By Cyrus A. Natividad

The winning entry of CPU CenVas artists in the wall Painting contest at Brgy Dungon, Jaro, Iloilo City.

The memorial tributes for Dr. Rex D. Drilon included among others, an art exhibit at Henry Luce III Library. The art collection involved the Centralian Visual Artists Society (CENVAS) paintings – including portraits of the First Filipino President of Central; his signing of contract and inauguration by the late Philippine President Ferdinand E. Marcos and other paintings; oil and other mediums.

The Chairman of the Annual Drilon Day activities Prof. Crista Sianson-Huyong, Coordinator of the Cultural Affairs Office (CAO), emphasized the relevance of the exhibits during an interview on CPU TV’s public affairs program, “Looking Forward” on Tuesday, February 21, 2023.

Prof. Huyong considers Dr. Rex Drilon an artist in literature and in particular in poetry. “February is Arts Month,” she said.

CAO Director Prof. Crista S. Huyong (center) and CenVas Coordinator Efraim Alfaras were guests in CPU TV’s Looking Forward Public Affairs Program.

In this regard, Prof. Huyong shared the milestones and plans of these cultural groups. She added that “apart from contributing to the Drilon Day celebration, CPU Dance Company (CDC) will have their forthcoming performance called Saludo 3 on March 1-2, 2023.” It can be recalled that a few days ago, the group also garnered awards in a cultural competition at PICC, Manila, and a lot more. On the other hand, the CPU Symphonic Band held “Sharing Our Love Through Music” last February 14 for the Centralian community.

CenVas, the group behind the said art collection, is winning big this February – for its many competitions and exhibit at the mall. CenVas also joined the Barangay Mural Painting Contest of Barangays with Dental Services.

With more than 50 entries, CenVas won 4th place – even with only 3 days to prepare. They were invited by Brgy. Dungon to join painting of the walls along the road from CPU’s Gate 8.

CenVas will conduct art workshops for kids in Dungon, Jaro in partnership with the Brgy. Captain. This, according to Prof. Huyong, will be an Outreach Program of CenVas.
Mr. Efraim G. Alfaras leads the pack of professional artists in CenVas – with the auspices of CAO and Central Philippine University.