ArtSector Gallery and Cafe: A Roof-top Picnic in Binangonan

In the first 2 weeks of 2022, so many people got sick in Metro Manila that schools and businesses declared health breaks. Establishments were closed, roads were empty, lines at pharmacies were long and medicine for flu-like symptoms were in low supply. The fast-spreading Omicron variant combined with the social gatherings to celebrate New Year led to a rapid increase in Covid-19 cases and Manila was put on alert level 3. After a brief respite from the pandemic lockdown, our city was back to stressful quarantine conditions. I looked for something to do that involved a drive out of the city, for some quality respiration and inspiration - somewhere safe.



After a week of being cooped indoors we took a ride up the mountains of Binangonan for a breather. We wanted to drive out of Manila and give ourselves a much-needed change of scenery, and the drive up winding mountain roads with glimpses of Laguna lake below was already refreshing, and when we reached our destination - we felt like it was worth the trip! ArtSector did not disappoint!

While ArtSector is an art gallery (you pay an entrance fee), I hardly paid attention to the art work because the interplay between nature and architecture stole the show! How can I look at walls of art behind me when a breathtaking panorama is in front of me?




Far from the crowds, atop a mountain, ArtSector Gallery & Chimney Café 360º had tons of outdoor seating spread throughout its multi-level structure with plenty of mezzanines, terraces, and a gorgeous assortment of decks to enjoy breathtaking views - it’s a great place to enjoy art and nature. It uplifts one’s spirit with wonderful architecture and has plenty of space for social distancing.

The architecture was so playful and engaging that my son Lauan had so much fun exploring the place. At 4 years of age, and having lived 2 of those years on lockdown on account of the pandemic, Lauan had very limited exposure to so many things we take for granted.




And while it seems that all we did at ArtSector is to grab a bite at their cafe, that visit really widened our horizons! And how many horizons there were everywhere we looked: where concrete-like lake water met the clear blue sky, with a sliver of skyscrapers marking the line; where green fields met vast white clouds, connected by a mountain range - a dark line in the distance; and that magical horizon where architecture meets nature, such a wonderful spot to find oneself in.



What a lovely time we had. We drove up a mountain to have a meal under the vast sky, and we took our time. We lingered to watch the glorious sunset, moving from deck to deck to watch the unfolding spectacle. While the pandemic often makes us feel that we are trapped between a rock and a hard place - a quick visit to a place like ArtSector is enough to give us much-needed perspective. That ArtSector's awesome structure was built around boulders reminded me that what can seem like obstacles can become defining features - boulders can be a hindrance - or....they can be solid foundations and memorable showpieces - depending on how we wield and frame them. This pandemic too, while throwing so many challenges our way, can be seized as an opportunity to find beauty where we can, nearby. Thank you ArtSector - seen from your vantage point, I found my sick city far less sickening... from your viewing decks the view of Metro Manila was a sight to behold, enough to take my breath away.





Date of Visit: 16 January 2022
ArtSector Gallery and Chimney Cafe
East Ridge Avenue, Binangonan Rizal


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