Various Filipino artists from different disciplines will be exhibited in the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Bureau of Domestic Trade fair for micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Dubbed as Sikat Pinoy National Art fair, the event aims to promote art entrepreneurship and support the creative industries in the country.
Nemi R. Miranda Jr., painter and sculptor of Rizal Lakeshore Artist Association, sees this as an opportunity for more artists in the region to be exposed and recognized by a larger audience and by major galleries. Based in Angono, Riza, Miranda will put up his paintings in an exhibit at the art fair.
Another participant is a Filipino rock band that dishes out a repertoire of alternative rock music with a unique blend of Original Pilipino Music (OPM). LAZARO is composed of Zaldy de los Reyes, Nino Salazar, Mike Bayas, Randy Salonga, and Jonard Bolor who started the band three years ago.
The band has a self-produced album titled “Year of the Lazarus” which included “Laylo”, their most popular track. The album contains all original compositions from the band, seven Filipino songs and one in Englis.
They usually have gigs in 70’s Bistro, Conspiracy, and Route 916 in Katipunan. They can also be found in indie bars such as Autonomy in Mandaluyong and Funky Monkey Grill in Commonwealth.
When asked about Sikat Pinoy, Lazaro answered, “We welcome the event. We want to be heard and promote our music. This is a chance for us to perform in a bigger venue. I think it is about time that Filipino artists get promoted and assisted by the government. We have so many talents and so much to offer not just locally but with the audience abroad as well.”
Hailing from the province of Marinduque, Legion of Marinduque Morion, Inc. was invited in the fair as well. The group is a a non-stock non-profit civic organization which aims to promote culture and tradition of the Marinduque not only in the country but also abroad. Aside from participating in the annual Lenten activities such as penitensiya and panata, they also wanted to bring back the real essence of being a Morion.
Formed in 2008, the legion has 20 members with ages raging from 3 years old to 45 years old. They wear masks and costumes for free and participate in religious activities most especially during the Lenten season as part of their sacrifice. The group have been invited in other parts of the country such as Baguio, Quiapo, and Bulacan.
“It’s time to for us to get exposure. In Sikat Pinoy, we are not only promoting our group but also the whole province of Marinduque. We have unique products from our homegrown craft makers that we are proud of.” Says Raymund D. Nepomuceno, the spokesperson of the group.
Also known as Women in Art and Emerging Consciousness, Kasibulan sa Sining at Bagong Sibol na Kamalayan (KASIBULAN) is an organization of Filipino women artists committed to encouraging, promoting, and enhancing the artistic growth of its members and fellow Filipino women. Women members of the group are part of different fields of Arts – literary, visual, performance arts, and music.
KASIBULAN started in 1987. They usually hold exhibits and art workshops in urban poor communities as part of their outreach program. Notable members of KASIBULAN are Fe Mangahas, Karen Torres, and Cynthia Alexander.
“It’s a first. It’s a good effort to gather all the artists. It’s a big endeavor. It would be interesting how all these artists will interact when they all come together in one venue. We are glad we are invited to Sikat Pinoy. Women’s arts is not that popular. We are strengthening women’s arts so there’s Kasibulan.” said Vivian Nocum Limpin.
KASIBULAN will be bringing in paintings, sculptures, Batik products, postcards, photographs, books, and other visual arts materials at the Sikat Pinoy National Art Fair.
