What to expect at this year's ManilArt

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The country's biggest and most comprehensive art fair is back on its 7th run.

This year's ManilArt theme "Raising the Filipino Colors on the World Stage" is a celebration after the Philippines is able to join the prestigious Venice Biennale after so many years of absence.

The exquisite glass sculptures by Ramon Orlina will welcome you once you enter the doors of the art fair. Figurative, abstract, kinetic, conceptual, and thought-provoking artworks by respected artists adorn the entire space of the SMX Convention Center.

ManilArt Director Delan Robillos told CNN Philippines Digital on Thursday (October 8) that the 22 booths and exhibitions, including participants from Malaysia, Singapore, and France, were carefully chosen and curated by artist Jonathan Olazo.

"The number of exhibitors were limited because we wanted all the booths to have a well-thought-of concept and curated exhibition," Robillos said.

International gallery Bruno Art Group from Singapore, with Israeli artist David Gerstein showcasing his action-filled imagery, also joined this year's art fair for the first time.

On 'deconstructing' Torre de Manila

Before you even enter the convention hall, you will see artist Boni Juan's art installation mimicking the Rizal Monument in Rizal Park and the Torre de Manila, but with a twist — a switcheroo, a role reversal.

"On social media, people are calling Torre de Manila as the 'Pambansang Photobomber,' so this time it is Jose Rizal who goes down his monument, with a spray paint in hand, and vandalizes Torre de Manila. It's a deconstruction," Robillos said.

He mentioned that ManilArt gets its support from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), so this statement is its way of supporting ManilArt in its advocacy.

"One of the strong campaigns of NCCA right now is the conservation and preservation of the cultural heritage — be it a monument, sights, or paintings," he said.

The Office of the Solicitor General asked the Supreme Court to demolish the Torre de Manila, with the NCCA and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines overseeing the demolition.

Tips on how to fully enjoy ManilArt 2015

With hundreds of striking and provocative artworks, it would be quite a challenge to take it all in in one visit, so Robillos gave us some tips on how to fully enjoy the experience.

He said to go the SMX Aura as soon as the convention opens, which is at 11 a.m., to avoid crowds.

He also advised the art lovers to take time to walk around the venue.

And the third, perhaps the most important tip, is to not try to absorb everything or else you'll go loco, he said.

"Even if you don't understand what's being told, it's okay. There's no right and wrong in art appreciation, just get the message of the pieces that are speaking to you," Robillos said.

The exhibit will run from October 8 to 11 at the SMX Convention Center in SM Aura Premier in Bonifacio Global City.