A celebration of art, culture, and history at the opening of the 12th Pulilan Mandala Art Festival on Monday, May 13, 2024, at SM Center Pulilan, with National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario; DOT Region III Director Dr. Richard G. Daenos; Pulilan Mayor Maritz Ochoa-Montejo; Pulilan Mandala Art Festival Director Andrew Alto De Guzman, and SM AVP for Operations Ana Datu. (Freddie Velez)
Visual artists from Central Luzon as well as art enthusiasts from different parts of Bulacan gathered for a remarkable celebration of art at the opening of the 12th Pulilan Mandala Art Festival in Bulacan on Monday, May 13.
The event, spearheaded by the Jefarca Arts and Historical Society Inc., was supported by the Local Government of Pulilan, the Provincial Government of Bulacan, and the National Commission for the Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in partnership with SM Center Pulilan.
Among the notable guests were National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario, DOT Region III Director Dr. Richard G. Daenos, Bulacan Provincial History, Arts, Culture and Tourism Office (PHACTO) Head Dr. Eliseo Dela Cruz, Pulilan Mayor Maritz Ochoa-Montejo, and SM assistant Vice president for Operations Ana Datu.
It highlighted the relevance of art as a medium in the preservation of cultural identity and empowerment for future generations of artists through the presentation of "Kalye Art Murals," art exhibitions, cultural performances, and a series of lectures, among others.
The exhibit at SM Center Pulilan which carried the theme “Ang Ating Sining sa Nagbabagong Panahon” put the spotlight on the exceptional creations of 95 visual artists from different parts of Central Luzon while paying homage to the late Mandala artists such as Reuben Cañete, Jose Alberto “Joey” Tañedo, Leonilo “Neil” Doloricon, Egai Talusan Fernandez, and Alexander L. Quizon.
Art lovers and enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the series of art lectures at the Mall Atrium, facilitated by multi-media visual artist Prof. Toym Imao, as well as NCCA Executive Director Dr. Eric Zerrudo and NCCA-NCVA Chairman Dr. Dennis Montera.
"Realizing the importance of art in the community, we are glad to partner with the incredible team behind the Mandala Art Festival in showcasing the work of these incredible artists while inspiring visitors to rediscover the world of art, its regeneration, and the impact it brings to society," Datu said.
Pulilan Mandala Art Festival Director Andrew Alto De Guzman said part of the proceeds of the art exhibit will be dedicated to the publishing of a commemorative book entitled “Katuparan” that will serve as a testament to the 12 years of creativity, innovation, and community spirit that have defined the Mandala Art Festival. The art exhibit will run until May 28 at SM Center Pulilan.