PAG opens 20th Anniversary Show
The Philippine Artists Group of Canada opened it’s first Christmas time art show in its history aptly called “PAG Kapaskuhan”, capping the yearlong celebration of its 20th anniversary this year. The PAG returned to the Nielson Park Creative Centre in Etobicoke, the usual venue in many of its earlier exhibitions.
The show which featured the newest artworks in various styles, subject matters and media from 17 PAG artists and guest formally opened on Saturday, December 13, 2008 at 2 o’clock in the afternoon. The momentous art exhibition was attended by community leaders headed by guests-of-honour Consul General and Mrs. Alejandro Mosquera, University of the Philippines Alumni Association Toronto President Noel Cruz, his wife, Agnes, and PNB Remittance Canada head Feliciano ‘Jun’ Miranda joining the artists, their families, friends and other art aficionados. Traditionally, the Toronto Consulate General has always been the presenting sponsor of the PAG shows in Toronto. The UPAA Toronto has lately become the big PAG partner in most of its cultural activities while PNB Remittance Canada has perennially sponsored most PAG shows since the time of former boss Manuel Arnaldo.
The program started with the new PAG president, Justino ‘Dong’ Magalona delivering the opening remarks followed by founder and former president Romi MananQuil who welcomed and introduced the guests-of-honour who in turn said a few words each. MananQuil then introduced the participating artists: Rolly Abarilla, Jun Afable, Celia Correa, Cobie Cruz, Frank Cruzet, Jhun Diamante, Tony Doctor, Rol Lampitoc, Dong Magalona, Romi MananQuil, Koni Marcoux, Omel Masalunga, Maria Nellie Bautista, Calixto Quiachon, Frank Tonido, Nelia Tonido and guest Rosalinda Roman as represented by emcee Rosalinda Tijam. Musical numbers, mostly Christmas carols were provided by soprano Geri Aniceto with Omel Masalunga on the piano. They were later joined by the crowd and the singing diplomat, Congen Mosquera. The afternoon ended with a sumptuous array of Philippine goodies topped by a special cake baked by PAG watercolourist Nelia Tonido with the PAG logo on it. The show ends on January 4, 2009.
For particulars pls. call (416) 622-5294.
This anniversary year started in late April with the group’s second art exhibition in the Philippines entitled “Kulay Balikbayan” at the Ayala Museum in Makati City, Metro Manila. Earlier, its founder and first president, Romi C. MananQuil, officially represented UPAA Toronto in his first homecoming solo show at the Corredor Gallery, UP College of Fine Arts, as part of the UP centennial celebration. The Philippine Artists Group was formally founded on June 12, 1988 in Mississauga after a group of Filipino artists were invited to participate in an art show as a special feature of a PIDC organized gala night in celebration of the 88th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence.
|
