Cape Town, South Africa – 24 January 2025: Pancho Piano, the internationally acclaimed Filipino artist known for his powerful murals, sculptures, and stained-glass works, will bring his dynamic vision to Kalk Bay from Monday 27 to Wednesday 29 January 2025, with a mural honouring the Filipino seafarers who first settled in the area in the 19th century. He will paint his mural on a wall next to the Olympia Bakery.

With a career spanning over 150 murals and installations worldwide, including in over 70 churches across the Philippines and abroad, Pancho Piano’s work is recognised for its vibrant storytelling and deep cultural significance. His mural in Kalk Bay will serve as a striking tribute to the Filipino community’s rich history in the area.

"South Africa and the Philippines share a bond rooted in history, forged through the brave men who first sailed across the seas in the 19th century,” says Steven Chaimowitz, Consul General of the Philippines in South Africa. “The mural is a tribute not just to the Filipino seafarers who contributed to the growth of Kalk Bay, but also to the enduring friendship between our nations.”

While many Filipinos returned home after the Philippines was ceded to the United States in 1898, around 60 families remained, and some of  their descendants still call Kalk Bay home. Today, Filipino culture is an integral part of the area's unique character.

“This mural will serve as a poignant reminder of the courage and resilience of the Filipino community, and how they became a cornerstone of Kalk Bay’s vibrant history,” says Steve Herbert, of the Kalk Bay Historical Association. “It’s not just a piece of art; it’s a tribute to the enduring spirit of those early settlers and the generations that followed.”

The Philippines has long been recognised as a maritime powerhouse, with over 500,000 Filipino seafarers working on ships around the world. This mural is a salute to those on the high seas today and the Filipino families who helped establish Kalk Bay as a diverse and flourishing community.

About Pancho Piano

Pancho Piano is a celebrated multi-disciplinary artist whose work spans murals, sculptures, and stained-glass installations. A native of the Philippines, his works have been showcased in prestigious international art events across the USA, Europe, and Southeast Asia. His murals are known for their emotional depth, technical brilliance, and the way they reflect the culture and stories of the communities they represent. With more than 150 murals and stained-glass works—many of which are located in religious and public spaces—Pancho has become one of the most recognised Filipino artists on the global stage.

In addition to his mural in Kalk Bay, Pancho is currently exhibiting his work in Cape Town. From January 25 to February 2, 2025, he will showcase his art in an exhibit at the Castle of Good Hope, co-curated in collaboration with the Koena Art Institute. This exhibition, titled "Ka Pancho," marks a historic moment as Pancho becomes the first Filipino artist to exhibit at the Castle of Good Hope, one of Cape Town’s most prestigious cultural landmarks. His presence in Cape Town highlights the global impact of his art, bridging cultures and celebrating the connections between the Philippines and South Africa.

The organizations spearheading this project are Consul General (a.h.) Steven Chaimowitz of the Philippine Consulate General in Cape L Town; the Kalk Bay Ratepayers Association led by Chairman Tony Trimmel, who is of Filipino descent; Steve Herbert, Secretary of the Kalk Bay Historical Association; the Filipino Descendants of Kalk Bay; and Consul (a.h.) Thelmo Cunanan Jr of the Manila-based First Filipino International Movement Inc.