Orkidyas Photo and Orchid Exhibit Opening

Adamson University, Manila-Philippines

Orkidyas exhibit

It was a cloudy afternoon , when i left my workplace . Traffic along Rizal and Taft Avenue  was horrendous and manage to arrived in Adamson University just a few minutes before the appointed 3:00 p.m. I was greeted by friendly staffs of the cultural affairs office . They also gave me interesting student publication upon my registration in their guest book.

The  “Orkidyas”  exhibition  would be held for the third time ,  Professor Cuenco mounted a similar exhibition in Washington D.C . in 2010 and in other parts of the United States.

crowd listening to the opening remarks of the host

Professor Edwin Cuenco showcased his award winning exhibition of digital prints and photos entitled  ‘Orkidyas: In Celebration of Philippine Flora’ at the Art Gallery of Adamson University  in cooperation with the Philippine Orchid Society and sponsored by the Asian Social Institute and Adamson University, from July 13,2012 to August 3, 2012.

Rev. Fr. Gregorio L. Bañaga, Jr., C.M.,AB, MS, Ph.D. -President of Adamson University

Dr. Gregorio Bañaga, Jr. in his welcome remarks told the visitors and invited guests that the University played an active role in molding the 16,000 students thru the  cultural affairs office . These events are open for FREE so that the students can learn to appreciate nature and learn how rich the biodiversity of the country.  The University had also other linkages with other institutions, NGO groups and other schools .

Professor Edwin Cuenco address the crowd during the opening of the exhibit

In Prof. Edwin Cuenco’s  speech , “The third installment of “Orkidyas” — showcases my personal print interpretation including some 25 photographic images of exotic Philippine flora provided by the Philippine Orchid Society after it was previously exhibited in Washington, DC and New York City. The artworks will hopefully reflect our cultural, ethnic, spiritual, aesthetic and verbal communication patterns, parallel to the immediacy of themes, sources and inspiration found in Philippine life and culture. This will be part of my U.S. Fulbright grant to promote cultural relations with emphasis on the visual arts between the U.S. and the Philippines.”

standing in the middle Atty. Solfia S. Arboladura (President of Universidad de Manila ) represented the office of  Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, Professor Edwin Cuenco( grey shirt)  Dr. Mina M. Ramirez ( President of Asian Social Institute ) ,  and Dr. Gregorio Bañaga, Jr ( President of Adamson University ) during the ribbon cutting ceremony .

Prof. Cuenco received the University of Texas Outstanding Faculty Award in Teaching and Service, and the 2010 Distinguished Educator Award from the Arkansas Advertising Federation in Little Town, Arkansas, and the Visual Communications Graduate Fellowship Award from George Washington University. His works are found in private and public collections including the Wold Bank, George Washington University, Arkansas Tech University, University of Texas, and the Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC.

Prof. Edwin Cuenco of Arkansas Tech University arrived in ASI at the opening of the SY 2012 as a U.S. Fulbright Senior Scholar to the Philippines. He is a BFA fine arts graduate of PWU who worked at the Communications Center of the Asian Social Institute in 1990.

His graphic designs and digital illustrations have received ADDY Gold, Silver and Bronze juried recognitions from the American Advertising Federation in Texas, Virginia and Arkansas including Best of Show at the 12th National Computer Arts Juried Exhibition that was included in the U.S. Department of State’s traveling exhibition.

Cattleya Dr. Elenita Binay breed by Ms. Vangie Go

Cattleya Dr. Elenita Binay was breed by Ms. Vangie Go.  A noted Filipino plant breeder and collector of rare plants.  This cattleya hybrid  was named after one of her favorite client and friend Dr. Elenita S. Binay , the wife of  Hon. Jejomar Cabauatan Binay Sr.   the current Vice- President of the Philippines  .

Dendrobium hybrids , Miyagos and foliage Anthurium on display

Aside from photo exhibit, The beautifully arrange live plant exhibit which included native Aspleniun nidus ” mutant” varieties ,  Grammatophyllum multiflorum , Guzmania, Phalaenopsis hybrids, Renanthera hybrids, Dendrobium bullenianum , Dendrobium  hybrids, Anthurium hybrids and ornamental plants. This is a precursor for the upcoming 66th mid-year orchid show.

interesting arrangement of live orchid potted plants with flowers

The live plant display exhibit were from the personal  collections of  Ms. Vangie Go , Mrs. Corazon Purificacion , Ms. Mary Ann-Wu and EnR Orchidlandia . Some of the live plants and orchids on display are also for sale for a reasonable price.

vip and guests admire and pose souvenir shots at the 3 potted  blooming size Grammatophyllum multiflorum  orchid  which serves as a focal point of the exhibit .

The invited guests, student writers, officers of the cultural affairs office, alumni  and top officials of the university treated everyone to a light afternoon meal.

Mr. Lawrence Chan together with Professor Edwin Cuenco

The main objective of this exhibit is not just to promote the collaborative works of Philippine Orchid Society , Adamson University , Asian Social Institute ,  Professor Cuenco , Photographer groups   but also the advocacies and the urgent need to preserve and conserve these wonderful plants not only in our backyards but also in its natural habitats .

Links:

Adamson University : http://www.adamson.edu.ph/

Asian Social Institute: http://www.asinet-online.org/

Philippine Embassy ( United States ) : http://www.philippineembassy-usa.org/news/332/300/Philippine-Embassy-Promotes-Philippine-Orchids-through-Art-Works-of-Professor-Edwin-Cuenco-MFA/d,phildet/

Philippine Orchid Society :http://www.philippineorchidsociety.com/

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