BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — Promising a continued celebration of artistic collaboration and cultural exchange, the Ulap Gallery, in collaboration with the Filipino Institute for the Advancement of the Arts and Culture Inc., launched the Philippines-Korea Art Exhibition Exchange at the Baguio Palace Hotel on March 15, 2025.
This event serves as a preliminary showcase featuring 22 Filipino and 3 Korean artists in preparation for the main exhibition scheduled in Korea next year.
Artworks of Filipino artists Airon Bagtas, Al Vargas, Anna Lumpas, Aris Bagtas, Ardee Binalangbang, Badz Magsumbol, Dale Bagtas, Ed Manila, Euri Bagtas, Espie Bagtas, Irma Espinosa, Jan Blanco, Jaz Blanco, Justin Jan Blanco, Lemuel Blanco, Manny Sinquenco, Pauline Allison Espinosa, Rex Tatlonghari, Roland Rosacay, Roy Ama, Roy Espinosa, Franxyz Paulo and Korean artists Kim Hee Jung, Choi Vina and Ryoo Anna were showcased during the exhibition.
Roy Espinosa, one of the event organizers, said the primary objective of the exhibition exchange is to share cultural and artistic collaboration between the Philippines and Korea through artistic expression.
“It is a collaboration of Philippines and Korea, sharing ng ideas about the culture ng Philippines and Korea,” he said.
This event marks the second league of the Phil-Korea art exchange in the Philippines, with the first held in Cebu. Plans are in progress for the third league to be held at the Bonifacio Global City later this year.
Event organizers are encouraging aspiring artists to pursue their artistic passion and dedication.
“Sa mga mahilig mag-paint, future artists natin, just continue painting. Just do what you want to do, kasi you’re doing your art for yourself to feel better, hindi para sa iba ‘yun. Gumagawa ka ng art para ma-satisfy mo ‘yung sarili mo, hindi para ma-satisfy ‘yung iba. Kung magustuhan nila ‘yung gawa, mo that’s a bonus point,” Espinosa said.
“Magagaling ang mga Kabataan ngayon, so ituloy lang nila,” Rosacay added.
Lemuel Blanco, an artist from Angono, Rizal, whose paintings are deeply inspired by performed rituals and the Laguna de Bay, shared his inspirations and experiences in arts. He has already exhibited his works in Washington, DC and New York. He emphasized that each of his paintings tells a unique story.
“The painting is inspired by one of my lolo’s paintings, because he has a painting titled Chomno. I am just so fascinated with this ritual kung saan nagkakatay ng mga kalabaw and essentially it is a form of celebration,” Blanco emphasized.
Blanco added, “yung painting na babaeng nasa lawa is inspired by the Laguna de Bay, essentially Angono parte po ‘yung Laguna de Bay sa aming kultura. What is so fascinating is that water hyacinths, nagiging parang peste siya minsan kasi it overcrowds the lake. It’s the resilience of people how they find this problem into a solution, hina-harvest nila ‘yung hyacinths to weave into baskets.”
Another artist from Quezon City, Franxyz Paulo with two years of experience, creates art from old discs, reflecting his background as a musician.
“Since dati akong musician, naisipan kong gumawa ng sculpture na gawa sa mga lumang plaka. ‘Yung dating napapakinggan lang natin ngayon, nakikita na natin visually,” Paulo mentioned.
He encouraged aspiring artists to be creative and explore sustainable arts.
“Sa mga aspiring artists, learn, unlearn, relearn. Kailangang balikan ni’yo pa rin ‘yung pagiging malikhain ni’yo. Mag-isip tayo ng mga bagong konsepto, gaya nitong sustainable art,” he stated.
The art exhibit will be available for viewing until March 30, 2025.(JDP/DEG/Ariann Mangayabas -PIA CAR- BSU Intern)
