• ANDREW ALTAREJOS
Mangkas Group of Artists recently held a five-day celebration of its “Dungog sang Mangkas 2: Art as Heritage, Unity as Strength,” at the public plaza of La Carlota City, Negros Occidental on September 8 to 12.
The event commenced with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Mayor Joel Jalandoni; City Councilor Joseph Martin Jalandoni, chair of the Committee on Tourism, Culture and Arts; City Tourism Officer Karen Aguirre; special guest artist Hill Benitez of Cadiz City; and the Mangkas Group of Artists, alongside participating schools and local creatives.
Several activities were lined up daily such as vibrant workshops and artistic expressions that involve the community. An inspiring Art-talk with Hill Benitez on Artists’ Etiquette, Professionalism, and Character Development, hands-on learning in crafts making and a terracotta clay workshop, skill-building sessions in a bonsai and tattoo workshop, and a celebration of movement and verse through a contemporary dance workshop and poetry reading.
The event culminated in a grand gala night, a celebration of art and culture, which featured the induction of officers and the 1st Pasidungog Gawad Parangal 2025, which honored local talents for their invaluable contributions to the city.
The gala night was graced by the presence of Chole Cuenca Chua, Ellaine Jalandoni, Councilor Joseph Martin Jalandoni, and executive assistant III Ruth Famillaran-Villanueva, who joined the community in celebrating the milestone.
Uniting artists, students, and the community, Dungog sang Mangkas 2, is a powerful testament to celebrating heritage, nurturing skills, and recognizing the strength found in unity through art. Their collective support and contributions are vital to making it a memorable and impactful celebration for La Carlota City.*
