SPECTRUM OF IMAGINATION: ACC highlights creativity in NAM Showcase 2024
by Jonalyn Eman
In celebration of 2024 National Arts Month (NAM) by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 683, signed in 1991, the Abuyog Community College highlighted creativity in the Spectrum of Imagination: ACC National Arts Month Showcase 2024, featuring “Artistry in Motion: A Visual Arts Exhibit,” “Chalk Art Live Creation,” and “Busk-a-Palooza: ACC Buskers Fest” at the ACC gymnasium on February 29.
Bannering the theme “Ani ng Sining, Bayang Malikhain,” this year’s celebration aimed at harnessing the creative energies of homegrown artists towards nation-building, integrating the arts into the lives of diverse populations and communities (LGBTQIA+, PWD, IP, Youth, Senior, etc.), and engaging in critical discourse, awareness, and appreciation of various arts and art disciplines through different emerging platforms.
During his keynote speech, ACC Resident Artist, Mr. Proceso De Paz, underscored art’s integral role in human existence and self-expression, emphasizing its deserving recognition and respect irrespective of personal preferences or biases.
“Hindi natin pwedeng iwasan ang art kahit ayaw natin, kahit ayaw natin sa art. Kahit wala tayong hilig sa art, hindi natin maiiwasan yan, everyday ginagawa natin yan. Araw-araw ginagawa natin ang art,” he said.
[“We cannot avoid art even if we don’t like it, even if we don’t like art. Even if we don’t have an inclination towards art, we cannot avoid it, we do it every day. Every day, we engage in art.”]
“Sa mga estudyante ko lagi kong sinasabi yan, walang mali ang art, lahat ay puro tama kasi expression ng tao yan. Isa sa mga katangian ng art is man-made. Kailangan yan nanggagaling sa isang tao, ine-express niya ang isang bagay,” he added.
[“In my classes, I always tell my students, there’s no wrong in art; it’s all about expression. One of the defining features of art is that it’s man-made. It comes from within, expressing something.”]
The inauguration of the visual art exhibit was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Mr. Alvin Advincula, The Honeycomb Campus Media coordinator, and Ms. Julie Silvano, Socio-cultural coordinator, accompanied by instructors Ms. Clear Ann Pakig and John Paul Adtoon.
The morning session featured dance performances from selected students which included, the Folk Dance from Social Scire, dance sport from English Guild, chacha performance from the duo of Antonette Janiola and Ruel Madrona, hip-hop dance explosion from the New Generation Abuyog, and a spoken poetry rendition by Mark Lloyd Malate.
In the afternoon, the stage reverberated with soulful melodies from acoustic bands namely Synsetone, the Sessionistas, and solo performances from Chescka Caliao (Top 5 Grand Finalist of Leyte Idol), Edmar R. Maquilana and Joey R. Abrogar (BSEDSocial Science students), and Kareen Aluyog (BS Hospitality Management).
Attendees explored the mini art gallery and with chalk art on the gymnasium floor inspiring them to embrace their creativity and artistic talent, while busking performances added to the lively atmosphere of the event.
As the curtains closed on another memorable National Arts Month Showcase, organizers and participants alike looked forward to building on its success and continuing to celebrate the transformative power of art in the years to come.