Davao City has always been a city of coming together of people from different places with different views, ideas, and cultures. With the collaborative Dabawenyo spirit, the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao launched its Kadayawan offerings with an evening of Art, Cuisine and Cocktails last August 9 featuring the works of Dabawenyo abstract visual artist Victor Secuya.
Bearing the title “Memories of My Father’s Farm”, the 10-piece collection which is scheduled to be exhibited in Saint-Josse-ten-Noodle, in Brussels, Belgium, is Secuya’s tribute to his late father and memories of his childhood past.
A son of a businessman-landowner, Secuya got his early education from a seminary run by the Maryknoll Priests and his art studies during the summer from the University of the Philippines. He earned a college degree in Sociology from the Ateneo de Davao University where he graduated cum laude in 1977 and a postgraduate degree in Philosophy from the Ateneo de Manila University soon after.
Alongside his teaching career in reputable academic institutions and curatorial stints at select art museums in the country, he has mounted 24 solo exhibits for over 30 years. “This is my 25th at 61 years old. I don’t know how long I’ll be able to exhibit my works but I am awed with the hospitality and warm invitation to do a Kadayawan show,” he said prior to the opening.
With much of the imageries showing a refinement of colors and a personal penchant for organic shapes, he fondly shared that conjuring them out of his mind was an adventure and that he’s never felt as bold and free while working on the canvas. Secuya also launched his 5th published work titled “Art Insights: 60 Essays on Art and Life”, containing musings in his 60-year existence, a legacy that he wishes to pass on to his grandchildren.
Hotel Manager Bryan Yves Lasala expressed the pleasure of collaborating with Secuya for the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao’s 33rd Kadayawan celebrations.
Together with the exhibit, the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao celebrates the bounty of the festival season with a feast at Cafe Uno’s signature Mindanaoan offerings combined with the fruitful flavors of Davao with dishes masterfully prepared by the hotel’s executive chef Bien Chavez.
The buffet selection highlights a Kadayawan section for the entire duration of the festival from August 10 to 19, 2018. The section features Mindanao-inspired dishes such as Chicken Piyanggang, Shrimp Piaparan,Talakitok Piyalam, and Tiula Itum. There is also an assortment of Filipino festival favourites such as Lechon Biik, Caldereta Kambing, various grilled seafood, as well as delectable desserts and the best of Davao’s seasonal fruits.
Victor Secuya’s “Memories of My Father’s Farm” exhibit runs from August 9 until the 20th or 2018. While Cafe Uno’s Kadayawan buffet is available for the entire duration of the festival from August 10 to 19, 2018.
For more information on Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao’s Kadayawan offerings, you can call 2332881.
