One distinctive mark of Clark International Airport (CRK) is its highlight of the valued sense of place. Its designs drew inspirations from its surrounding wonders, like its accents of greens and blues that emulates its surrounding landscape, the gray floor finish that reminds of the lava fields of Mt. Pinatubo, and cathedral ceilings that mimic Central Luzon’s majestic caves.

A new event homes in on this feature. CRK opens “OBRA,” an art exhibit which presents the work of Pampanga masters.

Luzon International Premier Airport Development (LIPAD) Corp. President and CEO Noel F. Manankil led the opening of the exhibit together with the event organizer Bennylee Luat Baltazar-Bondoc of A&B Events.

Manankil who is a Kapampangan, said “We strive to present an airport that our region can pride itself on. Part of this is to reflect our strong local culture and heritage, not just in the design of the airport but also in our activities. It is just natural for CRK to showcase the works of Pampanga artists.”

One of the masters is Dodjie Aguinaldo, whose work represents his love for Kapampangan arts, history, legends, and tradition, including Kulitan, the Kapampangan script. In the exhibit are his paintings of the traditional clothing and costumes of Pampanga.

“OBRA” also features multi-awarded artist Arnel Garcia, who presented his mixed media arts.

It also has in its roster Kapampangan masters whose works have already graced the international spotlight. It has the female surrealism paintings of Ana Algabre Hernandez, the seascapes scenes on resin of Justine Velasquez, and the hand-made acrylic on tissue paintings of Donna Camaya. Camaya is also recognized as the only handmade acrylic on tissue artist in the Philippines.

The exhibit, which opened a day after the celebration of Philippine independence, also aptly featured the nationalistic paintings of Joeyboi Galang.

Others featured in the exhibit are the copper bonsai works of Andy Bondoc, the bird paintings of Lloyd Dacayanan, the wood carvings of Cesario Jojo La Madrid Jr., the modern abstractions of Enrie Nicdao, the abstract works of Chelssie Aven Pan, and the nature inspired paintings of Architect Marinel Tungol.

The exhibit will run until July, 15, 2023 and is located at the domestic gate entrance of the airport.