MANILA, Philippines - As part of the celebration of Manila’s 440th founding anniversary in June, Sining Kalilang will be launched. The place will use the arts as a binding element for Christian and Muslim unity.
An exhibition of paintings by Muslim artists will be presented starting June 16 at 9 a.m. at the Bulwagang Villegas ng Lungsod ng Maynila, on view until June 17. To be exhibited are the works of architect Edris Tamano, which will be flown from Saudi Arabia, and those of Jamila Tamano Lucman.
Tamano has been residing for over 30 years in Saudi Arabia. He is connected with the King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, KSA. He has held art exhibitions in the kingdom. Jamila T. Lucman, a former commissioner of the National Poverty Commission, a realtor, has participated in the art shows in Manila together with some well-known Filipino artists.
The exhibition is another thrust of Mayor Alfredo Lim whose vision is to use history, the arts, and trade to forge a firmer unity between Christians and Muslims.
The 440th founding anniversary theme is in remembrance of Rajah Sulayman, the Muslim rajah who ruled Manila just before the coming of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. His kingdom was in the place now called Intramuros. He had very close ties with the sultans of Brunei.
The art exhibition is coordinated by Bae Bayolan Marahombsar, consultant to the mayor on Muslim affairs. She said plans for the permanent exhibits of Muslim artworks are being planned for the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila.
Aside from paintings, available are Muslim crafts like malongs, pandis, and mamandiangs, among other items. For information, call Bae Bayolan at 09291-367324, 0917-5069595, and 502-6375, or e-mail baebayol@yahoo.com.