Valentine’s Day 2025 will be extra special at Venice Grand Canal at McKinley Hill because they have a unique installation you’ll only be able to see here this year: BLIC’s latest masterpiece!
Renowned Filipino street artist BLIC explores the challenges of everyday life through his impressive contemporary art pieces, often featuring personified hands. These figures, known as his “Humands” icon, have been showcased in exhibitions around the world, including Taiwan, Los Angeles, and Rome. On Valentine’s Day 2025, BLIC put a romantic spin on his work, unveiling “Connection,” a depiction of two people kissing, at the Venice Grand Canal, the most romantic mall in the Philippines, on February 12, 2025.
The art installation hopes to demonstrate the capability of humans to express exceptional love for one another, according to BLIC. “Gusto ko lang ipakita na very important pa rin yung ‘connection’ [ng tao sa isa’t isa] in this modern age,” BLIC told WheninManila.com during an exclusive interview. (“I just want to show that ‘connection’ [between people] is still very important in this modern age.”) Given his signature style, BLIC chose the heart-hand gesture – a modern and very fitting way to represent this human emotion!
BLIC was also thrilled to see “Connection” so perfectly at home amidst the mall’s hip and fun vibe and aesthetic. This Valentine’s Day 2025, BLIC humbly hopes that his artwork – combined with the gondola rides, must-try restaurants, mimes, mascots, and other special offerings – will add to the romantic atmosphere of Venice Grand Canal. Spoiler alert: it absolutely does! “Sana mahanap niyo yung best connections niyo in life,” BLIC added, and “maging masaya ang February 14 niyo.” (“I hope you find your best connections in life… and have a happy February 14th.”)
Inspired by the Venice Grand Canal in Italy and European architecture, the whole atmosphere of the Venice Grand Canal in McKinley Hill is romantic! Here, people can enjoy going on dates with their loved ones, friends, families, and even pets.
“We have a beautiful alfresco area good for activities such as a stroll along the grand canal, a romantic dinner date, and most especially the famous gondola ride,” said McKinley Hill General Manager Beda Cabanos. “Aside from being known as the ‘most romantic mall’, we also have scenic spots within the mall where people can take photos like the Ponte Rialto Bridge, the Love Locks at the Ponte D’Amore Bridge, pigeon-feeding at the Venice Piazza; and now, we have an art installation by BLIC.”
In an effort to support local talent, Megaworld chose to collaborate with BLIC, who is making an impact not just in the Philippines, but also abroad. “As you can see, his art piece, although somewhat quirky, is really eye-catching… something that people can take pictures with when they visit,” Cabanos explained.
“For Valentine’s weekend 2025, we also have a lot of activities lined up,” he included.
“From February 14 to 16, we have concerts featuring The Juans, Lara Maigue & David Cruz, Johnoy Danao and Sugarcane.”
“Visitors can also shop for gifts at the Cupid Market on weekends; and participate in art workshops with ARTipolo, and join flower crochet workshops by Taguig Crocheters from February 21st to 23rd at the Ponte Lobby!” Plus, Cabanos continued, “We also have a pet adoption in partnership with Animal Kingdom Foundation and Kuna Foundation happening on the last weekend of the month to show our love for our beloved Aspins and Puspins – it’s called ‘From Stray to Stay’.”
This collaboration with Megaworld is particularly meaningful to BLIC because of the recognition given to his unique artistic vision. “Kung tutuusin, very niche talaga yung image na meron ako,” he admitted, “pero naramdaman ko na sobrang accepted siya. Na-feel ko yung home.” (“Actually, the image I have is really very niche, but I felt that it was so accepted. I felt at home.”)
Experience romance at Megaworld’s Venice Grand Canal Mall in McKinley Hill starting this Valentine’s Day 2025!
