Architect-artist to present
‘Ati-Atihan’ Fest solo show

Architect and artist Jose Dureza will present his solo exhibit of paintings titled “Aklan Ati-atihan Festival” January 10 to Feb. 12 at the Saylo Restaurant at Quezon Avenue in Kalibo, Aklan.

Dureza’s new collection includes works in acrylic and watercolors featuring of the colorful Ati-atihan, the annual festival that has put Aklan in the world map. The Ati (Aetas ) of Panay Island are the dark skinned indigenous people with whom settlers from far across the sea made a pact of peaceful coexistence. Dureza has given this marginalized minority a space in his canvass.

Dureza’s mastery of transparent watercolors, has earned him prizes in juried exhibits in New Jersey and New York. He is also one of the three outstanding Filipino-American watercolorists in the US East Coast featured in a recent book “Transparent Colors” by Professor Teresa Rodriguez of Montclair State University of NJ.

Admission is free public during the business hours of Saylo Restaurant. To the exhibit Arafel Ortizsaid the exhibit is a pioneering one in Kalibo.

Dureza, a retired architect and urban planner now lives in Cawayan, New Washington in a beach home and studio. He has practiced in Bacolod, Manila, and North Yemen before moving to New Jersey where he continued to paint as an avocation. He has participated in many international group exhibits and this is his 10th solo exhibition

He was one of the pioneering instructors of the La Consolacion College Architecture Department in Bacolod City, he is married to the former Mahal Nabor.*

back to top

Disaster seminar set

A seminar called “Community Based Disaster Risk Management Training” will be held at the L’Fisher Hotel in Bacolod City January 9 -11, by the Offices of Councilors Caesar Distrito and Em Legaspi-Ang, and the Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office.

Invited to attend are barangay captains or those in charge of the Disaster Risk Reduction Management of the 40 barangays identified to be disaster-prone areas of Bacolod City.

Distrito said the seminar will focus on basic knowledge and skills in responding to emergency situations like floods, typhoons and other disasters that may hit the City.

An orientation on Republic Act 10121, or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 will also be given to barangay officials, he said.

Distrito said the seminar will also prepare the identified barangays in handling emergency situations in their areas.

The seminar is very timely given as the Philippines has gone through so many disasters in 2011 with those in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City that claimed thousands of lives, topping them, he said.*CGS

back to top

Fiesta Silaynon tomorrow

Officials of Silay City in Negros Occidental are preparing “Fiesta Silaynon” reception for the 180 Korean visitors who will arriving at the Bacolod-Silay Airport via Zest Air at about 11:30 a.m. tomorrow.

Mayor Jose Montelibano said Silaynons join the province of Negros Occidental in welcoming the Koreans who could be golf enthusiasts, investors, tourism frontliners, or travel officials, a press release from Silay City said.

He said their arrival will give a chance to LGU officials to showcase the tourist attractions of Negros Occidental, its culture, festivals and food.

The welcome party will be spearheaded by Ver Pacete, Susan Velez, Solo Locsin, Gerle Sulmaca, Francess Dane Cobrado, Nathalie Porsalida and the Friends of Tourism Silay who will offer leis to the visitors, the press release said.

The “Fiesta Silaynon” welcome reception will be held in front of Silay City Hall with Montelibano, Vice Mayor Mark Golez, Marissa Montelibano, Maida Jison, Lyn Gamboa and of Dona Montserrat Lopez Memorial High School teachers and students in Filipiniana attire, it added.

Fiesta music will be provided by the drum and bugle corps of Silay South Elementary School together with the majorettes and flag girls, the press release said.

Welcome messages will be given by Gov. Alfredo Maranon Jr., Mayor Jose Montelibano, Vice Mayor Mark Golez and other city officials who talk about business, tourism, trade, commerce and industry, the press release said.

Montelibano is also inviting this group to a ‘Barrio Fiesta’ dinner at the Balay Negrense on January 10.

On January 7, a welcome dinner will be hosted for them by the Province of Negros Occidental at the provincial capitol social hall, the press release said.*

back to top