Art Group

EbaRotiKa – Kasibulan Group Art Exhibit (Oct 15-Nov 23)

/ Jennifer Bichara / Leave a comment

Sining Kamalig Art Gallery is pleased to present Kasibulan group art exhibit titled “Ebarotika!” The exhibition is on view from 15 October through November 23, 2016.

The Exhibit follows the story of Eve, who dared to venture into the forbidden. The exhibit envisions a society. That view sexuality as normal and healthy and treats feminity as a valuable resource. Not as an object of fear, horror, and anxiety.

The gallery is located at the Upper Ground Floor, Ali Mall, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City.

Gallery hours are from Monday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-9:00 PM.

For additional information, contact Sining Kamalig art@worldexperience.ph, (02) 912-3771 or Kasibulan wekasibulan@gmail.com, 09177527095, and 09330634698.

EbaRotiKa – Kasibulan Group Art Exhibit (Oct 15-Nov 23)

Poster designed by Rebie Picazo Ramoso.

(June 19) Fernando B. Sena’s New Paint Paint De Sarap Paint Workshop

/ Jennifer Bichara / Leave a comment

****NEWSFLASH*** Booking lines for Maestro Fernando B Sena’s June’s ‪Art Workshop‬ “Paint Paint De Sarap Paint Workshop” are now OPEN!!!! Go to Fernando B. Sena’s Buenas Artes Artist Group to book into the ‪classes you want. ‪

Fernando B. Sena’s Buenas Artes Artist Group comprises mainly of painters who hold group art sessions at least once a month to paint portraits and still life. They also hold their own group shows known to be visited by art enthusiasts, serious art collectors and the who’s who of the local art scene in Manila. This community of painters has now opened their doors to 50 artists looking for the opportunity to connect with art professionals and show their work to a bigger audience.

Initially, “The Studio” was intended to be a private place where Maestro Sena and some of his students can share art ideas, paint together, and have small gatherings. But Mr. Sena’s willingness to share art has surpassed the original idea to a gallery filled with artworks from friends. It is now a workshop studio & an art facility to paint; learn and exhibit artworks. Buenas Artes is a group of beautiful, lovable, inspiring, aspiring and good artists who paint and draw with their God given talent in order to share, help and make joy with others and for others. This is a place founded by artists for artists.

The group just finished with “Maestro Sena’s Summer Art Workshops” and graduation was held recently at the Phil. Heart Center Auditorium. This coming June 2016, They will be introducing their new “Paint Paint De Sarap Paint Workshop” which is a 3-hr painting session complete with canvas (12″x16″) and paint and opportunity to be guided by Maestro himself; clients get to bring home their painted. Simply for the love of art, an invite to indulge you to a showcase of colorful artistry from Maestro Fernando Sena and friends happening June 19 for the art workshop and the series of exhibits will start on June 4.

Please call for inquiries.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Fernando B. Sena’s Buenas Artes Artist Group

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Fernando B. Sena’s Buenas Artes Artist Group

Fernando B. Sena’s Buenas Artes Artist Group Core Group Members

Maestro Fernando B. Sena

Fernando Sena has been teaching for 40+ years now and is acclaimed as the “Father of the Art Workshop” for his untiring effort in partaking his know how’s and flair to those who wish to learn art. A multifaceted painter, Sena was born in Tondo, Manila and has earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts major in Painting degree from the University of the East in 1971.

As the artist, Fernando Sena divides his time between his two passions, painting and teaching art. He is a painter of immense versatility. He is astute in using different mediums and is able to shift from one style to another. From being a cubist-pointillist to realist-impressionist, Sena is recognized for his delicate still life’s such as his trademark pandesal and toys. But he also tackles a whole range of subjects, such as landscapes, portraits, religious icons, and the everyday, commonplace states of people.

Fernando B. Sena’s Buenas Artes Artist Group

Still Life by Fernando B Sena Soft Pastel

Fernando B. Sena’s Buenas Artes Artist Group

Buko At Iba Paa by Fernando B. Sena Soft Pastel

His generosity to his students is legend as to him, a painter serves to function. He conveys not only basic knowledge but demonstrates the application of different art styles. He also teaches techniques that took him years to discover and develop. He gives this keenly and wholeheartedly, trusting that there is more where it came from “The Creator of Life.”

Personal and social in his convictions were he shares his knowledge and showcases one’s masterpieces to the people and to be able to earn money from it. In realizing this function, Sena has his home surrounded with paintings of his own and of his children. To continue his vocation, Sena established Fernando B. Sena’s Buenas Artes Artist Group.

The Core Members

Maxi V. Ramos

Maxi Ramos is an entrepreneurial wife and mother whose passion for painting has brought her to take up art lessons from the renowned master painter Maestro Fernando B. Sena in 2009. In 2014, she sold her very first painting on her first group exhibit “Bulaklaugh” at the Pinac Restaurant, UP Town Center. From then on, she has participated in 8 other group shows to-date. Maxi with the Buenas Artes Artist Group of Maestro Fernando B. Sena, manages Sena’s Buenas Artes Art Facility a gallery and workshop studio in Quezon City.

Bea Margaret P. Padua

Bea Padua showed interest in painting at a young age and became a student of Maestro Fernando B. Sena 15 years ago. She continued her love for the arts by studying Bachelors of Science in Architecture in the University of Santo Tomas (UST) and having her works displayed in design exhibitions.

She worked as a Design Consultant for a local firm in Singapore immediately after becoming a registered Architect in Philippines back in 2009. She came home after 5 years and decided to concentrate on her former mentor whom she met by accident after visiting her friend’s furniture showroom where his paintings were showcased. She has now returned to her passion for painting, practicing the use of palette knife under the tutelage of Maestro Sena once again.

Josephine Castro – Galvez

Josephine Castro – Galvez is a member of the Buenas Artes Group of Artists formed by Maestro Fernando B. Sena.

Growing up in a house located in the middle of rice fields filled by her father who’s a farmer has inspired her to paint of nipa huts, plants, flowers and rice lands. Her deep appreciation of the natural beauty of her childhood surroundings has brought her to take up painting classes from Maestro Fernando B. Sena to relieve it through artistic expression.

She has participated in several group exhibits and continues to paint mentored by the Maestro Sena. She believes that she draws great inspiration from god’s wonderful creation for which she is grateful.

Josephine is the only daughter of Ernesto and Marcela Castro and eldest with six brothers from Pandi, Bulacan. She is married to Osmando Galvez and mothers to Angelica and Angelo – her painting inspiration.

Reizel Musngi-Vibal

Reizel Musngi-Vibal is a hands-on mother of 4 sometimes 5, 6, 7 kids. She has her hands full all the time but manages to make time for her art. She is a graduate of Statistics from UP which probably explains her great attention to detail that is obvious in all of her paintings. She started taking classes with Maestro Fernando B. Sena in 2014 and hasn’t since looked back. She looks forward to enhancing her art skills and obtaining another degree from UP specifically painting.

Rhuel P. Remolado, OSA

Rhuel P. Remolado loves anything about arts since 2013 under the guidance of Maestro Fernando B. Sena. Who is now a humble member of Buenas Artes, which aims to strengthen friendships through the arts an authentic expression of his inner self.

Rowie Gallos-Marquez

They say you can’t really suppress the real you and that no matter which road you take, it will take you back to where you were really meant to be.

Rowie Gallos-Marquez graduated from the De La Salle University with a double Major in Economics and Finance and thereafter, her Master’s in Business Management from Asian Institute of Management. She worked in various financial institutions but always felt like a round peg in a square hole. Then she took up classes in jewelry design and porcelain painting and therein started her love affair with the arts. To enhance her skills in these, she took up art classes under Maestro Fernando Sena which further convinced her that she was meant to be in the creative field. She is also set to study again to obtain a degree in Creative Writing. Though she is truly happy, she is finally doing the things that gave her the greatest joy.

Wendy Dizon-Rondaris

Wendy Dizon-Rondaris completed her primary and secondary education at Woodrose School, AB Political Science at The Ateneo De Manila University and Interior Decorating at ICS her employment started at City trust Investment Banking Group and managed a Business Resort.

She is married, a full time parent to 2 children with business ventures on the side. Her love for painting started at a tender age of 6 and by 26 took formal lessons under Prof. Cai Zhen Hui. Most recently, rediscovered her craft under the tutelage of Maestro Fernando B. Sena with her works mostly on religious icons and natural landscapes.

A BUCKET OF LOVE FOR SOPHIE: When Artists Unite for ALS

/ Jennifer Bichara / Leave a comment

Former midwife OFW-turned-housewife-and-family business associate, Sophie Aguilar-Borja has been the subject of a lot of help by many artist netizens on Facebook who have joined the group created for her by her entrepreneur husband William Borja and his artist best friend Franklin Valencia.

The group called A Bucket of Love for Sophie aims to seek for medical aid as the family cannot sustain all of it and they want her to have the best care that they can seek for her. She is suffering from ALS-Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, the same disease of English physicist Stephen Hawking who made the news two years ago because of it.

Sophie’s calvary started when her right hand could not lift a spoon. Then, her left hand was unable to turn on the switch. From that day on, life has become dark for her.  She often stumbled because she lost her balance. Then, her lungs needed assistance to breathe and her mouth could no longer savor the taste of food as she has now resorted to tube feeding because she cannot chew and swallow anymore.

In his creating the Facebook group, artist Franklin Valencia appeals to all his artist friends to help raise funds for Sophie’s medical needs.

“By donating your paintings, you can help ease the financial burden incurred and help educate people about ALS,” he wrote.

I first contacted Sophie’s husband via online and through the telephone. Here is our conversation:

Who is Sophie and why does she deserve a bucket of love?

SOPHIA AGUILAR-BORJA, 52 years old, of Pureza, Sta. Mesa, Manila is my loving wife and caring mother to our two children. She used to work in the medical field. Sophie was a midwife when we lived in Saudi. But when we decided to return to the Philippines, she became full-time and my better half with Wilborj Acryclic Plastic Fabrication. We specialized doing LED signs as our small family business. She worked until she got sick and was forced to stay home because of ALS Disease.

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This photo was taken during New Years to greet everyone Happy New Year and to thank all the artists for their help.

When did she get sick and diagnosed with ALS?

She was diagnosed in 2011.

Na-confirm kung ano ang sakit niya, MOTOR NEURON DISEASE.

Ito ang findings ng duktor. To be more specific, ALS – Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. (The doctor confirmed it.)

We have a little business called Acrylic Fabrication, but her medical needs are so high that we cannot afford to sustain the business.

We are renting a ventilator machine for her breathing needs.

She is now totally bedridden. She cannot even lift her finger.

Mayroon na siyang nakakabit na small hose connected directly to her stomach. ‘Yong mga extremities niya is like chicken legs na.

(She is now tube-fed and her limbs are as thin as chicken legs.)

Almost all her muscles shrank.

Mukha na siyang polio victim na halos ‘di ko na makayang tignan.

(She looks like a polio victims that sometimes I cannot take it to see her that way.)

‘Yong income namin sa business ay tama lang sana sa normal na pamilya, pero noong huling na-ospital siya, ‘yong kaunting savings namin ay naubos na lahat at napakalaki pa ng kakulangan.

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With new friends who filled Sophie’s buckets. Artist and buyers helping each other.

(Our small family business only makes enough for a normal family’s needs. When she last got hospitalized, we had to withdraw all whatever small savings we had. Despite that, it was still not enough for her needs.)

Hanggang ngayon, sobrang laki pa rin ng aming pangangailangan. Hindi ko siya puwedeng panoorin lang na mag- deteriorate.

(She still needs a lot of things. I cannot just watch her deteriorate. I have to do something.)

Whose idea was it to create a Facebook group for her? How long has it been existing? How many members do you have now? 

It was my idea na mag-publish sa Facebook ng isang donation campaign one month and a half months ago.

There are 232 members as of now.

My close artist friend since 1972, Franklin Valencia, who helped me make it happen.

A Bucket of Love for Sophie Facebook page creator was the one who solicited help from artists who donated their paintings to help raise funds for Sophie’s clinical needs.

What has the group done for Sophie so far, from when it began (past achievements, ongoing projects/ activities, future goals)?

Because of this campaign, nairaos namin ang month of December.

Lahat ng gastos sa medical needs ay galing sa donasyon ng mga artist, painting collector, at cash donor na patuloy pa ring sumosuporta kay Sophie.

(She was blessed that last December all her medical needs was fully addressed through the artists who donated, the painting collectors who bought and cash donations that were sent by kind people who still continue to care about Sophie.)

What was the biggest amount of help that the group has raised for Sophie? Through which painting and by which artist?

Ang may pinakamalaking naidoneyt na painting ay ang mag-asawang (The biggest donation of a painting was by couple) PHILIPP at THELMA BADON. Ang may pinakamaraming nabiling painting ay si (The bestsellers were) Ms. SONIA WHITE of London, sunod ay ang mag-inang (next is the mother and daughter team of) Ms. NING ODULLO at (and) Ms. Cecil Penaflor.

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SOLD! Painter: R.S. TOMAS Oil paint on canvas 52″ x 27″ PHP 28,000

Art, Art Group, Art Auction, Art for Sale, Buy Art, Art Sale, A Bucket of Love for Sophie, Art for a Cause, ALS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Philippines

Sonia White’s message in FB:
Dear All,
My Lola arrived safely and she enjoyed watching Big Ben she feels a bit cold but loving the scenery of London…!!! Xxx

Aside from auctioning paintings for the benefit of Sophie? Are there other ways that the group does to help her? How? Are you also funding or donating to research for the cure of ALS?

Madaling humingi ng painting at madali rin magbigay ang artist. Madali rin bumili ang mga kolektor dahil ito ay mura at nakatulong pa silang lahat. Magaan sa loob nila ang magbigay at tumulong.

(We have found it easy to ask for paintings from artists who wholeheartedly help. And collectors enjoy buying because the prices are relatively lower than the usual auctions.)

How is Sophie now? What did her doctors say about her condition?

Now she is totally bedridden.

Mayroon siyang ventilator machine na nirerentahan namin ng Php 2,500 a day.

Plus, ‘yong kanyang mga gamot at mga gamit pang-medikal.

Umabot kami ng Php 230K ang gastos dahil hindi siya pwedeng alagaan ng hindi nurse dahil from time to time, sinasaksyon siya every two hours at nurse lang ang puwedeng gumawa noon.

Isa ‘yon sa pinakamabigat na gastos namin dahil ang bayad sa nars ay Php 1,800 / 12 hours at 1,400 sa midwife per 12 hours.

Hindi siya tinutulugan ng nurse sa gabi. Kaya sana matulungan ninyo kami na makahanap ng NGO o anumang charity organization na susuporta sa amin

(It has been very expensive for us. Sophie needs a nurse 24 hours a day and we need to find an NGO who can help us care for her with all the specifications to her needs).

Our youngest daughter Jean Kathleen is a nurse. She looks after her mom but she cannot do it 24 hours.

Si Sophie ay very conscious, siya pa ang nagpaplano ng meals namin sa araw-araw, kaya lahat gagawin ko para marugtungan ko ang buhay niya. Lalapit ako kahit kanino manghihingi ng tulong sa kahit kanino humaba lang ang buhay niya. Umaasa ako na may taong ipadadala sa amin ng Diyos para si Sophie ay matulungan

(Sophie still tries to help us by planning our meals so I want to do everything to let her live more. I’m hoping God will still send us more kind people who will help us.)

Art, Art Group, Art Auction, Art for Sale, Buy Art, A Bucket of Love for Sophie, Art for a Cause, ALS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Philippines

An affordable art sale from the works of renowned Filipino artists. Everybody welcome!

What does the future hold for A BUCKET OF LOVE FOR SOPHIE?

I am hopeful this 2015 that Wilborj Acrylic Plastic Fabrication, my small family business  will have more projects this year.

I let my eldest son Eugene Lawrence who graduated with a degree in advertising manage it now.

Sana matulungan ninyo kaming maiparating sa mga may magaganda at mabuting kalooban ang pangangailangang medikal ni Sophie.

Kailangan po naming makabili ng ventilator machine niya.

Maraming salamat po.

(We never lose hope to reach out and continue to ask for help for Sophie’s medical needs. She needs a new ventilator machine. Thank you.)

To make a donation, please click the image below:

Art, Art Group, Art Auction, Art for Sale, Buy Art, Art Sale, A Bucket of Love for Sophie, Art for a Cause, ALS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Philippines

All images courtesy of Mr. William Borja unless noted otherwise..

Image credit feature image painting (yellow)- Mel Dominguez.

MASA’s #ARTmismo: Philippines-Italy Art Show Collaboration Feb 2015

/ Jennifer Bichara / Leave a comment

Malalayang Alagad ng Sining at Adhikain (MASA) will have its first Pinoy Artist Art Experience (PAAE) at the One World Institute in Bitonto, Bari Italy. PAEE I in Italy is the groups 4th international art show entitled “#ARTmismo” with the subtitle “Art Really Matters.”

The group show is for the celebration of the Philippines National Art Month this February 2015. In collaboration with the One World Institute in Bitonto supported by the Philippine Embassy in Rome headed by Minister-Consul General Leila Lora-Santos.

PAEE is the second system project of MASA; the first was PAAE or Pinoy Artist Art Experience which links bridges to art scenes and exposures in Asia and the Middle East.

Eleven artists from the Philippines coming from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao whose paintings will be exhibited at the One World Institute in Bitonto, Italy—a language and art school owned by a Filipina jewelry designer and teacher, Tachi Portugal-Modugno.

The eleven artists from Malalayang Alagad ng Sining at Adhikain includes Almina Tengco, Caressa Lascano, Ayen Quias, Froilan Galpo, Nunistell Mae Fulo-Lee, Dante Enage, Ge Ann Balintec, Nina Custodio, Kit Gresos, Sai Collado, and including Arao Salamat, MASA Founder and Chairman.

“When making art really matters as young talents from emerging countries are a reminder of the importance of art. Art is a part of our daily lives. Without art, there will be no science and technologies that we have today. Hence, our five senses is nothing without art. It’s essential for our senses to function. Art isn’t just something, it’s everything for all of us artist,” Arao Salamat said.

“Some Paintings for Group Exhibit in Italy”

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Artist: Nunistell Mae Fulo-Lee – “SI MAGANDA” 15″x 15″ Textured Oil on Canvas/Mixed Media Art. Image via Facebook.

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Artist: Dante Enage – “Pukrat” (Open Your Eyes) Tuba on Canvas 12″x12″. Image via Facebook. 

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Artist: Ge-Ann Balintec – “Secret weapon: Seduction” Acrylic Ballpoint Pen & Fabric Paint on Canvas 12″ x 12″. Image via Facebook.

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Artist: Caressa Lascanno — “Kunyari Nasorpresa,” 15”x15” Oil on Canvas. Image via Facebook.

Art Show, Art Group Show, International Art Show, International Art Group, Art Diplomats, Art, Art Collaboration, MASA, Malalayang Alagad ng Sining at Adhikain, MASA, Pinoy Artist European Exposure, PAEE I, #ARTmismo, Art Really Matters, One World Institute, Philippines, Italy, Almina Tengco, Caressa Lascano, Ayen Quias, Froilan Galpo, Nunistell Mae Fulo-Lee, Dante Enage, Ge Ann Balintec, Nina Custodio, Kit Gresos, Sai Collado,Arao Salamat

Artist: Nina Custodio – “Veil,” 15”x15” Acrylic. Image via Facebook.

****

ARAO SALAMAT is the Founder and Chairman of MASA. He is a visual artist, art educator, Philippine art and culture advocate. He is also the think tank, art organizer, and the brainchild of all the projects. He is currently working in the next PAAE IV (Pinoy Artist European Exposure) for May 2015 to be held in Cambodia.

MASA is a Philippine based non-stock and non-for-profit international art organization which aims to showcase the best of the best Filipino artist and the finest of the Philippines arts via collaboration, interaction, exhibition, and workshops locally and abroad.

Images courtesy of Arao Salamat unless noted otherwise.

(All artworks linked to the artist page.)

KIMNETIX NETWORX: Celebrates Life in Art and So Much More

/ Jennifer Bichara / 11 Comments

Filipino art online communities provide a wide range of opportunities for supporting a cause, marketing the creative, or building an open source of realization that Filipino artist can also succeed in the hard to crack world of art. These Filipino art communities help others see that they are as good as their Western counterparts.  Kim Marcelo’s advocacy, Kimnetix and AFKN’s founder – Wine Merchant, PR and Marketing Consultant, and Event Organizer–aims to help our own as much as he can.

Kimnetix Networx is an online magazine type Facebook page where it gives Filipino artists a chance to get featured and showcase their works – whether in the field of visual arts, literature, music, dance, theater, film, and/or architecture.  Thus, Artist Friends of Kimnetix Networx (AFKN) was born. AFKN is a virtual online art group which aims to be friends with every Filipino artist and give each one a larger audience. It is not an official art group as it is generally a lifestyle page according to Kim. Kimnetix Networx also features the best dining destinations in the country and what these establishments have to offer. Events that audiences will be interested in, gadgets and even including fashion.  In 2014, it was able to do three events for the arts and one for culinary.

Kimnetix Networx is the 2nd art group I joined and many of my current artist features came from this page and from AFKN as well. I love this group and am sure you will enjoy seeing all the wonderful artworks by Filipino artists.

He says, “Everyone is welcome to like Kimnetix Networx and join AFKN!”

Learn more about him and his advocacy’s with Jenny’s Serendipity’s set of interview questions.  Enjoy!

Carlos Alferez Castro, Filipino Artist and Kim Marcelo, KN’s and AFKN Founder
Filipino Artist, Erwin Mallari and Kim Marcelo. Image via Facebook.

What is the difference between Kimnetix (Networx) and AFKN (Artist Friends of Kimnetix Networx)? Are they the same or separate pages?

Kimnetix Networx is an online magazine type Facebook page, or what used to be called Fan Page, where we feature Filipino artists and their works – whether in the field of visual arts, literature, music, dance, theatre or architecture.

We also feature the best dining destinations in the country and what these establishments have to offer. Events that we think our audiences will be interested in. As well as gadgets and fashion from time to time.

Artist Friends of Kimnetix Networx is a “Group Page” put up in July of 2014 where members are mostly artists (Visual, Dance, Music, Theatre and Poetry).

Kimnetix Networx and AFKN are two separate pages. First, let’s define the difference between PAGES and GROUPS on Facebook in a simple way – in a Page, you invite people to “like” it and usually used for featuring stuffs while in a GROUP, you add or invite people as members.

Kimnetix Networx is where we feature the above mentioned and AFKN is where we get our ART related features.

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Filipino Artist, Wanda Totanes (Child Prodigy Painter). Image via Facebook.

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Filipino Artist, Lito Brion Ballaran. Image via Facebook.

It was your idea to create the FB group? How was it conceived in 2012?

Yes, I created the AFKN group since I got tired of getting our features for Kimnetix Networx to different art groups I belong to, on Facebook.

I created Kimnetix Networx in the 3rd week of November 2012, can’t remember the exact date though. I initially made it just to feature the things I am passionate about like art, wine, food, collectible toys, films etc.

As the fan base/audience of the page reached 500 plus in 2 months, I then realized that I should make it more professional and interesting to its audience. I then started featuring artworks of artists I admire, restaurants I dine in, theatre plays I want to watch, performances of my friends in the Manila music scene etc.

A few months after, I added Vic Sevilla, former editor of WOMAN TODAY magazine, as my co-administrator to the page to make it more professional. In September and October 2014, I added Ea Torrado of DALOY DANCE COMPANY and Noel Santos of THE WARRIOR POET CAFÉ as administrators as well.

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Daloy Dance Company is a rare mix of artists who use dance as a medium to reflect a deeper human language & raise the consciousness of its audience.

How did you come about to include other aspects of lifestyle to the group page?

The page is more of a lifestyle page since its creation though the art part has been a big part of it. Before, I even feature artworks of foreign artists but decided in early 2013 to concentrate on featuring Filipino artworks and artists. From 2013 to mid-2014, the page feature was balance as it featured a lot of restaurants, wine events, theatre play, concerts, artworks… Please check the albums in the page and you’ll see what I mean.

Only when I created the AFKN group that most of my features became more of visual arts. Although, the idea of promoting Philippine Art and Filipino artists has been part of my objective for the page since the start, and what I want in the page (as for visual artists) is to have masters. Upcoming and beginners get equal mileage though when we feature them.

Dolpee Alcantara, Filipino Artist. Image via Facebook
Filipino Artist, Wilfredo Calderon. Image via Facebook.
Filipino Artist, Ric Ico. Image via Facebook.
Filipino Artist, Rufo Bong Sunga Jr. Image via Facebook.
Filipino Artist, Joel Masaya. Image via Facebook.

Why did you choose to be an FB group or fan page instead of a blog or website?

For several reasons:

– I didn’t make a blog site since my standard in writing is very high and I wouldn’t pass even my own standards <laughs>. I love to read and talk, but write… nah… Being married before to a very good writer, a graduate of English Creative Writing from UP and having a bilingual poet as a daughter, my writing skills would be very elementary compared to theirs… <laughs>… Serious explanation though.

– Website? Too complicated for me, besides, almost all big companies here and abroad have their own Facebook page/s even though they already have their company website.

– Why Facebook? It’s free, easy to manage and almost everyone in the world uses it.

With 2K+ members, how many of them are active on the page? How often do they appear on the wall?

AFKN has 898 members now and there are about 70 members actively posting, liking member’s posts, commenting.

Kimnetix Networx have 2,906 likes (without advertising it) as of this interview.

As for Kimnetix Networx, we have a rule among admins to have at least an hour interval between each feature.

As for AFKN, members post their works on the group every hour or so.

Filipino Artist, Nunistell Mae Fulo- Lee. Image via Nunistell Mae Fulo- Lee.
Filipino Artist, Joan Villa-Espina Soriano Honoridez. Image via Facebook.

This page is for the advocacy to help promote your clients and artists. How is it working so far? Would you say it is an effective tool?

I don’t have an advocacy for clients, only for artists and Philippine art as a whole. Like I’ve said earlier, my purpose or advocacy is to show the world how good the Filipino artistry is (in any field or family of art)…I want every artists be known if not worldwide, at least in the Philippines. Even myself, I didn’t know a lot of new artists until I made the page. My clients pay me to promote and market their establishments, the artists don’t.

Is it working and effective? Yes! I get feedbacks from establishments I promoted through the page that their customer base became bigger. I get regular inquiries about some of the artworks I feature, artists were able to sell their paintings to the page’s audience and I can go on and on but I’ll be bragging already… <laughs>

What about funding? How do you keep it up? How does the online magazine earn as an FB group page or fan page?

Funding, don’t need it, Facebook is free. I keep it up since I am passionate about my love for the arts (among others). Kimnetix Networx is not an online magazine literally, we only did it magazine style that is why I wrote “online magazine type.”

I created the group not to make money out of it but to promote the things I am passionate about. It’s not like a blog site or website that you can make money from ads. I don’t have any sponsors or advertisers.

If I do events for the artists of AFKN, that is the time I get sponsors but only when needed.

For the charity/ charities that you help. What events do you stage and how frequent are they held? How do you collect sponsors?

We don’t have any specific charity institution/s that we help in the group but we do help our members when in need and we do it collectively. As for the events that KN did in 2014, only the COLORS & HUES Group Art Exhibit of WALO VISUAL ARTISTS GROUP had a beneficiary which was Unilab Foundation’s PLAY IT FORWARD project and it was the art group who chose the beneficiary.

KN and AFKN did three art events and one wine dinner in 2014 and we want to do more this 2015 but it will all depend on my time availability as I have to work for myself too. <laughs>

How do we collect sponsors? I am a PR, Marketing and Sales person and been in different industries for years.

Who and or what are your most notable personalities and works featured on your page?

I would like to invite your readers to visit the page, check its wall and the albums there… Like I’ve said earlier, masters, upcoming or beginners are all equal in the page. Meaning, we don’t look at anybody as notable or popular. Just like me, I can sit down and talk with Raul Isidro or even Bencab the way I would sit down and talk with 14-year old art prodigy, Wanda Totanes. Only difference is that I would use the word “Sir” to the first two since they are senior artists. <laughs>.

What are the upcoming projects of Kimnetix and AFKN?

We are working on several concepts that we want to realize this 2015 like exhibits, workshops, art talks… We’ll let you know as soon as we prepared the STAGE.

But the events that are set already are the KOMIKS LIVE ART SESSION as we already launched it last December at Dapo Restaurant & Bar which we will tour in different cities in the metro and KOMIKS ROCK SESSION Exhibit of Master Illustrator and Painter, Boy Capital. As well as our collaboration with Ea Torrado’s Daloy Dance Company, we just need a venue and sponsors for it but it will definitely happen this 2015.

Boy Capital, Kimnetix Network, KN, AFKN, Artist Friends of Kimnetix Networx, Kim Marcelo, Art, Art Community, Art Group, Visual Arts, Visual Arts Group, Visual Arts Community, Creative Community, Creative Network, Art Network, Artist Platform, Filipino Arts, Filipino Visual Arts, Filipino Creative Arts Network

Have one portrait session with the one and only Filipino Master Artist Painter, Boy Capital.

All images are courtesy of Kim Marcelo via Kimnetix Networx unless noted otherwise.

Feel free to contact Kim Marcelo via Facebook or his email: kimnetixnetworx@gmail.com.

Kimnetix Network, KN, AFKN, Artist Friends of Kimnetix Networx, Kim Marcelo, Art, Art Community, Art Group, Visual Arts, Visual Arts Group, Visual Arts Community, Creative Community, Creative Network, Art Network, Artist Platform, Filipino Arts, Filipino Visual Arts, Filipino Creative Arts Network

AFKN