Local and international artists converged at the University of Baguio (UB) Centennial Hall on Monday, May 25, to launch “Mankakait Friendship 2026,” a five-day International Art and Cultural Exchange celebrating community and global artistic ties.
Led by the Pugad Arts Studio, the five-day exhibition serves as the second leg of the Pugad ni Art International Cultural Art Exchange, following its inaugural event held in Hanoi, Vietnam, last December.
Project coordinator Abe Orobia shared how their art group first started very small, with just a few friends. Over time, it grew bigger and bigger until it became a huge family of artists working together.
“Pugad ni Art Studio, Pugad means ‘nest,’” Orobia explained. “It started really small and then eventually it grew up into a community. It became a haven for artists that are not only beginners but professional artists.”
Art Lozano expressed satisfaction with the reception of the launch, teasing future expansions for the international exchange.
“Kita naman natin, maganda yung opening natin and successful naman itong event,” Lozano said. “Mayroon pang continuation ito so abangan natin kung kailan, kung ilang bansa ulit ang magtipon-tipon na mag-join.”
The event drew strong support from local governance officials who emphasized the role of culture in regional development. La Trinidad Mayor Roderick Awingan extended his gratitude to the participants, noting that the initiative bridges local boundaries.
“Mankakait truly shows that indeed, arts provides a venue in which friendship will be generated, and at the same time through this particular activity, there are no limitations to where we can go,” Awingan said. “What are the other activities that Sir Art will be organizing, our local government unit will be gladly supporting that kind of thing.”
Baguio City Councilor Leandro Yangot meanwhile said framing artistic expression as a vital daily necessity for the community.
“Mankakait means we are all related. Everything we do involves creativity. When we talk, whenever we dance, whenever we sing, whenever we have a program like this, there is creativity, so let creativity prevail everywhere. Let’s make creativity be part of our everyday life again,” Yangot stated.
The exhibition runs until May 29 at the UB Centennial Hall. Clariz Hidalgo/UC Intern
Mankakait Friendship 2026 Cultural Exchange Opens in Baguio
