The Pinay Power Art Exhibit by Go Hard Girls honored Filipina athletes through art, proving that strength, courage, and creativity can inspire women and girls to chase their dreams and claim their power.
Imagine walking into a space where every brushstroke, portrait, and reflects Filipina grit, courage, and achievement. ‘
That is what Go Hard Girls, the Philippines’ award-winning women-led sports media company, created with the Pinay Power Art Exhibit: Where Athletic Excellence Meets Filipina Artistry in Makati City.
Founder Ceej Tantengco-Malolos explained that the exhibit was meant to give women and girls tangible examples of strength and creativity, showing that empowerment can be both seen and felt.
Go Hard Girls' Juliana Samson and Ceej Tantengco-Malolos. Photo: Go Hard Girls
The exhibit featured 12 sports and more than 30 Filipina athletes, all reimagined on canvas by emerging artist Juliana Samson.
Artworks at Pinay Power Exhibit. Photo: Go Hard Girls
Guests included former volleyball standout Paneng Mercado, whose mother, track legend Lydia de Vega, was immortalized in the piece “Bawat Hakbang May Patutunguhan.”
PVL star Maddie Madayag was also celebrated through “Dig Deep, Rise Above,” while other works paid tribute to icons like Hidilyn Diaz, Alex Eala, Alyssa Valdez, and members of the Filipinas.
Each portrait carried its own story, underscoring the discipline, resilience, and creativity that define women in sports.
A live podcast with para powerlifter and doctor Kat Hernandez offered a moving perspective on how sports can transform lives.
“Joy is an act of defiance,” she said, demonstrating that overcoming obstacles, pursuing passions, and using your voice are all ways women can claim their power and inspire others to do the same.
Filipina para powerlifter Kat Hernandez. | Photo: Go Hard Girls
The Go Hard Girls team and collaborators—including Chase Orozco, Jai Nebrada, Diane Del Mundo, and Rona Mae Lallana—showed that empowerment is not just for athletes.
It can be practiced in work, creativity, hobbies, and everyday life. Their work reminded visitors that supporting and uplifting women in all spaces strengthens everyone.
Walking through the exhibit, it’s clear that Filipinas are strong, bold, and unstoppable.
Playing, creating, leading, or dreaming are all ways to embrace power and make every story matter.
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Inna Mina is a sportswriter with a passion for telling stories that go beyond the scoreboard.
She covers running, athletics, and other major Philippine sporting events, while also following grassroots sports, athlete journeys, and women in sports. Her work also includes lifestyle stories on health, fitness, and community.