## Breadcrumb 1. [Home](/index%2Ephp/) 2. [News and Stories](/index%2Ephp/news) 3. [Filipino-Canadian alums among artists being showcased at new exhibition](/index%2Ephp/markdownify/node/4692) August 13, 2026 # Filipino-Canadian alums among artists being showcased at new exhibition ![An illustration of a woman wearing a headscarf kneeling in a field and embracing an agave pina, surrounded by agave plants, a wooden fence, a small house, and a sunset landscape.](/sites/default/files/styles/1_5_1_large/public/2026-08/Lois%20Santiago%20jpg.jpg.webp?itok=VkwUOudu) “The Story of Pina”, Digital, 11” x 17”, by Lois Santiago rgb(255,255,255) *Pagkakaisa*, a new exhibition bringing together Filipino-Canadian alums from OCAD University and the [Philippine Artists Group of Canada](https://philippineartists.com/about-us/), will be on view at Toronto City Hall Aug. 17 to 20 as part of the 2026 Mabuhay Philippines Festival. Curated by OCAD U alums Jewel and Kristina Pavao, the exhibition explores ideas of community, shared identity and cultural connection through contemporary art. The exhibition takes its title from *Pagkakaisa* (pronounced *pag-ka-ka-ee-sa*), the Tagalog word for collective unity. Derived from *isa*, meaning “one,” the term speaks to the importance of community in Filipino culture and its continuing role among diasporic communities. The exhibition draws on the concept of *Kapwa*, introduced in 1975 by Filipino psychologist Virgilio G. Enriquez. Described as a “shared identity,” *Kapwa* emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals and their communities, providing a framework for understanding the relationships at the heart of *Pagkakaisa*. The exhibition features contemporary work by eight OCAD U alums: John Calara, Mare Garcia, Jillian Hernandez (jfh), Azia Jonelle, R.J. Onilla, Ito Palaganas, Alessandra Camille Perreras and Lois Santiago. They are joined by eight artists from the Philippine Artist Group of Canada: Rolando “Rolly” Abarilla, Antonio “Jun” Afable, Teody Asuncion, Frank Cruzet, Jhun Diamante, Genaro “Gene” Lopos, Romeo “OMEL” Masalunga and Erwin San Agustin. The exhibition forms part of the broader Mabuhay Philippines Festival, which returns to Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto on Aug. 22 and 23. The free, all-ages festival celebrates Filipino food, culture, art and music and will feature performers including Grammy-winning Black Eyed Peas member Apl.de.Ap and acclaimed Filipino actress Janine Gutierrez. ## Other Recent News [### 2027 Critical Distance Centre for Curators Projections Program Call for Artists OCAD University’s RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers (CEAD) and Critical Distance Centre for Curators (CDCC) have partnered to co-create CDCC Projections Program Career Launcher. Four (4) to five (5) selected emerging artists will receive $690 to exhibit work in a single channel, projection-based screening program that will be displayed at the CDCC in March 2027. October 30, 2026 ](/news/2027-critical-distance-centre-curators-projections-program-call-artists) [### OCAD U’s Global Centre for Climate Action and EU bring large-scale art to Toronto’s Canada Malting Silos The Light and Melting Temporalities transformed the waterfront into a canvas for climate reflection. October 6, 2026 ](/news/ocad-us-global-centre-climate-action-and-eu-bring-large-scale-art-torontos-canada-malting) [### Call for Project Participants: From Our Points of View Encounters with Artists A student-led year-long visiting artist project, under the mentorship of Governor General's Award winning artist Max Dean September 30, 2026 ](/news/call-project-participants-our-points-view-encounters-artists) Related Stories ## Related Stories [### 2027 Critical Distance Centre for Curators Projections Program Call for Artists OCAD University’s RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers (CEAD) and Critical Distance Centre for Curators (CDCC) have partnered to co-create CDCC Projections Program Career Launcher. Four (4) to five (5) selected emerging artists will receive $690 to exhibit work in a single channel, projection-based screening program that will be displayed at the CDCC in March 2027. October 30, 2026 ](/news/2027-critical-distance-centre-curators-projections-program-call-artists) [### OCAD U’s Global Centre for Climate Action and EU bring large-scale art to Toronto’s Canada Malting Silos The Light and Melting Temporalities transformed the waterfront into a canvas for climate reflection. October 6, 2026 ](/news/ocad-us-global-centre-climate-action-and-eu-bring-large-scale-art-torontos-canada-malting) [### Call for Project Participants: From Our Points of View Encounters with Artists A student-led year-long visiting artist project, under the mentorship of Governor General's Award winning artist Max Dean September 30, 2026 ](/news/call-project-participants-our-points-view-encounters-artists)