Creative talent is the very fiber of Filipino culture, which ultimately also fuels the engine of Philippine economic growth. Following the pandemic’s heavy blow to the country’s creative industry, telco leader PLDT Home is expressing support for the sector’s recovery through its “The Future is Creative” campaign. To kickstart the initiative, it collaborated with young Filipino-American hip-hop prodigy Alex Bruce and the internationally acclaimed Philippine Madrigal Singers for an OPM anthem of hope titled “Muling Pagbangon.”
“Muling Pagbangon” inspires optimism for a brighter tomorrow when Filipinos rise triumphant over the present adversities, through passion and creativity.
“Despite the Philippine Arts industry being one of the sectors that have been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Filipino artists are coming together to show how important art can be in empowering our pandemic-stricken fellowmen. For us, this proved that nothing can stop Filipinos from forging stronger collaborations, making even more meaningful, greater art, and preparing a nation for a future full of creativity that’s nurtured from home,” said Al S. Panlilio, president and CEO of PLDT and Smart.
The song and its music video, shot entirely by the artists in their homes, debuted at the recent “The Future of Cities is Creative” virtual conference, a collaborative project of various government agencies and private sector organizations, the Philippine Creative Cities Network (PCCN) initiative of the League of Cities of the Philippines led by Bacolod City Mayor Bing Leonardia, Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Bloc led by Rep. Christopher de Venecia, and supported by PLDT Home, to rally support for Pinoy artists who endured economic dislocation.
At the digital conference, cultural icons like Lea Salonga, Virgilio Almario, Vilma Santos, Kidlat Tahimik, as well as Carlo Ople discussed the unifying role of digital technology in the nation’s cultural life and the artist’s economic prospects. They say, more than just serving as a venue for connecting Filipino artists with their worldwide audience, the strong internet connection now available to homes can also serve as a meeting ground for Filipino creatives and city executives to come up with innovative solutions to local community problems — even amid lockdowns.
Part of the topics discussed during the conference are programs that city executives could put in place to prepare for becoming a creative city, which includes enabling local communities with first-rate internet connectivity, nurturing their local creatives, and leveraging creative industries to drive sustainable economic growth.
Smart champions creativity in BaiCon InFest 2021
Leading mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) continues its commitment in nurturing and championing Filipinos’ creativity and passion for content creation by powering BaiCon InFest 2021, the biggest gathering of content creators and influencers from all around the Philippines, to be streamed on Facebook Live on October 30 and 31.
BaiCon InFest 2021 is expected to bring in more than 100 creators from all over the country and some parts of the world, seeking to connect them to their fans and audience, as well as various brands and agencies. The sessions will help the youth take on the different demands and challenges of the digital lifestyle.
Among the featured creators are AC Bonifacio, Kween Yasmin Asistido, Dimples Romana and her husband, Boyet Ahmee, Kimpoy Feliciano, Angie “Anghet” Cayetano, Mikey Bustos, Gino Quillamor, Bogart D’Explorer, Medyo Maldito, Snake Princess, Kean Cipriano from the band Callalily, Ramon Bautista, Jen Barangan, Ady Cots, Mayonnaise, Xavier Gonzales Solis, and Erwan Heussaff.
