Manila concludes National Arts Month with 'Obrang Manileño, Bayan'

BY DIANN IVY C. CALUCIN

Feb 27, 2024 10:16 AM 

Photo Courtesy of the Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila

The local government of Manila will conclude its celebration of National Arts Month with the holding of a day-long activity dubbed as "Obrang Manileño, and "Obra ng Bayan," on Thursday, February 29.

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan is inviting the public to join the activities that will be held at the Kartilya ng Katipunan starting at 8 a.m. on Thursday.

She said the whole-day affair will be done under the leadership of the city's Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila (DTCAM) headed by Charlie Dungo and the Liga ng mga Barangay-Manila under its president, Councilor Lei Lacuna. 

Various forms of art will be featured during the event, including the "Tintang Manileno" tattoo artists; "LaraJuan" photography; "Guhit Pinta" paint artists; "Cine Kartilya" films and "Sayawit" song and dance performances.

"Inaanyayahan ko po kayo, kung wala kayong gagawin,  buong araw ito bilang pagtatapos ng arts month.  Iba't-ibang medium of art ang  inyong matutunghayan (I invite you, this is a whole day event as we end the arts month. You can enjoy different mediums of art)," the mayor said.

"Marami tayong magagaling sa Maynila na gumagawa ng obra na nagta-tattoo. Para maalis na din ang stigma na ang tattoo ay masama.  Actually, it is also a form of art at maraming Manileños ang magaling mag-tattoo (We have a lot of talented people in Manila who do tattoo works. We have to get rid of the stigma that tattoos are bad. Actually, it is also a form of art and many Manileños are good at tattooing)," she said.

Councilor Lei said "Makiindak sa musikang dala ng Sayawit, maantig sa pelikulang handog ng Cine Kartilya, magpinta nang malaya sa Guhit Pinta, ipakita ang husay sa pagpitik sa LaraJuan at tunghayan ang ibat ibang kulay sa Tintang Manileno (Let's dance to the music of Sayawit, be moved by the film offered by Cine Kartilya, paint freely in Guhit Pinta, show your flicking skills in LaraJuan, and explore different colors in Tintang Manileno)."

Malabon holds first 'Musikalabon' music fest

BY DIANN IVY C. CALUCIN

  

---

The Malabon City government held its first music festival at the Malabon Sports Complex, on Saturday, March 18.

"Musikalabon" is a 9-hour non-stop music concert organized by the city government and Isang Bigkis Malabon City Eagle led by former Malabon City Representative Ricky Sandoval.

It was co-presented with FAB-EM Event Management.

Diann Calucin/MANILA BULLETIN

According to Sandoval, the event was the first music fest held in the city. It was also a fundraising event for Isang Bigkis Malabon City Eagle.

Isang Bigkis is the Malabon City chapter of the Fraternal Order of Eagles-Philippine Eagles, which is the first fraternal socio-civic organization in the country.

The group has been striving to help underprivileged communities since its establishment last year. It had conducted several outreach programs, environmental activities, and medical distribution of medical supplies like reading eyeglasses and wheelchairs.

The former city representative said all the funds collected from the event will be used for educational and medical missions.

"Lahat po ng kikitain ng concert na ito ay ibabalik po namin sa inyong lahat at sa mga taong nangangailangan (We will return all the proceeds from this concert to all of you and to the people in need)," said Miel Delos Reyes, Isang Bigkis president and founder.

Sandoval said they came up with the concept of a music festival as they believe that it would get the residents to come together and enjoy with a purpose.

Several artists performed songs of all ages and genres during the event including Wency Cornejo, Stealing Molly, Ian Sndrz, and Neil Raymundo.

Disc jockeys (DJs), including Ron Poe, Tina Ryan, and Deejay Philly also entertained the audience.

"Music has the power to unite people of all ages and backgrounds, and this festival is an excellent example of how it can be used to support charitable causes and bring positive change to society," the former congressman said.

Isang Bigkis members said they are committed to ensuring that the event was a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees, adhering to all health and safety protocols and guidelines issued by the government.

Dhea Magboo, Musikalabon event producer and founder of FAB-EM Events Management, said they had prepared the event for more than a month. She said the festival was also designed to give the city a "contemporary and vibrant image" that fosters economic growth.

"We believe that Musikalabon is not just about providing a day of entertainment but is also an opportunity to give back to the community. This festival is an excellent opportunity for individuals and organizations to come together to celebrate music and contribute to a worthy cause," the event producer said.

The ticket price ranged from P500 to P1000.

Diann Calucin/MANILA BULLETIN

Foods and alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages were also offered to attendees.

Around 600 people, including those who are non-residents of the city, attended the event.

Sandoval expressed his gratitude to their partners and sponsors that contributed to the success of the city's first music fest. He said they are hoping to have this kind of music festival annually.