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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Bulacan welcomes world artists at 13th Pulilan Mandala Art Festival

Bulacan welcomes world artists at 13th Pulilan Mandala Art Festival

Published May 8, 2026 05:08 pm
The provincial government of Bulacan reaffirmed its commitment to the arts as Vice Governor Alex Castro, representing Governor Daniel R. Fernando, welcomed more than 120 local and international artists to the 13th Pulilan Mandala International Art Festival.
Vice Governor Alex C. Castro demonstrates the old tradition of rice milling following the ribbon‑cutting ceremony of the 13th Pulilan Mandala International Festival at SM Center Pulilan, Bulacan, on Friday, May 8. (Photo by Freddie Velez)
Vice Governor Alex C. Castro demonstrates the old tradition of rice milling following the ribbon‑cutting ceremony of the 13th Pulilan Mandala International Festival at SM Center Pulilan, Bulacan, on Friday, May 8. (Photo by Freddie Velez)
Castro expressed gratitude to participants from Australia, India, and France, emphasizing their role in spreading Filipino creativity and excellence across the globe.
The festival opened Friday, May 8, at SM Center Pulilan with keynote messages from distinguished guests including multimedia artist and UP Diliman Fine Arts Dean Prof. Toym Imao, Department of Tourism Region III Director Dr. Richard G. Daenos, Pulilan Mayor RJ Peralta, Vice Mayor Imee Cruz, UP Cebu Prof. Dennis “Sio” Montera, and SM AVP Ana Datu.
The festival -- organized by the JEFARCA Arts and Historical Society Inc. with support from the Bulacan provincial government, NCCA, Pulilan local government, and SM Center -- features exhibitions, lectures, performances, film screenings, cultural rituals, and community collaborations.
With the theme “Art, Earth, Action,” the festival broadens its focus into a global dialogue on creativity, sustainability, heritage, and shared responsibility.
An opening exhibit showcased 116 works, while international artists Jeff Gauci (Australia), Ashna Katoch (India), and Henri Lamy (France) joined Filipino counterparts in fostering cross-cultural exchange.
Multi-disciplinary artist Sam Penaso also presented a performance art piece.
Founded in 2012 with NCCA’s National Committee on Visual Arts, the Mandala Festival has grown from a regional celebration into an international platform, now welcoming foreign artists for the first time.
The 13th Mandala International Art Festival exhibit runs until May 31 at SM Center Pulilan.

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