TARLAC CITY, Tarlac (Oct. 13, 2025) — The vibrant spirit of Filipino artistry took center stage as the province of Tarlac successfully concluded the four-day Luzon Art Fair 2025, held from October 9 to 12 at the Bulwagang Kanlahi at the Diwa ng Tarlac.
The momentous event, which was its third iteration, was officially opened on October 11, 2025, by Tarlac Governor Christian Yap, Vice Governor Lita Aquino, and noted art patron Melissa Yap. The fair successfully solidified Tarlac’s position as a premier destination for arts and culture in the region.
The celebration of local talent and heritage featured arts and craft merchants from the Tarlac community, a mural workshop by the “Tanglaw Artist” program, and a showcase of products from the province’s 17 towns and one city, which highlighted local specialties such as the famous “Maning Concepcion” from Concepcion, chorizos of La Paz, handcrafted flowers of Pura, and the potteries of Santa Ignacia.
The diverse range of events included the interactive augmented reality art workshop “Living Canvases” for a cause by the TLYR Collective, alongside live painting by Triangulum PH. The schedule also featured provocative discussions such as “Contemporary Filipino Art and Its Dilemma” by the Gromyko Semper Balaraw Art Collective and a roundtable on the “Ethics of Gallery Practice” that focused on collective strength for Filipino artists.
Hands-on learning opportunities were available through an Etching Intaglio Printing Workshop by the nurturing Tanglaw Artist Program, a pottery workshop by Olongapo-Zambales Artists, and a talk by the Kuta Artist Group.
The fair also presented broader national and regional perspectives with the Tarlac National Competition Exhibition and an art talk by the Yaru nu Artes Ivatan from Batanes, who shared their journey from creating tourist souvenirs to pursuing deeper artistic expression. Adding island inspiration to the program, a session on “Art in the Island” was led by Wednesday Cilot and Lawrence Tatad of the Isla Catanduanes Artists Guild, who create from the “heart of Catanduanes.”
In his statement, Yap expressed his profound gratitude last Saturday during the official opening of the fair.
“Isang makabuluhang araw ng sining at kultura! Mula po sa Kulitan Calligraphy Workshop, HALA! BALIKO! A Circuit Bending Talk and Demo, hanggang sa Ugat ng Gunita: Weaving Folklore Into The Filipino Future, tunay na naipamalas ang husay, likha, at diwa ng mga Pilipino. Lubos po ang aking pasasalamat sa lahat ng lumahok, sa mga organisasyong nagtaguyod ng kaganapan, sa aking maybahay na si Melissa Yap, at sa ating mga kagalang-galang na panauhing dumalo sa Luzon Art Fair 2025,” the young governor said.
The event was supported by the provincial government’s Committee on Tourism chairperson, Board Member Pearl Pacada, and Committee on Education chairperson, Board Member Harmes Sembrano.
The Luzon Art Fair 2025 stood as more than an exhibition; it was a testament to the growing, collaborative, and resilient spirit of the Filipino artistic community, having provided a platform for recognition and a celebration of the nation’s rich cultural tapestry.
