Exhibit shows beauty, resiliency of Visayans after Yolanda

This is an announcement by Mabuhay Restop.

Five months after Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda struck Eastern Visayas, how are the survivors coping, with the loss of lives, homes and livelihood?

By celebrating their talents and proving that they indeed are grateful. Visual artists, photographers, singers, dancers, musicians and entrepreneurs, all survivors of Yolanda, through the support of Department of Tourism Region 8, present EASTERN VISAYAS: ANG PAGBANGON, a two months-long exhibition which showcase the beauty, strength, and resiliency of the Visayans. Opening exhibit and performance was held on April 9, with several Samar artists in attendance, including Raul Isidro, well known artist and former president of the Art Association of the Philippines.

All these at Mabuhay Restop, at the heart of Rizal Park in Manila. Mabuhay Restop is a Gawad Kalinga-inspired social enterprise which prides itself to being the perfect venue for local home-style food, cultural shows with a modern twist, social tours, top notch Filipino artworks, and community merchandise, while also contributing to nation building through Gawad Kalinga.

According to DOT Eastern Visayas Director Karen Tiopes, “I have been amazed though not surprised, at how my kababayans from Leyte, Samar, and Biliran, all badly hit by Yolanda, have moved on and are somehow back on their feet, and that this opportunity to exhibit and present their talents is the perfect way to show their gratitude to all those who have helped them and continue to rally behind them.”

There are 22 artists from Eastern Visayas who, upon receiving the invitation to exhibit their works in Mabuhay Restop, indicated their willingness and excitement to do so. Among the participants is Tuba painter Dante Enage from Tacloban City, member of the Kasikasi Art Association who says that “Tuba painting for me is more than an art form but more of my way of promoting the  local coconut wine-making industry. My works  allow people to see a glimpse of Eastern Visayas culture.” He is hoping that art collectors and enthusiasts will get to view and buy their artworks.

Leyte performers and Samar musicians graced the opening in Mabuhay Restop, including Greg Madera, a singer-songwriter who rendered Visayan songs with the Nuestro Senor Choir. Entrepreneurs who are themselves victims of Yolanda, have also joined after the Bangon Negosyanteng Bisaya Product Trade Fair in SM Megamall, showcasing the food, merchandise and other products from their region.

The Eastern Visayas: Ang Pagbangon is part of Mabuhay Restop’s Regional Festival Series where they feature a region for two months to highlight their artists, products, performers and food favorites.

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