“Dance of Celebration”, a 4 by 10 feet oil on canvas impressionistic interpretation of Silay City , dubbed as the Paris of Negros and keeper of a glorious cultural past, now hangs at the pre-departure area of the New Bacolod-Silay Airport .

In the colors and characters of a Charlie Co painting, it reveals the nuances of a life rich in history.

There is a very strong cultural flavor that is an intimation of the prevailing presence of music and dance, as well as distinct images suggesting the French and Spanish influence that shaped Silay City of heritage homes and lifestyle museums, Co said.

The touches of an agricultural life coming from the hacienda era harmoniously blend with contemporary representations of the development of the city, especially in the imminent presence of an airplane taking wing in the Silay skyline.

The sun speaks of new beginnings and the moon croons of hope and a better future, Co said.

Right at the heart of the work is a dance that celebrates the love of country.

It has a dominant backdrop of the majestic Mount Mandalagan, Mount Silay and Mount Kanlaon, the same vista that greets travelers at the new airport.*CPG

back to top

BACOLAODIAT 2008
Parade of lanterns
to open festival

A spectacular parade of lanterns, illuminated floats, dragons and lions, will open the four-day BacoLaodiat Festival on Feb. 7, to usher the Chinese New Year, a press release from organizers said.

The event will start at SM, pass by the City Hall and public plaza, and proceed to the Capitol Lagoon which will be ablaze with lanterns on the water and on the grounds.

Lighted markers depicting the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac will be installed along the festival circuit. All throughout the city, a synchronized fireworks show, the “Symphony of Sparks and Lights,” will immediately erupt following the declaration by Mayor Bing Leonardia of the start of the BacoLaodiat, which will climax with a two-hour cultural show of dances and songs, the press release said.

All throughout the celebration, Chinese temples will be decorated and lighted up at night and each will have special activities, like cooking demos, displays of Chinese paintings and calligraphy, exhibits of Chinese arts and crafts and herbal and traditional medicines, and Chinese cultural games to be participated in by members of the Chinese family associations.

Other activities include a Chopsticks Alley at Shopping area, and kiosks and rolling carts, colorful lanterns and an open-air dining tent where Chinese food will be served will be held at 6 th Street between Lacson and Hilado streets. Invited to join the trade activities are merchants of Chinese delicacies and other products from Manila , Cebu and Iloilo , the press release said.

back to top

Garde elected new
press club president

Sportswriter Cyrus Garde of the Negros Daily Bulletin was elected president of the Negros Press Club for 2008 during the election held Saturday afternoon at the NPC building in Bacolod City .

Garde, who garnered 40 votes, defeated former Bombo Radyo anchorman Jose Lizael Lampinez, who got 25 votes.

Elected vice president was Henry “Henceboy” Cestina (RPN/Sunshine Channel); secretary, Edgar Cadagat (NDB/XL Negros); treasurer, Chrysee Samillano (The Visayan Daily Star); and auditor, Arnold Diaz (Bombo Radyo Bacolod). Both Cadagat and Samillano were unopposed.

The board of directors is composed of Julius Mariveles (Aksyon Radyo Bacolod); Aladdin Salas (DYRL); Edith Colmo (NDB); Mae Singuay (Panay News); and Manny Canto (Sunshine Channel/NDB).

Garde, who was last year's vice president, said he is thankful for the members who gave him the trust and confidence to lead the NPC this year.

He said he will continue the unfinished projects of his predecessor, Angelito “Jun” Julita Jr., and will work to improve the NPC office facilities, and revive the club's sports and family day activities.*NLG

back to top