Kaplag 2013 includes art exhibit

CEBU, Philippines - Enriching Cebuano culture with various festivities shows the richness of Cebu’s religious and cultural heritage. The Fiesta Señor and the Sinulog Festival every third Sunday of January continue to draw foreign and local tourists. In fact, this year’s celebration had attracted four million devotees to pay homage to the Sto. Niño, and there were tens of thousands spectators who came to Cebu to witness the Philippines’ largest festival—the Sinulog.

Today, April 27, another festival is celebrated once again in the Queen City of the South. The Kaplag Festival expects to draw devotees of the Holy Child at the Basilica del Santo Niño. Various activities are prepared to commemorate the 448th Kaplag anniversary or the providential finding of the image of the Sto. Niño.

One of the most awaited activities in the said celebration is the art exhibit by the artist Rev. Fr. Dominador Besares, OSA at SM City Cebu Art Center. The theme of the exhibit is “KAPLAG –Expressing the Face of Jesus in Art in the Year of Faith 2013.” It will open on 28 April 2013 at 6 p.m. During the opening, the OSA novices will lead the invocation to be followed by an introduction to the art exhibit by Fray Louie Nacorda, a lay affiliate of the Discalced Augustinian (OAD). After the introduction, Fr. Besares, OSA will have his words of gratitude. And to formally open the exhibit, His Excellency Most Rev. Jose S. Palma, D.D will lead the ribbon cutting and solemn blessing; he will be assisted by Very Rev. Fr. Eusebio B. Berdon, OSA. Prior Provincial of the Cebu Province of the Order of Saint Augustine and Madame Nena Gullas.

The rationale of the art exhibit is to foster devotion to the Sto. Niño. The paintings of the Holy Child in mixed media depict the magnificent harmony of aesthetic and faith. Looking at the paintings, one could not but uplift his or her faith to the Niño God. Thus the exhibit is a perfect response to the Church’s celebration of the Year of Faith. Everyone is invited to visit the venue from April 28 to May 12, 2013. (FREEMAN)