VP Leni Robredo Graces ‘Art For Peace’ Benefit Show In Manila
The rain and traffic didn't drench the spirit of art enthusiasts, artists, and the lovers of art and culture as they flock at the opening of the benefit show, called "Art for Peace" at the Galeria las Islas, Silahis Art Center in Intramuros, Manila last July 9.
Cover image via Rogue.ph
The Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines, Ma. Leonor Gerona-Robredo, opened the exhibit that shows the works of more than 20 prolific visual artists that the Philippines has today, namely:
**Fredi Agunoy, Norbing Villez, Rolly Alcantara, Rene Canlas, Oying Madrilejos, Miguel Wong, Joel Janer, Joem Sanclaria Chua, Bimbo Santos, Rex Beo, Marilyn de Lima, Edgar Jose, Lemuel Cunanan, Jerry dela Rosa, Elden Lumaniog, Emel Espiritu, Pol Mesina, Ning Odulio, Mark Belloria, Gilbert Duran, Emmanuel Silva, Roi Espinosa, Ben-Hur Villanueva, Randy Roa, Bumbo Villanueva, Jik Villanueva, Ed Gerlock, Laya Gerlock, Ansel Adams, Aca Versoza and Sun Activity.**
Finally, the Guest of Honor arrived!
Vice President Robredo hails from Naga City, Camarines Sur, in the Bicol region where lots of good artists come from
She is the better half of the late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo who died in plain crash on August 12, 2012.
The author had a chance to roam around and had a close encounter with these beauties!
The exhibit was organized by the Physicians for Peace (PFP), a non-profit that provides health and medical services for the marginalized sectors here in the Philippines, in cooperation with the Coalition for the Services of the Elderly (COSE), another non-profit, this time catering the needs of the indigent senior citizens in the country.
PFP, actually, is an international organization of doctors of diverse specialties, providing care and surgical operations for the poor. The Philippine chapter of PFP is an autonomous organization and had been partnering with different organizations and communities to extend their services.
Sculptures of different sizes and colorful paintings are for sale and the proceeds, of course, will go to the respective projects of the above-mentioned non-profits
Braving the traffic and the heavy rains, the second highest official of the land seems to be sincere in her early pronouncements about the Government supporting the art and culture sector which, for the longest time, had been neglected.
The Philippines had a diverse culture—from the Ivatans of Batanes to Tausugs of Sulu—and each ethno-linguistic group has a unique art and traditions to share to the world. But of course, their culture and arts should be protected against the assaults of too much commercialization and the greed of some groups and individuals who disguise themselves as cultural workers and lovers of the art.
Aside from Vice President Leni, also present in the event was the former Bulacan Governor Roberto "Obet" Mamangun Pagdanganan.
This author even saw Miss World Philippines Candidate No. 13, Kimberly Anne Sarreal who is a licensed real estate broker, and the folk singer and cultural advocate, Grace Nono!
Indeed, the show is filled with fun and excitement as it shows that arts are not only for profits, but also for noble cause
**The exhibit runs until the 30th of this month.**
For more information about [Galeria delas Islas](https://www.facebook.com/GALERIADLASISLAS/) and their on-going exhibits and events, you can visit their Facebook page.
