Tulay

Opening
April 21, 2021

Daloy-Likha Art & Nature Hub
Lucban, Quezon Province, Region IV-A, Philippines

Two Nations, One Art

Noel Sales Barcelona

The Philippines and Malaysia have long been connected by history and culture. In fact, in the early times, the people of the Philippines are included in the “Malay race.” However, this claim is to be refuted later. Nevertheless, the connection between two countries is only to become stronger, with the signing of several cultural, economic, and political agreements between two nations, in the past. Furthermore, the hundreds of years of trade and cultural relations have left an indelible mark to the Filipino and Malay nations, particularly in the terms of the arts, even in some customs and traditions.

This April 25th, 26 artists from Daloy-Likha International Arts and Nature Society, and 25 from Malaysia, will gather together to create another milestone—a cultural and artistic endeavor, which we can say of epic proportions. The exhibit that was entitled “Tulay,” is more than a show; it is forging a very strong and long-lasting bond between Filipino and Malaysian artists who share the same vision of creating a new history in the artistic world. Through their brushes, mallets, canvases, and chisels, the artists from these two Southeast Asian nations are creating a bridge that will bring the two countries together—a bridge strong enough to withstand even the strongest storms that will come its way.

Yew Soo Cheng, Koh Teng Huat, Koay Shao Peng, Justin Wong Ah Vui, Tan Lee Lee, Patrick Chia Chi Keong, Sharon Lim, Lian Kim Keong, Cheng Yit Ting, Dr. Tan Phoi Tsze, Paulynn Chong, Cheah Heng Wah, Chong Lee Lin, Tim Teh, Agnes Chin, Lee Weng Khim, Mohd Shaparel, Ryan Ng, Wong Yu Jie, Gooi Chai Soon, Thanesh Kichi, Aibee Lim, Chin Kok Kong, Tong Yoke Meang, and Kafang Lim form the Malaysian contingent of Tulay; and Noel P. Bueza, Adler Llagas, Ayelah Deveza, Bing Siochi, Brando Limon Bati, Daniel Dumaguit, Farah De Ontiveros, Grace V. Madamba, Jonathan Jalac, Jun Sergio Rocha, Jun Velasco, Lex Gozon, Louienel C. Babia, Manuel Sinquenco, Maruja Panti, Marvin Ongjunco Teodoro, Mary Yari Roces, Nante Carandang, Nelson Basa, Ralph William Villaluz, Ramon Cada, Raymundo Reyes Gozon, Rico Aunzo, Roy Babia, Toots Mendoza, and Pauline Juliet Blazo Racelis, for the Philippine contingent, under Daloy-Likha International Arts and Nature Society.

Different artworks, with different styles and different meanings—truly Tulay is a show about diversity and unity. “We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry,” says the late poet laureate and multifaceted artist and social activist, Maya Angelou (04 April 1928 – 28 May 2014), “and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color.” In the arts, the color of the skin, the educational background, and sometimes, even the social status, do not really matter. What matters most, is the heart and the soul of the work. It is the very essence, the philosophy behind the work, which makes the piece culturally and aesthetically valuable. Moreover, this is what makes the piece transcendental—for it goes above and beyond the political, geographical, and cultural boundaries.

Meanwhile, Tulay is only just the beginning of such artistic and cultural partnership. When the world is free from the pandemic and everyone is now again free to cross borders, it is expected that more meaningful interactions with regard to arts and aesthetics will happen—face-to-face.

To sum up, Tulay is not only an art exhibit but a creation of friendship, forging strong unity amongst its participants, and enriching each other’s artistic and aesthetic experiences.

PHILIPPINES

Noel P. Bueza
Adler Llagas
Ayelah Deveza
Bing Siochi
Brando Limon Bati
Daniel Dumaguit
Farah De Ontiveros
Grace V. Madamba
Jonathan Jalac
Jun Sergio Rocha
Jun Velasco
Lex Gozon
Louinuel C. Babia
Manuel Sinquenco
Maruja Panti
Marvin Ongjunco Teodoro
Mary Yari Roces
Nante Carandang
Nelson Basa
Ralph William Villaluz
Ramon Cada
Raymundo Reyes Gozon
Rico Aunzo
Roy Babia
Toots Mendoza
Pauline Racelis

MALAYSIA

Yew Soo Chang
Koh Teng Huat
Koay Shao Peng
Justin Wong Ah Vui
Tan Lee Lee
Patrick Chia Chi Keong
Sharon Lim
Lian Kim Keong
Cheng Yit Ting
Dr. Tan Phoi Tsze
Paulynn Chong
Cheah Heng Wah
Chong Lee Lin
Tim Teh
Agnes Chin
Lee Weng Khim
Mohd Shaparel
Ryan Ng
Wong Yu Jie
Gooi Chye Soon
Thanesh Kichi
Aibee Lim
Chin Kok Kong
Tong Yoke Meang
Kafang Lim