The event, supported by the Concerned Artists of the Philippines – Bicol Chapter (CAP-Bicol), Rhymes of PEG, and Echam Studios, is part of Design Week Philippines 2025, a nationwide festival that transforms cities and communities into creative hubs every October.
Art, community, and ginhawa
Lakad-Lente combines creative talks, a hands-on photography and design workshop, and a guided photowalk, engaging youth, students, artists, and residents in an afternoon of reflection and collaboration.
At the heart of the program is the concept of ginhawa—a Filipino word that translates to well-being, comfort, or relief. Organizers encourage participants to discover ginhawa in everyday life—whether in joy, rest, play, or resilience amid challenges—and to express these stories through images.
“This initiative is both reflection and action. Through Lakad-Lente, we hope to inspire participants to see art as a way of capturing ginhawa and sharing it as a story of our collective life,” said Resmundo Demdam, project lead of the event.
Photography as truth-telling
Kurit-Lagting co-founder Geri Matthew “Choi” Carretero highlighted the transformative role of creative practice.
“Art is always for the people. In this workshop, we want to emphasize that photography and design can be powerful tools for truth-telling and community building,” he said.
CAP-Bicol’s Allan Abrigo shared how their collective has extended outreach beyond Bicol.
“Creativity is rhythm—it comes from our lives, our joys, and even our struggles. While many of our members are from Bicol, our collective has expanded its community outreach even as far as Pampanga,” Abrigo noted.
Sto. Tomas stories in focus
For Sto. Tomas-based artists, the event is an opportunity to highlight the richness of local culture.
“Sto. Tomas is rich in culture and everyday stories. I am excited to guide participants in exploring how design and photography can highlight the unique character of our community,” said Jessa Erandio, joined by Ruth Jocutan of Rhymes of PEG.
Raymond Demdam of Echam Studios added: “Lakad-Lente is a journey of seeing the familiar with fresh eyes. It reminds us that ginhawa can be found in small moments, captured and shared through our lenses.”
Part of a bigger movement
As a partner event of Design Week Philippines 2025, Lakad-Lente reflects this year’s theme: advancing collective well-being through creativity. The nationwide celebration includes workshops, exhibitions, and lectures, underscoring how design enhances lives, fosters sustainable development, and builds cultural pride.
The program in Sto. Tomas will conclude with a reflection session, where participants share their images in response to the guiding question: “What story of ginhawa did you capture, and what did it reveal about your community?”
For Kurit-Lagting and its partners, the event affirms that art is not confined to galleries but thrives in streets, classrooms, and communities—where stories of ginhawa unfold every day. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
