San Juan Artists Group

It began in 2014 as an informal gathering of friends and artists from all walks of life. They share a passion and love for the visual arts practice and a love for the municipality. 

San Juan in Batangas which is home to most members, has a 68-kilometer coastline which offers white and other colored sandy beaches, winding mangrove forests, colorful coral reefs, mountains and old post-Spanish colonial houses – all these provide endless artistic inspirations.  The artists often meet for sessions over cups of Barako coffee and sweet-sticky rice Tamales. The fermented coconut water Lambanog, savory noodles in thick broth Lomi and the Tulingan fish slow-cooked in clay pots are all signature San Juan flavors. Needless to say, even food and drink  find their way into paintings, poems and artworks.

The most popular medium of choice is oil and acrylics on canvas although San Juan became well known for the unique technique of coffee paintings as practiced by Carlos Alferez Castro- using the pigment of barako coffee, applied on paper or canvas. The effect is like watercolor wash but also create unique earthy tones and illusion of depth. Other members use local materials such as terracotta clay and discarded metal for sculptural creations. 

Aside from mounting frequent art exhibits in the town proper, the group conducts art workshops using various media and techniques to school children. Cafeño Restaurant, one of the municipality’s landmark and heritage houses, was a frequent venue for the workshops. 

In December 2023, the municipal hall of San Juan opened its ground floor as an exhibition venue to the group. SJAG received recognition from the Mayor’s office on the group’s contribution to the annual festival.

The group seeks to be a key partner of the local government in building a dynamic vibrant culture and arts community and is open to creative collaborations. In February 2024, the group signed an agreement of friendship exchange on Arts and Culture with the FACO HongCheon from South Korea.

SJAG’s co-founder and current president is Carlos Alferez Castro, painter and recipient of the Local Government 2022 Distinguished Citizen Award for his contribution to the Arts and Culture of San Juan. He has an extensive list of awards and artistic recognitions. He has held solo and group exhibitions which are often sold out.  Mr. Castro paints with acrylic and explores sculpture using found objects. Tatay Carlos’ other passion is teaching art to younger generations and developing more visual artists.

The San Juan Artists Group are the following:

Carlos Alferez Castro. President and founding member. Painter.

Elizabeth Siojo. Vice president. Painter and ceramic artist.

Richard Reyta. Secretary. Sculptor.

Elmer Aguila. Treasurer. Painter.

Sylvia Marasigan. PRO. Painter.

Active members:

Rain Antonio. Painter.

Didi Damaso. Painter.

Rosel DImaculangan. Painter and crafts.

Edwin Magpantay. Painter.

Buko Joe Perez. Poet, actor, playwright and painter.

Ramil Reyta. Painter and graphic designer.

Nadine Sarmiento. Painter and graphic designer.

Alice Sayo. Painter.

Gel Sayo. Painter.