"Portrait of the Heart: Art in Every Beat” International Exhibition Opens in Lucena City"

An inspiring celebration of creativity, compassion, and connection through the arts

Lucena City, Philippines — October 5, 2025. The power of art to heal, connect, and inspire was beautifully showcased during the grand opening of the “Portrait of the Heart: Art in Every Beat” International Exhibition held at Na’ay Po Restaurant and Bar, Granja Street, Lucena City, Quezon, on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at 3:00 PM.

Presented by Artista De Colores, founded by Ms. Marlene Ayen Galit, in collaboration with Art Heals by Ms. Elizabeth Esguerra Castillo, the international exhibit gathered artists from around the world in a heartfelt display of creativity and humanity. The event was hosted by Na’ay Po Restaurant and Bar, which served as both the venue and a welcoming space for cultural exchange and artistic expression.

The program of activities began with a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony led by the Guest of Honor Mr. Kurt Lester Ballad, Owner of Naay Po Restaurant and Bar along with the participating artists. This was followed by an Opening Prayer led by Ptr. Edgardo Pabanil and Opening Remarks from Ms. Marlene Ayen Galit, who shared her vision of art as a unifying force that nurtures the soul.

An Inspirational Message was delivered by Mr. Luigi Mendiola, Owner of Naay Po Restaurant and Bar emphasizing the transformative power of the arts, followed by a creative performance from featured artists. During the Artist Dialogue, participating artists shared the stories, emotions, and inspirations behind their works—reflecting the exhibit’s theme of art as the heartbeat of human experience.

Ms. Teena Maaliw Octaviano gave the Closing Remarks, highlighting the ongoing mission of the organizers to support artistic collaboration and to mentor aspiring young artists through meaningful art experiences. The program concluded with fellowship and refreshments, offering time for connection and appreciation of the diverse artworks on display.

The exhibition featured a remarkable collection of paintings, mixed media pieces, and poems that spanned a wide range of genres and artistic styles. From abstract and surrealist visions to realistic portraits and impressionist landscapes, each piece echoed the artist’s heartbeat—an intimate reflection of love, faith, dreams, and the human experience. Complementing the visual artworks were poetic compositions that gave words to emotions and imagery, revealing how both art and poetry intertwine to express the soul’s rhythm. Together, the art and poetry formed a dialogue of color and language—each piece a pulse of passion, imagination, and introspection.

This impressive lineup of local and international artists and poets represents a colorful tapestry of cultures, styles, and stories—each artwork echoing the exhibit’s message that art beats from the heart and transcends all boundaries.

Through this event, Artista De Colores and Art Heals by Elizabeth Esguerra Castillo reaffirm their shared commitment to mentoring young and aspiring artists, providing them with exposure and opportunities to engage with the global art community. The organizers believe that by nurturing creativity early, the next generation will continue to use art as a tool for empathy, healing, and inspiration.

The exhibit truly stands as a living testament to how art heals and unites—a portrait of the heart in every beat. Exhibit runs until October 30, 2025.