Philippine Artists Group to exhibit works in Manila

Philippine Artists Group to exhibit works in Manila

TORONTO–The Philippine Artists Group of Canada (P.A.G.), the Toronto-based artist group in Ontario composed of artists of Philippine origin, is going to the Philippines for the first time in its sixteen years of history for an art exhibition.

The show, entitled “Convergence International,” takes place at the prestigious Artspace Glorietta in Makati and formally opens on Sept. 24 with the Canadian ambassador to the Philippines, Peter Sutherland, as Guest of Honour.

The landmark exhibition, which runs until Oct. 6, is supported by Canadian Embassy in the Philipppines, the Philippine Embassy in Canada and the Philippine Consulate in Toronto. It is being jointly organized by the P.A.G. with former president Romi C. MananQuil heading the delegation and the Philippine Canadian Centre Foundation, Inc. with its president, Toronto lawyer Bayani Abesamis, as a fund raising resource for the maintenance of the Philippine-Canadian Centre in Makati.

The P.A.G. started out as a group of Filipino artists with a common background and interest in actively pursuing and promoting their art which mostly came to a lull when they came over to start a new life in Canada. Some of its members are already established names in Manila and now in North America, former art professors and teachers in leading art schools and universities both in the Philippines and Canada, prizewinners and awardees, members of prestigious international art organizations and young but highly talented artists. Now, the P.A.G. has evolved into a robust and distinguished group openly supported by the Filipino community in promoting Philippine culture through the visual arts in this part of the world.

The exhibiting PAG artists are Antonio ‘Jun’ Afable, Wilfred Alinas, Maria Nellie Bautista, Bayani ‘Jhun’ Diamante, Antonio P. Doctor, Tony ‘Dunluna’, Rol P. Lampitoc, Rocille Lampitoc, Romi C. MananQuil, Calixto ‘Toots’ Quiachon (acting president), and Jomedi Rollo. These artists, except for three, are going to the Philippines for the art show.

Other members are Rolly Abarilla, Paquito Cruzet, Tony Leyco, Maripi Leynes, Omel Masalunga, Mogi Mogado, and Frank Tonido.

The P.A.G. show will also include equally top caliber and internationally acclaimed artists as guests like Jun Bueno Silva from Chicago, Lenore S. Lim from New York, Ofelia Gelvezon-Tequi from Paris, Rafael Asuncion, Bencab, Pete Castaneda, Dan Dizon, Bill Ibanez, Entes Magpusao, Slim Torres, Platon Varquez, and Francisco Verano from the Philippines.

“Convergence International” is sponsored by the Sheppard Avenue East Dental Office of Dr. Cheryle Bobila-Dumasal.

(PRESS RELEASE)