Last April 8-12, 2024 the Iloilo Provincial Government celebrated the 123rd Semana sang Iloilo to mark the anniversary of the founding of the provincial government. The Iloilo Provincial Library and Archives also held four events to celebrate the culture and heritage of Iloilo province.
Opening of Handumanan Art Exhibit
The Library opened its first ever art exhibit featuring Ilonggo artists last April 8, 2024, “Handumanan: Heritage Awareness through Art”. The ribbon cutting was attended by Gov Arthur Defensor, Jr., Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, Vice Governor Christine Garin, and Board Member Marcelo Valentine Serag.
Featured in this exhibit are the works of Cristhom “Do Doy” Setubal and Mark Vincent Java. Setubal is known for his 3D facades of historical buildings and landmarks in Iloilo made from repurposed and recycled materials. Java depicts the scenes and streets of Iloilo City in detail with his distinct “wimmelbiderbuch” style.
About Cristhom “Do Doy” Setubal
Cristhom “Dodoy” Setubal is a self-taught talent from San Joaquin, Iloilo originally set sail with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation and a Master’s in Maritime Management from John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University.
His artistic journey is deeply rooted in his family’s love for history and antiques. This passion intertwines with his art, particularly his focus on heritage structures.
His artistic debut came in May 2019 with the first exhibit at the Museum of the Philippine Economic History. Titled “Sa Mata sing Manunubli”, the collection showcased Iloilo’s heritage structures in detailed pen and ink illustrations.
The pandemic lockdown sparked a new creative outlet for him, crafting 3D upcycled artworks of churches. These pieces found a new home in a 2023 exhibit at the National Museum of the Philippines Western Visayas, aptly titled “Iglesia” Heritage Churches of Iloilo.
This year, he collaborated with Iloilo’s renowned panoramic artist and cartoonist Mark Vincent Java for a two-man show called “Rendezvous: Past Meets Present” at Days Hotel Iloilo and “2D Meets 3D” in the Museum of Philippine Economic History.
Through his art, Dodoy champions three important advocacies: appreciation for art, awareness of local heritage, and environmental responsibility through garbage reduction via upcycling.
About Mark Vincent Java
Mark Vincent Java is a Filipino artist who doesn’t just paint Iloilo City, he captures its soul. This veteran cartoonist and painter creates breathtaking panoramic scenes that are quintessentially Ilonggo.
Java’s signature style showcases bustling cityscapes, instantly recognizable to Iloilo art enthusiasts. Beyond the detailed landscapes, his works have a deeper purpose: to preserve the city’s current spirit, a “zeitgeist” for future generations.
Take a closer look at his panoramas, and you’ll be transported to the heart of Iloilo. You’ll see the iconic details that bring the city to life. The bustling sidewalks and crisscrossing streets are filled with the ever-present energy of pedestrians.
Java’s artistic journey began with a Bachelor of Philippine Arts from the University of the Philippines Manila. He honed his skills as both a cartoonist and photojournalist before transitioning to his current role as a private school administrator.
Inspiration for his art comes from fellow Filipino talents, Ilonggo illustrator Geton Gelpe and the esteemed National Artist, Larry Alcala. Their influence shines through in Java’s work, making him a true chronicler of Iloilo’s vibrant present.
Writers’ Forum with Sumakwelan & Writers’ Guild of the Philippines
On April 11, the Library held a Writers’ Forum with Sumakwelan writers’ group and Screenwriters Guild of the Philippines. Award-winning authors and screenwriters Mr. Dante Villanueva Aguilar and Dr. Isabel Sebullen shared their writing experiences. Mr Aguilar shared his Writer’s Journey and his works; and Dr Sebullen shared about the plight of screenwriters in the Philippines. The event was attended by students, campus journalists, and writers.
Coffee at the Library
The Library held a “Free coffee at the Library” event for the public and Iloilo Provincial Capitol employees, held at the Library lobby. Over 100 visitors availed of the free coffee.
Book Talk x Music
For the last event on April 12, Ilonggo singer and songwriter Tom Falconite serenaded the audience with his original Ilonggo compositions. Ilonggo author Nile Kris Jan talked about his latest poetry book Soul Searching and held a short talk on how journaling can help your mental health. He also turned over copies of his first book Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow, for donation to the library.
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