Stumbling Upon the Circle

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By Franz Angelo

The morning rush at Festive Walk Mall was in full swing. Lost in my own world of errands and to-do lists, I was just another face in the crowd until a sudden, vibrant silence pulled me from my thoughts. On the second floor, where the usual hum of shoppers faded, was an oasis of color and form. I had stumbled upon an art exhibit.

The sign read “Tipulon,” an exhibition by the HIMBON Contemporary Ilonggo Artists in celebration of their 8th anniversary.

Drawn in, I found myself in a different kind of gathering. The theme, “Tipulon“—the Hiligaynon word for circle—was a tangible presence. Artworks were hung not just on walls, but on panels arranged to guide you in a gentle, curving path. Many canvases were literally circular, rejecting sharp corners for an infinite line. Others used swirling brushstrokes and rounded compositions to create a feeling of unity, of a story with no beginning and no end.

It was a quiet space, yet full of life. Near the exhibit, two ladies were tending to the display. But they weren’t just curators; they were the artists themselves, nurturing their creations.

The first was fellow Rotarian Aivee Genson and the other was journalist-turned-Prosecutor Carol Salvatierra. They gladly showed me around the works of their fellow artists while explaining the theme and context of the exposition.

The “Tipulon” exhibit is a masterclass in creative constraint, where the unifying theme of the circle—or tipulon—serves as a powerful canvas for a rich diversity of artistic expression. By presenting their works on circular plates and canvases, the HIMBON artists explore themes ranging from the natural world to complex human emotions, all within a shared visual language.

The exhibit is also a profound exploration of the circle, not merely as a shape, but as a symbol of unity, continuity, and the collective spirit of Ilonggo creativity. The artworks embody this theme in diverse and compelling ways.

On one hand, the circle is presented as a source of harmonious, radiating energy. The stunning universe of concentric circles evoke a sense of outward connection and positive force—a visual metaphor for how a single act of service can ripple through a community.

From another perspective, the circle is depicted as a composite whole, a unity achieved through complexity. Textured mosaics and layered pieces interpret the “tipulon” not as a perfect, smooth orb, but as a powerful whole built from fragmented pieces. This represents the meticulous process of weaving disparate stories, clues, or experiences into a single, cohesive truth.

Together, these interpretations create a rich narrative. The exhibit demonstrates that the circle is both a perfect, unending line and a destination formed by many separate paths.

Ultimately, “Tipulon” serves as a powerful testament to HIMBON’s eight-year journey: a group of diverse artists bound by a shared passion, weaving their individual visions into the infinite, ever-evolving circle of art.

The other participating artists in the “Tipulon” exhibit are:

• Anthony Castillo
• Ariel Pineda
• Cris Barredo
• Edgardo Gonzales Jr.
• Edwin De Los Reyes
• Eros Endencio
• Gilbert Labordo
• Harry Mark Gonzales
• Kevin Fernandez
• Kirby Majaque
• Nick Lanes
• Norman Vincent Acedera
• Vic Fario
• Vic Nabor

The exhibit runs from Oct. 17 to Nov. 17, 2025 on the second floor of the Festive Mall of the Iloilo Business Park (Megaworld) in Mandurriao, Iloilo City. It is also part of the monthlong Iloilo City Arts Festival.