Art has always been a reflection of the times, a medium for self-expression, and a bridge connecting people to untold stories. But in the Bicol region, where opportunities for local artists remain scarce, it is also an act of defiance—a statement that art belongs here just as much as it does anywhere else.
This is the spirit behind FEMME: Women in Art, an exhibition organized by the Naga City Arts and Culture Coalition. It brings together 12 Bicolana artists in a powerful showcase of talent, identity, and purpose. Held at Villa Caceres Hotel in Naga City, the exhibit runs from March 16 to 31, 2025, with an artist reception on March 15. The exhibit’s opening was graced by special guests, including Nadine Lustre, former Senator Leila de Lima, and former Vice President of the Philippines, Atty. Leni Robredo.
For Anna Leah Patricia Q. Yangco, also known in the art world as Patpourri and who serves as the organizer of the event, FEMME is the result of a vision that almost never came to life.
“I actually conceptualized this back in 2023,” Yangco shared. “I wrote proposals to different venues—mostly hotels—but no one responded. So, I shelved it for a while. Then, late last year, I thought, ‘Why not try again?’”
This second attempt proved successful. A venue was secured, artists were contacted, and plans were set in motion. What was once just an idea was finally becoming a reality.
FEMME is not just about showcasing beautiful paintings—it is about creating space for women artists in a field that often overlooks them. It is also about strengthening the art scene in Bicol, which, according to Yangco, still lacks the platforms that bigger cities like Manila have.
“Most art events are very Metro Manila-centric. So, why can’t we create more opportunities here instead? Closer to home, where our fellow artists and audiences can appreciate them more?” she asks.
As Yangco puts it, “It’s all about giving a platform and exposure. And connecting the artists to the collectors, to the media, and to the general audience as well. It’s all about giving to the world. It’s all about showcasing to the world that this is what we can do.”
In this exhibit, art speaks not only of beauty but of resilience and strength. Just like the women it honors, the artworks are beautiful in every form and color. FEMME: Women in Art is more than a collection of pieces; it is a celebration of the stories, experiences, and emotions that define what it means to be a woman.
Just like the women behind these creations, the artworks themselves embody beauty—not just on the surface but in the depth of their meaning. These pieces tell stories of empowerment, loss, love, and triumph. Some works bring forward the most painful, tragic experiences of womanhood, while others capture the joy and strength that come with embracing one’s identity.
If you take a closer look, you will see that these pieces represent much more than mere visuals—they tell the personal journeys of these incredible women, artists who are unafraid to share their truths. It’s a beautiful reminder that womanhood is not a single story but a tapestry woven of countless moments—some sorrowful, some triumphant, but all uniquely powerful.
This exhibition does more than spotlight artists—it also uplifts women beyond the art world. Celebrating art and identity for a cause, a portion of the sales from the exhibition will be donated to Zonta, a civic group dedicated to empowering women and children’s rights through charity work and advocacy programs.
“I wanted this show to have a deeper meaning. That’s why it features all women artists exclusively for Women’s Month, and that’s why it’s also for a cause. It’s all about bringing the community together. It’s all about uplifting artists, non-artists, and cultural advocates,” Yangco explains.
For her, seeing FEMME come to life has been overwhelming in the best way possible.
“It’s just the fact that everyone enjoyed it and that they felt fulfilled in some way. Like the artwork resonated with them, or just the fact that they enjoyed looking at the artworks, learned something, or that it brought the community together,” she says.
FEMME is more than an art exhibit; it is a movement. For Yangco—and for every artist featured in FEMME—art is not just about making something beautiful; it’s about making a difference. It’s a statement that women, in all their beautiful forms, are not only deserving of recognition—they are capable of changing the world through their creativity, passion, and stories.
Written by Samantha Nicole Bernardo, Katelyn Ann Munda, and Aaliyah Nicole Ablero, CEPPIO Interns. Photos taken by Emman Cleofe and Nomelyn Nasayao, CEPPIO.
