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| Basket weavers from Brgy. Uguis in Nueva Era, Ilocos Norte present their master craft to Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc on February 3, 2020. They are among the heritage artists who were featured in the creatives’ fest as one of the highlights of the 202nd foundation anniversary of Ilocos Norte on Feb 2. (Lei G. Adriano) |
Staff Reporter
LAOAG CITY—Taking pride in its home-grown artists, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte honored on February 3, 2020 its growing number of creative artists as they showcased their genuine crafts and unique masterpiece at the “Open Capitol”, an annual event which is one of the highlights of the 202nd foundation anniversary of the province.
Featuring at least 20 Ilokano visual artists who joined the creative festivity, each of them shared their inner passion for beauty while inspiring others to reach out for their dreams and aspirations too. Among them are Dindo Llana, James Michael Romaguera, Grae Sales from the hometown of famous Ilocano painter Juan Luna in Badoc, Angelie Maranan Banaag of Dingras, John Mark Pasion, Miguel Kairuz, Janer Santos and Kim Santos of Laoag.
Other Ilokano artists were also invited to share their expertise in visual arts, events industry, social media influence, painting, graphic design, film, and tattoo.
Meanwhile, other Ilokano professionals like architects Felino Palafox Jr., Rex Hofilena, Miguel Guerrero, William Ti, and Engr. Pedro Agcaoili also discussed master-planning in Ilocos Norte, while Prof. Norma Respicio talked on the inabelindustry.
“Everything is anchored on Ilokano creativity. We are calling this year’s ‘Open Capitol’ as ‘Ilokano Creatives Fest’, featuring Ilokano creativity by our weavers, our heritage artisans including our media artists. At the same time, we are showcasing the best practices of the Provincial Capitol,” provincial tourism officer Aianree Raquel said.
Then Ilocos Norte Governor and now Senator Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” R. Marcos initiated the “Open Capitol, which her son, incumbent Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc has continued.
Unlike last year which featured Ilocos children visiting the various offices of the provincial government—their services and programs being offered and how it runs as an organization led by the governor, vice governor, provincial board members and the department heads and staff among others, this year’s celebration invited Ilokano creative artists who shared their expertise to the audience mostly composed of students from the different schools of the province.
In his short speech, Mr. Manotoc has lauded the efforts of people behind the creatives’ fest particularly the Provincial Tourism Office and the other departments of the Capitol which likewise presented their programs and services to the public.
“I would like to commend the efforts of those who prepared it. This has been a tradition to open up the Capitol for added transparency and awareness,” said Mr. Manotoc as he led visitors to the different exhibits located both at the ground and second floors of the historic Ilocos Norte Capitol building.
Aside from the creatives’ fest, the 21 towns and 2 cities of Ilocos Norte likewise displayed their unique products for sale to visitors.