From left: Masipag Art Group (MAG) with their guests of honor Frederick Epsitola (3rd from left), Nemi Miranda, Antipolo Tourism Head Mar Bacani and actor Mon Confiado; Balloon Vendor by Ton Munoz; Gintong Ani by Krister Isip
In a world where pop culture superheroes are often celebrated, a group of artists is giving a well-deserved shoutout to the real heroes among us: the laborers who put entire industries upon their backs.
"Dance of Desires" by Antonio Pacuan Jr.
“(Our exhibit titled) 'Dakilang Manggagawa' ay isang pagpupugay sa ating mga kababayan na walang sawang nagsasakripisyo alang-alang sa mamamayan. Kaya bilang pasasalamat, ito ang maging tribute namin para sa kanila. ('Dakilang Manggagawa' is a tribute to our countrymen who tirelessly sacrifice for their fellow people. So, as a form of thanks, we are giving this tribute to them.) ”
This is according to Rico Aunzo, spokesperson of the Masipag Artist Group (MAG), which is featured in an ongoing exhibit at ARTablado, which is located at the upper ground floor, Robinsons Antipolo. The show lasts until July 31.
"Sweet Harvest" by Rico Aunzo
The Masipag Artist Group (MAG) was founded in 2019 on the Manawari Art Group page on Facebook. The group's members did not know each other formally at first, but they bonded over their shared love of art and creativity. They began communicating via social media, sharing their work and ideas. As they grew closer, they decided to form a full-blown art group called Masipag, which means "hardworking" in Tagalog.
“Ang kasipagan ang susi ng kaginhawaan (hardwork is the key to success in life),” says Aunzo. The group takes inspiration from the words of the late great Tagalog poet Jose Corazon de Jesus: “Bawat patak ng pawis mo’y / yumayari ka ng dangal / dinadala mo ang lahi mo / sa luklukan ng tagumpay.”
"Gintong Ani" by Krister Isip
The founder and president of the Masipag Artist Group (MAG) is neo-realist painter Naptalie “Rico” Aunzo. His art style is characterized by a modern, traditional, and cubist take on classic Filipino tropes and customs. He has a recurring protagonist named “Pedrong Masipag,” who is meant to represent traits and virtues that an everyday Filipino possesses. Pedrong Masipag is the antithesis to Juan Tamad, the poster-boy of laziness in Pinoy folklore. He is described as a decent gentleman, dressed in a traditional barong Tagalog and salakot, and often illustrated doing noble deeds.
With Aunzo are Daniel Dumaguit, sculptor-painter Nelson Basa, Pol A. Mesina (the founder of Artipolo Group Inc.), Jayson Borlon, Krister Jhude Isip, Rem Kulas, Mori, Hannah Castalone, Ton Muñoz, Efren Saludar, Rodgie Gapayao, Doodz Iligan, Dominic Gomez, Antonio Pacuan Jr., Leo De Fraga Torcelino, Joyce Pertez and Mark Aparato.