The Faura Project

29/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/18nxAR1iGS/?mibextid=wwXIfr

29/08/2026

Mangroves used to line coastal Manila.

MEET THE YOLANDA SURVIVOR WHO PLANTED A MANGROVE FOREST TO PROTECT HIS VILLAGE

For 65-year-old Gary Dabansol, the memory of Yolanda became more than something to remember—it became a lesson in preparation.

In his village in Matalom, Leyte, that lesson took root in the form of a remarkable mangrove forest.

Dabansol, known affectionately as Tatay Gary by his neighbors, planted 10,000 mangrove trees all by himself, hoping to give his community added protection against storm surges.

A frequent visitor to Matalom beach, Dan Niez from neighboring Hilongos was stunned when he came across the expansive patch of greenery. He shared photos of it on Facebook, where the sight quickly gained attention, receiving around 3,000 shares and nearly 4,000 likes.

Behind the striking landscape was a personal mission shaped by survival.

For Dabansol, Yolanda served as a powerful reminder that communities need to be prepared for natural disasters. Rather than simply holding on to that lesson, he transformed it into something tangible—trees growing along the coast, standing as a natural line of defense for the village he calls home.

But the mangroves were planted for more than protection.

Dabansol also envisioned the area as a breeding ground for fish, creating a potential source of food and livelihood for the community.

What began with one survivor planting trees has grown into a remarkable green patch along Matalom's coast—a testament to how one person's experience can inspire an effort rooted in both protection and hope.

For Tatay Gary, the trees are more than a forest. They are a way of preparing for what may come while nurturing something that can give back to his community.



Read full story in the comments.

29/08/2026

Another reason to visit Calle Faura!

The artistic legacy of National Artist Vicente Manansala takes center stage with Art Forward Manila, in partnership with the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila Museum of a History of Ideas, presents Homage to Manansala’s Manila and Pamana at Sining ng Pamantasan: Ang UP sa Gunita nina Amorsolo at Manansala.

The exhibition features works by Art Forward artists inspired by Manansala’s art and influence, alongside pieces from the UP Manila Museum’s permanent collection featuring works by Manansala and fellow National Artist Fernando Amorsolo. | via Philippine Star

Link to the full texts in the comment section.

14/08/2026

"Bilang paggunita sa pambihirang ambag nina Fernando Amorsolo at Vicente Manansala, dalawa sa mga tanyag na Pambansang Alagad ng Sining at mga natatanging alumni ng University of the Philippines School of Fine Arts, na unang itinatag sa Maynila, inaanyayahan namin ang lahat na makiisa sa pagdiriwang ng ating mayamang pamana sa sining, kasaysayan, at edukasyon."

𝙋𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙖 𝙖𝙩 𝙎𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙣𝙜𝙖𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝘼𝙜𝙤𝙨𝙩𝙤 🎨

Ngayong National History Month, tampok ng University of the Philippines Manila – Museum of a History of Ideas (UPM-MHI) ang “Pamana at Sining ng Pamantasan: Ang UP sa Gunita nina Amorsolo at Manansala” — isang linggong eksibisyon at serye ng mga programa na gaganapin mula Agosto 25–28.

📅 Agosto 25 - Pagbubukas ng Eksibit para sa mga imbitadong panauhin
📅 Agosto 26-28 - Linggo ng Eksibit para sa publiko

Bilang paggunita sa pambihirang ambag nina Fernando Amorsolo at Vicente Manansala, dalawa sa mga tanyag na Pambansang Alagad ng Sining at mga natatanging alumni ng University of the Philippines School of Fine Arts, na unang itinatag sa Maynila, inaanyayahan namin ang lahat na makiisa sa pagdiriwang ng ating mayamang pamana sa sining, kasaysayan, at edukasyon.

Abangan ang mga susunod na anunsyo para sa buong programa at iba pang detalye ng eksibit. Sama-sama nating iguhit at kulayan ang ating kasaysayan sa pagdiriwang ng National History Month.



📲 Like and Follow us:
Facebook: UP Manila Museum of a History of Ideas
Instagram:

📩 For museum inquiries, tours, and event reservations:
[email protected]
☎️ (02) 8814-1256

14/08/2026

See the world through the eyes of National Artist Vicente Manansala!

What if you could learn how to see the world through the eyes of National Artist Vicente Manansala?

Explore the beauty of transparent cubism in a hands-on oil pastel workshop led by Jade Cabauatan and guided by Ronna Manansala.

📅 August 28, 2026 (Friday)
🕘 9:00–10:30 a.m.
📍 UP Manila Museum of a History of Ideas

Workshop Fee: ₱1,500
Includes:
✨ Oil pastel materials
✨ Specialty paper
✨ Snacks

🎓 Students receive 20% off.

Whether you’re an artist, a beginner, or simply curious about Manansala’s distinctive approach to form and color, this workshop offers a wonderful opportunity to explore his enduring legacy through practice.

Send us a DM or email [email protected] to register.

Limited slots only. We hope to see you there ✨

10/08/2026

Heritage conservation awareness campaign through charcoal drawing workshops.

The Faura Project, in collaboration with UP Salinlahi, recently completed their heritage conservation awareness campaign through a series of charcoal drawing workshops for the children of Ermita.

Dubbed “Los Niños Ermitenses” – A Charcoal Drawing Workshop for the Children of Ermita and other Districts of Manila aimed to increase the awareness of children in Zone 72, Ermita, of their bio-cultural heritage. The children were taught how to draw the pandan plant, nilad, and balete by UP Salinlahi member and visual artist Zai Pacardo.

📷 Hacel Buenbrazo

Read the full article in the comment section.

26/07/2026

🌿 Mangroves are lifelines and the planet.

These unique ecosystems:

🌊 Help protect coastal communities from storms, erosion and rising seas.
🐟 Support biodiversity, food security and local livelihoods.
🌍 Store vast amounts of carbon and help address climate change.

Yet mangroves continue to disappear at an alarming rate, putting both people and nature at risk.

Through its UNESCO-designated sites, including sites, and , UNESCO supports the conservation and restoration of mangrove ecosystems by bringing together science, local knowledge and community action.

Protecting mangroves means protecting , strengthening climate resilience and supporting the communities that depend on these ecosystems.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.unesco.org/en/days/mangrove-ecosystem-conservation

26/07/2026

Long before the series of land reclamations in Manila, the nilad plant used to proliferate along its coastline.

Ever wonder how nature builds its own islands and protects our coastlines?

Take a look at this incredible cross-section of a Mangrove ecosystem. It is a masterclass in natural engineering! Here is how these resilient trees work double-time at the water's edge:

Above the Surface (Wave Attenuation): The dense, tangled network of aerial prop roots acts as a powerful natural breakwater. When high-energy ocean waves crash into this root impingement zone, the roots absorb and shatter the wave's kinetic energy, creating calm waters behind them.

Below the Surface (Sediment Stabilization): Underwater, this same submerged root matrix acts like a biological net. It traps floating marine sediment, sand, and organic matter. Over time, this trapped debris builds up and compacts into nutrient-rich mangrove peat, literally raising the sea floor and forming new islands!

Mangroves aren't just coastal trees, they are dynamic, wave-buffering, land-building machines protecting our shores.