Filipino Artists, PH-JP Friendship Featured in Manila Calling Tokyo Art Exhibition
Philippine Embassy in Tokyo Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Christian L. De Jesus (2nd from left) with (L-R) Filipino artist Jel Suarez, Manila Collective founder Mei Bastes-Mijares, and Filipino designer Jan Vincent Sarabia Ong with one of his “Pabalat Tenugui Tapestry” designs.
TOKYO, 13 October 2026 – In celebration of Museums and Galleries Month in the Philippines, the Philippine Embassy in Japan, led by Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Christian L. De Jesus supported the art exhibition entitled “Manila Calling Tokyo” held on 03-04 October 2026 at Calif Art Gallery in Tokyo.
The travelling art exhibition and pop-up program featured works by Filipino artists, makers, and independent creatives, alongside creations of artists from Spain and Japan.
A highlight of the exhibition was a series of 90 × 90 centimeter silk textiles produced by Manila Collective, which translated selected works by the participating creatives onto silk, offering a distinctive new medium to showcase each artist’s work.
Curated by Manila Collective founder, Ms. Mei Bastes-Mijares, with assistance from Rendell Natividad, the exhibition also launched the “Pabalat Tenugui Tapestry” by Filipino designer Jan Vincent Sarabia Ong. In celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the Normalization of Philippines-Japan Diplomatic Relations this year, Mr. Ong reimagined the traditional Filipino art of “pastillas” (Philippine milk candy) paper-cut wrapping with intricate designs transformed into “tenugui” (decorative cloth) using Japanese katagami stencils. The project reflected the creative fusion of Filipino and Japanese craftsmanship and traditions.
Artwork by Filipino artist JC Mariategue entitled “Pugothugot”, featured during the “Manila Calling Tokyo” exhibition.
“The Void” by Filipino artist Hulyen, featured during the “Manila Calling Tokyo” exhibition.
“We commend Manila Collective for staging the ‘Manila Calling Tokyo’ exhibition which has captured the diversity and talent of Filipino artists and provided audiences in Japan with an opportunity to experience and appreciate their creativity. This event further highlighted the vibrant cultural exchanges between the Philippines and Japan, as we celebrate 70 years of friendship between our two countries this year,” stated Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano following the exhibition.
Filipino designer Jan Vincent Sarabia Ong presents his “Pabalat Tenugui Tapestry” designs to Philippine Embassy in Tokyo Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Christian L. De Jesus.
Manila Collective is a non-profit organization founded by artists from the Philippines. Its art showcase, “Manila Calling” has also been presented in Barcelona and Madrid, Spain, and in the Philippines.
