THE best time for the local creative sector to shine is now.
This is what Dexter Alazas, one of Cebu’s designer creative activists in Cebu, wants to highlight as he brings once again the Cebuano creativity and craftsmanship in the spotlight through “MANO MANO Arts and Crafts Expo” in collaboration with the Lapu-Lapu City Tourism Culture Heritage Arts Commission and Taft Property Ventures.
The expo runs from April 17 to 30, 2021, except Mondays, at the Soltana Gallery at the Soltana Nature Residences in Lapu-Lapu City. It is part of the 2021 Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines.
The expo, which earned the support of Lapu-Lapu City Tourism, Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission chairperson Cindi Chan and commissioner Sunshine Lim, features a wide selection of handmade products from local craftsmen in Cebu, including visual artists/painters, tattoo artists and designers, among others.
Products made by prisoners from Naga City Jail Male Dormitory, Mandaue City Jail Male Dormitory, Cebu City Jail Female Dormitory, Lapu-Lapu City Jail Female Dormitory have also earned a spot in the expo.
According to Alazas, the move to promote local products is deemed essential now more than ever as the world faces a unified isolation due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said there is no better time to promote Cebu’s handmade products than now to help the creative industry and the country’s economy survive these challenging times.
The expo, he said, pushes the #supportlocal advocacy.
“Our love for local art and fashion has now reached full circle as we embrace Cebuano creativity in a collaborative effort, inviting patrons and followers of Filipino made products, skillfully done by hand,” said Alazas.
Earlier, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry called on Filipino consumers and industry users to sustain patronizing Philippine-made products to help local industries and small businesses recover faster and stronger.
The chamber said buying local products preserves jobs and boosts job creation. (KOC)