First annual PH Creative Industries Month kicks off in Iloilo

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By Mariela Angella Oladive

The celebration of creativity and culture took center stage in Iloilo as it debuted the first-ever Philippine Creative Industries Month (PCIM) on September 28 at the SM City Iloilo Northpoint Activity Center.

Themed, “Celebrating Filipino Creativity, Advancing Creative Philippines,” the three-day event is dedicated to immersing attendees in the fusion of tradition and modernity through a series of cultural activities, recognizing the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the Philippines and Iloilo.

“What I like about being an Ilonggo is the diversity and there are a lot of Ilonggo values that I am very proud of because wherever you go you can always be very, very proud of where you came from and it’s something that would always give you the vibrance of emotion,” shared Ms. Weng from the audience in response to the host’s question about what she likes about being an Ilonggo.

The highlight of the evening was the official opening of the celebration marked with a dance interpretation of the symbol of water by the Annie Santorio Divinagracia (ADS) Performing Arts Studio. The performance emphasized water’s significance in Philippine culture.

Following the performance, the guests took part in a symbolic performance where they gathered spring water from a “kawa” (a traditional Filipino cauldron) to fill a “banga” (a jar) until it was full.

The opening program also featured astounding performances of Ilonggo’s through dance, music, and theater, featuring a lineup of local artists whose names marked excellence and creativity in their respective fields.

Among the performers were Divine de Villaluna, WCOPA 23 Bronze Vocal-Senior Latin Category; Thedd Aldtitz Maglocot, WCOPA 23 Junior World Champion; WVSU Teatro Tayo, Annie Divinagracia-Sartorio (ADS) School of Performing Arts, Iloilo Community Orchestra and NHS Himig Kwerdas Ensemble.

Adding to the grandeur of the event was Miss Universe Philippines Iloilo 2022 Vanessa Caro, who hosted the program with grace and charisma, keeping the audience engaged and entertained throughout.

The festivities will continue until September 30. Everyone is welcome to witness and partake in the activities scheduled throughout the three-day event.

The celebration is aligned with RA 11904, also known as the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act, which promotes and supports the development of creative industries in the country.

The event was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Incorporated (IDFI), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and SM City Iloilo.