‘SangDiwa’ — the arts all day for PH Independence

SAN FRANCISCO – An all-day celebration of the arts, “SangDiwa 2015,” will showcase visual artists, musical performers and fashion innovators as part of a series of June events celebrating the 117^th anniversary of Philippine Independence.

Global Filipino Network (GFN), San Francisco Philippine Consulate and Philippine American Writers and Artists, Inc. (PAWA) will host “SangDiwa 2015” from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, at Kalayaan Hall, SF Philippine Consulate, 447 Sutter Street.

“SangDiwa,” part of the KalayaanSF celebration series was coined from the phrase “Isang Diwa” which means one spirit and, figuratively, “one voice.” It is an annual event that is part of GFN’s Arts and Culture program.

The all-day art exhibition by various awarding-winning artists will include Artery Press; Eliza Barrios, Laga Weaving Circle; Sidney Snoeck, photojournalist of Project Pearls; Patis Tesoro; Marconi Calindas; Kristian Kabuay; Bayani Art and the Hinabi Project.

Designer Patis Tesoro

“Our vision is to make this as one of the biggest yearly events focusing on Filipino arts and culture education,” said Arnold Pedrigal, president and founder of Global Filipino Network.

“This year we are expecting attendance from a number of university and art organizations as well as city officials and Fil-Am community leaders in the Bay Area,” Pedrigal added.

The morning session comprises art demonstrations of by Bernadette Martinez, who will talk about printmaking, Kristian Kabuay on Baybayin Art and Holly Calica, the art of Laga.

The event’s Keynote Speaker is Beatriz “Patis” Tesoro, an icon of Philippine fashion known for her creative and classic designs using indigenous Filipino materials like abaca, abel tiniri, Mindanao silk and piña (extract fiber from pineapple leaves).  Tesoro will also be speaking on the process of Piña from planting to finished product and her experiences on designing dresses with this material.

Two panel discussions in the afternoon session include best-selling author Geraldine Solon, award-winning visual artist Marconi Calindas, Baybayin advocate Kristian Kabuay, interdisciplinary artist Eliza Barrios, filmmaker Peggy Peralta, writer Edwin Lozada, Laga weaving artist Jenny Young and fashion designer Anthony Cruz Legarda, who will also talk about the the Hinabi Project.

In addition to the art exhibition and panel sessions, SangDiwa also incorporates musical performances by Monicalaire Mendoza, one of the Top 40 finalists in “American Idol 2015”;  Maddie Bartolome; Pink Harmony; The Harmonix Duo and Mika Gorospe. The winner of the Filipino Youth Coalition (FYC) “Battle of the Tribes” competition will be performing at the event. Culminating the day’s celebration will be a fashion show by Chona Pike Productions showcasing her Filipiniana collection.

Admission to SangDiwa 2015 is free.  Suggested donation of $5-$20 is appreciated. Proceeds from this event will help fund future arts and culture events organized by the Global Filipino Network (GFN).

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