THE AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY’S CELEBRATION of its National Day 2010 was kicked off by the launch of “An Aussie in Manila,” a mixed-media exhibition of artworks by Philippine-based Australian artist Henry Bateman, at Sining Kamalig Gallery (4/L, Gateway Mall, Araneta Center, Cubao).

KARINA BALUYUT IS OPENING her fourth solo show at Galerie Francesca in Alabang on Feb. 10.

Titled “Spring,” the exhibit will feature 45 new works in exhilarating colors and exuberant lines and forms. The show runs until Feb. 24.

A GROUP EXHIBIT SUCH AS “Happily Unhappy” (Blanc Gallery, Mandaluyong) has a lot going for it, other than the possibility, and the fact, of a smorgasbord of artists.

There is the brilliance of a concept, the idea of being happy with one’s unhappiness, that can carry an exhibit like this to brilliance.

IFUGAO, SAYS DR. FELIPE TOLENTINO of Restoring Sight International (RSI), has the highest incidence of blindness in the Philippines. So when he and a team from the Ophthalmological Foundation of the Philippines visited the area, they realized the need for an eye center to be put up in the area.