Everyday Comforts with ‘Buhay Pinoy’
In this landmark exhibition, Art Lounge Manila honors the Philippine Genre paintings, the familiar art that celebrates everyday Filipino culture that we’re familiar with.
Words Marc Nathaniel Servo
Photo Courtesy of Art Lounge Manila
February 13, 2026
In homage of the Philippine Genre painting, Art Lounge Manila launches “BUHAY PINOY,” the first of a series of exhibition across various Galerie Joaquin and Galerie Francesca galleries involving over 80 works by contemporary artists Lydia Velasco, Michael Cacnio, Norma Belleza, Francis Nacion, and many others.
Rooted in the Filipino experience, the Philippine Genre of paintings provides a perspective towards everyday life—from markets, trade, harvests, rituals of faith, and leisure which allow people to look into a deeply personal and joyful visual language of Filipino culture.
Early masters such as Damián Domingo, Honorato Lozano, and Fernando Amorsolo honored the daily lives of the Filipinos by capturing these events in a canvas, laying the foundation of the genre centered on what makes Filipinos truly Filipino.
Marahuyo by Wilfredo Offemaria, 36” x 36”, Acrylic on Canvas (2025)
For Art Lounge Manila, there is a sense of comfort with basking in the artworks representing our daily lives, especially in times of uncertainty. After all, it is in the slowness of life that we feel sustained and affirmed.
More than nostalgia, the shared values and everyday rituals painted and sculpted as art is a celebratory affirmation of the richness and resilience of Philippine culture, hence the title: BUHAY PINOY.
Here are some of the pieces presented on the exhibition:
Ina at Anak by Norma Belleza, 24” x 18”, Oil on Canvas (2025)
Water Deities by Lydia Velasco, 40” x 30”, Oil on Canvas (2026)
Peaceful Community by William Alvarez, 24” x 24”, Acrylic on Canvas (2025)
Wandering Around by Richard Arimado, 40” x 36”, Oil on Canvas (2025)
Himig ng Pagsinta by Xander Calceta, 36” x 24”, Oil on Canvas (2025)
Shared Morning by James Gabito, 34” x 45”, Acrylic on Canvas (2025)
Family Picnic by Juanito Torres, 48” x 36”, Oil on Canvas (2025)
Love Carried By Grace by Aljo Pingol, 34” x 23”, Acrylic on Canvas (2025)
Opulence of Yesteryear by Francis Nacion, 36” x 36”, Oil on Canvas, (2023)
“Buhay Pinoy” will be on view at Art Lounge Manila – The Podium from February 3–13, 2026; Galerie Francesca – Festival Mall from February 5–18, 2026; Galerie Joaquin – BGC from February 7–17, 2026; Galerie Joaquin – The Podium from February 11–22, 2026; and Galleria Nicolas – Greenbelt from February 13–24, 2026.
An Artist Reception will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 4:00 PM. Art Lounge Manila – The Podium is located at The Podium, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City.
