The “HÁNAG: Emergent Perspectives” art exhibition has been extended. High public demand prompted the extension on August 30, 2026.
National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Chairman Dr. Eric B. Zerrudo served as the Guest of Honor. He attended a special reception for the event on August 21, 2026. The landmark exhibition takes place at the SM City Iloilo North Point Event Center.
The exhibition opened on August 17. Ms. Leny Ledesma represented Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas at the opening.
The August 21 reception marked a major milestone. It highlighted Taohay NCCA’s first off-site exhibition. This milestone helps widen the audience reach for local creators.
SM City Iloilo officials and participating artists welcomed the NCCA Chairman. Ms. Kristine Joyce Yap spoke on behalf of the mall. She is the Regional Marketing Manager for the Visayas. Yap welcomed Chair Zerrudo and expressed deep appreciation for the collaboration between the NCCA, the city, and the venue.
Chair Zerrudo addressed the artists and guests during the reception.
“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,” Zerrudo said. “These are perspectives that don’t repeat. You will really be seeing different angles in the meaning of the works and in appreciating the works.”
He praised the wide range of creative works on display.
“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,” Zerrudo added. “This is how art tastes emerge and generate culture.”
Zerrudo also spoke about the value of the artists’ profession.
“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,” Zerrudo said. “You are old kindred souls. Some of you I’ve met when I was with GSIS. I wish more people would patronize your work, and we hope NCCA can continue to provide you with opportunities to share your art with our people.”
The exhibition celebrates the 89th Iloilo City Charter Day. It gathers local visual artists, filmmakers, and designers for the very first time. TAOHAY Director Elvert Bañares curated the showcase. The exhibition serves as a sincere ode to Iloilo City. It celebrates the hometown that shaped the distinct practices of these creators.
Zerrudo’s visit underscored the NCCA’s commitment to uplifting regional arts and creative industries. SM City Iloilo hosted a small gathering for the Chairman and the artists at Park Inn’s Ani.
Several key figures attended the reception. They included Bañares and 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, also attended. Mr. Troy Camarista, Senior PR Manager, and Director Eric Divinagracia joined them. Divinagracia serves as Taohay’s Point-Person for Theater and currently heads the NCCA Committee on Dramatic Arts.
The showcase features a distinguished roster of acclaimed, award-winning, and emerging local talents. Participating artists include John Francis Berber, Margaux Blas, Daniel De La Cruz, and Peter John De La Vega. Kyle Francis Dile, Guijo Dueñas, Joshua Gabayeran, and Peach Garde are also featured. The lineup includes Kyle Fermindoza, Martin Genodepa, Patrick Jamora, and Carlo Juntado. Manny Librodo, Joemel Mirabuena, Renwil Portodo, and Al Provido round out the list, alongside Sabrec and Edgardo Lopez Suelo.
SM City Iloilo and TAOHAY NCCA Cultural Center and Regional Hub co-presented the event. The exhibition is staged in association with the NCCA, IFFI, and the City Government of Iloilo.
The exhibition runs daily at the North Point Event Center and ends on August 30, 2026.