This is a letter by Robert Sylianteng (
@rsylianteng ), President of First United Building, and I am very proud to share the energy here —-
DEFINITION OF TERMS
1. Lak lak se (Chinese) = Messy (they call me messy, lmao, I didnt understand at first because dila ko pinoy.)
2. FUB = First United Building
And yes, about what you mentioned about “Space into Place” —- you said space originates in the mind, only symbolically claimed in our hearts. It is only when spirits and ideas are unified that places truly become.
That, for me, is First United Building.
It is the care and energy you and your family have poured into it.
From my very first month as a tenant, I already felt this warmth. I didn’t even buy an aircon at first lmao — and when you visited and acquired an artwork from me. You laughed and said “Oh, no you can buy an aircon already, ha!” LMAO
And in our first intimate conversation, you even labeled me “TONG TIAN”. I later leaned its meaning — knowledge that connects heaven and earth. A monumental term for me.
Because of all this, I find myself less cynical. I proudly share this note with my friends and strangers — and now, in my own small museum, my instagram feed.
I may not be a tenant in the building anymore, but thank you for sharing your place as home. I am thankful for your whole family — the Syliantengs (
@lysylianteng ,
@robsylian )
P.S. Thank you for breaking the curse. I used to carry judgements against “oooold” Chinese People. I’m not saying you’re old—- I’m saying you’re Gold. Good Old.
So again, thank you for sharing your space again for my upcoming 5th Solo Exhibition and 11th Anniversary— Escolta is a special space in my head that turned into place.
