Two weeks ago, Nico and I drove north to visit Filinvest Mall's newest development, FORA MALL in Tagaytay! But we didn't go there to shop (just kidding, we still did), we were there to witness IKON (Istorya ng Kultura at ng mga Obra Natin), a week-long event created by FORA in partnership with When in Manila, DTI Cavite and NDN Entertainment Production, to honor and feature silent heroes, celebrate love for the country through arts, crafts & culture and to give local entrepreneurs a platform to showcase their amazing products. Read on to know more about this momentous event!
"AGOS" by Lot-Lot De Leon
This caught my attention! Super cute handmade mini-house coin bank! Bought 2 hehe.
So why should we support and patronize locally made & home-grown products? Aside from the fact that we get to help micro & social enterprises grow, it also helps local communities thrive. You also get to help local farmers, fishermen and workers. You'd be surprised how amazing and creative Filipinos are in coming up with unique and interesting products to sell using the best raw materials from our country! :)
But first, an OOTD post! This was taken outside Fora's terrace. Still under construction, but already IG worthy!
Top from Korea, Landmark skorts, Payless bag, SM Parisian shoes
Okay, back to regular programming! So here are all the beautiful art pieces displayed, as well as all the local products I saw and wonderful sellers I met...
"BUHAY" by Actor Ian De Leon
Actor Ian de Leon poses in front of his artwork
"AGOS" by Lot-Lot De Leon
"TINTA" by Manu Respall
Me with Sir Manu (famously known as online sensation, Mr. Speaks)
Art by Vincent Gatdula
Paintings by Juanito Gatdula
Paintings by Juanito Gatdula
Paint-A-S.I.L.Y.A. by Tito Lorete Alcala
"God is the Sculptor" by Romeo Castillo
"MASKARA" by actor Kris Villanueva
and "BIYAYA" by Kris' wife Ms. Zharine Marie Carbonell
Antiques and collectible items from Casa Alfonso of Bobby Rosanes
My favorite Organiko Ahuy! booth by Sentro Botanikos
Organic eggs, vegetables & plants for sale!
Local and organic bottled products like turmeric powder, bagoong, jam, honey, vinegar, tuyo, cacao bar, etc!
Bought a bottle of Tuyo in Olive Oil and vegetarian bagoong! So good!
They also sell vegan, farm-made dishes! Grabe sarap!:) Tasted their bopis and humba. Kaya ko na ata maging vegetarian. Hehe.
Sentro Botanikos' super nice owners Sir Noel & Ruth Cruz :)
Crafts made of cable wires by Mr. Armando Nero Sr.
Dreamland Arts & Crafts Cafe + Bed & Breakfast booth!
The dreamiest booth in the event! Love the bohemian, hippie vibe! :)
They sell handmade accessories and dreamcatchers
With the owner Phoebe Duran, known as "Tsang"!:)
Follow them on IG: @indiegreenculture
They now have 2 branches-- in Sta Rosa & Tagaytay!
Cafe Amadeo booth!
Locally grown coffee! They are also a cooperative!:)
DTI stalls
This caught my attention! Super cute handmade mini-house coin bank! Bought 2 hehe.
Support local! :)
Saw this Bignay Wine. Would love to try next time!
Banana Chips!:)
Proudly Made in the Philippines!!! I vow to buy more local products in the years to come. This holiday season, let's gift our loved ones with local, sustainable goods. Super dami guys!:)
Vanessa :)
DTI-Cavite Provincial Director Noly D. Guevara with Fora Lifemalls Vice-President Ms. Jovita Polloso and NDN Entertainment Productions President, Ms. Nory Nero
IKON also acknowledged and honored these outstanding Filipinos:
Mr. Tito Loreto Alcala, for his advocacy to care for the elderly (Adbokasiya ng Pagbibigay Kahalagahan sa mga Nakatatanda) through S.I.L.YA or Sa Iyo Lolo at Lola Yantok aming Alay )
Ms. Violaine Magsaysay of Ilog Maria, for her outstanding contribution in the field of Health, Beauty and Wellness (Larangan ng Agrikultura at Siyensiya)
Mr. Romeo Castillo of God Is the Sculptor, for his outstanding contribution to the field of arts in sculpture (Larangan ng Kathang Kamay)
Mr. Raymond Chavez of Chavez Estates and Chocoland Farm, for his outstanding contribution to the field of Agriculture (Larangan ng Agrikutura)
Mr. Ej Espiritu of Cornerstone Pottery Farm, for his outstanding contribution in the field of arts in Pottery (Larangan ng Kathang Kamay)
Mr. Sonny Lua of Asiong Caviteño Restaurant Farm, for his outstanding contribution in the field of Filipino Cuisine (Larangan ng Panlasang Pilipino)
Ms. Ma. Agnes Madlansacay of Café Amadeo, for her outstanding contribution to the field Agriculture (Larangan ng Agrikultura)
Enjoyed this part of the program when members of Alab & Sining read their own poems! Performance level! :)
Dreamland artists!
Sir Manu aka Mr. Speaks!
Thank you, heroes!
Photo by: Jyng Laguitan photography
Since were there na din, we decided to watch "The Hows of Us" (ganda guys) and check out their new cinemas!
Soldout buti nakachamba ng upuan!
Fora Mall has 4 state of the art digital cinemas. Each cinema has 200 reclinable seats and an impressive Dolby Digital surround sound system. Bongga!!! In fairness the seats were so comfy. It was such a pleasant experience watching there!
Hello! :) How their cinemas look like:)
Thank you FORA for this amazing experience, for recognizing our modern day heroes and most of all for providing a venue for local artists and sellers to showcase their arts, crafts and products. Because of this, I vow to buy more local products this year! There are just so many amazing, high-quality, world-class, unique products and works of art being sold by local artisans. Also, when you're in Tagaytay, don't forget to visit the new, promising lifestyle destination in town-- FORA! :) See you there! :)
"Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children's children. Do not let selfish men or greedy interests skin your country of its beauty, its riches or its romance."- Theodore Roosevelt
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