The Philippine Artists Group of Canada celebrated the 111th anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence by representing the home country in the Art09 International Art Fair on June 12, 13 & 14 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on Front Street. Art09 is a first gathering of artists and artisans from Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada China, Cuba, Czechoslavakia, Egypt, Finland, France, Hungary, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Poland, Turkey and the U.S.A.
Lead by its new president, Omel Masalunga, and founding president, Romi MananQuil, the PAG members Rolly Abarilla, Jun Afable, Teody Asuncion, Nellie Bautista, Celia Correa, Cobie Cruz, Frank Cruzet, Jhun Diamante, Tony Doctor, Rol Lampitoc, Dong Magalona, Koni Marcoux, Toots Quiachon, Frank and Nelia Tonido again showcased the colourful world of Philippine art, this time, with nearly 300 accomplished and emerging local and international artists who unveiled their creations in this 3-day international art fair.
On display were the breathtaking landscapes, evocative figuratives, captivating photography, spirited abstractions, intricate sculptures and jewelleries from around the world in oils, watercolours, acrylics, drawings, mixed media, glass, wood, bronze and ceramics.
The festival opened to an excited international crowd on Friday evening, June 12. The Philippine booth comprised with varied samples of the colourful Philippine genre, traditions, sceneries, still life and modern abstractions by the members who came in full force with their families and friends, both collectors and admirers. The PAG booth gathered special attention when the artists led by its ebullient president, Omel, offered samples of Filipino “kakanin” to the curious and delighted passers-by. This gave the area the Philippine fiesta atmosphere as visitors from various countries enjoyed the delicious Philippine puto, kutsinta, palitaw, pitsi-pitsi and puto-bumbong, courtesy of the Toronto Philippine Consulate, the PAG’s perennial presenting sponsor. Special guests for the opening night were the new UPAA president Joe Zagala, former president Noel Cruz & his lady, Agnes, writer Rose Tijam, photo journalist Rene Sevilla and PAG patroness Fredelina Brueckner.
Pls. visit the Art09 website at http://www.art-2009.com/
...more links: http://www.mnnetherlands.com
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Omel Masalunga, new PAG president
 The Philippine Artists Group of Canada, otherwise known as PAG has elected a new set of officers with Romeo ‘Omel’ Masalunga as its new President. He takes over from Justino ‘Dong’ Magalona who is acting president for the unfinished term of the erstwhile head, Antonio Luna aka Dunluna.
Acting Vice President Frank Cruzet is elected to the same position, while Cobie Cruz and Nelia Tonido are re-elected as Recording and Coordinating Secretaries respectively. Nellie Bautista takes over as the new Treasurer from Jun Afable who is now the new P.R.O. Also maintaining their positions are Jhun Ciolo Diamante as Webmaster, Rolly Abarilla as Archivist and Frank Tonido as Property Custodian and concurrently the new Auditor.
Dong Magalona joins Romi MananQuil and Toots Quiachon in the Council of Past Presidents. Other members of the group are Fred Alinas, Teody Asuncion, Celia Correa, Archie Cruzado, Manny de Jesus, Tony P. Doctor, Tony Luna, Rocille Lampitoc, Rol P. Lampitoc, Tony Leyco, Koni Marcoux and Joey Rollo.
The new president, Omel, as he is better known to his colleagues, took up Fine Arts majoring in Sculpture at the University of the Philippines where he was awarded “The Most Outstanding Fine Arts Student”. Upon graduation, he started teaching art at Angelicum School in Quezon City, then later to high school students at the Ateneo de Manila University. In 1988, he joined the faculty of Brent International School in Pasig, Metro Manila where he attended several local and international art conferences and seminars. Masalunga participated in numerous art exhibitions including “Mga Anito at Babaylan” (Priests and Priestess) at the Cultural Centre of the Philippines where he tackled the lost art of mask-making and native idolatry. He also joined the the stage with Repertory Philippines. In 1995, he moved Toronto, where he eventually joined the Philippine Artists Group of Canada which also made him a vice president for a time. He eventually earned a degree in Education at York University which allowed him to teach art now in local catholic schools. Aside from being a sculptor, Masalunga is also a painter, singer, pianist, actor and stage director. Omel’s most important and famous work to date is a life-size statue of the first Filipino saint, San Lorenzo Ruiz De Manila, which is now at the lobby of San Lorenzo Ruiz School in Mississauga. (http://www.dpcdsb.org/LRUIZ/School+History)
Masalunga’s first test of leadership is a big international art festival in Toronto this June called “Art-2009” in which the Philippine Artists Group is invited to represent Philippine visual arts side by side with more than twenty other countries. This particular PAG art show also celebrates the 111th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence. Two more art exhibitions are in the making for the group in the next few months aside from other community related activities which should keep the new president and the group unusually busy for the rest of the year.
The PAG after their meeting/election as shown from left: Omel Masalunga, Jhun Diamante (standing), Ma. Nellie Bautista, Nelia Tonido, Rol Lampitoc, Frank Cruzet, Dong Magalona, Toots Quiachon, Romi MananQuil, Frank Tonido and Rolly Abarilla |
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