‘Our Lady of the Iloilo River’ rules over Iloilo Esplanade

• Source:http://panaynewsphilippines.com/2015/12/13/our-lady-of-the-iloilo-river-rules-over-iloilo-esplanade/
• Sunday, December 13, 2015

(PIA-Iloilo/PN)

ILOILO City – Iloilo Esplanade 2 is now home to a painting of renowned Ilonggo artist Fernando Kabigting honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, Councilor Joshua Alim, Councilor Nielex Tupas, Kabigting and wife Menchu, and other friends of the arts attended the unveiling and blessing of the painted image of the “Our Lady of the Iloilo River” on Dec. 8, coinciding with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary.

Reverend Father Esperidion Celis blessed the 12.8-foot high painted image on old wood which was put on a pedestal at the Esplanade 2.

According to Mabilog, when the plan was presented to him last summer, he thought of no other best place where to put the image but on the Iloilo River.

“A good symbol, a good reminder to everyone who pass through here that through the blessings of God through Mama Mary we will receive more graces, more blessings from the Lord,” said Mabilog.

He further said that this could not only be a holy place but also a place of reminder that through persistence and hard work, everything is possible.

Notwithstanding the disability he incurred by stroke in 1999 that left his right hand paralyzed and left eye blind, Kabigting persevered and continued his craft and even mounted an exhibit this year featuring 30 of his newest art works at the Philippine Consulate in New York City.

Mabilog said the event was also a manifestation of what public and private partnership as all about in the city as the structure or the pedestal where the painted image sat was donated by businessman Alfonso Tan and family.

In her message on behalf of wheelchair-bound Fernando, Menchu said her family was very happy “that his wish to give a unique gift to Iloilo, a city he has cherished and called his home, is now at hand. This comes from his heart and whole-being.”

She said the painted image was a work of art that manifested Fernando’s talent, his steadfast faith and his being a Filipino, and this would forever be a symbol of his acknowledgement of the greatness of God and the many delightful intercessions of our Lady as well as his appreciation of the goodness of Ilonggos.

She likewise thanked individuals including Senate President Franklin Drilon for making the offering of Fernando to be a part of the Iloilo Esplanade.

For Councilor Tupas, the event was not only a commemoration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception but also a celebration of public and private partnership for in this spot the city would have a new tourism destination, a heritage area and at the same time, a religious icon of the city.

Kabigting, an adopted son of the city, was recognized for his achievements and contributions in the field of arts during the 78th Charter Day celebration in August.