BORONGAN CITY (PIA) -- The provincial government of Eastern Samar has officially launched the celebration of National Arts Month by staging the ‘Sirak,’ an art exhibit featuring the visual arts of Estehanon artisans, on February 5.
Visual artists from all over Eastern Samar, namely Ruth Abunda, Edmund Balan, Mel Amasa, Melcho Colongon, Rolando Cada, Janelle Yu, Balmik, Samuel Goden, Vebien Pajanustan, Jhuna Casillano, and Xoxie Allane Ty, showcased their artworks in the exhibit while dressed in traditional Filipino clothing.
Gov. Ben Evardone led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, along with Vice Gov. Maricar Sison-Goteesan, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan members, and the local artists.
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Gov. Ben Evardone led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, along with Vice Gov. Maricar Sison-Goteesan, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan members, and the local artists. (Photo courtesy of Rj Ablay)
In his message, Evardone proudly enumerated the innate talents and creativity of Estehanons, particularly in arts.
“Riko an aton probinsya hiton istorya, arts, ngan tradisyon kay aada an aton innate nga creativity through, for example, our songs and dances such as chacha and kuratsa,” Evardone said.
(Translation: Our province is rich in stories, arts, and tradition because we are innately creative, for example, in our songs such as chacha and kuratsa.)
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Gov. Ben Evardone took a picture of his portrait made by Mark Biong, one of the contestants during the Mr. Silangang Samar 2023. Biong painted the artwork in just a span of 5 minutes during the time-pressured talent portion of the pageant. (Photo courtesy of Rj Ablay)
He emphasized that the exhibit serves as a platform to support local artists and to promote arts in general, as it is the foundation of the province and the community.
“Yan ang kaluluwa ng isang lugar, ng isang bansa walang character ang isang komunidad kung walang arts, kultura at history,” he said.
(Translation: It is the soul of a community and country. A community without arts, culture, and history lacks character.)
He added that art is always present in our daily lives without consciously knowing it. Such an example is how people communicate and deal with one another.