For the Love of Art and the Creative City.

2018 G.I.N.T.O Baguio

Guild of Integrated Talents of Baguio

A fancy name for an Alumni Group.

Why do you do this kind of artworks? One drunk reporter asked me on an urgent morning call for an interview. I answered him straight faced, "We just want to get back to the community." 

It was a short interview, he just wanted a soundbite so I gave him one, I knew he has no idea what our group was and how we came up to be, I don't even want to explain. I bet he didn't even bother  to do his research.

The point of the interview was how "millennial" contribute to the society, in this case arts. I'm a bit taken aback by the angle he wants to portray, I hate the notion that millennial are constantly needed to prove something and become extra-ordinary. 

Art is art. There are no generational gap. We learn from the old, we adapt from the new. It's an evolution, it even has an era. Historically, from periods and centuries, it changes, it adapts.

If you would like me to define what pushes us to contribute to our society is just plain old stupid question. Life is art. Defining it would be meaningless.

CREATIVE CITY 

Baguio City has been hailed as one of UNESCO Creative city under the Crafts and Folk Arts.

This recognition is not an award, it's a challenge to keep the culture and the arts alive. Baguio is facing over development Armageddon. The recognition is a call to action to re-institute art in planning and development, to improve and preserve on what remains as a melting pot of artist.

In other words, Keeping in mind the identity of the city in all the things that matters.

THE CREATIVE HUB

It's not perfect, but a good start. 

But honestly, it gives the impression of exclusivity. I know a lot of arts group and artisans friends that have not even in the creative hub, small artist, wood carvers that would benefit from the exposure.  But like I said, it's a good start. Bawi nalang sa Arts Festival.

GINTO BAGUIO MURAL PROJECT 2018

We have been teased on our obsession with staircases. Last year we painted the Post Office Stairs as part of our reunion activity. This year, we have been commissioned to to another stairway project in one of the most sought after spot in Session Road.

 This is better than what we did last year, controlled crowd, less stress and somehow therapeutic.

Our group consist of Special Program for the Arts alumni, visual artist, theater, literary arts. Most of us are here in the city, and to spend time "bonding" we create this projects. Some of the funds are given to the artist, some of it goes to our alumni budget for our outreach and other projects.

It's really nice to give back and celebrate art. It gives life and a sense of fulfillment. Simple at it may seem yet, we take pride on what we do. So next time you would like to do a piece on us. Don't ask why we do this, or what inspire us to do that. Let the art speaks to you. Let us express our gratitude towards the city that sheltered us, and taught us this forms. Our art is for everyone, it's not a created to impress but to show you our era, our identity the culture that transforms us. 

Cheers!