Eyes Wide Open (excerpts from the from the May 7, 2005 Sun Star Bacolod article by Betsy Gazo)

On opening night of Eyes Wide Open last April 25, Korean Grill Bar was filled with artists of all sorts.  This photo exhibit features 29 framed works of over 20 photographers, filmmakers and cinematographers from all over the country.  Two years ago, Jay Abello had thought about collating photographs taken by his friends in the industry and putting up an exhibit.  Although he had come up with a sizeable collection, the timing was just not right yet.  Then, this year, Jay and his friends finally and successfully pooled their works for a noble cause.

Eyes Wide Open will run for three weeks and proceeds of the sale will go to the scholarship fund of Tapulanga Foundation, a charitable organization aimed at serving, enhancing and granting social, economic, education, medical and spiritual benefits to its beneficiaries.  Main beneficiaries of the foundation are the farm workers (and their families) of Hda. Tinihaban, Silay City and St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City.

The foundation holds yearly free clinics, dispenses free medicines and takes care of the other medical needs of the workers and children of the farm.  It also provides free education to over 100 children from the farm.  Established in March of 2001, Tapulanga Foundation hopes to provide an opportunity for the neighboring farms in Silay City and E.B. Magalona access to quality Christian education.

I take my hat off to Micmic Abello-Golez, Executive Director of Tapulanga Foundation, her brother JR Abello, her supportive husband Ray Golez and the graphic artists who generously shared their talents and resources to the foundation. Jay told me that the artists do not get a share of the proceeds. Everything goes to Tapulanga Foundation. That's flower power for you.