FEBRUARY is not just about Love. It’s also about Art. And it is not some lovelorn fool’s wishful thinking, it is actually designated by law—specifically Presidential Proclamation 683 signed in 1991, declaring February as National Arts Month (NAM) in the Philippines.
The Subcommission on the Arts (SCA) of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) leads the annual celebration with its seven national committees—Architecture and Allied Arts, Cinema, Dance, Literary Arts, Music, Dramatic Arts and Visual Arts.
This year’s festivity, theme “Ani ng Sining,” emphasizes the richness of artistic endeavors and the passion of Filipino artists and cultural workers. This year’s National Arts Month celebrations have opening ceremonies all over the country—Binondo and Rizal Park in National Capital Region on February 3; Bagac, Bataan, in Luzon on February 11; on February 1 in Bago, Negros Occidental, in the Visayas; and then Koronadal, South Cotabato, in Mindanao on February 15. Various activities will also be held across the country in collaboration with local government units and private entities.
Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach and GMA actress Heart Evangelista are this year’s Arts Ambassadors. They are joined by actor Ian Veneracion and singer KZ Tandingan. Talk show host Boy Abunda continues his role as promoter of arts and culture to the public, which he has been advocating as NCCA ambassador since 2010.
“Such an honor to have this role and there’s much for me to learn. Exciting times ahead! Let’s all support [the NCCA’s] programs and activities for Arts Month this February,” Pia encouraged her 7.6 million followers on Instagram.
National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario, NCCA chairman, believes Pia being a popular beauty queen and actress can be a big boost: “With this influence, I can see that she has the ability to profoundly promote the arts and culture of the Philippines to the world, especially to the young generation. She is also a perfect icon of determination that can motivate aspiring artists not to give up on their passion.”
Heart is a passionate painter, having done a sold-out solo show in 2014 I am Love Marie: The Art and Works of Love Marie Ongpauco, exhibitions at various galleries, and putting her artistic imprints on luxurious Hermès Birkin bags.
Incidentally, her Follow Your Heart artwork is featured in a full-page spread in this month’s Harper’s Bazaar US issue.
“My story as an artist began with self-acceptance, and as a country we need to know we don’t have to be like any other country because ours is a story that is not like any other. We can give so much to this world just by being who we are. This month let’s harness national pride, national identity, national unity through the power and the eloquence of the arts,” Heart said in a statement.
Before Ian enjoyed a career resurgence as a leading man, he was already an accomplished visual artist. As the son of influential abstract painter and the pioneer of contemporary aesthetic syncretism, Roy Veneracion, Ian was always surrounded by art growing up and eventually mounted his own exhibitions.
Chairman Almario said of Ian, “Growing up and having someone to look up to as an artist really helped Ian to hone his ability and have his own view on art. He is significant to the earlier and younger generation, with this, along with his standpoint in the arts, he can impact a lot of artists of different generations.”
KZ, X Factor Philippines 2012 grand winner, is tapped as the newest Music ambassador. She will render her own take on the NAM theme song, “Ani ng Sining,” composed and originally sang by Joey Ayala.
“Her creativity and unique musical ability caught the Commission’s attention on considering her to be one of the Arts Ambassadors. Having her as an ambassador for the arts can be an inspiration to young and aspiring singers and artists to make their own identity and embrace their distinct style,” SCA Commissioner Teddy Co said.
“The Arts and Music Ambassadors of the NCCA were chosen by the Artistic Committee of the National Arts Month based on their positive image, influence to the youth, and advocacy to support the cause of NCCA in terms of arts and culture promotions,” said Public Affairs and Information Section Head Rene Napeñas.
Dingdong Dantes, Lucy Torres-Gomez, Ogie Alcasid, Piolo Pascual and Enchong Dee have also been tapped by the NCCA in the past.
“They are not really bound by certain duties and responsibilities, but NCCA cleared it with them that their presence in promotional activities like press conferences and opening ceremonies would greatly help raise awareness not just about NCCA or the National Arts Month celebration,” Napeñas noted, “but more so on arts appreciation and respect for our culture which brings about pride in national identity that serves as a strong force for nation-building, the very mandate of NCCA.”
Image credits: Faith Yangyang