ILOILO CITY, Philippines – National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Chairman Dr. Eric B. Zerrudo served as the Guest of Honor at “HÁNAG: Emergent Perspectives – Works by Ilonggo Artists and Designers,” a landmark exhibition at the SM City Iloilo North Point Event Center. Driven by popular demand, the ongoing showcase has officially been extended through August 30, 2026.
Following the exhibition’s initial opening last August 17, where Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas was represented by Ms. Leny Ledesma, the special reception with NCCA Chairman Zerrudo last August 21, 2026, was significant as it highlighted Taohay NCCA’s first off-site exhibition, widening its audience reach. SM City Iloilo officials and the artists in attendance welcomed the Chair. Speaking on behalf of SM City Iloilo, Ms. Kristine Joyce Yap, Regional Marketing Manager for Visayas, gladly welcomed Chair Zerrudo and expressed deep appreciation for this meaningful collaboration with NCCA and the City of Iloilo.
Meanwhile, Chair Zerrudo gave a special message for the artists and guests: “Looking at your artworks from any angle, the viewer will have the chance to see you, and you will also have the chance to see the viewer. These are perspectives that don’t repeat. You will really see different angles in the meaning of the works and in appreciating them. I’m so happy because you put together an exhibit with diverse media and even a more diverse set of topics and themes – from the indigenous, to the ephemera, to the changing times. This is how art tastes emerge and generate culture.”
He ended by saying: “Your first responsibility is always to dignify yourselves as artists so you can transmit that dignity to the viewers for them to appreciate, put value on your work, and even purchase it. You are old kindred souls. Some of you I’ve met when I was with GSIS (as Curator). Sana maraming tumangkilik sa inyong mga trabaho, and we hope NCCA can continue to provide you with opportunities to share your art with our people.”
Organized in celebration of the 89th Iloilo City Charter Day, “HÁNAG” gathers Ilonggo visual artists across diverse media- filmmakers and designers for the very first time. Curated by TAOHAY Director Elvert Bañares, the exhibition presents a sincere ode to Iloilo City, celebrating the hometown that has shaped these creatives’ distinct practices.
Dr. Zerrudo joined the community for a special reception on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 6:00 PM, underscoring the NCCA’s commitment to uplifting regional arts and creative industries. SM City Iloilo hosted a little gathering with Chairman Zerrudo and the artists in attendance at Park Inn’s Ani. They were joined by Bañares, Atty. Pauline Alfuente (Head of Taohay’s Accounting Team and former founding Dean of the WVSU College of Law), Engr. Gilbert Domingo (SM City Iloilo Mall Manager), Mr. Troy Camarista (Senior PR Manager) and Director Eric Divinagracia (Taohay’s Point-Person for Theater and currently Head of the NCCA Committee on Dramatic Arts).
The showcase brings together a distinguished roster of acclaimed, award-winning, and emerging local talents featuring John Francis Berber, Margaux Blas, Daniel De La Cruz, Peter John De La Vega, Kyle Francis Dile, Guijo Dueñas, Joshua Gabayeran, Peach Garde, Kyle Fermindoza, Martin Genodepa, Patrick Jamora, Carlo Juntado, Manny Librodo, Joemel Mirabuena, Renwil Portodo, Al Provido, Sabrec, Edgardo Lopez Suelo.
Staged and co-presented by SM City Iloilo and TAOHAY NCCA Cultural Center and Regional Hub in association with the NCCA, IFFI, and the City Government of Iloilo, the exhibition runs daily at the North Point Event Center until August 30, 2026.
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Photos here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1rT72Ud4L4vZ2VzaPv3T9c5SBbOc1dAIM?usp=sharing (photo credit: Alex Saclauso for E Unlimited Iloilo)
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