FIRST ARTS AND CULTURE FESTIVAL IN BAUANG HELD; ENRICHED BY LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS' PARTICIPATION
By: Joy Ann L. Gurtiza, GPC-LUPTO | Photos By: Mico Salamanca, LUPTO | Date: August 12, 2023
The first-ever RANIAG: Bauang, La Union Arts and Culture Festival, a vibrant celebration of local creativity, officially opened on August 12, 2023 at the Cianó Umok Gallery Cafe in Palugsi-Limmansangan, Bauang, La Union and received a boost of support from various stakeholders.
This inaugural month-long festival, organized by the Municipal Government of Bauang, La Union through the Municipal Information and Tourism Office (MITO) in collaboration with Bauang’s local artists and other private entities, aims to highlight the rich history and cultural heritage of the municipality, as well as provide an opportunity for artists and cultural organizations to showcase their work and gain public and community support. It features a myriad of events from visual art exhibitions, art talks, workshops, which attracts artists, culture enthusiasts, and tourists alike.
Cianó Umok Gallery Cafe owner and artist, Cesar “Ciano” Dumo, graced the event and expressed his honor in hosting and presenting the works of his fellow artists. On the other hand, Provincial Tourism Officer (PTO) Arthur S. Cortez, Jr. mentioned that the participation of all the local stakeholders highlighted this year's festival. He said that their involvement not only underscored the importance of local arts and culture in boosting tourism but also demonstrated their commitment to supporting local talents and initiatives.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by local personalities and artists, including local artist Ciano, PTO Cortez, Agoo Sangguniang Bayan Member and participating artist, Christian I. Rivera, International nomadic artist Roel G. Cabulang, Verbs N Vibes Consultant Oscar F. Picazo and 2022 GSIS Art Competition Grand Winner artist Valen Valero.
The exhibit showcased the artistic prowess of various La Union artists, featuring a diverse collection of paintings and artworks of Aileen Cariaso, Amy Apilado, Andrea Mendoza, Anna Therese Gonzales, Arthus Sitjar, Athena Bangilan, Charles Mabalot, Christian Rivera, Ciano, Claude Clemente, Dan Refuncion, Daniel Louise Baladad, Doven Gardon, Emetess Catbagan, Grace Yap, lan Gomez, JJ Lopez-Buenaventura, Jerome Barbadillo, Jirel Dumo, Joanne Gaylican, John Parmisano, Jun Jun Yee, Kyle Flores, Lee Biscara, Luis Angelico Ocampo, Ma Lourdes Bañes-Paulite, Mariel Mariano, Meg Francisco, Niño Medina, Phillip Crisostomo, Ralph Gabriel Gane, Rannie Nieva, Remz Rivera, Rene Masancay, Ressian Cabulang, Rowell Timoteo, Shai Guerrero, Shanelle Martinez, Stuart Yvan, Therese Mananghaya, Troy dela Cruz and Valen Valero. Following the opening of the Sirmata and Ebkas Art Exhibits, the Hysteria Fine Art by guest artist Roel Cabulang (a visual anthology of many voices,) one of the categories of the festival, was also inaugurated. Other guest artists include Khim Hipol and Ronelio Dy.
RANIAG will run until September 12, 2023. A portion of the proceeds from the artwork sales will go to San Fernando City NASUDI Center for Women and Children.
This inaugural festival, in the spirit of #LaUnionPROBINSYAnihan has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on all attendees of all ages, thanks to the rich cultural experience and the active involvement of all the local stakeholders. It has set a high bar for future festivals, promising even more excitement and cultural immersion in the years to come.
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