Another successful show of "The Philippine Artists Group of Canada"

PAG paints ‘Toronto’ Now on its 21st year, the Philippine Artists Group of Canada, Ontario’s only art group composed of visual artists of Filipino origin, continuously blazing the artistic path in the community, formally opened its latest art exhibition last Saturday, October 10, 2009. Aptly called ‘Toronto’ in honor of Canada’s biggest and best known city and home to most of its members, the PAG’s major event took place at the their favourite gallery on the east end, the stately mansion amidst lush gardens and massive trees, the beautiful Cedar Ridge Creative Center at 225 Confederation Drive in Scarborough. The art show actually started in October 4 and ran for two weeks till the 16th. The show’s formal opening reception was graced by the Philippine Consul General in Toronto, the Honourable Alejandro B. Mosquera, Ward 42 Toronto Councillor Raymound Cho, and Ms. Marissa Buyco-Corpuz, founder of the newly organized Pilipino-Canadian Art Collectors Club (PCACC), a large group of art enthusiasts, friends and families joined the artists. The guests-of-honour cut the ribbon followed by the ecstatic viewing of the artworks and a program ably handled by emcee Livvy Camacho which featured a couple of hawaiian dance numbers by the Sampaguita Hula Dancers. The eventful occasion was capped by tables of delicious Philippine ‘kakanins’, Canadian goodies, a cake with coffee, tea and punch mostly prepared by the amiable Joy Hughes, gallery curator of the lovely art centre. The excited crowd was treated once again to a variety of styles and intererpretations of the vibrant spirit and colours of the dynamic city. From to the familiar, panoramic views of its buildings and skyscrapers, the imposing City Hall with its dancing fountains, the royal Casa Loma, the crowded subway, the bustling Spadina and its most famous landmark, the tall and proud CN Tower, to the mundane homey villages and parks and a close-up of a Toronto flowers. All these captured on canvas and paper in oils, acrylics, watercolours and other media at varying times of the day from the early morning colours of sunrise, during a hot noonday sun and until the evening glitters of a city that never sleeps. Organized and lead by its new hard-working president, the multi-talented sculptor/painter Romeo ‘Omel’ Masalunga, the PAG continues to delight the community with its artistic passion and creativity. The present roster includes artistic architect/painters Rolly Abarilla & Teody Asuncion, multi-awarded Jun Afable, artist/dancer Ma. Nellie Bautista, silently expressive Celia Correa, colourful abstractionist Cobie Cruz, prolific painter Frank Cruzet, painter/computer wizard Jhun Diamante, eminent academician/painter Tony Doctor, grand old master Rol P. Lampitoc, Sr., art professor/founding president Romi C. MananQuil, highly talented Quebecker Koni Marcoux, painter/designer/former president Calixto ‘Toots’ Quiachon, skillful magic realist Frank Tonido and competent watercolourist Nelia Tonido. Traditionally, the Philippine Consulate in Toronto is the PAG’s presenting sponsor in all its art shows while the PNB Remittance Company (Canada) is the group’s biggest supporting sponsor for the longest time.