It's National Arts Month in February once again.
As issued by Presidential Proclamation No. 683 in 1991, an annual homage to the artistic excellence and an acclaim to the uniqueness and diversity of Filipino heritage and culture is in order.
This time, the National Arts Month 2024 will be celebrated not only in February but extended until March because of its many activities.
According to the press briefs issued by Rene Napenas, Head of the Public Affairs and Information Section of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), agency's theme for this year is "Ani ng Sining, Bayang Malikhain" which aims as the phrase "Ani ng Sining" suggests "to outline the notion that the bountiful harvest of a Filipino creative nation is derived from collective human imagination, not just individual aspirations."
"Bayang Malikhain," meanwhile, signifies "a Filipino society that places a high value on imagination, innovation, and artistic expression as integral components of our identity and progress."
NCCA Chair Victorino Mapa Manalo will lead the celebration alongside his fellow leaders Oscar Casaysay, Executive Director and Marichu Tellano and Bernan Joseph Coroyz, Deputy Executive Directors.
NCCA's National Arts Month is mainly composed of the flagship projects of the six Sub Commissions of the Arts (SCA), led by Commissioner and head of the National Committee on Music, Arvin Manuel R. Villalon enjoined by other committee heads, including LAr. Cathe Desiree S. Nadal, PhD, Architecture and Allied Arts; Mahar Sulayman "Butch" Ibanez, Cinema; Dr. Lordinio A. Vergara, Dance; Eduardo Perez, Dramatic Arts; Niles Jordan Breis, Literary Arts and Dr. Dennis E. Montera, Visual Arts.
Given the many artistic performances accorded by the various committees to be shown nationwide, will NCCA encourage the holding of contests and competitions among the performers?
"No. There will never be competitions because contests limit the creativity of the performances. Although Filipinos are by nature competitive, but we don't want that performers are limited by rules. Let their creativity flow freely," opined Villalon during the presscon held Tuesday, January 23, at the ballroom of the Metropolitan Theater in Manila.
Also present during the confab was 2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray, NCCA's Arts Ambassador.
University of the East (UE) Silangan Dance Troupe and Star Music's artist Angela Ken lent dance and musical numbers. Kamerrchor Manila's folk singing and leading the Philippine National Anthem opened the presscon launch.
NCCA's National Arts Month will kick off on February 23, 2024 at the Rizal High School in Pasig City.
Photo Caption: The men and women behind the presscon/launch of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA)'s National Arts Month with 2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray, Arts Ambassador. (Photo by Boy Villasanta)
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