CEBU, Philippines - Last March 7 was the opening of the first-ever TubodFest at The Terraces of Ayala Center Cebu. The groundbreaking event celebrates Cebuano Art, Design + Culture – not just as it is but how it can be. Derived from the Cebuano term “tubod” for spring, it is meant to be a source of inspiration and ideas and a catalyst for cooperation and collaboration among Cebu’s numerous creative practitioners.
Ten creative sectors were identified, each of which were given a space to exhibit the best of their particular discipline. Within each space displayed the output of mentoring programs wherein an acknowledged industry leader will work with an apprentice to come up with fresh and exciting new ideas for the development of their particular discipline.
Aside from the sectoral displays, there were also unprecedented cross-discipline collaborations which will exemplify what can be achieved when creative minds get together and work with each other. Imagine a poet reading their work while martial artists perform in a setting designed by one of the city’s hottest up and coming architects.
TubodFest was designed to be a democratic and interactive multi-sensory experience wherein the visitors are not mere spectators but are encouraged to be active participants as well. There were art & doodle walls, poetry readings, movie screenings, jamming sessions & other activities to involve the public.
Another unique aspect of the event was that it gave equal emphasis to creative talent and business acumen. Too often, artists feel marginalized because they feel business does not understand them. Businessmen on the other hand may also feel that anything artistic is not commercially viable. However, at the end of the day, we feel that business and art are not mutually exclusive but actually have a symbiotic relationship wherein one cannot and should not exist without the other -- hence the theme Art Thy Work, Work Thy Art.
TubodFest is the first major project of the Creative Cebu Nexus (C2N) which itself is affiliated with the British Council’s Creative Cities program. This project aims to foster growth and development by creating linkages and promoting cooperation among the city’s creative industries, entrepreneurs, government and other stakeholders. The impetus for this initiatives stems from the belief that development in the 21st century will be driven by the creative sectors. Not only do they already impact most, if not all, industries, their influence continues to increase. However, these creative sectors will not fully realize their potential and maximize their contributions without the support of business and government.
The Creative Cities program in Southeast Asia was launched in Bandung, Indonesia last year. The fourth largest city in that country and the capital of West Java, Bandung is known to be a music and design hotspot with many indie labels, artists and bands. When the Philippines was chosen to be the next venue for a similar project, Jay Aldeguer, who happened to be one of five delegates from the Philippines, insisted on Cebu because of our outstanding history in business, design and the arts as evidenced by the numerous Cebuano creative entrepreneurs and innovators who are world-renowned.
The exhibits will continue in the Terraces until Friday, March 13, 2009. There is no admission charge and this event is open to the public.
TubodFest is affiliated with the British Council Philippines and is presented by Ayala Center Cebu and the Department of Trade & Industry. Other major presenters are Globe Telecom, GraphicStar , Red Rocks Events, The Islands Group, Stage General and Avatar Accessories. Minor presenters are The Gustavian Group, Pino Restaurant, Manny O’s Wines and D+B Wine Shop.