Zamboangueño artists took the spotlight at the grand opening of “Recuerdos: Zamboanga Living in Color” on Wednesday afternoon, October 1, featuring the city’s cultural identity and heritage through vivid artistic expression.

The month-long exhibit, dedicated to the Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar, organized by the City Government of Zamboanga through the City Tourism Office in collaboration with the Atelier SURface.

Officially launched at the Garden Walkway of Garden Orchid Hotel, the exhibition is open to the public until October 31, 2025.

Showcasing a diverse range of works, the exhibition brings together the talents of Michael Lee Aizon, Einar Adorable-Palma, Pia Macrohon, Dr. Marcus James Mancao, Sandy Chiong, Avanna Angga, June Lo, Zhameena Tawasil, and Isabel Moreno Go, whose art reflects the city’s stories, colors, and traditions.

Mayor Khymer Olaso, who led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, paid tribute to the late Rameer Tawasil for his enduring legacy in the local art scene, while lauding the participating artists for carrying forward Zamboanga’s creative spirit.

The launch was also graced by Councilors Atty. Gian Enriquez and Junnie Navarro, City Tourism Officer Sarita Sebastian, former Department of Tourism Regional Director Ric San Juan, the Tawasil family, and the artists’ families, friends and acquaintances.

The month-long activity affirmed the city government and Atelier SURface’s commitment to nurturing local talent and showcasing Zamboanga as a vibrant hub of culture and the arts. (Arvin Midel) (photo credits: Kathy Wee Sit)