Artist Group Opens Annual Show

Artist Group opens annual show

The Philippine Artist Group of Canada, fresh from two just concluded almost simultaneous art shows in celebration of the 109th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence, opened its 3rd and biggest art exhibition this year in less than a week.

The first show was in conjunction with the Kalayaan Cultural Community Centre’s formal week long open house in Mississauga from May 27 to June 3. It was graced by no less than the beloved long time mayor of the city, Hazel McCallion, joined by other dignitaries, leaders of the community and the general public. When KCCC president Mama Ching Quejas invited the group to join the festivities, it marked the first time the PAG did an art exhibition in any community centre in Canada.

Two days later a representative group lead by the new PAG president, Dunluna, droved to Ottawa to set-up another show at the Westin Hotel on the invitation of Ambassador Jose Brillantes and the Philippine embassy. This art exhibition which culminated with a Gala night on June 12 and attended by members of the diplomatic corps and local community leaders, was also another first for the group in the nation’s capital.

Finally, the PAG’s big annual art exhibition, this year called “Creations & Expressions” to co-celebrate the worldwide commemoration of Philippine independence opened on Sunday, June 17 at the lush and stately Cedar Ridge Studio Gallery in Scarborough. On hand was Consul General Alejandro Mosquera, representing the Toronto Consulate General, the traditional presenting sponsor of the PAG in this annual art exhibition and PNB Remittance Canada’s Vice President Manolo Arnaldo, the group’s biggest and perennial sponsor. Also present was KCCC President Mama Ching Quejas and Atty. Bayani Abesamis of the Philippine-Canadian Centre, the PAG’s prime mover in it’s Philippine art exhibitions, other prominent names in the community, the group’s families, friends and other art aficionados. The show ran until Monday, June 25.

“Creations & Expressions” is reportedly one the group’s best if not its best art show in years in terms of variety and styles. It certainly represents the PAG with it’s most inspired creations. Congen Mosquera was so impressed by what he saw that he referred to the PAG as “the pride of the community” while PNB Rapid Remit’s Arnaldo promised continued support for the group and what it does for Philippine visual arts.

Now on its 19th year, the present PAG is composed of Rolly Abarilla (Archivist), Antonio ‘Jun’ Afable (Treasurer), Wilfred Alinas (Auditor), Ma. Nellie Bautista (P.R.O.), Cobie Cruz (Recording Secretary), Archimedes Cruzado, Frank Cruzet, Jhun Diamante (Webmaster), Tony Doctor, Tony ‘Dunluna’ Luna (President), Manny de Jesus, Art Ibarra, Rocille Lampitoc, Rol Lampitoc, Sr., Tony Leyco, Justino ‘Dong’ Magalona (Vice President), Romi C. MananQuil (Founder / past President), Koni Marcoux, Omel Masalunga (Promotions Officer), Calixto ‘Toots’ Quiachon (past President), Joey Rollo, Joejene Santos, Frank Tonido (Property Custodian) and Nelia Tonido (Coordinating Secretary).

Please visit the PAG websites at www.philippineartists.com, www.dunluna.com, www.lampitoc.com, www.justinomagalona.com, www.mananquil.com.

(PRESS RELEASE)