The Anthem Philatelist

In the vibrant ecosystem of Cebuano art, the lineage of mentorship acts as the lifeblood of regional mastery. At the heart of this lineage stands Jose “Kimsoy” Yap Jr. , a towering figure in Philippine art celebrated for his ethereal command over watercolor, expressive landscapes, and meticulous use of line and space. Having studied under the legendary "Dean of Cebuano Painters," Martino Abellana , and later at the National Academy of Design in New York, Yap synthesized classical discipline with a modern sensitivity to light and atmosphere.  He belongs to the Cebu Siete , an elite group of seven Cebu-based master artists who have have found their way into the Manila market and other parts of the globe. The rest include Adeste Deguilmo , Fred Galan , Jun Impas , Mar Vidal , Celso Duazo Pepito and Orly Ypon . However, a master’s true magnitude is measured not only by his own canvases but also by the generations he inspires. Through his dedicated instruction and mentorship, Yap...

  In the visual arts,  Pakiglambigit (active engagement and connection) transforms a simple art exhibit into a living ecosystem. An exhibition featuring novice, emerging, mid-career, and master artists is not just a display of talent. It is a sacred space of collective belonging and artistic passing of the torch. Through this shared space, creators at different stages of their journeys connect, influence, and elevate one another: Novice Artists: They bring raw curiosity and untamed energy. Their pakiglambigit begins by stepping into the light, overcoming vulnerability, and absorbing the wisdom around them. Emerging Artists: They offer fresh, experimental perspectives. They actively engage by challenging boundaries and sparking vital dialogues with their contemporaries. Mid-Career Artists: They serve as the critical bridge. With refined voices and established practices, they anchor the exhibition, offering steady guidance to the youth while drawing new inspiration from the...

                              KASAMTANGAN This exhibit by 18 artists- a complilation of varied subjects like "Pandango sa Ilaw" by the late Edgar Mojares, "Love and Inspiration " by Celso Duazo Pepito. Lydia Velasco has two pieces entitled: "Fish Vendors", and Joel Cristobal has his "Mother and Child". Tony Alcoseba has shown his deep influenced with Picasso with his works: "Relaxing Moments" while the late Wenceslao Cuevas,Jr. has represented himself with five "Iconic Prints". Fe Madrid Pepito has shown her penchant for Landscapes and Flowers, Marlowe Villagonzalo is happy to share his plein air interpretations of "Fuente Osmeña Series 1 and 2. Those who might be more interested in Still Life themes, Sonia Yrastorza, Jonathan Abellana, Michael Dondoyano have painted few that might beautify your wall. Those who opt for old houses, Melencio Sapnu has pieces in this subject. When an artwork reflects a biblical them...

Art Beyond Borders! Johor Bahru, Malaysia will be the venue for the International Art Dialogue Exchange Exhibition and Book Launching of “Cultural Canvases” — a celebration of creativity, culture, and collaboration across Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, the Philippines, and India. The event will be held in YES AMJB Gallery, R&F Mall, Jalan Tanjung Puteri 1, Johor Bahru July 26 – August 30, 2025 Representing the Philippines are 16 visionary artists whose works speak of heritage, emotion, and innovation: Roy Espinosa , Celso Pepito , Aris Bagtas , Roland Rosacay , Manuel Sinquenco , Al Vargas, Mark Chua, Lemuel Blanco, Fe Madrid Pepito , Espie Bagtas , Irma Espinosa, Jaz Blanco, Tatz Lee , Ana Lyn Seva, Grandjoy Agdigos, and Pauline Allison Espinosa. Be part of the unveiling of “Cultural Canvases: A Dialogue Between Filipino and World Art Traditions” — a book that bridges stories and strokes from across Asia. Let art be the language that unites us!

Cebu , a hub of trade, culture, and innovation, is renowned for its expertise in furniture, crafts, and fashion design. In recent years, it has also emerged as a global center for multimedia arts and IT outsourcing, solidifying its position as a premier location for BPO companies outside Manila. This vibrant city is home to a thriving community of visual artists and musicians. In recognition of its rich cultural landscape, Cebu was designated as a Creative City of Design in 2008 and acknowledged as the ASEAN City of Culture in 2015. These distinctions have significantly contributed to the growth of tourism in the region. As a testament to the Cebuanos' dedication to preserving their heritage, a group of local painters, in collaboration with ArtPortalCebu, presents "Cebu On Canvas." This project aims to promote Cebu's cultural legacy and artistic traditions through a diverse collection of paintings. F Celebrating the beauty of Cebu through the eyes of the Cebuano pai...

  ARTPORTALCEBU, in collaboration with Filarts Inc., announces the holding of the Philippines-Korea Art Exchange Exhibition at the ArtPortalCebu located in Atua Midtown, F. Manalo Street, Cebu City, on Feb. 3 to 12, 2025. The exhibition features works from a stellar lineup of Filipino artists, including Lida Maria Aguilar, Roy Ama, Aris Bagtas, Espie Bagtas, Leodito Bongo III, Roy Espinosa, Pauline Allison Espinosa, Marvin Natural, Celso Pepito, Lucilo Sagayno and Manuel Sinquenco. Renowned Korean artists Park I-Sook, Youn Euni, Wang Young-Mi, Choi Moung-Hui, Yu Su-Gyeong, Bae Hyun-Jung, Ryoo Anna, Park Yun-Kyung, Shim Hyun-Ji, Lee Hyo-Jung, Choi Vina, and Kim Hee Jung present their works as well. The Exhibition aims to foster cultural appreciation and artistic dialogue between the two nations through a diverse selection of paintings, and mixed media works. Attendees can expect to experience an array of artistic styles and cultural expressions that highlight the creative spirit and...

ArtPortalCebu Consolacion will open a new branch at Atuà Midtown on December 8, 2024,  ArtPortalCebu Atuà Midtown branch will have its initial exhibit entitled: ATUANG KULTURA The exhibit is a manifestation of the richness of our arts and culture as Filipinos in general, and as Cebuanos in particular. ArtPortal Cebu Atuà Midtown branch hopes to contribute in bringing art more closer to people of Cebu, and provide our homegrown artists  an exhibition platform that can possibly help them showcase their creative talents. Participants Jonathan ABELLANA Lida Maria AGUILAR Brylle ARANCO Tam AUSTRIA Leodito BONGO-III Romeo CORTEZ, JR. Joel CRISTOBAL Adeste DEGUILMO Jess DINGLASA John DINGLASA Reynan DINGAL Michael DONDOYANO Jun IMPAS Zapphire JAYME Joseph ONG Renulo PAUTAN Celso PEPITO Fe PEPITO Ruel ROSELLO Lucilo SAGAYNO Lydia VELASCO Antonio VIDAL Jik VILLANUEVA Marlowe VILLAGONZALO Marlone YLANAN Sonia YRASTORZA. ArtPortalCebu, Sincerely thank Sir Allen Tan for allowing us to put...

The Cebu - Manila Art Collective Exhibit - United by Art, Bridging Cities, will be showcased at the Visayas Art Fair 2024 at Booth B07. "Visual Cohesion" The Visayas Art Fair 2024 (VAF) celebrates a profound journey of artistic expression, where diverse paths converge to form a unified, visual language. This year's fair features talented artists under the Cebu-Manila Artists Collective, each bringing their unique backgrounds and experiences to the forefront. These artists, shaped by distinct artistic journeys, come together to showcase their individual visions. Their works, varied in style and technique, seek unity through a collective aspiration to express their narratives and emotions. This convergence creates a harmonious visual experience, reflecting the rich tapestry of Filipino art. The VAF 2024 stands as a testament to the power of art in bridging differences and fostering a sense of community. Each piece invites viewers to engage, reflect, and connect on a deeper...

  Mark the date-August 25, 2024 at the SM Art Center SM Megamall- A Solo Exhibit of Cebuano Master Cubist Celso Duazo Pepito featuring retrospective and recent works. It is also a pre-launching of his book- Going Above, Over and Beyond which will officially unfold in Cebu City on February 28, 2025. Primarily a painter, Celso Pepito’s (b.1956) practice stems from his love of God, family, and country. Guided by Saint Josemaría Escrivá’s teachings on the sanctification of ordinary work, Pepito believes that man must not limit himself to material production and instead remember Escrivá’s proclamation that “Work is born of love; it is a manifestation of love and is directed towards love."  Hence, Pepito’s devotion to illustrating representations of life through these virtues, along with its struggles and triumphs, are presented in the exhibition Antecedence. The selection offers a glimpse into Pepito’s artistic career, which spans four decades of mostly working with sketches , d...

 FilArts  presents Beyond Borders- Art Speaks the Same Language on July 12 6pm at the ELKS Club, 7th Floor, Corinthian Plaza, Paseo de Roxas, Makati City One of the featured artist is Lloyd B. Lusica . He was born in Guindulman, an old town in the eastern part of Bohol in the Philippines. He attended the University of Bohol College of Architecture and Fine Arts where he majored in Advertising. Dreaming big and aiming high to have a better life, Lloyd moved to Manila in 2012 to fulfill his dream of etching a name in painting and started participating in a number of group art shows. As an abstract figurative painter, Lloyd's paintings are meant to be read and analyzed. He doesn't want the audience to merely admire his art works because of its beauty; rather, he wants the audience to connect with the image that they see, moved by it and explore the boundless possibilities of its interpretation. A Lloyd Lusica trademark is his use of grids in most of his paintings. Those interlock...

  Nami Art Gallery presents Ani (Harvest) and Ayono (Fasting), a group exhibit of emerging and established artists from Cebu and Manila.  Nami Art Gallery  serves as a platform where Filipino visual artists can express their narratives and exhibit their skills. Established during the 2020 pandemic by Tin and Gabriel Yap , they are committed to nurturing and overseeing emerging talents while also collaborating with established artists. Their branches are located in Mandaluyong City and Pasig City , Philippines.

  Michael , also called Saint Michael the Archangel, Archangel Michael and Saint Michael the Taxiarch is an archangel in Judaism , Christianity , Islam , and the Baha'i faith. The earliest surviving mentions of his name are in 3rd and 2nd-century BC Jewish works, often but not always apocalyptic, where he is the chief of the angels and archangels, and he is the guardian prince of Israel and is responsible for the care of Israel.  Christianity adopted nearly all the Jewish traditions concerning him, and he is mentioned explicitly in Revelation 12:7–12 , where he does battle with Satan, and in the Epistle of Jude , where the author denounces heretics by contrasting them with Michael.

Cebu Artists Incorporated in cooperation with Perpetual Succour Hospital - Cebu Heart Institute will be exhibiting a fund raiser for cardiac patients. Save this  Valentines Day date and Save a heart.  Also featured will be the artworks of talented cardiologist Dr. Geraldine Ebo .  Perpetual Succour Hospital- Cebu Heart Institute is making a difference in the world of healthcare, it is marked by rapid infrastructure change and innovations, in technology and medical science to ensure excellent delivery of health care services. Quietly but steadily, Perpetual Succour Hospital has created extraordinary waves by responding to the emerging needs of the century. The transformation is unparalleled because it has gone beyond our competence, our potentiality, and have entered successfully into specialized fields. It has proven its mettle, spirit of fortitude, moral fiber and strength of character.   Life Purpose To serve and care as authentic witnesses to the Divine Healer tow...

Embrace the power of art at Filarts Gallery, Robinson's Novaliches, on December 17, 2023. Discover the captivating works of talented artists celebrating the culmination of a remarkable year. Join them for an extraordinary art exhibition that will ignite your imagination and leave you inspired. 

Witness Master Celso Duazo Pepito , Fe Madrid Pepito and Florentino "Jun" Impas in Dumingag , Zamboanga del Sur , (upon the invitation of artist, art collector and patron, Mayor Gerry Paglinawan ), as they continue promoting the arts and artists in the peripheries, unifying Luzon , Visayas and Mindanao within weeks ( VAF yesterday, Imagination now then Manila Bang tomorrow). Venue at the Senior Citizen building, Municipal Compound.    Come here for the best source of crustaceans in the Philippines, and for continued adventure. Zamboanga del Sur comprises four bays, three rivers, three lakes, and plenty of nature. People here speak mainly Cebuano, but you’ll hear a bit of English and Chavacano as well. The land’s first settlers were the “river folk”—called Subanons or Subanens. For a new food trip, try eating one of the local Tausug favorites: tiula itum . It’s a ginger and turmeric infused black soup served hot and spicy. It’s made from beef or chicken and gets its ...

 Guest of Honors   Ambassador Jose Mari Cariño Mico Cotia Maria Ivy Ang   In the world of art, it is a given notion that anybody nurturing his creativity at an early age will have a better opportunity to succeed than somebody who started late. Thus, it is natural for the gifted individual to develop his artistry while still young. However, knowing how difficult it is to consider art as a profession, not all of those who have artistic talents end up as artists, but more often than not, many have opted to take up another course, if only to attain a more lucrative life. This story has a semblance at how Roy Ama made his entry into the artworld. Instead of nurturing his art, Roy has decided to takeup a course in Bachelor of Arts at the University of Santo Tomas . His love for music, however encouraged him to stop schooling for a while and joined  a group of young musicians performing in a foreign country. Returning from his foreign stint, he was hoping that he still can...

VISAYAS ART FAIR   YEAR 3   November 23-26, 2023 ArtPortalCebu Gallery is excited to be a part of this big event,  Featured Artists  Celso Duazo Pepito Fe Madrid Pepito Antonio Vidal Angelico "Jik" Villanueva Zapphire Benedikt Jayme Pilar Sala The Visayas Art Fair 2023 is up to its mission to connecting the Islands through art.

 Back to back in New York! On October 30, 2023 The Society of Philippine American Artists (SPAA) holds “Best of the Year” at the Philippine Center New York featuring, among others, Master Celso Pepito and EEC Founder Carol Tanjutco . The Society of Philippine-American Artists ( SPAA ), founded in 1995 by a group of Filipino proponents of Philippine art and culture headed by Manuel Rodriguez Sr . the "Father of Philippine Printmaking", remains a strong advocate for Filipino-American artists in North America in their professional growth in the visual arts by providing opportunities to grow in skills and stature through the activities of the society, particularly through its annual exhibits. In the 28th year of its existence, this year’s exhibit, “Best of the Year” highlights twenty artists and their best works from 2022 and 2023, delving into representational and non-representational works in various media such as oil and acrylic, pastels, pencil and ink, watercolor, print-ma...

Dr.  Josette T. Biyo  (née  Talamera ; born 1958) is a  Filipino  educator and former executive director of the  Philippine Science High School System . She has received international recognition for her contributions to science and education.  A small planet has been named after her by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Lincoln Laboratory and USA.  Early Life and Education Hometown: Born in Janiuay, Iloilo. Initial Dream: She originally aspired to be a medical doctor but pivoted to teaching due to financial constraints. Academic Degrees B.S. Biological Sciences: University of the Philippines Visayas. M.S. and Ph.D. in Biology: De La Salle University, where she specialized in seagrass community dynamics. Honorary Doctorate: Conferred with a Doctor of Humanities degree by Manila Central University in 2004.  Career Highlights Rural Educator: Spent eight years teaching in rural Iloilo, where she developed outreach programs and used loca...