Those looking forward to artsy dates within the city are in for a treat as The Manila Clock Tower Museum unveils four new exhibits for the months of August and September.

The exhibits showcase a range of artistic and cultural endeavors that highlight Manila's rich heritage and the power of creativity in social change.

Tourism Operations Officer for the Department of Tourism, Culture, and Arts of Manila, Jose Ma Belmonte, speaking on behalf of Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan and Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto, said during the opening ceremony on August 3, "We're thrilled to share with you a collection of works that embody creativity, innovation, and passion. This exhibit represents the culmination of hard work and dedication of our artists and curators."

Artist Pedrong Masipag with 'Timeless Beauty, Maynila' collection. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO

"We hope it inspires you and resonates with each of you. Your presence underscores the importance of art and culture in our community," he added.

The exhibits feature diverse themes and contributors, each bringing a unique perspective to the museum's storied halls. These are:

"Timeless Beauty, Maynila" by Pedrong Masipag. The collection of Pedrong Masipag, Neptalie Aunzo in real life, is his tribute to the City of Manila, capturing its architectural grandeur and historical significance through vivid artworks.

'Tintamarre @ 50, Utak Agham Utak Sining' by the Philippine Science High School Class of 1974

Masipag's collection, inspired by his childhood memories of the city's landmarks, celebrates the evolution of Manila from its storied past to its dynamic present. His work highlights areas such as Quiapo, Luneta, and the Manila Clock Tower, which he describes as "a four-faced giant looking over the city."

"Tintamarre @ 50, Utak Agham Utak Sining" by the Philippine Science High School Class of 1974. The Philippine Science High School Class of 1974 marks its 50th anniversary with a collection featuring a wide range of media from artists Estela Tabayoyong Domaoal, Rebecca Dy-Liacco Neufeld, Marilyn Manding Poirier, Eleanor Red Recaña, Jose Danilo Silvestre and Rommel Yazon.

"SDGs Techno-Resiliart" by ITI Earthsavers Culture Caregiving Service to Boystown. This exhibit uses art as a vehicle for social transformation, with a focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This exhibit features works created by vulnerable groups, including orphaned children and seniors, as part of a creative workshop held at Boystown, Manila.

The artists and curators at the opening ceremony of Manila Clock Tower Museum's new exhibits.

"The SDGs mural installation is an educational platform to motivate citizen involvement to help actualize to our country commitment to the UN 2030 SDGs linked to the Paris Climate Accord not to breach 1.5 degree-celsius overheating of the Earth or life on Earth is extinguished," the organization stated.

"The Hope Project" by Jail Chief Inspector Aris Williamere Villaester. This is an initiative that provides Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) with an artistic platform to express their stories.

The Manila Clock Tower Museum, inaugurated in 2022 by Mayor Lacuna-Pangan, stands as a testament to the adaptive reuse of Manila City Hall's iconic clock tower.

It has transformed from a mere timepiece into a vibrant bastion of tourism, culture, and the arts. This year, the museum has been distinguished with the Golden LEAF Presidential Award.