The “INato” Photo Story Exhibit officially opened on May 18, 2026 at the Joya Gallery Faculty Wing, presenting compelling visual narratives that document the everyday realities, cultures, and lived experiences of communities across Cebu.
Presented by BA Communication students enrolled in JOURN 135 B: Photojournalism under the guidance of Assistant Professor Annie Fe Perez-Gallardo, the exhibit highlights the power of photojournalism in capturing stories that are deeply rooted in local identity and community life.
Derived from the Cebuano word “inato,” which refers to something innate, familiar, and distinctly our own, the exhibit explores the identities, struggles, resilience, and connections that shape Cebuano communities through intimate and thoughtful visual storytelling.
The exhibit features photo stories on Labogon, Mandaue’s broommakers, the Pasil Fish Market, the neighboring karinderyas of IT Park, and the Tuslob Buwa and Pusô culture of Suba-Pasil. Each collection offers audiences a closer look into the communities and traditions that continue to thrive within the everyday landscapes of Cebu.
More than a showcase of photographs, “INato” serves as a space for reflection on the importance of documenting local stories that often remain unseen and unheard, emphasizing the role of storytelling in preserving community narratives and cultural memory.
The exhibit runs from May 18 to 22, 2026 at the Joya Gallery Faculty Wing.