26/10/2026
Two giant puppets representing Filipino culture and artistic creativity have found a permanent home in Taiwan after artists from La Consolacion College Bacolod (LCC Bacolod) showcased their creations at the 24th Yunlin International Puppet Theater Festival, held Oct. 8-11, 2026.
The college’s ARFIEN Giant Puppet Team returned to Taiwan to represent the Philippines at the international festival, joining puppetry groups from Singapore, South Korea and the United States in a celebration of traditional and contemporary puppetry.
The three-member Philippine delegation included John Quicy Hervias, a third-year Bachelor of Fine Arts student majoring in studio arts; Jose Buglas Carreon Jr., a fine arts faculty member; and Marcollin Cabawatan, a 2007 Bachelor of Fine Arts alumnus majoring in advertising arts.
The team presented two original giant puppets, Ino and Pantleon, during performances at Yunlin Stadium from Oct. 9 to 11, drawing attention to the Philippines’ cultural heritage and the creative traditions of LCC Bacolod.
Ino, whose name is derived from Filipino, embodies the values of friendliness and hospitality. Dressed in a traditional barong Tagalog and salakot, the puppet celebrates Filipino identity and the country’s welcoming spirit.
Pantleon, meanwhile, represents the Painting Legion, an organization of fine arts students at LCC Bacolod. Created in 2023 to commemorate the organization’s 25th anniversary, the armored warrior symbolizes artistic courage, perseverance and the continuing pursuit of creative expression.
Beyond the performances, the delegation conducted a giant puppet workshop at the Yunlin Puppet Museum on Oct. 9 and 10. Taiwanese participants learned about the construction, movement and operation of giant puppets and experienced animating the figures themselves.
LCC Bacolod President Sr. Flolyn S. Catungal, OSA, said the participation reflected the institution’s commitment to nurturing artistic excellence while promoting Filipino identity through international cultural exchanges.
“Our artists have demonstrated that creativity transcends borders and that art can become a powerful language for cultural understanding and friendship. Through Ino and Pantleon, we are sharing not only the talents of our students, faculty and alumni but also the values, traditions and creative spirit of the Filipino people,” Catungal said.
She also emphasized the significance of the puppets’ permanent placement in Taiwan.
“Knowing that these creations will remain at the Yunlin Puppet Museum gives this achievement an even deeper meaning. They will continue telling our stories and representing our Filipino heritage long after the festival has ended. This is a testament to the transformative power of arts education and the lasting connections that cultural diplomacy can build,” she added.
Following the festival, Ino and Pantleon were donated to the Yunlin Puppet Museum, where they will become part of the museum’s collection.
The donation extends the presence of LCC Bacolod’s artistic creations beyond the four-day festival, providing an enduring representation of Philippine culture and the institution’s fine arts tradition in an international cultural setting.
The participation also highlighted the contributions of the college’s School of Architecture, Fine Arts and Interior Design in advancing creative education, international engagement and cultural exchange.
Through the ARFIEN Giant Puppet Team, LCC Bacolod continues to demonstrate how student, faculty and alumni collaboration can bring local artistic expression to international audiences while strengthening connections between the Philippines and the global arts community.
