Press Release RPL-005-2025 - Agana PCG Launches MapagLAROng Likha: Reimagining Philippine Traditional Games Through Art
24 February 2025, Guam - In celebration of Philippine National Arts Month, the Philippine Consulate General in Guam launched its art exhibit “MapagLAROng Likha: Reimagining Philippine Traditional Games Through Art at Micronesia Mall on 22 February 2025, which aims to promote Philippine traditional games through the artworks of Filipino-American artists in Guam.
The launch was attended by Vice Speaker Tony Ada and Senator Shelly Calvo of the 38th Guam Legislature, Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency (CAHA) Executive Director Angie Taitague, Goodwind Development Corporation’s Executive Director Rene Lao, who represented Micronesia Mall Management Team and Filipino Community of Guam (FCG) President Edna Rebanal. The event was also attended by esteemed members of the Filipino community, school administrators, and media partners.
In her welcome remarks, Consul General Rosario P. Lemque expressed her gratitude to the Filipino-American artists who participated in this art exhibit, saying “Their works not only celebrate our traditional games but also serve as a bridge between generations, preserving our heritage through art.” She also conveyed her appreciation to Vice Speaker Ada, Senator Calvo, CAHA, and the Micronesia Mall for their unwavering support to the Consulate’s initiatives in promoting Philippine culture and the arts in Guam.
In her inspirational message as the Guest of Honor during the launch of the exhibit, 38th Guam Legislature Majority Whip and Committee Chairperson for Arts and Culture, Senator Shelly Calvo highlighted the significant contributions of Filipino-American artists on Guam in enriching Guam’s Guam’s cultural scene by blending Filipino traditional themes with local Chamorro influences. Their works help foster a deep appreciation of both cultures creating a unique artistic identity on the island.creative industry.
Vice Speaker Tony Ada together with Senator Shelly Calvo, presented Certificates of Recognition to the Filipino-American artists, recognizing their participation in this art exhibit and artistic contribution to the island of Guam.
The art exhibit features the artworks of ten (10) Guam-based Filipino-American artists, namely, Trexie Berondo, Richelle Canto, Anette Catahay, Grace Gueco, Olivia Newman, Lolit Poblete, Maila Pujol, Viola Roces, Merc Tenorio, Marcus Villaverde. The exhibit featured 15 artworks showcasing traditional games such as piko, saranggola, trumpo, sipa, bahay-bahayan, holen, teks, palo sebo, luksong lubid, luksong tinik, luksong baka, tumbang preso, and sungka. Most pieces were created using acrylic paint, while two artists created digital art.
The exhibit is open to the public from 23 February until 02 March 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Micronesia Mall (beside Beyond the Box).
