Highlighting a major milestone for local art and creative industries, National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Chairman Dr. Eric B. Zerrudo joined Ilonggo artists as Guest of Honor for "HÁNAG: Emergent Perspectives - Works by Ilonggo Artists and Designers." Originally launched as part of the 89th Iloilo City Charter Day festivities, the exhibition at the SM City Iloilo North Point Event Center has been extended through August 30, 2026, due to strong public interest.
The August 21 reception marked an important breakthrough: TAOHAY NCCA’s very first off-site exhibition, expanding exemplary arts programming directly to broader audiences. The event built upon the exhibit’s August 17 launch, where Ms. Leny Ledesma represented Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas. Welcoming Dr. Zerrudo alongside the featured creators, Ms. Kristine Joyce Yap, SM City Iloilo Regional Marketing Manager for Visayas, emphasized the mall chain’s pride in partnering with the NCCA and the City Government of Iloilo to champion regional art.
Addressing the gathered community, Dr. Zerrudo delivered an inspiring message on artistic dignity and perspective: “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. 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 further told the creators to hold their craft in high esteem: “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. Sana maraming tumangkilik sa inyong mga trabaho, and we hope NCCA can continue to provide you with opportunities to share your art to our people.”
Curated by TAOHAY Director Elvert Bañares, "HÁNAG" stands as an unprecedented gathering, bringing together Ilonggo visual artists, filmmakers, and designers in a collective tribute to their home city. Following the formal proceedings, SM City Iloilo hosted an intimate gathering for Dr. Zerrudo and the artists at Ani in Park Inn. The dinner was attended by Bañares, Atty. Pauline Alfuente (Head of TAOHAY’s Accounting Team and 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 (Head of the NCCA Committee on Dramatic Arts and TAOHAY Point-Person for Theater).
Featured Artists and Designers: 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, and Edgardo Lopez Suelo.
Staged and co-presented by SM City Iloilo and the TAOHAY NCCA Cultural Center and Regional Hub, in association with the NCCA, IFFI, and the City Government of Iloilo, "HÁNAG" remains open to the public daily at the North Point Event Center through August 30.
📸 Alex Saclauso for E Unlimited Iloilo