Malikhaing Pinoy Creative Expo 2025 showcased visual arts, performing arts, and traditional cultural expressions

Posted: October 1, 2025
(From L–R) Philippine Creative Industries Development Council (PCIDC) Secretariat Acting Deputy Executive Director Jo-Dann Darong, PCIDC Private Sector Representative for the Audiovisual Media Domain Pablo Gabriel Malvar, together with participating partners of the fourth day of the Malikhaing Pinoy Creative Expo featuring the Traditional Cultural Expressions Domain: Mama Sita's Foundation, Commune PH, Destileria Limtuaco, and Sinaya Seafood, joined by Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement Founder Chef Jam Melchor and PCIDC Secretariat Acting Executive Director Lilian G. Salonga.
(From L–R) Philippine Creative Industries Development Council (PCIDC) Secretariat Acting Deputy Executive Director Jo-Dann Darong, PCIDC Private Sector Representative for the Audiovisual Media Domain Pablo Gabriel Malvar, together with participating partners of the fourth day of the Malikhaing Pinoy Creative Expo featuring the Traditional Cultural Expressions Domain: Mama Sita’s Foundation, Commune PH, Destileria Limtuaco, and Sinaya Seafood, joined by Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement Founder Chef Jam Melchor and PCIDC Secretariat Acting Executive Director Lilian G. Salonga.

Taguig City, Philippines — September 6, 2025, marked the fourth day of the Malikhaing Pinoy Creative Expo (MPEx) 2025, organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) at SMX Convention Aura Premier, BGC. The day’s events highlighted the Visual Arts, Performing Arts, and Traditional Cultural Expressions domains.

As part of the DTI’s five-day celebration of Filipino creativity, the day opened with the Creative Entrepreneurship Workshop by the UNESCO Entrepreneurship Education Network (EENET). The session shared valuable ideas and practical steps on transforming creativity into income, while also engaging participants in a small group activity that encouraged collaboration and hands-on learning.

The Visual Arts Domain featured a talk and open discussion by Abdulmari “Toym” D. Imao, Jr., Dean of the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Fine Arts. Centered on the topic “The State of the Visual Arts in the Philippines,” the session offered meaningful insights into the evolving landscape of Filipino visual arts, underscoring both the challenges artists faced and the promising opportunities ahead.

University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts Dean Toym Imao delivered an insightful talk on the Malikhaing Pinoy Chats: “The State of the Visual Arts in the Philippines” during the Visual Arts Domain session, which offered perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping the field today.
University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts Dean Toym Imao delivered an insightful talk on the Malikhaing Pinoy Chats: “The State of the Visual Arts in the Philippines” during the Visual Arts Domain session, which offered perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping the field today.

After the Visual Arts session, the spotlight shifted to the Performing Arts Domain with “The Rise of Improv in the Philippines,” hosted by Gabe Mercado, founder of SPIT Manila, the country’s longest-running improv group. The talk, along with its question-and-answer portion and short performance, showcased the growing appeal and creative power of improvisational theater in the Philippines.

Mr. Gabe Mercado, Founder of SPIT Manila, delivers his talk “The Rise of Improv” as part of the Malikhaing Pinoy Chats series during the Performing Arts Domain session at the Malikhaing Pinoy Creative Expo 2025. His session highlighted the power of improvisational theater in fostering creativity, collaboration, and cultural expression.
Mr. Gabe Mercado, Founder of SPIT Manila, delivers his talk “The Rise of Improv” as part of the Malikhaing Pinoy Chats series during the Performing Arts Domain session at the Malikhaing Pinoy Creative Expo 2025. His session highlighted the power of improvisational theater in fostering creativity, collaboration, and cultural expression.

The day concluded with “Flavors of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao,” a culinary journey led by Chef Jam Melchor, founder of the Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement. This interactive gastronomy session brought the audience closer to the diverse tastes, traditions, and stories that shape Filipino cuisine across the archipelago. Supported by a talk and food tasting session in collaboration with Mama Sita’s Foundation, Commune PH, Destileria Limtuaco, and Sinaya Seafood, participants experienced an authentic culinary showcase. It highlighted the rich traditions of Filipino cuisine while also showcasing modern innovations in the country’s food culture.

Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council Secretariat (PCIDCS), the Expo served as the flagship event of Philippine Creative Industries Month this September. Guided by the unifying theme #WeAreACreativeNation, it drew thousands of participants from across the archipelago and beyond.

This MPEx was part of the Malikhaing Pinoy Program, a flagship initiative of the Philippine government implemented by the Department of Trade and Industry as Chair of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council. The program continues its work to elevate Filipino creativity and advance the creative agenda, spotlighting Filipino talent, cultural heritage, and ingenuity. ♦

Date of Release: 12 September 2025