Local art takes center stage as the Mabalacat Artists Collective (MAC) brings together seven homegrown artists for “Ikami Naman,” a visual art exhibition celebrating creativity, community, and the voices of Mabalacat’s artists.
Held from September 18 to October 18, 2026 at the 2nd Floor of Tabnuan, Mabalacat City Cultural Center, the exhibit showcases the works of Lani Joy A. Mercado, Elizabeth Bondoc Sison, Catherine Gantan Niwane, Bonifacio B. Mangune, Jeffrey Querido Gabatin, Dodjie Arellano Aguinaldo, and Gracito Nicodemus G. Tulabut.
The title, drawn from the Kapampangan expression ‘Ikami Naman’, meaning “it is our turn” or “our voice as well,” reflects the artists’ desire to create greater space and visibility for local talent within Mabalacat’s growing cultural landscape.
More than a collection of paintings, the exhibition brings together varied artistic approaches and perspectives in one shared space. It aims to encourage artistic exchange, strengthen connections among creatives, and make local art more accessible to the community.
The recently concluded exhibit also became a celebration of friendship and shared passion for the arts, with the collective expressing gratitude to the individuals and organizations that supported the event, including Mabalacat City Tourism, CIAC Director Noel Tulabut, Rotary Southern Pampanga, Gamat Kapampangan, Sibul ning Kalalangan, MCC A.B. History Pantalakayan, Cups and Canvasses, and other cultural advocates and supporters.
For MAC, every visitor who stepped into the gallery, viewed the works, shared thoughts, or simply took part in the experience helped give meaning to the exhibition.
The collective sees ‘Ikami Naman’ as part of a continuing journey—not simply to display art, but to create spaces where local artists can be seen, ideas can be exchanged, and art can bring people closer together.
Small in scale but big in aspiration, the exhibit reflects MAC’s hope to contribute to Mabalacat’s evolving cultural and artistic identity.
The canvas may close, but the story continues—with more art, more connections, and more voices waiting to be seen.
