ALAMINOS CITY, Pangasinan – The 2007 Hundred Islands Global Homecoming’s “Araw ng Sining at Kultura” began at the Children’s Park with the opening of the Art Gallery featuring Pangasinense artists.

Col. Manuel A. Credo, 2007 City Fiesta Chairman welcomed artists and art patrons alike while Atty. Dolores Amor presented the masters who painted the posted art pieces in the Park.

City Mayor Hernani A. Braganza graced the occasion and delievered a brief message. And City Tourism Officer Miguel Sison gave the closing remarks signaling the start of Art Gallery Viewing.

Featured Pangasinense artists include the following: D.L.L. Amor, Laddie Sotelo-Andaya, Eddie D. Angeles, Herwin Buccat,Edmundo Calimlim Jr.,Mel Casipit,Corlito Cruz,Evalyn Doris Cruz, Ernest V. Elduayan, Lysander Ferrales, Cezca Fernandez, Patrick Fernandez, Bonifacio de Guzman Jr., Brian S. Herrero, Jimrey S. Herrero, Corlito Ignacio Jr., Abelardo Pol, Joeffrey Reyes, Julio Rioferio, Rodolfo del Rosario, Claro Sison, Robert Sison, Jojit Solano and Jeffrey Somera.

Art patrons and other guests were enchanted by various pieces mainly depicting Pangasinan sceneries,including the Hundred Islands, as well as other themes such as mother and child, marine scenes,and abstract thoughts, treated and celebrated with various mediums such as acrylic, oil pastel, watercolor, oil paint,etc.

Elduayan’s wood carving and salt sculpture gained appreciative looks, and Joepix’s infrared photos featuring Maramba Boulevard and Park in Lingayen and aerial view of bangus farms in Sual were met with awe. Alaminians were especially interested at the large paintings by Eddie Angeles in watercolor, featuring City Mayor Hernani Braganza and the Hundred Islands. Exhibition and sale of artworks will continue until March 19, 2007.

On the other hand, students from eight (8) participants from various schools, which included Great Plebeian College, STI,Golden West Colleges, AMA, and AIE, took the creative challenge at the Computer Design Layout Contest at the City Library from 10 am to 12 noon.

Final outputs were judged according to their relevance to the theme “ Rediscover Alaminos, Hundred Islands…Hundred Reasons,” creativity and digital technique. AIE’s James Michael B. Caluya bested competitors by bagging the 1st place and receiving Php 5, 000 cash. Second place went to AMA’’s Arthur Macabuhay and Jed Jacob from Great Plebeian College earned the third spot.

The afternoon’s activities began with Cocktails with Balikbayans at the Children’s Park. Mr. Lemton Agricola led the invocation while the 100 Voices led the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. City Administrator, Ret.Col. Wilmer Panabang led the welcome remarks.

DOT Regional Director Martin S. Valera was the Guest Speaker for the event. The event was also graced by the presence of City Officials led by Hon. Hernani A. Braganza, and City Councilors - Ma.Angela Braganza, Cirilo Radoc, Constante Carasi,Felimon Bacala Jr., Orlando Go and Cesar Manzano.

Balikbayans enjoyed watching video presentations such as the PALAFOX Masterplan and Living Asia featuring the Hundred Islands, as well as rare trivias, courtesy of City Councilor Go.

Topping the night’s events was the Cultural Night and Folk Dance Competition held at the Don Leopoldo Sison Auditorium. Matalunggaring Dance Troupe kept the audience in a trance at their creative performances of authentic Pangasinan song and dances, centering on the them “Bali-balin Pangasinan”.

The city’s young talents further inspired cultural appetite with the Inter-High School Creative Folk Dancing Competition. Telbang National High School reigned as the Grand Champion, Mary the Queen Educational Foundation came in second and Cayucay National High School was selected as the 3rd Best Creative Folk Dance. (CIO)