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I am delighted to share with you my experience in joining the 2nd National Art Convention by ASP held in Baguio City. It was a pleasure to expand network by meeting many art enthusiasts whom I only saw in social media platforms during the pandemic. Also, Baguio city-the summer capital of our country, was one of the beautiful places that tourists love to visit, so why not?
The said convention was aimed to gather artists and cultural stakeholders from all over the Philippines, to showcase their talents, exchange ideas, promote awareness and appreciation of our culture and art. The theme of the second art convention was a celebration of creative diversity, which in my opinion, also helps to promote and preserve the beauty of culture by Filipinos of diverse backgrounds.
Coming from our province where I live, it took me so much time and effort to travel to the Cordillera region but it was okay, anyway. I know that every good deal has a catch. I just brought a luggage and personal bag with me because I wanted to travel light in the 3-day event as possible. I did not manage to arrive on time, but at least I made it and immediately reported to the Airport View Homestay Baguio, the accommodation and venue of the art convention.
In the first day of the event, we went to the Ililikha-Artist Village, where I met the founder and director of Art Show Philippines himself, and the other delegates. I felt excited but clueless in making friends because I only saw them online, and I didn't have a companion with me when I arrived there. But still I took the courage to participate and glad that most of them are approachable. I wandered around the place and it felt like I entered a giant treehouse with restaurants inside! Actually, they call this a food park. It was my first time to encounter such unique concept.
Inside the Baguio Museum
After that, we visited Baguio Museum, and Botanical Garden for live drawing sessions. In the museum, a coordinator toured us inside the building and told us stories about the culture and history of Baguio. As we went on to those places, I slowly got to communicate with most of the delegates. I felt relieved as a shy person, because I don't always encounter strangers and I still looked messy from the long travel. How you present yourself really matters! Maybe they don't mind talking to you having a messy hair and oily face, but a polished look will give you confidence to interact with them. They were very nice, anyway, so nothing to worry when it comes to travelling alone or looking for someone to talk to.
Every night, we would all gather to the main transient for dinner and cultural shows. I met my roommates and they also came from other provinces. I learned a lot when talking to them, and they are very generous in sharing ideas and experiences on how they manage to make money from art.
Tam -Awan Village was also a place of galleries where I encountered the Pyrography and Solar drawing. The artists himself allowed us to experience this method using sunlight. After lunch, we proceeded to the BenCab Museum, to see beautiful paintings, photograph, and sculptures. Sir Frederick, our ASP founder and director, encouraged us to make an exhibit of miniature masterpieces made with different art styles, just like the mini portraits that we saw from the museum.
We also went to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), to do our Plein Air session. By the way, En Plein Air or Plein-Air, came from the French mid-19th century which refers to the manner of painting outdoors with a strong sense of open air. Luckily, the cadets had an activity in their ground so we were able to witness them and the soldiers in their campus. I was still in the process of learning plein Air so my output wasn't so good as expected after the limited time. But my roommate made a beautiful output so I really appreciated her skills!
The last night in the main transient had the best fellowship so far. Everyone enjoyed the food and the informative topics shared by our talented speakers. Again, I learned a lot from them. I realized how diligent they are as they talked about the sacrifices that they did to achieve success in art. I was amazed how brave they are in leaving their corporate jobs in the past and how they were able to achieve the income that they desired in pursuing their passion. Because of that, I told to myself that someday, I want to be brave (enough) as well to pursue my passion and not be a corporate slave anymore.
Finally, we did the Human Easel and ArteAction Project. We grouped ourselves and assigned in good spots to showcase our artworks in Baguio Market. All the delegates made beautiful artworks drawn by their own art styles, and not only that, one of us was unexpectedly approached by a collector and even purchased her painting on the spot! I was so happy for her, and glad to know that there really is a home for your masterpieces. Sometimes, we call it as the "soulmate" of your artwork hehehe :D
Of course, the day won't be complete without souvenirs, so we bought anything in the market to give to our families and co-workers after the trip. It was a bittersweet ending to say thank you and goodbyes to everyone in the convention. I have made new friends because of this and I felt like I've found a new family! Some delegates left earlier because of their jobs and some also extended their stay in Baguio to do some touristy stuff. I also left right after the event because of my plans to stay in Manila before the flight.
It was a beautiful experience at the end of the day, and I was so thankful that everything was provided. Everyone was safe as well as they travelled back to their homes. I wanted to join again and hopefully I will be more confident and skilled in the next national art convention!
If you are someone like me, who wants to pursue passion projects in the future, I hope this blog post inspired you somehow.
Au revoir! ;)
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