- CHERYL G. CRUZ
The “flow of arts in Negros Occidental” continues with the resumption of operations of The Negros Museum (TNM) in Bacolod City March 17, a day after it celebrated its 25th anniversary.
Tanya Lopez, executive director of TNM, said they will accept walk-ins and bookings for museum tours, with the easing of pandemic restrictions as the highly-urbanized Bacolod is now under Alert Level 1 until the end of the month, and the movement of people, regardless of age and comorbidities, is allowed, but with restrictions on crowded and closed spaces, and close contact (3Cs) settings.
Lopez said only fully vaccinated individuals will be allowed entry to the museum, in compliance with the health protocols of the government, and so as to protect all visitors and TNM personnel.
She said that since the government “gradually allows the mobilization of tourists and the Department of Education in serious consideration of re-integrating face to face classes…the re-opening of cultural, heritage and art spaces, and resumption of their programs and activities, we excite ourselves to contribute meaningfully to enhance the quality of life of Negrenses and increase the overall wellbeing for both individuals and communities.”
“This is also to provide opportunities to come together to improve community cohesion and reduce social isolation in line with the promotion of wellness and recovery of the population,” Lopez said in a press conference as she urged art and museum aficionados and the public to visit TNM and immersed themselves in the Negrense heritage, arts, and culture.
“We know that the road ahead will be challenging, as unpredictability will continue to rule, but we will continue to be motivated to strengthen our capabilities,” she said as she listed several projects and programs for this year, like bringing the TNM experience to schools and local government units in Negros Occidental.
But as an opening salvo, and in line with TNM’s silver anniversary, it is hosting the “Ang mga Nawong ni Alvarado” exhibit of renowned artist Nunelucio Alvarado, which opened March 16, and is one of the 25 Negrense artists that the museum is featuring.
The 78-seater Cinematheque Negros of the Film Development Council of the Philippines also premiered the French film, “The Worst Person in the World”, directed by Joachim Trier, and treated the press to a showing of “Mga Bag-ong Nawong (Sang Damgo kag Katingalahan)” or The New Faces – of Dreams and Mysteries – of rising Negrense director Mark Raymund Garcia of Sagay City.
The 11-minute short film was one of the 23 entries – and one of only three from the Philippines – that vied in the Southeast Asian Short Film Competition of the prestigious Singapore International Film Festival, from Nov. 25 to Dec. 5 last year.
The Cinematheque Negros is one of the six centers spread in key areas of the country that serve as alternative theaters showcasing more diverse content offerings, including independent and classic films.
Daniella Caro, the manager of Cinematheque Center Unit, said they have lined up several films for screening this month, and will ensure that health protocols are observed in the theater, with staff trained to enforce the government guidelines.
Lyn Gamboa, president of the Negros Cultural Foundation Inc., which will celebrate its 35th anniversary on March 28, said it was a “source of great pride to see TNM grow, embrace a strong virtue of resiliency, and achieve more than we envisioned.”
“We are looking forward to making its legacy more relevant in the community and having a lasting impact on the lives of our visitors, beneficiaries, partners, collaborators, and benefactors,” Gamboa said of the museum’s 25th anniversary.
TNM and NCF are in collaboration to preserve and promote Negrense culture and values, and make it a hub of integrative artistic exchange, information-sharing, and educational learning. | CGC
