A brainchild of the affable, entrepreneurial couple Jasmine Ancheta, an interior designer, and Allan Marx Ancheta, a pharma executive and art patron, The Monarch, located at the Molito Lifestyle Center, goes beyond your typical art gallery as it is also a wine bar and an interior design studio via Jas Ancheta Interiors.
“It’s a perfect trifecta that promises to rule hearts and spaces alike with our mission to be the premier authority in art, wine and interior design,” The Monarch said in a statement.
World travels as inspiration
Inspired by their many trips abroad visiting galleries and museums plus their love for exploring wines from different regions, The Monarch is the Ancheta couple’s response to what they feel is an unfilled void: that of an art venue where one can view art at a relaxed, leisurely pace, while enjoying a glass or wine or two with soothing music for a total sensory experience.
Moreover, they also envision the space as a stimulating venue where intersecting events can be held. Among these events are The Art of Sound, featuring live, chill beats played by renowned DJs; Brushes & Bottles, an art and wine workshop; and Vinyl, Vino, Vici, which we had the pleasure of attending one fine Saturday evening.
Vinyl, Vino, Vici showcased rare, original vinyl records that guests were encouraged to peruse while "chillax" mood music was provided by DJ Owen. To top it off, carefully-selected wines were on offer that we were all enjoined to sip and savor. Meanwhile, film and basic photography workshops are also in the offing, rounding out the type of activities The Monarch intends to mount.
A home for artists
Yet at the heart of The Monarch is their desire to help artists, especially young ones, with each exhibition offering unique themes. Since its official launch in July, they have already launched two programs dubbed Athena and Bacchus --the former personifies the many personalities of the Greek goddess, and the latter, a reference to the God of wine.
“At The Monarch, we curate an unparalleled experience where the secondary art market of renowned masters converges with the innovative works of established and emerging Filipino artists,” they further said.
Among the artists The Monarch has worked with were Lydia Velasco, Helena Alegre, Coeli Manese, Khristina Manansala, Ioannis Sicuya, Jessie Cris Falalimpa, Michele Alde, Alfred Galvez, as well as art collectives Pulang Lupa and the Windmill Collective.
Looking beyond our shores
Global in their outlook, The Monarch is also seeking international collaborations. Towards this end, they have partnered with Art Agenda, an international art gallery based in Indonesia with the aim “to broaden our focus through regional and international affinities, by showcasing the works of Filipino master artists here and abroad.”
For more information on The Monarch and their events, visit their website at www.hereatthemonarch.com.
