Stela Marie Eve Militante

From chips to noodles and biscuits to sweets, Carlo Tanseco’s Sari-Sari Sabi-Sabi turns everyday snacks into an art. 


The exhibit, which runs from the 21st until 23rd of February is found at Art Fair Philippines 2025 at Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati, invites visitors to experience the playful yet wonderful reimagining of familiar items, on simple things often overlooked in everyday life. 

Sari-sari refers to the popular type of convenience store in the Philippines, where most of these snacks are nestled. While sabi-sabi evokes the idea of shared expressions, meaningful experiences, and uplifting messages. 

“This exhibit is a continuation of my previous show, Canned Thoughts. It’s a tribute to the snacks I grew up with,” Tanseco explains, saying that whether these snacks are either used as bribes, late-night study companions, or shared with friends — all hold a special place inside his heart.

His playful reimagining of snack packaging, coupled with positive phrases, encourages everyone to find joy in the small, often forgotten moments of life, merging creativity with philosophy. 

Carlo Tanseco’s journey into the world of art is as varied as the pieces he crafted. A graduate of the University of the Philippines with a degree in Architecture, he was able to showcase his works in global events like Maison et Objet in Paris and the Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan, designed award-winning commercial spaces for Ayala Malls, and collaborated with brands like Swarovski Crystals and Perleberg of Germany. 

If you’re in Makati, never miss the chance to have a glimpse of his exhibit. It is a reminder that art is not just confined in galleries or canvasses, but in the simple joys, the everyday moments, and the snacks that accompany us through it all.