Pagkakaisa, a new exhibition bringing together Filipino-Canadian alums from OCAD University and the Philippine Artists Group of Canada, 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.
