On June 15, 2024, 149 visual artists from Batangas, spanning young and old, emerging to established to master artists, gathered at Amistad Pavilion in Batangas Lakelands, Balete, Batangas. The event, titled “A Gathering of Batangas Artists and Art Aficionados,” celebrated the immense talent of these artists and marked the launch of a newly published art book, “Bintana,” which showcases the works of these 149 artists. The Honorable Vice Governor of Batangas, Mark Leviste, was also in attendance, lending his support and recognition to the vibrant art community.
EA Sembrano, the book’s editor, explained that this project was privately funded by Mr. Saturnino “Bong” Belen Jr. Belen, known for his multifaceted career as an entrepreneur, change-maker, investment banker, venture capitalist, philanthropist, and educator, is currently the CEO and Chairman of Fastech Synergy Philippines. “Bintana” stands out as the most comprehensive book on the art and artists of any province in the Philippines, featuring entries written by professionals based on the artists’ works. The team behind the book includes award-winning book designers, authors, publishers, museum workers, and cultural experts with extensive knowledge of both Philippine and international art scenes.
At the event, each artist received a complimentary copy of “Bintana” and had the opportunity to have their books signed by other artists, including established figures like Virgilio Quizon and Remo Valenton, and master artists such as Hermisanto and Ramon Orlina, the Father of Philippine Glass Sculpture.
Notable Attendees
The Masters:
- Lino Acasio
- Ugu Bigyan
- Anastacio Caedo
- Teodorico Cumagun
- Rafael Cusi
- Noell El Farol
- Alfredo Esquillo
- Simon Flores
- Hermisanto
- Edgardo Lantin
- Arturo Luz
- Alberto Magsumbol
- Manolito Mayo
- Jonathan Olazo
- Romulo Olazo
- Ramon Orlina
- Anthony Palomo
- Tony Valdueza
The Established Artists:
- Antonio Afable
- Pando Afable
- Joseph Albao
- Jorge Banawa
- Sky Biscocho
- Nelson Bosita
- Nante Carandang
- Carlos Castro
- Virgilio Cuizon
- Bo Cumagun
- Jonathan Dangue
- Adriel Dela Vega
- Eliezer Dimaculangan
- Islaw Evangelista
- Lupo Adolfo Lasin
- Bernardo Maac
- Michaelangelo Mayo
- Mischa
- Carlo Pagulayan
- Glenn Perez
- Charles Rivera
- Arthur Serra
- Remo Valenton
The Emerging Artists:
- Vanstrong Acasio
- Emman Acasio
- Esang Adame
- Pilar Adrias
- Ana Marie Afable
- Emmanuel Afabile
- Vicson Apostol
- ML Arandia
- Luciano Artista
- Jaime Raphael Atienza
- Niño Balita
- Janet Ballecer
- Joan Ballecer
- Ezmyr Noel Batain
- Tere Buiser
- Felisa Rose Carandang
- Marichu Carstensen
- Patricia Maye Casulla
- Joel Chavez
- Edward De Castro
- Ron De Torres
- Mark Freddierick Divino
- Isad Diwa
- Ace Enriquez
- Zorrick Enriquez
- Anthony Escueta
- Robinson Esteba
- Ed Fiedalan
- Artemio Garcia
- Ian Glenn Garcia
- Mariel Garcia
- Raphael Kalaw
- Celeste Lecaroz
- Jane Mykee Lopez
- Randy Macalindong
- Vince Macatangay
- Pamela Maceda
- Jericho Windsor Magnaye
- Jerwind Magnaye
- Juliet Magpantay
- Cheyzer Manalo
- Mark Darrell Manalo
- Emmanuel Marco Mendoza
- Rio Morfe
- Bernardo Oronos
- Joshua Limon Palisoc
- Ada Panopio
- Row Bean Paz
- Darwin Peña
- Bill Perez
- Eric Punzalan
- Qwark
- John Jerry Roxas
- Janina Sanico
- Ian Jo Semira
- Dhennis Sigua
- Emmanuel Silva
- Rex Tatlonghari
- Obet Tiaño
- Robert Valencia
- Joshua Villena
- King Villena
- Yelcast
- Nasser Zulueta
Plus 44 Artists:
- William Abao
- Lemuel Acebron
- Ana Belle Afable
- Michael Alcaraz
- Euseff Lance Argenos
- Ruby Bagsit
- Angela Jasmine Bandola
- Mark Justin Bangoy
- Aimer Kayle Barba
- Rabin Canuzo
- Aron Ray Carandang
- Mark Angulo Carandang
- Aeriz Ashlee Cortinas
- Mhar Jhun Cuasay
- Andres Danao
- Paul Danao
- Bianca De Ridder
- Ryan De Roxas
- Lawrence De Torres
- Shadrach De Villa
- Issa Dela Cruz
- Juliet Faith Diaz
- Jerson Enriquez
- John Lloyd Escueta
- Julz Esteba
- Christine Joy Garcia
- Maria Ica Horario-Enriquez
- Kier Insigne
- Jhean Gerly Jardin
- Jelly Kalaw
- Franz Vladimir Macatangay
- Justin Magbojos
- Jasper Paul Magmanlac
- Kristel Ann Magparangalan
- Ma. Althea Munlawin
- Mark Jhon Ogbac
- Edward Padilla
- Mary Jane Palma-Daquitan
- Jowilson Panganiban
- Maria Crecelda Roldan
- Royette Ken Rondilla
- Jamaica Andrea Tocayon
- Ricobert Tubar
- Sarah Jane Tumambing
Even artists who couldn’t attend the event will still receive their copies of “Bintana,” ensuring that every artist’s contribution is celebrated. This gathering not only commemorated the artists’ achievements but also strengthened the cultural fabric of Batangas, highlighting the region’s rich artistic heritage.
The event not only showcased visual artistry but also featured musical artistry, as Batangas’ renowned saxophone player Peterly Santiago serenaded the crowd with captivating, soulful melodies.
