A new canvas for the Philippines: TRIBE makes history at World Art Dubai 2025

Dubai: A bold new chapter in Philippine art is about to unfold as TRIBE: The Philippine Pavilion makes its much-anticipated debut at World Art Dubai 2025, happening from April 17 to 20 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. For the first time ever, the Philippines will be represented by its own national pavilion at a major international art fair—a historic milestone that places Filipino creativity on the global stage.

Spearheaded by acclaimed Filipino artist, collector, and gallerist Carlo Garrido, in collaboration with TRIBE—a dynamic collective of Filipino creatives and communicators in the UAE—this groundbreaking initiative is more than an exhibition. It’s a movement, a celebration of cultural identity, and a global declaration of Filipino artistic excellence.

It all started with one vision

The seed for TRIBE was planted in 2024, when Carlo Garrido found himself the lone Filipino gallerist at World Art Dubai, accompanied by just one artist from Manila. “Other countries had full pavilions,” Garrido recalls. “We were barely a dot on the map.”

But instead of feeling disheartened, Garrido saw opportunity in the absence—a blank canvas waiting to be filled. He approached the fair’s organizers, secured a dedicated space, and began reaching out to Filipino-owned galleries and artists across the world. The response? Unanimous support and enthusiasm.

TRIBE: A global showcase of Filipino artistry

Just one year later, TRIBE: The Philippine Pavilion will launch with 11 galleries and more than 45 Filipino artists representing not only the Philippines and UAE, but also Italy, Switzerland, Canada, and the United States. The result is a vibrant, boundary-breaking showcase of styles—surrealism, cubism, abstract, and more—all woven together by one unifying force: the Filipino spirit.

“Having our own pavilion at World Art Dubai—one of the region’s most important art platforms—is a major milestone,” Garrido says. “This isn’t just about showcasing Filipino talent. It’s about creating space in the global art conversation for our voices, our stories, our identity.”

At the heart of this initiative is TRIBE, a creative subcommittee of the Philippine Business Council Dubai and the Northern Emirates. Made up of storytellers, artists, and advocates, TRIBE brings together a shared vision: to champion Filipino excellence and build cultural bridges through the power of art and community.

World Art Dubai is a global gathering of creativity, where cultures converge and stories come to life through art. With the debut of the Philippine Pavilion, the Philippines steps into the spotlight—not just as a participant, but as a proud contributor to the global creative dialogue.

Curating with purpose, rooted in identity

Garrido’s curatorial vision was clear: present works that speak a universal language while honoring each artist’s distinct style. The resulting collection is diverse and deeply expressive, with many pieces subtly nodding to Filipino culture and tradition. From bold contemporary statements to soulful tributes to heritage, the exhibit invites viewers to see Filipino artistry in a new light—expansive, confident, and undeniably global.

“It’s time we give Filipino artistry the stage it deserves,” Garrido adds. “This may be our first national art pavilion abroad—but it certainly won’t be the last.”

We interviewed some of the participating artists to hear their thoughts on representing Filipino artistry on this global stage.

Q. What does it mean to represent Filipino artistry on this platform, and what themes or narratives do you hope to share through your work?

A. Ria Favis of PXL+: At PXL+, we’re redefining the boundaries of art and technology—merging human imagination with AI-powered innovation. At World Art Dubai, our booth will spotlight the visionary world of Filipino-Swiss savant Thierry Bouvard, whose intricate illustrations—crafted through the lens of a prodigious mind—will come alive through Augmented Reality. Alongside him, Adam: Encoded Lines, a machine learning-driven robot, will capture and reinterpret human features in real time, translating digital perception into physical strokes on canvas. This electrifying collaboration between two artists—one human, one artificial—offers a bold new lens into the evolving landscape of Filipino artistry on a global stage.

A. Ella Orencillo: To represent Filipino artistry on this platform—and to be part of the very first Philippine Pavilion, not just at World Art Dubai but on a global stage—is incredibly meaningful to me as an artist. I feel deeply grateful and honored to be part of this historic milestone.

It’s a powerful opportunity to share my latest works, which are inspired by Philippine mythology and deities. Through my art, I aim to reintroduce characters and stories that some may have forgotten or never known.

No matter how long we live and thrive outside our homeland, there’s always a pull that brings us back to our roots. Now, we simply have a bigger platform and a broader audience—a chance to celebrate and share our heritage with the world.

A. Gino Banola: To represent Filipino artistry through Baybayin calligraphy on this platform is a meaningful opportunity to honor and revive our indigenous script—transforming it into a powerful visual and cultural statement. Baybayin is more than just writing; it is a symbol of identity, heritage, and resilience. Through my calligraphy, I aim to bridge the past and present, showing that this pre-colonial script is not just a relic of history, but a living, evolving form of artistic and cultural expression.

My journey into Baybayin calligraphy was inspired by the elegance of Arabic calligraphy. Seeing the beauty and artistry in Arabic script made me reflect on our own heritage—and realize that we, as Filipinos, also have a rich, indigenous writing system that can be celebrated through art. That realization inspired me to explore Baybayin not just as a historical artifact, but as a contemporary art form—one that can stand proudly alongside the world’s great calligraphic traditions.

Q. The pavilion highlights the global Filipino diaspora—how has living abroad influenced your artistic journey, and how does your work reflect both your heritage and international experiences?

A. Carlo Garrido: Living abroad for over 20 years has profoundly shaped my artistic journey—broadening my perspective and deepening the narratives within my work. Immersing myself in diverse cultures has allowed me to see the world through multiple lenses, enriching both my creative process and storytelling.

At the same time, my Filipino heritage remains a constant anchor. I see my art as a dialogue between where I come from and where I’ve been. My gallery often merges traditional Filipino influences with contemporary global themes, creating a fusion that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. Through this interplay, I explore identity, belonging, and the ever-evolving nature of cultural expression in an increasingly interconnected world.

A. Ella Orencillo: Living in a culturally diverse country like the UAE has constantly inspired me to give my best in everything I do. It has pushed me to explore my full potential and continuously challenge myself to grow, always striving to create something better than my last work.

In a city where inspiration can be found around every corner, evolution—both personal and professional—is inevitable. Living outside my home country has played a significant role in shaping who I am today and how I express myself as an artist.

My work reflects this journey. It pays homage to my Filipino roots while also embracing the influence of the multicultural society I now live in. This blend not only enriches the soul of my art but also sharpens its technical aspects, allowing me to grow as an artist in every sense.

A. Gino Banola: Living abroad, I’ve seen firsthand the struggles of identity—especially among children born outside the Philippines. Many grow up disconnected from their roots, unfamiliar with their culture and history. That’s why my mission is to create a bridge, using Baybayin calligraphy as a tool for reconnection.

Through my art, I aim to inspire pride in our heritage, spark curiosity about our traditions, and show that even when we are far from home, our identity remains strong. By sharing Baybayin with Filipinos abroad, I hope to offer a sense of belonging—reminding them that our culture is alive, evolving, and something to be proud of.

Over the years, I’ve also witnessed how Baybayin calligraphy resonates beyond the Filipino community. People from other nationalities are often amazed by its beauty and meaning. This proves that our script—like other great calligraphic traditions—has universal appeal.

It reinforces my belief that our indigenous writing system deserves a place on the global stage—not merely as a relic of the past, but as a thriving, relevant, and respected form of artistic expression.