In the quiet streets of Krisanta Village, Pagbilao, a vibrant pulse of creativity has begun to beat. On August 17, 2024, Good Days Gallery opened its doors, inviting the community to step into a space where art isn’t confined to the walls of high-end galleries but thrives in the heart of the community.
This artist-run gallery is poised to become more than just a venue for exhibitions; it’s set to be a sanctuary for creative expression, cultural dialogue, and community connection.
A Space for Everyone
The establishment of Good Days Gallery was born from a simple but powerful vision: to make art accessible to everyone. Founders Dae Tolentino, Vera Agustino, and Aaron Bonete—along with the core members of the Wala Lang Kolektib—saw the need for a place where emerging artists and culture bearers could freely showcase their work. Instead of relying on commercial spaces often out of reach for many, they chose to create something meaningful within their own community.
The gallery’s mission goes beyond art display; it’s about fostering an environment where culture is shaped, formed, and developed. Here, the community is not just an audience but a collaborator in the creative process. Whether it’s through art workshops, cultural discussions, or simply attending a local DJ set, everyone has a role to play in the ongoing narrative of Good Days Gallery.
Creating the Good Days
The gallery’s name—Good Days—captures the essence of both nostalgia and optimism. It speaks to the fond memories we cherish from the past, those “good old days” that linger in our hearts, and the hopeful dreams we hold for a brighter future, those “good days ahead.” This duality is reflected in the art displayed within its walls, where personal and collective histories intertwine with visions of what’s yet to come.
The gallery’s inaugural exhibit, the Wala Lang Group Show, perfectly encapsulates this spirit. The title, Wala Lang, meaning “just because” or “no particular reason,” hints at the spontaneity and freedom that defines much of contemporary art. Sometimes, the most powerful creations come from moments of impulse, where the only motivation is the sheer joy of expression. This exhibit features a diverse range of works, each one a testament to the artists’ unfiltered creativity.
From an Idea to Reality
The journey of Good Days Gallery began with a challenge: finding a suitable space to host the first group show of the Wala Lang Kolektib. Pagbilao, Lucena, and Tayabas offered few options that met the needs of the artists. Rather than compromising their vision, Dae, Vera, and Aaron, with the support of the collective, decided to take matters into their own hands. They transformed an 18.5 sqm former bakery into a gallery that would not only host exhibitions but also serve as a hub for community-driven events.
“Our goal was always to create something that the community could call its own—a place where art feels accessible, relatable, and alive,” says Aaron Bonete, Gallery Manager and co-founder. “Good Days Gallery is not just about displaying art; it’s about fostering connections, building relationships, and creating a space where everyone feels they belong.”
Looking Ahead
As Good Days Gallery begins its journey, the founders are clear about their aspirations. They envision the gallery as a cornerstone for Pagbilao’s cultural landscape—a place where artists and non-artists alike can come together, share ideas, and inspire one another. The gallery will host not only art exhibitions but also workshops for all ages, cultural discussions, and events that bring people together in celebration of creativity.
Good Days Gallery is already shaping up to be a cornerstone of the local art scene, and its impact is just beginning. With each exhibit, workshop, and event, the gallery is forging new connections within the community, sparking conversations, and nurturing the creative spirit that lies at the core of every individual.
For those interested in exploring the works on display or supporting this new gallery, Good Days Gallery has made its digital catalog available online. The gallery also welcomes everyone to visit in person, where the doors are always open to those seeking a connection with art, culture, and community.
In a world where the pace of life often pulls us away from what matters, Good Days Gallery serves as a reminder that the most meaningful experiences often happen right where we are—within our own communities, surrounded by the people who share our hopes, dreams, and creative spirits.
Visit Good Days Gallery and be part of the ‘good days’ ahead.
