What Went Down During MOCAF 2024
Here’s MOCAF 2024: see what you missed or look back at what we’ve experienced!
Words Andrea Brigino
Photography Jeremy Jan Y. Alpajora & Jio Japson
July 8, 2024
MOCAF made its debut at Marquis Events in BGC, Taguig, and it was a weekend to remember! From its expansive location to its enormous and astounding displays at the MOCAP XP gallery, remarkably diverse handmade artisan goods, and staggering numbers of esteemed guests and craft enthusiasts, the event was truly spectacular.
MOCAF provided a prestigious yet welcoming experience with easy-to-navigate directions, a variety of art and merchandise, and activities for all ages and backgrounds. Whether you participated in this experience or missed your chance, here is a recap of this year’s festival.
MOCAF Ribbon-Cutting
After early attendees got acquainted with the exhibits, galleries, and artisan items, the formal ribbon-cutting took place on the afternoon of the first event day, Friday, July 5, at the Ballroom.
The formal opening included esteemed figures such as Spain's Ambassador Miguel Utray Delgado, Founder and owner of Leon Gallery Jaime Ponce de Leon, Executive Committee member Gail Pamintuan, Taguig Barangay Captain Jorge Bocobo, Fort Bonifacio Development Corp. Director Mark Buencamino, Festival Director Ricky Francisco, MOCAF Strategic Advisor Jack Teotico, and Festival Director Colleen Wong.
MOCAF XP
The MOCAF exhibitions and galleries were truly a sight to behold. The ballroom showcased an extensive collection of remarkable and exclusive art pieces, each reflecting the exhibitors’ visions, interests, and passions.
Special exhibitors provided an exceptional spread of local artistry, with large green arches and decorations, walkable setups for intricate statues, and walls filled with dynamic and fresh art brimming with personality.
The exhibitions not only exceeded expectations with their setups and backdrops but also with the artworks themselves, featuring several pieces that experimented with 3D elements and unconventional materials.
The venue's white-painted walls were infused with different layers, dynamics, and textures, creating a stimulating exploration experience for guests.
This year’s lineup also included a diverse collection appealing to younger generations, featuring galleries with cute animal characters, retro art styles, several cartoon characters, and bright pastel and neon colors.
Many exhibits included pieces inspired by street art, cartoons, anime, popular Japanese characters, and Asian celebrities, further cementing their importance in the art industry.
The sculpture displays were show-stealers, crafted from various materials such as gold, marble, stone clay, and combinations of different materials. Whether intricate or resembling animals and cartoon characters, these sculptures captivated everyone's attention.
MOCAF XTN
For those wanting to take home handmade goods from local artisans, MOCAF XTN offered a vast range of local products, amenities, and functional art pieces for all ages.
This year’s run included handmade bags made from upcycled fabrics, hydroflasks customized with paintings from local artists, and curated dinnerware and accessories.
If you feel intimidated or don’t know much about local artists and art in general, this is an approachable area, with multiple stores offering cute stickers, keychains, and prints from various cartoons, anime, and other brands.
There’s something for everyone here, whether you’re looking to support local art, buy cute merchandise, or find something functional.
MOCAF Dialogues
For those seeking detailed discussions on artistic processes and the history and discourse behind general art processes and mediums, MOCAF hosted two insightful discussions on Saturday, July 6, from 3-5 pm.
The first was on the Art of Scent by Oscar Mejia III, a renowned local artisan specializing in fragrances and perfumes. He discussed the connection of scents to emotional attachments, self-experiences, and how this connection fuels the integration of fragrances as an art form.
The second dialogue was from the Watchfire Collective, who had an exhibit composed of wood-fired pottery and ceramics. They provided a detailed step-by-step of the wood firing process, discussing the challenges and rewards of this meticulous art form.
Food and Entertainment
For those feeling overwhelmed by the displays and stores or needing a break, several tables and chairs were available by the tents for resting, grabbing a snack, or watching live entertainment.
Guests could enjoy a cup of matcha or some sandwiches and hotdogs while chatting with friends and coworkers. The dining setup also featured live entertainment from local bands and DJs.
Within its three-day run, MOCAF expanded its reach through its expansive venue and the range of exhibitors and artisans who have broken barriers in the art industry. The event was accessible to guests of all ages and backgrounds.
MOCAF 2024 has been a landmark for Philippine art, blending established and up-and-coming local artists. Hopefully, it will continue to bridge gaps for many artists and art enthusiasts around the country in future runs, just as it did this year.
