The unveiled portrait Escolta, Manila--- Maestro Fernando C. Amorsolo, a renowned Filipino painter and National Artist was given the honor by the Mayor of the City of Manila, Mayor Alfredo Lim, of having the 30th of May be declared as the "Fernando Amorsolo Day." Hence, last May 30, 2013, the very first celebration of Amorsolo Day was held in the culturally-rich place Escolta that likewise commemorated maestro's 121st birth anniversary with a theme "Ipinita ang Maynila."
he event started with the unveiling of the Maestro's portrait after Madame Sylvia Amorsolo Lazo, daughter of Fernando Amorsolo, Madame Gemma Cruz Araneta (Manila Tourism), and Mayor Fred Lim gave their respective speeches in front of the First United Building in Escolta, where a mixed crowd of invited guests, artists, enthusiasts, photographers, security officers, ushers and other Manilenos braved the rain and witnessed the commencement of the event.
The event is a way of giving recognition to the art works of an inspiring national artist. As Madame Gemma Cruz Araneta shared in her speech, the "inherent and in born talent", a "pamana sa buong bansa" is brought closer to the Filipino public through the said event.
Maestro Fernando Amorsolo's paintings have their own "light" that make the paintings interesting, thus, these paintings naturally stand out. A portraitist and painter of rural landscapes in the Philippines, Maestro Fernando Amorsolo, First National Artist, is admired for his skills in painting illuminated landscapes.
When you look at his paintings, there's a certain feeling of optimism or vibrancy and at the same time, with expression of tenderness---much like sweetness that make you just want to grin and be delighted to view the next frame.
"Ang bawat kwadro (frame) ay may sariling liwanag na tanging si Maestro Fernando Amorsolo lang ang nakakaalam kung saan nanggagaling" added Maam Gemma Cruz Araneta.
The event is a way of giving recognition to the art works of an inspiring national artist. As Madame Gemma Cruz Araneta shared in her speech, the "inherent and in born talent", a "pamana sa buong bansa" is brought closer to the Filipino public through the said event.
Maestro Fernando Amorsolo's paintings have their own "light" that make the paintings interesting, thus, these paintings naturally stand out. A portraitist and painter of rural landscapes in the Philippines, Maestro Fernando Amorsolo, First National Artist, is admired for his skills in painting illuminated landscapes.
When you look at his paintings, there's a certain feeling of optimism or vibrancy and at the same time, with expression of tenderness---much like sweetness that make you just want to grin and be delighted to view the next frame.
"Ang bawat kwadro (frame) ay may sariling liwanag na tanging si Maestro Fernando Amorsolo lang ang nakakaalam kung saan nanggagaling" added Maam Gemma Cruz Araneta.
Why in Escolta?
Meanwhile, Maestro's daughter Madame Sylvia Lazo shared their memories as a family that used to frequent the street of Escolta to transact with banks, buy things, eat out and the like. The simple memories they had with their father in Escolta were very dear to them that Escolta has become one of the places that reminds them best about their father. Hence, the 1st Amorsolo Day held in Escolta.
The building became an instant Amorsolo Museum as the replica of the paintings and memorabilia decorated the walls of the venue. Mounted on each wall were various photos of the Maestro and his paintings. According to the organizer, an approximate of 30 frames were installed for viewing.
Meanwhile, Maestro's daughter Madame Sylvia Lazo shared their memories as a family that used to frequent the street of Escolta to transact with banks, buy things, eat out and the like. The simple memories they had with their father in Escolta were very dear to them that Escolta has become one of the places that reminds them best about their father. Hence, the 1st Amorsolo Day held in Escolta.
The building became an instant Amorsolo Museum as the replica of the paintings and memorabilia decorated the walls of the venue. Mounted on each wall were various photos of the Maestro and his paintings. According to the organizer, an approximate of 30 frames were installed for viewing.
"Ipinta ang Maynila" WALO on-the-spot painting session
Contrary to typical "commemorations", The 1st Fernando C. Amorsolo Day indeed became an enthusiastic celebration of the artist's life and works through the roster of activities organized for the whole day event including the 4x16 feet mural on-the-spot painting session conducted by WALO Visual Artists group depicting the landmarks in Manila that are certainly familiar and close to the hearts of many Manilenos in the past and present times. the said mural will be mounted at the Manila City Hall.
The group WALO provides basic painting workshops for children in several depressed areas in the Metro such as Tondo, San Jose del Monte, Banahaw, and Novaliches while they provide materials for their participants sponsored by Faber-castell and Dong-ae companies, to name a few. The group WALO was initiated by Mr. Julius Legaspi and together with other artists (Lito Ballaran, Teddy Santos, Monie Domer, Hilda de Jesus, Ella Hipolito, Badong Palacio and Ed gamo) they sum up to 8 pioneer members----painters and sculptors that meet regularly and decided to do something purposeful with the use of their craft to help Filipino children express themselves through art and enhance their potential in such skill.
"WALO is about infinity in blood, passion and advocacy, wherein the artists serve as warriors of art and believers of canny imagination, hence the group's logo resembles infinity sign, shared Mr. Legaspi, President of the said group."
Indeed, WALO's objective supports the very reason why there is a Fernando C. Amorsolo Day.
A background music of various classic Filipino songs orchestrated set the mood for the event as guests enjoyed their cocktail/pica pica by Betty's Catering, short chats and a number of photo ops (including selfies ^_^).
Contrary to typical "commemorations", The 1st Fernando C. Amorsolo Day indeed became an enthusiastic celebration of the artist's life and works through the roster of activities organized for the whole day event including the 4x16 feet mural on-the-spot painting session conducted by WALO Visual Artists group depicting the landmarks in Manila that are certainly familiar and close to the hearts of many Manilenos in the past and present times. the said mural will be mounted at the Manila City Hall.
The group WALO provides basic painting workshops for children in several depressed areas in the Metro such as Tondo, San Jose del Monte, Banahaw, and Novaliches while they provide materials for their participants sponsored by Faber-castell and Dong-ae companies, to name a few. The group WALO was initiated by Mr. Julius Legaspi and together with other artists (Lito Ballaran, Teddy Santos, Monie Domer, Hilda de Jesus, Ella Hipolito, Badong Palacio and Ed gamo) they sum up to 8 pioneer members----painters and sculptors that meet regularly and decided to do something purposeful with the use of their craft to help Filipino children express themselves through art and enhance their potential in such skill.
"WALO is about infinity in blood, passion and advocacy, wherein the artists serve as warriors of art and believers of canny imagination, hence the group's logo resembles infinity sign, shared Mr. Legaspi, President of the said group."
Indeed, WALO's objective supports the very reason why there is a Fernando C. Amorsolo Day.
A background music of various classic Filipino songs orchestrated set the mood for the event as guests enjoyed their cocktail/pica pica by Betty's Catering, short chats and a number of photo ops (including selfies ^_^).
WALO visual artists
an opportunity to hold the brush:)
the Amorsolo Family with Mayor Lim and Manila Tourism Chair Madame Gemma Cruz Araneta In an interview with Mr. Fernando A. Lazo, grandson of the maestro, he mentioned that organizing such event was both challenging and rewarding. For one, they had initial problems with regard to the preparation since it was made shorter. However, by God's grace the event still went well as the organizers were able to deliver urgently and with keenness on detail to make it a success. "The event was rewarding because as a family we used to celebrate his birthday amongst our relatives but with this one, we are able to share his birthday with the Filipino public" shared Mr. Lazo.
visit www.epcalm.org
EPCALM: project advocate
And how else can this event be purposeful? The Fernando C Amorsolo Art Foundation Inc. provides a significant opportunity to extend its social responsibility through sharing Maestro Amorsolo's legacy and through helping specific group of Filipinos in need through the event's project advocate, EPCALM Adult Leukemia Foundation of the Philippines.
According to Ms. Pamela Galvez of EPCALM, the group is composed of volunteers, church leaders, partners, affiliates and the patients and their families as well in providing support for the treatment of Filipino adult patients with leukemia.
Ms. Galvez shared that according to their research, the number of death amongst leukemia patients is too high and one reason why this is so, is in fact, due to lack of budget for medical treatment and hospitalization, aside from the fact that there are some medical treatments that are only available and can be performed in hospitals abroad.
"EPCALM is there even just to listen during the difficult times when leukemia patients and their families become emotionally disturbed due to the decisions that have to be made regarding medical treatments, financial resources and spiritual strength" said Ms. Galvez. The organization accepts any form of help to further assist patients with their treatment needs---medical help and spiritual help.
Ms. Galvez shared how delighted their group is as they are part of the 1st Amorsolo Day event. A percentage from the sold Amorsolo Day souvenir items would be given to EPCALM.
Available items during the event include cards with Maestro's famous paintings such as Mother and Child, Fruit Gatherer, Antiplolo and Tinikling (available in pocket-sized and 3R-sized cards, calendars, bookmarks, books and the like.
I found the pocket size cards really cute so i bought 10 pieces for me and my Tita, at 100 pesos, i was able to contribute for EPCALM and reward myself with a piece of national art I can treasure. Having been invited to blog about this event was such a privilege for me as a writer and a painting enthusiast. Such event is historical and relevant in many Filipinos' lives most especially to my peers (and those younger than my age) who may be too overwhelmed and busy with other things.
And how else can this event be purposeful? The Fernando C Amorsolo Art Foundation Inc. provides a significant opportunity to extend its social responsibility through sharing Maestro Amorsolo's legacy and through helping specific group of Filipinos in need through the event's project advocate, EPCALM Adult Leukemia Foundation of the Philippines.
According to Ms. Pamela Galvez of EPCALM, the group is composed of volunteers, church leaders, partners, affiliates and the patients and their families as well in providing support for the treatment of Filipino adult patients with leukemia.
Ms. Galvez shared that according to their research, the number of death amongst leukemia patients is too high and one reason why this is so, is in fact, due to lack of budget for medical treatment and hospitalization, aside from the fact that there are some medical treatments that are only available and can be performed in hospitals abroad.
"EPCALM is there even just to listen during the difficult times when leukemia patients and their families become emotionally disturbed due to the decisions that have to be made regarding medical treatments, financial resources and spiritual strength" said Ms. Galvez. The organization accepts any form of help to further assist patients with their treatment needs---medical help and spiritual help.
Ms. Galvez shared how delighted their group is as they are part of the 1st Amorsolo Day event. A percentage from the sold Amorsolo Day souvenir items would be given to EPCALM.
Available items during the event include cards with Maestro's famous paintings such as Mother and Child, Fruit Gatherer, Antiplolo and Tinikling (available in pocket-sized and 3R-sized cards, calendars, bookmarks, books and the like.
I found the pocket size cards really cute so i bought 10 pieces for me and my Tita, at 100 pesos, i was able to contribute for EPCALM and reward myself with a piece of national art I can treasure. Having been invited to blog about this event was such a privilege for me as a writer and a painting enthusiast. Such event is historical and relevant in many Filipinos' lives most especially to my peers (and those younger than my age) who may be too overwhelmed and busy with other things.
"We intend to make the 2nd Amorsolo Day bigger, added Mr. Fernando Lazo. In 2011, the Fernando C. Amorsolo Art Foundation Inc. conducted a national art competition to promote the legacy of the Maestro and several workshops held in schools like PWU, and in cities such as Pasig, Davao and Cebu. Through this event, the Art Foundation Inc. is likewise hoping to raise funds for the construction of Amorsolo Museum that would rightfully serve as a permanent house for the memorabilia and paintings of not just a great National Artist but certainly an important Filipino.
Amorsolo Day
May 30
With Sir Fernando "Nandy" Lazo, Mayor Fred Lim and Maam Gemma Cruz Araneta.
I went home happy and inspired! Special thanks to the organizers (BJ, Alen, Malex) and Sir Nandy who gave me these freebies--bag with mug, calendar and cards souvenir:)
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