Marcel Crespo: From IT Executive to Passionate Art Collector in Manila

Marcel Crespo, a prominent figure in the Information Technology sector in the Philippines, is also recognized as a discerning art collector. His journey began in 1994 with the purchase of his first painting, which he still owns, initially bought for decoration rather than collection. Serious collecting started in 2006, driven by a childhood passion for collecting coins, stamps, and banknotes, and a deep interest in history, viewing art as a reflection of time. Crespo does not come from a family of collectors; as a child, he visited museums while his family shopped. For him, collecting art in Manila is not about the artist's provenance but the work's meaning. Passion, not project, fuels his collection. He is drawn to works that open his eyes to new ideas or situations he hadn't considered, favoring conceptual art but collecting passionately. His taste has evolved significantly over time, reflecting his personality. Crespo rarely buys at auction, preferring to acquire through artists or galleries, valuing the process over instant gratification. He travels extensively for art, visiting dozens of museums annually—over 50 in one year—with regular stops in New York and Berlin, and attends six to ten art fairs and biennials yearly. Last year, he spent eight days in Brazil solely dedicated to art.