tour can take anywhere between 40 minutes to an hour, depending on your interactions with the art concierge.
The collection, featuring 30 artists, offers a kaleidoscopic view of Filipino life — from vibrant festivals to age-old myths, from pulsating music to graceful dances and from majestic architecture to intricate history. “Local artists were commissioned to create works for Raffles Makati, and their works have been a source of pride for the hotel,” Lapuz says. “Those who have experienced the tour were in awe of the hidden gem it holds. Also, the artists who were part of the collection have become much sought after by private collectors and interior designers.”
On the ARTour, you will see masterpieces like Don Jaime Zobel de Ayala’s serene Blue Vase, Edwin Wilwayco’s evocative abstract paintings and Daniel de la Cruz’s captivating metal sculpture. Each piece tells a story, weaving together the vibrant threads of Filipino creativity.
In the hospitality realm, Lapuz is a seasoned professional whose dedication to excellence spans more than two decades. He received training from a former member of the House of Windsor, the former head butler of the king of Jordan and from top butlers at Raffles Singapore. A fine art connoisseur and collector in his own right, Lapuz started amassing art in 2015 and now owns more than 100 pieces in various mediums — paintings, sculptures, pottery, literature and even plants.
With Lapuz leading the tour, Raffles Makati provides a personalized glimpse into Filipino artistry that’s hard to come by.
