"YUHUM Bacolod," an art exhibition which opened last weekend, is a fitting way to celebrate MassKara Festival as a symbol of devoting it back to the art society in Bacolod City that installed a fiesta of smiles for grieving masses 37 years ago.
This is the case of “Yuhum Bacolod,” an exhibition of three prominent art groups that aspires to encourage art appreciation among young people and tell the story of MassKara through paintings and the art. This initiative is sponsored by the Christian Artists National Various Arts Society (Canvas), the Art Association of Bacolod (AAB) and Babayi Artist Group.
The exhibition is hosted by Tumandok Crafts Industries, one of the leading display, furniture and fixture producers in Negros Island that boasts its world-class products out of local materials in its display center at the Robinsons Cybergate, across the former local airport.
A quick visit in the southern art hub will tell you the story of MassKara and the artists who paved the way for it to grow to become the world-class fiesta it is known today.
During the opening night, Bacolod City Councilor Wilson Gamboa, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee of History, Arts and Culture, acknowledged the need to kick off the documentation to expedite the official declaration of local heritage sites. This is needed to boost tourism-related initiatives of the city council, therefore, urging art groups to play a big role in mobilizing their fellows in creating more activities for art appreciation.
The event is co-sponsored by Piaya Network Broadcasting Corporation as represented by one of its owners, Leah Aguirre, who expressed its support to various art scenes in Negros.
The event is one of the many programs supported by PNBC as it recently kicked off its national airing through Cignal Cable Channel 56.
A national chess tournament recently concluded as part of its social initiatives to discover local talents, sports icons and a new breed of artists that shall contribute to various art platforms in the province.
Philanthropist Merceditas Montilla of Sipalay City was the first one to take home a beautiful art interpretation of the iconic Bacolod Public Plaza Bandstand. The gracious lady, who recently inaugurated the district hospital she donated in Sipalay City, together with radio icon Beth Puey were among the special guests of the art exhibition. Their presence, to many was a great deal of support for artists who seek to preserve and prolong their art and its forms.
Among the exhibitors are Arthur Bayles, Danile Bayles, Jasper Bayles, Miriam Bayles, Rithie Cuesta, Jose Dureza, Juliet Emperado, Dolly Gatuslao, Fred Juson, Rodney Martinez, Pablita Nava, Rafael Paderna, Chrysee Samillano, Ma. Fe Sumagaysay, Paul Sumagaysay and Leonardo Samson.
This week, roads will be busier as we usher MassKara highlights. Apart from nonstop parties, may we take time to appreciate our local art. This is the perfect time to go back where all these started: Our artists and their passion to paint smiles on many faces.