Bohol Arts Guild Talents & Skills Development

artner Jocel Amihan Canuto two years past, summer of 2011 to be exact, with an inspiring number of one hundred fifty arts and academic enthusiasts thus, the launch of its BAG Summer Fever 2k11 which made waves in the Boholano community. Unbelievably accepted by the public, with its extensive services in visual arts, music, dance, film and photography, fashion and modelling, instruments and academic tutorials, BAG Summer Fever 2k12 rocked the province once again with a sudden rise of enrolment totalling to a great number of two hundred twenty-seven students from all over Bohol. Not to forget the very fact that this guild hosts the most competent and dedicated group of instructors who wanted nothing but all-out service and excellence in all fields. It has organized events, sponsored workshops and trainings, showcased artworks and provided opportunities all related to the development of culture and the arts. To name some of this year’s supported activities are: the National Arts Month Celebration, the Philippine Visual Arts Festival (PVAF), and the Bohol Arts Festival (BAF). As noted, the very first Bohol Arts Festival was a three-day artist-organized event held on December 16-18, 2011 in Tagbilaran City, Bohol with the theme, Himugso: The Bol-anon Arts Renaissance. The event was a mixture of creative competitions and exhibitions of the Bol-anon artworks, arts demonstrations and workshops. It marked the biggest gathering of Bol-anon artists in the different art disciplines, promoting unity and cooperation for the growth of artistry in the province. Meanwhile, the National Arts Month is the largest and longest nationwide celebration of arts in the different provinces of the country including Bohol. This annual event happens every February. This year, BAG, in partnership with the Municipality of Tagbilaran., supported and participated in the celebration through organizing different competitions. Furthermore, they also exhibited visual artworks and sponsored free art workshops for the elementary and secondary students of public schools in Tagbilaran City. Part of the celebration of the national arts month was the Philippine Visual Arts Festival. The five-day festival which ran from February 17 to 21 held in Angono, Rizal was a convention of the visual artists representing different provinces. In this event, BAG was able to send two, namely Mr. Joey Labrador and Ms. Irish Glori Galon, out of the five representatives of Bohol. Galon’s artwork “Message Sent” won first prize in the painting competition.
“About a year had passed when I was looking for something more in my life. I soon found answers in the Arts. I met Sir Joey, and became a fan of his art and vision. He didn’t just offer me a scholarship in drawing and painting classes and work opportunities in the organization; he also gave me a chance to embrace, understand and love the arts. I am now a part of BAG, organizing art-related events and sharing the craft to the rest of the artists. I am truly grateful that BAG continually helps aspiring artists like me to achieve our goals.” Ms. Galon, one of the proud products of the organization shared. BAG has felt accomplishment every successful event held. Moreso, the most fulfilling is seeing the achievements of artists especially those who are among their products. As what Mr. Labrador said, “The fulfilment I feel whenever I see the improvements that the artists have accomplished is incomparable.” BAG continues to find joy in molding an addition of the future artists in the industry. At present, the guild positively continues to hone its crafts and extensively renders its services in full swing as it welcomes their clientele for School Year 2012-2013. It is also very much bracing itself to all the difficulties that might shake its existence but ever steadfast in holding firm to their guiding principle A.R.T.I.S.T
A – aim for excellence
R- respect for fellow artists
T- trust and loyalty
I-integrity is non-negotiable
S- service first
T-transparency
Living its tagline “ ONLY THE BEST, ALWAYS THE BEST” Bohol Arts Guild looks forward to carve its name in the history of Boholano culture, arts and services as it conquers the mainstream of the Boholano lifestyle in the many more years to come!