Tabaco Open Gallery

T.O.G. Painting Challenge “ PAMANA”

“Pamana” is an invitation for TOG artist to explore the heart and soul of the Filipino identity through painting, emphasizing values,customs and traditions that define us as a nation.This challenge focuses on composition - how artist arrange elements to tell a compelling and cohesive story on canvas.

Title: Mano po
Size: 18”× 24”
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
Artist: Reciel L. Miranda
Painting style: Realism

Pagmamano is a cherished Filipino tradition of showing deep respect to elders, where one takes the elder’s hand and presses it to their forehead as a gesture of honor, love, and gratitude. This act is much like a lampara, a traditional oil lamp that brings warm, steady light in the dark. Just as a lampara guides and brightens the way, pagmamano illuminates values of kindness, humility, and family bond. It lights up our relationships, keeping our cultural roots alive and leading us toward respect and goodness.

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Tabaco Open Gallery: Creativity and Connection Shaping the Local Art Scene

In Tabaco City, art has quietly been finding its voice through a growing community of painters brought together by a shared belief: creativity flourishes when artists support one another. What began in 2020 as a small initiative by a founder based in the United States has since evolved into a collective of nearly 50 artists, now known locally as TOG.

“There were many talented artists here, but not enough opportunities for them to come together,” the group shared. The collective started simply—artists were invited one by one after their work was reviewed. Over time, it became more than an organization. It became a space for mentorship, collaboration, and genuine connection.

TOG’s vision is clear: to help position Tabaco as an emerging art hub while making art more accessible to the community. Their projects range from traditional painting techniques inspired by classical masters to contemporary explorations, even embracing discussions around AI in art. This year, the group is focusing on Filipiniana themes, drawing inspiration from local culture, identity, and everyday life.

Like many art groups, they’ve faced challenges, especially when it comes to funding exhibitions and navigating constructive criticism within a diverse creative community. Still, they continue to adapt. Sponsorships, donations, and commissions from art sales have helped sustain their biennial exhibits, while mentorship programs encourage both beginner and advanced artists to grow together.

Beyond exhibitions, TOG actively works with schools and local organizations through workshops, lectures, and art competitions. Their efforts are slowly shaping a stronger artistic culture in the region.

“There is strength in community,” they said. And perhaps that is what makes the collective stand out—not just the artworks themselves, but the way they continue creating space for artists to learn, evolve, and belong together.

T. O.G. Painting Challenge “ PAMANA”

“Pamana” is an invitation for TOG artist to explore the heart and soulof the Filipino identity through painting, emphasizing values, customs and traditions that define us as a nation.This challenge focuses on composition - how artist arrange elements to tell a compelling and cohesive story on canvas.

Title: At Nasisintunado sa Kaba
Size: 16” x 20”
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
Artist : Toni Mirabona
Painting style : Realism and semi-impressionism

Description:

Set beneath a moonlit sky, this painting captures the timeless Filipino tradition of harana, where two nervous and slightly out-of-tune musicians continue their heartfelt serenade beneath the balcony of a warmly lit bahay kubo. Despite their uncertainty, they carry on with sincerity and courage, honoring an old tradition of courtship through music, celebrating Filipino heritage, rural life, and the enduring charm of simple, genuine affection.

T.O.G. Painting Challenge “ PAMANA”

“Pamana “ is an invitation for TOG artist to explore the heart and soul of the Filipino identity through painting, emphasizing values, customs and traditions that define us as a nation.This challenge focuses on composition - how artist arrange elements to tell a compelling and cohesive story on canvas.

Title: Lumang Pamana
Size: 18”x 24
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
Artist : Aaron Lupos
Painting style : Realism

Description:

This painting shows old household tools that people used during the time when electricity did not yet exist. The lantern provided light at night, while the old iron was heated manually to press clothes. These objects represent the simple way of life in the past and remind us of how our ancestors lived with hard work and resourcefulness.
The painting also reminds us to appreciate the things and stories passed down by older generations because they are an important part of our history, culture, and identity.

T.O.G. Painting Challenge “ PAMANA”

“Pamana” is an invitation for TOG artist to explore the heart and soul of the Filipino identity through painting, emphasizing values, customs and traditions that define us a nation. This challenge focusses on composition - how artist arrange elements to tell a cohesive story on canvas.

Title: "SAGALA"
Size: 18×24
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Artist : Jasper Owen Bayaban
Painting style : Realism

Description:

“Sagala" a word always told to me of my mother. A tradition that was preserve by my family. My sister always joined into this particular event. A traditional celebration in the Philippines, typically honoring the finding of the Cross ( Santacruzan or Santa Cruz) but often infused with local folklore. In some towns, "Reyna Elena" refers to the queen of the festivities, symbolizing the biblical Empress Helena (Elena). "The Reyna Elena Festival is a pageant of faith, beauty, and community, where history and tradition walk hand in hand.

T.O.G. Painting Challenge “ PAMANA”

“Pamana” is an invitation for TOG artist to explore the heart and soul of the Filipino identity through painting, emphasizing values, customs and traditions that define us as a nation.This challenge focuses on composition - how artist arrange elements to tell a cohesive story on canvas.

Title : Flores de Mayo
Size : 18” x 24”
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
Artist :Mary Cassie Salcedo
Painting style : Figurative realism

Description:

Ang “Flores de Mayo” (Kastila para sa “ mga bulaklak ng Mayo”) ay isang buong buwang debosyon at tradisyunal na pagdiriwang sa Pilipinas tuwing Mayo bilang parangal sa Mahal na Birheng Maria.Tampok dito ang pag alay ng mga bulaklak, dasal, at ang makulay na Santacruzan sa huling araw ng buwan.

T.O.G. Painting challenge “PAMANA”

“Pamana “ is an invitation for TOG artist to explore the heart and soul of the Filipino identity through painting , emphasizing values, customs , and traditions that define us a nation.This challenge focuses on composition - how artist arrange elements to tell a compelling and cohesive story on canvas.

Title: Habilin
Size: 18x24
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
Artist: John Carlo C. Baes
Painting Style: Symbolism

Description:

Marami ang naipamana sa atin kabilang na dito ang tumuntong ng ibang bayan na madalas sambit na maganda ang magiging buhay at kasabay nito ang paglalakbay. Natamasang kalayaan matapos nang mabaling pananakop ng mga magkaibang lahi bago pa man malupig ay sagana sa kultura at yaman. Nariyan ang mga paniniwala "tabi tabi po" nang makaiwas sa dalawang posible na sakit o malas. Ang mukha at simoy ng probinsya. Lahat ng ito'y mga pamanang kultura.

T.O.G. Painting challenge “ PAMANA”

“ Pamana” is an invitation for TOG artist to explore the heart and soul of the Filipino identity through painting, emphasizing values, customs, and traditions that define us a nation. This challenge focuses on composition - how artist arrange elements to tell a compelling and cohesive story on canvas.

Title : Kundiman
Size: 18”x 24”
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
Painting style : Figurative style
Artist: Audrey Ballano

Description:

Harana is a traditional form of courtship here in the Philippines where a man expresses his sincerity, loyalty, and love for a woman by singing and playing a guitar. It shows how far a man will go to earn a woman's love and trust. It captures the beauty of love in a unique form and even gives romantic excitement. Harana is a tradition we Filipinos should remember and treasure even in modern times.

T.O.G. Painting challenge “ PAMANA”

“Pamana “ is an invitation for TOG artist to explore the heart and soul of the Filipino identity through painting, emphasizing values, customs and traditions that define us a nation. This challenge focuses on composition - how artist arrange elements to tell a compelling and cohesive story on canvas.

Title : “ Hampas dugo”
Size: 18”x 24”
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
Artist : Maet Aranaz - Sevillo
Painting style : Expressive Realism

Description:

“ Penitensya “ or Penance , Repentance or Self mortification is a Filipino Catholic tradition during Holy week ( Maundy Thursday and Good Friday) involving voluntary suffering - such as self flagellation, carrying wooden cross or crawling - to atone for sins , express gratitude or fulfill a vow. ( Panata)
It is an act of showing sorrow for sins or wrongdoing often deemed “ re- enactment of Christ suffering.

Artist note:
“ While painting this , i could feel the weight of every stroke .The process became a form of meditation on endurance mimicking the grit and the heat of the ritual itself .Each layer or crimson represents more than just a tradition, it represents the shared human experience of carrying a burden and the profound relief of a vow fulfilled”.

T.O.G. Painting challenge “ PAMANA”

“Pamana” is an invitation for TOG artist to explore the heart and soul of the Filipino identity through painting, emphasizing values, customs and traditions that define us a nation.This challenge focuses on composition - how artist arrange elements to tell a compelling and cohesive story on canvas.

Title: Warmth
Size: 18”x 24”
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
Artist: Mark Rainer Salcedo
Art style : Rococo

Description:

This painting depicts a mother tenderly holding her child, their bond radiating warmth and care. Around them blooms the sampaguita , its delicate white petals symbolizing purity and the Filipino spirit of hospitality. The mother’s gentle embrace reflects the values of compassion and resilience, while the child embodies innocence and hope. Together, they form a timeless portrait of love rooted in Filipino tradition - an image of family as the heart of community , and the sampaguita as a reminder of grace and generosity.

T.O.G. Painting Challenge “ PAMANA”

Pamana is an invitation for TOG artist to explore the heart and soul of the Filipino identity through painting, emphasizing values, customs, and traditions that define us as a nation.
This challenge focuses on composition - how artist arrange elements to tell a compelling and cohesive story on canvas.

Title : Mother Mary
Size : 19”x 27”
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
Artist : Marieju Dawe
Art style: Realism

Description:

One of the filipino traditions that is common in most provinces during the months of May and October is passing a statue of Mother Mary from house to house in a small brown wooden box or pilgrim carrying case, this traveling case remains protected, blessed and treated with reverence as families takes turns in hosting the image of Mother Mary and moves throughout the community. This tradition was popularized after the 1917 apparitions in Portugal, where Mother Mary requested prayers particularly the Rosary for peace and repentance. The boxes travel between homes staying for a few days or a week. This Catholic custom encourages the families to pray together and bring a sense of spiritual visitation. It also unites the neighborhood since it is often accompanied by processions and sharing of food.