Gamat Kapampangan, the only organized art group in Pampanga, inducted its officers in simple ceremonies last Saturday, April 9, at the Simon & Stanley Hall of Best Western Plus Metro Clark Hotel.
Inducted into office by PR communications officer for artists and art groups, and Vice Head of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) National Committee on Visual Arts Kaye O’Yek are the following: Dr. Vittorio D. Pantig, President; Ar. Edwin D. Catli, Vice President; Jaysil Sararaña, Secretary/Director; Dr. Persie Guzman, Treasurer/Director; Armando Ramos, Auditor/Director; Aurelio Q. De Guzman, PRO-Internal/Director; Elizabeth Sison, PRO-External/Director; Arnel AD Garcia, Sgt. at Arms/Director, and Directors Cesario ‘Jojo’ P. La Madrid, Jr., Jennel Bodino-Balajadia, May Ann M. Reyes and Camille Pingul.
GK President Dr. Vitt Pantig proudly announced that the art group is now in the process of organizing a cooperative. The President added that an art gallery which will be the home of the works of Gamat Kapampangan members is in the offing. In the gallery, regular exhibits and art classes will be held. Merchandising items created by GK members will also be sold.
Immediately after Dr. Pantig made the announcement, Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting, who is known to be a staunch supporter of the arts movement in Pampanga, instantly pledged 50,000 for the GK Cooperative.
In his inspirational message, multi-awarded painter and sculptor Edgar ‘Egai’ Talusan Fernandez, who is currently a member of the NCCA National Committee on Visual Arts, stressed how “art brings us together,” and how our relationship with the arts “brings new meaning to what happens around us.”
Meanwhile, in her impromptu message, former Angeles City first lady Herminia DG Pamintuan, reiterated her support to the arts and the artists.
In closing, President Dr. Vitt Pantig reiterated that Gamat Kapampangan and its members will continue to create and push art, and advocate the promotion and preservation of Kapampangan arts and culture.
