ANNIVERSARY EXHIBIT. Art Association of Bacolod-Negros (AABN) president Tey Sevilleno, AABN past presidents Anette Feria and Rodney Martinez, Bacolod Councilor Jason Villarosa, Ligaya Lizares, Councilor Em Ang, SM Bacolod mall manager Julia Javellana, executive assistant to the mayor April Rose Mayo, and Councilor Wilson Gamboa Jr. (l-r) at the opening of AABN’s 50th anniversary celebrations at the Main Atrium of SM City Bacolod on July 18*
The Art Association of Bacolod-Negros (AAB-Negros), the Visayas’ longest-running art collective, launched its 50th-anniversary celebrations on July 18 with a major exhibition and art fair at SM City Bacolod’s North Wing Atrium, cementing its role as a cornerstone of regional culture.
The anniversary program features two curated exhibitions alongside a 600-piece art fair embracing the theme “Art is for Everyone,” with works priced accessibly to encourage public engagement. Spanning paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media installations, the display showcases Negros Occidental’s creative diversity. Art workshops, using different mediums, will also be held.
April Rose Mayo, representative of Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya, AAB-Negros president Tey Sevilleno, and councilors Jason Villarosa, Em Ang, and Wilson Gamboa joined cultural stakeholders in inaugurating the milestone event.
EXHIBIT. Members of the Art Association of Bacolod-Negros with their guests at the opening of the association’s group art exhibition at the Main Atrium of SM City Bacolod in celebration of its 50th anniversary on July 18 that will run until July 31* Flozard Andrew Gedalanga photo
Executive assistant to the Mayor April Rose Mayo, with Circulo de Bacolod members Johnjohn Ditching, Mark Vargas, Sandra Sycip, Susan Poblador, Blythe Balbin, and Xiang Siason (l-r)*
The Negros Museum director Tanya Lopez, AABN past president Rodney Martinez and current AABN president Tey Sevileno (l-r)*
Anthony and Sugar Tonogbanua, Pneuma Lorenzo, Rose Jimeno, Svet Sevilleno, Mei Lonasco, Cora Soriano, Princy Martir, and Patty Jane Ong (l-r)*
Phoebe David, Trude and Ligaya Lizares, John Orola, Patty Ong, Dolly Gatuslao and Rodney Martinez (l-r)*
Former Bacolod Rep. John Orola, noted for his tourism initiatives, added historical perspective to the ceremonies. Also present at the opening were Tanya Lopez, The Negros Museum director, and SM City Bacolod mall manager Julia Javellana.
In her keynote address, Sevilleno traced the organization’s evolution from its 1975 founding by the late Edgardo “Budot” Lizares to its current status as a cultural catalyst: “Five decades represent generations of artists fueling Negrense identity. Our proudest legacy remains conceiving Bacolod’s iconic MassKara Festival – a vibrant tradition now shared globally.”
Year-long initiatives include provincial art caravans, a Luzon-Visayas exhibition tour, and collaborative installations for the MassKara Festival’s 45th edition. AAB-Negros simultaneously announced plans for youth mentorship programs and an archival project documenting Visayan art history.*
Miriam and Elijah Bayles, Sally Alvarado, Bamboo Tonogbanua, Louie Dormido, Burog Alvarado, and Dan Dojillo (l-r)*
AABN past presidents Dolly Gatuslao and Annette Feria, Ligaya Lizares, wife of AABN founder Edgardo Lizares (l-r, seated), Svet Sevilleno, Patty Ong, Pablita Nava and Chrysee Samillano (l-r, standing)*
Dan Dojillo, Ramon de los Santos, Rommel Clavecillas, and Mel Araneta (l-r)*
Sol Alejandrino, Agustin Chavez, Cyrene Cuenca, Marlon Domino, Maymay Camarines, Revo Yanson and Robert de Aro (l-r)*
