“Tadlas” by Josua Cabrera: Filipino Culture At Its Best

It’s extraordinary how artworks can describe a very rich culture even without words. The art exhibit “Tadlas” by famed local artist Josua Cabrera did exactly that.

Tadlas is a Cebuano term for “crossing over.” Most of Cabrera’s works in Tadlas depict two worlds: the world we know and the “other world” we often hear about in our grandpas’ old bedtime stories.

As a native of Maasin, Leyte, Cabrera recalled hearing many peculiar stories that often involve mythical creatures in lavish clothing and shiny cars that would take travellers and keep them from finding their way home. These stories inspired most of his artworks in Tadlas. “These stories are part of growing up,” Cabrera said.

In line with the theme of the artworks, the exhibit also showcased a Cebuano poem written by Cabrera entitled “Mino.” The poem talked about a person’s experience of being taken by “supernatural beings” to a place with big houses that was very unlike his little barrio.

“The Filipino culture is very rich. It would be such a waste to forget all the traditions and beliefs our ancestors had back then,” he said. Beyond the mythical theme of his artworks, Cabrera said the deeper meaning behind his drawings lie in the present-day situation of many Filipinos. He said many people today who head out to look for greener pastures also could not find their way back home to the country. Josua Cabrera’s Tadlas art exhibit will run for three straight weeks. It is located at the Qube Gallery, Persimmon Plus, Mabolo, Cebu City.