AM Art: “ARTipolo Stages ARTurismo IV at the Eugenio Lopez Center”

Art boosts tourism in communities. Incorporating art in fostering tourism is valuable for creativity and a great economic development tool. Creativity in tourism can thus be utilized to better commiserate with the transformation of traditional cultural tourism into a creative supply that triggers authenticity, enriches the tourist experience, and encourages visitor involvement with local history.

ARTipolo Group, Inc. the premiere art group based in Rizal and founded by Mr. Pol Mesina, Jr. in 2014 adheres to its mission and advocacy of reaching out to deserved beneficiaries as part of its social responsibility as well as the promotion of Antipolo Tourism organized its first ARTurismo on September 22, 2018 at Cape Lupe Gallery in Sumulong Highway, Antipolo Rizal with AFP Medical Center- Children’s Ward as its beneficiary. The next year, 2019, it launched the second ARTurismo on September 22, 2019 at the same venue, this time with the Department of Mental Health and Behavioral Science as its beneficiary. Because of the onset of the pandemic in 2020, it had to take a back seat, mainly because of public health protocols being imposed at that time and it was then last year, 2022 that ARTurismo 3rd Edition pushed through on November 2, 2019 which was held at a new location, Robinson’s Place Antipolo with The PARC Foundation as its new beneficiary.

This year, ARTipolo holds ARTurismo IV: A Fundraising Visual Arts Exhibition for the benefit of The PARC Foundation last September 24, 2023 at a new venue, the Eugenio Lopez Center located on Sumulong Highway, Antipolo City. The iconic 50-year-old establishment in Antipolo City is considered to be a heritage site and now features a cascade of eclectic and stunning masterpieces along the once-blank walls. Feast your eyes with colorful hues and brushstrokes with the artists’ signature art styles depicting various expressions, including beach scenes, seascapes, flora and fauna, old churches, and tourist destinations in the Philippines, among others.

It was a wonderful afternoon with a combination of mesmerizing art pieces to behold around and soothing music at the backdraft. JDennis Arceo served as the Emcee of the short program. Guest of Honors who graced the opening ceremony were: Ms. Rhea Ynares, a cousin and one of the Key Executives who acted as a Representative of our Honorable Governor Nina Ynares, who gave a short but meaningful speech reiterating the relentless support of the respected Governor to ARTipolo’s advocacy and different activities, another personality present during the exhibit launch was Councilor Agnes Oldan of the 1st District of Antipolo and Head of the Tourism Committee who gave her congratulatory remarks to ARTipolo’s Participating Artists and how she admires our local artists and what they do to make Antipolo proud; Councilor LJ Sumulong of the 2nd District of Antipolo was also present and gave another inspiring message and gave his full support to ARTipolo. Other Guests of Honors include Ms. Judy Ann Santos-Empeno, F&B Manager of Eugenio Lopez Center, Mr. Angelo Puruganan, Director of Information Security, Arctic Wolf Networks, Bay Area and Mr. Ramon Marinas of Luljetta’s Hanging Spa & Garden as well as Jose John Jalandoni, Executive Director of the PARC Foundation was also present. The band of Mr. Roberto Marquez, one of the artists of ARTipolo serenaded the audience with their relaxing music.

The Participating ARTipolo Artists this year features: Alexandra Monserrat, Amador Inlayo, Aris Ventures, Ber Nardo, Bernardo Matias, Celes 'Onit' Untalan, Cha M. Baladjay, Chrisellie C. Guzik, Cindy Grave A. Santiago, Corazon Gaufo Patarata, Crishaira Peliño -Bode, Dapne Lagunay, Dea Solis, Edward Sato, Elizabeth Esguerra Castillo, Feng E. Villanueva, Fernando Regencia, Francis Evangelista, Gem Yonzon Blanco, Grace G. Evangelista, Jayson Z. Borlon, Jenella Medina, Jerry Y. Contridas, JM Guzik, Jodel Francisco, Joemari Cagas, John Mark Navarro, Jun Vicaldo, Katlene S. Enriquez, Liana Mariz P. Mesina, Marge DC Gomez, Maria Cristina Ignacio, Maria Lenlen Moriones, Mark Joseph Beloria, Mark Anthony Navida, Marque De Leon, Mary Jane Aron, Mathilda Sula Sun, Michael Ocmer Briquillo, Michelle Diwa, Nelson Basa, Nelson Francisco, Nelson Medina, ninskidoodles, Pol Mesina, Roberto R. Marquez, Rodgie Gapayao, Romel M. Reyes, Sharisse Atacador, Tam Urao, Vivian Nocum Limpin, Yam Tamayo, and Yurika Palmones.

Truly an enchanting and fulfilling opening ceremony, ARTipolo Group, Inc. once again displayed their sincere camaraderie in coming up with this great initiative which uses the artists’ gifts and talents for the betterment of humanity. ARTurismo IV runs until October 27, 2023 at the Eugenio Lopez Center situated along Sumulong Highway, Antipolo City.

TEXT: Elizabeth Esguerra Castillo