Philippine Consulate General in Xiamen Honors Obra Masters

Philippine Consul General in Xiamen Maria Antonina M. Mendoza-Oblena gives Filipino artists Messrs. Jose Noel “Bong Antivola, Jim Karlos Bayanin, and Allan Vibar recognition for their unique art collaboration “Ang Obra Maestra ng Tatlong Juan”. (Xiamen PCG photo)

XIAMEN 17 March 2023 – Philippine Consul General in Xiamen Maria Antonina M. Mendoza-Oblena led a simple and meaningful ceremony to honor Messrs. Jose Noel “Bong” Antivola, Jim Karlos Bayanin, and Allan Vibar at the Philippine Consulate General in Xiamen Bulwagan on 09 March 2023.

The event is a tribute to the three artists whose artwork made it to the 2023 Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of Public and Cultural Diplomacy desk calendar.

The art material, entitled “Ang Obra Maestra ng Tatlong Juan” is a unique creative collaboration of three Filipinos based in Xiamen combining three art forms – photography, painting, and dance.

The photographer took a picture of a Filipino jumping for joy in a splash of colors to celebrate Philippine Independence while a painter is busy with his work. The work depicts the lives of Filipinos working hard for their families while enjoying a joyful and meaningful life through the expression of their arts.

Consul General Mendoza-Oblena thanked the three artists and said that she considers the artwork as her and the three artists’ legacy.

During the event, Mr. Antivola also presented the Consul General with the first printed copy of “Himig, an Anthology of Philippine Folk Songs, Volume I, from Bicol Region”, as compiled, edited, and transcribed by Dr. Evelyn Cabanban of Tawid Publications and in collaboration with Mr. Antivola.

Consul General Mendoza-Oblena acknowledged the importance of having folk songs in print to allow younger generations to appreciate our forefathers’ art and way of life. END

“Ang Obra Maestra ng Tatlong Juan” by Messrs. Jose Noel “Bong” Antivola, Jim Karlos Bayanin, and Allan Vibar. (Xiamen PCG photo)

Mr. Antivola provides Consul General Mendoza-Oblena with the first printed copy of “Himig, an Anthology of Philippine Folk Songs, Volume I, from Bicol Region”. (Xiamen PCG photo)