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VIVA ExCon 2016 Iloilo - Photo by Leo Lazatin
ILOILO (2016)
VIVA came back to Iloilo in 2016 with Rock Drilon as head of the
organization. He united the different groups and had the support
of the local, provincial and national government. The conference,
an exhibition, and other programs were held in the complex of
the Iloilo Provincial Capitol. Garbo sa Bisaya, a tribute exhibition,
and a contemporary exhibition were curated by Dr. Patrick Flores.
Exhibitions spread throughout Iloilo City, in universities, old houses,
galleries and other alternative spaces. Since Iloilo had international
flights, it was easy for international guests to join. Every time VIVA
happens, the host city benefits from it. It brings a boost to the local
economy, enhancement of artist communities, and pride to the city
itself. Hakus, meaning to embrace, was the theme. To embrace the
past, the present and the future. Bacolod wanted to host the next
VIVA and was ready for the bid. Peewee Roldan came back this
time as a participant and talked to me about our differences and
tried to settle it. He asked me if he could bid for the next VIVA so
that Roxas City, Capiz can host it since he was from there. I agreed
and pulled out our bid and supported his. But on the other hand,
as organizers in the past, we have discussed that the bid should be
for the next four years. This was to give the organizers a 4-year time
period to prepare systems, funds, networks, and all that is required
for the event. The bid in Iloilo was for Roxas (2018) and Bacolod
(2020) which was the celebration of its 30th year. The bidding that
happened in Roxas was for 2022.
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