The Clark Museum is illuminating Filipino holiday traditions with a special new exhibition that opened this December. Titled "Liwanag ng Pasko: Cultural Heritage Stories in Miniature – A Diorama and Tipos del Pais Exhibit," the showcase launched on December 19, 2025, and represents the museum's second major diorama presentation.
A Gathering of Artistic Talent
This unique exhibition brings together the work of 12 talented artists from across the region. The group includes Kapampangan creators alongside guest artists from Quezon City, Bulacan, and Nueva Vizcaya. Their intricate miniature works offer a window into everyday life, architectural heritage, and the distinct Christmas culture of the Kapampangan people.
CDC President Agnes Devanadera highlighted the vital connection between economic stability and artistic expression during the launch. "Art is really the language of the soul," she stated. "If our people can eat three meals a day, they'll have time to be full-time artists." She urged participating creators to extend their impact by conducting workshops and outreach programs for employees, schoolchildren, and indigenous communities.
Art as a Universal Human Experience
The initiative has garnered strong support from cultural and tourism leaders. Department of Tourism Region III Director Richard Daenos shared a profound perspective on art's importance. "Art is universal. And it's a must for us to have an experience of it, even at a certain point that it will have to be our last portion of our breath. Because that makes us human," he expressed.
This exhibit is the 17th installment under the Clark Development Corporation's Public Exhibition Program. Since its start in 2024, the program has attracted an impressive 38,919 visitors. It strategically utilizes Clark's established MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) infrastructure to provide a consistent platform for local artistic talent.
An Invitation to Engage
Diorama artist Aprille Gagui, who owns Bale Manika Arts and Crafts Manufacturing, personally invited visitors to connect deeply with the displays. She hopes guests feel the Christmas light in each diorama and encourages them to ask artists about their creative process. "We pour our minds and the fatigue of our hands into every diorama," Gagui shared, emphasizing the dedication behind each piece.
The full roster of participating artists includes:
- Burt Santiago (Angeles City)
- Aprille Gagui and Elsed Moreno (Lubao)
- Fernando Yumul (San Fernando)
- Tetu Lozano (Porac)
- Dodjie Aguinaldo (Mabalacat City)
- Marco Pulusan, Edie Marl Escobar, and Gian Salazar (Mexico, Pampanga)
- Edon Tuazon Fabreo (Quezon City)
- Jericho Palmos (Bulacan)
- Julius Paladin (Nueva Vizcaya)
The "Liwanag ng Pasko" exhibit will be on display at the Clark Museum until January 19, 2026, offering locals and tourists a meaningful cultural destination throughout the holiday season and beyond.
