A Weekend to Remember: Looking Back at the 1st NAMI Art-Camp

In the heart of San Pablo City, among old heritage houses and quiet streets, a new tradition began. Last April 5-6, 2026, artists from Manila and all around Laguna gathered at Sulyap Gallery and Restaurant for the very first NAMI Art-Camp. It was an overnight weekend titled "Sining sa Sulyap" (A Glimpse of Art), and it was all about the simple joy of creating together.

Art, Heritage, and a Time for Reflection

The camp happened over Easter Sunday, making it feel more like a relaxing retreat than a formal school session. Artists brought their own tents and sleeping bags, turning the beautiful grounds of Sulyap into a little community of creators for two days.

For a registration fee of just 1,000 PHP, NAMI and its partners—Sulyap Gallery and Makisining—made sure everyone was well-fed and had a place to stay. It was a rare chance for young artists to hang out and learn from respected names in the industry in a friendly, welcoming environment.

Learning from the Best

The best part of the weekend was how close everyone got to the guest speakers. The talks weren't just about how to paint; they were about the real-life journey of being an artist and the heart behind the work.

• The Visionaries: Marizhar spoke beautifully about the role of emotions in art, encouraging creators to pour their feelings onto the canvas. Sir Roy gave a short, inspiring talk on his journey of supporting local artists and then opened the doors for everyone to explore and find inspiration within the halls of the entire Gallery.

• The Big Picture: Christian Regis talked about why coming together for art camps is so important for the soul, while Sir Florence Cinco and Sir Lito Ballaran shared their years of wisdom and technique.

• The Heart of Art: In a powerful session, Atty. Elba Cruz, a known curator and art enthusiast, spoke about the deeper meaning of our work. She shared that art should be deeply rooted in our culture and environment—reminding everyone that art should be purposeful and meaningful, not just something made for display. She also shared how art should move people and leave a lasting impact on society.

Painting and Sketching Together

Once the talks were over, it was time to get to work. Under the warm Laguna sun, artists spread out across the compound for Plein Air sessions (outdoor painting), capturing the beauty of the old Filipino houses. There was also a Nude Sketching session, where participants practiced drawing the human form in a quiet, respectful space.

The Art Forum Night

As evening fell, things got even more relaxed. The "Art Tambayan" (Artist Hangout) was the heart of the camp. Sitting together under the stars, participants had the chance to ask the speakers honest questions about life, art, and everything in between. It wasn't a lecture; it was a conversation among friends.

Coming Home Inspired

The 1st NAMI Art-Camp was more than just a workshop—it was a way to find new friends and a fresh sense of purpose. When the artists packed up their brushes and tents on Monday afternoon, they didn't just leave with finished Artworks; they left with a community that supports them.

Sining sa Sulyap showed us that when you combine beautiful surroundings, good company, and a love for art, you get something truly special.