A worthwhile experience
During my short stay in the Philippines, I met some interesting people and reunited with some acquaintances from my hometown in Angeles City. I also had the pleasure of meeting the people I had worked with before. I remember those times when my life was a little slower than today; I was chasing my dreams in the career world. I find joy in building connections.
During my quiet days, I would write stories and use my imagination to create stories inspired on the world I like to experience and see. Subsequently, I intend to leverage my existing resources and location to develop articles and create brief documentary films for my website that comprehensively encapsulate the narratives I seek to convey.
I have long yearned to write about the rich tapestry of Kapampangan culture, fascinated by its diverse facets: its defining places (historical and modern), its ancient and living traditions, its vibrant music, its distinctive and flavorful food, its expressive art, and the beautiful, nuanced Kapampangan language.
View Art in our Kitchen (by Sheree, published in 2020)
Teaming up with the artist for Culture Shack 2.0 for this particular project was a success. It definitely confirmed that I can keep that link between my home country, the Philippines, and Denmark through art.
I value creative and mutual connections. As an art appreciator, I occasionally feature artists and musicians on my website, Scrolls of Etiquette, to show support.On October 4, 2025, I visited local artists and musicians in Angeles City. It was a short, inspiring one-on-one interview. I admire their life perspective; despite limited resources, they create beautiful art and songs.
Founded in 2015 by Ronnie Tayag, Culture Shack 2.0 is a space for stories, music, and people to showcase their works. It aims for continuous development through workshops, talks, and gatherings, offering artists a chance to be seen via exhibitions and cultural events.
The long version of the interview is also on Spotify.
The Interview on YouTube includes original songs and music of the artists.
Real conversations
Angelo Canlas
Angelo listens to the inner child in him. This gives him an opportunity to discover the essence of life, and that sparks motivation. It can help us accomplish our goals – small or big it may be. He specializes in making miniature wood artworks like small houses, terrariums, and batik clothes. He is also a dancer, a father, a husband, and a son. Angelo’s creativity serves as a light that never dies.
“Making art is getting into a meditative state. A connection to the divine.”
Ronnie Tayag
He turns what others overlook into works that stir the soul, that feel both timeless and alive. He challenges the new generation of creatives to see art not as a mirror of the self, but as a vessel of thought, emotion, and wonder. In every piece, Ronnie reminds us that true artistry is an act of grace… an offering that shows us that true creativity springs not from abundance, but from presence and gratitude.
Ronnie Tayag (founder of Culture Shack 2.0)
Bong De Luna
Abel Bong De Luna is bonsai artist from Mabalacat, Pampanga. His first art was in the form of music. He was a vocalist in a band. He also loves manual photography, but at the birth of digital photography, he realized that the time has come, that he finds a new hobby.
See Bong De Luna’s Bonsai Artworks
Calvin Concepcion
Calvin Concepcion is a composer, singer, song-writer who uses the Kapampangan language as a medium to express their experiences and relay the current situation to their listeners. The band – Timaua Experience aims to encourage the younger generation to keep the Kapampangan language as part of the strong culture in Pampanga.
The band includes Calvin on guitars/vocals, Brons and Ariel on vocals, Jace as the lead guitarist, Pat on bass, Sam on keyboards, Lumi on cello, Ace on percussion, and Bryan on samples.
Listen to the songs of Timaua Experience featured on “Kaya Radio” by Tempest Films and Media
Lloyd Dacayanan
Lloyd Dacayanan is a visual artist from Angeles City. As a full-time artist, he bicycles around the city with his art suitcase. He specializes in painting using water color. Lloyd enjoys painting outdoors, in real-life events and he loves the idea of having an audience while he paints. Their interactions with him influences the outcome of his painting. He wishes to have his own studio in the future. lloyd currently conducts workshops for children and adults at Culture Shack 2.0. Located in Sandra Mall, Angeles City.
See more of Lloyd’s water-color artworks on Instagram
Jay De Leon
Jay De Leon from the band Spearheads emphasizes the value of self-worth. To maintain our dignity, to open our eyes and listen with our ears. The song he recently wrote entitled “They simply believe” is an expression of the musician’s pursuit to awaken the minds of the people who wish for change.
Jay as the singer, composer and on drums, Aldrine Cueto Salas on guitar, and Archie Castaneda on bass.
Listen to Spearhead’s songs on YouTube
Michael Serrano
“Do not stay in the same circle, evolve and find ways to get out of it. You can always go back to where you started.” Quote from Michael Serrano
Michael is a visual artist who specializes in making dream catchers and mandalas. The more we experience in life, the more we learn how to deal with stress. This is similar to his method of making art. When he feels overwhelmed by the patterns, he reverts to the basics, and remembers the project’s goal.
See Michael Serrano’s artworks (my personal interview with the artist)
Gabriel Layson
Each fold gives new life into forgotten pages. Discarded books find new purpose through art and precision. What was once read, now tells a story through form and patience. Quote – Gabriel Layson of Atomic Juan
Gabriel is both an artist and a musician. He was once a part of a Kapampangan band named Paninap, where he played the harmonica. In 2023, he started the art of book folding as a hobby and eventually became a daily habit of creativity that keeps him motivated and happy.
The art of book folding by Atomic Juan (Gabriel) on Facebook
Dee Lao
Dee Lao’s artistic practice focuses on two main forms: performance art and filmmaking. With a strong background in animation and visual arts, she seamlessly combines these disciplines to create works that are both cinematic and performative.
Her art films are avant-garde as it sparks new and experimental ideas and methods in the visual and performing arts, music, and literature.
Visit Dee Lao’s facebook and learn more
“Supercut of Discord”, a documentary film, is a prelude to her on-going animation film project, “Sea of Discord: Chapter 1” by Dee Lao. It is her most recent film, with its full length version submitted to the Yamagata Film Festival 2025 in Yamagata Japan and was presented during the Quezon City Biennial 2025 in Metro Manila, Philippines.
Benjamin Cuyugan
Benjamin Cuyugan’s inclination to music started at a young age. The lyrics and melodies linger in his head, without writing them down. He started composing and singing officially in senior high-school. The song Eba is about a girl that Benj admires at that time.
His band Catharcis released two songs under the pandemic entitled “Himig” and FYP and are now available to listen to at Spotify.
Listen to Catharcis’ Band on Spotify
Listen to Benj’s songs on Spotify
“Marlon showcased this beautiful artwork recently at the Porac Municipal Hall during the Balas Festival, a celebration of our natural resources, particularly sand, and the resilience and creativity of our community. This piece represents hope, beauty, and transformation — symbolizing freedom from darkness. It has a sparkling effect that reflects light, growth, and the brilliance that comes from rising above challenges.”
Marlon Guevarra is a fashion, abstract and mixed- media artist. He loves combining different elements in one project. He uses crystals, flowers and butterflies to bring life and meaning to his artworks. His art reminds him, as well as others, to never stop dreaming and keep creating.
Connect and see Marlon’s artworks on Facebook
One of his artworks is crafted from recycled materials. The idea came to him when he realized that discarded things still have potential – just like people or art itself. He used junk items such as cans, wires, metal machine parts, and wood for this art piece.
Dyanel Santos
Dyanel Santos is a teacher by profession and teaches values & education in a public school in Angeles City. As an artist, art is what she considers a breather and to be in the creative state, is fulfilling. She considers herself a fiber artist, where she incorporates the idea of crochet in making art like dream catchers and mandala, or any natural fibers and some recycled materials that can be converted into a piece of art.
Visit Dyanel Santos’ Instagram page
Here in Denmark, crochet or “at hækle” is part of Danish culture. You’ll see a small group of people doing crochet or knitting on some quiet days in a coffee shop, or sometimes on the train. Crochet using cotton yarn, and especially knitting using wool, can be considered a luxury wardrobe item one must have. Wool provides excellent warming effects due to its ability to trap air and regulate temperature. I personally have a couple of hand-made wool vests and a poncho that was made by hand by a sweet old lady in Denmark.
