ILOILO CITY—In celebration of Asean Month, Iloilo is presenting a powerful display of Southeast Asian art and the region’s rich artistic heritage.

At the heart of the event is the unveiling of “Connecting Borders: A Collection of Southeast Asian Art” at the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (Ilomoca). The landmark exhibition launched on Aug. 9 trains the spotlight on works from across the Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), and showcases the diverse yet interconnected narratives shaping the region’s identity today.

Top diplomats attended the launch to underscore the spirit of regional solidarity that the exhibition seeks to embody. Among them were Ambassadors to the Philippines Dato’ Malik Melvin Castelino of Malaysia, Constance See of Singapore, and Lai Thai Binh of Vietnam, and Deputy Chief of Mission Victorina Hesti Deway, representing Indonesian Ambassador Agus Widjojo.

Also present were local leaders, including Iloilo Vice Gov. Nathalie Ann Debuque, Jay Treñas of Iloilo City’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) office, former Iloilo Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, and Edwin V. Valencia, art collector and benefactor of Ilomoca.

In her remarks, Cristal Esguerra, curatorial officer of Megaworld Museums, said: “’Connecting Borders’ explores the thematic intersections of culture, identity, and imagination, featuring works from an impressive roster of artists representing Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines.”

She added: “The exhibit challenges conventional notions of artistic borders—foregrounding the connections that transcend tradition, language, and geography. In doing so, it reflects a broader regional consciousness rooted in collaboration, nuance, and shared humanity.”

The featured artists are Syahbandi Samat, Tajuddin Ismail, SC Shekar, and Ajim Juxta of Malaysia; Denise Jillian Tan of Singapore; and Anton Subiyanto, Roby Dwi Antono, and Taufik Ermas of Indonesia.

Thailand is represented by Verapong Sritrakulkitjakarn and Pat Yingcharoen; Vietnam by Hoai Huong, Nguyen Quang Trung, and Bui Van Hoan; and the Philippines by Renz Baluyot, Monica Delgado, Frelan Gonzaga, and Raffy Napay.

“Through this regional gathering of artistic voices, Ilomoca continues to cultivate Iloilo’s cultural character—fostering a space where creative exchange thrives, and contemporary art contributes to a broader, more connected vision for Iloilo’s cultural landscape,” said Ilomoca director Maricel Montero.

Asean Month is celebrated every August in the Philippines to commemorate the founding of Asean on Aug. 8, 1967. The monthlong observance highlights the Philippines’ commitment to regional cooperation, unity, and cultural exchange among Asean member-states.

Through various events and initiatives, Asean Month promotes greater public awareness and appreciation of Southeast Asia’s shared history, identity, and aspirations for inclusive and sustainable development.