DARAPILAN, the first arts exhibition featuring the works of local artists in Dagupan City, was opened to the public on February 16, Sunday at the repurposed Old City Hall building inside the Dagupan City National High School campus in Tapuac District in exotic folk ceremony performed by the UL Theater and Dance Company.

The name derives from the vintage sugar mill that processes sugar cane into various sugar confections. Like its namesake, the present-day Darapilan is the mill that seeks to transform the creative passion and aspirations of the community into meaningful expressions of art.

Art enthusiasts view some of the arts collection of paintings, sculptures and art installations at Darapilan  Arts Exhibition at DCNHS compound.

Spearheading the premier cultural event are the arts and culture advocates of the city led by the Jayceekens, under the auspices of the City Tourism Office. It is considered a watershed in the administration of Mayor Brian C Lim and is hoped to foster cultural growth of the city.

Rep. Christopher De Venecia who has earlier expressed keen interest in developing the building site as a museum for the arts, came forward to support the project.

The highlight of the program was the announcement and awarding of the winners of the Plein Art competition which ushered in the Arts Month celebration: 1st Prize – Art Diaz Bolinas; 2nd Prize – Francis Aron Tuliao; and 3rd Prize – Mjhay Macaraeg. Cited for honorable mention were Pierce Tam Querido, Khyla Ico; Mary Rose Tiongco, Israel Brigole, and Angela Francisco Manuel.

The members of the organizing committee were Festival Chairman Pope Dalisay, Executive Festival Consultant Rex Catubig, Executive Curator Paco Santos and City Tourism Officer Rosemary Teng Mejia, City Schools Supt Celia Junio Fernandez and DCNS Principal Medarlo de Leon.

Key note speaker was noted artist Fred Liongoren. Atty. Gerald M. Tabadero, representing Cong Toff de Venecia, graced the ceremony.

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