19/11/2025
𝑻𝑨𝑮𝑷𝑰 : A Creative Journey Woven Through Meaningful Collaborations.
A few months ago, I was approached by 𝐂𝐂𝐀𝐃 (Cebu Culture, Arts, and Design Foundation) to curate a booth for this year’s VISAYAS ART FAIR. I was apprehensive — more so daunted than anything else. I had curated booths before, but somehow this one felt different—heavier with meaning, richer with possibility.
It wasn’t until after my first meeting with the committee that the weight of it truly settled in. Had I bitten off more than I could chew? Could I really walk the talk? Time was not on my side; with barely two months to prepare, I had to move fast.
Amid the sea of references and inspirations swirling everywhere, my mind kept returning to a patchwork blanket. There’s something tender about mismatched prints and textures, colors and shapes dancing together in quiet harmony. The word PATCH surfaced but lacked soul—TAGPI anchored it, turning the idea into something rooted in our own language, our own memory. When the moodboard came together, title and all, everything clicked. I knew exactly what I wanted to say, and who I wanted to say it with.
I first learned about 𝐓𝐔𝐁𝐈𝐆𝐎𝐍 𝐑𝐀𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐀 𝐆𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐘 through my dear friend and colleague, Axel Que, who had collaborated with them several times. I had seen their craftsmanship up close, and since then I’d been longing to work with them. So when this opportunity arrived, it felt like fate—serendipity, even.
After our initial in-person meeting, most of our coordination unfolded online. With just two months left—and a few earthquakes and typhoons along the way—we somehow had to conjure magic within an unforgiving timeline.
Working with 𝐓𝐔𝐁𝐈𝐆𝐎𝐍 𝐑𝐀𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐀 𝐆𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐘 and Sir Nigell has been a dream. They exceeded every expectation, every single time. I’ve lost count of how many times they left me speechless, picking my jaw off the floor. Their craftsmanship is, and will always remain, impeccable. They breathed life into this booth; the success and impact of this project are a testament to their passion and relentless dedication. This collaboration stands among the most meaningful of my career. A heartfelt thank you to Sir Nigell Abarquez and Tita Baby Abarquez for sharing their artistry with the Cebuanos.
And of course, none of this would have been possible without my forever partner in crime, Axel Que, for connecting me with 𝐓𝐔𝐁𝐈𝐆𝐎𝐍 𝐑𝐀𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐀 𝐆𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐘.
My deepest gratitude also goes to my colleagues—Bree L. Esplanada, Valerie Alvez, Niño Benito, and Oscar James Arances—for creating pieces that expanded and deepened the dialogue of the exhibit.
Lastly, to Chan Abella, Gianne Paolo Anciano, and Sven Chua—thank you for handling coordination, logistics, and for the constant moral support. It means more than you know.
That’s a wrap for this year’s 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐒 𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐅𝐀𝐈𝐑.
Hope to see you at the next one.
Peace out. ✨
HD booth photos c/o - Tubigon Raffia Gallery