February in Pampanga carries an added reason to step inside a gallery and slow down. The Museum of Philippine Arts and Culture (MOPAC) is marking National Arts Month with a fresh exhibition that puts Filipino painters front and center. It features the winning works from the Andrea Domingo Foundation and Art Association of the Philippines First National Painting Contest, along with selected museum pieces and works from AAP officials. The exhibit runs throughout February 2026.
A new milestone for MOPAC
The exhibition opened on February 6 at the Andrea Domingo Foundation Museum of Philippine Arts and Culture, or MOPAC, in the City of San Fernando. It signals a first for the museum. According to ADF Chairwoman Andrea Domingo, this is the gallery’s first time hosting an exhibition focused on a national competition of this scale.
The contest drew 220 entries from artists across the country. Participants came from as far as Mindanao, showing how wide the reach of the competition became. From those entries, 21 artists were recognized, including the top three winners, five merit awardees, and 13 honorable mentions. The exhibition also includes 12 pieces selected by the museum and eight works from AAP officials, expanding the conversation beyond the competition.
Paintings that speak about real life
The exhibition aligns with this year’s National Arts Month theme, “Ani ng Sining: Katotohanan at Galing.” The selected works reflect strong commentaries on issues that many Filipinos face. Viewers will see paintings that tackle poverty, corruption, and environmental damage.
Domingo noted that around 95 percent of the entries carried social, political, or environmental messages. She described the collection as a vivid reflection of how artists process and express current realities. For her, art gives depth to daily life and helps shape how people understand the times they live in.
The exhibition also highlights the personal advocacy of Domingo and her husband Rolando, who have spent five decades collecting artworks and cultural artifacts. Their collection now serves as a resource aimed at helping younger generations connect with Filipino heritage through visual storytelling.
Supporting artists across generations
AAP President Fidel Sarmiento stressed the importance of creating strong platforms for painters. He expressed hope that competitions like this will continue to open doors for artists, giving them space to present their ideas and sharpen their craft.
During the press conference, both Domingo and Sarmiento addressed the growing presence of artificial intelligence in creative fields. They acknowledged that digital tools and AI-generated visuals exist and can serve as references. Still, they pointed out a clear distinction between traditional canvas work and digital output. According to them, handmade paintings carry emotion and perspective that come from lived experience. Many artists, they said, believe traditional works speak directly to viewers in ways technology still struggles to replicate.
A museum that offers more than paintings
Visitors who attend the exhibit can also explore the museum’s wider collection. MOPAC houses works from Presidential Medal of Merit awardees, members of the Mabini Art Movement, and National Artists. Its cultural section displays religious relics and historical artifacts that add context to the country’s artistic and spiritual history.
The museum is accredited by the Department of Tourism, making it a recognized cultural stop for locals and visitors exploring Pampanga.
Plan your visit this February
The ADF-AAP exhibit is free to view, though general museum admission still applies. The gallery is located along McArthur Highway in Barangay San Agustin, City of San Fernando, Pampanga, across St. Scholastica’s Academy.
If you want to see how Filipino artists interpret today’s social climate through color, texture, and storytelling, this exhibition is worth adding to your schedule before the month ends. Bring friends, bring students, or take time for a quiet solo visit.
For inquiries and guided visits, contact the ADF Museum of Philippine Arts and Culture through:
Email: adfmopac@gmail.com
Mobile: +63 915 475 2725
You can also locate the museum through Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/37kJGGsCeU2zzMgo8
Spend an afternoon with art that reflects Filipino voices and perspectives. February offers a full month to see it up close.