CALAMANSI AND SAMPAGUITA a Beautiful Reminder of the Past

Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in the Philippines is the very definition of a modern city. After its varied history as a United States military base and a headquarters for the Philippine Army, it is now a bustling metropolitan city with a unique take on architecture and design. BGC welcomes artists of all kinds, and urban art installations can be found on almost every corner. The city’s focus on creativity and beauty make it a truly magical place to visit. Residents of BGC believe that forward-thinking and modern living are the keys to a better life for everyone.

But with the modern lifestyle, it’s still important to remember the past that shaped the Philippines and the culture of its people. That’s why Francisco Diaz (also known as Pastel) created Calamansi and Sampaguita, a piece of art in public places on 32nd Street painted on the side of BGC Corporate Center. The beautiful piece of art was made with calming pastels, providing relaxation for viewers who are caught up in the hustle and bustle of the city.

Pastel chose two flowers, calamansi and sampaguita, as the subject of his painting because of their unique role in Filipino culture. The calamansi is traditionally used in Filipino funerals as a means to purify the body. Sampaguita is the national flower of the Philippines, and represents humility and reverence. By choosing these two beautiful flowers, Pastel brings a unique perspective to the city. Instead of focusing on the future and modern design, he wanted to remind residents and visitors alike of the past and the culture that make the Philippines what it is. The country has been through many invasions and been conquered by several outside countries. But through this all, the Filipino people have survived and held on to their culture. Pastel’s work is a subtle reminder of the importance of the past.