In total, I presented more than a hundred works—an expansive collection that went beyond art and painting to include design, writing, and journalistic works produced over the years. Together, they formed an immersive retrospective of my creative journey, reflecting not only visual expression but also a lifelong engagement with storytelling in its many forms. If it felt like a museum takeover, perhaps it was, at least for a fleeting moment. The opening reception reflected that energy: nearly a hundred guests filled the space, creating an atmosphere that was equal parts celebration and reunion. For one afternoon, I found myself in high spirits—grateful, slightly overwhelmed, and quietly amused by the unexpected brush with a “main character” moment.

What made the exhibition especially meaningful was the return of these works to where it all began. Though created abroad over nearly 40 years, they found their way back home—closing a circle I hadn’t fully realized was still open. There is something profoundly grounding about seeing one’s life work appreciated in the very place that shaped its beginnings.

Beyond the exhibition itself, I also had the opportunity to give back to the community by conducting weekly art workshops and lectures. These sessions became meaningful exchanges—less about instruction and more about connection, dialogue, and shared creativity. In many ways, they were as fulfilling as the exhibition, reminding me that art does not only live on walls, but in conversations, in classrooms, and in the curiosity of others.

My sincere thanks go to the Clark Museum and the Clark Development Corporation for providing not just a venue, but a platform for this full-circle experience. Their support made it possible to present not only art, but a narrative—one that continues to evolve across disciplines and mediums.

Equally memorable were the people. Reconnecting with old friends—some unchanged despite the passage of decades—was a reminder of how time can stretch yet still hold. At the same time, meeting new faces who engaged with my work brought a renewed sense of purpose. Art, after all, is a conversation, and this exhibition offered many voices to listen to.

To everyone who came, maraming salamat. Your presence meant more than I can fully articulate. And to those who went a step further—supporting by collecting artworks, or even bringing home tote bags and t-shirts—thank you for carrying a piece of this journey with you. That kind of support goes beyond appreciation; it becomes part of the story itself.

In the end, what started as a “long vacation” turned into a full-blown life highlight—part reunion, part retrospective, and part cardio workout from carrying over a hundred artworks. If this is what coming home looks like after 40 years, I might need to do it more often… just maybe with fewer canvases next time.

January - February 2026

Small Wonders, Timeless Pieces: A Homecoming Christmas Art Exhibition and more

Coming home is always special—but coming home with art, stories, and memories makes it even more meaningful. Last December, my Christmas art exhibition Small Wonders, Timeless Pieces became part of the festive activities at Clark Cityfront Mall, turning the season into a celebration of creativity, friendship, and reconnection.

The exhibition was intimate in scale but rich in sentiment. Set against the warmth and sparkle of the Christmas season, the show brought together small works that carry timeless emotions—pieces created over the years, each with its own quiet story. It was deeply fulfilling to see people pause, smile, and reflect while engaging with the artworks, many of them sharing their own memories inspired by what they saw.

What made the exhibition truly unforgettable was the people. It was a great joy to reunite with old friends and, quite surprisingly, former students from my days teaching Humanities at a university in Angeles City. Some I hardly recognized at first—time has a way of reshaping faces—but hearing about their journeys and accomplishments filled me with pride and gratitude. Seeing how far they have gone, both professionally and personally, was one of the most rewarding moments of the homecoming.

The February exhibition will present a broader and deeper look into my four decades of creative work in Japan. It will feature a wide-ranging collection—from graphic design, illustrations, and cartoons to editorial writings and paintings—tracing the evolution of my artistic voice across cultures, mediums, and time.

As the year ended with Small Wonders, Timeless Pieces, I was reminded that even the smallest works can carry lasting meaning, especially when shared during the season of giving. This Christmas homecoming was not just an exhibition—it was a heartfelt reunion, a celebration of growth, and a bridge leading toward the next chapter of my creative journey. As the Christmas season gently closed, it also opened the door to the New Year—with the promise of a grand exhibition ahead.

While in the Philippines, I was also honored to be invited— for the first time— to serve as a judge at the world-famous Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando, as well as a judge at the Lantern Parade in Magalang. Experiencing these iconic Christmas traditions from the perspective of a judge was both thrilling and deeply meaningful. It was a joyful immersion into Kapampangan culture, allowing me to rediscover, learn more, and reconnect with my own roots.

Truly, it was a Christmas filled with art, light, and heritage—one that made coming home all the more unforgettable, and set the tone for an inspiring New Year ahead.