By Nimfa L. Estrellado Founder Marlene Ayen Galit stands with Vice Governor Anacleto A. Alcala III and other officials during the opening of...
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| Founder Marlene Ayen Galit stands with Vice Governor Anacleto A. Alcala III and other officials during the opening of “Pintig ng Lahi: Pandaigdigang Pagpupugay sa Sining at Panitikan” at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Quezon in Lucena City. (Quezon PIO) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon - On the walls of a provincial hall in Lucena City, paintings that do not speak nonetheless command attention, transforming the space into a meeting place for stories and memory. Through art and literature, Pintig ng Lahi invites visitors to pause and reflect, as color and texture carry fragments of history, memories of home, and lived experience.
In an exclusive interview with Sentinel Times via Messenger, the exhibition’s founder, Marlene Ayen Galit, said, “This exhibition was born from a clear vision—to create a space where artists, writers, and cultural bearers from different backgrounds come together. It celebrates our heritage and the stories that shape who we are.”
Pintig ng Lahi: Pandaigdigang Pagpupugay sa Sining at Panitikan opened February 2, 2026, at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Quezon in Lucena City, bringing Filipino and international artists together. The exhibition turns a government space into a living gallery where personal memory, collective identity, and cultural pride converge for the public.
A space for stories to gather
The exhibition draws from the belief that art is shaped through shared experience and dialogue grounded in memory, place, and community. These elements guide how stories are expressed, remembered, and preserved through creative work.
“As the founder of Artista de Colores, it is with deep pride and gratitude that I present Pintig ng Lahi: Pandaigdigang Pagpupugay sa Sining at Panitikan. This exhibition reflects years of dedication to honoring creativity and cultural expression.” Galit said.
Artista de Colores evolved alongside this vision as more creatives sought support, visibility, and belonging. What began as a modest initiative gradually grew into a broader cultural network rooted in advocacy and collaboration.
“Artista de Colores began as a platform to uplift artists and poets by giving them opportunities to share their creativity with the world. Over time, it became a space where voices are encouraged and amplified.” Galit added.
Art as healing, art as connection
As the community expanded, its purpose moved beyond exhibitions into deeper cultural engagement, with art serving as a means of connection, reflection, and collective healing. This shift reflected the changing needs of artists and audiences navigating personal and social challenges.
“At its heart, Pintig ng Lahi is more than an exhibit—it is a movement that keeps culture alive through shared participation. I wanted to create a platform where individual voices merge into a larger narrative shaped by collective memory.” Galit said.
Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, led by Vice Governor Anacleto A. Alcala III, expressed support for the exhibition during its opening, noting that cultural initiatives like Pintig ng Lahi help strengthen local identity and enrich provincial cultural life.
Running until March 2, the exhibition explores identity, memory, and culture through visual art and literary expression in an accessible public setting. Visitors are invited to engage not simply as viewers, but as participants—listening closely to what the silence reveals, ang pintig ng ating lahi.
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