The region’s most exciting event in the realm of creativity and innovation, the Creative Industries of Region 3 Community Assembly (CIRCA) 2023 gathered brilliant minds, visionary creators, and industry aficionados on December 1, 2023 at the Holy Angel University, Angeles City.
The event included an exhilarating exploration of the creative landscape, spotlighting the expanding talents and transformative potential of Central Luzon’s artistic community.
Department of Trade and Industry Regional Office 3 OIC-Regional Director Brigida T. Pili graced the program. On her opening remarks, RD Pili stressed the creative industry of Central Luzon is rich and vibrant.
“There is no dearth in Central Luzon Creatives and it’s about time to place this rich Creative Industries into the limelight. This is the very reason why we are gathered here today, to mark the beginning of an extraordinary journey – an exploration into the boundless realms of creativity and innovation,” RD Pili said.
The one-day event featured engaging discussions which centered on the nine creative domains of the industry. The creative domains were outlined by the recently enacted RA 11904 or the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act.
During the morning session, filmmaker Mr. Geoffrey Solidum, talked about audiovisual media with his PeliKulang-Kulang: Gumagalaw na mga larawan mula sa pinagtagpi-tagping kaalaman. Focusing on digital interactive media, game developer Mr. Ezekiel Marcelino discussed the transformative power of video games and how big the gaming industry currently is.
Ms. Kishly Canlas of Prodigy digital marketing explored the third domain, creative services, with her presentation – Embracing the Artist Within: Unveiling the Power of Creativity in the Business World. Meanwhile, designer Mr. Pat Lazol talked about The Reflection of the Times thru Fashion which centered on the status and future of the fashion as a creative industry in the country.
Capping the morning sessions is a presentation on the fifth domain, publishing and print media. Mr. John Romeo Venturero of Aklat Alamid unveiled the creative realm of children’s story books with a talk entitled, Indie Pambata: Malayo sa Sentro, Kwentong Malaya.
The afternoon dialogues included a talk about spoken word poetry. Mr. Aeron Masiglat, founder of Papersoul, delved into the challenges of starting and sustaining the art of spoken word poetry into the local scene. On the other hand, Ms. Wilca Oconer of MiniMuni explored the domain on visual arts while Mr. Allen Luis Dizon gave the attendees a glimpse on the hidden culinary and heritage gem of Santa Ana, Pampanga.
Completing the domains are cultural sites. Ms. Bettina Arriola, President of Central Luzon Association of Museums, explained the dynamism of museums and how these institutions serve as learning hubs of arts, culture, and heritage.
The event also featured performances that celebrate local talents, enthralling short film screening, short yoga session, and insightful dialogues with the resource persons.
The creative industries are expected to gain traction in the years to come following the enactment of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act. This landmark law aims to harness the immense potential of the country’s creative talents, providing a structured framework that supports the industry’s sustainable development. Enacted to propel the growth and global competitiveness of the Philippines’ creative industries, the legislation stands as a testament to the government’s recognition of the sector’s significant contributions to economic advancement, cultural richness, and social progress.