The Culture Arts Council of Korea (CACK), a traditional performing arts group, joined the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in the formal opening last Feb. 1 of the National Arts Month (NAM) at Luneta Park.

 

CACK was led by its president, Choi Hung-gue.

 

Theme of the 2015 NAM is “Highlighting local cultural genius to promote pride of place.”

 

In Manila, the Lyceum of the Philippines (LPU) is holding “Kultouravan: The Lyceum of the Philippines Cultural Caravan,” involving students and artists.

 

In La Union, Saint Louis College in San Fernando will hold “Tawid Taoid: Bridging Cultures” on Feb. 9, 10 and 20.

 

In Burgos, Ilocos Norte, the local government will mount “Panagkaysakaysa: Ti Umili Ti Kultura Ken Sining,” Feb. 16-21, promoting the town’s heritage through different art forms.

 

Liliw town in Laguna, known for its slipper-making industry, will hold “Sining Tsinelasan sa Liliw.” The event aims to tell legends and stories about the slipper industry through theatrical presentations and an exhibit at the Plaza Gat Tayaw Covered Court.

 

In southern Luzon, Ligao National High School of Ligao City in Albay will mount “Hablon: Habi ng Sining sa Paaralan at Komunidad,” which will consist of forums, workshops and a theater performance by selected students, Feb. 21-26.

 

The Kanlaon Theater Guild will recognize the artistic contributions of artists and cultural groups and institutions in the province of Negros Occidental through “Ani: A Harvest of Traditional and Contemporary Artistic Expressions in Negros Occidental” on Feb. 18 and 19. It will include the performance of “Circulo,” a “breakdance theater” with the members of Critical Breakdance, a Bacolod-based hiphop/ breakdance crew; the sarsuwela “Gugma nga Indi Mapunggan,” a musical by Armin Paredes on the 1898 Al Cinco de Noviembre event; the play “Baganihan, Si Iska nga Permi Handa and Pedro Kalungsod”; a fashion show focusing on the local wraparound skirt patadyong; and a monologue by an Ati group.

 

Also in Bacolod City, “Ani Dos” will highlight the harvest of creative works of the Maskara Theater Ensemble, Santermo Writer’s Group and La Salle Chorale, with the special participation of the Jean Baptiste Dance Company.

 

The performance will feature poetry of Filipino writers and Visayan folk songs. It will be on Feb. 19 and 20, at 2:30 and 6:30 p.m., at the Gallaga Theater of the University of St. La Salle.

 

Mindanao

 

In Mindanao, Xavier University of Cagayan de Oro City will hold “Panaghugpong 7: Xavier Arts Festival,” Jan. 30 to Feb. 25. This year’s edition of the school’s annual arts festival will feature a visual arts exhibit, theater performances, dance, choral music, string and wind instrument ensemble performance and lectures.

 

Baliuag, Bulacan, will pay tribute to prominent writer, fictionist, playwright and poet in Filipino Pedro S. Dandan, who was born there. His works will be showcased in musical and dance performances in different parts of the town in a program called “Linagin ang Ugnayan ng Bayan at Pamayanan para sa Likhang Sining ng Mamamayan.”

 

Bikol literature will be spotlighted in the fifth mounting of “Pintakasi Kan Literaturang Bikolnon” on Feb. 20 in Pili, Camarines Sur, spearheaded by Altamarino-Clasio High School. The event will include “Aklat Ani Bikol” book fair, a creative writing workshop, and a poetry reading and literary performance.

 

In Paombong, Bulacan, 13 visual artists will be highlighted in an exhibit.

 

Angono in Rizal, famous for its visual artists, will put the limelight on an icon of Filipino music, National Artist for Music Lucio San Pedro. On the occasion of San Pedro’s 102nd birth anniversary, there will be performances of music, poetry and different art forms on Feb. 11.

 

Aside from these local art events, outreach performances are set in Balanga, Bataan, on Feb. 20, and in Malolos, Bulacan, on Feb 23. Ani ng Dangal exhibits will be featured in SM North Edsa on Feb. 13-20, and on Feb. 21-27 in SM Megamall.

 

For more details, contact Rene Sanchez Napeñas of the NCCA Public Affairs and Information Office at 5275529. E-mail [email protected] or visit www.ncca.gov.ph.