Inspired by the outcome of the exhibit, Bulawan: The Gold of Camarines Norte, held at the Artist Gallery of the Ayala Museum on Nov. 4-12, 2009 which featured the designs of multi-awarded sculptor and multimedia artist Dr. Joaquin Gasgonia Palencia, and executed by the members of the Camarines Norte Jewelry Producers Association, Inc. (CNJPAI), the new administration of Hon. Governor Edgardo A. Tallado in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is once again featuring the handcrafted jewelry items of Camarines Norte.
The show which featured modern new designs and targeted the high-end market resulted to CNJPAI’s participation to the Hongkong International Jewelry Show last March 5-9, 2010 which resulted to US$34,718.00 sales. Through these marketing activities, the intricate and handcrafted jewelry products of the province were promoted not only in the Philippines but also in the international market.
To capture more market and promote further the industry, the province is once again taking the center stage on the exhibit, Bulawan : The Evolution of Camarines Norte Jewelry at the Upper Wing, 4/L of the Yuchengco Museum, RCBC Plaza, corner Ayala and Gil Puyat Avenues, Makati City from November 15 to December 4, 2010.
The story of jewelry production which started in the towns of Paracale and Jose Panganiban features the story of the Golden Bull and the Golden Hen, respectively. The jewelry designs of the centuries are being presented in this exhibit. The product lines of Etruscan jewelry representing the 17th century, alfajor, Agriman, relicario, and Maria Clara for the 18th century, Tambourine, centipede, and other traditional designs of the 19th century. The modern designs of Ronil Magdaraog, Dr. Joaquin G. Palencia and the new products out of the design competition are being presented in the 20th century.
Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. represented by Congresswoman Lani Mercado and MTRCB Chair Mary Grace Poe-Llamanzares were the Special Guests of Honor at the opening reception last November 15, 2010 at 6 p.m.
The Province of Camarines Norte likewise prepared simultaneous activities for the three-week exhibit, to wit;
November 20, 2010 – Day with the Media
November 24, 2010 – Paracale Day
November 29, 2010 – Business Matching
December 2, 2010 – Jose Panganiban Day
It is hoped that in the long run, this exhibit will not only promote the province of Camarines Norte and showcase the competitive advantage of having inherent talents of goldsmith for creating intricate handcrafted jewelry but also encourage continuous innovation on designs through product development activities and eventually to have an impact on the quality of jewelry items made from the province.
Ultimately, the organizers of Bulawan aim not only to generate sales and employment but also to encourage new industry players to have an interest to engage and investment in jewelry production and match the products with established shops and businessmen in Manila.
Bulawan: The Evolution of Camarines Norte Jewelry is being presented by the Provincial Government of Camarines Norte through the Camarines Norte Investment Incentive Board (CNIIB), the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Camarines Norte, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Camarines Norte Jewelry Producers Association Incorporated, BusinessWorld, HighLife and the Yuchengco Museum. For more information and details, please call Leora A. Puso, jewelry coordinator at 0920-2961513, or email us at [email protected] or [email protected].
