Tubo Cebu Art Fair 2025: To Where It All Began
Now in its eighth year, Tubô Cebu Art Fair concludes, inviting artists and art enthusiasts to engage in conversation about Cebu’s artistic history, legacy, and future.
Words Donavil Angeles
Photo courtesy of Tubo Cebu Art Fair
September 11, 2025
The highly anticipated Tubô Cebu Art Fair, organized by the Arts Council of Cebu Foundation, Inc., concluded its three-day celebration at Ayala Center Cebu last August 31. The event was marked by success, a strong sense of community, and a renewed appreciation for the past and present of Cebuano art.
With the theme ‘Provenance,’ this year’s fair revisited the roots, influences, and narratives that have shaped the region’s contemporary art scene, while highlighting its ongoing evolution through the introduction of emerging artists.
Artists in the Spotlight
Tubô opens its doors to the world of regional artists with the launch of Josua Cabrera’s new graphic novel entitled “Si Jimsky ug ang Tanghaga sa Balay sa Balay sa Agta,” delving into Cebu’s folklore and humor. Cabrera further engaged audiences through his talk, ‘Tiaw, Tiawtiaw sa Handurawang Naglatagaw,’ where he shared insights into his creative process.
The event also unveiled this year’s ‘Image of the Fair,’ a collaborative artwork that embodies the theme of ‘Provenance.’ Created by four Cebuano artists: Khriss Bajade, Jonathan Abellana, Gabi Nazareno, and John “Nark” Villoria, the piece reflects the rich diversity of Cebuano art, spanning printmaking, portraiture, graffiti, and steel assemblage. The artists emphasized that the heart of collaboration lies in mutual respect and the pursuit of a unified artistic vision.
Meanwhile, Atua Midtown Cebu took center stage on the second day of the Tubô Art Fair, as its plain walls were transformed into vibrant canvases by cans of spray paint and the skilled hands of local talent.
Cebu-based Writer’s Block artists: Nark, Noer, and Kane, brought street art to life through live mural painting, captivating the audience and offering a bold glimpse into the future of Cebu’s urban art scene.
The third day of the fair was headlined by Tubô Talks, a series of insightful discussions that brought Cebu’s art community into deeper dialogue.
The day began with ‘Past Forward: Retracing a Provenance of Cebu’s Contemporary Art,’ opened by Prof. Jay Nathan Jore alongside the ‘Image of the Fair’ artists: Khriss Bajade, Jonathan Abellana, Gabi Nazareno, and John “Nark” Villoria.
This was followed by the ‘Fresh Strokes Series,’ a two-part open conversation spotlighting emerging creatives as they shared their artistic journeys and visions for the future.
The first session featured artists Maite Zuluaga, Subhelic, and Densen Almeda, moderated by Prof. Raymund Fernandez. The second session welcomed Marianne Guinto, Puny, and Roy Ingenie, with Prof. Palmy Pre-Tudtud leading the discussion.
The fair’s theme, ‘Provenance,’ also paid tribute to the renowned artist Martino Abellana, known as Noy Tinong and hailed as the Dean of Cebuano Painters, whose portraits and paintings greatly influenced the Visayan art landscape. Celebrating his enduring legacy, a collection of his works took center stage at the recently concluded event.
Tubô in the Present
Since its modest beginnings in 2018, the Tubô Art Fair has consistently provided a space for local artists and buyers to connect. Staying true to its mission of serving both artists and audiences, the fair enables art lovers to purchase directly from creators at fair prices, with proceeds supporting the Arts Council of Cebu’s education programs.
Fair Director Allen Arvin Tan highlights the importance of buying directly from artists, emphasizing how even small purchases can make a significant impact: “It gives them a reason to continue and gives them a chance to make a living from their talent.”
With a vision to promote artists’ creativity and foster a deeper understanding of Cebu’s art and cultural history, the Tubô community has steadily flourished and grown over the past eight years.
In his opening remarks, Tan expressed gratitude for the support Tubô has received and reaffirmed their commitment to the fair’s mission of inspiring appreciation for local art and artists: “It’s our 8th year, and we’ve watched it grow from a little tiny fair to what it is today with everyone’s support. We’re so happy to put in the effort every year if you also show up to help us out together as a community.”
The Tubô Cebu Art Fair’s eighth year marks an important milestone, reflecting its growth and steadfast commitment to capturing the spirit of Cebu’s art. It invites audiences to peel back the layers that define the present art scene, tracing them back to where it all began.
True to its name, Tubô, meaning “to grow,” this year’s fair celebrates the seeds planted by past artists that have cultivated local contemporary art, while nurturing the creativity of emerging artists who are gradually painting a vibrant vision for Cebu’s artistic future.
