Canvas of legacy: A Filipina artist's path from Bahrain to US
Catherine Bassig-Paje, renowned Filipina visual artist and educator, is starting anew in the United States after over a decade of shaping Bahrain's art and education landscape.
Acclaimed for her zealous dedication and skillful hand, Bassig-Paje spent 15 pioneering years in the Kingdom, guiding up-and-coming artists and spearheading cultural efforts that brought communities together through the magic of creativity.
Her work extended beyond the walls of the classroom.
Platforms
She was a former president of Filipino Creatives Bahrain and spearheaded some of the most prestigious Filipino-Bahraini exhibitions that gave platforms to up-and-coming artists with the Philippine Embassy's support.
Catherine streamed with deep respect for the opportunities and unshakeable encouragement they had in Bahrain, deeply crediting the nation with having nurtured her remarkable level of development as a highly esteemed educator as well as a highly talented artist.
Her passion as an educator was evident as she taught hundreds of students, inspiring them towards attaining unprecedented triumphs in art competitions and having their work exhibited proudly on an international stage.
Commitment
In fact, Cathy's lifelong commitment for teaching and the arts left an undeniable and precious legacy on the classrooms and communities she so passionately served.
Catherine has been honored with various awards both in the Philippines and Bahrain.
Amongst some of them are the Best of Bahrain Award (Painting Category) in 2010 and the 'Ani ng Dangal' (Harvest of Honors) in 2022, a prestigious presidential award given to Filipinos who bring honor to the Philippines through excellence in their respective fields.
Grateful to Bahrain, Catherine attributes the Kingdom as the place where she really blossomed — a nation that opened doors to myriad opportunities.
Projects
She and Butch, handled various major projects for the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), engaging in a hands-on role in the country's development creatively.
In recognition of her courageous efforts during the pandemic, she was honored by the Philippine Embassy in Bahrain as one of the Outstanding Filipinas for leading the largest art exhibit in 2021 — an event that brought hope and positivity to the community during challenging times.
Bassig-Paje's own legacy, though, extends well beyond the pandemic. As the inspiration behind Filipino Creatives Bahrain, a much-respected art group she had been guiding for six years, she was charged with enlivening the country's arts and culture.
Under her leadership, the group became synonymous with massive, headline-grabbing exhibits celebrating both the culture of Filipinos and the hospitality of Bahrainis.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Tribune
6 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
Al-Haiki makes Bahrain proud
TDT | Manama Renowned Bahraini artist Abdullah Al-Haiki represented the Kingdom of Bahrain at the World Wood Day 2025 celebrations held in Osaka, Japan, where he showcased a unique collection of artworks reflecting the rich heritage of Bahraini wood carving and cane craftsmanship. His participation is part of ongoing national efforts to promote Bahraini handicrafts on the international stage. Al-Haiki, widely regarded as one of Bahrain's leading traditional craftsmen, is known for blending authentic techniques with artistic innovation, making his work stand out in the global arena. The event drew significant international attention, with artists and enthusiasts from around the world in attendance. Bahrain's presence garnered particular praise, especially with the participation of Mahdi Al-Haiki, the youngest attendee at the event and son of the veteran artist. Mahdi captivated audiences with his talent and active involvement in the event's workshops, further emphasizing the enduring legacy of Bahraini craftsmanship across generations.
Gulf Weekly
a day ago
- Gulf Weekly
All eyes on the music
Serving up a softer, more contemplative side of their signature Afro-Khaleeji sound, Bahraini fusionists Majaz have released the fourth single from their upcoming EP. Titled Aini, the song dropped on July 25 and introduces a sonic shift for the group, which is known for its energetic, upbeat rhythms. Built around the term of endearment 'aini' which translates in Arabic to 'my eyes' or 'my beloved' and is commonly used across Khaleeji dialects, the track embodies compassion and empathy. 'This song reveals a different side of Majaz,' the band's guitarist Hameed AlSaeed told GulfWeekly. 'It highlights the more chill vibe of our Afro-Khaleeji sounds. 'Musically, it stands in contrast to the rest of the EP, which is much more energetic.' The lyrics in Aini serve a dual purpose. On the surface, they appear as a heartfelt conversation with a loved one. But beneath that is a broader commentary on the gradual erosion of deep human connection in the digital age. The double meanings throughout the song make it relatable on multiple levels, whether listeners interpret it as a love ballad or a reflection on modern disconnection. 'The song sheds light on the importance of human connection in a world where real, deep human interactions are becoming increasingly scarce, gradually losing their significance and weight amidst the ever-evolving ways through which the age of information shapes the way we communicate,' Hameed explained. In keeping with the band's commitment to preserving and evolving Khaleeji musical heritage, Aini incorporates 'Sawt Shami', a rhythmic pattern rooted in 'Fann As-Sawt', an urban art form that has played a significant role in Gulf music for centuries. While the band often experiments with Khaleeji rhythmic foundations, the use of 'Sawt Shami' in this track signals a deliberate nod to 'one of the timeless pillars of Khaleeji musical heritage', repackaged in a modern aesthetic. 'The song was written in mid-2022 and we have also played it live in many of our shows, where it got shaped into the final version,' bassist Salah Alawi added. 'The challenge was testing the song couple of times in front of the audience before hitting the studio.' The single follows Ya Lala (a vocable commonly used in Khaleeji culture and music as a display of joy and care-free sentiments), Heila Hei (a generational Bahraini phrase with no particular linguistic meaning), and Ala Wain (Arabic for 'to where'), which have received praise for their creative fusion of genres. Like its predecessors, Aini will be part of Majaz's upcoming and as-yet-unnamed five-track EP, which is expected to be released by the end of 2025 or early 2026. Made up of Bahrainis Hameed, Salah, cellist Jehad Al Halal, and Saudi percussionist Abdulla Faisal, the quartet is currently planning shows across the region. Aini is now streaming on all major platforms.
Daily Tribune
a day ago
- Daily Tribune
Stephen Wilson Jr's first concert in Bahrain
TDT | Manama Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre, the Kingdom's leading global entertainment destination, recently announced hosting singer/ songwriter Stephen Wilson Jr. for the first time in Bahrain, on December 4, at The Desert Garden. Hailing from southern Indiana, USA, Stephen Wilson Jr. has taken a winding path to his musical career, making stops as a Golden Gloves boxing finalist, scientist, and indie rock band member before finding his voice as a solo artist. His genre-defying debut double album, søn ofdad, released in 2023, cemented him as a force in country and Americana music. The 22-song collection, dedicated to his late father, received widespread critical acclaim, earning accolades from Billboard, Rolling Stone, Whiskey Riff, Wide Open Country, and many more. It was named the Best Album of 2023 by Holler and All Country News, and hailed by Rolling Stone as 'the most existential release of the year.'
