My celebration of World Art Day, which is marked on April 15, came rather early.
A little more than a month ago, I recommended to two visiting doctor friends from Iloilo, who are both art lovers, to take a trip to Sagay City to check out the coastal village and home of maestro Nune Alvarado. I made a quick call to Sally, his wife, to make sure the Maestro was available for our visit.
For about 90 minutes on the road, we were reconnecting ties by recollecting episodes, something done by friends who have not been together for a long… and thanks to Art J., who offered us the ride.
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The village at Margaha Beach in Purok Bougainvilla in Barangay Old Sagay has become a haven of colors and culture thanks to the artist literally in residence who transformed the community to become a major attraction of the city.
It was my second trip to Margaha, the first was in 2018, when I brought a group of Taiwanese university students, who came for an immersion activity, part of which was the painting of home frontage, including fences in the purok.
Initially, I was reluctant in joining my visiting friends last month as it was the first long-distance trip I would take in two years after I had a stroke. On second thought, however, I felt safe as I knew I had expert care in the company of Docs Vic and Ayo if ever needed.
We arrived at Margaha around 10:30 in the morning and was welcomed at the beach-front home by Sally, Nune’s wife, who has mastered the art of hosting visitors from far and near.
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Art pieces in various forms were all over the two-tiered home made of wood and bamboo. We proceeded to the upper level, where we had an excellent view of the seascape – the Sagay Marine sanctuary — and late morning small fishers as well as frolicking kids by the waters as well as a breath of the fresh and healthy sea air.
Shortly, Nune joined us. His energy may have been zapped by age (he is turning 73 on May 5) and the stroke he had more three years ago but he remains in his element when talking about art and life, and, yes, injecting humor in between lines, a signature Nune act.
I must say that culinary art is part of the Alvarado hospitality, not only because of the great tasting tangy Albarako coffee offered in their next-door cafe, but also because of the glorious lunch which Sally prepared consisting of scallops, juicy broiled fresh-from-the-sea fish, squid adobo and vegetables.
After a short while, Nune was already busy sketching on his pad, what could be an addition to dozens and dozens of his works displayed or filed in his home by the sea.
While he was working, Sally was sharing facets of their life with Vic, who was filling his mind with notes he would, perhaps, use for an article for Rapper, where he regularly publishes his “Ilonggo Notes”.
Gracious hosts, indeed, were the Alvarado’s (including grandson Yqfryd, who guided Doc Vic around for a quick tour) that we also each got a souvenir Alvarado masterpiece.
Refreshing and rejuvenating was that trip for the fresh air on the country road and the sea, the spark re-ignited by Nune’s art and the renewal of the bonds of friendship, thanks to that out-town trip.
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World Art Day is observed “to promote the development, diffusion and enjoyment of art.”
UNESCO has underscored that “art nurtures creativity, innovation and cultural diversity for all peoples across the globe and plays an important role in sharing knowledge and encouraging curiosity and dialogue.”
The day commemorates the birthday of Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci, a Renaissance humanist, who was born on April 15, 1452. Da Vinci’s works are best described as representing tolerance, world peace, freedom of expression and multiculturalism.
“World Art Day is a great reminder to help people notice the beauty around them,” WAD said in its website, adding that it also “reminds people to express themselves fully.”
The website further highlights the following reasons for us to appreciate the observance.
“Art is universal. It can be understood by people all over the world. It has no language or border barriers.
“Art is good for the health. It is known to help increase motivation, build self-esteem and improve holistic health.
“Art opens the mind. It helps people to see the world from a different point of view. It helps them get a new perspective.”
Healing and hope are among the strongest powers of art.
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Resurrection Sunday was a wonderful time for fellowship. I attended the sunrise service at Bacolod City Gospel Church, where I rekindled bonds with kin and old friends. It was the first time I attended a face-to-face worship service after a long time.
Pastor Manuel Tanjusay emphasized the Three Vs – Value, Validity and Victory over death – related to Christ’s resurrection.
In response to these realization, he said, believers must be firm in their conviction, fruitful in their life as Christians and be faithful always in serving God.
We were immensely blessed with the message and the warm fellowship that Easter morning.
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Writing about Resurrection Sunday brings to mind a Christian Post news story stating that many Christian churches in America reported bountiful crowds, a case of “renewed push to attend in-person worship services again” after the COVID-19 pandemic. Many congregations had only standing room that Sunday, prompting followers to call it a “glorious experience”.
One church leader summed up the scenes in churches all over when he was quoted in the report as saying, “It feels great to come back together to celebrate that hope triumphs over fear…”, especially the despairs over the pandemic that enveloped communities across continents.
The Resurrection Sunday is, indeed, time for hope, joy, renewal and rebirth, and as what President Biden said in his Easter message, it’s a “powerful reminder of God’s love and the promise of redemption for us all.” – NWI
