PAINTED WITH THE theme of “EmpowHERing Voices Through Art,”, the Student Council (SC) of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) invited female Bedan artists to showcase their artworks through an Art Fair at the Fr. Juan Sabater Court, March 6.  

In commemoration of the National Women’s Month, the SC opened a series of activities dedicated to “her,” one of which was the Art Fair, an avenue for female Bedan artists to present their artworks and even promote their businesses, originating from art. 

Among the female Bedan artists present at the fair were from the CAS, including – Dianne Radel Magallon from the Department of Political Science, Gianne Ellouise Sampang and Angelica Jane Silan from the Department of Psychology, Cheridan Morato from the Department of Financial Management, and Erin Denise Fajardo from the Department of Natural Sciences. Lei Mercado, from the Graduate School of Law, was also one of the participants of the said event.  

 Acting as the Activity Chairperson of the activities for the National Women’s Month, SC President Eunice Bermudez stated that she was “looking forward” to Women’s Month, since the SC wanted to conduct various activities that would “empower women and highlight their accomplishments.” She believed that the San Beda Art Fair provided an avenue for female Bedan artists to display their skills and be indulged with an audience who appreciates their masterpieces. “By empowering female artists through providing them a healthy spotlight, we create an inclusive environment inside our institution,” she added.  

Additionally, she expressed the importance of women in art, highlighting that art allows women to “express themselves through their passion,” which leads to a personal connection with their audience, and as such should allow women to be heard, not suppressed in any way. 

Bermudez, despite being the chairperson, revealed that it was SC Vice President for Internal Affairs, Julia San Jose who took charge of the preparations for and during the event. The day of the fair was met with a delay during the opening, leading it to start an hour later than the announced time. San Jose mentioned that it was due to a conflict of schedule with the usage of the tables and chairs for the event. However, despite the setback, the SC IVP managed to proceed through the “hectic” sequence of their preparation, having the fair to finally open an hour later. 

The day of the fair was met with a delay during the opening, leading it to start an hour later than the announced time. San Jose mentioned that it was due to a conflict of schedule with the usage of the tables and chairs for the event. However, despite the setback, the SC-IVP managed to proceed through the “hectic” sequence of their preparation, having the fair open an hour later. 

Lastly, Bermudez expressed her utmost support to the female Bedan community, vowing to continue to stand with them. She hopes to include everyone in having a stronger will when paying tribute to women’s sacrifices and contributions, even outside the Bedan community’s scope. She urges everyone to continue to inspire women and strive for gender equality.