Today we had the pleasure to visit Angono, Rizal, the "art capital" of the Philippines. Everything there, starting from "gigantes" (giants) to large scale murals to portraits of local people, is evenly spread around the city and is accessible to everyone. When I think of famous artists, there is a certain distance; it seems they would be too busy to spend their time with some random visitors and open their homes and studios for them. Not in Angono. I have never experienced such a connection between the artists and their local communities, as well as their willingness to share their work with us. They all still reside and create in Angono, where they were born, and are really vested in the development of their community. Having visited the Blancos Museum, we got to meet the grandson of Carlos Francisco and tour his studio. We then proceeded to Orville Tiamson's studio and learned about all the wonderful things he does both as an artist and an educator in Angono's Art school.
The reception at the art school was a colorful exhibition of various talents. I was so moved by all the creative things students did, that I didn't want to leave the classrooms where they sang, danced, performed or played musical instruments. I kept thinking what a wonderful place that school was, surrounded by nature and blessed with so many talents. And, what a surprise, their new principal, who already holds a doctorate degree in education and school administration, is just 26 years old! He, too, must be very talented :) There was a lot of positive energy in Angono. I felt inspired and convinced over and over again that our world is a beautiful place.
The reception at the art school was a colorful exhibition of various talents. I was so moved by all the creative things students did, that I didn't want to leave the classrooms where they sang, danced, performed or played musical instruments. I kept thinking what a wonderful place that school was, surrounded by nature and blessed with so many talents. And, what a surprise, their new principal, who already holds a doctorate degree in education and school administration, is just 26 years old! He, too, must be very talented :) There was a lot of positive energy in Angono. I felt inspired and convinced over and over again that our world is a beautiful place.