Story by Elizabeth Esguerra Castillo
In celebration of Women’s Month this March, ARTipolo Group spearheaded by Pol Mesina, Jr., founder organized a group art exhibition “Mujeres Del Artes 4” launched last March 6, 2022 at LeBlanc Hotel and Resort situated along Taktak Road, Antipolo City.
Dr. Chrisellie Guzik, Chairwoman of the group exhibit gave the Introductory Remarks of the program citing the theme “Break the Bias” for this year’s Women’s Month celebration.
Present to grace the event was Antipolo City Vice Mayor Josefina “Pining” Gatlabayan as one of the Keynote Speakers. She commended ARTipolo Group for promoting the Arts and mentoring young and aspiring artists. The Vice Mayor reiterated the need to instill in the minds of the public the important role of arts in our culture and society. Gatlabayan also gave due recognition to gifted local women artists and their works.
Another Guest of Honor was Cyd Marquez, Director of Soroptimist International of Antipolo, the beneficiary of the event who gave another inspiring speech recognizing the artistic talent of local female artists and their special role in propagating the Arts.
Also Guest of Honor was Arlene Lipana, Strategic Advertising and Marketing Consultant, with Mikaela Ordas Hallare, Chief Operating Officer of LeBlanc Hotel and Resort. Guest Artists include Susan Hassig, owner of Vieux Chalet Swiss Restaurant, Esang Besame, Batangas Artist, and Magel Cadapan, Sister Act, Inday and Caring, Curator who also gave heartwarming speeches.
Present also during the exhibit opening were Bing de Jesus, Soroptimist International Past President, and Aya Dacanay, from Soroptimist International of Antipolo.
In this time of the pandemic, people find creative ways to make themselves more productive while staying at home. One wonderful escape from daily stress brought about by this difficult times is painting or doing artworks. Some individuals were able to discover their hidden talent in arts and even made a business out of their hobbies.
One person who honed her skills and rekindled her love for Arts during this pandemic was this author. A Visual Artist and one of the Participating Artists who is also an Antipolo Writer and Poet I now have my own art brand “Art Heals by Elizabeth Esguerra Castillo” and just started selling my paintings last year.
My artworks have reached the far provinces of Bicol, Quezon, Pampanga, Samar, and Negros Occidental, Philippines. My surreal paintings have been featured in different local and international art exhibitions such as Art Show Philippines, Luna Galleria Philippines’ TransMISSION International Virtual Art Exhibition, Luan Emotional Museum based in Mexico City, Mexico, and Delphian Gallery International Print Exhibition in London, UK.
My abstract painting entry for “Mujeres Del Artes 4” entitled “Orion” is now on display at the Reception Area of LeBlanc Hotel and Resort along with other works of fellow artists.
All in all, the exhibit opening was a successful and unforgettable celebration of Women’s Month and inspiring camaraderie with ARTipolo Group Artists having a get-together after a long while because of the pandemic.
Visit LeBlanc Hotel and Resort and get a peek of a stunning and surreal display of eclectic works of art in different media. Upon entering the Reception Area, your eyes will feast on beautiful artistic expressions you wouldn’t want to miss.
The exhibit runs until April 9.
