20 August 2015 - In the spirit of camaraderie and sharing, renowned Filipino artist Manuel D. Baldemor hosted five of New York City's most respected Filipino artists during an interaction activity last August 08 to produce a single canvass depicting Filipiniana art. The interaction could best be described as a gathering of like-minded friends, old and new, sharing stories and jokes over coffee and donuts on a fine Saturday morning doing something that they enjoyed the most.

The resulting art work, titled “Images of the Homeland,” was unveiled on August 17 at the Philippine Center, where it will be eventually displayed at the Kalayaan Hall. 

The workshop was an initiative of Mr. Baldemor, who opened an exhibit at the Philippine Center last August 05 titled, "The Art of Manuel D.Baldemor." It brought together New York-based Filipino artists Mr. Edgar Doctor, Mr. Angelito David, Mr. Cesar Delos Santos, Mr. Ronald Cortez and Ms. Lorina Capitulo. It was an unprecedented gathering of artists unified in the task of creating a piece of art that could become their legacy to the Philippine Center New York by reflecting their various talents on a single canvass. No less than participating artist Angelito David, who is President of the Society of Pilipino Artists in America (SPAA) remarked that this is the first-ever interaction activity of Filipino artists in New York.

Apart from the artists, Philippine Consul General to New York Mario de Leon, Jr., Deputy Consul General and Philippine Center Manager Kira Danganan-Azucena and some personnel of the Philippine Center Management Office were given the opportunity to create a piece of history by doing their own paintings on the canvass, under  the guidance of Mr. Baldemor.

The artists expressed appreciation for being invited to the activity, citing it as an unprecedented opportunity to work with each other, produce a unique piece of art that would become part of the Philippine Center's collection, and spend an enjoyable morning with old and new friends in the spirit of fun and camaraderie.

The activity was organized with the support of the Philippine Center New York as part of its program to promote Philippine art and strengthen the community of Filipino artists here. It is one of the series of activities connected to "The Art of Manuel D. Baldemor" exhibit, which runs until September 04 at the Gallery of the Philippine Center, located at 556 Fifth Avenue, New York NY 10036. END