Official opening of “Hiraya: Beyond the Gallery” featuring Brix Tan. From left: Ms. Mayann Malapote, Hotel Manager, Belmont Hotel Manila; Brix Tan, Featured Artist; and Mr. Sonny Alvaro, Cluster General Manager, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts.
Belmont Hotel Manila continues to support Filipino creativity through Hiraya: Beyond the Gallery, which features the first solo exhibition of Filipino landscape photographer Brix Tan.
The exhibit brings Tan’s fine art landscape photographs into the hotel, allowing guests and visitors to discover the beauty of the Philippines through his unique perspective and lens.
As the newest chapter of the hotel’s Hiraya initiative, the exhibition reinforces its commitment to providing Filipino artists and creatives with a platform to share their work with wider audiences. Since its launch, Hiraya has helped bring local art beyond conventional gallery spaces and into places where more people can experience and appreciate it.
Hiraya: Beyond the Gallery shows how Filipino art can be experienced in spaces beyond the usual gallery setting. Brix Tan’s landscape photography gives viewers a chance to appreciate the beauty of the Philippines from a different perspective, while the initiative itself highlights the importance of giving local artists more platforms and audiences. It also reminded me that supporting Filipino creativity is not only about appreciating the finished work, but also about creating opportunities for artists to be seen, heard, and valued.
For Tan, the exhibition marks an important milestone in his photography journey.
“As a fine art landscape photographer, this is my Hiraya. To have my own solo exhibit, to share and showcase the beautiful landscapes of the Philippines,” Tan shared.
The collection presents Tan’s perspective of the Philippine landscape, featuring photographs from destinations including Batanes, Zambales, Mt. Pulag, Quezon, Batangas, Baler, Albay, and SOCCSKSARGEN.
“Tenacious” by Brix Tan, capturing the rugged coastline of Ivana, Batanes. © Brix Tan
“Gatekeeper” by Brix Tan, featuring the Sabtang Lighthouse and its connection to Ivatan heritage.
© Brix Tan
Among the featured works are Tenacious, capturing the rugged coastline of Ivana, Batanes; Gatekeeper, featuring the Sabtang Lighthouse and its connection to Ivatan heritage; and Generations, which uses mangroves along Sarangani Bay to reflect on environmental responsibility and the future.
“Generations” by Brix Tan, featuring mangroves along Sarangani Bay and reflecting on environmental responsibility and the future. Part of the artist’s LUMIBOX Series. © Brix Tan
Adding another dimension to the exhibition is Tan’s LUMIBOX Series, where selected photographs are presented as illuminated fine art pieces, offering a distinctive way of experiencing the Philippine landscape.
An accomplished HR executive and entrepreneur, Tan has developed his photography practice over the years and has been recognized in international competitions for landscape and cityscape photography. His work combines technical composition with personal connection, using photography to tell stories through the places he encounters.
His commitment to the arts also extends beyond his own practice. Tan founded Montage Art Collective in 2021, an initiative that supports local painters, sculptors, and fine art photographers by helping them gain opportunities to enter the art scene and showcase their work.
This shared advocacy for Filipino artists is at the heart of Hiraya. By opening its spaces to creative collaborations and exhibitions, Belmont Hotel Manila continues to create opportunities for local artists while allowing guests, travelers, and the wider community to discover Filipino art in an accessible setting.
The featured artworks are available for purchase in limited editions, giving collectors and art enthusiasts the opportunity to own selected pieces from Tan’s first solo exhibition. Several works, including pieces from the LUMIBOX Series, are produced in editions of only ten.
“Hiraya: Beyond the Gallery featuring Brix Tan” is open for viewing at the hotel lobby and Cafe Belmont until September 30, 2026. The featured artworks are available for purchase in limited editions.
Hiraya: Beyond the Gallery, featuring Brix Tan, will be available for viewing at the hotel lobby until September 30, 2026.
Guests can explore the full collection and learn more about each artwork through the digital catalogue at qrco.de/HirayaBeyondTheGallery.
Those interested in inquiries or purchasing any of the pieces may coordinate with the hotel team during their visit.