The Angeles City government, led by Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr., officially opened National Arts Month on February 1, 2023 with KAPANAYAN, a visual arts exhibit featuring the work of 37 Kapampangan artists.
Mayor Lazatin led the ceremonial ribbon cutting, with MarQuee Mall general manager Peachy G. Atendido, vice mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting, Mutya Ning Angeles 2022 Joanne Thornley, Councilors JC Parker-Aguas, Alfie Bonifacio, Raco Del Rosario, Marino Bañola, Chris Cortez, Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel and Kuliat Foundation, Inc. President and The Voice Newsweekly publisher Lincoln M. Baluyut.
According to Mayor Lazatin, “Dumurut ya king tema na ning ‘kapanayan’ ing kekatamung arts month. Kapanyan antimong ali tamu patugut king pamamita king mika masalese yang pangakilala ing lalang da reng kekatamung kabalen keni ciudad Angeles.”
He furthered, “Kapanayan, uling e tamu sumawang pakit king mabilug a bangsa a ing lalang o produkto da reng Angeleño, megawa ya ibat king lugud, ibat king pusu.” (Our arts month celebration will revolve with the theme of ‘hope.’ We are continuously ‘hoping’ that the Angeles City’s brand of art will acquire its own identity. A ‘hope’ that we will not cease to show the entire country that Angeleño craft is created with heart, with love.)
Among the Kapampangan artists featured in Kapanayan are Curator Norman Tiotuico, Badet Tiotuico, Iwag Palattao, Chelssie Avensis Caldina, Kalila de Pio, Sim de Pio, Marylou Lilibeth Millan Dumas, Edwin Dizon Catli, May Ann Reyes, Jojo La Madrid, Orlando Tolentino, Arnold Salunga, Dallas Harvison, Maricar Yabut-Sangalang, Ailyn A. Gonzales, Ann Lumba-Vitug, Cyril Quizon, Andy Ramos, Aurelio De Guzman, Billy Corcuerra, Arnel David Garcia, Alvin Dungca, Enrie Nicdao, Ronald Buenacifra Jr., Lyndon Joseph Susi, Jascha Tolentino, Ramil Tumampos, Jeffrey Querido Gabatin, Vittorio Pantig, Banjing Torno, Joel Pábústan Mallári, Elizabeth Sison, Camille Joy Pingul, Joel G. Tubera, Jessica Julia Jose – Cariño, Heidy Macabenta and Jonathan Pili.
Mayor Lazatin expressed thanks to MarQuee Mall general manager Peachy Atendido for providing the venue for ‘Kapanayan.’ It has been the mayor’s pursuit to focus the spotlight on many local artists who, through their diverse talents, promote the Kapampangan arts and language.
Other activities lined up for Angeles City’s National Arts Month celebration include the following:
- Unveiling of four markers of cultural properties on February 7, 2023
- On-the-spot painting and exhibit by Gamat Kapampangan on February 9, 2023 at Santungan Ning Kalalangan, Abacan Loop, Barangay Balibago
- Art workshop of demo mixed media by Aurelio De Guzman on February 11, 2023 at Museo Ning Angeles
- ‘Journey into Art’, an artist talk and fine printmaking demonstration by Elmer Borlongan on February 18, 2023 at Museo Ning Angeles
- Basic Kulitan Workshop by Aguman Kalalangan Sulat Kapampangan on February 24, 2023 at Caca Art Gallery, 2nd Floor, Angeles City Library and Information Center
- A musical concert on February 28, 2023 at Museo Ning Angeles.
Kapanayan will run at MarQuee Mall’s Exhibit Area until February 12, 2023.
