Bulawan, Camarines Norte's Finest

Bulawan, Camarines Norte's Finest -- the annual exhibit of finely handcrafted gold jewelry from Camarines Norte, Bicol, usually held in Manila every November/December -- is here by special invitation to be part of the 75th Anniversary of GSIS.  The jewelry exhibit, which is currently located at the GSIS Museum of Art in Pasay City, opened last May 21 and will be on display until June 2, 2012.

Organized by the city government of Camarines Norte and the Camarines Norte DTI through its provincial director Ernesto Pardo, the opening was led by Camarines Norte governor Edgardo Tallado,  DTI regional director Engr. Jocelyn Los Baños Blanco and GSIS president and general manager Robert Vergara.

Ribbon-cutting ceremony (l-r): Jocelyn Blanco, DTI regional director,
Robert Vergara, GSIS president and  Camarines Norte governor Edgardo Tallado

Gov. Tallado with Camarines Norte DTI provincial director Ernesto Pardo 

The exhibit features original creations from past Bulawan events held at the Ayala Museum, Yuchengco Museum and most recently at the Metropolitan Museum.  There is also a selling area where you can buy pure gold or silver jewelries handcrafted by Bicolanos.

Bulawan will return to Manila before the end of the year with new jewelry designs to marvel at, so watch out for updates from this blog.




Filed under EVENTS

BULAWAN: Gold Jewelry from Camarines Norte

One event that I always look forward to yearly is Bulawan, the exhibition of handcrafted gold jewelry from Camarines Norte, Bicol, primarily because I am half Bicolana (my dad is from Daet, Camarines Norte) and secondly, I love handcrafted jewelry.

Going to Bulawan always reminds me of the jewelry collection of my grandmother and her sisters and the pieces that were handed down to me. As young as 7 years old, I was already familiar with the Bicol gold (24k and 18k) and trademark hadcrafted designs such as the alupihan (centipede), pinalay (rice grains), and tambourine and filigree (spanish-influenced designs).

I was reintroduced to these gold jewelry back in 2009 when the Provincial Government of Camarines Norte, through the Camarines Norte Investment Incentive Board (CNIIB) headed by then Honorable Governor Jesus O. Typoco, Jr., requested internationally-renowned sculptor and artist-designer Dr. Joaquin Gasgonia Palencia, a native of Daet, Camarines Norte, to design a series of elegant, one-of-a-kind jewellery that were executed by members of the CNJPAI for their national and international clientele.

Thus, the exhibition “Bulawan: the Gold of Camarines Norte” was born -- a showcase of 18k gold jewelry in natural motifs and unique cultural heritage of Camarines Norte, rendered through elegant and daring designs, and executed with high precision and faithfulness to the concept by their respective jewellers. The exhibit was held at the Ayala Museum from November 5 to 9 and was unveiled with a fashion show and a simple cocktail party.

The exhibit at the Ayala Museum paved the way for the invitation and participation of the Camarines Norte jewelry Producers Association, Inc. (CNJPAI) in the Hongkong International Jewellery Show last March 5-9, 2010 wherein the intricate and handcrafted jewelry products of the province were promoted not only at the Philippines but also in the international market.

In 2010, under the leadership of Governor Edgardo A. Tallado, the Bulawan returned and was on exhibit at the Yuchengco Museum from November 15 to December 4, showcasing a variety of jewelry collection classified from vintage, antique, traditional and modern designs thereby evoking "The Evolution of Camarines Norte Jewelry" and highlighting the gradual development in the design, craftmanship and quality of the jewelry items in Camarines Norte.

Long known for its rich deposits of gold, the province of Camarines Norte is becoming a major player in the Philippine jewelry industry through the efforts of the Provincial Government of Camarines Norte, and the Department of Trade and Industry-Camarines Norte Provincial Office (DTI-CNPO), who have been supporting the initiatives of local jewellers.

This time around, the Camarines Norte gold exhibit returns to Manila with "Bulawan: The Renaissance." The exhibit boasts of innovative designs that were culled from the recently concluded 2011 Jewelry Design Competition, as inspired by nature and other things the Bicol region is known for. It was formally opened last November 13 by Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno and the First Lady of Camarines Norte Josie Tallado (wife of Governor Edgardo Tallado), together with project chairman DTI-Camarines Norte Provincial Office Director Ernesto Pardo.

Also launch during the event is the official website of Bulawan at bulawanjewelry.com. You may also "like" their Facebook page and follow them on Twitter soon.

"Bulawan: The Renaissance" is on view at the Metropolitan Museum from November 13 to Dec. 13. Catch a glimpse of the breathtaking precious creations and while you are at it, buy a piece or two for your own collection.

Filed under EVENTS