Iloilo City Councilor Jay Trenas is an artist-by-heart.
A city’s progress can
truly be determined and felt when local artists create bridges of cultural
enlightenment and appreciation. Artists are considered the heart and soul of a
certain place that blends with its perspective of economic progress. For Iloilo
City, the original “Queen’s City of the South,” it is blessed with a rich
cultural past and visionary artists that left significant impact in history.
This 2015, a renaissance in the local art scene will unfold through the “Iloilo
Art Festival” on February 20-21 at Megaworld Boulevard in Iloilo Business Park.
This 2-day event is a creative convergence and gathering of artists in Iloilo
from visual-graphic arts, performing arts, music and fashion. A trailblazing
project of Iloilo City Councilor Jay Treňas, Iloilo Art Festival will set the
pathway for Ilonggo artists by appreciating their past, recapturing their
creative vision and building a united convergence of artists in the future.
“I’ve always been a
fan of arts since I was kid and after I bought an album of “The Youth,” a 1990s
OPM band that’s the time I realize I have to take my passion for art and music
seriously. In July 2010, I worked with Carlo “Bam” Araneta along with other
local artists to create the group ‘Iloilo Lokal,’ a union of Ilonggo musicians
which produced 3 volumes of music albums,” says Iloilo City Councilor Jay
Treňas. He believes there are many artists that need a regular venue to
showcase their talents in Iloilo.
“I’ve always been
inspired by ‘Woodstock,’ an annual gathering of musicians and artists in the US
to conceptualize the Iloilo Art Festival. Thus, establishing this kind of event
will surely boost the confidence and pride of local artists where they can
share their talents to local audience,” Treňas enthused. Aside from being an
occasional band vocalist, he is also envisioning to incorporate all forms of
art in Iloilo Art Festival. This year, the event will cater various
artists who are eager to showcase their talents. With a bigger venue such as
Megaworld Boulevard in Iloilo Business Park, onlookers and audience can expect
a series of 2-day exciting activities such as art exhibitions, paintings,
tattoos, comicbook illustrations, animation, multimedia presentations,
photography, mini-film festival marathon, performing arts, skating
exhibition, dance and fashion shows featuring local models and rising fashion
designers. Of course, there will also be a 2-day food and bistro festival but
with the exception that kiosk and restaurant owners must used indigenous
materials or wooden chairs and pieces of furniture, making it a fusion of al
fresco and art exhibit presentation.
“Right now, this is
the only art-centered event in Iloilo that caters to all kinds of artists. We
are looking ahead in the future of making it an annual event for artists and
Ilonggos to anticipate every year. With Iloilo Business Park as our venue, we
are assured that we can stage a much prominent art festival,” says Treňas.
Aside from delivering public service as a dynamic city councilor, he also aims
to unite local artists and represent them more than his passion but as a way to
strengthen the rich cultural foundation of Iloilo. "Aristotle once
said: The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance but their
inward significance,” Treñas concluded.
The Iloilo Art
Festival is inviting local artists, art enthusiasts and Ilonggos to take part
in the 2-day activities and exhibits on February 20-21.
For further
inquiries, complete schedule of activities and registration for participants in
the food festival, you can contact 09201350362.(Ronelo Ladiao)
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