Tagbilaran City, the capital of Bohol province and a hub of commerce and culture in the Visayas region, celebrated the talent and contribution of its local artists in a grand finale event for the National Arts Month on February 28, 2023.
The event, held at the Island City Mall Activity Center, was led by Mayor Jane Yap, who expressed her genuine appreciation for both creative and performing artists and cultural workers in her message.
“We celebrate the artists in our community who have dedicated themselves to their craft and who have made a significant impact on our cultural landscape. These artists have enriched our lives with their talent, their creativity, and their passion for their art,” Mayor Yap said.
The program also recognized six notable cultural icons of Tagbilaran City who have excelled in various fields of art such as painting, sculpture, literature, music, dance, and theater. They were Teodorico Ramasola, Enriquita Butalid, Wincesa Arao-arao, Nila Itac, Veronica Gabo, and Eduardo Galan.
The event also showcased a Fashion Show featuring the creations of widely-acclaimed designer Shanon Pamaong, accessories guru Christine Virtucio and the creative upcycled bags of the City Livelihood and Community Development Unit.
The National Arts Month is an annual celebration that aims to promote Philippine arts and culture nationwide. It is spearheaded by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) with various partners from different sectors.
The Tagbilaran City Council for Culture and the Arts (TCCCA) and the City Events, Culture, and Arts Office (CECAO) were responsible for organizing various activities throughout February to showcase the artistic talents of Tagbilaranons.
Mayor Yap thanked all those who supported and participated in the National Arts Month celebration. She also encouraged everyone to continue supporting local artists and appreciate their works.
“Let us continue to support our local artists by patronizing their works. Let us also appreciate their art by learning from them. Let us make Tagbilaran a city that values art as a way of life,” she said.
After which, the following fashion models were awarded: Male Category – Jerryco Penales (1st Place), Reinier Antonee Nuñez (2nd Place), Christian Jungao (3rd Place); and Female Category – Stephanie Ann Sumagaysay (1st Place), Niane Mae Dante (2nd Place), and Christine Kaith (3rd Place).
Giving importance to our local dialect and culture, a Balak competition was also held in the same venue. Edwin Cancio bagged first place while Maricris Naje and Ma. Janica Delusa won 2nd and 3rd place, consecutively.
On the other hand, visual arts was also highlighted as the culmination activity with a Body Painting contest and the winners are Mark Virgel Daohog (1st Place), Anna Julia Rosario (2nd Place), and Joey Patayon (3rd Place).
The City Government of Tagbilaran is thankful to the participating exhibitors for displaying Tagbilaran’s best products and works of art- Shanon Pamaong Creations, Charlow Arbasto, Christine Virtucio fashion accessories, CLCDU upcycling products, Cecilia Oroc Native Pastries, Dalareich Cacao Products, Boholano Visual Artists and Reputana Guitar.
The National Arts Month celebration is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 683 to celebrate artistic excellence and pay tribute to the uniqueness and diversity of Filipino heritage and culture.
This year’s theme “Ani ng Sining, Bunga ng Galing” aims to immerse Filipinos in diverse cultural expressions and celebrate the bountiful harvest from the Filipino imagination.