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Mrs. Rowena Tomeldan, the COO of Ayala Malls cuts the ribbon that formally opens the Don Bosco Exhibits

By Fr. Drans Nolasco, SDB

Quezon City, Philippines - The Don Bosco Exhibit entitled “God’s Gift to the Young” was formally opened and blessed last Saturday, August 1, 2015 at 1:30pm at the Trinoma Ayala Mall, Level 4. The event is in line with the celebration of the 200th Birth Anniversary of St. John Bosco, the founder of the Salesians of Don Bosco, who was born on August 16, 1815 in Turin, Italy. He is hailed by the Catholic Church as the Patron Saint of the Youth. He is well-known as the Father and Teacher of Youth.

The centerpiece of this exhibit are the Top 20 Artworks of young people who joined the Nationwide Don Bosco Art Contest early this year. Aside from these artworks, exhibit boards presenting some basic information about St. John Bosco, the Salesians of Don Bosco and their works, and the Salesian Family are also featured. Word & Life Publications and Don Bosco Technical College, Mandaluyong City are likewise featured in this Trinoma exhibit.

The opening event began with the awarding of the top three winners of the art contest. They are: John Michael Cortez of Nagcarlan, Laguna, Christian Dinglasan of Rosario, Batangas, and Marvin Taras of Maburao, Occidental Mindoro. Inspired by the life of St. Bosco who dedicated his whole life in uplifting the welfare of the poor young people of his time, these young artists expressed their admiration to this saint and their sense of hope and fulfillment in life using their God-given talents in drawing. They received their cash prizes and trophies from Mrs. Rowena Tomeldan, the COO of Ayala Malls, Ms. Maan Paras, the General Manager of Trinoma, and from Fr. Paul Bicomong, SDB., the Provincial Superior of the Salesians of Don Bosco Philippine North Province.

The blessing of the exhibit by Fr. Bicomong and the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon by Mrs. Tomeldan immediately followed the awarding ceremony that signaled the formal opening of the Don Bosco Exhibit.

The organizers are inviting everyone to come and visit this exhibit at the different Ayala Malls: Trinoma, QC (August 1-7), Glorietta 4, Makati City (August 12-19), Market! Market!, Taguig City (August 22-30), ATC Alabang (September 3-9), Ayala Center – Cebu City (September 22-28), Abreeza – Davao City (October 1-7), Centrio – Cagayan De Oro City (October 10-16), Marquee Mall, Angeles City (January 5-11), Harbour Point, Subic (January 13-19), Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City (January 25-31), and The District, Imus Cavite (February 8-14).

Here we want to share with you the Top 3 Winners. If you wish to see all the Top 20 Entries please click the link of the Nationwide Don Bosco Art Contest

(from Left to Right) Ms. Maan Paras, General Manager of Trinoma Mall, Mrs. Rowena Tomeldan, the COO of Ayala Malls, John Michael Cortez, 1^st Place Winner, Christian Dinglasan, 2^nd Place Winner, Marvin Taras, 3^rd Place Winner, Fr. Paul Bicomong, SDB, the Provincial Superior of the Salesians of Don Bosco Philippine-North Province, and Fr. Bernard Nolasco, SDB, DB Exhibit Organizer

People pass by the Gallery of the Don Bosco Exhibit and take their time appreciating the Top Twenty artworks of young people who joined the Don Bosco Art Contest Nationwide.