Culture and Arts Notebook

An Artist Statement / Reflective Essay by Amiel Gerald Roldan For decades, I have committed myself to the practice of painting and artmaking—drawn to it not solely for expression, but for the quiet sustenance it gives. However, prolonged exposure to…

Have you ever tasted Korean temple cuisine? It’s entirely plant-based, which celebrates the natural rhythms of the Earth. It is said that in the Buddhist tradition, there’s a deep emphasis on balance and harmony between the elements. In the making…

As spring brings refreshing weather to South Korea’s capital, April has been packed with many interesting events and public gatherings. I had the pleasure of visiting one particular exhibition twice at the city’s main avenue, Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul.…

On the afternoon of April 9, 2025, I joined a group of ten refugees and their supporters at the Ground Seesaw Seochon gallery in Seoul for Happy Blooming Day: Wes Anderson Photo Exhibition—an immersive event featuring mesmerizing photographic artworks inspired…

May Pag-asa– There is hope. Palaging may-pag-asa– Always hopeful.  Pag-asa ng bayan– Hope of the nation. May pag-asa pa para sa iyo– There’s hope for you yet. May Pagasa ba ko? Do I have hope? Pag-asa ang huling namamatay. Hope…

On March 28, a Korean fan dance troupe featuring Kurdish students captivated the audience with a mesmerizing performance that blended improvised traditional Korean music and customs with Kurdish popular dance and traditional attire. This unique cultural exchange was part of…

Maka-tao. Being people-oriented, emphasizing empathy, respect, and understanding for others… prioritizing the well-being of both individuals and the community. “Maka-tao” translates to “for people” or “with people” and carries with it the values of humanity, compassion, respect for the rights of…

The bayanihan spirit. It’s an age-old Filipino tradition of helping others without expecting anything in return, a core value of Filipino culture, a palpable sense of  community and cooperation, that is still alive today. The word bayanihan comes from the…

With March being International Women’s Month, Imahica Art Gallery presents, The Art of She, an empowering and thought-provoking exhibition featuring the works of a wide array of women artists, which opened on March 15 and will be on display until…

One of Seoul city’s must-see places is Insa-dong, where many art galleries are located in the vibrant tourist-friendly village in the city’s center. As that neighborhood is one of my favorite places in the city, I am always curious about…