Ten paintings of local heroes were listed as finalists for the Bayaning Bayan: Sa Ating mga Katutubong Epiko Mito at Alamat contest spearheaded by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts through its Philippine Cultural Education Program (PCEP).

Bayaning Bayan is launched to give face to local Filipino heroes from various regional epics, myths and legends. It is geared towards building the imagery of heroes from local literature through visual arts or painting contest, conferences and exhibits. Bayaning Bayan aims to develop, establish and popularize clear images and visualizations of local heroes identified in the Sagisag Kultura ng Filipinas, the registry of cultural icons of the country.

banna bayanong bayan alarcon-oryol

Among the finalist artworks for Bayaning Bayan competition are RC Camarines’ Labaw Donggon: Panganay na Binhi ng Hinilawod, Waldz Villanueva’s Dumalapdap and Marrz Harley Quip Capanang’s Luyung Baybay of the Panay-Sugidanon epic Hinilawod; Marvin Samonte’s Handion of Ibalong, Emile Aldrine Alarcon’s Oryol (left photo) and Juanito Peñera’s Baltog from the Bikolano epic Ibalong; Edu Perreras’ Ang Paghihiganting Nauwi sa Pag-ibig inspired by the Hudhud epic of the Cordilleras; Crisanto Aquino’s Kagitingan at Pag-Asa featuring the Ilokano epic Biag ni Lam-ang; Michael Briquillo’s Tuwaang Bagobo’s Lightning Rider; and Resty Lopez’ Banna of the Kalingas (right photo).

bayaning bayan judging
Judging session for the Bayaning Bayan paintings held at the NCCA Lobby and Gallery last July.

Winning artworks will be awarded and published as part of the Bayaning Bayan Booklet, a publication created to supplement and aid in the development of instructional materials, teaching manuals and multimedia resources for cultural education. These images will be the official representation for the said characters once the publication is released.

(From L-R) Salvador Ching, artistic consultant for Bayaning Bayan, National Artist for Visual Arts Ben Cabrera, Dr. Jesus Peralta, NCCA Chairman Felipe de Leon and PCEP Director Joseph “Sonny” Cristobal present during the judging session for the Bayaning Bayan painting contest.

The works will be exhibited at The Block, SM City North Edsa from September 11 until September 14. Awarding of winners will be held at The Block, SM City North Edsa on September 13, 2015 at 3pm led by PCEP Director Mr. Joseph “Sonny” Cristobal.

For inquiries and more details on the contest, please contact Ms. Alpha Ruiz, Project Manager of the Philippine Cultural Education Program, at 527-2192 local 309 or Mr. Rene Sanchez Napeñas, Head of the NCCA Public Affairs and Information Office (PAIO) at 527-5529 or 0928-5081057. E-mail us at ncca.paio@gmail.com or pcep.secretariat@gmail.com.

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