The Philippine archipelago, with its more than 7,000 islands, is steeped in colorful history and culture—much of which the world has yet to fully discover. One of the most compelling ways to share this richness with a global audience is through art and participation in international exhibitions.

This year, Filipino visual artists have earned the honor of qualifying for the prestigious Florence Biennale 2025, which will take place this October in Florence, Italy. Among them are Marco Polo Cabrera, Marjowyn Vito, and Angelie Banaag.

As they prepare to step onto this celebrated international stage, Manila Bulletin Lifestyle caught up with the three during the launch of their group show, “Lakbay Sining: Likhang Pinoy, Handog sa Daigdig – Road to Florence, Italy,” held at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria in Ortigas Center. The event, organized in collaboration with Artablado, opened on Aug. 7, 2025.

Marco, known in the art scene as MarPolo, was born in 1988 in Nagcarlan, Laguna. A multidisciplinary artist, he holds a degree in Broadcasting from Laguna State Polytechnic University. While working, he pursued his passion for the arts, studying at Lasalle College of the Arts in Singapore in 2018. Influenced by music, nature, and Philippine mythology, his works radiate hope and cultural pride. In March 2025, he held his fourth solo exhibition at the National Commission for Culture and the Arts Gallery in Intramuros, Manila, and later represented the Philippines at Art Expo Hong Kong last May.

Angelie, a self-taught artist from Dingras, Ilocos Norte, creates textured, vibrant paintings rooted in faith, femininity, and Ilocano heritage—often incorporating Inabel fabric. Drawing inspiration from Gustav Klimt, her works feature gold leaf and intricate symbolism. In 2016, she founded Art on the Gogh, a traveling art workshop, and later Artritos, promoting wearable art. Her artistic journey, marked by resilience and spirituality, reflects a deep pride in her culture.

Meanwhile, Marjowyn, is the creator of Contrasegmentism, a style that fuses flat surfaces with textured volumes to create vivid, thought-provoking pieces. Her works address themes such as women’s empowerment, climate change, and peace. She has exhibited in New York, London, and Mexico City.

All three artists underwent a rigorous application process to secure a place in this highly competitive event. Their group show at Crowne Plaza also serves as a fundraising effort to help cover expenses for their journey to Italy.

“It's an honor to be included in the Florence Biennale. It’s a great opportunity to showcase our heritage there. And of course, carrying the heritage of Ilocos Norte,” Angelie shared. “For me, it's a big opportunity to showcase not just my paintings but also the beautiful culture and the ways of our province.”

Participating in art shows of this scale comes with a hefty price tag—from airfare and accommodations to transporting their artworks overseas. The artists emphasized the need for collaborative support from both the public and private sectors to make this journey possible. They shared that while some assistance has come from government offices, private institutions like Crowne Plaza have also stepped in to help.

“This show is a sneak peek of what we are bringing to Florence, Italy. This is not just a simple group art exhibition but actually a benefit show. The proceeds will help us support our journey in Italy,” MarPolo said. “As we all know, it will be expensive. That is why we’re so thankful for the Crowne Plaza, Artablado, and the Gallery Bar because they gave us a platform for this show.”

Despite the challenges ahead, Marjowyn shared that they remain eager to make it to Florence—not just to present their works, but to carry the Philippine flag high.

“It's definitely an honor to represent the Philippines the way that we get to wave our flag and showcase Filipino art on the international stage, most especially with the Florence Biennale, which is like what they say, the Olympics of the art scene, and hundreds of artists are there. So it's a good exposure for Filipino talent,” Marjowyn said.

“I think what’s special about the Florence Biennale—and something people don’t often realize—is that it’s a major event where an artist can apply directly to the jury and curatorial board, unlike other events that have many gatekeepers. This is really meaningful for us because, as artists, we get to apply on our own merit. When you get accepted, it’s a different feeling, because it’s your art alone that made it there,” she concluded.

“Lakbay Sining: Likhang Pinoy, Handog sa Daigdig – Road to Florence, Italy” runs until Sept. 2025.