It brings positive vibes, too
ILOILO City – In time for the 84th Charter Day, a new flyover mural brilliantly concocted by the Baysulangpu Artists Society depicts various heritage spots of this city.
Baysulangpu members Edmar Colmo and Edwin De los Reyes are leading the mural project at the 316-meter flyover on General Luna Street here as a continuation of the city government’s street art projects.
Few of the landmarks painted on the flyover posts include the Arroyo Fountain, Iloilo City Hall, Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral, Calle Real, Molo Church, and Miag-ao Church.
The mural is another take of Baysulangpu (an anagram for the Hiligaynon word of pula nga subay or red ants) on the history and culture of Iloilo City.
The group also painted a 100-meter mural at the wall of SM City Iloilo’s warehouse along Diversion Road in Mandurriao district.
The mural along Diversion Road was done in December 2020 as part of the tribute to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) frontliners.
The artwork featured Miss Universe-Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo, Dinagyang Festival, Paraw Regatta and cyclists.
Baysulangpu members also worked on the multi-colored Iloilo River Boulevard Bridge located at the back of St. Joseph School in Mandurriao and the Dungon Bridge IV in Jaro district.
Once all the three projects are complete, the next project would be the Forbes Bridge that links the districts of La Paz and City Proper.
Photojournalist Arnold Almacen, a Baysulangpu member, said the street art projects are part of the city government’s support in pushing Iloilo as the art capital of the country.
POSITIVE VIBES
The almost 20-year-old art group that recently staged a comeback considers its recent work as part of its social responsibility to bring positive vibes as many are facing difficult challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For instance, Baysulangpu painted a rainbow at the Jalandoni Flyover to depict the beauty and colors of life despite adversity.
“Daw nalipay man bala nga nakita ang imo art nga gin-share mo sa society, dayun nakabulig sa bilog nga syudad, mapanami ang syudad kag mas lain gid man kon ang mga tawo ma-educate mo sa art,” said Colmo, one of Baysulangpu’s original members.
De los Reyes was also elated that Baysulangpu was able to bring positive impact to the Iloilo community, especially to people’s mental health, with their street art.
“Ang akon pag-paint part man ini sang akon pagbulig sa city para mapanami,” said De los Reyes, whose daughter is also an artist and member of Baysulangpu.
“Wala lang kami naglaum nga ma-appreciate nila ang amon obra kag daw kanami lang nga napalipay man namon sila especially subong nga pandemic,” De los Reyes added.
They are also hoping that Ilonggos will continue embracing art.
De los Reyes said they are proud and honored as a group to be trusted by Mayor Jerry Treñas to add vibrancy in the city.
“Salamat gid kay mayor nga ginhatag ya ni nga project sa amon. So, proud kami, isa kami sa mga grupo nga nagpatahom sa Iloilo,” said De los Reyes.
The local artist group also thanked the city government as they were not only given a venue to unleash their skills and passion but they were also hired as job hires.
“(The) COVID-19 pandemic has placed our economy into a near-standstill, and amid the pandemonium and devastation caused by this crisis, I have seen how my people were affected and lost their jobs including some of the visual artists,” Treñas said. “The Baysulangpu Artists Society is one of the many Ilonggos who have lost their jobs because of this pandemic.”
“We initiated some projects that can alleviate their burden in these times of distress, and at the same time, they can also help us transform blank walls and posts into beautiful murals,” added Treñas.
The mayor also cannot hide his excitement for the projects’ final look.
Colors crawl on the bridges in Calubihan in Jaro (top) and Nabitasan in La Paz.
“They precisely painted my dreams of making Iloilo City adorned with colorful and beautiful murals,” said Treñas./PN
