Luzon Art Fair 2024 Showcases Filipino Folklore Through “Alamat Magpakailanman” Exhibit

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The Luzon Art Fair 2024, held from October 3 to 6 at Bulwagang Kanlahi in Tarlac City, celebrated the rich heritage of Filipino culture through the captivating exhibit “Alamat Magpakailanman.” Presented by Folklore Pilipinas, this exhibit brought together a multidisciplinary group of artists to reimagine and breathe new life into beloved Filipino folklore.

Folklore is the overarching term encompassing all traditional practices and stories within a culture. Folktales, myths, legends, and epics are specific subcategories that each serve distinct purposes and convey various aspects of cultural identity and values. Folktales are fictional narratives; myths focus on creation and spirituality; legends revolve around historical figures or events, often embellished; and epics celebrate heroic deeds and cultural ideals.

The exhibit offered a fresh take on figures such as Apo Anno, Bakunawa, Manananggal, Maria Makiling, Si Bulusan nan Si Aguingay, and many more, inviting visitors to experience the myths, legends, epics, and folktales through various artistic forms, including visual arts, animation, music, and film. Anchored in the Heritage Cycle of understanding, valuing, caring for, and enjoying cultural heritage, “Alamat Magpakailanman” renewed appreciation for Filipino folklore in a modern context.

Under the leadership of Artistic Director Lea Zoraína Lim, the exhibit united the efforts of a remarkable team of artists, filmmakers, musicians, writers, and educators. The participating artists who contributed their talents to this innovative project include:

• Glenda Maye Abad
• Billy Adonis
• Daphne Aguilar
• Aligagang Alikabok
• Fidel Aquino
• Pepot Atienza
• Diana Aviado
• Luigi Azura
• Phoebe Beltran-Almazan
• Mary Buendia
• Geri Matthew “Choi” Carretero
• Marc Steven Castro
• Clint Catalan
• Lucylle Cawaling
• Marc Vincent Cosico
• Kathleen Sareena Dagum
• June Dalisay
• Maoi Deauna
• Tynne de Guzman
• María Alexandria Enaje
• Kirstein Ayn Go
• Arnie Gonzales
• Gabby Gonzales
• Miguel Iskultura
• Patrick Jean Jaquet
• Dyani Lao
• Nina Libatique
• Lea Zoraína Lim
• Liby Limoso
• Kevin Lumbre
• Thea Mújares
• Gabí Nazareno
• Eden Ocampo
• Bryan Quesada
• Aljon Ramírez
• Joseph Renta
• Benay Reyes
• Jeff Reyes
• Doris Rodriguez
• Zion Jah Romero
• Ding Royales
• Hannah Belle Sindao
• Angelica Soriano
• Rurik Tabafunda
• Erwin Torio
• Margot Villamor
• Chaday Villanueva
• Rem Vocalan
• Joy Waldas

Driven by their shared passion for folklore, these artists came together to offer a vibrant and immersive experience that blends traditional and digital media. Folklore Pilipinas continues to explore new ways of presenting Filipino heritage, with recent projects including the animated retelling of Datu Pat I Mata: Tudtulan Atag Sa Pulangi and mentorship programs with students interested in illustration, animation, and contemporary art forms.

The “Alamat Magpakailanman” exhibit provided an opportunity for audiences to revisit these cherished stories while connecting with the next generation of Filipino artists and their creative expressions. It served as one of the highlight attractions of the Luzon Art Fair 2024, drawing in art lovers, scholars, and folklore enthusiasts alike.