January 14 – February 28, 2022
Private viewing: January 14 | 4 – 6 pm
Public opening: January 15 | 2 – 6 pm
Orange Project Gallery
Art District, Lopue’s Annex Building, Mandalagan 6100 Bacolod CIty, Philippines
A fundraising exhibition for the benefit of Danjugan Island. Featuring 39 Negrense Artists:
Aeson Baldevia
Alexandria Mesias
Anika Marie Loquite
Barry Cervantes
Brandon Braza
Buglas Carreon
Charlie Co
Darel Javier
Daryl Feril
Dennis Valenciano
Edbon Sevilleno
Elwah Gonzales
Faye Abantao
Fred Orig
Frelan Gonzaga
Gabriel Pansoy
Guenivere Decena
HR Campos III
Hans Benedict Espina
IL Kulikowski
JM Valenciano
Jay-R Delleva
Jayvee Necesario
Jovito Hecita
Junjun Montelibano
Karina Broce Gonzaga
Leah Samson
Maria Jimenez
Megumi Miura
Mikiboy Pama
Moreen Austria
Neil Benavente
R A Tijing
Revo Yanson
Roedil Geraldo
Ryn Paul Gonzales
Susanito Sarnate
Vincent Rose Sarnate
Wilfred Santillan
ABOUT DANJUGAN ISLAND
Diverse ecosystems on this 43-hectare island and its surrounding reefs provide a refuge for wildlife that are otherwise threatened in the mainland of Negros.
Danjugan’s story began in 1994 when it was acquired through crowdfunding led by Gerry Ledesma, inspired to save a tree where the island’s resident sea eagles were nesting. The Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation was then formed to be the keeper of the island, encompassing that tree and all the flora and fauna in it.
For more than 27 years now, Danjugan has been home to a breathing beach forest, lush seagrass beds, 14 species of mangroves, more than 70 species of birds, 10 species of bats, 500 species of corals, and 200 species of fishes. Coconut crabs, endangered giant clams, the humphead wrasse or Mameng, nesting sea turtles, and reef sharks are a few key species thriving in this wildlife sanctuary.
The island has also inspired thousands of people of all ages through its environmental education and ecotourism experiences in about three decades. As Danjugan serves as nesting grounds for wildlife, it also has become a memorable place where budding environmentalists seem to hatch, and where they are nurtured to speak and act on behalf of nature, beyond the island in their own communities.
Danjugan Island plays a symbolic role in preserving the natural heritage and securing a sustainable future for Negros, but it remains vulnerable to climate change. In recent years, coral bleaching has made the reefs turn ghastly white. And just in the last month the supertyphoon Odette, a product of a changing climate, devastated the island. Danjugan’s supporters all over the world shared to provide relief for the island’s guardians, their families, and their communities. They are facing difficulties in their lives and livelihood.
But beyond the hard work of rebuilding homes and facilities, there lies the challenge of recovery and rehabilitation for Danjugan Island in the years to come. The sanctuary will continue to need us, while we also need it to survive and thrive.
The iconic eagle tree has fallen because of the typhoon, but the resident sea eagles remained soaring above the island and building a new nest on another tree.
This is an invitation to find hope when it seems bleak.
Nature’s message says her ability to be reborn is a superpower. We only need to listen to know how this intertwines with our own healing.
The island is calling.
We can hear it beckon – for us to be one with it, and for us to tell its story’s next chapter.
#Artph #danjuganIsland
