Side Views: Up Close with The Mandolin Player at Hotel Luna

Art and history blend in an elegant fusion in one of the country's unique and distinct hotels. Located at the heart of the historic heritage district of Vigan, it is a landmark in itself. And there's more. An impressive art collection awaits guests at Vigan's Hotel Luna, the first museum hotel in the country.

Inspired by national artist Juan Luna, Hotel Luna continues the artist's passion with a stunning and extensive collection of art. At Hotel Luna, you can experience the vast art collection up close, proudly displayed at the hotel's museum, and at every corner and wall of the hotel for a truly memorable stay in Vigan (for more on the elegant Hotel Luna, see my previous post here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2014/08/side-views-elegant-fusion-of-history.html).

Inside Hotel Luna's elegant lobby, one is drawn to the elegant sculpture by Mulawin Abueva illuminating the lobby in a soft haze. Over at the Veranda overlooking the hotel pool, a mural depiction of Vigan and her famous landmarks are captured in a stunning hammered brass, silver, and stainless steel sculpture by local artist Rene Robles.

But there are more treasures to be discovered and experienced at Hotel Luna. From the lobby, you simply walk up the elegant wooden staircase reminiscent of Spanish era mansions, as you gaze at the elaborate and ornate ceiling details. Hotel Luna is, in itself, an impressive piece of art.

The polished hardwood floors and preserved period furniture greet you as you enter the hotel's museum. And right before you, in a strictly temperature controlled environment, one can enjoy and experience some of the country's best art up close.

Like the classic Lavandera (1959), an oil on canvas piece by national artist Fernando Amorsolo, reflecting the simple beauty of rustic times, with every shade of light captured in a each brush stroke. 

Contrasting styles from the different art movements and periods in history can be seen in the vast collection of Hotel Luna, like the vibrant Christmas Sun, an acryllic collage by Jose Joya. 

The simple yet elegant Tree (1974), a watercolor on paper piece by national artist Vicente Manansala, with its subdued and calming colors, yet brings you back to simpler times from countless summers back. 

As you take small and deliberate steps around the museum, the calming silence allows you to slowly immerse and enjoy each piece, each color, each brush stroke. The classic Dos Marias (1981), an oil on canvas piece by national artist Federico Alcuaz captures the elegance of a bygone era. 

Then, there's Hotel Luna's collection of modern art, like the bold Conversation #6,  a painted metal sculpture by national artist BenCab, with its free-flowing shapes and vibrant colors. 

The stark and graphic Palitana (2004), an acrylic on canvas piece by Arturo Luz, with its playful lines engaging and directing your eyes to different areas of the piece all at once. . 

Sculptures in different materials form part of Hotel Luna's collection, like the graceful Soul Released (2013), a brass, stainless steel, copper, and bronze sculpture by local artist Daniel Dela Cruz, depicting a delicate dance and balance. 

The tender Los Inocentes (1920), a bronze sculpture by national artist Guillermo Tolentino, is displayed at the corner of the museum, against a stark white wall that highlights each curve.

Ramon Orlina, the celebrated glass sculptor, is also represented in the extensive art collection of Hotel Luna, with a variety of pieces displayed at the museum as well as other corners throughout the hotel. 

Sarimanok, a hammered brass sculpture by Abdulmari Asia Imao, lends a distinct local flavor to the collection. 

The elegant Buntis, an alabaster sculpture by Fred Baldemor, another graceful study at Hotel Luna's museum.

Then, your eyes are drawn to a solitary piece on a brick wall. The centerpiece of Hotel Luna's collection, La Mandolinera (1883), the iconic oil on canvas piece by national artist Juan Luna. The piece simply draws you in as you gaze at the soulful eyes of Juan Luna's Mandolin Player.  Stunning, beautiful...and you can visit her every single day during your stay at Hotel Luna. 

Take a moment and sit back back as you take in every second, in a unique experience like no other. Hotel Luna makes these priceless works of art accessible to complete your Vigan experience. The vast collection can be enjoyed not only at the hotel's museum, but everywhere at Hotel Luna, from the elegant lobby to the restaurants, the veranda and by the pool. In a sense, the impressive art collection is housed in a piece of art. And that's the Hotel Luna experience.

Hotel Luna is located at V. De Los Reyes corner General Luna Street, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur or call +632-584-4945 for inquiries and reservations. You may also contact the Manila Sales Office located at 26 Tomas Morato extension, Brgy. South Triangle, Quezon City or call +632-373-3333 local 201-204 or email sales.hotelluna@ahmgi.com/rsvn.hotelluna@ahmgi.com.

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