Binalbagan Arts Festival opens May 8
Negros Occidental has borne many an artist from varying fields -- music, dance, literature, visual arts, television and film.
The historically rich town of Binalbagan, one of the oldest in the country, is home to a prolific composer and songwriter. Augurio Abeto composed popular folk songs like Dandansoy and Dalawidaw.
With the support of Mayor Alejandro Y. Mirasol, the Balbagan Arts Society has come up with the first-ever Binalbagan Arts Festival as a venue for aspiring artists of the town. The Arts Festival coincides with the 437th Annual Town Fiesta Celebration of the town on May 8-15, 2009.
On May 8, the Balbagan Arts Festival Center will have its opening ceremony. The center will house an Art Exhibit open to the public till May 15. The exhibit will feature a Diorama of the two folkloric legends of the town, a Heritage Corner of photographs and memorabilia, a Festival Costume Area and a Tourism Booth.
On the same day, the new Binalbagan theme song composed by Mr. Rey Antiquiera will be officially aired. Also, the 45-foot lighted Golden Serpent Icon will be unveiled.
On May 11, a Visual Arts and Sculpture Workshop by the Silay United Group of Artists (SUGA) will be held at the new AVR of the Mayor Pedro T. Yulo III Sports and Cultural Center. The free workshop is open to the first 30 registrants.
On May 12, an Art Competition will be held for On-the-Spot Painting for Adults, Teens and Kids. Winner of the competitions for Headdress Making, Mask Making and Digital Photography will also be announced.
Cash prizes and medals will be awarded to winners of the different competitions. Patrons of the competitions include Mayor Alejandro Y. Mirasol, film director and photographer Jay Abello, theater enthusiasts Jean Natuel and Elaine Montelibano, and Earthday Village.
All competitions are open to residents of Binalbagan and it is the hope of the Balbagan Arts Society that the eventual organization of a local artists’ community will help foster the town’s artistic and cultural growth.