Known as the City of Festivals, Tagum City expresses their appreciation to Mother Nature through the Kalikha: Likha-ng-Kalikasan “Art for Mother Earth”, with the theme, “Building Awareness and Commitment Toward Effective Climate Action”. This Earth Festival was celebrated beginning on April 22 to June 5, 2023, filled with recreational activities, art exhibitions, workshops, and gastronomical experience everywhere in the city. Its goal is to not only raise awareness for the nature, but it also encompasses the wellness, involvement, and economic opportunities of Tagumenyos.
The City Government of Tagum, with the leadership of Mayor Rey. T. Uy, continuously strives to boost the tourism of the city. The Kalikha Festival pushes through this objective to showcase Tagum’s competitiveness among the cities in the Philippines. The Tagum Tourism and Cultural Office, headed by Ms. Alma L. Uy, President and Co-Chairperson of Tagum City Tourism, Culture, and Arts Council, Inc., created a fun-filled festival that intertwines the art, culture, and tradition of Tagum City.
The term KALIKHA came from the combination of two words, which are “Kalikasan” (Kinaiyahan or Nature) and “Likha” (Pagbuhat or Create). This represents the power of the artists to influence environmental awareness through their talent and artworks. One of the most memorable exhibits was the art installation along the Daang Maharlika Highway, under the Tagum City Flyover. Made out of recycled materials, the creativity of the artists perfectly depicted the harmony of nature and art.
One of the 5 Art Installations that were made up of recycled materials, displayed under the Tagum City Flyover along the Daang Maharlika Highway. Photo by: Jan Jeffrey Instrella/CIO Tagum
Additionally, the Kalikha: Beyond Arts Design Art Exhibit featured the masterpiece of students from Tagum City National Comprehensive High School (TCNCHS) at Robinsons Place Tagum and Tagum City Historical and Cultural Center. These talented students also proudly presented their skills in singing, folk dancing, and contemporary dancing at the Culmination Round held at the Tagum City Historical & Cultural Center.
The Art Exhibit at the Tagum City Historical and Cultural Center for the KALIKHA: Beyond Arts and Design where it showcased the masterpiece of the students from Tagum City National Comprehensive High School (TCNCHS). Photo by: King Felix Loayon/CIO Tagum
One way to foster the talent and skills of the youth is to involve them in workshops. The songwriter’s community of Tagum City gathered together for the KALIKHA Songwriting Bootcamp with Popong Landero as their coach. He was the musician who created Musikahan and Kadayawan Jingles. Meanwhile, the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA) Music Camp catered to aspiring young musicians with passion for string and wind instruments.
The Kalikha Songwriting Bootcamp held at the Meditation Hall with Popong Landero (left side) as the mentor for aspiring music makers. Meanwhile, young musicians (right side) learning string instruments with some notable coaches in the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA) Music Camp at Robinsons Place Tagum. Photos by: Leo Timogan & King Felix Loayon/CIO Tagum
The Earth Festival also dwells with the relationship of the people and the nature. As part of the celebration, Tagumenyos participated with Zumba, Tai Chi, and Yoga sessions held at the Energy Park. This park is home for leisure, relaxation, and recreation, making it a perfect place to spend time with family and friends while being part of the nature.
Participants of the Yoga Session in a gazebo at the Energy Park for the Health and Wellness Fair. Photo by: Jan Jeffrey Instrella/CIO Tagum
Lastly, this festival wouldn’t be complete without a gastronomical experience in Tagum City. The Food and Arts Market at the Energy Park was crowded with locals and visitors during its two-day opening, satisfying the cravings of the people with the best dishes and snacks from the local and small vendors of the city.
The Food and Arts Market at the Energy Park during the weekend (June 4, 2023), filled with vendors that were selling local dishes and snacks for family and friends who were visiting. Photo by: Jan Jeffrey Instrella/CIO Tagum
The KALIKHA: Likha-Ng-Kalikasan “Art for Mother Earth” goes beyond the premises of raising environmental awareness, and it seeks to showcase different aspects of what Tagum City can offer. It promotes the creative industry, culture, economy, tourism, relationships, and wellness. Branded as the City of Golden Opportunities, Tagum City will cultivate its resources to achieve their ultimate goal and live up to its name.
MARIA MILLEN URSAGA
Writer/CIO Tagum