The Multimedia Arts and Design (MAD) Summit celebrated its 9th year with invited local artists and art enthusiasts who uphold Filipino heritage through their diverse art forms at De La Salle Lipa (DLSL) Sentrum, May 10.
Isabella Mae Dimaano, Executive Director of MAD Summit, shared that the theme, MMAALAB: Ang Kwento ng Sariling Sining, aimed to resonate with both creators and attendees, reflecting the event’s dedication to local creative expression through its meticulously chosen speakers.
“[The theme] focuses on Filipino artistry and creativity. […] ‘Yung lineup po namin ng speakers, very specific po talaga siya kasi gusto po talaga naming per speaker, same po ‘yung goal ng event na ‘to, which is to recognize and celebrate din ‘yung Filipino artistry,” said Dimaano.
Opening the MAD Summit, motion artist Jerwynn Laraño shared his experiences in the creative industry, showcasing his work on the animated film Hayop Ka! in 2017, where he delved into the process of initial storyboarding to refining style frames, utilizing Adobe Illustrator and After Effects.
In addition, 2D Animator Nelson Caliguia Jr. shared his works Sulayman and Lola Basyang, emphasizing the use of limited resources through improvisations in storytelling and material inventiveness, as well as his persistence in reviving a stalled passion project from 2013 called Doon po sa Amin.
Imparting his journey, JB De Leon, photographer and creative director of Happy Studios PH, shared how his 14 years of experience in Filipino art and media eventually led him to discovering his one true passion in photography.
“Discovering your passion in what you do is essential—it’s your driving force, the source of your energy,” said De Leon.
Moreover, visual artist Gerard Quizon, also known as Art of Maku, discussed his ongoing project starring Maya, a character influenced by Brittney Lee, a visual development artist who contributed to the design of Disney’s Frozen.
Meanwhile, OPM band LWKY performed their first original song entitled Move On and shared an inspiring talk which highlighted their journey and milestones in the industry.
In an interview with Lavoxa Online, Hence Laren Bayson, a fourth-year Fine Arts student from Batangas State University (BSU) Alangilan, shared the summit’s significance in unveiling the depth and conventional boundaries of artistic expression.
“This exhibit further deepened my appreciation for multimedia arts. […] The artists’ talk and the exhibit not only showcase their technical skills, but also their dedication and perseverance which inspired me to push my creative boundaries,” said Bayson.
As the MAD Summit sustained its legacy of craftsmanship, the event inspired future pioneers to push artistic boundaries, embodying the transformative power of multimedia arts in blending tradition with innovation.
