Cover image via Noel Sales Barcelona & Everything Raw Manila
Bicol has been known in its coconut-rich delicacies such as laing (taro leaves cooked with either dried fish or pork with lots of red peppers in it) and the Bicol Express (pork cooked in coconut milk and of course, chili peppers) that will make you whistle and ask for more rice, and to the majestic Mayon Volcano, which is known for its perfect cone
But last May 27th, Bicolano artists have spiced up the local art scene when they launched their group exhibit titled Burugkos, at the ArtAsia Philippines — a gallery owned by the well-known Filipino-Chinese sculptor and painter, [Seb Chua](http://www.artasiaphilippines.com/seb.html).
Burugkos in the Bicol language means "unity," and two large groups of known and emerging artists from Bicol, the Bicol Express-ion and the Salingoy had united to showcase the uragons' and the magayons' artistic prowess. By the way, Salingoy means "looking back." It is the group founded by musician turned visual artist, Pancho Piano himself as homage to his beloved Bicol.
The Bicol region is comprised of six big provinces: Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, and the island provinces of Catanduanes and Masbate. This region is the home for some 5.64 million people.
Aside from the beautiful sceneries, Bicol is also the home of the Translacion festival, which commemorates the transfer of the miraculous image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia from the new church to its old home in Naga City. Every September of every year, more than three (3) million people flock to Naga City to honor the Virgin.
Led by [Pancho Piano](http://www.panchopiano.com/) the opening was a blast for all of the artworks being exhibited are totally eye candies. Piano was an Economics graduate from University of Nueva Caceres and he dreamed of becoming a composer. However, his passion to painting has been so strong that he had studied Fine Arts in the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City, as a Dean Jose Joya scholar in the 1970's.
The ArtAsia Bicol Express-ion and Salingoy exhibit was a success! Artists gathered to celebrate Bicol's unique artistry, unity and culture.
Participating artists from Bicol Express-ion and Salingoy are Jun Tuplano, Adan Pesto, Jun Taniang, Carlos Castro, Rence Tatad, Ely Tablizo, Raks Molata, Roy Espinosa, Naning Molata Gavin, Liza Oppus, Antonio Gorordo, Joie Pabilando, Emmanuel Salva, Lloyd Orosa, Hermz Alegre, Salvacion Frilles, Roderick "Akong" Imperio, Ariel V. De la Cruz, Sylene "Apple" Sabino, Jerome Sta. Maria, Warren Balane, Rommel Perez, Richard Cruz, Jun Tivi, Elden Lumaig, MD, Christina B. Oliveros, Dann Santiago, James Viola, Mayuko Kobayashi, Jonahmar Salvosa, and Ligaya "Jing" Banawan, who is an operative of the local National Bureau of Investigation.
