Naga City - The Siete Paobras of Que Pasa Naga was recently launched to showcase seven Bicolano artists who will translate a literary work of a Filipino or Spanish poet to visual art through the seven portals of the restaurant.
*NEW BLOG POST 16Sep2015*: Sityembreakfast, Merienda and #TiendaSaFiesta at Que Pasa
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Last June, the featured artist of the month was Maestro Dennis Gonzaga, a Bicolano artist, educator and a family man. Maestro Dennis had the whole month during weekends to work on the portal. It was challenging on his part because according to him, murals are not really his forte. At first Maestro Dennis eyed on Miguel de Cervantes' Don Quixote, but the academic nature in him made him choose a Mexican poetess, Sister Juana Ines de la Cruz of the Spanish golden age. Sister Juana was born in Mexico but was educated in Spain. According to Maestro Dennis, Sister Juana wanted to celebrate artistry but there were a lot of restrictions in being a nun back then. But despite all these restrictions she was still able to become an artist in her own ways. She was a woman ahead of her time and Maestro Dennis felt the need to celebrate that.
"Detente, sombra de mi bien esquivo" is the poem of Sister Juana which is all about how a person deals with one's own shadow and coming to terms into the light and hope. The mural is in monochromatic with black and yellow color representing light and shadow. Words "Sombra" for Shadow and "Luz" for "Light" which represents as the conservative side of Sister Juana and as an artist respectively. The sun on top represents the presence of God as witness to our passions and shadows of the soul. The tower of shadows on one side with lightning represents the struggle and on the other side is the tower of reasons where there is light and peaceful waters.
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| Ms. Bidibi and the 2nd portal for the month of July. |
For the month of July, Ms. Bernadette Delos Santos or famously known as Ms. B or Ms. Bidibidi, an artist from Baao, will be completing the second portal of Que Pasa. Daunted and privileged on her part to paint the second portal of Que Pasa, she will interpret Laura Esquivel's 'Como Agua Para Tsokolate' (I hope I got it right) which is about life and love. Ms. Bidibidi is known for her floral paintings and La Huerta Farm in Baao.
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| The progress. Photo by Ms. B |
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| Awarding of the Plaque of Appreciation to Maestro Dennis Gonzaga |
Grand Opening of Que Pasa Naga
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| Unveling of Encanto by Que Pasa |
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| A night full of music |
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| Our lovely host for the evening. |
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| Mr. Carlo Buenaflor, Bigg's Inc. CEO on his message during the unveiling of Encanto |
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| Dr. Danilo Gerona sharing his knowledge on the importance of Naga during the Spanish period specifically the Galleon Trade. |
The Grand Opening of Que Pasa Naga was a night full of music, art, history and food. Encanto by Que Pasa is a bar offering cocktails, beer (imported and local) and "tapas" (finger food) such as the Gambas, Beef Salpicao and Sisig. These three should definitely be on your must-eats in Que Pasa. All are equally flavorful and delicious. My personal favorite would be the Sisig. Among the three the spiciest would be the Beef Salpciao. Perhaps you can request to level down the hotness if you can't handle too much pepper. The tapas are best served with a cold bottle of beer or any cocktail of your choice. Trust me, one time I had to order a bottle of San Mig Apple even if it was three in the afternoon. Read more about the food in Que Pasa in our first blog post HERE.
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| The Sisig has three sides when served namely: cheese, special sauce and a garnish of tomato, pineapple, green pepper and white onion. |
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| Beef Salpicao with potato marbles and lots and lots of pepper. |
Encanto by Que Pasa Menu
(Art Work by Pen Prestado)
The drinks and cocktails are fairly priced in the bar. Try the "Aswangita" with a slice of sili on your drink for a change.
Related post: Que Pasa Naga: 360° Instagrammable with Art in All Forms
