porfirioness.com by John Bayona Castigador

On Saturdays, we chase dreams, explore new horizons, and live life to the fullest.

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The world feels lighter today because weekend is calling!

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A homecoming exhibit

"Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures." — Henry Ward Beecher

Connecting to her Ilonggo roots, Filipino-American acrylic painter Giselle Muzones showcased her art pieces at the Vernissage of Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (ILOMOCA). She is the great daughter of National Artist for Literature Ramon Muzones. Called Pagpauli, Iloilo, the exhibition opened yesterday and will run until September 5, 2026.
According to Maricel Montero, the Museum Director of I ILOMOCA , the exhibition, “explores the relationship between cultural identity, memory, and belonging through a deeply personal body of work.” It seeks to preserve fleeting experiences through painting and demonstrate how seemingly ordinary moments can hold lasting personal significance. It also opens conversations on cultural rediscovery, representation, and the experience of reconnecting with a place that feels both familiar and unfamiliar. The artist’s practice explores themes of travel, memory, cultural identity, and belonging.
Through vibrant and narrative-driven paintings, she documents personal experiences inspired by the Philippines, particularly Iloilo, where she has deep-rooted connections.” Montero said in describing the artist’s pieces. “Her work reflects the experience of coming home, celebrating one’s identity, and creating new memories while reconnecting with a place that holds personal and cultural significance.”
Yes, the artist’s solo exhibition is a heartfelt homecoming expressed through art, bringing together landscapes, cultural traditions, and everyday moments drawn from her visits to Iloilo. In every work is a memory, a familiar place, and a story of belonging — truly, ang pagpauli niya sa Iloilo.
PAGPAULI, ILOILO, as a precursor to our celebration of Iloilo City’s Charter Day on August 25, 2026, is a fitting tribute to home, heritage, and the enduring connections that bring us back to where we belong. At the Artist Talk today at 2PM at the ILOMOCA Lobby, the artist will share her artistic journey and stories behind Pagpauli, Iloilo.

Thoughtful, thrilled and thriving on a Thursday!

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Keep calm! The first letter in WTF is Wednesday!

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Amidst the heavy downpour and flooding brought about the monsoon rains, I say this prayer by , “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” Amen. 🙏

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A fantastic Monday needs to be filled with joy, positivity, and lots of coffee to have a wonderful week ahead.

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Slow living looks like this. Easy in pace and big on peace!

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Saturday motivation: Seize the day and make it extraordinary.

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Long before some offices declared Fridays to be non-working, I was already vibing! And today was no exception!

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