Filipino artist Manuel Baldemor says he was amazed by the art atmosphere in such a small city. He observed that not just artists, but ordinary people as well also share an interest in and appreciation of art. "Such an atmosphere is very conducive to art development," he says.

The artist was also surprised by the local authorities' support for art development. To better facilitate this, the Liling municipal government has designated several buildings in the heart of the city for artists to live in, work and exhibit their works.

Such an emphasis on art is rare in small cities. In the Philippines, most art resources, such as museums and galleries, are centered in Manila. There is a lack of the right conditions to develop art in small towns, especially on remote islands, Baldemor says.

Inspired by the experience in Liling, he is eager for opportunities to have a deeper understanding of the city－which he described as "a heaven for artists".If possible, he would like to apply for "art residency" in the city to enable him to stay longer.