To live up to its reputation as a center of culture and artistry, the Municipality of Binalonan opened its 2nd Summer Arts Festival featuring various activities participated in by students, experts, local and guest artists, and arts enthusiasts.
The summer arts festival is an event which aims to realize the local government’s vision for the promotion of a creative economy.
It started on April 24 with the opening of the Pinarsua Art Exhibit at Ramon J. Guico Sr. Sports and Civic Center.
Vice-Mayor Melicio F. Patague II and Mrs. Maan Tuazon Guico, wife of Binalonan Mayor Ramon Guico III, did the ribbon cutting which signalled the opening of the exhibit. Both were assisted by some municipal employees, school heads, and some of the featured artists.
Paintings by several Pangasinan artists will be on exhibit from April 24 to May 31.
Immediately after the ribbon cutting followed the Community Painting participated in by some walk-in volunteer painters and guests led by the vice-mayor and the first lady of Binalonan.
Songs, dances, and instrument playing were featured during the Summer Arts Festival Opening Program held at the Binalonan Dancing Fountain Grounds.
Students and teachers from the University of Eastern Pangasinan, Juan G. Macaraeg National High School, San Felipe National High School and Sta. Maria National High School showcased their talents in singing, dancing, and instrument playing.
UEP students displayed their dancing prowess through their dances Pandango sa Ilaw, Tinikling, and Itik-Itik. They also danced modern jazz, contemporary, and dance sport. A vocal duet performance was also rendered by UEP.
Juan G. Macaraeg NHS had a back-to-back performance with UEP students dancing contemporary and hip hop dances.
In addition, JGMNHS did guitar solo and rodalla performances.
Meanwhile, a student from Sta. Maria NHS rendered a vocal solo performance while students from San Felipe NHS gave a dance duo performance.
Activities scheduled during the art festival are Arts Camp, a 3-day workshop; Iladawam, a community street chalk art; Live, Learn, Love Binalonan, photography and short film competitions; Ground Zero Music and Arts Night, and the Pinarsua Artist Auction.
Municipal Tourism Coordinator Angelica Peregrino, Technical Assistants to the Mayor Donabel Hazel Sabado and Jessica Tabilin spearheaded the event. Tamara Ventenilla, college instructor of WCC Aeronautical and Technological College, hosted the opening program.