Exhibits across Luzon mark National Arts Month

VISUAL STORIES Guests take a closer look at some of the paintings of Tokyo-based Filipino artist Dennis Sun, who launched the “Words, Colors, & Beyond” exhibit at the Clark Museum, Clark Freeport, on Feb. 13. The show highlights the artist’s 40-year creative journey in Japan and supports the Aeta community around Clark. —TONETTE T. OREJAS

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—National Arts Month celebrations are in full swing across Luzon, showcasing how creativity continues to shape regional identity and preserve collective memory.

In Pampanga, the occasion took a national scope as it featured 21 selected paintings from 220 entries submitted by artists across the country.

The exhibit, organized by the Andrea Domingo Foundation (ADF) and the Art Association of the Philippines (AAP), opened on Feb. 8 at the Museum of Philippine Arts and Culture (Mopac) here. It showcased the ADF-AAP competition’s first, second and third prize winners, five merit awardees and 13 honorable mentions.

The monthlong exhibit also includes 12 Mopac special selections and eight works by AAP officials.

Andrea Domingo, ADF chair, said at least 95 percent of the winning pieces provide social, political and environmental commentaries.

Also in Pampanga, Tokyo-based Filipino artist Dennis Sun returned to his roots with “Words, Colors, & Beyond,” an exhibit that traces his 40-year creative journey in Japan.

Sun’s major retrospective at the Clark Museum in Clark Freeport features more than 100 paintings, sculptures, graphic works and writings produced in both Japan and the Philippines.

A graduate of the University of the Philippines Diliman, Angeles City-born Sun has collaborated with major institutions and corporations in Japan, while actively promoting Filipino culture among migrant communities.

Beneficiary

Part of the exhibit’s proceeds will benefit the Aeta community around Clark. The exhibit runs until March 8, with workshops and talks scheduled throughout its duration.

In La Union, a photo exhibit titled “Lagip ti Umili” (Memories of the People) opened at SM City La Union, as part of the province’s 176th founding anniversary celebration.

The exhibit features historical photographs dating back to the 1950s, chronicling the province’s cultural heritage, milestones and past anniversary commemorations.

“Lagip,” an Iloko word meaning “to remember,” reflects the exhibit’s aim of encouraging residents to look back on La Union’s journey while drawing inspiration for the future.

In Oriental Mindoro, Voyage: The Mindoro Artists Group will mount the “Mina ng Hinas” Art Exhibit 2026 from Feb. 25 to Feb. 28 at the Oriental Mindoro Heritage Museum in Calapan City.

With the theme “History, Culture, Nature and Future,” the four-day exhibit will present artworks rooted in Mindoro’s heritage while exploring environmental stewardship and visions for the next generation.