The SM Foundation recently celebrated the achievements of over 4,000 college alumni from its scholarship program. Founded by SM Group Founder Henry Sy, Sr., the SM Foundation scholarship program has provided quality education to deserving students from vulnerable communities. Since its inception in 1993, the program has nurtured 4,214 college graduates and currently supports 2,550 scholars pursuing degrees in various fields. SM Scholars ignite ripple of positive change The foundation’s commitment to holistic development extends beyond academic excellence. Through part-time job opportunities, internships, general assemblies, and alumni homecomings, SM Foundation shares its core principle of “people helping people”—a philosophy deeply embedded in the foundation’s values, guiding scholars as they make their mark on the world and inspiring them to spread social good in their communities. The recent alumni homecoming brought together over 900 graduates from different batches and fields, providing a platform to celebrate their collective achievements and the positive impact they have made in their families and communities. During the event, SM Foundation Executive Director Debbie Sy emphasized the importance of giving back. “As SM Scholar Alumni, you have been given a gift—an education, opportunities, and a brighter future. Now, it’s your turn to pay it forward and inspire others to spread good in the world,” she said. The homecoming served as a reminder that the SM Foundation scholarship program is not just about individual success but also about creating a ripple effect of positive change in Filipino communities.    

   In the heart of Paris, under the grand arches of the Carrousel du Louvre, a unique exhibit thrummed with energy and the unmistakable warmth of Filipino artistry. Isang Lahi, a phrase meaning “One Nation” in Tagalog, had transformed the gallery Mecenavie booth into a vibrant mosaic of Filipino art, as part of the Paris Art Week’s prestigious Art Shopping. From October 18 to 20, 2024, the exhibition drew art lovers from around the world, celebrating the Philippines’ cultural identity and creative depth. Curated by Norlie Meimban, Isang Lahi brought together a brilliant lineup of Filipino artists, each displaying a distinct yet complementary style. Charmaine Taus’s canvases greeted visitors with bold, colorful patterns in abstract forms, lively and intricate, like a kaleidoscope of Philippine fiestas. Nearby, Harold Khan’s pop art portraits, layered with pink sunglasses, gold, and red, exuded a playful energy, echoing the modern pulse of Manila streets. The unmistakable gaze of a tiger captured by Ronnie Lim, rendered with haunting hyperrealism, drew spectators into the wild depths of the Philippine jungle. Traditional portraits by Rey Aurelio offered a grounded, reverent homage to classic Filipino faces, each one steeped in nostalgia. Addie Cukingnan’s floral works burst forth in delicate petals and lifelike colors, reminiscent of blooms one might find in a lush Filipino garden after monsoon rains. And in striking contrast, Direk Louie Ignacio’s abstract landscapes in gold and silver evoked a sense of timelessness, with every brushstroke reflecting a shimmering horizon. Other artists infused the room with rich textures and avant-garde perspectives. Valen Valero’s mixed-media pieces presented a tactile experience, her abstract works feeling almost sculptural in their depth, while Arnel Garcia’s cubist forms and Noel Nicolas’s rhythmic shapes added a sense of dynamism to the gallery walls. The space was alive with Filipino diversity, each piece reflecting a unique part of the nation’s soul. The event was organized by Sige!, the Vienna-based Artist Network, in partnership with the Manila-based Bastedor Art Project. Notable figures graced the exhibition, mingling and exchanging insights about art, culture, and heritage. Margo Babilonia Calderero of A.C.C.E.S., Filipina artists Mylene Myse Salonga and Phoebe Beltran-Almazan, Junever Mahilum-West, the Ambassador of the Philippine Embassy in France, and Honorary Consul Charmagne Garcia-Laconico were among those who attended. Their presence underscored the pride and passion shared by the Filipino diaspora for their culture. For three days, Isang Lahi was more than an exhibition; it was a powerful testament to the rich tapestry of Filipino artistry. In Paris, the City of Light, Filipino artists lit up their own corner of the Louvre, reminding the world of their vibrant, resilient, and unified creative spirit.

In the lively center of Vienna, the Steiner Gallery was alive with excitement. Art enthusiasts, critics, and fellow creators came together for Isang Hagod, an exhibit that showcased the vibrant world of Filipino contemporary art. This event was put together by Sige!, a local artist network, in partnership with the Manila-based Bastedor Art Project, and it ran from September 23 to October 19, 2024. Curated by Norlie Meimban, the collection celebrated the rich diversity and spirit of Filipino artistry, highlighting themes of identity, boldness, and cultural blending. Each artist brought their own unique flair, transforming the gallery walls with a mix of styles ranging from the whimsical to the hyperreal. Charmaine Taus, famous for her drag-queen-inspired abstracts, created a corner filled with a burst of colors. Her large, vibrant brushstrokes celebrated self-expression and freedom, leaving the audience both amazed and entertained. Nearby, Harold Khan’s pop-art portraits took the spotlight—his realistic pieces were alive with energy, combining bold color blocks with intricate details that gave a fresh twist to traditional portraiture. Norlie Meimban also showcased his work, adding a touch of elegance and contrast to the exhibit. His black-and-white portraits, highlighted with delicate gold accents, brought a timeless feel to the display. The approach was both striking and personal, paying tribute to Filipino heritage. Next to him, Ejem Alarcon’s pop-art realism cleverly mixed popular Filipino icons with Western influences, playfully blurring cultural boundaries. Ela Andal completed the lineup with her street art—a blend of Filipino and European styles—that wrapped around the gallery’s pillars and walls, giving it an edgy, urban vibe. The opening night saw notable figures in attendance, like Minette Padilla Caces from the Philippine Embassy in Vienna and celebrated local artist Lisa Antes-Pangan. The crowd included international luminaries like Haydar Ekinek, Markus Helbing, and Desy Kamen, who exchanged ideas and inspirations, their conversations flowing as freely as the wine. Throughout the evening, the room hummed with awe and admiration. Guests moved from piece to piece, pausing to absorb the energy of each artwork and the layers of stories that lay behind each brushstroke. Norlie Meimban, the curator, could be seen mingling with visitors, his face beaming with pride. For him and the artists, Isang Hagod was more than an exhibition; it was a testament to the Filipino art scene’s evolution and resilience, a reminder that their voices—through color, texture, and imagination—would continue to reach across oceans and bridge worlds.

The evening lights at the Yunus Emre Institute in Vienna created a cozy atmosphere for the diverse crowd that came together to celebrate culture, heritage, and resilience. On September 25, 2024, this event highlighted a fantastic partnership between the International Cultural Diversity Organization (ICDO) and Filipino artists, featuring an exhibit called Cultural Diversity & Inclusion, curated by Norlie Meimban, ICDO’s Ambassador for the Arts. This exhibition was a key part of ICDO’s #SafeguardingDiversity initiative, now in its seventh year, dedicated to promoting cultural diversity around the globe. Inside the gallery, the energy was palpable as attendees from various backgrounds admired the artwork, which drew inspiration from Filipino mythology, pop culture, and abstract expressionism. Each piece offered a unique take on identity, connecting different generations and cultures. One area showcased the vibrant creations of Harold Khan, who brought Filipino mythology to life with stunning portraits of Amansinaya, the sea goddess. Her intense gaze and soothing oceanic hues seemed to create a bridge between the Philippines’ ancient stories and its dynamic, multicultural present. Nearby, striking depictions of second-generation Filipino-European teens illustrated their complex identities, with Khan’s brushwork capturing their feelings of belonging in a world of contrasts. In another part of the gallery, Norlie Meimban’s distinctive black-and-white portraits accented with gold captivated the audience. His subjects, though anonymous, exuded deep emotion, showcasing resilience and dignity. Each polished yet raw image invited viewers to reflect on the strength found within diversity. Adding a splash of color, Ejem Alarcon’s realist pop art drew people into a lively world where traditional Filipino symbols blended with modern themes. His whimsical yet bold creations particularly resonated with younger attendees. Adding vibrant contrast, Ejem Alarcon’s realist pop art pulled people into a colorful universe where traditional Filipino symbols merged with contemporary motifs. His work, whimsical yet bold, resonated with younger viewers who saw themselves reflected in the lively mix of old and new. In another corner, Jessielaine Punongbayan’s fluid abstract paintings unfolded like waves on a canvas. Her pieces spoke of fluidity, mirroring the adaptability required to navigate a multicultural identity. Swirling shapes and colors hinted at emotions unconfined by language or borders, giving viewers a sense of unity beyond words. Ela Andal’s street pop art added an urban edge to the gallery. Infused with European influences, her pieces were bold, unapologetic statements that spoke to the realities of city life and the blending of cultures. Her work was a celebration of grit and glamour, symbolizing the resilience required to thrive as a multicultural artist in a world that often struggles to embrace diversity. Prominent figures in cultural advocacy mingled with the crowd, including Josipa Palac, President of ICDO, and Marizel Rojas of ENFiD Austria, a staunch supporter of Filipino communities abroad. Neivi Martinez, the renowned Mexican soprano, graced the event, her melodious voice adding a touch of elegance and solidarity to the atmosphere. Nigerian artist Solomon Okpurukhre shared his perspective on the universality of art, engaging in heartfelt conversations about the importance of cultural representation. As the evening unfolded, the exhibition echoed with conversations about heritage, identity, and the power of art to amplify voices that are too often silenced. Each piece in the gallery conveyed the message that diversity is not just something to be tolerated but celebrated, and that inclusion is the foundation upon which vibrant societies are built. In the end, Cultural Diversity & Inclusion became more than an exhibit; it was a testament to the beauty of intersectional identities and the stories that emerge when cultures come together. The Filipino artists had left their mark not just on the gallery walls but on the hearts of all who attended, reminding everyone of the vital role art plays in safeguarding and celebrating the mosaic of human experiences worldwide.

The CityGalleryVienna was buzzing with energy on the evening of September 16, 2024. Art lovers, expatriates, and curious locals gathered to witness an exhibition like no other, showcasing the vibrant and multifaceted talents of Filipino artists in a rare international setting. Titled ISANG GUHIT, this exhibit was a celebration of Filipino identity, bridging Manila’s bustling streets and Vienna’s refined art scene. Curated by Norlie Meimban and brought to life by the Vienna-based Artist Network, Sige!, and the Manila-based Bastedor Art Project, ISANG GUHIT was a captivating fusion of styles, stories, and spirits. Arnel David Garcia’s pieces, inspired by cubism, were the first to catch visitors’ eyes. His geometric abstracts hinted at hidden stories, and gallery-goers found themselves drawn to the layers of emotions embedded within his angular forms. Nearby, the vibrant drip paintings of Art Lozano were equally mesmerizing, with Volkswagen Beetles—relics of both nostalgic Americana and Manila street culture—splattered in joyful colors. Binong Alvin Javier’s work hung beside Lozano’s, echoing a similar vibrancy but with looser, more organic drips that created hypnotic patterns, as if the colors themselves were in conversation. Further along, Charmaine Taus’s canvases radiated with intricate, colorful patterns that evoked a sense of woven tapestries, creating a lively, visual dance across the gallery wall. And right beside her, Didier Alarcon’s overlapping realism was a study in depth and detail, blurring the lines between reality and dreams. His work contrasted beautifully with Gerry De Guzman’s traditional flat jeepney art, which transported onlookers directly to the streets of Manila, with its emblematic bright colors and bustling, lively energy. Harold Khan’s pop art portraits, meanwhile, seemed to stare boldly back at the viewer, infusing a modern Filipino perspective into the iconic styles of Western pop art. These were contrasted by Jojo Ramirez’s traditional works, which grounded the viewer in a more timeless representation of Filipino art and people. Not far from these were Maan Umotoy-Premacio’s abstracts of wild, blooming flowers—a celebration of nature, delicate yet bursting with life. In one corner, Norlie Meimban’s portraits stood out with their intricate, line-based technique, creating expressions and emotions through an almost rhythmic structure. Ejem Alarcon’s pop realism continued the rhythm with vivid, lifelike compositions that somehow still felt dreamlike, while Ela Andal’s European-influenced street pop art grounded it all with raw, urban energy, blending both Filipino and European perspectives in a playful, edgy manner. For days, the exhibit drew in people from around the city, each visitor exploring the depths and dimensions of Filipino artistry from a new angle. Vienna, known for its classical art heritage, embraced this influx of contemporary Filipino vision, leaving a lasting impression on both the artists and the viewers. As the event came to a close on September 21, artists and visitors alike felt that ISANG GUHIT had achieved more than just an exhibit; it had created a dialogue, a beautiful intersection of cultural narratives, leaving a mark on Vienna that would echo long after the gallery lights dimmed.    

Ambassador Junever Mahilum-West of the Philippine Embassy of France congratulated and thanked the 25 Filipino artists who participated in the successful Paris Art Week, last October 18-20. Among the Filipino artists, International Self-taught Artist Mylene ‘Myse’ Salonga was invited to the historic art week, which was also attended by international artists from different countries Aside from Salonga, the group of Filipino artists also displayed their various concepts that depict the daily culture of Filipino life in the Philippines. This group is Viaje4 namely Joseph Albao, Nino Cris Odasis, Windsor Magnaye and Ian Maigan who are from the Philippines. There were also artists from Davao, Butuan City, Iloilo, Batangas, Pangasinan and Belgium who also exhibited their works . This year, Salonga brought seven art paintings, one of which was exhibited at Espace Nesle, 6th District of Paris, which is one of the districts with many art galleries and called the Business Art Fair 16th Edition’. The art exhibit title is ” La Mode En Moi” “( The Fashion Me )”. The organizer of this exhibit are Ms. Cheloney Mercado- Lelieveld and Ms Lovelie Albarracin of L.M.E.M Europe and Filipino Artist’ Guild Europe and  Mr George Levy , Director of Espace Nesle. While Salonga’s six works called “Interconnectedness of Life” were exhibited at Salon International d’Art Contemporain, Art Shopping Carrousel Du Louvre, an iconic art shopping in Paris. According to Salonga, all her paintings are sold-out and she is very grateful, especially to Filipinos living in Paris who enjoy the creations of Filipino artists. The organizer of the historic art week is the ACCES Organization (Art and Cross-Cultural Exchange Society) headed by President Margo Babilonia-Calderero. The advocacy of the ACCES organization in the art exhibit is to raise funds to help the education of children in the Philippines, Uganda and Tanzania. (By Rose Frejane Cruz)            

A historic award was given to the well-known Self-taught International Filipina Artist Mylene “Myse” Salonga, who was bestowed with the ASEAN Excellence Achievers Awards 2024 held in Okada, Manila, on October 23. I dedicate this award to my family specially to my husband Dr. Arnold Salonga and to my children Eena Salonga JM Dubouzet, John & Aldrich who always support me, and to all my friends and to all the Filipino artist. Chelony Pinay Painter Apple Love Eve Margo Babilonia Calderero Junever Mahilum-west Limo Czar Moli Dick Villanueva Marife Floridad Mildred Marquez Marites Agleron van Vianen Carmela Geisert. Another blessing , Thank You Lord !,” said Salonga. It’s a great honor to receive this ASEAN Excellence Achievers Awards with President/CEO Bennilyn Amigo-Molina and Team Aura.Thank You Madam!  

  The Badju Fashion show and competition was held Tuesday night, October 8, at the Astoria Regency in Pasonanca, as one of the highlights of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2024. A total of 20 entries created by local fashion designers were showcased during the Badju Fashion Show and Competition, which aimed to celebrate and highlight the traditional designs of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the city. Mayor John Dalipe vowed tocontinue advocating for the preservation of the city’s culture and recognizing the city’s IP sector. The city government of Zamboanga was the first city to hold the Badju Fashion Show and competition that started during the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival two years ago. “Badju,” is a Muslim term that refers to traditional dresses, but this word also serves as a tribute to all Indigenous People of Zamboanga City and is accepted as an umbrella term for dresses inspired by indigenous motifs. ENHORABUENA! to the winners in the Badju Fashion Show and Competition: Yakan Edition: 1st Place: Mandrake Servito 2nd Place: Maverick Francisco Oyao 3rd Place: Usni Sali 4th Place: Ruel Sardan 5th Place: Marcle Craig Del Rosario Photo credits: Raffy Reyes

Baguio Tourism Council Chair Gladys Vergara leads the opening of the exhibit and the viewing of the photographs in an exhibit at Luisa’s Café along Session Road in Baguio City, on October 3. Dubbed “Photographic Sojourn,” the works of David Leprozo Jr, Noli Gabilo and Joey De Castro highlights the beauty of the mountains through their expert lens as they traversed Baguio City, Benguet and the Mountain Province.