La Carlota City Celebrates Art and Unity with Mangkas Group’s Five-Day Festival

The Mangkas Group of Artists recently organized a five-day festival titled "Dungog sang Mangkas 2: Art as Heritage, Unity as Strength" at the public plaza in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, from September 8 to 12. The event began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Mayor Joel Jalandoni, alongside City Councilor Joseph Martin Jalandoni, Chair of the Committee on Tourism, Culture and Arts, City Tourism Officer Karen Aguirre, special guest artist Hill Benitez from Cadiz City, and members of the Mangkas Group, together with participating schools and local creatives.

Throughout the celebration, a variety of activities were conducted to engage the community, including vibrant workshops and artistic sessions. Highlights included an art talk by Hill Benitez focusing on artists’ etiquette, professionalism, and character development; hands-on craft-making and terracotta clay workshops; bonsai and tattoo skill-building sessions; as well as a contemporary dance workshop and poetry reading that showcased movement and verse.

The festival featured active participation from local artists such as James Estimada, Carlo Villahermosa, Gigay Molinos, Chuck Uy, Zaldy Flores, Neil Lamberto, and many others. Their involvement added depth and diversity to the event’s creative offerings.

The closing night was marked by a grand gala celebrating art and culture, which included the induction of new officers and the inaugural Pasidungog Gawad Parangal 2025. This special recognition honored local talents for their significant contributions to the city’s artistic landscape.

The gala was attended by notable personalities, including Chole Cuenca Chua, Ellaine Jalandoni, Councilor Joseph Martin Jalandoni, and Executive Assistant III Ruth Famillaran-Villanueva, who joined in honoring the achievements and dedication of the community.

"Dungog sang Mangkas 2" successfully united artists, students, and residents of La Carlota City, underscoring the importance of cultural heritage, community skill development, and the strength derived from artistic unity. The event’s success reflects the collaborative spirit and commitment of all involved, making it a memorable occasion for the city’s cultural calendar.