Launch Exhibit features Tony Winner Clint Ramos, Rafael Maniego and more
Los Angeles — “Project Hulmahan”, a dynamic showcase of the richness and diversity of Filipino artistic expression launches on November 11 at 3pm. Hosted by the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Greater Los Angeles (UPAAGLA), this groundbreaking project is in cooperation with Bayanihang Marikenyo+Marikenya (BM+M) features artworks made from shoe lasts from both Philippine-based and US-based artists, both established and emerging.
Project Hulmahan has had successful exhibitions in the Philippines with top-named artists whose sale of artworks benefitted the cause of BM+M which is to support community kitchens.
The Los Angeles project is the first which includes USA-based Filipino Americans whose creations will be displayed for the first time at the Filipino American Community Los Angeles (FACLA) Hall at 1740 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90026.
Over 40 works will be exhibited with contributions from Tony Winner Clint Ramos, Ole Johnson, Lydia Velasco, Vic Magsaysay, Edwin Natividad, Cat Oshman, Jhoiey Ramirez, and many more.
Project Founder Zena Bernardo will be curating the FACLA exhibit along with UPAAGLA Project Chair & Even Lead Dennis Reyes.
Ten Filipino American Service Group, Inc. (FASGI) artists who belong to the Arts Incubator Program joined the Project Hulmahan Los Angeles. The collaboration was facilitated by FASGI Executive Director Yey Coronel. Participating are Cesar Devera, Celina Taganas Duffy, Lutzie Francisco, Eddie Gumamit, Rafael Maniago, Margot Marfori, Amado Robles, Bienvenido Sibug, Tiinz Taruc, and Ninette Tenza.
The Project came about when one of the co-founders of Bayanihang Marikenyo at Marikenya saw their volunteers using wooden shoe lasts as firewood and the visual message jolted her to the realization that the Marikina Shoe Industry was not just badly hit – it was dying. Exibitions have raised funds for the community kitchens, and the Los Angeles exhibit will benefit UPAAGLA’s Endowment Fund and Scholarships as well.
UPAAGLA President Eric Panuncialman
Last October 2023, UPAAGLA also welcomed Golden Globe Nominated Actress Dolly De Leon, who along with Bernardo and BM+M Founders were the purveyors of Project Hulmahan. Ms. De Leon was among the first to view the first US-based artwork by Ole Johnson.
“We are thrilled to bring Project Hulmahan to Los Angeles,” said Eric Panuncialman, President of UPAAGLA (2023-2025). “This exhibition is only that beginning of an exceptional showcase that continues online and at UPAAGLA events until December 2024.”
Launch Exhibit Sponsors are Asian Journal, Pangpamilya Card, Auntie Dees Bakery, Music Arts International, Toto’s BBQ, Skye Bottles, Ayalaland and Premier Property Preservation.
Attendees must register at https://bit.ly/PHNov11. Parking is at the Los Angeles Downtown Medical Center at 1711 Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90026. Exhibit opens at 3pm at the FACLA Hall at 1740 W Temple St., program follows.
For more information about Project Hulmahan and to stay updated on event details, please visit www.upaagla.org n