“ART BEAT: TIBOK NG SINING” showcased the talent of over 70 Albay artists, kicking off National Arts Month last February 2024. (Editors’ Note: This version was updated on February 17, 2025).
Curated and organized by KUGOS Bicol in collaboration with Provincial Tourism Cultural and Arts Office (PTCAO) of Albay, the exhibit aligned with the national arts theme “Ani ng Sining, Bayang Malikhain.”
During her welcome remarks, KUGOS Bicol artist Deejai expressed gratitude for the support from the Albay government as she celebrated the success of the exhibit’s opening. The exhibit showcased the depth and richness of the Bicol art scene, from vivid paintings to thought-provoking sculptures.
During their succeeding welcome speeches, painter and photographer Ping Peralta stressed the importance of consistently creating artworks, while Dennis Concepcion of ArtLift PH Bicol encouraged artists to pursue their passion authentically.
The exhibit was held on February 4-29, 2024, at the Albay Capitol Lobby, featuring diverse visual arts. It was a celebration of creativity and culture, with each artwork telling a unique story that resonated with the diverse perspectives of the Bicolano artists. (references: PTCAO, February 2, 2024; bicoldot.ph, February 4, 2024)
Profiles of the Leading Kugos Bicol Artists
CHITO AGUILAR
CHITO AGUILAR is known for his PITIK@TITIK and PITIK@GUHIT brands series wherein he integrates his photography with his poetry and drawing skills. He established CN Gallery, his home studio, in 2018. He regularly showcases his photography works at various art shows and exhibits.
His stellar shots of Mayon Volcano capture the famous Bicol icon in unique and oblique perspectives, presenting Daragang Magayon in either diametric or refreshed light. Chito believes that his distinctive photos can distill discernment of our cultural icon’s significance, instill cognizance of our shared volcanic heritage, as we fondly embrace (Kugos in Bikolnon) our ethnic roots.
His photos have garnered awards in local and international photography communities (Mega Pixel International, The Digital Eye and Viewbug). Many were featured in publications, magazines, and websites abroad, (AIM Magazine-U.K., the Cloud Appreciation Society-U.K. and Viewbug.com). Many of his works are on social media, at CN Gallery Online and at KUGOS Online Gallery.
He dabbles as a blogger. Some of his poems have been published in books, magazines, and anthologies, i.e., FAMEGATE Magazine-USA; EXPLORERS (Cyberwit.net) and VOICES ANTHOLOGY (Voices.net). He created his website Shifting Shades on WordPress.com where he shares his writings and his love for photography and literary art.
He co-founded the Bikol KUGOS Art Group with fellow veteran Bicol artists in 2017. KUGOS has a growing track record of successful art exhibits. His decades of work experience in events organization and management have proven to be valuable in organizing and mounting KUGOS art exhibits, projects, and events.
Chito graduated with BS in Management and Industrial Engineering from Mapua Institute of Technology in Manila. He also pursued special studies through academic scholarship Grants on “MSME Development” in UK, England and Wales (British Council) and Osaka, Japan (JICA). After almost 4 decades of service, he retired as Division Chief with consistent Awards as an exemplary employee of Department of Trade and Industry, Region 5.
DEEJAI
A 39-year-old Painter/Artist from Legazpi City, Deejai studied BS Psychology in Ateneo de Naga University and spent 10 years in the corporate industry or what she called the “urban jungle.” Now, she is a full-time visual artist who exhibits and commissions paintings all over the country and the rest of the world. With no formal training, her obsession with art began as a child. She is a resident contemporary visual artist from Bicol who has come a long way, with chosen pieces which are brave and bold exploration of the human experience. There is also a clear emphasis on depth, form, and detail. She has been featured in numerous national and international publications and media outlets, such as Balitang K, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star, U.S. Treats Magazine, to name a few. With her gift in the realm of Arts, she is also passionate about giving inspirational talks, art seminars, and painting workshops — both local and national.
Organizing community activities and charities are also important to her. Deejai has initiated hundreds of Free Art Workshops to give back to her community. She believes that Art is not just something lovely to behold…more than anything, she believes that Art can transcend aesthetics where its absolute purpose lies. For her, Art can heal a person more so, a community, for Art topped with LOVE can move mountains. It is potent. It is power.
FRANK PEÑONES, JR.
While a resident of Iriga City, H. FRANCISCO (Frank) V. PEÑONES is a member of the Bikol KUGOS art group based in Legazpi City where he teaches at the Bicol University. His works bear influences of the arte povera movement in his involvement with civil society organizations like the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM) and the Foundation for Philippine Environment (FPE) where he is currently a member of its Board of Trustees.
By reusing discarded materials, his ouvres comment on contemporary consumerist and throw-away culture; and interrogate prevailing art practices reflective of what Adorno calls the “culture industry.”
Also, an award-winning and published poet and fictionist, he interchangeably draws inspiration for his works, from literature where his graduate thesis was a collection of ekphrastic poems, titled P.I. which were verbal re-presentation of colonial visual portrayal of the country.
Frank took his AB Political Science from the Ateneo de Naga University, his MA in Teaching Literature from the De la Salle University, and his MFA in Creative Writing from the San Jose State University, San Jose, California, on an international Ford Foundation fellowship.
MARIA MAGDAMIT
A true Bikolana, MARIA MAGDAMIT was born in Daraga, Albay, Philippines. Having developed a keen interest in the arts during high school, she enrolled in Fine Arts Major in Advertising at the University of Sto. Tomas, Manila. She worked at various multinational companies that handled advertising of major brands. She is an accomplished art director who runs her own design studio.
Inspired by the works of acclaimed ceramic artist and potter, Jon Pettyjohn, she started to sculpt, and this developed a passion for ceramic works of art. Maria’s works are categorized as Hand-Built, Hi-Fired Stoneware. Her works create the impression that art lovers describe as allegorical. Her works weave an otherworldly spell with their embellishments of sea glass, botanical accents, and colors of the forest and the sea. Her trademark style features “coral-esque” treatments that are so distinctly her own.
The process of her art is a prayer thanking God for the gift of creation. Diwata Community was a semi-finalist in the 2013 Metro Bank Art and Design Excellence. Blue Hope was a National Finalist in the MADE Sculpture Competition 2017. She participated in a Ceramic Exchange Program in South Korea. Maria’s works include Filipino Children at Play series, inspired by her adventurous nature, and the Whimsical Circus Series.
Apart from sculpting clay, Maria also sculpts the minds of the next generations of artists. She teaches at the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) in Legazpi, Albay. She says that paying it forward, imparting knowledge and experiences to the students is extremely rewarding. Maria also offers pottery and art workshops in her studio gallery.
RENE ALSTER OLIVA
RENE ALSTER OLIVA hails from Iriga City. As an artist, his works range from realism to abstract. He chooses different art media whichever is suitable for a particular subject. He is adept in the use of charcoal and color pencils, crayons, ballpoint pens, watercolor, acrylic and oil He loves to create artworks of jeepneys to depict aspects of Filipino culture.
Oftentimes, he is figurative in his subjects, both human and animal alike; fascinated by their inner beauty, expressions, and character; creating subtle and dramatic effects in detail. His mood shifts constantly so that sometimes he may turn from realism to abstract.
Triangular and round shapes are his favorite forms of expression in abstract because he believes it is in these forms that his Creator substantiates, for they are spiritual. His distinctive lines, forms, colors, patterns, and mannerisms are his expressions, and though abstract, it is identifiable.
He has gained remarkable expertise and received awards of recognition as illustrator, painter, concept designer, advertising and commercial artist, digital and graphic artist and muralist. He is currently working as a graphic artist in a reputable international fashion company based in Kuwait. He graduated from PWU (Philippine Women’s University) at Taft Avenue, Manila with a Degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts Major in Advertising in 1993.
PING B. PERALTA
The great Georgia O’Keeffe, considered as the “Mother of American modernism,” was a significant influence on the artist life of then young Bikolano PING B. PERALTA. O’Keeffe’s macro flowers became Peralta’s blueprint for this art which he emulated and developed further. By adding texture, he made his artworks even more fascinating.
This lensman from Legazpi City has lately focused on his oeuvre and painstakingly rendered every detail, producing wonderful creations of alluring macro flowers. No doubt, Peralta is a trailblazer in this genre; his macro flower paintings provide lots of detail and have a variety of shapes and colors. His works have stunning highlights and provide images that are gorgeous and pleasing to look at.
Being a certified instructor at a university, he is busy as a bee, yet he finds time to spread the beauty of his works by mounting exhibitions and conducting art workshops. He is leading fellow Bikolanos in showcasing their works on prestigious walls and beautiful venues around the region, generating more interest in their artworks.
Indeed, with his continuing perseverance, Peralta is steadfastly climbing the ladder of success and will soon be a name to remember when macro flowers become the topic. Conclusively, he is a master of this genre.
SAMUEL NARCISSUS LOTIVIO AGUILAR
SAM AGUILAR is a retired professor from the University of Sto. Tomas in Legazpi. He served as Kagawad of Barangay Bigaa, Legazpi City. He completed his elementary education from Divine Word College in Legazpi and San Francisco Elementary School in Quezon City; his secondary education from Far Eastern University in Manila; his tertiary in UST Legazpi (AB Political Science) and Bicol University, Certificate in Physical Education. He completed his graduate studies from Silliman University (Dumaguete City) with Master in Research and Extension Administration.
Many friends and supporters from the university and the local government came out to support his art-for-a-cause solo art exhibit, October 1-31, 2023, Ayala Malls in Legazpi, which he dubbed “Obra Ko, Tabang Mo (Part 2).” On his promotional poster, the prolific painter declared, “Now I have a heart and kidney failure, but in painting, I am not a failure. Praise God!”
Selected Art Works from Art Beat: Tibok ng Sining
Featuring: Chito Aguilar, Sam Aguilar, Art Baleda
Featuring: Nil Armero, Ariel Art Borlagdan, Anderson Coralde, John Angelo Ortiz de Dios
Featuring: Boyet Lopez, Maria Magdamit, Deejai
Featuring: Rene Alster Oliva, Frank Peñones, Ping Peralta
The header image features the artwork for the Art Beat: Tibok ng Sining exhibit. The artist profiles were provided by Kugos Artists Group and written by Chito Aguilar except for Deejai which was written by her with Raq Mancera)
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