Filling walls and posts of restaurants with artworks or photographs has become trendy hereabouts.
Jason Asiong, photo hobbyist, opened his one-man photo exhibit last October 13 using traditional silver gelatin paper and dark room processing at the Man-Apsol Cafe on the second floor of Calajo Restaurant.
Located along KM 6, La Trinidad, Benguet, Man-Apsol (named after the Ibaloi term that means to meet), is hardly six months old in the business and Patrick Wong, owner and film hobbyist, is experimenting with the use of the shelves, walls, and posts to exhibit the black and white photographs of Asiong.
Espousing their Ibaloi heritage, both Wong and Asiong try to engage the clientele in conversations with their food, pieces, and images. Asiong wants viewers to reflect on the strawberry fields of La Trinidad in his photo spread entitled, “Strawberry Mornings.” Wong attempts to depict similarities in the art and crafts of Benguet with those of other Asian neighbors in the interior design of his coffee and fusion Cordillera menu restaurant.
Asiong, who shot the photographs of the plots planted with strawberry plants on top of plastic covered beds, emphasizes old farming methods. Shot in the early morning light, the shadows render the dilapidated chairs and implements in striking contrast visible only in black and white photographs. He also implies a deterioration of the soil with the use of chemically laden fertilizers. His images in small and large prints are tastefully mounted on the posts that are bare anyway, on easels for the larger prints, and in shelves among the plants and knick-knack collections of Wong. This necessitates taking a closer look at the framed images.
Meanwhile, Wong allows the eyes to wander through his collection of weaves and dried fruits, seeds, and weeds hanging on the walls. Other wooden items are also curiously set on the walls. The material culture of the Ibalois is also part of the many ornaments that he has used in this meeting place for both the conservative and youthful residents and visitors of La Trinidad.
He introduces drip espresso preparations to coffee enthusiasts. Baristas prepare the meticulously measured ground beans and boiled water for a unique taste of a variety of Ethiopian beans, although the main brew is from locally grown varieties. The cafe food is made from native ingredients and prepared with a twist.
Running until the end of the month, Asiong’s photo stories definitely merit a look-see. Drop by Man-Apsol Cafe to get a glimpse of art while sampling good food.
