RIBBON-CUTTING. Artistic director Peter de Vera (5th from left), radio commentator Boy Santiago, Bb. Pilipinas Czarina Guiao, and Robinsons Starmills marketing manager Lavern Aquino lead the ribbon–cutting ceremony together with Kapampangan artists (from far left) Richard Sy, Jhune Lobo, Erwin Dayrit, Gilbert Gungon, (from far right) Gerald dela Cruz, Jay Ryan Sarmiento, and Alvin Dungca. All photos by Joann Manabat
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — In celebration of the National Arts Month, a mixed-art exhibit on the theme “Alab Sining, Alay Sigla” was launched at Robinsons Starmills here on Thursday.
Sinukwan Kapampangan artistic director Peter de Vera took the initiative and spearheaded the exhibit in cooperation with Robinsons Malls here as part of the month-long celebration dubbed Leguan: A feast of Kapampangan Creativity and Artistry from February 18 onward.
The simple ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by De Vera together with RWFM radio commentator Boy Santiago, Kapampangan culture and arts advocate Bb. Pilipinas Pampanga Czarina Guiao, Robinsons Starmills marketing manager Lavern Aquino, and Kapampangan artists Richard Sy, Jhune Lobo, Erwin Dayrit, Gilbert Gungon, Alvin Dungca, Jay Ryan Sarmiento, and Gerald dela Cruz.
According to De Vera, the art exhibit will help promote the skills and talent of the Kapampangan artists as well as give the right exposure to showcase their work as artists and cultural workers have also been greatly affected in this time of pandemic.
“Since February is National Arts Month, meron programs ang National Commission for Culture and the Arts. Ang dami natin artists and cultural workers. Isa sila sa mga pinaka apektadong sektor. Sayang ang creativity and artistry,” De Vera said.
“Art is therapeutic also, it is for healing and meditation which is what we need now,” he added.
The mixed-art exhibit features the masterpieces of 23 Kapampangan artists namely Dodjie Aguinaldo, Ronald Buenacifra Jr., Nick Cunan, Lloyd Dacayanan, Erwin Dayrit, Gerald dela Cruz, Alvin Dungca, Arnel Garcia, Ailyn Gonzales, Berlin Gunlao, Gilbert Gungon, Jhune Lobo, Ren Lomugdang, Manuelito Madrid, Antu Ong, Yet Orquia, Edu Perreras, Andy Ramos, Arnold Salunga, Rod Siron, Richard Sy, Ramil Tumampos, and Dr. Regina Yao.
Kapampangan artists such as Alvin Dungca and Richard Sy expressed their appreciation for such initiatives as projects like this can help them showcase their work and promote their art pieces to the public.
Most of the art pieces on display at the exhibit are for sale and proceeds will go directly to the respective artist.
Aquino said they plan to pursue the exhibit as a long-term project for Robinsons Malls here as they search for ways on how the public can connect to malls again.
“This project we plan to make this bigger as we go along. Robinsons Malls have spaces, definitely we can accommodate our artists. Eventually we hope we will be able to accommodate other artists not only Kapampangan artists,” Aquino said.
De Vera hopes for the success of the exhibit to help more local artists, cultural workers, and the community and bring interest to the public once again despite the threat of Covid-19.
To supplement the event, Robinsons Angeles will also hold a mixed-art exhibit to be launched on February 26, at 4 p.m.
