Arte Waraynon: A Celebration of the Arts Month

Formally opened with a simple ceremonial cutting of the ribbon by CKC Administrator, Bro. Ariel Manga, OFM, assisted by Josephine Mendoza of The Calbayog Journal in February 22, 2016, “Arte Waraynon” ran for two days presenting fifty-four (54) artworks – 53 paintings and 1 wood sculpture - by Calbayog artists.

Artworks of international artist Calbayog’s pride, and CCVAA adviser, Raul Isidro, showing the fourteen-step devotion of the Roman Catholics - the Stations of the Cross - were a significant part among the works of the sixteen participating artists, namely Val Villanueva, Danny Celum, Armando Toleza, Jun Salurio, Aris Ventures, Eduardo Labana, Rex Zosa Ecal Gonzalo Ostulano, Wilmon Potente, Simeon Rodriguez, Jr., Nilo Rodriguez, Roman Rosalado Carlos Barandino, Jerry Contridas, Melvin Roxas and Melanio Olano, Jr.

Bro. Manga told The Calbayog Journal that CKC has always been supportive of the endeavors that promotes culture and the arts of the city for which reason that the school did not have second thoughts to accommodate CCVAA’s request for venue of their art show.

CCVAA is a legitimate association registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with elected officers led by its President, Rustom Villamor; Vice President, Gonzalo Ostulano; Directors Armando Toleza, Val Villanueva, Aristotle Ventures, and Danny Celum.

One of the CCVAA Directors, Val Villanueva who had his first solo exhibit in Calbayog on September 2015 presenting thirty art works of varied media – watercolor, pastels, pen and ink, pencil, paint, etc – said he was together with Armando Toleza when Calbayog artists first participated in a 1982 Art Exhibit in Tacloban City.

Believing in the talent and passion of artists in Calbayog, Villanueva said that just like Raul Isidro, Edwin Tuazon, Florence Cinco, Manding Toleza and Rustom “Ombok” Villamor, to name a few, there will be more who will make big names in the national and international level.

"The camaraderie and support of the artists to each other is inspiration enough to continue my line of art and explore other media in the field of painting," CCVAA member, Jun Salurio told the Calbayog Journal in a short talk during the opening program.

Mr. Aris Ventures who submitted four entries to the exhibit said Arte Waraynon will be followed by many more shows just as there will be more activities and programs intended to enhance the talent of every CCVAA member.