The local government of Marikina on Thursday, Feb. 19, launched the four-day Arts, Crafts, and Coffee Festival at the Marikina Freedom Park to promote various arts and crafts businesses and coffee houses in the city as part of the celebration of National Arts Month.

Mayor Marjorie “Maan” Teodoro and Marikina First District Rep. Marcy Teodoro led the event's kickoff.

The Arts, Crafts, and Coffee Festival is open on Feb. 19 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., and on Feb. 20, 21, and 22 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Coffee shops begin serving customers at 8 a.m., while arts and crafts booths open at 10 a.m.

The Teodoros said the festival honors the city's talented local artists and creative entrepreneurs and supports the continued growth of the city’s vibrant coffee culture.

“Last year, we did our coffee fest. Medyo nabitin lang dahil nagkaroon ng typhoon. [Kaya] binalik natin agad ito. At dahil Arts Month, kasama natin ang iba’t ibang mahusay na artists sa ating lungsod (But it was cut short due to a typhoon, so we immediately brought it back this year. Since it is Arts Month, we are also joined by various talented artists from our city),” the mayor said.

The local chief executive noted that the festival kicks off a series of activities lined up for the year, with the city government committed to hosting more events that foster unity and deeper connections within the Marikina community.

“This festival gives our city’s creatives and entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase their products, like handmade accessories and trinkets, and for our local vendors to offer their unique coffee blends and treats. Ito ay isang perfect place para makita ang totoong Tatak Marikina,” said Mayor Maan (This is the perfect place to see what is truly made in Marikina)," she said.

“Gusto natin maging regular ang mga fests dito sa ating Freedom Park. Gusto natin yung community ng mga taga-Marikina, yung talagang nagsasama-sama tayo. Alam mo naman pag taga-Marikina—pagkain, kwentuhan, iyan ang pinagsasamahan natin (We aim to make festivals at Freedom Park a regular occurrence. We want the Marikina community to genuinely come together. As we all know, Marikina residents bond over food and conversations, and that is what unites us),” the mayor explained.

Rep. Teodoro thanked the Marikina Tourism Office for spearheading the activity, as well as the schools and other offices involved in the festival’s activities.

“Sa programang ito, ang Marikina ay nakikiisa sa National Arts Month at sa pagkilala ng mga sining at talento ng mga taga-Marikina. Inaasahan naming magiging munting alaala ito para sa marami (With this program, Marikina takes part in the celebration of National Arts Month by honoring the arts and talents of our residents. We hope it leaves a lasting and meaningful memory for many),” he said.

The local government said this year's festival, themed “Art in Every Pour: Arts, Crafts, and Coffee Festival,” serves to promote the various arts and crafts businesses and coffee houses that the city has to offer, as well as to provide arts enthusiasts with an avenue to explore the local arts scene and connect with the community.

The festival includes activities such as art/drawing tutorials, spoken word poetry performances, and live music, as well as tasting sessions from coffee connoisseurs.

The mayor has also called on the public to support more local arts and coffee businesses to help the city’s booming arts scene and coffee industry.

“Let’s continue to support small businesses and foster a bigger arts and coffee community in Marikina,” she said.

National Arts Month is celebrated every February pursuant to Proclamation No. 683 issued in 1991, recognizing the vital role of the arts in fostering national identity, cultural awareness, and creative excellence.

The month-long observance highlights the contributions of Filipino artists across various disciplines, including visual arts, music, literature, dance, theater, film, architecture, and design.