• ANDREW ALTAREJOS
The ANI art exhibition by the Mangkas Group of Artists concluded as a standout feature of the 43rd Pasalamat Festival, leaving a lasting mark on the city’s cultural scene.
Titled “Mangkasanon Soul: ANI Art Exhibit Melds Mentorship, Heritage in Successful Festival Run,” the event was held at Ultrea House, bridging established artists with emerging local talent.
A key to the exhibition’s success was the participation of guest speakers Patty Ong and Hill Benitez. After an art talk, Ong offered professional mentorship, sharing technical tips to help the group connect local cultural expression with broader artistic standards. She also discussed selling artworks and building client relationships. Benitez highlighted the need for institutional support, saying that creative spaces help fuel community growth and artist professionalism.
One of the main events were 14 Mangkasanon visual artists transforming the iconic “Mangkas Hat” into wearable art. Each hat depicted a tourism icon, industry, or local delicacy. During the coronation night, each hat was paired with a Pasalamat Festival Queen candidate.
The pairings were as follows: Kent Valentine (Iron Dinosaur) for Barangay Ayungon, Red Angel Nazareno (Coffee Industry) for Barangay III Poblacion, Rafael Salazar (Quan Delicacies) for Barangay I Poblacion, Ronel Espinosa Gonzales (Guintubdan) for Barangay Nagasi and Barangay Ara-al, Fretchel Sausa (Cockfighting) for Barangay Yubo, Patrick Pilar (Ranidon) for Barangay La Granja, Niña Loureen Navarro (Muscovado) for Barangay II Poblacion, Reginald Nazareno (URC) for Barangay RSB, Red Nazareno (PCC) for Barangay Balabag, Rheanna Jade Molinos (Infante) for Barangay San Miguel, Zaldy Flores (OLP) for Barangay Cubay, Zam Deniese Gantala (La Mira) for Barangay Haguimit, James Estimada (People’s Park) for Barangay Tres, and Ernest Tenorio (Sugar Economy) for Barangay Batuan.
The collection was auctioned on May 2 at the Festival Park, with proceeds supporting the local artist community.
The event was led by the group’s president Redmond Nazareno, along with co-organizers Niña Loureen Navarro (secretary), Ronel Gonzales, and Kent Valentin, which held a series of cultural events under the theme “ANI: A Harvest of Mangkasanon Talents.” These included: An opening ritual blending visual and performing arts, community workshops on painting, clay sculpture, beads-making, and tattoo art, a multidisciplinary showcase of paintings, mixed media, steel and wire art, wood carvings, bonsai, and the Mangkas Hat collection.*
