Celebrating the transformative power of art and the boundless stories that can emerge from an ordinary pencil, the University of Northern Philippines opened the Kuwento ng Lapis Art Exhibit on September 14, 2026, at the Ground Floor of the UNP Administration Building.
Presented by the UNP Federated Alumni Association in partnership with the UNP Administration, the exhibit transforms the humble pencil into a powerful medium of artistic expression. Through intricate lines, delicate shades, and deliberate strokes, the featured works give form to stories, emotions, experiences, and perspectives, demonstrating how even the simplest artistic tool can create profound and compelling narratives.
More than a showcase of creative works, Kuwento ng Lapis highlights the ability of art to preserve narratives, evoke emotions, and inspire meaningful conversations. Each artwork reflects the artist’s imagination, skill, and personal interpretation, demonstrating that even the simplest tools can create compelling works that communicate profound stories and perspectives.
Hon. Nestor Pajaro, President of the UNP Federated Alumni Association, delivered the opening message, setting an inspiring tone for the event, emphasizing the significance of Art Exhibits in celebrating creativity, artistic expression, and the meaningful stories conveyed through art. He also expressed his deep gratitude to the UNP Administration for its unwavering and continued support in making the event a success.
In his message, UNP President Dr. Erwin Cadorna stressed the vital role of the arts in promoting creativity, preserving cultural heritage, and providing meaningful avenues for artists to communicate their ideas, emotions, experiences, and perspectives. He emphasized that art extends beyond visual aesthetics, serving as a universal language that connects people across cultures and generations.
“Arts and Culture is a way of preserving our heritage, and arts can be considered as a universal language because we can see art anywhere,” Dr. Cadorna said.
Dr. Cadorna likewise commended the UNP Federated Alumni Association and Ms. Anabel Pangalangan for mounting the exhibit and demonstrating how an everyday object such as a pencil can be transformed into a compelling instrument of artistic storytelling. He noted that the artworks not only showcase the artist’s creativity and technical skill but also contribute to cultivating a dynamic academic and cultural environment where artistic expression is valued, shared, and celebrated.
Through the exhibit, Dr. Cadorna emphasized, the University reinforces its commitment to provide platforms where artists can tell stories, preserve experiences, and inspire the community through the enduring power of art.
Ms. Anabel Pangalangan, the artist behind the Kuwento ng Lapis Art Exhibit, also delivered an inspiring message, sharing the stories, emotions, and experiences behind her artworks and encourages viewers to look beyond the images and discover the narratives they represent.
She emphasized that each artwork is more than a composition of intricate lines, shades, and strokes—it is a reflection of personal experiences, emotions, struggles, and aspirations. Her advocacy for single mothers adds a deeper meaning to Kuwento ng Lapis, transforming the exhibit into not only a celebration of creativity but also a platform for empowerment, resilience, and hope.
Adding a message of encouragement to the celebration of creativity, Ms. Pangalangan called on aspiring artists to overcome hesitation and embrace the courage to create. She emphasized that artistic excellence does not begin with perfection but with the willingness to take the first step, practice continuously, and express one’s ideas and imagination with confidence.
“Huwag ninyong isipin na kailangan muna ninyong maging mahusay bago kayo magsimula. Magsimula kayo. Gumuhit kayo. Lumikha kayo. Mangarap kayo,” Ms. Pangalangan said.
Her words highlighted the spirit of the Kuwento ng Lapis Art Exhibit, inspiring members of the university community to see creativity not as a pursuit reserved for accomplished artists but as a journey that begins with a simple act of creating. Through her message, she encouraged everyone to discover their own creative voice, turn imagination into expression, and allow their stories to take shape through art.
The exhibit also reinforces UNP’s commitment to promote a vibrant academic and cultural environment where students, faculty, staff, and visitors can engage with different forms of creative expression. By bringing art into a common university space, the activity makes artistic appreciation more accessible to the broader UNP community.
