#VSUAnniv: Baybay artists unite in art exhibit for scholarships

The painting exhibit, dubbed as Pitik Hulagway (Splash of Images), seeks to raise funds for the scholarship program of the VSU Alumni Association, Inc. (VSUAAI).

Organized by the VSU Alumni Community Relations Office (ACRO), Pitik Hulagway was launched on August 1 and will be open for viewers until August 11. Still-life, landscape, and abstract paintings by seven artists adorn the exhibit.

The exhibit this year welcomes a new member, Architect Pauline Cari Perez who studied art under the tutelage of classical-style painter Rody Herrera. Arch. Perez is the daughter of Baybay City Mayor Carmen L. Cari and Engr. Felipe Cari.

The exhibit was formally opened by Prof. Elsie E. Salamat, ACRO head, former VSU President Dr. Jose L. Bacusmo, VSU President Dr. Edgardo Tulin, Baybay City Mayor Hon. Carmen Cari, and VSUAAI President Hon. Deogracias Pernitez. Students, budding artists, and painting enthusiasts graced the event.

In his keynote speech, former VSU President Dr. Jose L. Bacusmo recounted experiences from more than a decade of art exhibits at VSU. He recalled how a painting by Mr. Domingo “Bebot” Flandez of the Baybay City church belfry evoked memories of his childhood when the belfry used to be their playground.

Here are a few snapshots of the 2017 Pitik Hulagway:

Architecht Perez (L) and Domingo "Bebot" Flandez (R) are known painters in Baybay City, Leyte. 

Lolito D. Caña is a member of Hugpong Sabado group of artists and has joined several art exhibits and contests including the renowned painting contest in Carcar City, Cebu, in honor of the late former National Artist Martin Abellana. 

Billy Pomida, posed beside his wife VSU Prof. Argina Pomida, is currently the Representative for Eastern Visayas to the Committee on Visual Arts of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. He is a member of the Kolor Sugbu Art group, Kasi-Kasi Art Association of Tacloban, and the Philippine Portrait Artist Society.

Mizael Cerna is a member of the Hugpong Sabago artists group of Baybay City. He is a realist and prefers to work on landscapes with the Philippine countryside as his inspiration.  

Rico Acebedo Palacio is an active member of the Atitipalo Visual Arts Group and the Kasi-Kasi Art Association. Some of his artworks were brought to Japan by the Peace Development Fund. 

Jude Nonie A. Sales had recently won the 2017 Sponsor's Choice Award during the First Philippine Watercolor Convention organized by the International Watercolor Society-Philippine Chapter, Philippine Art Educators Association, and the GSIS Museo ng Sining in Pasay City, Metro Manila.