College of Fine Arts, University of the Philippines, Diliman

Dear CFA Friends and Alumni:

The month of February at the UP College of Fine Arts in 2007 ushered in an activity packed month with the UP CFA opening the Diliman Arts Month with a parade of floats of Philippine Games and Toys. Yes, they were the same crowd drawing attractions that were done for the lantern parade last December. As the parade took the route of the Oval, led by the Taguig Bugle and Lyre band courtesy of Taguig Mayor Sigfredo Tinga, by-standers cheered and stopped to look and admire at the Taka Horse, the Manok-Manokan, the Palayok and the huge Lata Man and toys.

For the first time in more than fifteen years, the UP College of Fine Arts led a campus parade outside of the traditional annual Christmas Lantern Parade.

The traditional FA Week (from February 12-16) saw a profusion of artistic activity and varied student works and plates on display on the walls and the corridors outside classrooms.

• Hots Pots, an exhibition of ceramic works, shaped and fired by the students and faculty went on exhibit at the Corredor, the main gallery of the College. This was organized by Prof. Rita Badilla Gudino in cooperation with Jon Pettyjohn and PUTIK.
• A Print Exhibition from the NY Blackburn Studios which included the work of UP CFA alumna and NY-based artist Lenore Lim, was shown simultaneously with CFA RGEP student prints at the Ismael Bernal lobby. The exhibition was presented by the Office of the Initiative for Culture and the Arts in cooperation with the UP College of Fine Arts. This show was curated by Prof. Ray Concepcion. The President of the University Dr. Emerlinda Roman and the UP Chancellor Dr. Sergio Cao opened the show assisted by CFA Dean Tina Colayco and OICA Director Prof. Ruben Defeo. NY-based printmaker Lenore Lim was the special guest.
• A Children’s Art Workshop for the benefit of UP Diliman Admin and Maintenance personnel was conducted at the CFA in cooperation with Adarna Publishing and the Society of Philippine Children’s Books Illustrators (Illustrador ng Bayan). Participating children and parents were delighted with the story telling sessions and the hands on workshop on art and music facilitated by Prof. Ruben de Jesus and faculty members of the UP College of Music.
• Throughout the week, illustrious names in the field of Art History, Design, Theater and the Arts were featured at lectures on a range of topics, issues and trends in these areas today. Prof Santiago Pilar provided insights into the man and the art of Fabian de la rosa, the first Filipino dean of the UP College of Fine Arts.
• Indie of Hindi. A panel discussion of heavy hitting personalities from the Philippine movie industry led by National Artist Eddie Romero; actor/filmmaker Cesar Montano; filmmaker Raymond Red; filmmaker Quark Henares/ Film Critic Alexis Tioseco and Filmmaker Kidlat Tahimik, exchanged views and provided insights on local independent films. The panel of discussion was moderated by writer and alumnus of College of Fine Arts Erwin Romulo. This stimulating panel discussion was organized by our very own Prof. Cesar Hernando.
• Visiting Japanese artists interacted with CFA students on Discussions and Demonstrations on Time, Art and Music at the College of Music. Prof. Noel Farol organized this activity.
• A CFA Benefit Concert. As we are also all gearing up to celebrate and mark the Centennial Year (100 years) of the College of Fine Arts in June 2008, we are happy to let you know that we embarked on our first fund raising activity with the help of the CAFA Singers and Friends of the College of Fine Arts from class ‘66 and ‘67. The concert was for the benefit of the CFA, specifically for improving and renewing the facilities and infrastructure of the College.

The concert entitled “In Retro Harmony’ was a reunion of the The CAFA singers who brought back old favorite tunes from the 60s when the College of Architecture and College of Fine Arts shared space at the top floor of the Main Library. Featured guest performers were the UP Singing Ambassadors and the UP Diliman Chancellor Gerry Cao.

• Parangal sa Mga Magaaral. During this time, UP gathers all outstanding students from the different units and honors them accordingly for their achievements. We have sixteen students who were cited for their outstanding academic achievements and for distinguishing themselves winning top prizes in the biggest national art competitions. The College of Fine Arts is very proud of these students and congratulate them for their artistic achievements and proven leadership in their field.
  • Ambie Abano, Grand Prize, Philip Morris Art Competition, 2007
  • Rovi Salegumba, First Prize, Painting, Shell Art Competition, 2006
  • Alfred Capiral, First Prize, Sculpture, Shell Art Competition, 2006
  • Randy Solon, First Prize, PLDT DPC Art Competition, 2006
• Continuing Education: Pilot Printmaking Workshop. By special request of the participants, the College launched its first pilot Continuing Education workshop open to the public, with Ms. Ambie Abano as the Facilitator/ Faculty in charge of the Workshop. These short courses will help with the upkeep of the Printmaking facility.
• Last but not least, the Theory Department led by Chair Prof. Corazon Hila came through with fascinating dance, muay thai boxing and film presentations for Essentially Thai, this year’s focus for the annual Asian Arts Festival participated in by the Asian Art classes handled this year by Prof. Armand Burgos, Prof. Leo Abaya and Ms.Yael Buencamino.

This month and next month are the busiest for our students and faculty who are preparing for thesis and graduation. March will see some improvements in the campus grounds particularly in the courtyard and Joya gardens donated by Mr. Matin Tran, and the Friends of the UP College of Fine Arts who organized the benefit concert.

In closing this first letter to alumni, students, faculty and friends, please know that we would like to hear from you. We invite all of youl to be part of our pre centennial and centennial celebrations, which we will be informing you about in the next few months. Please come and visit us soon. We look forward to seeing you all soon.
UP CFA would like to say THANK YOU to our various friends and supporters for all our activities in February:

1. Friends of UP College of Fine Arts for the Benefit Concert for the College
   • Ms. Lenore Lim, Project Chair
   • The Neo Cafa Singers
   • The UP Singing Ambassadors
   • UP Chancellor Sergio Cao
   • Mr. Boboy Yonzon and Leon Yonzon
   • Mr. Joey Tanedo, UP CFA Alumni Association President
   • Major Sponsors : Mr. Lito Carating, Space Specific Inc, Mr. Matin Tran, Ms. Lenore Lim, Makati Skyline, DPC Yellow Pages
2. Children’s Workshops
   • Adarna House
   • Society of Philippine Children’s Book Illustrators
3. FA Week
   • Lipton Tea