Kikik Kollektive, an independent collective who connects with grassroots communities, has amplified the #AtinAngKinse declaration and campaign of small-fishers in this year’s Art for Everyone 2025 at SM City Iloilo. 

In their collage, titled “Ang Dagat Samtang Mas Maarat,” 14 youth artists highlighted the struggle of fisherfolk families living along coastal communities through art and joined the call to defend the threatened 15-kilometer municipal waters. They framed the issue not just as fishing territory but as a fight for survival, dignity, and food security. 

The “#AtinAngKinse” campaign, also known as Atin ang Kinse or Kinse Kilometro, Atin ’To! (“The 15 kilometers are ours!”), is a nationwide movement led by small-scale municipal fisherfolk in the Philippines.

Supported by nongovernment organizations, academic institutions, scientists, and faith-based groups, the campaign aims to protect the 15-kilometer municipal waters reserved under the Fisheries Code (Republic Act No. 8550, as amended by RA 10654) for the exclusive use of artisanal fishers. 

It calls for the enforcement of these protections amid growing threats from commercial fishing operations. 

The Kikik Kollektive believes that the art market, organized by SM Supermalls on all its branches nationwide, serves as a platform to underscore the cultural, ecological, and economic importance of seaside communities. 

Wielding art in a nonconfrontational approach, the group aims to raise the voices of fisherfolk and public awareness about food security, marine sustainability, and the daily realities of Filipinos whose lives and survival depend on the sea’s abundance. 

Exhibition concept 

From left: Charles Franco, Christian Barrido, Khian Barniego, Matmat Abela, Julliana Pudadera, Ken Cadenas, and Clarence Ceriola —PHOTOS BY TED ALDWIN ONG

Each of the 14 artists—Matmat Abela, Louise Banabatac, Kristian Barniego, Khian Barniego, Christian Barrido, Leovic Baticbatic, Emman Belga, Margaux Blas, Ken Cadenas, Clarence Ceriola, Charles Franco, Red Haraya, Julliana Pudadera, and Zippy Saint Thomas—presented a series of five small, individual paintings that convey personal memories and encounters with the sea.

The concept was rooted in a student research and fieldwork conducted by Julliana Pudadera for her Political Science and Public Administration course in Barangay Santiago, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo. There, she witnessed firsthand the poverty and daily struggles of fisherfolk families living along the coastline. 

“I heard about the #AtinAngKinse campaign, but I hadn’t fully immersed myself in the issue even before my graduation last June,” said Pudadera. “I felt it was too big for me to grasp, until the opportunity for an exhibition presented itself.” 

She added: “Art for Everyone 2025 gave me and my fellow artists a chance to revisit the issue and reflect on our personal and shared experiences with the sea.” 

According to Pudadera, these reflections helped shape the overall theme and narrative of the group as an exhibitor in this year’s art market. 

Moreover, Pudadera emphasized their intention was to create a collection where they can enjoin everyone to have an understanding of the issues that affect the Filipinos regardless of age, gender, or status in society—a work of art that is socially-relevant with the times and consistent with the exhibition’s desire—an art for everyone. 

Visual collage  

Individual artworks in collage. —PHOTO FROM KIKIK KOLLEKTIVE FB PAGE

Arranged across four central panels at the center of the exhibition floor, the artwork forms a visual collage in layered shades of blue—from turquoise to ultramarine—evoking the colors of the ocean.  

From a distance, it draws viewers in; up close, the distinct details of each piece—totalling to 75 small pieces—come into focus.  

The curation offers a collective reflection on marine life and coastal experiences, linking the personal with the political and the individual with the collective—ultimately presenting a unified visual statement that calls for localized support for the #AtinAngKinse campaign.  

Art for Everyone 2025 in Iloilo City is participated by more than 100 Ilonggo artists and with more than 500 pieces on show and sale. It will run until July 31, 2025.

First published in CoverStory – July 29, 2025

Artist-educator Leo Gali opens his first solo exhibition, “Phases/Faces,” at the Ang Panublion Museum in Roxas City on Feb. 22 at 2 p.m.

“Phases/Faces” showcases Gali’s versatility throughout a career that spans various disciplines, from architectural drafting and teaching of social studies in high school to book illustration and editorial cartooning. It is a reflective journey of creative evolution, revealing how his personal experiences, professional milestones, and interactions with poor communities have shaped his artistic identity.

The exhibition is curated as a tapestry of Gali’s life and work, his transformations, and the different phases of his roles as an artist and an educator. His ability to blend stark black-and-white editorial cartoons with vibrant acrylics and watercolors testifies to his mastery of diverse mediums.

“Happiness” by Leo Gali (24×24 inches, Acrylic on canvas, 2025)

A native of Panitan town in Capiz, Gali is known for his cubist style and intricate geometric designs. His art reflects a deep connection to his heritage and contemporary influences in his home province, and often bridges rural and urban design elements. 

He is an advocate for local projects and has focused much of his creative energy on initiatives that resonate with his roots. He has illustrated books for indigenous communities, contributed editorial cartoons to local newspapers, and mentored young artists in Western Visayas through his involvement with Figura Paniteño. 

His works have been exhibited in galleries across the Philippines, including the GSIS Museum and the University of the Philippines Diliman’s Bulwagan ng Dangal. These have garnered recognition in various art competitions, with one of his pieces shortlisted in the prestigious GSIS National Painting Competition in 2018.

For more information, visit the Facebook page of Ang Panublion Museum https://www.facebook.com/angpanublionmuseum.

Read more: Rare paintings by Filipino masters on view in Iloilo City

First published in CoverStory – February 16, 2025

There are many reasons to travel to the beautiful province of Iloilo, from its rich history to its food. And adventurous foodies will surely enjoy each town’s traditional cuisine, which will be highlighted in the annual three-day celebration in April called “Namit!” 

April is Filipino Food Month by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 469, issued in 2018 for the appreciation and preservation of the Filipino culinary heritage. 

“Namit!” (Hiligaynon word for “yummy”) began as a way for Iloilo to celebrate its food culture and offer the tastes and aromas of its traditional cuisine to locals and visitors alike. Food tourism is robust in the province; foodies devote entire trips to exploring the towns not only for their historical and natural attractions but also, and especially, for their culinary delights. 

Now on its fourth year, “Namit!” will be held on April 22-24 at SM City’s North Point wing fronting Pan de Manila in Iloilo City.

The family-friendly event features a cooking contest and daily cooking demonstrations of local dishes to celebrate each town as well as the unique legacies of the families who prepared them. Visitors may watch a cooking demonstration or take a class and enhance their kitchen skills. They may be introduced to new ingredients, and novel ways to prepare them. 

They must come with a hearty appetite and an expectation of new recipes that they will be excited to try later.

“Ginat-an ng palaypay” of Balasan

“Tinuom nga lahit-lagut” of Calinog (left) and “baguy-baguy of Janiuay”

This year, the event will highlight the culinary traditions of Balasan: ginat-an nga palaypay, tambalang nga dahon sang abalong, and adobo nga puyoy (April 22, 1:30 p.m.); of Calinog: pako-pako alad, tinuom nga lagut-lagut, and linabugan nga Bisaya nga manok (April 23, 1:30 p.m.); and of Lambunao: tinagbakan nga Bisaya nga manok, and the cooking contest that will highlight apan-apan and turon (April 24, 1:30 p.m.).

Food is a distinguishing element of Iloilo culture. It is a mix of tangible and intangible elements that contribute to the cultural values of the Ilonggo people. 

“Namit! is organized yearly by the Iloilo Provincial Government through the Provincial Culture, Arts, History, and Tourism Office in partnership with the Department of Tourism Region VI, and SM City Iloilo.

Bombette Golez Marin is the provincial tourism officer of Iloilo.

First published in CoverStory – April 20, 2024