From L-R: Arts and culture adviser Meng McTavish, KFI trustees Marceline Clemente, Dr. Susan Manarang, Augusto Toti Angeles, former Ambassador Raul Hernandez and wife Ana Algabre-Hernandez, Dr. Araceli Panelo and Presidential Chief legal counsel Salvador Panelo, Jocson College EVP/KFI Trustee/Kasarinlan 2021-Pinanari project head Leigh Jocson, DHSUD ASec. Leila Buan, KFI president Arch. Leandro Naguiat, Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting, and Councilor Raco del Rosario pose for posterity. Photo by Joann Manabat
ANGELES CITY – Commemorating the 123rd anniversary of Philippine Independence, The Kuliat Foundation Inc. (KFI) held Kasarinlan 2021 and Pinanari – Trails of Hope art exhibit launch at the Museo ning Angeles over the weekend.
Both events were celebrated to promote Kapampangan arts and culture here and around the world and were graced by the presence of Presidential Chief legal counsel Salvador Panelo with wife Dr. Araceli A. Panelo, Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting, Councilor Raco del Rosario, former Ambassador to South Korea and Turkey Raul Hernandez, KFI president Arch. Leandro Naguiat, NHCP commissioner Dr. Lino Dizon, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development assistant secretary Leila Buan, Department of Tourism assistant secretary Verna Buensuceso, Besco Clark Philippines Im Yee Gon, chef Claude Tayag, KFI founding trustee and advisory council member Carmen McTavish, Judge Jean Desuasido-Gilland, and Cavite board member Ping Remulla with wife Georgia. The event was hosted by Cecile Yumul.
Also seen in attendance at the exhibit were Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. together with chief adviser and tactician IC Calaguas and executive assistant IV Reina Manuel.
Kasarinlan 2021 was a reenactment between two different times which effectively paid tribute to Filipinos who helped established the first Philippine Republic in 1898 to the modern day heroes of Filipino nurses and healthcare workers around the world as frontliners in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
Kasarinlan 2021 reverberated through musical performance by Jocson College EVP, KFI trustee and Kasarinlan 2021-Pinanari project head Felisa “Leigh” Jocson with dramatic performances by the Jocson College Center for Learning and Development in Culture, Arts, and Sports (CLDCAS) artists together with Uyat Artista under the artistic direction of Jayson Pabalan.
Pinanari – Trails of Hope is a one-woman visual art exhibit by Kapampangan artist, author, and poet Ana Algabre-Hernandez which showcased her advocacy on women empowerment, and her love for the arts and the country.
Curated by Jing Torno of Museo ning Angeles, the exhibit outlined Hernandez’s works and masterpieces of about 40 to 60 art paintings on display of mostly oil on canvas as her discipline with collections and series from Bulaklakin, Cordillera, and Canvas in Mind.
Hernandez also used various symbolisms in each of her paintings to show her advocacies reminiscent through the use of colors, style strokes, and textures.
Most of the Pinanari art exhibit paintings on display are for sale as part of the proceeds will go to the restoration and renovation of the Museo ning Angeles.
KFI aims to promote tourism back at the Museo ning Angeles slowly amid the pandemic through its renovation as well as restoration of art pieces and bring back the interest of arts and culture in order to boost multiple opportunities for learning and entertainment as well as showcase knowledge and creative talent.
The Kasarinlan 2021 and Pinanari – Trails of Hope art exhibit launch were sponsored and supported by Jocson College, Besco Philippines, and Offices of City Mayor and Vice Mayor, Pidayit by Philip Torres, Figs and Berry, Plumeria, Century Hotel, and the International Sanitation and Protection Suppliers (ISPS) for the Covid-19 safety protocols.
Pinanari – Trails of Hope is open until July 12.
*All photos by Joann Manabat
