In a colorful display of artistic feat, veteran Baguio artist Ged Alangui has unveiled the first four athletes in the Final Push phase of the Heroes Wall of Fame mural project at the Baguio athletic bowl.
The project, which commenced in October 2020, is a captivating tribute to the rich sporting heritage of Baguio, featuring 129 athletes and sportsmen.
The recent additions to the mural include Southeast Asian Games medalists John Keithley Chan, Kariza Chan, and their twin siblings Dustin and Justin. The upcoming batch will immortalize the late Dr. Charles Cheng, a grassroots boxing advocate and columnist for the Baguio Midland Courier, and Ramon Dacawi, a journalist known for his role in the Cinderella football team during Baguio’s national football event in the early ‘90s.
Despite his enthusiasm, Alangui shared his desire to paint faster, hindered by his barangay duties. Elected as kagawad in October last year, he continues the legacy of his late father Gil, who held the position but unfortunately succumbed to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Collaborating on the project is Gladys Anne Labsan, working towards completing a total of 56 works by the end of the month. Labsan, facing challenges with wall repairs and balancing two jobs, remains dedicated to her artistic pursuits while providing for her five young children.
Labsan’s focus on the “Art Run” cluster includes former Gintong Alay runners and other notable figures, adding depth and diversity to the mural.
The Ramos family, former Gintong Alay runners Eduardo Laureano and Art Alimbuyao, and the late Federico Mandapat, Sr., and his accomplished sons are among the inspiring stories captured on the running walls.
Alangui’s future paintings include wushu taolu medalists Natasha Laxamana, Thornton Lou Sayan, and Jones Llabres Inso, alongside notable figures from wushu sanda, basketball legend Robert Jaworski, Sr., and more.
The mural will also feature a two-dimensional sculpture of Jaworski crafted by noted Baguio sculptor Kigao Rosimo.
Once completed, the mural will stand proudly along the 140-meter grandstand, encapsulating the spirit and achievements of 129 remarkable athletes and sportsmen.