FEMME: An All-Women Art Show

By Antonette B. Eduardo

AN art show celebrating the exceptional obras maestras created by women is currently on display at Villa Caceres Hotel under the title FEMME. This all-women exhibit provides a powerful platform for eleven remarkable female artists: Apz Cabalquinto, Bernadette de los Santos, Dianne MacGowan, Megan Daphne Victoria, Ezra Carullo, Katrina Cabral, Kyla Ensoya, Djoanna Tanji, Maria Magdamit, Gemmalyn Padilla, Cris Fragata Gomez, and the event’s visionary organizer, Patricia Yangco.

The invited artists submitted their works between March 11 and 13, 2025, each addressing one of four profound themes: (1) The Female Form, which explores body weight, race, health, and representation; (2) Power Dynamics, reflecting the art world’s ongoing struggle with workplace sexism and age-gap relationships; (3) 4th Wave Feminism, focusing on issues of sexual violence and the objectification of women; and (4) Gender Inclusion and Sensitivity, celebrating the diversity of women, including transwomen and intersex individuals.

For Patricia Yangco, the inspiration for FEMME stemmed from a desire to provide women artists with a prominent platform to showcase their talents. “In a male-dominated [art] industry, I think women now more than ever deserve to have their art and creative endeavors displayed in an elevated event,” she explained. “The fact that it was held in March is intentional, coinciding with Women’s Month.”

The art show officially opened on March 15, 2025, with a strong turnout of influential figures, including former Vice President Leni Robredo, former Senator Leila de Lima, and actress Nadine Lustre, among others.

Spearheaded by the Naga City Art and Culture Coalition – Visual Arts Subsector and supported by the Naga City People’s Council, Zonta Club of Naga and Camarines Sur, and other dedicated partners, FEMME is more than just an art exhibit—it is a celebration of the strength, talent, and diverse voices of women.

FEMME: An All-Women Art Show will remain open to the public until March 31, 2025.

Some of the artworks showcased at the FEMME: All-Women Art Show March 15, 2025.

Photo shows (from left to right) Cris Fragata, Ezra Carullo, Gladys Gomez Rosales, Isbel Wasan-Borja, Bernadette de los Santos & Maria Magdamit during the FEMME Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on March 15, 2025. PHOTOS COURTESY OF KYNA DE CASTRO