6 Things We Loved About the Sikat Pinoy National Art Fair 2014

It was supposed to be a simple visit to SM Megamall after attending the mass, when me and Ray suddenly came across the Sikat Pinoy National Art Fair 2014 at the Mega Trade hall. We had other plans but I got waaay too excited and we just had to check it out!

The Sikat Pinoy National Art Fair 2014 is a gathering of Filipino artists from different fields, may it be dance, theater, film, literary and visual arts, from all over the country. To my surprise I learned that it was only launched this July 2014 so hey this is actually the first time they're doing it! The exhibit was held from September 26 (Friday) up to September (28), but we only got to attend during the last day.

One shouldn't compare this with the Art Fair Philippines 2014 that happened last February, because that one was like a huge collection of art exhibits, while the Sikat Pinoy National Art Fair included other fields like theater, music, comics, and allowed exhibitors to offer products and services, all related to art. The goal was to boost the creative industry by creating ties between businesses and their potential customers, and of course to increase art appreciation from the local audience. Hahay having two art events to look forward every year is just exciting, don't you think?

We had so much fun! Just like in a usual trade fair, the middle area was reserved for presentations and performances, only it was more awesome because the art fair featured Violin/cello/bamboo organ performances, book launching, dance, and even art tutorials! Here's a complete lineup of the activities, I hope they'd have a line-up just as awesome next year!

Sept 26 (Friday)
Film Showing  
Official Opening  2:00 PM
Violin and Cello Performance by Mr. Coke Bolipata of Casa San Miguel and his students
Book presentation of AGAM by Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities 4:00 PM
Jazz music by MAJAM (first set), trio of music 5:30 PM
CCP-PAP turn over (Print collection 2014) 6:30 PM
Jazz Music by MAJAM (second and final set) 7:30 PM

Sept. 27, 2014 (Saturday)KabataangGitarista performance, group of student scholars under CCP Program   10:30 AM
Demonstration of Sculpture by RalArrogante using scrap/junk materials  12:00 NOON
Center for Pop Music performance  2:00 PM
Lecture on “How to Write Better Descriptions:   3:00 PM
The Basics” by CarlomarArcangelDaoana, talk with power point presentation)            
Book launch “Labrador” byBaidy Mendoza hosted byKasibulan Women Artists   4:00 PM
Short Talk and Performance Lisa MacujaElizaldeandBallet Manila   5:30 PM
Live Music Collaboration Ato Mariano, a multi-instruments musician from Zamboanga     6:30 PM

Sept. 28, 2014 (Sunday) Art workshop by Fernando Sena 10:30 AM
Center for Pop Music performance 12:00 NOON
Music performance by Bamboo Group from FEU 1:00 PM
Book Launch “The Gift of a Loose Tongue” by Carlomar Arcangel Daoana and “Leaping Off the Page” by Jenny Orillos and Carlomar Arcangel Daoana  2:00 PM
Book launch“Digital Cinema in the Philippines” byEloi Hernandez   3:00 PM
Book launch “ErehwonProjects 2013-2014”by Prof. ReubenRamasCanete   4:00 PM
Art Talk/Book Presentation “Connect Disconnect” byAaron Palileo and talk on creativity, ideation and innovation by Aaron Palileo hosted by 5-Ports Publishing 5:00 PM
Music performance by Lazaro Band, to premiere their original music  6:00 PM

Here are some of the things that I totally loved about the event:

1. The Local Products

Finally the Filipino creative and entrepreneurial spirit has found it's place.

Colorful 'banig' in with intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and various sizes were on display. The small ones are sold for php 1,200 while the larger ones are for php 1,700. Pillow cases and bags were also available.

Trianon Handicrafts offered wooden stands and benches with indigenous patterns and shapes. Large ladders were sold for php1,200 while the small benches were sold for php350. Not bad right?? 

Legion of Marinduque was also there, showcasing their world famous moriones masks:

Here are other items that were on sale

 2. Discovering services and businesses that we haven't heard of .

It has apparently been around for 2 years already, but today was the first time I've heard of OPM2GO. It's like an iTunes for OPM music wherein you get to purchase songs for only 10-20 pesos, and it features songs both from the indie and mainstream music scene. I intend to give this a try one of these days and blog about it, but it's a very promising service. I mean that's one more opportunity to bring the OPM industry closer to the Pinoys. Prepaid cards can be bought from select National bookstore outlets, SM malls, Loadcentral, and via Smart Pasabayad.

The National Commission on Culture and the Arts also provided FREE subscription to their newsletter "Agung". This contains updates on Philippine heritage sites, cultural treasures, publications, and other events. I'm not sure if it's an offer valid only during the fair or if they really distribute it for free. They're willing to deliver it even if I'm from Laguna!

Craft Carrot had one of the coolest booths because they provide specialty art and craft tools for DIY enthusiasts and artists. They've got various types of colors, pencils, stationary, stamps, and accessories that can't find in your usual National Bookstore or Powerbooks outlets. I kept thinking of my friend ate Ruth Jacob I knew she'd totally love these and I've always been a fan of her artwork, I've been wanting to buy some as well buuut unfortunately my wallet wouldn't let me lol! Not to worry though because we can purchase their items online via Instagram and Facebook. They also have a store along Katipunan.

3. The Paintings 

What's an Art Fair without its share of amazing artwork? I loved how each collection had something unique to share and I just kept going 'wow!'. Here are some of our favorites:

 Hermisanto - A collection of oil on canvas paintings that used wheat grains.

This is one of my favorite paintings from the fair, entitled "Rupture under the Moon" it shows part of a wheat field that burst and filled the sky with wheat-stars. I love the use of colors and how magical it felt.

Huhu I wasn't able to catch the artist behind it but this oil on canvas collection is too pretty to ignore (If any of you know who the artist is please leave it in the comments so I could update thanks!)  

Noel Manalo's - back when I still had dreams of being an awesome artist-slash-scientist, I dreamed of formulating a kind of paint that would glow in the dark. Hihi! Noel Manalo showed me how it would have looked like if I succeeded. I love how he was able to capture youthful delight on these paintings. 

Here's Ray's favorite. It's entitled "FTW" - For The Wheel :)

Aaand some more:

4. Marriage of Art and Literature - I've always loved picture books because I love how beautiful storytelling is complimented by great visuals. It indulges all senses and makes reading more enjoyable. The fair featured two comics booths and one from the National Book Development Board. 

Comics just hasn't lost its charm :)

 

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the National Book Development Board booth because I learned of new children's books that have been getting a lot of acclaim: "The Little Girl In A Box" and "The Day of Darkness". I've always liked Pinoy children's books because  the effort that goes into the prose and illustration is just stunning. I also find it refreshing to see characters that look very 'Pinoy' instead of adopting caucasian or anime features. You should go check them out!

The two upper photos on the collage below are trophies awarded to outstanding producers of Pinoy books. I think the pile of books shaped like a trophy is just awesome.

 

5. Danny Acuna in action - Hahah starstruuuck. He's one of the greats of the Pinoy comics industry and it was so cool to see him work his magic while sketching a pretty lady on the spot! 

6. The People. For some reason, I enjoyed talking to people in the Art fair. Everyone was so nice and accommodating, and the atmosphere was so 'chill'. It was cool to see veteran artists candidly chatting about, people laughing, and somehow there was a thread of camaraderie across the hall. I guess it's because the art industry is quite small and it's easy to know people.

One thing that stood out for me was how everyone was so passionate about their work and it felt refreshing. You knew that they genuinely just want to share their craft and it shows with how they talk about it. I guess that’s the thing about art, you don't just randomly create something, because you put your heart and soul into it. I can just imagine how complicated it must be to attach price tags on these, but hey, that's what these art fairs are for!

Congratulations to the Department of Trade and Industry for the success of the event! We're looking forward to next year's art fair! I'm sure more people will be pouring in and more amazing works will be on display, so make sure you come!