THE Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (ILOMOCA) has once again placed Iloilo City on the cultural map with the grand opening of Connecting Borders: A Collection of Southeast Asian Art, a groundbreaking exhibition that celebrates creativity, identity, and shared heritage across the ASEAN region.
In celebration of ASEAN Month, ILOMOCA formally launched on August 9 at the museum’s second-floor galleries its newest international exhibition that showcases works from celebrated artists representing Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
The launch was graced by top diplomats whose presence reflected the exhibition’s spirit of regional solidarity. In attendance were His Excellency Dato’ Malik Melvin Castelino, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines, Her Excellency Constance See, Ambassador of Singapore to the Philippines, His Excellency Lai Thai Binh, Ambassador of Vietnam to the Philippines, and Victorina Hesti Dewayani, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia and representing Indonesian Ambassador Agus Widjojo.
Also present at the event were local leaders including Iloilo’s Vice Gov. Nathalie Ann “Lee Ann” Debuque, Uswag Ilonggo party-list’s Rep. James “Jojo” Ang Jr., Jay Treñas (representing Iloilo City’s Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu), and former mayor Jerry P. Treñas.
The man behind the collection
The heart of Connecting Borders is the Edwin V. Valencia Collection, a treasure trove of Southeast Asian works that reflect the region’s diversity and evolving artistic expressions.
Valencia, chairman of the ILOMOCA Advisory Board and president of the Valencia Foundation, is known as Iloilo’s foremost art patron. His vision to make modern and contemporary art accessible to the public has transformed ILOMOCA into a cultural hub, with his personal collection of over a hundred pieces displayed across its galleries.
By partnering with Megaworld Iloilo, Valencia has helped foster an environment where art appreciation is paired with dialogue and exchange — a mission that aligns perfectly with Connecting Borders.
A meeting of cultures and visions
Connecting Borders is more than an art exhibition — it is an invitation to journey through the shared landscapes of culture, identity, and imagination that transcend geographical divides. The show unfolds like a vibrant tapestry, weaving together diverse artistic languages: from the intricate pen work of Malaysia’s Syahbandi Samat to the richly textured abstractions of the Philippines’ Raffy Napay.
The impressive roster of international artists includes Malaysia’s Syahbandi Samat, Tajuddin Ismail, SC Shekar, and Ajim Juxta; Singapore’s Denise Jillian Tan; Indonesia’s Anton Subiyanto, Roby Dwi Antono, Taufik Ermas, Oky Rey Montha, Imam Santoso, and Dedy Sufriadi; Thailand’s Verapong Sritrakulkitjakam, Pat Yingcharoen, Nattiwut Choomanowat, Kowit Wattanarch, and Jakkapong Thapkoa; and Vietnam’s Hoai Huong, Nguyen Quang Trung, Nguyen Thanh Chuong, Bui Van Hoan, and Phan Cam Tuong.
Bringing the narrative closer to home, the exhibition also features remarkable works by Filipino talents, including Renz Baluyot, Jason Delgado, Monica Delgado, Babylyn Fajilagutan, Gean Brix Garcia, Bjorn Calleja, Karina Broce-Gonzaga, Frelan Gonzaga, Enrique Cachero Jr., Nilo Ilarde, Katrina Cuenca, Raffy Napay, and Ferdinand Cacnio.
‘A bridge builder between nations’
For former mayor Treñas, the event marks another milestone in Iloilo’s journey toward international cultural recognition.
“Ini nagapakita lang nga amat-amat na kita nga gaka-expose sa mga international exhibits,” Treñas said. “It will promote us not only here but internationally. We have artists here from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and at the same time we expose our local artists.”
Her Excellency Constance See, Ambassador of Singapore to the Philippines, highlighted the unifying power of art: “Art really strengthens our bonds in the region. There is so much that transcends borders — art is a language everyone understands. The more we see each other’s creativity, the more we understand our shared challenges and emotions.”
Malaysian Ambassador Dato’ Malik Melvin Castelino shared a similar sentiment: “Art and culture are ties that bind different cultures and faiths. Regardless of nationality or religion, there is a distinct connectivity in Asian art. It is a bridge builder between all nations, especially in times of geopolitical issues.”
In a message delivered by Jay Treñas, Mayor Treñas-Chu reaffirmed the city’s commitment to nurturing the arts: “Iloilo City today is a thriving canvas — from black walls transformed into vivid murals to bridges adorned with colors. This exhibit is a celebration of connectivity, creativity, and shared heritage. May it continue to inspire dialogue, unity, and understanding across all borders, because in art there is no dialect; everyone understands each other.”
With the recent declaration of Iloilo Business Park as the city’s official Center for Arts and Culture, events like Connecting Borders are expected to further cement Iloilo’s dream to become the “Arts Capital of the Philippines.”
Connecting Borders: A Collection of Southeast Asian Art is now open to the public at ILOMOCA, Festive Walk Iloilo. For updates, follow ILOMOCA on Facebook (@ILOMOCA) and Instagram (@itsilomoca)./PN
