Omriel Gallery envisioned as venue of art, healing

(From left) Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, Dr. Omega Garibay, Rosalie Treñas, artist Emmanuel “Manny” Garibay, and Ambassador Uriel Norman Garibay lead the ribbon cutting ceremony during Omriel Art Gallery’s official opening. PHOTOS BY IAN PAUL CORDERO/PN
(From left) Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, Dr. Omega Garibay, Rosalie Treñas, artist Emmanuel “Manny” Garibay, and Ambassador Uriel Norman Garibay lead the ribbon cutting ceremony during Omriel Art Gallery’s official opening. PHOTOS BY IAN PAUL CORDERO/PN

“ART is the soul of the nation,” decorated Filipino artist Emmanuel “Manny” Garibay said during a short lecture on Sunday, as Iloilo’s newest venue for creative expression, the Omriel Art Gallery, opened in Mandurriao district – injecting this locale’s thriving art community with some newfound vigor.

Artist Agos Payapa with his masterworks.
Artist Agos Payapa with his masterworks.

Located on the second floor of The Galleria building along Pacencia Avenue, San Rafael, Mandurriao, Omriel is run by emerging champions of the Ilonggo art scene Ambassador Uriel Norman Garibay and his wife Dr. Omega Garibay – the gallery’s title a portmanteau of their own names. Envisioned as an emotional intelligence hub as well as a gallery, Omriel aims to provide a setting to showcase the works of contemporary artists from Iloilo and beyond.

The project seamlessly blends together the passions of the esteemed Garibay couple, a career diplomat and a medical doctor, seeking to foster in Omriel, a venue that espouses restoration and healing of the wellbeing through the arts and emotional intelligence.

Ilonggo artist PJ Cabanalan explains his works to Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas.
Ilonggo artist PJ Cabanalan explains his works to Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas.

Famed social realist painter Manny Garibay graced the official opening of Omriel Art Gallery and its inaugural exhibit entitled “Blood Line,” featuring the works of the family of artists Garibay clan and Iloilo’s homegrown Sigahum arts group.

Curated by Manny Garibay’s son Bam Garibay, “Blood Line” highlights pieces by Alee Garibay, Nina Garibay, Shalom Garibay, Yuhum Muriel Dean, and Christopher Dean, alongside the works of Ilonggo artists Kristoffer Brasileño, PJ Cabanalan, Marvin Dalisay, Jason Delgado, Noel Elicana, Joebert Gayoma, Jirah Labanza, Roland Llarena, Delmo, and Orland.

Decorated Filipino artist Emmanuel “Manny” Garibay delivers a short lecture.
Decorated Filipino artist Emmanuel “Manny” Garibay delivers a short lecture.
The Omriel Art Gallery’s founders are joined by the artists in the inaugural exhibit entitled “Blood Line.” (From left) Yuhum Muriel Dean, Christopher Dean, Dr. Omega Garibay, Ambassador Uriel Norman Garibay, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, Rosalie Treñas, Manny Garibay, PJ Cabanalan, Jason Delgado, Kristoffer Brasileño, Jirah Labanza, Agos Payapa, (seated) Marvin Dalisay, Joebert Gayoma, Noel Elicana, and Bam Garibay.
The Omriel Art Gallery’s founders are joined by the artists in the inaugural exhibit entitled “Blood Line.” (From left) Yuhum Muriel Dean, Christopher Dean, Dr. Omega Garibay, Ambassador Uriel Norman Garibay, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, Rosalie Treñas, Manny Garibay, PJ Cabanalan, Jason Delgado, Kristoffer Brasileño, Jirah Labanza, Agos Payapa, (seated) Marvin Dalisay, Joebert Gayoma, Noel Elicana, and Bam Garibay.

During the event Manny Garibay, awarded the prestigious Thirteen Artists Award by the Cultural Center of the Philippines in 2000, underscored the promising growth of the Ilonggo art community, lauding young locale artists for their fervent passion and inviting Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas to invest more on this bustling metropolis’ public art./PN

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