In its fifth year, the Ortigas Art Festival (OAF) continues with its inclusive “Art for All” campaign. It reinforces its mission in bringing art to the general population for free while supporting the local art scene and community by including art in all its forms.
The 2022 festival was launched on July 7 and will run until August 7 at the Estancia Capitol Commons in Pasig City. It will showcase Filipino arts and culture across five pillars: Painting and Sculpture, Film and Photography, Dance and Fashion, ArtisTree, and Workshops.
“We believe that art has the power to connect people and uplift their spirits, especially at trying times. We’ve proven that when we ran the festival during the two years under a pandemic. Now that we’re slowly recovering and embracing the new normal, we believe that there is no better time to show that Philippine art is alive and well, and is for everyone to enjoy,” said Architect Renee Bacani, vice president of Ortigas Malls, during the launch.
With two National Artists, the significance of fashion as an art form can no longer be dismissed. This year, the OAS tapped the talents of the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines (FDAP), the country’s oldest existing group, to mount last Saturday the “Art in Fashion: The Fashion Show”, directed by Ogee Atos.
The participating FDAP members were Marlo Ramos Javier, Hoho Alidio, Maricris Slodyska, Gin Villamayor, James O’Briant, Gil Granado, Amanda Jazz, Brian Vergara, Letargo Eroa, Danika Damo, Russ Cuevas, North Ortiz, Mary Ann Casanova and Ramil Estrope.
Granado, the outgoing FDAP president, said in his speech at the launch: “Generation after generation, the appreciation for Philippine art and fashion has evolved. The nightmare of the pandemic may have slowed us down, others may have folded, but we continue to strive back to life with the love for our craft, aiming for more and greater yet unique creations. After all, art and fashion is the life of every party.”
On August 7, the group will induct a fresh set of officers and members led by its new president, Ramil Estrope. They will have a photo shoot for a coffee-table book celebrating Paco Park’s 200th anniversary. They will also do a fund-raising event in September.
“The FDAP has given me a bigger platform to showcase my designs through fashion shows, cultural events, magazine exposures and exhibits. It widened my network and connections. I was given a chance to work with the industry’s best stylists, photographers, models and co-designers as well,” shared Russ Cuevas, the vice president from 2017 to 2019, and is one of the designers who will dress Hannah Arnold on her journey to win Miss International 2022 in Japan.
An exhibit of FDAP gowns is also ongoing at the third floor of the Estancia East Wing. On display are couture creations by Eys Vergara, Daniel Manila, Christine Lam and the others who were part of the fashion show. The wearable pieces of art are in line with the group’s advocacy in highlighting our cultural heritage with social responsibility.
“We aspired for an artistic community, but our dream is to create an art ecosystem that is sustainable and promotes art for all. The best place to start this is here in the mall, where people converge and art is more accessible,” declared Renato “Mang Ato” Habulan, the Ortigas Arts Festival curator. “An art ecosystem is feasible. It is an attraction for people to come together for a common good. Let us fulfill the role of art, and that is: Art is a catalyst for enlightenment and art heals the spirit of a nation.”