AUTHENTICATION
18 June 2014 – The Philippine Consulate General, in cooperation with the Guam Filipino Artists (GFA) and the Filipino Ladies Association of Guam (FLAG) kicked off the month-long celebration of the 116th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence by showcasing Philippine arts and traditions.
3rd On-The-Spot Painting Contest
The Guam Filipino Artists (GFA), the premier organization of Filipino and foreign art professionals on Guam, held the 3rd Annual On-the-Spot Painting Competition at the Agana Shopping Center on June 7. The annual art contest, which was organized in cooperation with the Philippine Consulate General, had for this year the theme “Guam: Our Legends…Our Culture…Our Future” and had five student artists from the George Washington High School, Harvest Christian Academy Guam and Father Duenas High School.
The event is a way for the GFA to encourage young artists to hone and develop their talents by depicting their interpretations of the historical past and recognizing how their ancestors have built the foundations for a progressive future.
The contestants used different mediums, such as watercolor, pastel, acrylic and pencil, to present their artistic vision. Angel Ebeo from George Washington High School won the first prize with her artwork entitled “Banyan Tree” or “Taotaomonas”, a watercolor painting showing the early ancestors of Guam. The second prize was awarded to Ralph Eurich Patacsil from Father Duenas High School for his artwork entitled “Puntan & Fu’una”, painted in watercolor depicts the first God creations of man and woman on Guam. Diana Sabigao, a student of Harvest Christian Academy Guam, won the third prize with her artwork entitled a “Bridge to the Future” an acrylic painting showing Guam making its bridge to progress.
The three (3) winners received a gift certificate from National Office Supply, a shopping spree at Payless Supermarket, and a sculpture by Mr. Arnold Figueroa, one of the members of the Guam Filipino Artists.
The awarding ceremony was led by Consul Edgar Tomas Q. Auxilian, Acting Head of Post, together with Consul Mark Francis C. Hamoy. Also present during the awarding of prizes were the board of judges consisting of Mr. Rick Castro, Ms. Judy Flores, Ms. Monica Baza, Ms. Caroline Baal and Mr. Jun Moguel, other staff members of the Consulate General and the officers and members of the Guam Filipino Artists.
Santacruzan
The Filipino Ladies Association of Guam (FLAG) held the annual Santacruzan at the Agana
Shopping Center on June 8. Although traditionally held in May, the festivity was held instead in June to promote and share with the people of Guam the religiosity and colorful Filipino cultural heritage as part of the month-long celebration of the 116th anniversary of the proclamation of the Philippine Independence.
This year’s Santacruzan featured beautiful little misses and elegant ladies representing the various Filipino associations. Also joining the procession of elegantly dressed women were former beauty pageant winners and FLAG officers and members. Several local government officials and politicians served as escorts for the Santacruzan reynas. The highlight of the event was the special participation of Guam First Lady Christine S. Calvo, who was this year’s Reyna Elena, together with his dashing escort Governor Eddie Baza Calvo.
The winners of this year’s Santacruzan contest for the Most Beautiful Arch were the entries of the Western Visayas College of Science and Technology (for the youth category) and the Guam Harmony Lions Club (for the adult category). For the Most Beautiful Gown contest, Little Ones Child Care Center won in the youth division while IIoilo International won in the adult division. Iloilo International was also awarded as the Most Represented Organization.
Consul Edgar Tomas Q. Auxilian, Acting Head of Post, emphasized in his remarks the importance of Santacruzan as a symbol of the strong Catholic faith of the Filipino people. He expressed his hopes that Filipinos will always remember the sincerity and solemnity of Santacruzan and celebrate this annual observance as a way of giving honor and respect to our culture and traditions.
OBRA IV: An Art Show in Celebration of the 116th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence
The members of the Guam Filipino Artists (GFA) once again showcased their talents and artwork during the Philippine Independence Month celebration at the Agana Shopping Center on June 8. Thirteen (13) members of the GFA, displayed their art, which included paintings in oil, charcoal, water color, and acrylic, metal embossing, photography, quilting and sculpture.
The Consulate General expressed its appreciation to the Guam Filipino Artists for their continued cooperation in the celebration of Philippine Independence by showcasing their talents in an art exhibit that enables everyone to understand and allow to explore foreign and domestic cultures through paintings, sculpture, drawings, photographs and textile art.
Senator Dennis G. Rodriguez, Jr. led the honored guests during the ribbon-cutting ceremony, together with Consul Edgar Tomas Q. Auxlian (Acting Head of Post), Consul Mark Francis C. Hamoy, Mr. Emelio Uy (Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Filipino Community of Guam), Ms. Jackie Balbas (Project Coordinator of the Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency), Mr. Meliton Santos, Jr. (GFA President), and Mr. Rolly Zepeda (GFA Vice President). END
OFFICE OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS 
