MAKATI CITY — An art exhibition featuring the works of 10 prominent and emerging artists from the Philippines and Malaysia opened on Friday, marking a cultural celebration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The exhibit, titled “Celebrating Friendship Through Art: A Kaleidoscope of 60 Years of Diplomatic Relations between Malaysia and the Philippines,” is being held at One Ayala and will be open to the public until September 1.
According to Philippines News Agency, the exhibition highlights the shared cultural heritage and unique artistic expressions of the two nations. “Malaysia and the Philippines have diverse and vibrant cultures, and through art, we have managed to create a cultural exchange and discover commonalities between our nations while celebrating our uniqueness,” Castelino stated in his message during the event’s opening.
The exhibit showcases the works of Filipino visual artists Ramon Orlina, Anthony Palomo, Francisco Guerrero, Dennis Bato, and Niakie, alongside Malaysian artists Dato Tajuddin Ismail, Juhari Said, SC Shekar, Anniketyni Madian, and Syahbandi Samat. The event will also feature sharing sessions and talks by the artists themselves, allowing the public to engage with the creators behind the artworks.
Castelino emphasized the significance of such artistic collaborations in strengthening the ties between Malaysia and the Philippines. “It is through the eyes of our talented artists that we see the beauty of our cultures blended together, and it is through their hands that we feel the power of our connection,” he said, encouraging continued artistic and cultural exchanges to further fortify the relationship between the two countries.
The art exhibit is part of a series of events organized by the Malaysian Embassy in Manila to commemorate the long-standing diplomatic relationship between the Philippines and Malaysia, which was formally established in May 1964. Over the years, both nations have maintained strong commitments to mutual respect and cooperation, exploring ways to enhance bilateral relations across various sectors, including politics, economics, culture, trade, investment, and tourism.