The Next Quarter, a historical grand opening

The Next Quarter, a historical grand opening

Jhun Ciolo Diamante (far right) with guests in front of his paintings.

By Michelle Chermaine Ramos

Independence Day celebrations were in full swing as an excited crowd of friends, fans and diplomats gathered at the opening of the Philippine Artists Group of Canada’s 26th anniversary exhibition at the Neilson Park Creative Centre on Saturday June 7th 2014. The show titled The Next Quarter, in reference to the first PAG annual Philippine Independence Art Exhibition at the start of the group’s next 25 years, is the group’s largest art opening showcasing sixty-nine original works of art and marks the start of a new era in Philippine Canadian art history.

Guests of honor celebrating this historical event included Consul General Junever Mahilum-West, Madam Debbie Mijares-Gatan wife of Ambassador Leslie Gatan and close friend of the PAG who flew in from New Jersey, Senator Tobias Jun Enverga, Mrs. Rosemer Enverga, Indonesian Consul General Julang Pujianto and Madam Pujianto.

Consul General Junever Mahilum-West read a letter from Philippine President Benigno Aquino, followed by a speech from Senator Tobias Jun Enverga.

Following the opening speeches, the crowd sang “Happy Birthday” to Consul General Junever Mahilum-West as her birthday cake made by PAG President and professional cake designer Nelia Tonido was wheeled in.

Participating artists in the exhibition included PAG members Rolly Abarilla, Antonio Afable, Teody Asuncion, Joyce Bondoc, Cobie Cruz, Frank Cruzet, Jhun Ciolo Diamante, Tony Doctor, Marissa B Corpus-Gaa, Alex Gonzales, Martin Hechanova, Charlie Hermoso, Lina Jeffers, Gene Lopos, Romi C MananQuil, Omel Masalunga, Koni Marcoux, Mila Ureta Navaleza, Maridi Nivera, Calixto “Toots” Quiachon, Michelle Chermaine Ramos, Mark Edison Salinas, Frank Tonido, Nelia Tonido, honorary member Consul General Junever Mahilum-West and guest artists John West and Tenzin Younten Tsering.

Joyce Bondoc and his wife Tess
in front of his landscape paintings on right.

Teody Asuncion (right) with his wife Cecile and daughter Trisha in front of his paintings.

Mila Navaleza (right) beside her watercolor landscapes. PHOTOS: Ariel Ramos