ANGELES CITY -- The local government here is set to extol local artists with the “Pupul ning Banua” awards to be held on February 28, 7 p.m., at the Museo ning Angeles in Barangay Sto. Rosario.
Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said that “Pupul” has been conceptualized to recognize Angeleños who have been making strides in the field of cinema, music, fashion, visual arts, and literature, among others, in the past year.
“This is in line with our continuous effort and commitment to promote, preserve and further our city’s local culture and arts scene. At the same time, it is also a way to laud the people who have devoted their time and effort in the creation and performance of masterpieces that the whole world appreciates,” said the mayor.
He further stated that the awards night is a gesture of pride and thanks to Angeles’ local artists.
Dr. Richard Daenos, head of the Angeles City Tourism Office, said that "Pupul" is a local version of the Ani ng Dangal Awards of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
"In this context, the word ‘Banua’ can either mean two things: first, we are being thankful for a year of good harvest in the field arts; second, we are providing a platform of appreciation and recognition for the Angeleños who have been blessed by the heavens with the gift of artistry," he said.
This first ever “Pupul ning Banua” will recognize the following Angeleños: film producer Ferdinand Lapuz, director Jason Paul Laxamana, animator Leonardo Calma, Jr., fashion stylist Jovanni “Bang” Pineda, Alexandre D. Tiotuico for his paper on Kulitan, 2014 World Championships of Performing Arts male singers RJ Buenagua and Daryl Christian Reynes, 2014 Mister Asian International Jerwin Mark Sunglao and visual art designers Eric and Edu Perreras. The following groups will also be awarded: the Holy Angel University Chorale, Holy Angel University Center for Kapampangan Studies, The Dance Conservatory and the Angeles City Dance Athletes.
The trophy for the awards night is designed by 2014 Metrobank Art and Design Excellence awardee Arnel D. Garcia, who will also be feted during the said awards night.
“Pupul ning Banua” is the culmination of the city’s celebration of the National Arts Month.