NCCA Arts Ambassador and Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray called on Filipino artists to look beyond social media metrics and refocus on the deeper impact of their work during the launch of National Arts Month 2026 on Tuesday.
Speaking before artists, cultural workers, and guests at the Centro de Turismo in Intramuros, Gray acknowledged the emotional challenge many creatives face in an environment where artistic success is often reduced to likes, shares, and online engagement. She said this reality can be discouraging, especially when artists pour deeply personal stories and emotions into their work only to be met with silence online.
Gray urged creatives not to lose heart, reminding them that the value of art cannot always be measured instantly or digitally. She stressed that even if a piece reaches only one person and creates genuine change or understanding, that impact already gives the work meaning.
The event marked Gray’s seventh year as an ambassador of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, a role she described as both humbling and reaffirming. She said the 2026 National Arts Month theme, “Ani ng Sining: Katotohanan at Giting,” reflects the importance of collaboration and shared storytelling across artistic disciplines, from visual arts and music to performance and literature.
Gray highlighted the return of initiatives such as Art Fridates and regional showcases, noting that these platforms invite the public to experience unfamiliar forms of expression and discover inspiration beyond their usual preferences. She said such programs help widen perspectives and strengthen appreciation for the diversity of Filipino creativity.
She also expressed gratitude to the NCCA for consistently opening spaces where Filipino artists can grow, be seen, and be heard, both locally and internationally. According to Gray, sustained institutional support is essential in elevating Philippine art and culture to the global stage.
“Thank you for continuing to give us spaces that allow our art to be spotlighted,” Gray said. “That’s where we belong.”