25 May 2026 – In celebration of National Heritage Month, the Philippine Consulate General in Calgary partnered with the PINTASERAS – a group of Filipino-Canadian and Filipino-European artists – in presenting the pop-up art exhibit and mini fashion show entitled “Kikay: Noon at Ngayon” on 25 May 2026.
The cultural initiative showcased a creative fusion of fashion and visual arts, transforming the Filipino terno into artistic canvases that reflected the richness, elegance, and evolving identity of Filipino culture abroad. Through hand-painted designs and contemporary artistic interpretations, the event highlighted how traditional Filipino heritage continues to inspire modern forms of artistic expression.
Selected artworks and ternos will remain on display at the Rizal Hall of the Consulate until June 2026 as part of the celebration of the 128th Philippine Independence Day and Philippine Heritage Month in Alberta, providing the public with greater access to the Filipino art, culture and creativity.
As part of the broader celebration, PINTASERAS also mounted a full fashion show on 23 May 2026 at the Haus of SpanicArts. Consul General Emma Sarne participated as guest model, wearing a uniquely designed terno adorned with a hand-painted sarimanok artwork by Calgary-based Filipino-Canadian artist Ms. Day Pajarillo.
Featured prominently in both events was Ms. Pajarillo’s Woven Identity Filipiniana Collection of ternos, alongside the works of fellow Filipino-Canadian artists from Calgary, namely Reva Diana, Juliana Lumawig, Hayat Moroporo, Jindra Lardizabal, Kath Beredo-Endaya, LJ Hernandez, Linda Scribner, Alex Carreon, Ashley Sayson, Janet Bertilacchi, Krystelle and Serena Wurtz, as well as fellow Filipino-European artists Chelony Lelieveld (The Netherlands), Mhavil Den Ouden (Spain), and Aurea Calanog (Belgium).
Both events served as meaningful platforms to celebrate Filipino heritage, strengthen cultural partnerships, and promote greater appreciation for the contributions of Filipino artists within the multicultural landscape of Canada and Europe. END
