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A huge thank you to everyone who participated in raising funds for the Philippines typhoon relief!
On Saturday, November 30, 2013, TOPAZ ARTS and Bliss on Bliss Art Projects co-presented “Bliss Out at Topaz! Fundraiser for Philippines Typhoon Relief”. We had a wonderful event with an overwhelming turnout of support with hundreds who attended the event and over 40 participating artists who donated works and performed for the cause. View photos here >
Our fabulous emcees Sunita Mukhi and Claro Que Sí, led us through the compelling performances. As the audience entered and viewed the artwork, we were treated to music by guitarist Stephen Blake. Followed by musical performances by classical guitarist Michael Dadap, singer Adrianna Mateo, and electronic music by Electric Djinn. A dance film “Coron” by TOPAZ ARTS founders Todd Richmond and Paz Tanjuaquio was revealed, filmmed in 2008 on the islands surrounding Coron, among the places hard-hit by the typhoon’s path. The benefit coincided with the closing exhibition of “Unearthing the Magic” - wood sculptures by Mamerto Tindongan, an artist from the Ifugao tribe of Northern Philippines, who performed indigineous sacred chants along with the award-winning performer Grace Nono. Readings by esteemed writers Bino Realuyo, and Luis H. Francia who both donated their books for the cause, along with Jessica Hagedorn who offered signed, first-edition books of two acclaimed titles.
Several items still available online including signed first-edition books and limited edition prints – available online >
Established and emerging visual artists contributed poignant pieces for the occasion. An array of original artworks were displayed like a smorgasbord for visual senses – from limited edition prints and lithographs to framed photographs and original paintings. Artists included — Bliss on Bliss Art Project’s Ged Merino, Tosha Albor, Jojo Austria, Jeho Bitancor, Jose Johann Bitancor, Lori Caval, Ernest Concepcion, Mike Estabrook, Francis Estrada, Roy Fowler, Nancy Gesimondo, Rafael Herrin-Ferri, Marc Landas, Leonore R.S. Lim, Toots Magsino, Ellen Mandelbaum, Bob Nuestro, Manuel Ocampo, Randy Ordonez, Sam Penaso, Greg Stowell and many more.
Our food table was filled with goodies — Purple Yam’s Romy Doratan graced us with authentic ensaymadas, along with lumpia from Elizabeth Merino, delicious baked goods from Jane Raskin, and wine provided by TOPAZ ARTS.
A big thank you to our amazing “crew” of volunteers – heartfelt thanks for helping to make the event a huge success! Many thanks to Natalie Stanford, Mary Suk, Hsiao-Wei and Hsiao-Ting Hsieh, Lorie Caval, Jason Cina, Carolina Morales, Barbara Novak, Ole S. Pedersen, Elizabeth Merino, Samantha and Hana, and everyone who offered a helping hand! Thank you!
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