21 February 2025. The Philippine Embassy in Paris supports the Philippine artists’ participation at the Art Capital exhibit at the Grand Palais in Paris, France on 18-22 February 2025. Several Filipino artists based in France and all over Europe exhibited their respective works in one of France’s most prestigious and historical expo venues. Philippine Ambassador to France, H.E. Junever M. Mahilum-West also participated in the said exhibit with her works inspired by the Philippines’ marine biodiversity.
Ambassador Junever Mahilum-West with participating artists participants at the Grand Palais Art Capital Exhibit.
Among the participating Filipino artists are Margo Babilonia-Le Lain, Harold Khan, Cici Lane, Maritess van Vianen, Marievic Baune, Myse Salonga, Aurea Calanog, Marie Therese Villa, Day Pajarillo, Chelony Mercado, Carmela Geisert, James Buenacosa, Tei Leonardo, Bong Canuel, Aurea Calanog, Karen Concepcion, Marie Expert, Viviane Mauske and Jovelyn Medalle.
Ambassador Junever Mahilum-West with the Filipino artists participants at the Grand Palais Art Capital Exhibit.
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) of the Philippines has designated February as National Arts Month (NAM), celebrating a month-long tribute to Filipino artistry and cultural heritage. Showcasing Philippine artistry at the prestigious Grand Palais in Paris represents a significant milestone for the Filipino artist community to gain international exposure. With the theme "Ani ng Sining: Diwa at Damdamin," the Philippine art exposition provided a timely platform to highlight not only the arts but also the values, identity, and culture of the Filipino people. It underscores that the creative spirit of the nation is rooted in its talented artists. NCCA defines “diwa” defines as the spirit, essence, and soul while “damdamin” as passion which propelles creation, expression and development. The expo also showed how bayanihan is central to the Filipino soul. 
Philippine Embassy officials and the Cultural Section led by Ambassador Junever M. Mahilum-West together with her spouse, Mr. John West.
A collective of Filipino creatives, including the Ambassador, centered their efforts on the Philippines' archipelagic and maritime identity. This focus aligns with global initiatives for ocean conservation and the protection of maritime biodiversity which will be celebrated in France during its hosting of the upcoming UN Oceans Conference in Nice in June this year. They titled their exhibit Eau La La - a wordplay of the famous French interjection ah là là with the French word for water. Ambassador Mahilum-West displayed her dedication to maritime conservation and the arts by featuring her paintings of Philippine fishes, inspired by Kumataro Ito. Ito was the chief illustrator on the USS Albatross, who took on the significant responsibility of surveying the aquatic resources across the Philippine archipelago. 
Ambassador Mahilum-West and Embassy officials joined the artists in a cocktail reception at the Grand Palais.
The Embassy is a vibrant advocate for Filipino creativity, immersing itself in a myriad of exhibitions across Paris that showcase the talents of emerging artists. These dynamic events not only serve as a springboard for the artists but also weave the rich tapestry of Philippine art into the global narrative. Indeed, art is a bridge, linking cultures and inspiring dialogues that transcend our concept of borders.
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