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BY LEE JOSHUA L. SARDOMA/DNSC Intern
THE DABAWENYO Artists Federation Inc. is set to launch its coffee table book on May 14, featuring the works of 48 Davao-based artists showcasing a range of creative techniques and styles at the La Herencia Foyer in Davao City.
Datu Bago awardee and DAFI president Wehelito Pepito announced this during the P.E.P. Lifestyle + Tourism Talks forum at SM Lanang on April 17, 2026.
Pepito said the initiative was inspired by the limited visibility given to local artists in many coffee table books, which tend to feature established personalities in the industry.
“Most of the time, karamihan lang na gina-feature sa coffee table book yung mga celebrities from Manila. That prompted me to organize this event para ma-feature ilang mga trabaho,” he said.
He added that he spent about a year convincing artists to take part in what is being presented as the first coffee table book initiative of its kind for Davao-based creatives.
Apart from this, an art festival will also be held featuring various artworks from Davao-based artists, providing them a space to showcase their crafts to the public. The festival will highlight more than 400 artworks and will be open to all visitors, running from May 13 to 16.
