Phil Arts

Gleaming for the nth year
Too many cooks spoil the broth. Too many storied faces spoil the story. But this diversity
makes our history glimmering through the years.
Extravagant Expedition.
Sining Saysay is a collection of artworks that depicts important events in the history and
provides visitors the opportunity to walk through the country's glorious and colorful past.
This is a project of grand scale and magnitude, the first of its kind, a program that will
forever be an venue for engaging the public in a continuous discourse on the important
times of our history. Additionally, the works in the gallery are arranged chronologically
according to when the events happened in history, with those depicting special topics
interspersed along the way.
This venture aims to innovate the way history is learned, promote the appreciation of art,
and to give a better understanding of Filipino culture. The project was initially targeted for
students, giving them a path to learn history in a faster and creative atmosphere.
However, it is not limited to students merely. The exhibit is a fantastic way to introduce
our history to foreign tourists and for locals to reconnect with their roots.
Collaboration of various UP alumni artists paved the way for the production of these
artworks. Sining Saysay was made possible through the efforts of Grace Javier Alfonso,
Adonai Artificio, Armand Bacaltos, Adi Baen-Santos, Grandier Bella, Benji Cabangis,
BenCab, Angel Cacnio, Romeo Carlos, Cris Cruz, Denes Dasco, Gig de Pio, Simkin de
Pio, Vincent de Pio, Neil Doloricon, Norman Dreo, Amado Hidalgo, Abdul Imao, Ben
Infante, Aileen Lanuza, Romeo Mananquil, Norlie Meimban, Julius Samson, Jonahmar
Salvosa, Randy Solon, Michael Velasco, Jun Yee and Janice Young.
Artwork Dissection.
Based from the artworks, I was able to decipher the contrast in the past. The paintings
can be subdivided into historical and thematic. Paintings that promote historical insights
are most probably our writing system, battle of Mactan, gaileon trade, breaking barriers
for our independence, untying colonial ties and others. In addition, numerous events
contributed wide impacts towards our culture and heritage such as the colonialization of
our country under various foreign groups, election for presidency, battle war, and batas
militar.
While the thematic paintings illustrate important touch points of course culture that also
shaped our history. Themes featured include history of labor, women empowerment,
Chinese in the Philippines, Muslims in the Philippines, Philippine icons, and Philippine
Festivals.
Aside from the major events in the history of the Philippines, there were artworks that
manifested historical facts, such as the Angono petroglyphs, the Austronesian roots of
the Filipinos, the Chinese in the Philippines, the women in the Philippine Revolution,
Macario Sakay, and the history of labor in the Philippines.
All of these were vital in the journey of our history towards progress and development.
These have created ripples of impact and change towards our culture, principles and
living life. Achieving independence and standing united as a country despite of the
challenges and mishaps we have encountered throughout the years proves that we are
all determined and steadfast in everything that we do. We always aim for positive change.
We always love fighting for our rights. We always serve in the name of our country. And
most importantly, we always deliver greatness under pressure.
The Chosen One
Among all the paintings, the “Celebration” masterpiece of Romeo Carlos created an
adverse effect in my heart. I was able to appreciate more our multitudes of festival
celebrations. The painting illustrated all the significant parts of our festivals such as
festival dance, costumes, ethnic groups, festival queens, different patron and saints and
our distinct culture.
There are breathtaking highlands and awe-inspiring tropical getaways—so much, in
fact, that it can be near-overwhelming to have to choose our next destination
escapade. And yet, beyond all these picture-perfect sights, the charm of the
Philippines lies in a culture deeply seated in religion and history, which remain
relevant up to the present with the celebration of festivals.
The Philippines is a predominantly Catholic nation wherein many of the annual festivals
such as the Mariones Holy Week are related to important events on the religious
calendar. There are several celebrations with roots in pagan times, such as the Ati-
Atihan festival which preserves costumes and rituals that have been modified over time
to reflect more recent Christian beliefs.
The Philippine festival calendar is full. Every province, town and city celebrate
foundation days, patronal fiestas and historic celebrations. These festivals are
occasions when and where people converge, the same occasions when the local
government units and the private sector become generous with funds. Fiestas become
important avenues for artistic engagement. As artistic ventures especially in the
Philippine countryside are always wanting in venues and avenues for artistic
engagement, it is in these convergences that the artists find their audience.
Depending on the local expertise, these fiestas become the stage for local visual arts,
music and dance festivals. Cosmopolitan centers feature contemporary arts while
others highlight traditions indigenous to the locale.
Festival celebrations will always hold a special place in my heart. I love to explore the
different culture, meet our fellow ethnic groups and embrace the fun and excitement in
fiestas. I will never get tired of attending fiestas because this is one of the best reasons
why we are unique from other countries. Filipino people celebrate e445fiestas in a
fabulous manner.
It all boils down to embracing what is and forgetting what ifs. We should always be
reminded of our history in making our present culture and heritage vibrant in the best
way possible. History will always be there. Diversity makes our history unique and alive.
It will always be invariable. It will always prosper. Truly, it will gleam through the nth
years to come.

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Gleaming for the nth year

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