Peace Exhibit 2011: ‘Tagbuan sa Kalinaw” Opens

by Anthon Bartz Delizo

The SOCSARGEN Peace Network launched the Tagbuan sa Kalinaw: Retrospective of Arts & Peace Exhibit for the Mindanao Week Of Peace at Robinson’s Place – Gensan Atrium, November 26 - December 1, 2011. The exhibits included the “Portals for Peace: Coco Sugar and Vinegar Industries” which displayed the products of transformed MNLF combatants and tri-people in Brgy Saravia, Koronadal City.

Around sixty dignitaries from different schools and universities graced the event in songs, tribal music, arts, and traditions of tribal people. Among the attending congregations were Notre Dame of Marbel University, General Santos Foundation College, Mindanao State University-GSC with their Chorale, Sociology students, Pinta Okir Visual Arts Guild and Kabpapagariya Ensemble, Philippines National Police, Kapayapaan Kapatid Council Tri-Youth Volunteers and other peace advocates.

Starting with Kulintangan, played by the Kabpapagariya Ensemble then the doxology sang by the Mindanao State University Chorale, the program progressed getting momentum and the shoppers’ attention. Rev. Fr. Angel Buenavides, SOCSARGEN Peace Network Convenor, gave an overview and explained the significance of the 4^th Mindanao Week of Peace deliberating its theme: “Common Word between Us and You: Love of God, Love of Neighbor”.

The paintings displayed were the outputs of the workshop conducted by Mr. Al-nezzar Ali last August 2011 in line with the 50^th Foundation Anniversary of Mindanao State University - General Santos City.

Below are some insights of the participants and spectators on the said exhibits.

“Bilang bahagi ng mga kabataan sa Mindanao, kami ay nakiki-isa sa pananaw para sa Kapayapaan upang ang ating lupang sinilangan ay makakamit ang Kapayapaan nitong inaasahan”, shared by Sociology students of MSU – GSC.

“We used cubism as a common technique which was originated and developed by Picasso and Baroque”, said one of the members of Pinta Okir Visual Arts Guild in an interview.

“It is a great privilege to share the talents God endowed us. It is a great joy to be given this opportunity to affect and influence people’s ideas,” said Ingrid Juele, a MSU student. “Showing what peace means as a youth in this generation through works of arts is a joy and an accomplishment for them,” she added.

Led by Cherry Albores, Tropical Depression’s ‘Kapayapaan’, a music which replicates peace in everyone, gathering the Filipinos of different religions and culture as one, was sang in the event enticing everyone to join in the mass singing of peace.