Shopping for a cause: What to expect at 10th FilipinaZ Fair
Empowering women one art at a time—this is how the Zonta Makati and Environs (ZCME) wanted to mark the 10th year of its annual fundraiser, FilipinaZ, through an art, fashion, and fine jewelry shopping event which will be held at The Fifth at Rockwell in Makati City this Oct. 21 and 22.
Aptly dubbed as "Living Art," this annual event brings the organization's thrust for advocacy and service to an immersive art and fashion experience that will benefit projects of the ZCME aimed at uplifting and empowering women.
"FilipinaZ has always been inclined towards the arts. Many of our members are avid art collectors and patrons. We also have several artists from different fields who are part of the organization," said Maritess Pineda, Former President of ZCME, FilipinaZ Chairperson, and Chair for ZCME’s Ways and Means Committee.
"This year, especially, we are putting the focus on art. It permeates everything, everywhere. It is manifested through various aspects of life including fashion, design, food, and jewelry," she added.
Anchoring to the idea of Living Art, FilipinaZ will mount a larger space at The Fifth at Rockwell dedicated to art that includes an Art Pavillion curated by Ayni Nuyda.
“The Art Pavilion will feature different galleries from various locations within and outside Metro Manila. In putting this together, our goal was to expand the perspective of collectors. We wanted to build a platform for discovering new artists, galleries, and art platforms not usually found in other venues," Ayni said.
One of the key highlights of the Art Pavilion will include a Central Gallery where Zonta's consigned artworks will be on exhibit. The curator explained, “This space will showcase artists who support Zonta by directly donating or consigning art pieces that will help support the fundraiser.”
Likewise, FilipinaZ will present a wider and broader approach to showcasing wearable art at the main function hall.
Expect to see wearable artworks such as garments, precious gems, and other decorative items like fine jewelry, home design and food from local vendors and labels.
Among the exhibitors for fashion are Aishe Fashion, BAYO Atelier, CALLI, Ditta Sandico, Lakat + Aire, ORIAS, Pinas Sadya, and Two Chic.
For home, there's Casa Juan, ChiEvs Stones and Crystals, Ottoman Collection, Gifts & Graces, and more.
Art for all
Indeed, art can be everything—it can make someone happy, fulfilled, or relaxed. But for FilipinaZ, there is a deep connection and close affinity between art and service through empowering women.
“This is what sets FilipinaZ apart. At the very heart of it is the advocacy of Zonta, and those you purchase at the event know they are helping the organization’s causes. We are, at our very essence, a club formed for women in the arts and business," Pineda said.
FilipinaZ has always been dedicated to supporting the various projects of ZCME. These are initiatives by members of the organization that empower women and enhance their quality of life. Among the beneficiaries is the Psychological Center for Sexually Abused Girls in Marillac Hills and the Empowering Women Scholarship Program.
According to Maritess, ZCME is currently supporting 20 students at the Polytechnic University which she described as "outstanding female students who are carving out careers in male-dominated industries.”
FilipinaZ Luminaries
The event will also introduce the first-ever FilipinaZ Luminaries, which is a special tribute to women pioneers who have helped shape the Philippine culture. These include Anita Magsaysay Ho, Josie Natori, Vicky Vizcarra Sales, Sara Soliven de Guzman, and Milagros Salgado Dayrit.
"FilipinaZ Luminaries honors exceptional women in the arts whose lives, unique journeys, and body of work have empowered others to find their own voices. This year’s awardees are pioneers from the fields of art, fashion, jewelry, craft, and education. Through their creative pursuits, they have impacted positive change. Their legacies have inspired generations, and helped to reshape the cultural landscape," the organization said.
Living Art, the 10th edition of FilipinaZ: A Fundraiser, will happen from Oct. 21 to 22, 2023 at the Fifth at Rockwell.