ANGELES CITY -- In a bid to further the city's appreciation for the culture and the arts, the Angeles City Tourism Office (ACTO) recently unveiled five events, which are set for the local celebration of National Women’s Month.
According to Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, the 72 programs already set for the month-long celebration will not focus merely on social welfare and health care as people can expect events that "add soul" to the celebration.
"These events, apt for our women, are a manifestation of our staunch commitment for the preservation and promotion of our city’s culture, history, tradition and its arts scene," the mayor said.
For his part, Dr. Richard Daenos, head of the ACTO said that "the celebration of Women's Month is an advocacy to promote the importance of highlighting the role of women which are shaped by cultural norms."
Held March 3 to 6, the Angeles University Foundation Repertory Theater performed Clare Boothe-Luce's "The Women", a play that takes on the lives and power struggles of various wealthy Manhattan socialites and up-and-comers. The play was directed by Tony Mabesa and featured an all-female cast.
A translated version titled "Mga Babae" was also showcased last March 3 to 6. It will have a rerun on March 13 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
On the 20th and 21st, 7 p.m., the Kapampangan version of the play will be shown at the Angeles University Foundation St. Cecilia Auditorium.
Last March 7, ACTO held the final screening for the much-awaited Mutya ning Angeles 2015 at the Angeles City Library and Information Center.
On the 14th, ACTO with Beyond Essence Creative Group will hold the selection of official candidates for the pageant. This year’s Mutya hopefuls will also attend Heritage Walk and Talk, highlighting the role of the Mutya ning Angeles in safeguarding our local heritage at the Museo ning Angeles on the 21st. The Mutya ning Angeles 2015 coronation night is slated on May 23, 2015.
For art enthusiasts, the Galleria Felisa at the Imerex Hotel will hold a tribute for women Kapampangan Artists via a visual art exhibit dubbed as "Babai". The said exhibit will be open to the public on the 16th at 5 p.m. and will run until April 14, 2015. It will feature prominent female Kapampangan artists including Sally Naguiat, Bing Zablan and Bessie Mercado, along with Imerex’s resident artist, Raimond La Madrid.
Finally, on March 30 at 5 p.m., Peter de Vera's dance, visual arts and dramatic presentation “Panata at Panalangin: A Spiritual Journey through the Culture and the Arts” will offer a glimpse of the various practices of the Kapampangan faith. This year, it will feature Lukas Paldas ng Maria, which is a dramatic reenactment of the Virgin Mary’s experiences on Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. This will be held at the Marquee Mall Park.
The yearly observance of the National Women's Month was signed by former president Corazon Aquino on March 1988 with the Proclamation No. 227. (AC-CIO)