Page 21 - 2017 JAN-JUN - KAAKBAY

January to June
2017 21

Philippine Independence Day Exhibit Launched in New York

The Philippine Center in New York celebrated Philippine art, culture,
design, and music at the launch of the “Maestrong Pilipino”, an Independence
Day exhibit at the Philippine Center in New York.

“Maestrong Pilipino” a rare exhibit featuring the works of National
artists like Vicente Manansala, Cesar Legaspi, Hernando R. Ocampo, Arturo
Luz, Jerry Elizalde Navarro, Ang Kiukok, Jose T. Joya, Benedicto “Bencab”
Cabrera, and Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, was a special offering to the public in
th
commemoration of the 119 Anniversary of Philippine Independence. L-R Ambassador Teodoro L. Locsin, Dr. Marcelito Custodio,
Consul General Ma. Theresa B. Dizon-de Vega, Mr. John
The works of other renowned Filipino artists like Manuel D. Ablaza, and Mrs. Louie Barcelon Locsin at the opening of the
Baldemor, Manuel Rodriguez, Sr., Mauro Malang Santos, Rene Robles, exhibit "Maestrong Pilipino" at the Philippine Center. Behind
Eduardo Castrillo, Lao Lian Ben, Solomon Saprid, and Abdulmari Toym de them is the "A Wiping," a work by National Artist Hernando
Leon Imao, Jr. were also on display at the lobby gallery and Kalayaan Hall of
the Philippine Center located in the heart of New York City.

These works by acclaimed Filipino artists are part of the Philippine
Center’s art collection acknowledged as one of the more notable collections of
modern Philippine art outside the Philippines.

“Many of the artworks on exhibit hang in the private offices and are
not readily seen by regular visitors to the Center. To see them now on display
for the duration of our national day celebration is truly a visual feast, a pure
pleasure and delight,” said Ms. Lenore R.S. Lim, 2004 Pamana ng Pilipino
Awardee and President of the RS Lim Foundation for the Arts. Ani ng Dangal awardee Kirby Asunto (left) and musician
Michael Dadap (right) perform a beautiful medley of Visayan
Dr. Marcelito Custodio, President of the Society of Philippine
American Artists, Inc. (SPAA), provided a well-researched introduction and
background of the art pieces and their corresponding artists.

Aside from the art works the charming and intricate collection of
petite Filipiñana gowns and dresses by fashion designer and artist John
Ablaza were loaned to the Center for display during the launch program. The
collection of miniature couture amazed the guests with their detail and design.

Guests were likewise serenaded by young New York and New Guests appreciate the art pieces on exhibit including the
Jersey based singer Kirby Asunto and musician and conductor Michael collection of petite gowns and dresses by John Ablaza
Dadap. The duo gave a beautiful rendition of Visayan songs accompanied by
classical guitar.

As part of the celebration of Philippine Independence month,
refreshments at the opening were provided by newly-opened Brooklyn-based
Filipino coffee shop “Mountain Province Espresso Café.”

The exhibit is a project of the Philippine Consulate General in New
York headed by Consul General Ma. Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega and the
Philippine Center represented by its Manager, Consul Arman R. Talbo. Philippine coffee and native delicacies from Mountain
Province Espresso Café
Philippine Independence Day Parade New York Grand Marshals Formally Presented at Gala

L-R PIDCI President Dr. Prospero Lim, 2016 Grand Marshal
Dr. Ned Pulido, 2017 Grand Marshals Dr. Elma Castillo and
Dr. Rod Castillo, 2016 Grand Marshal Mrs. Menchie Pulido,
Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega, 2001 Grand
Marshal Dr. Vivi Malantic, former PIDCI President Fe
Martinez, 2013 Grand Marshal Rebecca Rivera, 2014
Grand Marshals Dr. Emilio Quines and Dr. Felicisima David-
Quines, 2015 Grand Marshal and former PIDCI President
Atty. Reuben Seguritan, 2008 Grand Marshal Msgr. Oscar
A. Aquino, JCD (photo by Mr. Boyet Loverita)