Pagtitipon – A Festival of Filipino Arts

The Filipino art community shone brightly in the Austrian capital as “Pagtitipon: A Filipino Arts Festival” completed its run, with October 31 marking the close of its final leg. A landmark celebration of Filipino creativity and cultural identity, the festival brought together artists from the Philippines and Europe, offering audiences a memorable encounter with contemporary Filipino art. Presented by Bastedor Art Project (Manila) in collaboration with sige! (Vienna), Pagtitipon unfolded through a series of thoughtfully curated openings that highlighted the richness, diversity, and globality of Filipino artistic expression.

 

The exhibits commenced on September 15 at Publicartists Gallery with the help of curator and owner Thomas Leimer, where the first exhibition introduced the thematic core of Pagtitipon—stories of heritage, migration, belonging, and contemporary Filipino expression. The intimate yet dynamic setting allowed visitors to engage closely with the works, setting the tone for the festival’s broader cultural dialogue.

Publicartists Gallery, situated in Vienna’s bustling First District, was alive with energy as art enthusiasts, collectors, along with families and friends of the participating artists filled the space in warm anticipation. The opening evening set a celebratory tone, beginning with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Cultural Attaché Chryzl Sikat, showcasing the Philippine Embassy’s support for the event and its cultural significance.

Guests then heard welcome remarks from Gerard Rabara, co-founder of sige!, who spoke about the collective’s mission to foster cross-cultural dialogue through creative collaboration. Norlie Meimban, head of the Bastedor Art Project, followed with insights into the vision behind the festival and the importance of championing Filipino artistry on an international stage. Rounding out the program was Nemi Miranda, Philippine National Artist nominee and co-founder of the historic Angono Ateliers Association (which is nearing its 50th anniversary celebration), who shared reflections on the evolution of Filipino visual art and the value of bringing Philippine cultural narratives to global audiences.

Adding a unique and memorable touch to the evening, Rosalie Gonzales, also an artist from Angono, performed classical Austrian pieces on the flute. Her music created a lovely connection between the Filipino presence and Austrian culture, adding a warm, charming atmosphere As the program concluded, the gallery quickly transformed into a lively social space. Attendees moved freely among the artworks, engaging in spirited conversations with the artists while enjoying food and refreshments. (Special thanks to Ate Betchay for the awesome food!)

The momentum continued on September 16 with a second showcase titled “Global Colors : Art Without Borders” held at the United Nations Headquarters in Vienna, a meaningful venue that further elevated the festival’s mission of promoting cross-cultural understanding. Presented in collaboration with the Vienna International Centre Art Club and European Network of Filipino Diaspora (ENFiD), the exhibition brought Filipino creativity into one of the world’s most globally connected spaces.

Friends and art enthusiasts working within the United Nations community played a vital role, helping bridge logistics, connections, and support so that Filipino artists in making the showcase possible. Special thanks go to Marizel Rojas, Ines Rodriguez Fuentes, Zandrine Kocjan, Laura Reynaldo, Tin Avinante, and Jippy Bacamante. Also gracing the event was Philippine Ambassador to Austria Evangelina Lourdes A. Bernas, she congratulated and thanked the artists for their efforts in promoting Filipino art.

By situating Filipino art within this global environment, the event underscored the ability of artistic expression to foster solidarity, illuminate shared human experiences, and contribute to ongoing conversations on culture, identity, and global cooperation. The setting offered a powerful reminder that art—no matter where it comes from—has the capacity to connect people and spark meaningful dialogue across.

The final leg of the exhibit opened on October 1 at Karl Lentner Heuriger. Nestled among vineyards and traditional Austrian charm, the venue provided the perfect setting for Austrian gemütlichkeit.

This exhibit is also a an event of heartfelt gratitude. Special thanks go to Tita Chato (Charito Leidenfrost)—one of the sweetest titas in Vienna—for her eagerness and encouragement in helping bring these artworks to a local Viennese audience. Her quiet support, warm presence, and genuine passion for sharing creativity and culture is commendable and inspiring. Big thanks as well to Gunther, Eva, and Karl for their generosity, openness, and hospitality throughout.

Participating Artists

Pagtitipon has been the largest exhibit to date presented by Bastedor and sige!, featuring works from more than 40 artists. While not everyone could attend, here are some of the artists who were present at the events.

Norlie Meimban is known for his playful yet socially attuned visual language, often blending pop elements with sharp cultural commentary. His works bridge movement and emotion, and often themes related to the environment. As head of Bastedor Art Project, he actively champions emerging and established Filipino artists on international platforms.

Richard Buxani is a sculptor celebrated for his mastery of metal, transforming industrial materials into fluid, expressive forms. His pieces often explore strength, resilience, and the quiet grace found in human and natural subjects. Buxani’s work reflects both technical precision and emotional depth, making him a standout figure in contemporary Philippine sculpture.

Don Miranda III creates paintings rooted in myth, memory, and the storytelling traditions of Angono. His works often feature houses, community scenes, and festive details. His style is lively and narrative-driven, capturing everyday Filipino life through bright colors and layered textures.

Arnel Garcia David’s artworks are marked by strong transitions between realism and abstraction, capturing emotion, expression, and atmosphere. His compositions reveal a deep sensitivity to color and form, often showing a sense of quiet reflection. David’s pieces draw viewers into contemplative spaces that resonate long after the first glance.

Jepoy Almario‘s art style is refined and emotive, evoking classical techniques. He often paints portraits and animals coexisting in harmony, highlighting a quiet connection between nature and humanity.His artworks emphasizes beauty, mood, and technical control.

Aron Bautista’s works frequently explore the intersections of faith, tradition, and personal history. His artworks are full of texture, collage elements, and colorful fragments. The compositions feel spontaneous yet intentional, reflecting themes of memory, motion, or urban experience. The playful layering gives each piece a sense of depth and discovery.

Bernardo Balagtas  continues the artistic legacy of Angono through his artworks, pieces that are both painting and sculpture, what he calls “Paintures”. His works showcase structured, architectural linework paired with colorful gradients. The style hints at urban landscapes or futuristic forms, balancing precision with expressive color.

Joshua Garcia brings a crisp, modern sensibility to his art, using bold lines and thoughtful compositions to tell stories of identity and environment. His artworks are deeply graphic, contemporary, and full of personality. The use of neon-like tones adds an energetic, youthful edge.

Nemiranda is widely known for his rich folkloric narratives and expressive figurative style. His work often draws from Philippine myths, rural life, and cultural memory, rendered in warm palettes and dynamic compositions. His paintings carry a sense of movement and storytelling that has become a hallmark of his artistic identity.

Harold Khan’s artworks typically explore themes of identity and emotional depth through bold, dramatic portraiture. He uses layered color, textured strokes, and expressive lighting to portray strength, resilience, and inner reflection. His pieces often blend realism with atmospheric, modern aesthetics.

Christian Piolo Meimban is a photographer whose work is marked by a strong sense of narrative, atmosphere, and emotional clarity. His style reflects a balance of technical discipline and artistic intuition, an ability to control light, frame, and timing while still allowing authenticity and spontaneity to shape the final image.

Rob Detoyato uses his photography to blend contemporary techniques with cultural portraiture. His works spotlight Filipino identity, fashion, and tradition, presented with clean, cinematic composition. Whether displayed as prints or on unconventional surfaces like skate decks, his art feels modern, striking, and culturally grounded.

Ronald Salazar sculptures are textured surfaces and expressive abstractions that explore movement, emotion, and organic form. His art blends structure with spontaneity, creating pieces that feel both dynamic and contemplative. His compositions frequently lean into tactile detail and bold visual rhythm.

Arturo Arsega is known for modern, stylized line work and vivid, sweeping gestures. His pieces often explore human forms through simplified contours and energetic strokes. His art carries a contemporary tone that balances playfulness with emotional depth.

Andy Nabong’s work centers around classical realism, particularly finely rendered portraits and figurative studies. His technique highlights anatomical precision, dramatic lighting, and expressive presence. His paintings evoke strength, introspection, and timeless craftsmanship.

Jojo Ramirez is recognized for expressive portraits, veils, and butterflies. His use of dramatic color shifts and layered texture brings intensity and depth to his portraits. His style merges realism with expressive distortion to powerful effect.

 

Rex Cabaroc creates vivid, imaginative portraits often infused with fantasy or theatrical elements. His imagery blends elegance with mystery, resulting in artworks that feel cinematic and bold. Rich color and symbolic details define his visual voice.

Ram Mallari is celebrated for his sculptural works made from metal and upcycled materials, often forming industrial yet emotive pieces. His art combines craftsmanship with conceptual storytelling, resulting in bold, tactile artworks with strong presence.

Dondi Fernandez‘s work often includes playful, polished sculptures and contemporary character-based pieces. His art mixes humor, pop sensibility, and meticulous finish, bridging design and fine art. His pieces have a joyful, collectible quality.

Dolpee Alcantara is known for rhythmic, patterned abstractions that often reference music, culture, or movement. His use of dotilism, lively color and interlocking shapes creates energetic, harmonious compositions. His style is both decorative and symbolic.

Cecille Artillaga‘s paintings often depict fruit flowers, often unnoticed but through her brush are shown as delicate compositions in warm tones of cream and gold. The swirling petals and soft shadows give off a sense of calm and softness. Her style blends realism with a touch of abstraction, emphasizing natural beauty and organic flow.

Astrid Castillo-Almario‘s art reflects femininity, memory, and identity through layered, graceful imagery. Her recurring motif of delicate dresses evokes stillness, reflection, and the quiet power of womanhood.

China Tolentino often creates paintings of swirling, reflective spheres, almost resembling marbled orbs. Her works play with symmetry, texture, and illusion, drawing the viewer into a hypnotic rhythm. The polished surfaces and abstract movement suggest a study of balance and perception. She explores and show how simple shapes can embody complexity and motion.

Margo Calderero-Le Lain often paints in a dotilism style, but she also paints with classical technique using a warm palette and soft lighting to create a timeless, contemplative feel. Each object on her canvas seems carefully chosen to evoke domestic familiarity and harmony. Her compositions reveals a deep respect for traditional realism and color balance.

Rosalie Gonzales, , a musician first and visual artist second, often paints the human figure in its many roles, reflecting the rhythm and harmony of everyday life. She uses warm tones and realistic details that convey a strong sense of Filipino identity and emotion. There’s a gentle storytelling quality in how the figures are arranged and connected. Her works celebrate humanity, care, and quiet strength.

Marie Khan‘s art features lightheartedness and a childlike sense of wonder. She either feature kois and leaves or cats in playful, almost dreamlike settings surrounded by butterflies and vivid colors. The whimsical imagery radiates warmth and affection, showing the artist’s love for animals and imagination.

Angelie Banaag creates mix portraiture, abstraction, and cultural motifs. Her pieces often feature a woman’s face with vibrant patterns, symbolizing identity and inner expression. She includes soft, painterly depictions of emotion and diversity. Her use of color and texture creates a balance between realism and modern symbolism, reflecting cultural  and empowerment.

Lisa Ante known for her flower embryos, also creates expressive paintings blending figurative and abstract forms rich with earthy and jewel tones. Often set in a dreamlike setting, surrounded by organic shapes and energy, the combination of realism and fluid abstraction conveys both rest and rebirth. The pieces she create suggest themes of femininity, inner peace, and transformation.

Lara Latosa‘s abstract compositions are defined rich in color and texture. Fluid forms and dynamic swirls create an illusion of motion, as if liquid pigments are caught mid-flow. The balance between control and spontaneity reflects an exploration of emotion and energy. Through deliberate and graceful brushwork, she demonstrates a profound command of her medium.

Meneline Wong‘s abstract piecest blend bold color contrasts and organic shapes. Her art feel both spontaneous and deliberate, with layers that evoke geological patterns or emotional landscapes. Her art seems to explore transformation — the way materials shift and merge. It’s a visual dialogue between chaos and harmony.

Renee Avila shows the contrast between urban and natural elements in her art, each reveals a fascination with space, perspective, and human presence within changing environments. Gentle brushstrokes and balanced light give each work a serene, contemplative quality. Her art bridges reality and imagination with quiet sensitivity.

Kristine Camille Cruz is multimedia artist, she blends traditional and digital techniques to balance strength with softness. Through her nuanced use of color, light, and shadow, she reveals a delicate balance of power and grace, capturing quiet moments of reflection and peace in every subject she paints.

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“Pagtitipon,” a Filipino word meaning gathering or coming together, celebrates the spirit of unity through art. These exhibitions brought together artists of varied backgrounds and disciplines. The artworks—ranging from traditional painting to digital compositions, from paintings to sculptures—reflect both individuality and harmony, echoing how different perspectives converge to form a collective voice.

In the context of Vienna’s art scene, known for its balance of classical refinement and contemporary innovation, Pagtitipon resonates deeply. It mirrors Vienna’s own legacy of cultural dialogue—where art becomes a meeting ground for ideas, histories, and expressions across borders. Just as Vienna’s exhibitions often bridge tradition and modernity, Pagtitipon offers a space where Filipino artistry converses with global aesthetics, fostering understanding through beauty, storytelling, and shared emotion.

***Artists who are not featured on this post are included in our September Art Book, Petmalu!

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