Last Wednesday, I witnessed the launching of Ortigas Art Festival 2023 held in Estancia East Wing, Pasig City. It was my first public event after the pandemic and I really felt connection with some of the artpiece showcased in the festival.
Mr. Tirso Cruz III of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) graced the event along with architect Renee Bacani, Vice President of Ortigas Malls, Renato “Mang Ato” Habulan, Head Curator for Agos Studio and Linangan Residency and Helen Mirasol, Ortigas Art Festival Consultant. Also present were Pasig City Councilor Angelu de Leon and Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo.
Themed as “Art for All: An Exhibition of Borderless Passion & Craft,” the Ortigas Art Festival is a free event open from July 12 to August 13, 2023 where visitors can see and experience art in varying forms and participate in educational workshops.
One of the highlights of this year’s Ortigas Art Festival are the artworks from Mr. Habulan’s Art Caravan, a traveling exhibit that brought art to various communities. The project encouraged collaboration between artists, fostering a creative space for them to paint and sculpt outside the confines of their rooms. These pieces are displayed at the Agos Studio and Linangan Art Residency exhibits.
Seasoned and up-and-coming Filipino artists from Davao, headed by Ms. Rita Bustamante, also shared pieces at the month-long exhibit.
For Photography, vintage photos from 1900-1920 of Southern Philippines and Cordillera are showcased by Ortigas Foundation. While fine print photographs are exhibited by Red Lab Gallery.
The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) will host free Night Film Screenings of critically acclaimed Filipino movies directed by Regina Cadena (Sonata), Paolo Villaluna (Pauwi Na), and Zig Dulay (Paglipay).
Aspiring filmmakers can also join the third Ortigas Vertical Cinema Contest, with the theme “Pursuit of Happiness,” for a chance to win exciting prizes.
For Dance & Music, Step by Step Performing Arts Studio, Bughaw Folkloric, and Sindaw Philippines Performing Arts Guild are scheduled to have performances during the Ortigas Art Festival.
For Fashion, there will be a Miss Universe National Costume Exhibit by Empire PH and a Couture and Bridal Dress Exhibit by Kaayo Modern Mindanao
The month long Art Festival will host a series of talks and workshops by
- Odang Putik for pottery
- Luntuan Kagubatan and Agos Studio for macrame pieces
- Philippine Bonsai Society and Ikenobo Ikebana Society of Manila
- Poetry reading of Dante Alighieri’s “Inferno” and many more
If ever you have some free time, please drop by Estancia Mall and appreciate the works of our talented Filipino artists for free.