Bohol’s Homage for the Grand Dame of the Visual Arts

 Nang Nene as painted by her son Gene Lungay

Hours before  Boholana artist Hermogena “Nang Nene” Borja Lungay, Grand Dame of the Visual Arts, was sent off to the Great Beyond where there is eternal sunshine and where pain is unheard of, friends, family & Bohol's cultural & literary arts circle were at the Bohol Cultural Center for her tribute. 

The Province of Bohol & the City of Tagbilaran honored her with a tribute that recognized her outstanding talent in painting and her immense contribution in uplifting the image of Bohol through her treasure trove of artwork. 

Her priceless watercolor & oil pieces captured the rustic charm & pastoral idyll of rural Bohol, its people, its traditions and culture.

Mitzi Lungay, Rose Rara, Corazon Logarta, Rosario Corales,
 Cindy Logarta & Equit Butalid 

Born on September 2 1929, Nang Nene had her formal training at the School of Fine Arts at UP Diliman where she was the only lady in the class and whose classmates included fellow Boholano Billy Abueva and painter Jose Joya who both rose to become National Artists.  

 

Paul Vistal, R Prudente Monreal, Prof. Butch de Juan

 Castelar Fortich, Sylvia Dagami- Fortich, Gie Gallares, Carmen Gatal

Although she skipped the last semester of her senior year and thus had to graduate a year later, she graduated Cum Laude and was awarded “Art Student of the Year” by the Arts Association of the Philippines. 

  with Maleth Zafra of After Five Weddings & Events who
facilitated the funeral arrangements

During the tribute held at the Bohol Cultural Center, commissioned Nene Lungay paintings were on display thanks to proud owners like Atty. Lucas “Doy” Nunag, Enriqueta Butalid, Norris Oculam and the Magaro Family. 

 Tatay Billy Tongko with CCAD’s Bernadette Manigque & Vida Tirol De Juan

Overseeing the funeral arrangements was events planner Maleth Zafra

 Ric Ramasola, Paul Vistal & Marianito Luspo

 UB CAFA’S Archt. German Torero & Prof. Lourd Pocon  

 Doming Manigque, Rosario Corales & Liux Corales

Well- known Boholano artists like Ric Ramasola, Corazon Logarta, Madame Enriqueta Butalid & adopted Boholano son Joshibiah de Juan were on hand to give their respects through their testimonies and their art form.

Even Gardy Labad and the Loboc Children’s Choir were on hand all the way from Taiwan.

 Art patron stops to admire Nene Lungay artworks

Lungay grandkids Maude Recemilla & Roan Badillo with Nadia Lagura

  

Her younger sister Rosario “Inday” Corales shared some poignant reminiscences about her Ate Nene about her artistic temperaments, her aspirations and how her introverted nature which made her turn down a scholarship grant to study in an art school in Spain.

Two of Nang Nene’s children Gene Lungay and Nellie Lungay expressed their wholehearted gratitude for the outpouring of love and admiration for their Mama. 

But more than the accolades and honors she has given to Bohol, the greatest legacy that she has bequeathed to Bohol is the Udlot Summer Art Workshop that she organized in 1985.

The longest- running art workshop in the province has discovered and nurtured the talents of many promising young artists who have pursued their artistic inclinations.

Gene Lungay, Maam Corazon Logarta, Cindy Logarta & Mitzi Lungay 

Among these former Udlot students were Kerwin Bumaat, Lilian Nalupa- Divinagracia,Chris Ramasola, Dr. Jay Vergara- Bongcac & Mr. Keneth Bongcac.

As we bade Nang Nene a final adieu that bright sunny afternoon at the Victoria Memorial Park, there was nary a tear of sadness nor grief.

 Dr Stella Maris Amora- Escobia & Mrs. Sylvia Dagami- Fortich

 Naomi Lungay- Fabiosa, Ric Ramasola, Inday Corales & Mitzi Lungay

Instead, there were smiles and utterances of gratitude as those present realized that friends, family and contemporaries have gathered to celebrate the life of a well- respected Boholana artist whose passion and interest in the arts has influenced and touched the lives of many a Boholano.

Special thanks: Sir Romy Tagaan & the CCAD staff, the Bohol Provl Govt, the Tagbilaran City Govt, & After Five Weddings & Events Planner Maleth Zafra & staff