Bintana: Celebrating Batangas Artistry – A Gathering of Artists and Art Aficionados

The event, “A Gathering of Batangas Artists and Art Aficionados,” brought together visual artists from across the province, from emerging talents to established masters. This gathering marked the launch of the much-anticipated art book “Bintana,” a comprehensive showcase of Batangas’ rich artistic heritage, funded by the esteemed Saturnino “Bong” Belen Jr.

Glen Rieta
June 16, 2024
12:14 pm
0 comments

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.

The Honorable Vice Governor Mark Leviste (center) took time from his busy schedule to show support for the event.

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.

Philanthropist and entrepreneur Mr. Saturnino ‘Bong’ Belen Jr. addressed everyone in attendance, providing insights into the book’s title.

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.

Visual Artist Michael Alcaraz (standing) had his copy of the “Bintana” book signed by one of Batangas’ established artists, Remo Valenton.

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

Some of the artists from the Emerging Artist category posed with Mr. Saturnino ‘Bong’ Belen Jr.

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

Visual artist Lem Acebron signed one of the copies of the book with his signature.

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.

Peterly Santiago, seen here, has performed not only in the Philippines but also in other countries like Malaysia.

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.