Diwa ng Kasarinlan aims to bring together community with art and mural painting workshops

Diwa ng Kasarinlan aims to bring together community with art and mural painting workshops

By Patricia Gabrielle Dolor

The Philippine Reporter

Diwa ng Kasarinlan, an annual festival, emerged as a vibrant gathering that continues to unite the Filipino community across the Greater Toronto Area. Its purpose is to joyously commemorate the Philippine struggle for independence by fostering historical awareness.

On the significant date of July 7th, the community honors the establishment of the Katipunan, a group of revolutionaries who valiantly opposed the Spanish colonial occupation in the Philippines.

In the present day, Filipinos persist in their pursuit of national liberation and genuine democracy, raising their voices against human rights abuses and the absence of basic social services. They advocate for the rights and well-being of their compatriots both in the Philippines and abroad.

Throughout the annals of history, we witness diverse forms of resistance against oppression, and among them, art stands tall. Art serves as a potent tool of resistance, enabling us to convey ideas and provoke critical reflection in people’s minds. Art should be accessible, catering to the interests of the people and driving social change forward.

Photos: Patricia Gabrielle Dolor

Within this series of mural painting workshops, participants had the opportunity to glean wisdom from acclaimed facilitators, artists Bert Monterona and Mylene Maranoc. They delved into the fundamentals of art and explored how art can foster peace and unity within a diverse community.

By joining these workshops, participants acquired a foundational understanding of visual arts, honing their skills through collective educational discussions and fostering a sense of camaraderie. Participants of all skill levels were warmly welcomed.

There was a captivating online discourse on the essence of art created for the people, led by the esteemed artist Bert Monterona on July 6, from 6 to 9 p.m. EST, as they delved into the world of artistic expression that resonates with the masses. Hailing from Vancouver, Canada, Bert Monterona is a visionary Filipino visual artist, educator, and cultural advocate renowned for his remarkable designs, illustrations, paintings, murals, sculptures, and installations.

Art becomes a formidable tool of resistance, enabling us to communicate ideas and invigorate the masses, fostering a critical perspective on the world. Art should be accessible, serving the interests of the people while propelling social change forward.

During this thought-provoking discussion, participants gained profound insights into the role of political art, its dissemination, and its pivotal position within grassroots movements both in the Philippines and across the globe.

This engaging session formed an integral part of Diwa ng Kasarinlan, an annual festival meticulously crafted to unite the Filipino community and honor the Philippines’s arduous journey towards independence by promoting historical consciousness.

Throughout the tapestry of history, we discern diverse avenues of resistance in the face of adversity, with art emerging as a potent contender. Art serves as an instrument of defiance, allowing us to articulate ideas and beckon individuals to contemplate the world with a critical eye. Art should be inclusive, tailored to the interests of the people, and a driving force for social transformation.

In the series of complimentary mural painting workshops that occurred from July 6-9, esteemed facilitators Bert Monterona and Mylene Maranoc guided participants in unraveling the rudiments of art fundamentals while fostering peace and unity within a diverse community through artistic expression.

On July 7 and 8, 2023 – the mural paintings commenced. On July 9, the last day of the celebrations – there was an art exhibition in Jack Goodlad Park. During this time, TPR got to speak to Philippines Advancement Through Arts and Culture (PATAC)’s President Ben Corpuz on the impact of this event.

The Philippine Reporter: What is the impact of this event?

Ben Corpuz: It’s the spirit of nationalism. And this year, our aim is a three-day mural workshop called Pinta, or Fiesta painting mural. We have a theme about migration of Filipino workers and their plight and their journey and the story of the Philippines. Everybody here are on forced migration, or immigrants or all settlers in Canada.  Make sure that by the color of your skin, religion, gender, you shouldn’t be discriminated against and if there are pockets of hate and anti-racism able in the seniors and the young ones they should have fair and equal rights under the law or under the constitution of Canada. For everyone,  you can see that hundreds of people came to enjoy the food. Of course to enjoy the mural paintings. The artwork is solid, the stories are real and so are our struggles for a better life.

TPR: How was thie event put together?

Corpuz: It’s basically the discussion of many years of collaboration. Because if you look at regular Filipinos festivals, they’re already saturated with the usual things. But now we infuse it with something different. We can have Zumba and food, but we will showcase art in a different way.. We contacted Bert Monterona and he said yes. [During the first day] There was education of his art, art for the people. Is it art for art’s sake or is it for competition for profit? But the artist who’s a martial law baby and also a political activist says, well, art should be for the people. It should be progressive. It shouldn’t be subversive. It should be telling the status quo that this is the way to go. So I think it’s a progressive one. So for me, I’m so proud.

Ben Corpuz noted that there were a lot of youth present in this event and how he wants to make sure the legacy is being passed on, to create great leaders for the future.