Camarines gold goes center stage
November 3, 2009 9:20 am
MANILA, Nov. 3 — Long known for its rich gold deposits, the province of Camarines Norte is finally pushing moves to become one of the country's major players in the jewelry industry.
Camarines Norte jewelers will present “Bulawan: the Gold of Camarines Norte” in the Ayala Museum from Nov. 4 to 12.
“Bulawan: the Gold of Camarines Norte” is the result of a collaboration of the provincial government of Camarines Norte, through the Camarines Norte Investment Incentive Board (CNIIB) headed by Governor Jesus O. Typoco, Jr.
Internationally-renowned sculptor and artist-designer Dr. Joaquin Gasgonia Palencia, a native of Daet, Camarines Norte, was also asked to design a series of elegant, one-of-a-kind jewelry that were executed by members of the Camarines Norte Jewelry Producers Association Inc. (CNJPAI).
The event will showcase a suite of eight design lines in high-quality 18-karat gold jewelry. “Bulawan” is the result of the artist’s meditation on the natural motifs and unique cultural heritage of Camarines Norte, rendered through elegant and daring designs, and executed with high precision and faithfulness to the concept by their respective jewellers.
The themes culled from nature and the cultural heritage of Camarines Norte include 'Sinahâ', which is the form of an abaca stem cut crosswise; 'Hinâgot', the shape of hand-decorticated pineapples leaves; 'Pinalaspas', the shapes of hand-folded palm fronds used during Palm Sunday masses; 'Balisô-sô', which are local glutinous rice or cassava-based cakes shaped into triangles; 'Ilog', the meandering, pristine rivers which bear precious gold dust; 'Pabitin', the playful bamboo grid hung with gifts which children grab for during Easter Sunday; 'Pinalay' mimics the golden kernels of life-giving rice which is at the heart of local agriculture; and 'Alon' follows the gentle curves of the ocean waves that wash ashore of this primarily coastal province.
Each of the motifs have their corresponding jewelry items, in the form of necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, and bangles in 18 karat yellow gold.
To highlight this affair, a fashion show featuring the dresses of the School of Fashion and the Arts (SOFA), and models from Camarines Norte will be presented for clients, the public, and media to see the gold jewelry designs to maximum effect, as worn.
“Bulawan: the Gold of Camarines Norte” is thus a multiple art event that combines the energies of several groups of artists and craftsmen to highlight both the potential for developing the gold jewelry industry of Camarines Norte, as well as the talents and skills of Filipino craftsmen and artists.
“Bulawan: The Gold of Camarines Norte” is presented by the Provincial Government of Camarines Norte through the Camarines Norte Investment Incentive Board, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Camarines Norte Jewelry Producers Association Incorporated, the Gruppo Francesco, BusinessWorld, Dusit Thani Manila, High Life, Kiehl's, Lancôme Paris, Lifestyle Asia, Lifestyle Asia Travel, MEGA, Our Lady of Lourdes College Foundation, SM Department Store, School of Fashion and the Arts and the Ayala Museum. (PNA)
RMA/BAC/mec
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