Philippine Artists Group marks 25th year

Philippine Artists Group marks 25th year

By Michelle Chermaine Ramos

Consul General Junever Mahilum-West (left) and Ambassador Leslie B. Gatan (right) award PAG founder Romi MananQuil with a plaque of recognition from the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs bestowing on him the title of Maestro for his numerous exemplary achievements over his illustrious career as a master painter and pioneer promoting Filipino arts, heritage and culture.

The downpour on the morning of Saturday June 22nd did nothing to dampen high spirits as a throng of art lovers flocked to the Cedar Ridge Creative Centre in Scarborough to view the works of art exhibited at the Philippine Artists Group of Canada’s silver anniversary show.

The exhibition titled, The First Twenty Five Years, was a double celebration held to celebrate both the PAG’s quarter century milestone as well as the 115th year since the declaration of Philippine independence. Philippine Ambassador Leslie B. Gatan, Mrs. Debbie Gatan and Consul General Junever Mahilum-West opened the exhibit during the ribbon cutting ceremony as guests of honour.

Exhibiting artists included: Rolly Abarilla, Antonio Afable Jr., Teody Asuncion, Joyce Cristino Bondoc, Marissa Buyco Corpus, Cobie Cruz, Frank Cruzet, Jhun Ciolo Diamante, Tony Doctor, Charlie Hermoso, Romi C. MananQuil, Koni Marcoux, Omel Masalunga, Maridi Nivera, Calixto Quiachon, Michelle Chermaine Ramos, Mark Edison Salinas, Frank Tonido and Nelia Tonido.

STANDING, from left: John West, Former Ambasador Clemencio F. Montesa, Rolly Abarilla, Marissa Buyco Corpus Gaa, Cobie Cruz, Consul General Junever Mahilum-West, Debbie Gatan, Ambassador Leslie B. Gatan, PAG’s President Frank Cruzet, Michelle Chermaine Ramos, Nelia Tonido, Former President Omel Masalunga, new member Maridi Nivera. Seated, from left: Joyce Cristino Bondoc, Charlie Hermoso, Mark Edison Salinas, Jhun Ciolo Diamante, Antonio Jun Afable, Teody Asuncion, Romi C MananQuil, Calixto Quiachon, Frank Tonido.

Romi MananQuil with a study of his mural

Maridi Nivera, a new member of PAG, with her three paintings

Jhun Ciolo Diamante, member of Philippine Artists Group, with his three paintings

Frank Tonido with his oil on canvas “Tara and Tara”

Artist Teody Asuncion explaining his distinctive colorful abstract painting style

From left: Amelia Montesa, former Ambassador Clemencio F. Montesa, PAG artist Michelle Chermaine Ramos, Ambassador Leslie B. Gatan and Ricky Castellvi in front of her large canvas pieces