MANILA, Philippines — Manila has officially joined the global network of interactive public art with the launch of the first-ever Portal in Asia, now installed along 5th Avenue at Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City (BGC).
The Portal, part of the Portals Organization’s worldwide project, allows visitors to see and interact in real time with people in other cities across the globe. Locations already connected include Vilnius (Lithuania), Lublin (Poland), Dublin (Ireland), Philadelphia (United States), and Ipswich (United Kingdom). Future installations are planned in Piauí, Brazil, and other cities.
“A World Connected by Human Encounter”
Benediktas Gylys, founder of the Portals Organization, said the Manila installation represents a milestone for Asia:
“The opening of our first Portal in Asia is a powerful and exciting moment for us. Bringing the Portal to BGC in Manila — a city known for genuine warmth and deep sense of human connection — expands our vision of a world connected not by borders, but by human encounter.”
Gylys added that the project thrives on people:
“Portals come to life through people — a global community willing to look at one another with openness and curiosity … Together, these cities form not only a network of sculptures, but a living bridge towards a more connected world.”
BGC Officials Highlight Cultural Significance
For BGC, the installation reflects the city’s commitment to innovation, public art, and community engagement. Enrique B. Manuel Jr., Chief Operating Officer of BGC, noted:
“With Portals and at BGC, we hope to create a new space for connection — one that not only engages our community, but also proudly shares the vibrancy and richness of Filipino culture with the world.”
A New Landmark for Visitors
The Manila Portal operates 24/7, allowing visitors to wave, greet, and interact with participants in other Portal cities in real time. It offers a unique combination of technology, public art, and cultural exchange, making BGC a hub for interactive global experiences.
As the first Portal in Asia, the BGC installation not only showcases the Philippines on the international stage but also creates a platform for cross-cultural connection, reminding locals and tourists alike of the power of human engagement beyond borders.
Sources: (When In Manila) (Philstar) (Manila Shaker) (Lithuania.lt) (Society Philippines)
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