As we continue to brace this pandemic in our country, the Department of Health never fails to remind us to wear masks and to practice social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
With facemarks being a requirement and necessity in this new normal, our Filipino are artists using this opportunity to incorporate their artworks as a wearable art.
Emman Acasio
Emman is born and raised in Lemery Batangas. As a budding artist, Emman Acasio received a much deserved scholarship from the University of Sto. Tomas, where he graduated Cum Laude with a degree in BFA in 2005. Emman then worked full-time in Singapore as an Art Director but has always found time to pursue his passion for the arts, particularly painting.
Emman’s primary influence is his father, Lino Acasio, who has also made a mark in the industry with his signature landscape paintings. Similarly, their works boast of having immense attention to detail and the ability to capture the local colors of the province. However, Emman gives his works a modern spin by depicting magnified details of still life, transformed into a “mythical island” and frequently housed with mostly anthropomorphized and evolved animals.
Through the face mask, Emman got the chance to incorporate his artwork. For a limited time, some of Emman’s works will be featured on face masks. Not only that, each mask purchased comes with a certification of authenticity.
Featured in this mask is one of Emman’s work entitled “Ours”, in which the artists narrate our issue of West Philippine sea. For this work, the artist highlighted Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. On the other hand, the sea turtle represents the natural resources of the Philippines, being devoured by the monster that is China. In addition, the Philippine falconet symbolizes our government and the action being undertaken regarding the issue, which is not firm and as if just tickling the monster.
For inquires, please click the links check out Emman’s Facebook page or through Obra Clothing.
Angelie Maranan Banaag
Angelie is based in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. She started to make her art when she was 13 years old and attended workshop under Bel Arte School of Fine Arts in 2004. Her first solo exhibit was in 2015 entitled ” El Amor De Senyora” at La Tabacalera Lifestyle Center, Laoag City.
Her second exhibit entitled “Libnos” was at Cafe France, Red Planet Hotel in Ortigas, Pasig City last 2017.
What makes Angelie’s work more interesting is that she developed her own signature in her paintings, which is centered on women and beautiful patterns and prints. Her mask is individually hand painted and collaborated with a local textile company. Each textile used for the mask is especially weaved by Nanay Magdalena Gamayo, an Abel Weaver awardee, National Living Treasure of 2012, Abel Weaver.
To support our local textile and Angelie, you can purchase her face masks from her page @ambannaag2018
Fil & Janos Delacruz (Bahaysining)
Bahaysining is an art studio of Fil Delacruz and Janos Delacruz. This father and son duo both studied in the University of Santo Tomas and majored in Advertising Arts.
The artworks featured in their mask is a story of Maru and Ilaw, which is part historical and part local folktale in the fishing town of Hagonoy, Bulacan. Prior to the arrival of the Spanish, when the land of Bulacan was still ruled by various Muslim Datus (Chieftains), there was once a fisherman named Maru, who lived his life harvesting the rich bounty of the rivers of Hagonoy.
He was in love and betrothed to the local Datu’s daughter named Ilaw. But during those days, to be worthy of such a matchup, the man had to prove his worth with bravery and blood on his steel. When the Datu called his bannermen and rang the horns of war, Maru without any hesitation joined his brethren’s and heeded their Datu’s call.
So on the riverbanks amidst the war boats and men preparing for war, Maru and Ilaw professed their love and fidelity. As they said their final goodbyes, Maru asked his beloved to wait for him. So day and night, Ilaw kept waiting for Maru’s return. Weeks turned to months and months turned to years… Ilaw kept vigil and waited, until her dying days. From that “Legend” they derived the name of Marulao River and place of Marulao (now known as Sta. Elena).
In honor of Maru and Ilaw, this limited edition face mask is available from Bahaysining’s Facebook page. Fil Delacruz and Janos Delacruz will issue a certificate of authenticity for each face mask purchased.
Kublai Millan
Kublai is from Cotabato City. He started his career when he made all the artworks both inside and outside of his family’s hotel; Ponce Suites. He studied at the University of the Philippines for his higher education and attained a degree in Fine Arts.
He is responsible for two giant works; “Kampilan” by Sultan Kudarat in the city of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao and the “Risen Christ” in the church of Tagum City. He is also responsible for the giant durian monument in Davao International Airport, the giant eagle and Bagobo children in People’s Park, Davao City.
He has six designs you can choice from on a limited supply only. One of Kublai’s masks featured his work entitled “Kadayawan”. Kadayawan is a festival name derived from the Mandaya word “madayaw,” meaning treasured or valuable. In the olden time, people used to display fruits, vegetables, flowers, rice, and corn grains on mates as a sign of respect for the great year they have had. Also, people were dancing and singing in front of their homes, which is continued today as well. Once you purchase a mask from Kublai, he will issue an authenticity card for every mask sold.
To learn more about Kublai’s mask. Please use Kublai’s post on his Facebook page for inquiries and orders.