At least 120 visual artists from Central Luzon, along with participants from Australia, India, and France, gathered for a rare and vibrant showcase of art at the opening of the 13th Pulilan Mandala International Art Festival at SM Center Pulilan on Friday, May 8.
Spearheaded by the JEFARCA Arts and Historical Society Inc., with the support of the local government of Pulilan, the provincial government of Bulacan, the National Commission for the Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and in partnership with SM Center Pulilan, the event unfolds a dynamic celebration composed of exhibitions, lectures, public art, performances, film screenings, cultural rituals, and community-based artistic collaborations.
The event was graced by Department of Tourism Region III Director Dr. Richard G. Daenos, Bulacan Vice Governor Alex Castro, Pulilan Municipal Mayor RJ Peralta, Municipal Vice Mayor Atty. Imee Cruz, Prof. Toym Imao, Dean of College of Fine Arts, UP Diliman with UP Cebu Fine Arts Studio Arts Program Prof. Dennis “Sio” Montera, SM Regional Operations Head- AVP for Mall Operations Ana Datu and Andrew De Guzman, organizer.
In his message, Vice Gov Castro said that this colorful program is not just a simple gathering of art and culture, but an important opportunity to showcase the talent, creativity, and rich identity of Pulileños and Bulacans in the field of art.
“The Pulilan Mandala International Art Festival serves as an inspiration not only to our people but also to guests
from different parts of the country and the world. This shows that Bulacan is home to talented and creative citizens who continue to bring glory to our province. May such programs that value art as a path to
unity, hope, and development continue,” said Castro.
For his part, Mayor Peralta said: “Our theme this year is a reminder that art has the power to open, unite and inspire our community and a celebration that will provide an opportunity for our artists, youth and creative citizens to showcase their talent and vision.”
The 3-day festival will bring together visual artists, scholars, cultural workers, and local communities in Pulilan for a dynamic celebration of art rooted in heritage and environment.
The opening day at SM Center Pulilan will feature the exhibit showcasing 120 visual artists, followed by an afternoon lecture series; the second day at the Casa San Francisco will include activities such as Kalye Art Mural, the inauguration of the “Posong Malaki” sculptural monument, a lecture series, and a documentary film screening; while the festival will conclude at the Pulong Kabyawan Agricultural Farm, also with exhibit openings such as “Demetrio Diego: Modernism Rooted in Tradition” and “Rice, Ritual, and Region,” along with an Artists’ Forum, Mandala Music Session, and some reflections and recognitions.
The 13th Pulilan Mandala International Art Festival is an annual gathering of local visual artists to foster a sense of identity and to forge cultural strength to sustain the culture, arts, rich heritage, and the betterment of future generations.
With the theme “Art, Earth, Action,” the festival expands its agrarian metaphor into a wider cultural and international dialogue on creativity, sustainability, heritage, and collective responsibility.
To ignite the celebration in SM Center Pulilan, an art exhibit featuring at least 116 exceptional works was mounted.
Founded in 2012 in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts through its National Committee on Visual Arts, the festival has grown beyond Central Luzon and the Philippines, now welcoming international artists for the first time.
The festival proudly welcomes international artists including Jeff Gauci from Australia, Ashna Katoch from India, and Henri Lamy from France, whose participation strengthens the festival’s commitment to international artistic dialogue and cross-cultural exchange.
The program was highlighted by a performance art piece by multi-disciplinary artist Sam Penaso.
Keynote messages were delivered by distinguished guests such as multimedia visual artist and UP Diliman College of Fine Arts Dean Prof. Toym Imao, who also served as one of the lecture facilitators.
The 13th Pulilan Mandala International Art Festival exhibit will run until May 31 at SM Center Pulilan.
