Calgary, 1 March 2023 – The Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Calgary participated in last month’s celebration of the Philippine National Arts Month by featuring three Filipino-Canadian artists within its consular jurisdiction.

Under Presidential Proclamation No. 683, s. 1991, February of every year is observed in the Philippines as National Arts Month to celebrate the artistic excellence of Filipino artists and pay tribute to the uniqueness and diversity of the Filipino heritage and culture.

With this year’s theme “ANI NG SINING, BUNGA NG GALING,” the PCG highlighted the artworks of Mr. Pepito Escanlar and Mr. Patrick Fernandez of Regina, Saskatchewan, and Ms. Gladzy Kei Zuniga of Calgary, Alberta.

Mr. Escanlar, an architect by profession, was born and raised in IloIlo, Philippines. His works have been exhibited in several art galleries in Regina and he has participated in several exhibitions. He has also done commissions for the Government House Historical Society of Saskatchewan and SGI Canada, among others.

Mr. Fernandez is a contemporary visual artist. Born in the Philippines, his paintings have been described as combining surreal sensibility with subjects of subtle satire, political statements, and cultural critique.

Mr. Escanlar and Mr. Fernandez were the featured artists at the PCG’s “Alaala (Memories)” month-long painting exhibit held at the PCG’s Dr. Jose Rizal Hall on 23 September to 19 October 2022.

Ms. Zuniga, on the other hand, is a contemporary muralist and illustrator. An advocate of female empowerment, she is passionate about amplifying the voice of minorities, including her Filipino culture. Her character designs and mural works show contemporary colors and whimsical shapes that contribute to telling her stories.

For the Philippine National Arts Month, the PCG shared on its social media sites the following paintings of the three artists: “Dinagyang” by Mr. Escanlar, “Sa Pagitan ng Panaginip at Pangarap” by Mr. Fernandez, and “Igorot 1” by Ms. Zuniga.