2 days ago
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THE Okada Foundation Inc. (OFI) has strengthened its commitment to Philippine cultural arts through a newly forged partnership with the Philippine Art Awards Foundation, Inc. (Paafi), aiming to nurture young and aspiring Filipino artists.
FOSTERING FILIPINO ART (From left) Cid Reyes, president of Philippine Art Awards Foundation Inc.; Cedie Lopez Vargas, executive director of Lopez Memorial Museum; Irene Araneta, chairman of Young Musicians Development Organization and vice chairman of National Music Competitions for Young Artists Foundation Inc.; James Lorenzana, president of Okada Foundation Inc.; and board trustee Kenji Sugiyama. PHOTO FROM OKADA
FOSTERING FILIPINO ART Irene Araneta, chairman of Young Musicians Development Organization and vice chairman of National Music Competitions for Young Artists Foundation Inc. talks to James Lorenzana, president of Okada Foundation Inc. PHOTO FROM OKADA
FOSTERING FILIPINO ART (From left) Irene Araneta, chairman of Young Musicians Development Organization and vice chairman of National Music Competitions for Young Artists Foundation Inc.; James Lorenzana, president of Okada Foundation Inc., and Board Trustee Kenji Sugiyama. PHOTO FROM OKADA
Also in attendance in the agreement signing was Irene Marcos-Araneta, who serves as chairperson to Paafi as well as chairman to Young Musicians Development Organization (YMDO) and vice chairman of the National Music Competitions for Young Artists Foundation Inc. (Namcya).
Last month, OFI committed a P50-million grant to Namcya and YMDO in support of Filipino musicians.
OFI President James Lorenzana underscored OFI's vision of providing young artists with a platform to express themselves and gain the recognition they deserve. "Our goal is to give aspiring artists the opportunity to showcase their talents and contribute to the country's rich artistic heritage," he added.
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As part of its ongoing efforts, Paafi also runs the "Art Reach" program, which provides public school teachers with resources to cultivate students' appreciation for the visual arts.
Lorenzana also recognized the contributions of President Cid Reyes, Executive Director of the Lopez Memorial Museum Cedie Lopez Vargas, and the entire Paafi board, noting their commitment to promoting Filipino arts and culture.
"Their support has been invaluable in making this collaboration a reality," he said.
"On behalf of [Paafi], I want to thank Okada Foundation for their support for the Filipino arts," shared Reyes, who underlined his excitement to work together with people who share the same vision.
OFI's donation will help fund upcoming Philippine Art Awards competitions for the 2025-2026 and 2027-2028 seasons, encompassing both regional and national-level events. The initiative aims to provide emerging Filipino artists with greater opportunities to showcase their work on a larger stage.
"This is just one step in OFI's broader vision to support and uplift every facet of Filipino cultural arts, and we look forward to working closely with Paafi to nurture the country's next generation of artistic talent," Lorenzana concluded.
