• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
Various communities, organizations, and artists merged at the Margaha Beach in Brgy. Old Sagay in Sagay City Tuesday to put-up a ‘Haligi’ art installation in dedication to internationally-renowned visual artist Nunelucio Alvarado.
In time with Sagay City’s 28th charter anniversary, these groups merged at the black sands of Margaha in Purok Bougainvillea to celebrate the works and the contributions of Alvarado, a past president of the Art Association of Bacolod-Negros (AABN) in the years 2007, 2008, and 2010.
AABN is one of the longest running art groups in the country.
Sagay City Vice Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva said “We are gathered here today to show our support for Alvarado,” whose nomination to the Order of National Artist is endorsed by council members of the Negros Occidental Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Sagay City, Cadiz City , and Barangays Old Sagay and Fabrica, for his contribution to the growth and development of contemporary arts in the country.
The installation is one of the sights fronting Alvarado’s residence at Margaha Beach. It is composed of seven Haligi, or pillars, representing the various art disciplines including dance, literature, music, theater, film, visual arts, and architecture.
It measures 15 to 20 feet featuring colorful paintings, found objects, and sculptures made by the visual artists together with the community, Alvarado’s sons, and artist groups. It is a beautiful collaborative art that has become an iconic landmark of Sagay City.
Now at 74, Alvarado still paints despite the challenge of overcoming dementia. He is being taken care of by his wife, Sally, and his family. He was among the Thirteen Artists Awardees of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, twice a recipient of Philip Morris Arts Awards, and honored with Patnubay ng Sining at Kalinangan ng Pintura Award by the CCP.
“It is fitting for us to put up a Haligi dedicated to Maestro Nune. He had big contributions in the industry as well as helping the community through his art,” said Negros Occidental 2nd District Rep. Alfredo Marañon, one of the supporters of the project.
The project is one of the campaigns of the city government, together with Purok Bougainvillea residents in Brgy. Old Sagay to nominate Alvarado for the Order of National Artist Award, one of the prestigious recognitions in the country.
“He deserves to be a National Artist, given that he has made so many contributions in transforming our community and making us aware of how art can change lives,” Efemar Tima-an, one of the purok leaders, said.
The event featured performances from local musicians like Isabela folk singer Ram Martinez and Mike Pillora, founder of the legendary folk rock band ASIN, and dance groups in the city, as well as community painting and art-making of the 8th Haligi, which was installed at Margaha Beach.
Council resolutions from the Neg. Occ. Sanggunian, Sagay City Cadiz City and Barangays Old Sagay and Fabrica, were also handed the Alvarado family.*
