CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) -- Northern Mindanao's art scene received a significant boost at the start of 2024, with galleries, museums, exhibits, performances, and screenings experiencing a revival. This resurgence extends to economic activity, with brighter prospects for art entrepreneurs.

Limketkai Mall, a local establishment, has consistently partnered with artists by promoting various art collectives and entrepreneurs through exhibits and events. This year, the mall hosted the 2nd annual Art Kai Festival from April 17 to 21.The festival included a variety of events and workshops, such as resin art, fabric painting, mural creation, coffee art demonstrations, performances, spoken word poetry, and an art exhibit.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 10 Director Marie Elaine S. Unchuan emphasized believes that "the true essence of a destination lies not in its landmarks or attractions, but in the stories and expressions crafted by its people." 

She added that local artists are the custodians of these stories. With passion,creativity, and boundless imagination, these artists weave the fabric of the community.

"Today is the celebration of the contributions of our local artists to the flourishing creative industry in our beloved city. Cagayan de Oro (CDO) City as we know is the City of Golden Friendship, it pulsates with the rhythm that is uniquely our own. The heart of this rhythm lies a creative spirit of our local artists whose works serve as a mirror reflecting the essence of our community, its heritage and aspirations,” she said.

Unchuan also urged everyone to cherish and preserve the cultural heritage that defines the Filipinos, noting that shared appreciation of art embodies Filipinos' love for the Philippines.

National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA)-National Committee for Visual Arts regional representative Michael E. Bacol reaffirmed this and encouraged artists to continue creating artworks as these are reflections of our society.

“We create art because we are here to express our talent and experience of our society. We celebrate art. We express through our passion, we are here to celebrate with the guidance of the Lord, and this is a gift from above,” said Bacol.

A Launchpad for New Businesses

Many artists engaged in income generating projects that have now become full-blown small businesses.  At the Art Kai Festival, stalls showcased a variety of products – from shirts, crafts, books, to art pieces – attracting mall-goers who appreciated and purchased these items.

Maria Socorro S. Bollozos, business development manager of Limketkai Sons, Inc. expressed pride in the festival's success. "This is the second year of the Art Kai Festival. We, here at Limketkai, have been supporting the arts and artists for many years."

Bollozos revealed that the event generated a total of P3.8 million in actual sales, forged new collaborations, and secured supplier bookings.

Expressing gratitude to mall-goers and participants, Bollozos highlighted the event's role in fostering networking opportunities, advertising brands, and letting people know what the artists offer.

"Blind Date with a Book" Experience

For Joan Sullano-Sheng, a photographer and blogger, Art Kai Festival provided the perfect platform to launch her new venture. As a first-time seller, Sheng offered thrift books – a collection of store and library pullouts and pre-owned books.

"The event was the perfect opportunity for me to introduce the campaign called 'Blind Date with a Book.' Overwhelming ang pag dawat sa consumer kay it was something new sa ilang experience (the concept was overwhelmingly well-received by consumers because it offered a unique experience),” Sheng said.

Some books were wrapped and sealed to create an element of surprise upon purchase.

Sheng's positive experience confirmed her belief in the city's love for reading. She and her partners are hopeful that their success at the Art Kai Festival will pave the way for the launch of their dream small book cafe.

Expanding the Festival with Film and Art Appreciation

As part of its commitment to fostering art appreciation and production, the Art Kai Festival this year included screenings of films produced by Kagay-anons filmmakers, accompanied by a series of art and film talks.

CDO filmmaker Orpheus Nery engaged the audience with a film talk held at the festival's main activity area.

Jose Lorenzo “Pepe” Diokno, director of "GomBurZa," shared insights into his cinematic journey. He reflected on how his passion for filmmaking was ignited by his love for watching movies, citing the impact of films like "Dekada '70" during the Metro Manila Film Festival.

“Kahit mahirap, gusto mo talaga itong gawin (even if it is hard, you still want to do it) that's how I started making films. When I was in high school, I watched Dekada '70 during the Metro Manila Film Festival, I was so impressed - I said one day I want to be a filmmaker,” Diokno shared.

Advocating for Creative Industry Development

Cagayan de Oro Second District Representative Rufus Rodriguez emphasized the importance of widespread support for the arts, not just in the national but also at the local government level

“We have outstanding artists here in Cagayan de Oro. I am particularly interested in developing the creative industry,” Rodriguez affirmed.

Rodriguez is one of the authors of House Bill No. 10107, now Republic Act 11904 or Philippine Creative Industries Development Act which laid the foundation for the country's creative industries. 

He also contributed to House Bill No. 7540 in the 19th Congress, aimed at enhancing the special program in creative arts for both junior and senior high schools nationwide. (SAYU, PIA Region 10)