PH Consulate General Features Manobo Contemporary Art in National Heritage Month Opening Ceremony
Sining Malaya Art Corner highlights the artworks of Professor Carlito Camahalan Amalla for the month of May, in celebration of National Heritage Month (Hong Kong PCG photo)
HONGKONG 21 May 2024 – Inspired by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA)’s designated theme for this year’s National Heritage Month, “Championing Heritage: Capacity Building to Transform Communities,” the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong and Sentro Rizal Hong Kong featured the works of Professor Carlito Camahalan Amalla, a Filipino contemporary artist and member of the Agusanon Manobo tribe, in its National Heritage Month Opening Ceremony last 12 May 2024. The Consulate exhibited in its Sining Malaya Art Corner three artwork pieces from Professor Amalla’s “Quintessence” Series.
Professor Amalla’s “Quintessence” Series paid homage to his Manobo roots from the province of Agusan in Mindanao, its cultural heritage, and the spiritual realm of their deities. The radial patterns, forming a circular shape in geometric unity, also represents one solid community which results from the interplay between individuals and their specific roles in society.
The three (3) contemporary sculptures feature pieces of radial designs carved in wood and painted in colorful pigments, embellished with brass metal sheets and mother-of-pearl using the repousse technique sourced from Philippine traditional and indigenous crafts. Aside from being a member of an indigenous Filipino tribe, Professor Amalla is also a cultural worker and advocate.
In addition to being a member of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde faculty, Professor Amalla is also a painter, sculptor, designer, performer, puppeteer, chanter, musician, choreographer, ceramist, and researcher. He was the recipient of many awards, such as the Caraga Department of Trade and Industry Outstanding Visual-Performing Artist, Outstanding Leadership in Culture and the Arts in New York City, University of the Philippines Alumni Association-Distinguished Alumnus in Community Empowerment, The Outstanding Butuanon Award, Gat Apolinario Mabini Award, United Nations Outstanding Youth Service Award, and the National Outstanding Volunteer Award. His Master of Arts thesis was also published by Routledge and included in the Cultural Center of Philippines Encyclopedia.
Professor Amalla previously held solo art exhibitions in European cities, such as Berlin, Brussels, Dahlem, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, Wales, Ghent, and London, and in countries, such as Morocco, China, and the United States. Earlier this month, his works were featured in Cheung Chau Island, Hong Kong.
Professor Amalla’s works may be viewed for free until the end of May at the Sining Malaya Art Corner located at the Philippine Consulate’s public area from Sundays to Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Consul General Germinia V. Aguilar-Usudan emphasized the importance of acknowledging the role of indigenous peoples as custodians of Filipino Cultural Heritage. END
A close-up look of the intricate designs and patterns of Professor Amalla’s creations
Consul General Germinia V. Aguilar-Usudan emphasizes the significance of the National Heritage Month and invites all the audience to view and appreciate the featured artworks.
Vice Consul Allan G. Revote provides a brief background of the guest artist for May. Professor Carlito Amalla shares his utmost gratitude to the Consulate for its support to Filipino artists, through a recorded message
The Filipino Community poses with the officers of the Consulate at the Sining Malaya Art Corner
Spectators are in awe of the creativity and vibrancy of Professor Amalla’s art and style