MANILA, Philippines - Fiestas have become a communal Filipino expression, observed with color, gaiety, and hope. In honoring their patron saint, the Filipinos submit to their aspirations for a good life. The celebrations also are occasions for reunions with family and friends punctuated with gastronomic delights.
Donald Tapan, a photographer whose name is synonymous with countryside scenes, mounts “Philippine Fiestas” on view at Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.
Tapan depicts his subjects with a strong combination of colors, composition, and depth of field, making them a feast for the eyes.
“When I take photographs, I try to look for something outside of the obvious, something not always noticed,” Tapan said. “Photography is an art and should be treated with respect, as with any art form.”
The exhibit is on display in Metro Manila until today and forms part of the annual Filipino Heritage Festival’s month-long celebration.
There will also be a Trade and Food Fair, which opens tomorrow, 9 a.m. in Los Baños, Laguna. It features native dishes and the best of Philippine arts. The fair will move to Marikina City on May 18.
The Heritage Month, created by Proclamation No. 439 and signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in August 2003, declared the entire month of May as a festival of exhibits, performances, tours, and processions celebrating the nation’s history and cultural traditions.
The Filipino Heritage Festival is supported by the Department of Tourism, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and Security Bank Corporation.
For inquiries, call 892-5865 or visit filheritagefest.fateback.com