Expressions of freedom

Gulf Weekly

12-06-2025

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An exhibition celebrating 127 years of Philippines' independence is set to be unveiled on Saturday, June 14, showcasing the unique interpretations of 33 Bahrain-based creatives from the expatriate community, following Philippines' Independence Day today.
Filipino Artists Bahrain (FAB) will stage Unbound: 127 Years of Freedom at Harbour Gate, Manama, under the patronage of Philippines Ambassador Anne Jalando-on Louis.
The event, which runs until June 28, will feature a workshop and live painting activation on June 20, which is open to the public.
Graphic designer and participating artist Faarni Sindatoc, who has been living in Bahrain for almost two decades, believes that 'freedom isn't just about saying whatever you want – it's about knowing who you are, owning your voice, and using it in a way that creates connection, not division'.
In the exhibition, she brings alive traditional dance forms – Singkil, Kappa Malong-Malong and Sagayan – through her digital artworks.
'I am passionate about dance and used to stage many performances in high school. Creating these pieces brought back fond memories,' the Suwaifiya resident and mother-of-one, who believes it is important to educate the younger generations about their roots, told GulfWeekly.
'Singkil is a royal dance where the performers move in and out of criss-crossed bamboo sticks. In the paintings, you can see a princess and her assistant. There's a gong in the background that provides the beat for the rhythmic dance.'
Berna Carangan from Riffa will be exhibiting her acrylic paintings, including an interactive artwork with puzzle pieces. The graphic designer and architect, who attributes much of her creative process to her formal degree, has called Bahrain home for the last 18 years. 'The work that I'm exhibiting has to do with carrying our legacies and looking back to see how far we've come,' the 28-year-old noted.
Self-taught artist and water colourist Gary Manalo from Gudaibiya has showcased the life of the common man in his creations, from a banig (traditional mat) weaver in Balangiga, Philippines, to a boy engrossed in finding his own reflection in the lake.
'My journey as an artist has been full of struggles. We all know that becoming a full-time artist can often mean financial hardships, especially with a family and two children. But I never stopped painting, because art is who I am. It's in my blood,' the 47-year-old industrial technology specialist said.
'I draw inspiration from the everyday lives of people around me – their routines, struggles and joys.'
His favourite medium is watercolour as it helps him 'release stress'. 'Its transparency, fluidity and ability to create soft,luminous effects brings a sense of calm,' he added.