Anne Constantino Beck delivers her opening remarks at the launch of Hiyas | Contributed Photo
NEW YORK – HIYAS—the Filipino word for “gem”—is more than a title; it’s a declaration. At the Philippine Center on 5th Avenue, in midtown Manhattan, this radiant exhibition of 11 artists from the U.S., Canada, and the Philippines gathers the brilliance of Filipino creativity, heritage, and resilience into one transcendent space.
From the intricate strokes of ancestral memory to bold expressions of contemporary identity, HIYAS invites global audiences to witness the soul of a people whose artistry defies borders. Each piece is a shimmering testament to the Filipino spirit—unbreakable, luminous, and endlessly evolving.
LÍKHÂ Gallery, in proud partnership with Lawig Diwa, ArtPortal Cebu, and Museo De Pacis, unveiled HIYAS on August 18 at the Philippine Center’s Lobby Gallery in New York City—a luminous showcase of Filipino artistry, heritage, and identity presented before a global audience.
Curated by Elba S. Cruz, the works of the featured artists – from realism and abstraction to sculpture and mixed media – highlighted both traditional practices and contemporary innovations, weaving together narratives of heritage, identity, and community.
A Showcase of Artistic Gems
The featured artists (7 from the Philippines, one from Canada, and three from New York) include:
- Ant Afable -Textured canvases and bold palettes exploring spirituality, resilience, and shared humanity.
- Ann Constantino Beck – Mixed-media works bridging migration, identity, and cultural memory.
- Raynante “Nante” Carandang – Figurative painter known for symbolic and socially resonant works.
- Romeo Cortez Jr. – Realist painter capturing everyday Filipino traditions and community life.
- Florentino “Jun” Impas – Award-winning Cebuano realist acclaimed for cultural narratives and portraits.
- Kublai Millan – Prolific Mindanao artist celebrated for monumental public art rooted in indigenous heritage.
- Celso Pepito – Painter and advocate emphasizing harmony, duality, and Filipino identity.
- Fe Madrid Pepito – Multi-disciplinary artist exploring womanhood, spirituality, and cultural expression.
- Marcelino Rodriguez is a skilled printmaker who expertly blends abstract art with Filipino motifs, utilizing contemporary techniques to create truly captivating works.
- Cesar Delos Santos III – Realist painter depicting the resilience and dignity of daily life.
- Jik Villanueva – Painter and sculptor reinterpreting cultural symbols through dynamic forms.
A Night of Culture and Community
The opening reception combined visual and performing arts, featuring a moving performance by Evita Natascha Muñoz Cruz, joined by Kinding Sindaw artists Kelsea Suarez, Francisco Ortega, Anne Norvell de Castro, and Nonilon Queno. Cultural storyteller Potri Ranka Manis enriched the evening with indigenous narratives of rhythm and movement.
Consul General Senen Mangalile underscored the role of art as a cultural bridge, honoring Filipino identity while fostering global connections. His remarks reaffirmed the Philippine Center’s mission of cultural diplomacy and the power of the arts in uniting communities.
The ceremonial ribbon cutting was led by Fr. Erno Diaz, Ferdinand Suba, Dely Go, Ria Serrano, Ronnie Mataquel, Catalina Suerte, Eric Christopher Perry, Rosalyn Lim Año, Toni Go, and Rachel Alejandro, reflecting strong community support for Filipino artistry abroad.
Honoring Filipino Creativity on the Global Stage
More than an exhibition, HIYAS served as a cultural bridge—connecting audiences across regions, generations, and experiences. By presenting stories rooted in heritage, diaspora, and innovation, the event affirmed the enduring legacy and evolving spirit of Filipino creativity.
With HIYAS, LÍKHÂ Gallery and its partners continue their mission to amplify Filipino art in global spaces, ensuring that these cultural treasures—the true hiyas of the community—shine brightly for generations to come.
RELATED STORY: Paraluman: A Collective Expression of Distinctive Art Forms at the Philippine Center Gallery
HIYAS is the second exhibition of artists that LÍKHÂ Gallery has presented this year. In March, in observance of Women’s History Month, it partnered with the International Women Artists Inc. (IWA) to launch Paraluman. The compelling works of six art luminaries, including that of former Miss Philippines Maria Isabel Lopez, were on display at the Philippine Center Gallery.
HIYAS will run until August 29 at the Philippine Center. Meanwhile, LÍKHÂ Gallery, based in Hawthorne, New York, has extended its show of the featured artists, offering another set of their works until August 27.
