Ched Rick Gatchalian

Bulacan-based artist Noli Manalang earned Special Commendations from the President of Florence Biennale 2025 in the Painting Category.

Article (news)

Bulacan artist Noli Manalang brings honor to the Philippines at Florence Biennale 2025

Ganiel Krishnan

ABS-CBN News

<div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1761569845811viber_image_2025-10-27_20-39-08-724.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Bulacan-based artist Noli Manalang earned Special Commendations from the President of Florence Biennale 2025 in the Painting Category. <em>Courtesy: Richard Datuin</em></span></span></span></div><p>It’s another proud moment for the Philippines as Bulacan-based visual artist Noli Principe Manalang earned Special Commendations from the President of Florence Biennale 2025 in the Painting Category for his remarkable artwork titled “Sacred Profanity.”</p><p>In an emotional statement after receiving the honor, Manalang dedicated the recognition to his country and the people who continue to inspire his art. “Ang karangalang ito ay para sa bansang pilipinas sa pamilya ko sa mga kaibigan ko at para sa sining ng pilipinas salamat talaga.”</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:300px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1761569938710Image (5).jpg" style="width:300px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Bulacan-based artist Noli Manalang with his artwork &quot;Sacred Profanity&quot;. <em>Courtesy: Richard Datuin</em></span></span></span></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/people-culture-events/2025/10/22/filipino-art-shines-as-7-pinoy-artists-join-the-florence-biennale-1503">Filipino art shines as 7 Pinoy artists join the Florence Biennale</a></div><p>Now on its 15th edition, the Florence Biennale is considered one of the most prestigious international exhibitions of contemporary art and design. This year’s theme, “The Sublime Essence of Light and Darkness,” highlights the interplay between illumination and obscurity as a reflection of human experience and creativity.</p><p>Joining Manalang in representing the Philippines at the global art stage were six other talented Filipino artists Joe Datuin, Marpolo Cabrera, Marjowyn Vito, Angelie Banaag, Lorina Tayag Capitulo, and Veronica Ibarreta.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:300px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1761569984530Image (4).jpg" style="width:300px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Bulacan-based artist Noli Manalang. <em style="text-align:left">Courtesy: Richard Datuin</em></span></span></span></div><p>Their participation and recognition at the Florence Biennale reaffirm that Filipino artistry continues to shine brightly across the world, carrying with it the passion, depth, and soul of the nation’s creative spirit.</p>

<p>It’s another proud moment for the Philippines as Bulacan-based visual artist Noli Principe Manalang earned Special Commendations from the President of Florence Biennale 2025 in the Painting Category for his remarkable artwork titled “Sacred Profanity.”</p>

It’s another proud moment for the Philippines as Bulacan-based visual artist Noli Principe Manalang earned Special Commendations from the President of Florence Biennale 2025 in the Painting Category for his remarkable artwork titled “Sacred Profanity.”