Manila, Philippines – Metropolitan Theater (MET) Gallery kickstarted the Museum and Galleries Month (MGM) with the opening of “A Meditation on Systems” on featuring the art of Dexter Lira with Marius Black and Tad Pagaduan.
The opening ceremony was held last October 1, commenced with welcome remarks delivered by LIFE Inc. President, Mr. Arnel Guadalupe Caranto.
In his speech, Caranto highlighted the significance of promoting art and culture as a system that integrates the people towards a more inclusive community.
“Art and culture is the soul of every nation,” Caranto highlighted.

The event was also welcomed through Lorraine Belo-Cincochan, President and CEO of Wilcon Builders, Inc., and playwright Frank G. Rivera who gave their special messages to honor the artist’s thinkpieces and iconic body of work. Dean Yolanda Araneta Sebastian Lira of Universidad de Manila extended her gratitude towards the partnership fostered between MET, Dexter Lira, and the academic institution as well.
The gallery exhibition represents a system that reveals relationship, pattern, and the interrelation of human and all its intangible things. Every painting poses a system within its people and around its people, showcasing the material culture existing in every stroke and canvas.
“Art and culture is the soul of every nation,” Arnel Guadalupe Caranto added.
In the end, Dexter Lira noted in his interview that people ultimately have a say in what the system can do for them. Recognizing this agency is the key step toward building a more responsive and inclusive framework for everyone.

As the nation marks MGM this October, cultural institutions across the country are opening their doors to highlight museums and galleries as vital repositories of art, legacy, and history.
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