Cebu City honors homegrown artists

CEBU CITY — The Cebu City Arts Month honoring the Cebuano artists for their notable contributions to local and international art scenes kicked off last Saturday at the Henry Sy Sr. Auditorium of Sacred Heart School – Hijas de Jesus on Jose Avila Street.Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia expressed his enthusiasm during the opening ceremony of the newly established Arts Month as he emphasized the city's dedication to celebrating and nurturing local talent through this annual celebration.One of the key features of the Arts Month is the Sugboanong Bahandi Awards, which recognize Cebuano artists who have excelled in their fields.Garcia expressed hope that the Sugboanong Bahandi Awardees would serve as an inspiration for the younger generation to view art not only as a passion but as a potential livelihood.This year's honorees come from a variety of artistic backgrounds, showcasing the diversity of Cebuano talent.Romulo Galicano, known for his evocative paintings, received recognition for his contributions to visual arts. Jose "Kimsoy" Yap Jr. was celebrated for his intricate and culturally significant sculptures. Kenneth Cobonpue, an internationally renowned designer, was honored for his innovative furniture designs in the field of industrial design.Nicholas Pacaña, a distinguished dancer and choreographer, was recognized for his work in the performing arts. Resil Mojares, a respected writer and historian, received accolades for his contributions to literary arts. The late Monsignor Rudy Villanueva was remembered for his significant impact on choral and liturgical music.The monthlong celebration features a diverse lineup of 14 events aimed at showcasing the vibrant artistic community of Cebu. Highlights include the Tubo Cebu Art Book Fair scheduled for August 30 to September 1 at Ayala Center Cebu.This event will bring together artists, writers, and publishers, providing a platform for creative exchange and collaboration.An art exhibit at Quest Hotel in Cebu Business Park will also feature works from 13 artists throughout the month.Among the notable pieces is "Sirao Blossoms," a collaborative work by eight prominent Cebuano artists led by Galicano, available for purchase at P550,000.The opening ceremony also featured a gala performance of Broadway Youth Cebu's adaptation of "Beauty and the Beast," with Garcia's daughter, Lexie, starring as Belle. The musical, which began its run last Friday, concluded its final performance on August 4.While the entire country celebrates Arts Month in February, Cebu City has opted to hold its own celebration in August. This change was formalized last year through a city ordinance. Garcia explained in an interview that the shift was necessary due to the Sinulog Festival, which takes place every third Sunday of January.He said that the city is busy with the Sinulog Festival, making it difficult to highlight the arts celebration. By moving Arts Month to August, the city ensures that the celebration receives the attention and recognition it deserves without competing with the grand festival.Garcia said that Cebu City Arts Month promises to be a vibrant and enriching experience, celebrating the rich artistic heritage of the city while inspiring future generations of artists.