Cebu in art form

ANYBODY living in a place he calls home says that there’s nothing like it. It’s true. Despite moments that make them question why they love it in the first place, in the end they still stand by it.

The same could be said of Cebu, a city treasured by locals and one of the most visited destinations in the country. Be it the food, the music, the culture—whatever reason it may be—it continues to draw people in.

SunStar’s Best of Cebu party presented by Organique and AirAsia takes place on July 13 in the Grand Ballroom of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino. For one night, the city’s best brands are all in one place. Each year, the Best of Cebu party presents a thematic experience and showcases not just the winners of its categories but also local talents in the music and arts scene.

In line with this year’s theme “Pop Culture of Cebu” is an artwork that captures the essence of the city and its people. This is one of the highlights of this year’s party and is crafted by the students of Southwestern University Phinma’s School of Design + Communications, a newly launched department of the university consisting of programs related to arts and design.

The mural was created by 20 students from the program headed by mentors Lhee Taneo and John Olivares, SWU’s Senior High Arts & Design’s principal. This is the first time that Best of Cebu has partnered with a school for an event.

According to Olivares, the large mural is a figurative piece showing abstracted or humanoid figures featuring the best of Cebu, and everything that comes with it from the food, the culture and being a Cebuano.

Images in vibrant colors like people dancing, singing, indulging in dishes the city is known for like Lechon and other features to name a few, the artwork shows a vast display of long-lived traditions, beliefs and interests practiced by the Cebuanos. Although it highlights Cebu, it’s also something that other people in different parts of the country can relate to.

“The commonalities of our culture—the love for life, food, music—is inherent in every Filipino,” said John. “We all love the same things. By celebrating what’s best in Cebu, we celebrate what’s best in the Philippines.”