BY CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
The Negros Cultural Foundation Inc., recently launched “Pagsaulog: A Celebration of Negrense Culture”, which aims to support the various cultural and artistic programs, projects and activities organized by the foundation through The Negros Museum, by staging various competitions this year in partnership with the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental.
These activities under Hugpong Dayaw, include the Sine Negrense: Negros Island Film Festival, the “Cinco de Noviembre” short play competition, and the inter-local government unit (LGU) mural competition.
The launch was led Lyn Gamboa, president of the NCFI, and Cheryl Decena, Negros Occidental tourism officer.
The “Pagsaulog” is an integrated cultural development program aimed to benefit the Province of Negros Occidental and the Negrense Community through activities that provide a venue for artistic expression; cultural promotion and appreciation; and wellness and recovery using the arts. Its launching was in response to the challenge of the Department of Interior and Local Government under the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) to encourage provincial, city and municipal governments to promote and conserve cultural heritage through cultural property inventory; and documentation and publication of narratives of history and culture.
The Cinco de Noviembre short play competition aims to allow the youth of all ages to learn more about the history and culture of Negros Occidental by enabling them to mount their dramatic concepts and original performances based on their take or interpretation of the actual historical events that significantly happened in Negros Occidental, but it is reflected and presented through the lens of a Gen Z.
An inter-school Cinco De Noviembre inter-school short film and drama competitions will also be held – highlighting Negrense history to promote appreciation and a deeper understanding of the Cinco de Noviembre celebration.
Banjo Hinolan, co-festival director, said this competition is open to students under the school category and to all professional and amateur Negrosanon in Negros Island under the open category. This year’s theme is “Negros New Wave-Resurgence.” Film entries, which must feature Negrense character, culture, folklore, etc., and should be submitted on or before October 1.
Venise Buenaflor, who is in charge of the Cinco de Noviembre Theater competition, said this component focuses on Negrense stories and allows the youth of all ages to learn more about the history and culture of Negros Occidental.
Roger Joshua Venzal, who is in charge of the mural competition, said Neg. Occ. Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson wanted the entries to highlight Negrense history, and promote a deeper understanding of the Cinco de Noviembre celebration. They will also conduct workshops for the participants of the competition.
Gamboa, said they are most grateful to the Province of Negros Occidental led by Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz ll, Provincial Planning and Development Officer Benja Lucasan, and Provincial Tourism Officer Cheryl Decena for their support of the programs of the NCFI and The Negros Museum.
Rest assured that as we officially launched “Pagsaulog: A Celebration of Negrense Culture” program we will remain committed to carrying out initiatives dedicated to preserving the rich culture, arts and heritage of our beloved Negros, she added.
Additional details are available via bit.ly/SineNegrense 2022.*
