March 1, Araw ng Dabaw, happens to be the birth anniversary of the late Davao-born National Artist for Visual Arts, Ang Kiukok. This could’ve been a double
celebration of sorts, but not every Dabawenyo recognizes Ang Kiukok.
There are efforts in every Araw ng Dabaw festivity to highlight Davao’s history and prominent personalities, but somehow the attention of the city and the public is more on the pomp, pageant, parade and pop culture in this event. Ang Kiukok’s life and art reflected the times and struggles of the Filipino people. His life was also a struggle to break stereotypes and become an artist of relevance. Born to a Chinese family in Davao, the only son with five sisters, Ang was expected to take over the family sari-sari store business, as this was the usual generational thing with Chinoys.
Ang’s works had been exhibited in Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, the Netherlands, Canada and the United States. Some of his paintings are in the collection of the Philippine National Museum, the Ateneo Art Gallery, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and the National Historical Commission in Taipei.