It was a sunny Saturday morning that greeted guests as they gathered at Kala Commons in Amiya Raya in San Mateo, Rizal for ‘Paintings & Panoramas’ The First Kanayunan and Art Festival. The event was a celebration of the arts, culture, and the people of San Mateo, set against the picturesque 270-degree unobstructed view of the Metro Manila skyline.
Not even the threat of Typhoon Betty could stop guests from gathering and enjoying the different activities and sampling the offerings at the different booths at the festival. Local entrepreneurs showcased their wares, many of which are homegrown businesses from around the area. Native kakanin and treats were being served up, made by artisanal food sellers from the area, for everyone to sample. Just the perfect midmorning snack before the main festivities began. As guests were going around, they were also treated to a special performance by the San Miguel 152 Band. It was a great way to discover all that San Mateo, Rizal had to offer not only to residents but to those looking to settle in the area.
One of the special activities at the Kanayunan Festival was a mural presentation by the young artists who are under the care and tutelage of Angat San Mateo Community. Aside from sharing their story via a short video, they also did live painting sessions on-site during the day.
The program for the ‘Paintings & Panoramas” opened with welcome remarks from Community Creators, Incorporated President, and CEO Charina Garcia. She thanked everyone for heading out for a day with family, spent outdoors and close to nature. Hon. Bartolome “Omie” Rivera Jr, Mayor of San Mateo Rizal also shared an inspirational message, speaking of the beauty of his municipality, being that sweet spot between city living and the great outdoors right beside mega Quezon City and the City of Marikina. The head of the Municipal Tourism Office of San Mateo, Pia Dela Rosa-Manadero, shared with everyone all the fun and exciting family-forward activities that have become popular in the area.
“Paintings & Panoramas”, the first Amiya Raya Kanayunan and Art Festival, was made possible with the support of Community Creators Incorporated, in cooperation with the Local Government of San Mateo Rizal and the Municipal Tourism Office.
The Kanayunan and Art Festival is one of the traditional family get-together activities from Amiya Raya for residents and locals from around San Mateo. It is the idyllic locale for those craving for a day surrounded by nature and the mountains in cool balmy weather. One of the more popular family activities hosted by Amiya Raya at their clubhouse in Club Vihara is Cinema Under The Stars, where everyone can gather and enjoy an evening watching a movie while lounging in the grass and bonding with loved ones and neighbors. Last Easter, residents got to come out to join “The Great Eggscapades,” where children got to join the Easter Egg Hunt, bunny painting contests, and other fun games.
Amira Raya is a master planned residential development that is just a quick 15-minute drive out of the city. The developments boasts of a 270-degree unobstructed view of the Metro Manila skyline from 160 to 240 meters above sea level. It is fused with its natural landscape, offering its homeowners a dream sanctuary, amidst cool weather and a pollution-free environment. At the end of a long day, there is nothing better than coming home to a place where you can relax and breathe in fresh air.