It was a celebration of art, imagination, and expression at the first-ever art exhibition in TOPS Cebu—the Tops Artfest 2024. It opened its doors to the public last October 17, 2024, at the 3rd level of the newly renovated Cebuano attraction,TOPS, featuring over 200 artists across the Philippines, and a variety of activities to enjoy for the 4-day affair such as a series of art talks, workshops, painting competitions, auctions, and demonstrations spearheaded by masters in art.
The Tops Artfest was inaugurated through a ribbon-cutting ceremony joined by Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia, Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, former Presidential Assistant for Visayas Michael Dino, and Tops Artfest Lead Organizer Enzo Dino, along with Cebuano personalities and art enthusiasts.
“We will showcase established galleries and art collectives from around the country — from Cebu’s deep roots in traditional realism to the vibrant contemporary scenes in Bacolod, Dumaguete, and NCR. We’re celebrating diversity across all styles,” said Enzo Dino during his opening remarks.
With the number of artists of Tops Artfest, a diverse array of artistic styles can be seen from Cebu’s traditional realism to the vibrant contemporary scenes in other regions across the country.
Among those artworks that perfectly encapsulate Cebuano traditional realism is the festival’s centerpiece, Lamdag: Apotheosis of Cebu by artist Adeste Deguilmo, an 8.5-foot by 18-foot masterpiece, that captures the essence of being Cebuano. At its center is a young woman symbolizing Cebu, surrounded by figures from the island’s history, including pre-colonial traders and Spanish missionaries. A blindfolded man, representing a civil servant in the pursuit of transparency, points toward a naked woman holding a mirror, symbolizing the “naked truth.” Below them, a smiling girl in a yellow bandana carries a garland and lamp, inspired by the Greek philosopher Diogenes, representing the search for a “true Cebuano.” The iconic Magellan’s Cross stands in the background, representing faith as the foundation of Cebuano identity.
Deguilmo blends different mediums in his painting. Oil paint at the center for realism and acrylic on the sides for distortion, creating depth and texture with rich earthy tones. This masterpiece connects Cebu’s rich cultural history with its present, inviting viewers to reflect on its enduring heritage. More than an artwork, Lamdag is a monumental expression of Cebuano pride and identity, cementing itself as the heart of the festival.
Workshops and art talks were another big draw at the festival. Budding artists and seasoned enthusiasts alike learned art writing and critique from the University of the Philippines Cebu Jose Joya Gallery Curator Prof. Jay Nathan Jore. A beginner guide to landscape painting using acrylic by Celso Duazo Pepito, one for kids by Antonio Vidal, and a printmaking workshop by Lucilo Jojo Sagayno. Art Talks on collecting, critiquing, and pricing art, as well as art appropriation and plagiarism, were conducted as well.
Ronaldo Ventura, a remarkable South East Asian figure for contemporary art, launched a limited edition fine print, and a print signing. A silent auction event for Randalf Dilla’s work “Horse Race” was also done, with proceeds going to the Cristina Lee Dino Foundation and SHS-B Batch 1985.
The event, held in Busay, Cebu, was the cherry on top. Paired with a stunning view of the city and its twinkling lights at night, the art exhibition became an even more enchanting and aesthetically captivating experience.
As the art festival closed, it left a mark on Cebu’s art space, not only as a showcase of artistic brilliance but also as a celebration of the power of art to connect, inspire, and reflect the soul of a people, encouraging learning and inspiration among art lovers from all walks of life. The success of this inaugural event has set the stage for TOPS to become another hub for creativity and expression in Cebu.
