Words Amanda Juico Dela Cruz

The pivotal exhibition titled Pagtilipon-tipon, or translated as “gathering,” highlights the vital connections that bring communities together through shared events. This notion elevates ordinary experiences into extraordinary encounters, which foster a space not only for convergence but for divergence, too. It reflects on the significance of narrative in human life, transforming gatherings into opportunities for discovery within art, community and the self. Through workshops and discussions, artists reclaim their power as much as their cultural responsibilities, exploring freedom and agency. The opening performance by Hayuma Performing Arts Studio reinforces the exhibition’s message: that shared stories cultivate empathy and deepen connections.