Pol Mesina, president of the ARTipolo art group, looks back on a decade of dazzlement, disruptions, as well as determination to keep on creating art by this group of artists from Antipolo.
He says that many key moments have taken place for ARTipolo. They have exhibited in prestigious galleries such as Pinto Art Museum, ARTablado in Robinsons Galleria and Robinsons Antipolo, Summit Ridge TaGAYTAY, and many others. Some of their members also emerged victorious in various art contests. And what was purely an organization focused on recruiting practitioners from the region has expanded, taking in members from Tuguegarao, Cagayan, Baguio, Pangasinan, Bohol, Manila, as well as Pinoy artists based in Japan, China, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and the United States.
“At ang ARTipolo ngayon ay ’di lang puro painters, mayroon na ring sculptors,” Mesina shares.
Since its inception in 2014, ARTipolo Group Inc., has been at the forefront of the art and culture scene in Antipolo City. It is more than a social group; it is an advocacy. Its goals are to hone its members’ creative talents and, at the same time, promote Antipolo City’s tourism program.
Robinsons Land ARTablado, as part of its Arts Month celebration, is giving the spotlight on this indefatigable art group by hosting its “Isang Dekada: Makulay na Paglalakbay sa Sining” exhibition, currently on view until Feb. 29 at the upper ground floor, Main Mall of Robinsons Antipolo.
The participating artists are: Amado Ongtauco, Ariel Purca, Bernardo Matias, Cha Mapaye Baladjay, Dolores van Duijvenbode, Edward Sato, Elizabeth Esguerra Castillo, Feng Eustaquio Villanueva, Fernando Regencia, Gem Yonzon Blanco, Genevieve V. Guevarra, Grace Gerona Evangelista, Isagani Cruz, Jayson Tejada, Jojo Figueroa Javier, Mac Baladjay, Mae Dy De Veyra, Maiya Balboa, Mark Anthony Navida, Maxi Cajayon Tungol, Nelson Francisco, Ninskidoodles, Rod Talde, Romel M. Reyes, Roland Tulay, Sonny Perida, Vivian Nocum Limpin, and Yam Tamayo.
Why did Mesina and company decide to commemorate its 10th anniversary at ARTablado?
He answers, “Kaya namin napili ang ARTablado ay dahil maganda kasi ang venue at ito ay para sa masa. Maraming nagpupunta na mga tao sa mall. Marami makakakita ng aming obra. Saka na-educate na natin ang mga tao about art (by consistently mounting exhibitions). Sa gallery ay okay naman din — kaso limited ang viewers and visitors. Nahihiya pumasok ang mga tao sa gallery; hindi kagaya ng ARTablado na open sa lahat.”
The people behind Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) believe in the ingenuity and artistry of Filipinos. RLC has allocated spaces at Robinsons malls in Antipolo and Ortigas to hold exhibitions for art practitioners who deserve to showcase their hard work, grit and perseverance. ARTablado’s impact has been instantaneous for members of the art community who have been pining for a platform where every artist — from individual practitioners to members of art groups — gets the chance to shine.
“Malaki naitutulong ng art sa mga tao,” Mesina explains. “Nae-educate natin sila na mag-appreciate ng art — at ’di lang pang-mayaman pang ito. Alam na rin bigyan ng respeto ang mga gawa ng mga artists at ’di na lalaitin or gagawan ng ’di maganda ang mga obra.”
And art can be used in helping those who are less fortunate.
ARTipolo’s community service involvement is geared toward health, education, as well as the welfare of children, women and persons with disabilities and special needs. By organizing art exhibits and auctions, ARTipolo has been able to raise funds for its target beneficiaries.
“Isang Dekada” is for the benefit of PARClaran scholars of the PARC Foundation, with 30% of sales going directly to the foundation.
The PARC Foundation was established as a non-stock, non-profit organization in December 2015. It was founded by Wilmer Guido, a passionate 23-year-old whose dream was to put up a performing arts center to help people, especially the underprivileged youth and struggling local artists, fulfill their passions as well. Determined to achieve his dream, Wilmer formed his core team with like-minded friends Samsam Santiago and Issay Nodalo. As a first move, they repurposed an old office building into a performing arts hub. On June 1, 2016, they officially opened their doors to the public. Since then, The PARC Foundation has been a second home to numerous performing artists and groups who enjoy our creative spaces at the friendliest rates.
“Four times na namin sila naging beneficiary,” points out Mesina. “Kaya namin sila napili ay dahil pareho po ang advocacy ng ARTipolo (visual arts) and ng PARC Foundation (performing arts).” That is to encourage young hopefuls to express themselves in art — whether it is capturing a sun-dappled field on the cusp of harvest season with a palette of colors, or to weave the poetry of the human experience through the eloquence of body, tone or words.
