Arte Kalye - Bacolod's art hub

Yesterday, Bacolod Sangguniang Panlunsod Councilor Wilson Gamboa said “Arte Kalye” has become known as the Art Hub of Bacolod City. This is the portion of San Agustin Street, which has become a picture of the art works of Negrense painters, paced by the Art Association of Bacolod president Nunelucio Alvarado.

Rep. Monico Puentevella attended the final day of the month-long festival by the AAB. The culminating affair was well attended by Bacolod’s patron of the arts including painting, dances and singing.

“Including even sports,” commented Puentevella who attended the affair with his spouse, Patching and son Nicky.

During the past month, thousands of students and art patrons had made a beeline to Arte Kalye, the portion of San Agustin Street, eastward from B.S. Aquino Drive to Pablo O. Torre.

For the duration of the Cultural Month, it hosted a series of activities, including paintings by well-known Negrense painters, dances, songs and other cultural presentations that regaled the crowd and made them understand better the background of Filipino culture.

Gamboa, who authored the SP resolution Wednesday, paid tribute to the “cultural and social contributions of the “AABN,” noting that the AABN through this Bacoleños artistry, has expressed their resolve to withstand the adversities and economic hardships.”

AABN’s undying passion to continuously express emotions and ideas through the visual and non-visual arts, inspired young artists to show their skills and talents through exhibits, symposia, performances, concerns, film and workshops, honed to be part of the development of Arte Kalye.

“Arte Kalye then will become an institutionalized venue where people, here and abroad, can visit the area which will now be known as the Art Hub of Bacolod City,” stressed Gamboa.

Puentevella, on the other hand, admitted that government has been remiss in its duty to support the field of arts but explained that the contribution of Alvarado, AABN to arts and culture and pledged to contribute to working together with them to promote arts and culture.

He also paid tribute to the late Ely Santiago, an original member of the AABN, and acknowledged as the creator of the Masskara Festival.

“We always forget the contributions of artists like Ely Santiago when they pass away but their works will remain, “Puentevella stressed.

There is no gainsaying that Arte Kalye will henceforth be a major feature of Bacolod City. It is expected to draw more visitors to the area.

Nietes keeps world title

He may not have gained the worldwide reputation of Manny Pacquiao in the boxing world, but Bacolodnons are just thrilled with the report that Bacolod’s own son, Donnie Nietes had successfully defended his WBO minimum weight title Sunday by knowing down No. 1 challenger Mexican Erik Ramirez in the first, fifth, ninth and 12th round.

It was a unanimous decision victory in Oaxaca, Mexico.

Games and Amusement Board Commissioner Juan Ramon Guanzon relayed the news to Bacolod after having been informed by Antonio Aldeguer from ALA Gym. Guanzon is also head of the Negros Amateur Boxing Association.

The three judges left no choice but to award the game to Nietes who had scored four knockdowns against Ramirez. The wires reported John Steward scored the fight 113-111, Cesar Ramos, 116-108 and Victor Solomon, 115-109 in favor of Nietes.