• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
The Artists Guild in Saravia (AGIS) joined E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental’s first Sug-alaw Festival Sunday with a face-painting activity dubbed “Pinta Guya.”
The 1st Sug-alaw Festival, held from January 9 to 15, started with a fun ride, MTB circuit race, children’s day parade, motorcycle circuit competition, coronation of area Sto. Nino, float parade and motorcade of Sr. Sto. Nino, on Saturday. It was capped by a procession, lamhitay sa banwa, tribal dance and drumbeating competition and fireworks display on Sunday.
Meanwhile, AGIS was formed in 1989 by young artists from the town of E.B. Magalona spearheaded by Edbon Sevilleno. This was also the time when the artist’s group created and named the “Ugyunan Festival,” in celebration of the town fiesta.
The artists’ guild will be involved in the different aspects of art development in E.B. Magalona, as envisioned by Mayor Marvin Malacon. It also hopes to inspire the local townspeople in establishing community events that involve art and culture.
AGIS was re-energized in 2021 after Malacon encouraged homegrown artists to revive it. The organization aims to be an avenue for local artists to showcase their talents, as well as improve and promote Saraviahanon culture and tradition. It also envisions to promote and foster solidarity, creativity and passion through the arts.
The group currently has 62 members.*