Page 46 - 2017 JUL -DEC KAAKBAY

46 July to December
2017

New York Consulate and Center Staff Join SPAA Annual Art Exhibit

The Society of Philippine-American Artists (SPAA), the
largest Philippine-American artists’ association in the US
Northeast held its annual exhibit at the Lobby-Gallery of the
Philippine Center in New York from 23 October to 7 November
2017.

At the Opening Reception on 24 October 2017, the
SPAA dedicated its 2017 Exhibit to the memory of one its
founders, renowned Filipino artist and Father of Philippine Print-

making the late Manuel “Mang Maning” Rodriguez, Sr., who
passed away earlier in 2017 at the age of 105 years old.

The exhibit featured works by 30 of the SPAA’s Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega (3rd from left, 1st row), join SPAA
members and was a showcase of the diversity and breadth of the President Dr. Mars Custodio (5th from right 1st row) and SPAA members and
styles, themes, and media employed by members of the SPAA. Board members at the opening of the SPAA Annual Exhibit (NY PCG)

Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega and Philippine Center Manager Consul Arman Talbo were on hand to
witness the Exhibit Opening. Consul General De Vega extolled the many contributions made by the SPAA over the years to
encouraging both Filipino and Philippine-American artists to pursue their work and to develop larger audiences.

Dr. Mars Custodio, President of the SPAA welcomed guests, artists, sponsors ,
and volunteers to the well-attended event.

The event was doubly significant for the Philippine Consulate General and the

Philippine Center as three of its personnel wereamong the exhibiting artists, namely, Ms.
Lolinda Villamater, former Administrative Officer Reynaldo Cardenas and Mr. Ronald
Cortez of the Philippine Center. Mr. Christian Blaza, son of Department of Tourism-New
York Staff Emelita Blaza, was likewise one of the exhibiting artists.

The late SPAA President Dr. Mars Other artists taking part in the exhibit are: May Jennifer Amolat-Apiado, Aurora
Custodio delivers welcome remarks Caparas-Cruz, Lorina Capitulo, Cheryle L. Cranbourne, Mars Custodio, Angelito L. David,
Dulcie Dee, Tessie Dichupa, Carlos L. Esguerra, Lenore RS Lim, Athena Magcase-Lopez,
Angelo Maristela, Racco Maristela, Esmi Gayo McLaren, Chato Morando, Mirinisa Myers,
Ameurfina Nazario, Julia Oteyza, Mae Palaci, Robert Perez De Tagle, Godfrey Pinder,
Archie Reyes, Marcelino Rodriguez, Anna Leah Sanson, Ching Valdes-Aran and Art
Zamora.

Filipino Vestments for Worship on Exhibit at the Philippine Center in New York

At the opening of the exhibit held on 21 November,
Consul General Ma. Theresa B. Dizon-de Vega said that the
vestments are examples of the magnificent fusion of the faith
and creativity of the artist and brought into focus the
indigenous weaves of the different regions of the country.

(L-R) Designer Dom Gomez and Consul General Dizon-de Vega at the As part of the exhibition, Dom Gomez held a curatorial
opening of the exhibit on 21 November at the Philippine Center. talk on 27 November 2017 at the venue to share the history
and significance of the collection. He discussed his experience
The 24-piece Liturgical Vestments Collection in going around the country and meeting different ethno-
designed by Dom Martin Hizon Gomez, OSB, was on linguistic groups to learn about their traditional weaving
exhibit at the Lobby of the Philippine Center in New York processes and designs which were later incorporated in the
from 21 November to1 December 2017. vestments he produced. He likewise thanked the different
government agencies and NGOs working to promote Philippine
The vestments made of intricate and beautiful textile and design.
indigenous textiles of the Philippines and are part of the
museum collection of the Transfiguration Abbey in Prior to entering the order of Benedictine monks, Dom
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. They were brought to New Gomez was a famous Manila haute couture fashion designer
York by Dom Gomez for a two-week exhibition at the popularly known as Gang Gomez, who championed the use of
Philippine Center. Philippine textiles like piña, abaca, jusi, and silk.