US-based Artists receive Certificates of appreciation from UPAAGLA (L-R) Bienvenido Sibug, Cesar Devera, Amado Robles, Cristina Taruc, Margarita Marfori, Jhoiey Ramirez, Rafael Maniago, Ninette Tenza-Umali, Lutzie Francisco, Deputy Consul General Alnee Gamble, BM+M President Zena Bernardo, UPAAGLA President Eric Panuncialman, Cat Oshman, Jonalyn San Diego, Crista Quintos, Vicente Pado Jr., Ed Gumamit, Celina Duffy, Laureen Pelayo. Photo taken by Bede Capulong

The University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Greater Los Angeles (UPAAGLA) and partner Bayanihang Marikenyo at Marikenya (BM+M) officially launched Project Hulmahan Los Angeles exhibit on November 11, 2023. It was held at the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) Hall in downtown Los Angeles.

Over 100 people attended the launch to witness over 70 artworks made from wooden lasts created by artists from the Philippines, LA, Nevada, New York and Canada. Seventeen artists graced the event and proudly showed off their creations.

Ribbon cutiing with (L-R) LA Project Chair and UPAAGLA PRO Dennis Reyes, Philippine Deputy Consul General Maria Alnee A. Gamble, UPAAGLA President Eric Panuncialman, and Project Hulmahan founder Zena Bernardo. Photo taken by Joey Yumul

UPAAGLA President Eric Panuncialman and Project Hulmahan LA Chair Dennis Reyes thanked the sponsors, artists and all the people who were instrumental in making the undertaking possible. BM+M Executive Director and President Zena Bernardo narrated the origin of Project Hulmahan and its impact to its beneficiaries towards food security and disaster preparedness. Philippine Deputy Consul General Maria Alnee A. Gamble spoke about the importance of having this kind of project to the Filipino community.

Nature-themed table at Project Hulmahan. Clockwise from left: “Catch Me Not” by Bienvenido Boi Sibug, “Wish I Could Swim” by Amado Robles, “On Wings of Dove” by Amado Robles, “Poppies” by Cristina Tiinz Taruc, “Tea of Knowledge” by Danvic Briones.
Photo taken by Dennis Reyes

The program was hosted by UP alumni Yvee Guevara, and Christian Ylagan who performed a musical number. UPAAGLA members who gathered at the event regaled in the background stories and inspiration of the creators. Art patrons zeroed in on pieces that resonated with them. The display was arranged by theme from nature-inspired, social commentary, gratitude, avante garde, to the patriotic.

The multi-themed display featured art pieces from the Philippines and US-based artists. Photo taken by Cat Oshman

Seven artworks were sold for the night. The rest will be available in an online store at the UPAAGLA website for sale until the end of 2024. Other related events will be lined up in the future. Visit www.upaagla.org for more information or email [email protected].

Launch Exhibit Sponsors were Asian Journal, Pangpamilya Card, Auntie Dees Bakery, Music Arts International, Toto’s BBQ, Skye Bottles, Ayalaland and Premier Property Preservation.