UNEP CCA Graces Manto exhibit

Naga City ---- Our Lady of Peñafrancia Pilgrimage Foundation and the Tercentenary Cultural Committee, together with  People, Events, Promotion and Styles (PEPS UP), launched the first ever exhibit showcasing Our Lady of Peñafrancia's miraculous capes, adoringly called manto by its devotees.

The event took place at SM City Naga and was personally graced by His Excellency, Most Rev. Leonardo Z. Legazpi O.P. DD.

PEPS UP's versatile and creative president, Biboy Belleza said that the religious event is in line with the celebration of the 300 years of Bikolano's loving devotion to Inang Peñafrancia.  "These mantos befits the queenship of Ina for it speaks of her enduring generosity for all her devotees," Belleza said in an interview.

Fr. Louie Occiano, Chairman of the Caceres Commission on Communications (CCCOM) also lauded the group for coming up with a very successful event.  "I would like to congratulate the organizers for coming up with this a week-long event, starting it off last May 16 until the 22nd, and for highlighting it with the first ever Manto exhibit showcasing Ina's historical mantos. This only proves Bikolano's perpetual faith and devotion to Ina as our loving mother."

To complement the exhibit, PEPS UP, through its Production Manager and ABS CBN MAGTV NA Oragon's Star Builder, Edwin Raymond "Ninoy" Reyes, also decided to put up various performances which would highlight Bikolano's devotion to Ina.

Known for their dancing skills and rendition of interpretative repertoire, the University of the Philippines (UNEP) Performing Arts was invited to grace the said occasion.  The group executed a one-hour rendition of dances and artistic interpretative movements depicting Bikolano's deep religiosity and acknowledgment of Ina's miracles and healing power.

Mama Mary's strong presence in the Alfelor's life was inspired by Dr. Remedios Rigoroso-Alfelor's deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin. People close to her, especially her daughter, UNEP Executive Vice President Deli Alfelor-Tibi  said that "Wawa," as her mother is fondly called, manifests her deep religiosity, and she wants to share it, not only to her immediate family but to a much bigger family, the UNEP Community. (Lizel S. Macatangay)