Pol Mesina, president of the ARTipolo art group, reflects on a decade marked by dazzlement, disruptions, and unwavering determination to continue creating art within this collective of artists from Antipolo.

He notes that numerous pivotal moments have shaped ARTipolo's journey. They have showcased their works in esteemed galleries, including Pinto Art Museum, ARTablado in Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Antipolo, Summit Ridge in Tagaytay, and many others. Some of their members have also achieved success in various art contests. What started as an organization primarily focused on recruiting practitioners from the region has evolved, welcoming members from Tuguegarao, Cagayan, Baguio, Pangasinan, Bohol, Manila, as well as Filipino artists based in Japan, China, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and the United States.

"At ngayon, ang ARTipolo ay hindi lang puro pintor, may mga nagsusukat na rin ng sining (And now, ARTipolo is not just composed of painters; there are also those who delve into sculpture)," Mesina shares.

Since its inception in 2014, ARTipolo Group Inc. has been at the forefront of the art and culture scene in Antipolo City. It goes beyond being just a social group; it is an advocacy. Its objectives include honing the creative talents of its members while concurrently promoting Antipolo City's tourism program.

Robinsons Land ARTablado, as part of its Arts Month celebration, is giving the spotlight on this art group by hosting its “Isang Dekada: Makulay na Paglalakbay sa Sining” exhibition, currently on view until Feb. 29 at the upper ground floor, Main Mall of Robinsons Antipolo.  

The participating artists are: Amado Ongtauco, Ariel Purca, Bernardo Matias, Cha Mapaye Baladjay, Dolores van Duijvenbode, Edward Sato, Elizabeth Esguerra Castillo, Feng Eustaquio Villanueva, Fernando Regencia, Gem Yonzon Blanco, Genevieve V. Guevarra, Grace Gerona Evangelista, Isagani Cruz, Jayson Tejada, Jojo Figueroa Javier, Mac Baladjay, Mae Dy De Veyra, Maiya Balboa, Mark Anthony Navida, Maxi Cajayon Tungol, Nelson Francisco, Ninskidoodles, Rod Talde, Romel M. Reyes, Roland Tulay, Sonny Perida, Vivian Nocum Limpin, and Yam Tamayo.

Why did Mesina and company decide to commemorate its 10th anniversary at ARTablado?

He answers, “Kaya namin napili ang ARTablado ay dahil maganda kasi ang venue at ito ay para sa masa. Maraming nagpupunta na mga tao sa mall. Marami makakakita ng aming obra. Saka na-educate na natin ang mga tao about art (by consistently mounting exhibitions). Sa gallery ay okay naman din — kaso limited ang viewers and visitors. Nahihiya pumasok ang mga tao sa gallery; hindi kagaya ng ARTablado na open sa lahat (The reason we chose ARTablado is because the venue is beautiful, and it caters to the masses. Many people visit the mall, so a lot will see our works. Plus, we can educate people about art through consistent exhibitions. Galleries are okay too, but they have limited viewers and visitors. People feel shy entering a gallery, unlike ARTablado, which is open to everyone).”

The people behind Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) believe in the ingenuity and artistry of Filipinos. RLC has allocated spaces at Robinsons malls in Antipolo and Ortigas to hold exhibitions for art practitioners who deserve to showcase their hard work, grit and perseverance. ARTablado’s impact has been instantaneous for members of the art community who have been pining for a platform where every artist — from individual practitioners to members of art groups — gets the chance to shine.  

“Malaki naitutulong ng art sa mga tao (The art contributes significantly to people),” Mesina explains. “Nae-educate natin sila na mag-appreciate ng art — at ’di lang pang-mayaman pang ito. Alam na rin bigyan ng respeto ang mga gawa ng mga artists at ’di na lalaitin or gagawan ng ’di maganda ang mga obra (We educate them to appreciate art—not just for the wealthy. They also learn to respect the works of artists and not to criticize or speak ill of the artworks).” And art can be used in helping those who are less fortunate.

ARTipolo’s community service involvement is geared toward health, education, as well as the welfare of children, women and persons with disabilities and special needs. By organizing art exhibits and auctions, ARTipolo has been able to raise funds for its target beneficiaries.

“Isang Dekada” is for the benefit of PARClaran scholars of the PARC Foundation, with 30 percent of sales going directly to the foundation.  

The PARC Foundation was established as a non-stock, non-profit organization in December 2015 by Wilmer Guido, a passionate 23-year-old with a dream to establish a performing arts center. His goal was to assist people, particularly underprivileged youth and struggling local artists, in pursuing their passions. Determined to realize his dream, Wilmer assembled a core team with like-minded friends Samsam Santiago and Issay Nodalo. As their initial step, they repurposed an old office building into a performing arts hub. On June 1, 2016, they officially opened their doors to the public. Since then, The PARC Foundation has become a second home for numerous performing artists and groups, providing them with creative spaces at the most affordable rates.

“Four times na namin sila naging beneficiary (We have been their beneficiary four times),” points out Mesina. “Kaya namin sila napili ay dahil pareho po ang advocacy ng ARTipolo (visual arts) and ng PARC Foundation (performing arts) (We chose them because ARTipolo (visual arts) and the PARC Foundation (performing arts) share the same advocacy).” That is to encourage young hopefuls to express themselves in art — whether it is capturing a sun-dappled field on the cusp of harvest season with a palette of colors, or to weave the poetry of the human experience through the eloquence of body, tone or words.