Verses & Visions: A Global Celebration of Arts Opens with Great Success in Tayabas City, Quezon, Philippines

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAYABAS CITY, QUEZON, Philippines – July 26, 2026 – The grand opening of Verses & Visions: A Global Celebration of Arts was successfully held at Hunta Café along Tayabas–Mauban Road, Ibabang Palale, Tayabas City, bringing together artists, poets, collectors, cultural advocates, and art enthusiasts in a vibrant celebration of creativity, diversity, and international collaboration.

Organized by Artista de Colores, founded by Marlene Ayen Galit, in partnership with Art Heals by Elizabeth Esguerra Castillo – MeraCreative Art Studio™ and Hunta Café, the international exhibition showcased the transformative power of art and poetry in connecting people across cultures, inspiring dialogue, and celebrating shared human experiences.

The opening ceremony welcomed guests into an atmosphere of artistic excellence, featuring an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, mixed-media artworks, and poetry created by talented artists and writers from different countries. Each work reflected the creator's unique vision, personal journey, and cultural heritage, offering visitors a meaningful and immersive artistic experience.

The event was further honored by the presence of Ms. Gladys Alfonso, respected radio announcer, who served as the Guest of Honor, together with Sir John John de Valdeavilla, Vice Chairman for External Affairs of the Quezon Province Heritage, History, Culture, and the Arts Council. Their inspiring messages emphasized the importance of preserving culture, supporting artists, and recognizing the vital role of the arts in nation-building and community development.

The organizing committee extended its heartfelt gratitude to Ma'am Rina Cabuyao and her husband, the generous owners of Hunta Café, for warmly opening their venue and creating a welcoming environment where artists and the community could gather to celebrate creativity.

The success of the exhibition was made possible through the dedication and teamwork of the officers and members of Artista de Colores. Special recognition was given to Sir Kenneth Macatangay, Vice President of Artista de Colores, together with Michael Robles, Rainelda Alva Eroles, Val Diaz Pabulos, Joann Callos, Renee Gabrielle Gandia De Guzman, Meanne T. L. Gandia, and Kaely Ramos, whose commitment contributed significantly to the successful presentation of this international event.

The organizers also expressed their sincere appreciation to Ms. Rose Abordo O'Hara, one of the event's generous sponsors and featured international artist, and to Ms. Elizabeth Esguerra Castillo, Founder of Art Heals by Elizabeth Esguerra Castillo – MeraCreative Art Studio™, for their unwavering support of Artista de Colores and their continued commitment to promoting art as a powerful instrument for healing, education, cultural preservation, and global friendship.

Participating artists included:

Ancilla Marie Concepcion, Angela Thouless, Bradley Del Rosario Soleta, Cryzal Lyn Guese-Rosales, Danelle Boyles, Donna Rose Banzon, Elizabeth Esguerra Castillo, Fernando Regencia, Jacquess Castrillo, Javan Pabanil Bugay, Joann Callos, Jorick Gutierrez-Ducay, Kaely Ramos, Kenneth Macatangay, Liv Evensen, Marlene Ayen Galit, Michael Robles, Percival Denolo, Rainelda Alva Eroles, Ramiro Llerena, Renee Gabrielle Gandia De Guzman, Romel Marteja Reyes, Rose Abordo O'Hara, Sam Maglinte, Shahid Abbas, Teena Maaliw Octaviano, and Zoran Hercigonja.

Featured Artist and Featured Poet includes Rose Abordo O'Hara from the USA and Shahid Abbas from Pakistan.

More than an exhibition, Verses & Visions: A Global Celebration of Arts stands as a testament to the unifying power of creativity. It celebrates cultural diversity, artistic excellence, and the enduring belief that art and poetry can inspire minds, heal hearts, strengthen communities, and build lasting friendships across the world.

The organizing committee extends its deepest gratitude to every artist, poet, collector, supporter, volunteer, guest, and visitor whose presence made the opening day a memorable success. Together, they reaffirmed that creativity truly knows no boundaries and that the arts remain a universal language capable of bringing humanity closer together.

"Art has the transformative power to heal and change lives."