IN LINE with the international celebration of Women’s Month, an art and painting exhibit with the theme "Bulahan ug Kabag-ohan sa mga Kababayen-an" opened on March 8 at the second floor of the Limketkai Center in Cagayan de Oro City.

Organized by Leah D. Remolado Arts and Events Center, the exhibit features paintings by seven all-women artists, namely: Wella Marie Akut, Nursi Mae Alian, Abigail Astudillo-Atanacio, Jesah Divine Joy Deripaz, Jeneca Palma, Ceryllshie Pinote-Uy, and Leah Remolado, a woman advocate and the artistic director, trainer and events organizer.

“Na-inspire ako (I was inspired) because some women are stereotyped, so this time, 'we will change work for women,' meaning we have to work to empower women. It symbolizes the impact of women and we also have to explore because women are so artistic, creative, compassion and aggressive. That's why I created this event, this is for motivation, inspiring women for those stereotyped and shy women, it's high time to explore themselves and discover the true meaning of women," Remolado said.

The art exhibit will run from March 8 to 18.

Aside from the painting exhibit, the Leah Remolado Arts and Events Center will also conduct free workshops, such as: Sessions/Demo in Organic Beauty Soap and Liquid Dishwashing Making; Arts and Workshops in Pencil Sketching, Pen and Ink, and Oil Pastel; and Beauty Care - Make-up and Facial in Limketkai Center every Friday, Saturday and Sunday within the timeframe of March 9 to 18.

According to Remolado, the activities are to promote the women's creativity and artistic expression to highlight the significant roles of the women, bringing the art of women to a higher level, and emphasize how multi-faceted the women of today's generation.

"We encourage all the women out there to develop, to discover, to explore themselves because time is too short, its high-time to explore the real meaning of women," Remolado said.

Remolado also encouraged the public to attend the workshops, saying these activities are free for those who are "interested, who wants to explore and to develop themselves especially in their creativity or in the artistic way of their lives."

"There's always a saying that behind a man's life, there's also a woman. Women are unique persons and also have all the qualities that she has and women are so fantastic. That's why we have to move that women should be empowered," Remolado said.

The Leah D. Remolado Arts and Events Center is a private and advocacy institution that aims to provide the students and the participants the perspective of proper guidance, motivation, inspiring potentials and to train and develop skills, craftsmanship in a practical application for a more creative and productive individuals in the education of arts, community activities and preparing for their future career-oriented in a well-round craft aspirations.