YOMU 

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.