Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) believes in the power of public art in transforming ordinary urban landscapes into beautiful, extraordinary places. The embodiment of this philosophy within Bridgetowne, Robinsons Land’s premier destination estate, is evident in the unveiling of “Lambat.”
Crafted by Jude Tiotuico, Miguel Aguas, and Vito Selma, the sculpture depicts a fisherman and a fisherwoman casting a net in mid-air, embodying the Filipino people’s grit and resilience. The piece not only pays homage to the Filipino working class, but also serves as a sanctuary, casting its protective shade upon people and creating a space for their children to play in.
Given RLC's commitment to integrating art into daily life, as exemplified by its ARTablado platform — providing exhibition spaces for artists from diverse backgrounds — it envisions Bridgetown as a welcoming haven for creators. The estate is envisioned as a hub for creation, innovation, and imagination.
The sculptors behind “Lambat” dedicated their utmost efforts on this collaborative project. Tiotuico is the CEO and creative head of Industria Edition, a Pampanga-based company that creates modern metal furniture and decor. Aguas is the president and lead designer of MCCA Industrial Corp/Vulcan Resources Inc., a company that specializes in metal furniture. Selma is a Cebu-based furniture designer known for his innovative and contemporary designs with wood and other sustainable materials. Each artist has a unique creative journey and draws inspiration from different sources, including mid-century, Art Deco, nature, sports and travel.
The creation of “Lambat” commenced with a series of sketches and design concepts. The artists aimed to craft a piece that symbolizes Bridgetowne’s essence of “work.” Drawing inspiration from the resilience of fisherfolk, who navigate the unpredictable and harsh elements of the sea in their dedicated pursuit of a livelihood, the artists sought to capture this ethos in their sculpture.
Once the design was finalized, the artists worked with a team of skilled metalworkers to bring their vision to life. They used a variety of techniques, including welding and forging, to shape the metal into the intricate forms that comprise “Lambat.” A year and a half later, the fruit of this collaboration now stands in Bridgetowne.
“Lambat” joins “The Victor” by Fil-Am artist Jefrё Manuel-Figueras, which was also commissioned by RLC for Bridgetowne. This was part of the plan to put public art installations that serve as a catalyst for the transformation of Bridgetowne into a thriving art hub, adding to the city’s allure, and creating a welcoming public space for residents and visitors alike.
“The Victor” was inspired by the remarkable success story of John Gokongwei, who transcended his humble beginnings to become a towering figure as a Filipino entrepreneur, industrialist and philanthropist.