BATANGAS CITY, Philippines — Youth-focused art organization Art’e Likha brought live coffee art demonstrations to SM City Batangas on Monday, July 20, giving mallgoers an interactive opportunity to watch live portraiture and acquire same-day custom coffee artworks.
The interactive showcase, which runs from July 19 to July 22, 2026, serves as a platform for emerging local talents to showcase their skills in nontraditional media.
Art’e Likha was established as the junior counterpart to Art’e Bauan, a well-established regional art group led by President Yel Castillo known for international exhibits and local community outreach programs.
Presenting their skills live at the SM grounds on Monday were student artists Jezreel Faith Iguiron from the University of Batangas, who works under the banner Shumii Art, and Samantha Suri Lharisse Felipe from LPU Batangas, operating as SamSuri Visual Artist. The duo conducted live portrait renderings using coffee, engaging directly with visitors seeking on-site commissions.
The event also officially featured recent works from the newly named 2026–2027 member roster of Art’e Likha. The current line-up of young visual artists includes Jezreel Faith Iguiron, Samantha Felipe, Timothy Paje, Yessica Mae Tolentino, Jingerly Jardin, Anna Marie Dalangin, Ria Belleca, Joshua Adrao, Sam Gimenez, Azrael Tolentino, and Ken Manalo.
The four-day exhibit is held in support of the upcoming Batangas City Foundation Day celebration on July 23. The artistic showcase not only highlights Batangueño creativity but also adds flavor to the festivities leading up to the city’s founding anniversary, proving that local art is brewing stronger than ever in Batangas.| Sheenalei Briana Rayos
