The Brush and the Bayonet: He Xiangning’s Epic Journey Comes to Singapore

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

SINGAPORE — History is often written in blood, but for He Xiangning (1878–1972), it was painted in ink.

On 1 April 2026, National Gallery Singapore pulls back the curtain on a titan of the 20th century. "He Xiangning: Ink and Intent" marks Southeast Asia’s first-ever retrospective of the pioneering Chinese artist, revolutionary, and feminist icon. This isn't merely an art exhibition; it is a portal into seven decades of a life lived at the jagged edge of history.

Co-curated with the He Xiangning Art Museum in Shenzhen, this bilingual showcase brings together over 50 masterworks that trace a trajectory from the imperial studios of Japan to the battlefield of Chinese revolution, and finally to the quiet, powerful landscapes of her twilight years.

A Warrior in Silk

Long before she was a celebrated painter, He Xiangning was a firebrand. As one of the first women to join the Tongmenghui—the secret revolutionary alliance aimed at toppling the Qing Dynasty—she balanced a life of high-stakes political activism with a brush in her hand. In 1924, she shattered glass ceilings by organizing China’s first International Women’s Day rally, cementing her status as a vanguard for women’s liberation.

"Ink has always been a key research and curatorial focus for the Gallery," says Dr. Eugene Tan, CEO and Director of National Gallery Singapore. "Presenting Southeast Asia's first retrospective dedicated to He Xiangning is a deeply significant milestone. We hope visitors will gain a deeper appreciation of her pivotal contributions and her enduring legacy as a pioneering woman artist."

The Southeast Asian Connection: A Forgotten Chapter

While her political shadow loomed large in China, Ink and Intent reveals a deeply personal connection to the Nanyang region. In 1929, He Xiangning traveled to Singapore and the Philippines, not for leisure, but for a mission. Carrying over 300 artworks, she staged charity exhibitions to rally the overseas Chinese communities, forging a historical bond with local leaders like Khoo Seok Wan that remains a cornerstone of this specially adapted Singaporean presentation.

A Life in Four Acts

The exhibition is choreographed across four chronological chapters, each reflecting a metamorphosis of style and soul:

In Remembrance of Shuangqing Studio (1878–1925): Witness her early years in Japan. Here, she mastered the "meticulous style," painting lions and tigers—ferociously beautiful creatures that became symbols of a nation’s hunger for revival.

The Friends of Winter (1926–1937): A shift in spirit. Moving to Shanghai, she transitioned from silk to paper, joining the "Friends of Winter Society." This era captures her 1929 fundraising voyage through Southeast Asia and Europe.

War and Frontier at Dusk (1938–1948): Art as resistance. Amidst the scarcity and terror of the Second Sino-Japanese War, He Xiangning used her letters and paintings to rally a weary public, proving that even when resources are thin, the "ink of patriotism" never runs dry.

Longevity in Art and Life (1949–1972): The final evolution. In the wake of the founding of the People's Republic of China, her work turned toward collaboration and reflection, shaping the very DNA of modern Chinese ink art.

Beyond the Canvas: An Interactive Legacy

The exhibition invites visitors to do more than just observe. At a dedicated self-guided learning station, the public can step into He’s world.

Poetry & Symbols: Explore the hidden meanings behind her recurring motifs—the resilient pine, the noble chrysanthemum, and the defiant tiger.

Personalized Verses: Visitors can select poetry cards featuring her verses in Chinese and English, personalizing them with stamps inspired by her signature imagery.

A Living Archive: Write or draw your own reflections and add them to a communal display that will grow and evolve, much like He Xiangning’s own seven-decade legacy.

Cheng Bin, Deputy Director of He Xiangning Art Museum, notes the profound nature of this cultural exchange: "Last year, we introduced Singapore’s Georgette Chen to Shenzhen. Today, we are delighted to bring He Xiangning to Singapore. It is a partnership that deepens our understanding of the influential women who shaped the 20th century."

He Xiangning: Ink and Intent is more than a display of technique; it is a testament to a woman who refused to choose between the brush and the bayonet, proving that art is the most enduring form of revolution.

Exhibition Details

Title: He Xiangning: Ink and Intent

Venue: National Gallery Singapore

Dates: Opening 1 April 2026

Admission: Bilingual Exhibition (English & Chinese)

A New Chapter Begins: Beyond the Headlines

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

To my friends, colleagues, sponsors, and the community that has stood by me:

For years, I have dedicated my life to telling the stories of others. As the founder of Wazzup Pilipinas, I have lived behind the lens and the keyboard, documenting the pulse of our nation. But today, I am stepping out from behind the platform to share something deeply personal—a piece of my own soul that has been years in the making.

I am officially moving into the final stages of two legacy projects: an intimate photobook and my definitive biography. These aren't just books; they are the culmination of a lifetime of observation, grit, and passion. However, the path of independent publishing is a steep climb. In an industry where funding for literary arts is a rare treasure, I am turning to the people who believe in the power of authentic storytelling.

How You Can Be Part of This Journey

I am inviting you to become a patron of these works. Your contribution—regardless of size—is the fuel that will power the research, production, and high-quality development these stories deserve. By supporting this endeavor, you aren’t just funding a book; you are championing independent Filipino authorship.

Direct Support via GCash:

09473820042

Beyond the Projects

This is not a one-way street. If you are curious about the specific themes of these works, I would be honored to discuss them with you. Furthermore, I am always looking for ways to give back. If you have a creative vision or a project where my experience in media and storytelling can add value, let’s collaborate.

Thank you for believing in me when I was a publisher, and thank you for standing with me now as an author.

With deepest gratitude,

Ross Flores Del Rosario

Founder, Wazzup Pilipinas

Philippines through DepEd officially joins the Governance Committee of the School Meals Accelerator

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

MAKATI CITY, 31 March 2026—The Philippines, through the Department of Education (DepEd), has officially joined the Governance Committee of the School Meals Accelerator (SMA), following its participation in the inaugural meeting held in Rome, Italy from March 26 to 27, 2026.



The Philippines joins fellow new members Guatemala and the Kingdom of Lesotho in this milestone initiative.



The SMA is a global support mechanism designed to assist the more than 110 member countries of the School Meals Coalition in accelerating the implementation of their school feeding programs. Its goal is to expand coverage and ensure that more children receive nutritious and quality meals in schools.

“Our participation in the SMA Governance Committee reflects the strong political commitment of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to address undernutrition and improve the well-being of our learners,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.



“Through this international collaboration, we are strengthening our capacity to deliver quality, nutritious meals that are essential to the health and academic success of our learners.”



The Governance Committee is composed of key founding members, including the Government of Germany, the World Food Programme, the Rockefeller Foundation, the Novo Nordisk Foundation, the Global Partnership for Education, along with the Philippines, Guatemala, and the Kingdom of Lesotho.



The inaugural meeting focused on establishing the SMA’s governance structure, setting priorities, defining funding and support mechanisms, and developing a three-year work plan with corresponding authorizations.



As a member of the Governance Committee, the Philippines will not only take part in decision-making processes but will also gain direct access to SMA’s support mechanisms.



The country has been identified as one of the five priority countries, alongside Indonesia, Guatemala, the Kingdom of Lesotho, and Zambia.



One of the core strategies of SMA is dedicated to catalytic support in response to country priorities, which include some flexibility to respond to validated government demand as opportunities emerge during implementation.



Secretary Angara was represented by Roger Masapol, Assistant Secretary for Governance and Operations and the official in charge of the School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP) of DepEd.



The SMA support mechanism comes at a crucial time, aligning with President Marcos’ commitment to address hunger and malnutrition through a record PhP25.6 billion budget for the SBFP this year.



This historic allocation aims to provide nutritious meals to 4.63 million learners for 200 days to ensure they are healthy and ready to learn.