When traveling afar, tourists are usually greeted by airports and terminals. Within these infrastructures, tourism departments make sure that the place is welcoming and consists of scenic views and vibrant color representations of what a place is known for or what it offers.
What one should never fail to forget is that, “first impressions last forever.”
On June 8, 2024, the Pinta Okir Visual Arts Guild (POVAG) and Mugna Heneral Visual Arts Group, both organizations in an aim to gather artists within General Santos City, alongside LGU-Gensan and Island Paints, started their collaboration in painting murals within the walls and pillars of Bulaong Terminal.
The project was made possible when the Head of City Economic Management and Development Office (CEMCDO) Tourism Division, Eliodoro Alcaya, approached Ruby Jane Facurib, current Secretary of Mugna Heneral and former Vice President of POVAG. Sir Alcaya proposed the beautification of the terminal, and added, “Why not use our local artists para pagandahin ang local bus station?”
Representatives of both visual arts groups, such as President of Mugna Heneral, Edrick Aguirre, and Ms. Facurib herself, then gathered to discuss the process. The project was spearheaded by Aubrey Pantorilla, President of POVAG, and the design was created by Jezza Mae Nunez-Fuentes, member of Mugna Heneral. The terminal is now adorned with vibrant sea creatures, and what stands out the most is tuna, signifying the Tuna Capital of the Philippines.
Consisting of 27 artists, mostly graced by POVAG members, they painted during on-going terminal transactions. Their progress was witnessed by the local travelers present at the scene, and the mural was finished on June 19, 2024.
Newly Painted Opportunities
When asked regarding projects before this, Aubrey Pantorilla exclaimed, “So far, exhibits lang. Mayroon ‘yong February, Kalilangan Festival na art exhibit sa Veranza, with the collaboration ng Mugna Heneral, Pinta Okir, and CEMCDO.” She then expressed her enthusiasm for further opportunities after the Bulaong Terminal project. “Nagviral ang mural painting sa Bulaong, and it is expected na madadagdagan [projects like these].”
“They already recognized us - mga local artists ng Gensan. Na, ‘They really exist,’ hindi lang sa canvas nagp-paint.” She further highlighted. “Puwede rin pala sa walls, and pillars.”
Whenever you are an artist yourself, maybe in an organization or going freelance, opportunities to showcase your skills and talent arise with local projects like these. You may travel along the roads of Heights, outside City High, on Mabuhay Road, to see the large murals; or even witness vivid colors painted inside the university: the “I LOVE MSU GENSAN” signage and the decorated pedestrian lanes - these are all made by our local artists.
If you are aspiring to be one, do not hesitate to start small. “Sa mga fellow artists namin, mostly sa atin ay introverted - expressing emotions and opinions through art. Huwag kayong mahiyang mag-approach sa amin, or sa Mugna Heneral.” Ms. Pantorilla claimed. May it be through the university arts guild, or works posted and/or sold online, one can be an artist - not only through painting, but to many more mediums out there.
Art can be a reliever, a reminder, a letter - but it can also be a greeting in the middle of the day. When you travel using the bus going in or outside Gensan, let the Bulaong Terminal murals remind you - that you are always welcome in the Tuna Capital city.
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