ANGELES CITY – In recognition of their vital role in the success of the National Arts Month celebration here, Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. personally showed his appreciation to seven local artists as he awarded them certificates of commendation.
“Nais kong pasalamatan ang mga Angeleno artists na boluntaryong nagbahagi ng kanilang talento at panahon, upang matulungan ang city government sa pagtataguyod pa ng sining at kultura sa siyudad,” Lazatin said.
Among the artists who received their certificates were Violeta Gregorio whose paintings were featured at the Salangi Ko Pu Art Gallery; Yian Gabriel, Pecjo Arlin Salonga, Raemie Tulabut who shared their talent in spoken poetry; and Arnel Garcia, Arnel Mallari, and Glossy Lairiel Co who taught basic art tutorials.
Despite the continuous challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Angeles City Tourism Office (ACTO) headed by Anneleen Antonio-Sugui, still prepared a variety of activities that can be enjoyed by Angeleno art enthusiasts, even at the comforts of their own homes.
The ACTO Facebook page launched a series of free online art tutorial videos covering topics such as color blending, acrylic painting, and basic art for kids.
In celebration of the love month, the city government also featured three young poets who displayed their spoken word skills through a series of spoken poetry videos posted on the ACTO Facebook page.
Proving that art is indeed for all ages, at the heart of the city’s celebration for the National Arts Month is an exhibit featuring the works of 72-year-old Gregorio, an Angelena from Barangay Malabanias.
Gregorio inspired everyone with her story – of how she turned to art after her husband died, and how she pursued her passion for the arts, even at her age.
Her works can still be seen at the Salangi Ko Pu Art Gallery of the Culture and Arts Council (CACA) located at the second floor of the City Library, until February 26, Mondays to Fridays 10 am to 5 pm.
According to Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel, the ACTO plans on tapping other local artists to have their artworks featured at the Salangi Ko Pu Art gallery, and the city’s One Town, One Product (OTOP) store.
“Bukod sa naipo-promote natin ang talento nilo, natutulungan pa natin sila na magkaroon ng kabuhayan, sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng karagdagang platform para maibenta nila ang mga obra nila,” Manuel said.
Meanwhile, Lazatin reaffirms the city government’s commitment in providing assistance to all local artists, especially during the pandemic.
“Makakaasa po ang mga Angeleno artists natin na kaisa nila ang city government sa pagtataguyod ng kultura ng siyudad. Patuloy po ang mga programa at serbisyo natin para sa local community of artists natin, para matulungan natin silang maipagpatuloy nila ang kanilang sining,” Lazatin said.