The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) launched “Likha-an: Lunduyan ng Tradisyonal na Likhang Sining at Kultura” (Resource Center for Philippine Living Traditions) at the Puerta Real Gardens, Intramuros, Manila on August 15, a devoted space that gives importance of the artistic process and craftsmanship of traditional arts in the Philippines.
Derived from the dual concept of likha-palihan (creation-workshop), Likha-an implies that the traditional arts as a “living tradition” rests its value and potency in the continuity of artistic processes that can only be learned by honing the skills of our hands, creative imagination, and sensitivity to the materials of the environment.
The space serves as a meeting ground of traditional artists from the regions, resource center for living traditions in the Philippines as well as space for demonstrations, workshops, and lectures on traditional arts.
It also intends to give an overview exhibit on Philippine traditional art processes, provides space for performances in the garden and the roof deck and selling areas for traditional arts products with stockroom and showroom.
Another aim is to provide office space for management, programming and coordination, product and website development and spaces for recreation, contemplation and refreshments and food stalls at roof deck.
A Panay Bukidnon ritual from Rolinda Gilbaliga opened the program, with welcoming remarks by Intramuros Administration (IA) administrator Guiller Asido.
National Artist for Literature and NCCA Chairman Virgilio Almario and Province of Antique Lone District Representative and former Sen. Loren Legarda delivered inspirational messages.
Curated by Cecilia de la Paz, the resource center activities include lecture-demonstrations on traditional arts (taka ng Paete, panubok ng Panay, Bukidnon, puni ng Malolos, kayas ng Pakil, habol ng Antique, inukit na prutas at ukit papel ng Bulacan, Baliuag buntal hats).
Booths were also set up to display and sell the works of traditional artists as well as conversations with the country’s treasured Gawad ng Manlilikha ng Bayan (Gamaba) awardees.
Performances were rendered by UP’s Tugma, FlipTop by BLKD and Uprising, Handurawan Rondalla, Sama Dilaut, and Komedya ng Parañaque.