By RICHARD FORD – “Balik-Tanaw” (Looking Back) a unique exhibition of modern Filipino art exploring the nuances of contemporary Filipino household opened last 8th July at the The Peacock Gallery located in the Auburn Botanical Gardens in Auburn, NSW and will run until the 2nd September 2017.
The multi-arts program exhibition will comprise of many public programs and events all centred on the idea developed by the Philippine artists Ernest Aaron, Alberto Estanislao, Jessa Melicor and Alwin Reamillo.
The artists wanted to convert the gallery to explore the notion of a Filipino ‘home’ which responds to the aspects of culture and tradition that are recognisable as part of the Philippine diaspora.
The event was not only a feast of Filipino delicacies but also of Filipino culture to help people to remember and learn about their lost origins. Officially opened by the Manager of Culture and Activation, Michael Brown with Jenny Cheeseman representing the Peacock Gallery.
Entertainment were provided during the opening, emceed by community leaders Albert Prias and Charles Chan  with performances by singers Jay Gaerlan, Gilda Pagaduan, Zabriel Orayenza, Emerson Tuazon, and Abigal Magtanong.
Filipinas Dancers and the VSD Dancers performed a dance number in colourful costumes and depicted the different Philippine ethnic groups and the different eras in Philippine History
Gguests included Philippine Consulate General Anne Jalando-on Louis, Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations (APCO) president Pet Storey, Philippine Community Council president  Serna Ladia, Chair of Auburn Small Communities Network (ASCON) vice-chair, Dr Cen Amores and .members of Filipino Illawarra Inc., Flagcom, VAA Inc., Fil-Oz Liverpool .
The “Balik-Tanaw†Exhibition opened 8th July while of Balik Tanaw; 16th July is the Philippine Family Day is scheduled on 16th July while a Balik-Tanaw panel discussion is set for 30th July while performance by youth talents is set on  12th August  and lastly on 2nd September is the Philippine Spring Festival and Bayanihan Hopping Spirit House is set on 2nd September.
The art structure Bayanihan Hopping Spirit House Hop will be the relocated to the Blacktown Arts Centre for the exhibition “Balik Bayan.†For further details on these events look up this website: www.cumberland.nsw.gov/arts .