An alternative art event highlighting the community spirit behind art-making in Antipolo.

Text and images courtesy of Antipolo Tourism Office
February 27, 2023

As part of National Arts Month, the Antipolo Tourism Office, together with local creatives, is inviting everyone to the Sining Taktak multi-arts fair held at Hinulugang Taktak, Daang Bakal, from February 25-26, 2023 from 7AM to 4PM each day. Showcasing the city’s many creative sectors, Sining Taktak highlights how the city’s community spirit is conducive to art-making.

Helmed by local artists such as Tam Austria, Biboy Antipas Delotavo, Fred Liongoren, Lanelle Abueva, Jeanne Tan, Bambi Locsin, Didi Kabigting, Jayson Tejada, Pedrong Masipag, Tet Aligaen, Daniel Aligaen, Pedrong Masipag, Habi ni Ake and Inlayo Art Gallery. Sining Taktak aims to re-introduce Antipolo City as a destination for the arts as an added inner charm of the city, initially ignited by Pinto Art Museum. Emerging Antipolo artists will display their works side-by-side with established artists.

Art talks will also be given by luminaries such as Fundación Sansó Museum Director and MoCAF curator Ricky Francisco, Art Lounge Manila and Galerie Francesca Managing Director Susanne Tiausias the better half of artist Carlo Magno, and veteran Antipolo-based artist Tam Austria.

Craftspeople, artist families, gourmands and entrepreneurs like Likha ni isla, Vieux Chalet Restaurant, KRAFTER’S KORNER by Bambi Locsin will also showcase their crafts. Browse through PRIME GLOBALPRINTS INC.’s advocacy materials in promoting the arts and creatives, Vibal Publishing Inc.’s art & culture books and enjoy Kaulayaw Coffee Antipolo’s signature brews.

Jayson Tejada’s works

At the center of Sining Taktak are works from local art collectives such as ARTipolo and The Antipolo Thursday Group, which anchor the spirit of collaboration and community. The Antipolo Thursday Group is a casual collective that has been meeting every Thursdays for decades. Never intended to be a formal group, its participants – its friends – simply gathered for the love of art and art-making.

This environment inspired many members to take on a more committed art practice, as the group continued, welcoming younger artists over the years. Veterans generously shared knowledge, techniques, and networks to help acquaint their juniors to the art world. And now, even their children are actively creating their own artistic expressions.

ARTipolo is a newer group founded by Antipolo Thursday veteran Pol Mesina, mentored by Fernando Sena, continuing the spirit of art appreciation becoming art practice, community support, and open-handed mentoring.

The City of Antipolo, Headed by Mayor Casimiro “Jun” Alcantara-Ynares, M.D., envisions artful activities with Tourism OIC Marino Bacani, OIC AnCCATPO, focused on local creatives. The city currently dreams to build a new museum, as well as designate more spaces as art hubs. Sining Taktak aims to demonstrate how these future initiatives may pan out.

For more information, please contact the Antipolo City Tourism Office at 8689 4567 or email antipolotourism@gmail.com