In pursuit of the Consulate General’s cultural diplomacy thrusts including support in the promotion of Philippine visual arts and Filipino visual artists, Consul General Julius Caesar A. Flores guested at the opening of “Obra Filipinismo II” art exhibit opening on 23 August 2016 at Art Asia Gallery, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. The exhibit ran until 6 September 2016.
The exhibit, featuring 23 visual artists along with guest artist Rene Robles, was organized by Kunst Gallery led by Mr. Virgilio Cuizon, Managing Director; Mr. Aris C. Bagtas, Art Director and Mr. Bill Perez, Project Coordinator.
In his remarks during the opening program, Consul General Flores commended the visual artists for being “ambassadors of goodwill” in their own right as they project the “heart and soul” of the Philippines and the Filipino people to the world. He encouraged the artists to continue their excellent work and help promote the country’s rich and unique arts, heritage and culture through their arts works.
The exhibit showed different art styles, themes and medium and demonstrated the apparent versatility and skills of the visual artists namely Rene Robles, Joseph Albao, Yeye Babatuan, Aris Bagtas, Dale Bagtas, George Banawa, Noel Bueza, Zorrick Enriquez, Rigor Esguerra, Roi Espinosa, Jojo Garcia, Bon Gonzales, Sherwin Gonzales, Vincent Gonzales, Anna Lumpas, Ian Maigan, Mischa, JC Mizuse, Zhyra Ann Nedia, Wilfredo Rufon, Sr., Eman Sia, Nelson Tandas Jr., and Melvin Vargas.
Other special guests included Congresswoman Linabelle Villarica of Bulacan; Ms. Estela Tansengco-Schapero of Asian Dev’t. Bank; Mr. Napoleon Rama, President of Medi Chart Inc.; Mrs. Anne Marie Mizuse-Meycauyan, President of Soroptimist Intl.-Meycauayan Chapter; Atty. Bobby Salcedo of Far Eastern University and Mr.John Eric R. Cuizon of Macuha Art Gallery.
Mr. Bagtas himself already had a solo exhibit in Xiamen titled “Faces to Phases” organized by the Post on 6-14 November 2015. This coming November 2016, Post will feature the works of Mr. Robles as part of its cultural diplomacy program for 2016.
The Consulate General’s media partner, ChinaTown TV covered the event as well as conducted interviews of guests and the visual artists. END
