Canaman Artists Honored in Rokyaw Exhibit

February is not only a month to celebrate love. In the Philippines, it is also the time to pay tribute to the Philippine arts.

The 20th National Arts Month celebration focuses on local talents with the theme "Ani ng Sining." This year, with a battle cry "Irokyaw an Arte y Kultura," the local government unit honored the pillars of arts in an art exhibit called "Rokyaw sa mga Harigi kan Arte asin Kultura sa Canaman."

Included in the gallery are some of the works, photographs and biography of the Bicol town's noted artists, past and contemporary, in the fields of literary, performing and visual arts. Among them are poet laureate Clemente B. Alejandria, Bicol historian Danilo M. Gerona, literary critic Paz Verdades M. Santos, authors Soliman M. Santos and Ireneo C. Sto. Tomas; Lagaylay trainor maestro Carlos N. Salcedo, musician Felimon "mystery composer" B. Sto. Tomas, Tawag ng Tanghalan finalist Rosa B. Sta. Rosa, musical director Lyndon P. Salcedo; painter Engracio "Ingray" Perfecto, sculptor Wilfredo Lopez, and travel photographer Melvin Rosales.

The exhibit, sponsored by the Municipal Library under Office of the Mayor, and Municipal Planning and Development Office, is open to the public during office hours at the municipal hall lobby.

Other materials were added to feature and honor Tancong Vaca Guerrilla Unit (TVGU), one of the least known local fighting forces in Camarines Sur which liberated Naga during the Japanese occupation. This year marks the 69th foundation anniversary of the guerrilla group which was founded on 8 March 1942 in barangay San Nicolas, Canaman by Capt. Elias V. Madrid, former representative Maj. Juan Q. Miranda and former Naga City mayor Capt. Leon SA. Aureus. (IPST)