Xiamen-based Filipino artist Jose Noel Halili Antivola, more known to kababayans as “Bong Ants,” stands beside a bust of Philippine National Hero Dr. José Rizal at the Philippine Consulate General in Xiamen.

XIAMEN, 25 February 2026 – In celebration this February of the Philippine National Arts Month, with this year’s theme “Ani ng Sining: Katotohanan at Giting,” the Philippine Consulate General in Xiamen (Xiamen PCG) shines the spotlight on Mr. Jose Noel Halili Antivola, a Filipino artist based in Xiamen, or more known as “Bong Ants” to fellow Filipinos and friends.

Mr. Antivola’s artwork, “The Queen’s Horses”, was recently chosen to be exhibited in the ongoing “Hofburg the Light of Future Arts Art Festival” in Vienna, Austria alongside those of artists from other countries. It is a digital art on wood and metal frame with 60cm x 40cm size. The same artwork will also be featured in six other venues throughout Austria and Sweden.

As described by Mr. Antivola, “The Queen’s Horses is a pair of majestic steeds standing in harmonious silence and was created with deep affection for curator, Ms. Lanlan, transformed into symbols of guided strength and elegant vision- a reflection of nurturing role in the artist’s journey.” The artwork was purposely created in 2025 for the Vienna Art Festival 2026.

Bong Ants, who has been working in Xiamen for 20 years, is an active partner of Xiamen PCG in promoting people-to-people exchanges and fostering understanding of Filipino culture and arts before Chinese audience. His interest in producing artworks started when he was invited to judge a painting contest in Xiamen. Since then, his work has been displayed at the ASEAN Culture and Economic Exchange Center (ACEEC), Nordic Contemporary Arts Center, and the Xiatanwei Mangrove Coastal Wetland Ecological Park. Bong Ants has participated in several art exhibitions, such as ACEEC’s annual Art Creation Season and other international exhibitions. He received awards and recognitions for his contributions to community service, art and design, photography, painting, and environmental sculpture.

Xiamen PCG’s interview with Bong Ants may be viewed on the Consulate’s official website and social media accounts. END