Some 35 works comprise the collection assembled by PAG members notably Michelle Ramos, Frank Tonido, Nelia Tonido, Frank Cruzet, Romi C. MananQuil, Teody Asuncion, Rolly Abarilla, Toots Quiachon, Koni Marcoux, Mark Salinas, Omel Masalunga, Antonio Afable and Jhun Ciolo Diamante.
Sining strikingly brings to life each artist's fondest impressions of the Filipino people and their native land. Reverence for women, gratitude for nature's bounties, love of music and devotion to God and family are recurring themes that summon a visual feast of values Filipinos hold dear wherever fate takes them in the world.
High tea hosted by Madame Lydia Debbie M. Gatan, wife of Philippine Ambassador Leslie B. Gatan, for ladies of the diplomatic corps and Filipino community complemented the viewing of the special exhibit. Guests were served creatively prepared rice cakes and other Filipino delicacies as well as the traditional salabat and halo-halo.
The Embassy's Miguel Luis Moreno and Ronnie D.B. Sumo entertained the ladies with their rendition of Dungawin Mo Hirang, a kundiman composed by Santiago Suarez and made popular by Ruben Tagalog.
The Embassy magazine featured the event in its August 22 issue (www.embassymag.ca). END