Four Bahrain-based Filipino artists honoured

TDT | Manama                                             

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com   

The Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila presents the “Filipino Artists: Global Messengers of Excellence, Beauty, and Creativity” as part of the Philippine National Arts Month celebration.

With this year’s theme “Ani ng Sining, Bunga ng Galing’’, the Department of Foreign Affairs celebrates National Arts Month (NAM), showcasing the talent and creative skill of Filipino artists from all over the world! It is a celebration of artistic and cultural achievements, and pays tribute to the uniqueness and diversity of the Filipino heritage and culture.

On 5 February 2023, at a program organised by the Philippine Embassy in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Charge d’ Affaires, a.i Anne Jalando-on Louis, presented the Certificates of Appreciation, signed by Mr Eduardo Martin R. Meñez, Assistant Secretary of the Office of Public and Cultural Diplomacy of the Department of Foreign Affairs, to the Filipino artists who participated in this project.

Filipino Creatives Bahrain artists Mr Butch Paje, Mr Jie Refugio and Mr Cris Escaros, received appreciation for their artwork contributions to the 2023 DFA Desk Calendar project. The fourth artist, Ms Aren Joy Salazar, was not able to attend as she is currently in the Philippines.

The four artists were also featured on videos by DFA Philippines, together with other Filipino artists from different countries. This is to showcase the talent and creative skill of Filipino artists from all over the world.

According to Mr Refugio: “Resilience of every Filipino was my inspiration for this painting. Filipinos are known for being resilient around the world. The painting por-trays resilience, deep faith and gratitude for the blessings received.

It also represents courage and will to succeed. “In the middle of a bad or difficult situation, we each have the chance to choose how we handle things. When difficulties arise we learn and grow from the lessons of these situations. Instead of grimacing at a full load of difficulties, have faith and face them as challenges.”

Each artist gave a description of their work and the inspiration behind it. The artworks are on display at the foyer of the Embassy from 5 to 28 February 2023. The four artworks are on display at the Philippine Embassy in Manama from 3 to 28 February, which is the Philippine National Arts Month.