05/09/2025
𝗠𝘆𝗧𝗩 𝗖𝗲𝗯𝘂 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 | 𝗧𝗨𝗕𝗢̂ 𝗖𝗘𝗕𝗨 𝗔𝗥𝗧 𝗙𝗔𝗜𝗥 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗪𝗥𝗔𝗣𝗦 𝗨𝗣 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗢𝗙 𝗟𝗘𝗚𝗔𝗖𝗬 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬
The Tubô Cebu Art Fair 2025 successfully concluded its three-day run from August 29 to 31 at Ayala Center Cebu, further cementing its place as one of the most anticipated cultural events in the region.
Now on its eighth edition, this year’s fair carried the theme “Provenance” and drew artists, collectors, students, and art enthusiasts into a space of dialogue and creative exchange. A special exhibition of works by Martino Abellana, the Dean of Cebuano Painters, served as a highlight, honoring the roots that continue to shape contemporary art in Cebu.
The opening day featured the launch of Josua Cabrera’s book “Si Jimsky ug ang Tanghaga sa Balay sa Agta” and his talk on Cebuano narratives. The unveiling of the Image of the Fair introduced featured artists Jonathan Abellana, Khriss Bajade, Gabi Nazareno, and John Villoria, whose works tackled themes ranging from rural life to feminism and identity.
On the second day, street art collective Writer’s Block, composed of Nark, Noer, and Kane energized audiences with a live mural at Atua Midtown, sparking conversations on the role of public art. The final day, August 31, was dedicated to Tubô Talks, which included “Past Forward: Retracing a Provenance of Cebu’s Contemporary Art” led by Prof. Jay Nathan Jore and panel discussions with both established and emerging Cebuano artists under the Fresh Strokes Series.
In his remarks, Fair Director Allen Arvin Tan reflected on Tubô’s growth since its founding in 2018: “It’s our 8th year, and we’ve watched it grow from a little tiny fair to what it is today with everyone’s support. We’re so happy to put in the effort every year if you also show up to help us out together as a community.”
Unlike traditional fairs, Tubô allows artists to sell directly to buyers, ensuring accessibility and connection while also supporting the Arts Council of Cebu’s education programs. Tan reminded attendees of the impact of even small purchases: “Even if it’s just a sticker or postcard, it means a lot to the artists. It validates their art and gives them a reason to continue.”
With support from media partners including Agimat, Adobo Magazine, Keetaph, Art+ Magazine, MyTV Cebu, Cebu Daily News Digital, and PRWorks, Inc., Tubô 2025 underscored that art is not only about the works displayed but also about the stories, relationships, and communities that sustain them.
| via Gieperl Largo
