• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The 150-meter wall that forms the perimeter of the historic Hernaez Mansion at corner Mabini, Rizal, and Galo streets will become the longest mural in Bacolod City, with Orange Project artists and volunteers now busy completing the fresco for its official unveiling on Oct. 13.
The ceremonial painting of Bacolod’s “past, present, and future” on the 450 feet wall kicked off this morning, Oct. 11, led by Bacolod Yuhum Foundation (BYF) president Katherine Matiling, Candy Nagrampa, projects and exhibitions director of Orange Project; and Joann Viriña, marketing and communications manager of Davies Paints, among others.
The community artwork, conceptualized by renowned Bacolod artist Charlie Co, is a collaboration between and among the BFY, Orange Project, and Davies Paints, in line with the 45th staging of the MassKara Festival.
“It is a showcase of how our artists see the resilience of our city; how we cope with challenges and create a masterpiece through unity. This is a reflection of our journey that highlights the laborers, sugar workers, and the slices of life,” Nagrampa said. “I take pride in our artists, they are the best storytellers of our time.”
Viriña, meanwhile, said the collaboration aims to transform the wall, owned by former Senator Pedro Conlu Hernaez, which is frequently vandalized, into a stunning canvas that showcases the enduring spirit of Bacolod.
“The property owner wanted a mural and wanted to transform it into a work of art. We created customized color palettes for Bacolod – the ‘Colors of Bacolod’ – inspired by tourist destinations, the culture, and the food in the city,” she added.
Viriña said this would be the longest mural collaborated in by Davies in Bacolod, although the company already did a 500-meter fresco in Manila. “When we do projects, we always promote local artists, arts and culture.”
Participating Orange Project artists include Erika Mayo, Kyn Lance Gelvero, Jobram Besa, John Ryan Locsin, Ma. Isabel Destacamento, Kyle Jocson, Jan Llegue, Mizpah Diaz, Winly Dasal, Giljohn Quiamco;
Revo Yanson, Fred Orig, Waraichi, Ronan Delos Santos, Frelan Gonzaga, Mick Escalona, Julius Añasca, Krizzialee Becares, Annalyn Trespicio, Sherryann Quivis;
Mel Araneta, Honey Grace Enoc, Jesamae Mamon, Arvin Belicano, Junie Delacruz, Red Santillan, Mikiboy Pama, Nuklar Alvarado, Burog Alvarado, Welfrido Hilario Jr., Gerom Booc, Arvin Hervias, and Roedil Geraldo.
The volunteer artists are Yuna Acot, Wen Quilisadio, Venus Montejo, Kyla Mediano, Mary Rose Santos, JM Ginete, Thea Jaye Muscosa, Miguel San Miguel, Sherwynn Cadianza, James Casipe, and Angelo Rosal Villarias. | CGC
