The first ever wall mural painting in Majayjay, Laguna, completed by young volunteers from Banahaw Artists’ Association, measuring almost 19 meters long and 3 meters high was recently inaugurated by Mayor Romy Amorado and Vice Mayor Ariel Argañosa.
The mural painting captures the history of Majayjay right from its earliest days and when it became a town in 1571. It also shows the customs and traditions, such as the town’s festivities. It also presents how prayerful Majayjayens are, showing the historic Catholic church, the image of St. Gregory the Great and that of Nuestra Seňora dela Porteria which one sees as one enters the town of Majayjay.
The mural shows how industrious Majayjayens are, with the farmers on horses or on foot, and presenting all the produce (vegetables and fruits and related products) and showing how the quality of vegetables are being checked before these are delivered to buyers. It also shows the vegetable plantation, the trees, birds, and animals seen in Majayjay forest.
The mural painting captures the main tourist spots, such as the Taytay Falls, Bukal Falls, Tulay Pook (hanging bridge) and Tulay Pige, the unfinished bridge during the Spanish era that was mentioned in Jose Rizal’s El Filibusterismo. At the center of the mural is Mt. Banahaw, as the town of Majayjay sits right at the foot of this mystical mountain. The mural will be another landmark and another tourist attraction of Majayjay.
The actual painting was done by 18 young volunteer Banahaw artists and took about 37 days spread over three months from June to August 2023. It took quite a while to complete the mural due to the town’s unpredictable weather; and the young volunteers availability; most worked on the mural only after school hours and during holidays.
Just looking at the Majayjay Mural, one can feel so much joy and positive energy. For sure, it will be a good conversation piece even for generations to come. The Majayjay Mural is the second of the two major projects of Banahaw this year. The other one was the 3D Street Art along Regidor Street, another first in Majayjay. Both projects were sponsored by Davies Paints Philippines.
The blessing of the Majayjay Mural was officiated by Rev. Msgr. Melchor Barcenas, Parish Priest of St. Gregory the Great Parish. The guest speaker, Mr. Mario Nombrado, a self-made local historian, narrated the meaningful events in Majayjay, some of which were captured in the mural. Mayor Romy Amorado and Vice Mayor Ariel Argaňosa also gave inspirational remarks. Mayor Amorado has been very supportive as his office cleaned and prepared the wall, provided additional paints and overhead solar lamps, and is now turning the mural site into a Mural Park.
For more information about Banahaw Artists Association, visit @BanahawArtistsAssociation on Facebook.