ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, Philippines — Artists of all disciplines mix, match and join forces as Angeles City celebrates National Arts Month in February, pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 683 issued in 1991.

This year, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) celebrates with the theme, “Tradition and Innovation.” Angeles City adopts the local theme, “Mana,” which means legacy.

In alignment with tourism goals of helping promote local arts and culture, the Angeles City Tourism Office (ACTO) and Kuliat Foundation, Inc. host this event in cooperation with Angeleño artists Ronnie Tayag and Minerva Arceo who helped coordinate for their fellow artists at the Pampanga Arts Guild.

ACTO supports Tayag as independent artist in his advocacy to revive arts and culture, and share the opportunity with artists from all disciplines. The objective is to encourage local artists to sustain their craft and eventually establish a regular source of livelihood.

The two-day event is highlighted by a series of exciting activities this weekend at the historic Pamintuan Mansion and Museo Ning Angeles.

On Saturday at 10 a.m., the exhibit galleries open at the Pamintuan Mansion.

Featured here are sculptures and paintings of artists from Aguman Sulat Kapampangan, Art Association of the Philippines (Angeles City Chapter), Pampanga Arts Guild and Pampanga’s independent artists. Many of the works, which will be on display until the end of February, are available for sale. Buyers can inquire directly to the artists whose contact details are displayed alongside their art works.

Lectures and forums on Art Trends: Bridging the Past and Future, will cap the afternoon of Day 1 at Pamintuan Mansion. Mike Pangilinan will tackle “Kapampangan Heritage”, Tommy Lopez will speak on “How to Market Your Art”, and Architect Michaela Rosette Santos will discuss “Green Architecture”.

At Museo Ning Angeles, bonsai and horticultural exhibits by the Kapampangan Horticulture and Bonsai Society, await. There will also be booths for Kapampangan arts and crafts, culinary art, alternative/green art and the works of Pampanga Tattoo Artists Club.

Meanwhile, culture and entertainment take centerstage via the exciting story-telling sessions and cultural presentations in the form of song, dance and drama from the young creative talents of UyatArtista.

Local artists and architecture students are featured on Sunday at Museo Ning Angeles.