Top Pinoy artists sell works for cancer patients

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — A group of 68 popular Filipino artists recently launched a benefit art project to raise funds for cancer awareness program.

Dubbed "LiveArt," the project is supported by young and established artists through donations of their precious artworks.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Feliciano Salonga said the agency is supporting this project that showcases not just the works of Filipino talents but their concern for cancer patients.

"Subic Freeport is not just an industrial, tourism and economic zone but a total community providing welfare to the public," Salonga said.

Subic resident artist Konn Salao said proceeds from the sale of the artworks will be donated to the Subic-Olongapo Cancer Foundation Inc. (SOCFI), which will fund cancer awareness programs.

SOCFI is an affiliate of a nationwide community-based Cancer Care Network, in cooperation with the James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital and Olongapo City Mayor James "Bong" Gordon Jr.

On the other hand, LiveArt is a synergistic merging of art and advocacy on public health and welfare.

"The concept of LiveArt refers to the fact that art has always been about the affirmation of life and as one of the participating artists, the project provides fulfillment," Salao said.

Throughout history, the visual arts make visible the struggles, celebrations and mysteries of the human soul.

Organizers emphasized that artworks — through aesthetic experience — can help artists understand the higher needs of the self so that it can grow, expand and eventually, share.

In this regard, LiverArt is a response to the need for upliftment and inspiration in times of despair and distress.

LiveArt is organized by a team of art project managers, including Salao, Ronel Britania, and Riel Hilario, with the support of artist Rene Robles and the Subic Bay Arts Institute and Gallery.