CURTAIN CALL. Jocson College EVP Leigh Jocson (5th from left), director Jayson Pabalan (4th from right), Kapampangan artist and author Ana Algabre-Hernandez (3rd from right), together with the CLDCAS artists and Uyat Artista. Photo by Joann Manabat
CLARK FREEPORT — In celebration of its 70th founding anniversary coinciding with the National Arts Month, Jocson College hosted an event dubbed “Canvas and Letters in Mind” at Clark Marriott Hotel here over the weekend.
In line with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts theme “Alab Sining, Alay Sigla,” the event presented the paintings and poetry of Kapampangan artist and author Ana Algabre-Hernandez.
Canvas and Letters in Mind also showcased series of musical pieces by Jocson College executive vice president Ma. Felisa “Leigh” Jocson as well as the theatrical performances of Jocson College Center for Learning and Development in Culture, Arts, and Sports (CLDCAS) artists together with Uyat Artista through the direction of Jayson Pabalan.
The event was graced by the presence of CDC chair Edgardo Pamintuan, NCCA national committee executive council member Rebecca Nulud, Live Entertainment, Arts, and Festivals president Sonny Valencia, former Philippine ambassador to South Korea and Turkey Raul Hernandez, fashion designer and Pidayit creator Philip Torres, Sinukwan artistic director Peter de Vera, members of the BODs of Kuliat Foundation and Kultura at Sining Foundation, and Jocson College president Felicitas Manalang and husband Eduard Manalang.
According to Jocson, since gatherings have been restricted due to the threat of Covid-19, Jocson College opted to a more intimate gala to commemorate its foundation day by concluding its celebration simultaneously with National Arts Month.
“It’s supposedly a year long celebration but because of our current (pandemic) situation which also started last year, we have decided to make it intimate and collaborate with Ana Algabre-Hernandez to also celebrate National Arts Month,” said Jocson.
“Arts and culture have always been an important part of Jocson College that’s why in 2015 we have established our CLDCAS. And the event today is our simple tribute to our artists,” she added.
Canvas and Letters in Mind showcased the creativity and talent of Kapampangan artists once again by bringing back performing arts through theatrical stage play combined with musical performances, interpretative dance movements, and visual arts.
Jocson hopes to continue the promotion and preservation of arts and culture of the Kapampangans in particular through various events and activities with the support of its CLDCAS, Kultura at Sining Foundation, and Kuliat Foundation especially in this time of pandemic.
