By: Jeah Valerio
Manama: Under the auspices of the Embassy of the Philippines in Bahrain, Filipino Artists Bahrain (FAB) officially opened their art exhibition entitled, “SYNERGISM: The Art of Collective Passion,” last Sunday, 25 October 2026. Hosted at the 2nd Floor, East Wing of Harbour Gate at the Bahrain Financial Harbour, the opening ceremony was graciously led by His Excellency Gines Jaime Ricardo D. Gallaga, the Philippine Ambassador, and Ms. Lanne “Lhanz” Cabaraca, President of Filipino Artists Bahrain, alongside ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from other countries and prominent figures in Bahrain. Their collective presence underscored a mutual cultural appreciation.
For a working artist, synergism is more than a catchy title—it reflects what actually happens when creatives collaborate. While making art is often a solitary routine of wrestling with a blank surface, bringing diverse styles into one shared space changes the entire dynamic. Contrasting perspectives and different media stop competing and begin feeding off one another, creating an impact and energy that no single artist could achieve on their own.
The exhibition features original work from 28 artists of various nationalities, highlighting a broad mix of media and techniques from across Bahrain’s creative community. The collection brings together a wide variety of mixed-media styles, reflecting the cultural tapestry of Bahrain’s contemporary art scene. The exhibition is free and open to the public daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., running through 5 November 2026.
Alongside the gallery display, Filipino Artists Bahrain is holding a free workshop for the public on Friday, 30 October 2026; the sessions are open to beginners and experienced artists, with basic art supplies provided on site.
FAB artists Mr. Gary Manalo will lead a session on watercolor techniques, while Mr. Jie Refugio will teach tonal drawing with charcoal and graphite. Anyone interested in attending or looking for more details can connect with the group on Instagram at Filipino Artists Bahrain.
