by Shanadine Doria
In line with the International Women’s Month celebration, the Victor Oteyza Community Arts Space (VOCAS) opened their exhibit with the theme “Be-Ei: Being Her” featuring the artworks of women artists at the La Azotea, March 8.
Ilene Carantes, one of the women artists, welcomed the audience by praising the women artists of Baguio using Ibaloi language.
“Ishayao tayun emin eraja be-ein artista shi Bagiw. Et nimannna edavi, manshadsak kitun emin,” Carantes said.
(Let us give praise to the women artists in Baguio and let us enjoy this night together.)
“From being a [retired] caregiver, servant of the community, we need to make sure that we take care of ourselves because self care [and] self love is important,” Carantes added.
Leslie Dulfo, former gender and development coordinator and mental health advocate, shared her advocacy regarding mental health awareness.
“Mental health talks are not that easy. Let us not forget to help other people who go through many things in life. Life goes on and we should keep going,” Dulfo added.
The exhibit is one of VOCAS’ largest exhibitions with 41 participating women artists.
A woman looks at the exhibition of artworks by women at the La Azotea.
From the theme “Be-ei: Being Her,” the word Be-ei means “woman” in the Ibaloi language and Being Her means a woman’s moment for herself or introspection.
The exhibit wished to empower women to take a moment to be themselves despite the responsibilities they carry in life.
According to the management of VOCAS, the exhibit is open to the public and will most likely be displayed for two months.
Organizer, exhibitors and visitors of the Be-ei: Being Her exhibit.
Edited by Joemariequeen Del Rosario
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