“Mukná Likhâ at Dangal! Damdamin sumiklab…” These are powerful words from the Mukńa theme song played during the Mukńa Creativity Awards, held on February 16 at Proxy by the Oriental Hotel in Legazpi City.
Just like the song suggests, the creative industry in Legazpi City is slowly gaining the recognition it deserves. But the event was more than just an awards ceremony. It was a celebration of the talent and hard work of artists from various domains in Legazpi City.
Seventeen (17) awardees were recognized for their contributions to the city’s creative sector, which continues to grow with support from the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Malikhaing Pinoy – Lunsod Lunsad Program, which began funding the initiative in 2023.
The word “Mukná,” derived from the Bicolano term meaning “to create or develop,” is a fitting reflection of the creative movement in Legazpi City.
It highlights inclusivity and fosters activities such as conferences, expos, visual arts exhibits, and art markets. One of the key highlights of this initiative is the Mukná Creativity Awards, which aims to spotlight artists not only in the city but also deserve to be on the global stage.
The awardees were selected not only for their artistic excellence but also for their efforts to help raise the profile of Legazpi’s creative sector.
In the visual arts domain, the winners were Ma. Cecilia Magdamit for sculpture, Djoanna “Dee Jai” Tanji and Dennis Concepcion for painting/drawing. In the design category, the winners included Paul Lester Dellosa for jewelry and accessories, Jean Alta for fashion, Felipe Noe Napa Jr. for furniture, and Jojo Bragais for footwear.
A special award was given to Brgy. 33 in Peñaranda, Legazpi City, for their Creative Community-Based Green Project.
The event also honored nine individuals and companies with the Chairman’s Creative Legacy Award, one of whom was Aireen Perol-Jaymalin, content and operations head of BicoldotPH, for her excellence in journalism.I Jeric Lopez