Filipino Visual Artists Share Journey and Stories of Migration, Culture, and Identity through Artworks
Art enthusiasts viewing the artworks during the exhibit launch at the Philippine Center (San Francisco PCG photo)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA- In celebration of the 128th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence and the milestone 80th Anniversary of Philippines-United States diplomatic relations, the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco collaborated with the FIlipino Creatives International and US-based Filipino visual artists in mounting an art exhibit titled The Art of Belonging; Filipino Narratives in America. The opening ceremony of the exhibit was held on 8 June 2026 at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center.
Especially curated for the exhibition were the works of nine (9) distinguished visual artists: Ms. Catherine Bassig-Paje, Exhibition Creative Lead; Mr. Butch J. Paje; Mr. Orlando Distor; Fr. Peter Eugenio; Mr. Simeon Manahan, Jr.; Ms. Kora Dandan Albano; Ms. Maria Isabel Lopez; Ms. Venazir Hannah Martinez; and Mr. Vic Lorico Bicomong. Through their diverse artistic expressions, the artists highlighted how culture transcends borders, continually evolving and thriving while preserving its roots and identity across generations and communities.
In his remarks, Consul General Arnel G. Talisayon highlighted that the exhibit reflects the values of freedom, friendship, and cultural exchange through the voices and visions of Filipino artists whose works bridge cultures, generations, and experiences.
“As we honor our heritage and the strong ties between the Philippines and the United States, this exhibition highlights the important role of the arts in fostering understanding, preserving cultural identity, and creating meaningful connections across communities. Through their diverse artistic expressions, these artists offer powerful narratives of migration, memory, resilience, and belonging—stories that resonate deeply within the Filipino diaspora and beyond,” he said.
The exhibit ran from 8 to 19 June 2026 and was featured during the celebration of the 128th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence National Day Reception with the theme, “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan”, on 12 June 2026.END
From L-R” Deputy Consul General Maria Paz G. Cortes, Ms. Venazir Hannah Martinez, Mr. Vic Lorico Bicomong, Ms. Catherine Bassig-Paje, Consul General Arnel G. Talisayon, Fr. Peter Eugenio, and Mr. Butch Paje during the ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the exhibit (San Francisco PCG photo)
Top: Ms. Catherine Bassig-Paje, Creative Lead describes the artworks of Ms. Kora Dandan Albano and Mr. Butch Paje and one of the artworks of Ms. Maria Isabel Lopez (below) titled “The Tree of Life”
(San Francisco PCG photos)
Mr. Butch Paje describes his artworks “Mabini” and “Supremo” which were created with a ballpoint pen. (San Francisco PCG photo)
Fr. Peter Eugenio explains the subjects of his photographs to the attendees. The three main photographs feature the hands of Filipino caregivers and their patients, highlighting the important role of many Filipinos and Filipino Americans in the health sector. (San Francisco PCG photo)
Ms. Catherine Bassig with her paintings “Wings of the Nation” (left) and “Shared Vision” (right) (San Francisco PCG photos)
Filipina muralist Venazir Martinez describes her latest artwork: an oil painting titled “Lalago sa Anino” or “Growth from the Shadows”’ (San Francisco PCG photo)
Mr. Vic Lorico Bicomong conveys the inspiration behind his several artworks in the exhibit (San Francisco PCG photo)
Mr. Orlando Distor holding the Certificate of Appreciation given by the Consulate in front of his artworks (San Francisco PCG photo)