Tibay Albay 2023: Shaping Society Through Art

Albay Arts Foundation was introduced to the bigger Albay arts community on May 13, 2023, in a one-day festival dubbed Tibay Albay. The art event gathered artists and creatives and served as one of the highlights of the annual Magayon Festival.

Attorney Chris Ajero, Vice President of the Albay Arts Foundation (AAF), represented the organization by speaking about the journey of Foundation. He highlighted how AAF began as a visionary idea to create a permanent home for a Filipino expat’s extraordinary collection of Filipino art assembled in the United States. With support of Mr. Rafael Buemia, BU College of Education Professor and AAF’s current President, the organization was born and was able to secure an 11-hectare property in Salvacion, Santo Domingo Albay.

Ajero highlighted AAF’s dedication to building a vibrant community and supporting local artists in their creative endeavors, aligned with the organization’s mission, vision, and goals. In a span of one year since its founding, AAF had achieved remarkable milestones. These included the book launch of Cynthia Buiza, one of the incorporators, for her debut poetry collection “The Future is a Country I Do Not Live In”. In February, AAF co-sponsored the concert “KORO plus Sirena X Upuan,” led by AAF member and the Dawani Project founder Jan Aldrin Belisario. AAF also provided valuable support for the painting workshop “Pasakalye Blackbox Arts Studio,” led by AAF member Jamesson Callos and AAF trustee Regine Eina Calisin. Lastly, AAF organized the book launch of Bicolano writers Danton Remoto and Victor Nierva.

Tibay Albay served as a venue to showcase  local artists and creative individuals from all corners of Albay. The art groups that peformed included Bicol Voice Chorale, SPED Dance, UST Performers, TaBusKCo, The Dawani Project, Sining Banwa, and Sining Bikol. Delightful mini booths adorned the venue, offering immersive artistic workshops and inviting attendees to explore diverse painting techniques. 

The event was made possible through collaboration between the Albay Culture and Arts Council (ACAC), the Provincial Tourism, Culture and Arts Office (PTCAO), and the Provincial Government of Albay.