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After COVID-19 was sort of finished putting the fear of God into everyone around the second half of 2021, the city came out of hibernation and the eagerness to be busy filled the atmosphere. One particular part of town that was given new life was Molave Street. What used to be an empty lane that no one paid any mind to is now a destination for the curious, the scene kids—is this still what we’re calling them?—foodies, coffee aficionados, and anyone with a free afternoon all thanks to Willow Hoods. Photo from Molave Community Marketplace FB page It all started with Willow’s motivation to drive higher foot traffic into his barbershop, Workshop.Studio. The Coffee Mobile got the ball rolling and eventually, more food entrepreneurs joined in. The whole thing began taking shape, which prompted Willow to establish its own brand, calling it Molave Community Marketplace (MCM). Willow describes MCM as “a free space for people who want to test their passion project—from selling street food, coffee, film cameras, vintage stuff, and even new or used clothes.” Photos from Molave Community Marketplace FB page As a musician, barber, entrepreneur, and father, Willow has always been a purveyor of community building. It was felt in the underground punk scene of Cebu City x years ago—shoutout to those who know x. And now it can be felt in the city’s bustling pop-up scene. “By definition, a community is a social group whose members have something in common. And for me, I'm proud to say that MCM is shaped by waves of different communities, including people who love classic motorcycles, art, film cameras, vinyl, graffiti, Japanese denim, tattoos, music, vintage stuff, clothing, cycling, skating, and so on and so forth. And they’re all connected by their love for food and being surrounded by like-minded individuals. And you see and feel that when you come over,” Willow shares. Willow Hoods, the man behind WWorkshop and MCM. Willow’s steadfast subscription to the punk mentality of PMA (positive mental attitude) is palpable in MCM. The energy is light, easy, and nonjudgemental. If you’re having a not-so-great day, head to MCM to get a mood lift. Willow adds, “I want MCM to be a place where positive and forward-thinking conversations happen. This is the only place in Cebu where you get to see and talk to the brand owners and hear their stories.” This is probably the most meaningful and distinct contribution of MCM as a pop-up market. Plus the food and coffee are great. Photos from Molave Community Marketplace FB page MCM’s popularity has been rapidly increasing. It’s where you take your guests if you want to look cool and “in-the-know.” It is, as trying-to-stay-relevant millennials would call it, fire! (So it’s a ‘fire’ place?) Willow hopes it would attract more international visitors as well. But then again, the man behind the marketplace does not have any concrete plans for MCM. He shares, “MCM is always in a state of flow; same with my expectations with the vendors. Their schedule is up to them because I see MCM as a place where they can test their projects, make mistakes, and do it better. So that one day when they join the big leagues, they are ready. MCM is just happy to be part of their story.” Photos from Molave Community Marketplace FB page Whether it is a safe space for brands to test-run their products and services or a destination to be shown off, MCM will continue to provide a haven for the hungry and thirsty. It’s like hanging out in your friend’s living room with other cool people, while indulging your munchies and enjoying great conversations. Molave Community Marketplace is open Fridays to Sundays. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

For Makers. By Makers. Initiated by White Brick Creative Studio and Cebu Making Space supported by DTI Region VII, Makers of Midtown is a non-profit organization that unites all makers, crafters, and creative businesses in Cebu’s Midtown Area. The goal of the organization is to revitalize the area, which focuses on Juana Osmeña, Ramos St., and Gen. Maxilom Ave., transform it into a creative zone, nurture the creative community, and become Cebu’s Maker District. Makers of Midtown Photo by Niko Blanco Makers of Midtown was officially launched in a Mixer event held last July 15, 2023 at Cebu Making Space, 3F Mango Square Mall with different businesses in attendance including Laraw Luna Studio, Ahka Sari Sari Space, Strap, 22 Tango Records, Room 11, SGoons Tattoo, EJC Atelier, Mango Square Mall, Bintana Café, Drawingboard Inc., UAP District C1, SWU Phinma, The Good Cup Coffee, and Ann Savage Tattoo Shop. Other businesses expressed their interest in joining but could not attend the event. Jude Crisostomo of White Brick Photos by Niko Blanco Jude Crisostomo, White Brick Managing Director and the initiator of Makers of Midtown welcomed everyone to the Mixer and shared the ultimate vision of the movement including the main reason for organizing the community, “Unlike other planned developments for a creative district, we are already situated in the same area. This makes it easier to promote the community since we only need to enhance visibility and highlight our offerings. We are already here,”. Photos by Niko Blanco One of the goals of Makers of Midtown is to mount activities all-year round to keep the maker district active. All members are encouraged to organize pocket events and mount projects within their area or within the zone. Makers of Midtown will help promote all the members and their activities in order to reach a wider audience and market and create a bigger impact to the creative community. As an organization, Makers of Midtown will be able to gain access to support from public and private entities for grants that will help fund more projects in the community. Photos by Niko Blanco One thing that Cebuanos can look forward to is the Made in Midtown Festival, which will initially be an annual series of events that aim to highlight the various creative spaces around Cebu City’s midtown area. In the first ever Made in Midtown Festival, people can enjoy open houses, workshops, makers’ market, live entertainment, mural painting, bazaars, exhibits and more. There will be a map provided, so people can walk around and check out the places at their own time and pace. The Midtown Area will eventually become a destination for tourists, students, and creative enthusiasts, shining the spotlight on all the makers within the community. Watch out for news on upcoming activities and events by following @makersofmidtown on Facebook and Instagram.

Participants got down and dirty with Terracotta clay at the Make-a-Planter workshop series held at the Cebu Making Space. The workshop was headed by Bea Bajarias, a faculty member at the University of San Carlos Fine Arts Department who completed her undergraduate degree in Fashion Design at USC and her masters of art degree in Arts and Design - Fashion Futures at the Cardiff Metropolitan University. Bea Bajarias heading the workshops. Artists-in-the making of all ages had fun shaping the raw terracotta clay into different shapes and sizes, creating all kinds of cups, bowls, pots, figurines, and even a toilet bowl planter. The two day workshop consisted of Day 1 molding and sculpting while Day 2 involved firing and finishing. After the cooked clay cooled, participants started sanding the artworks to smooth out the surface then painted them in different colors. Student's works after firing, and participant painting their work after. The workshop has had 3 fully-booked runs in the past two months showing how much Cebuanos are excited to create something and make art. Check out what went on during the workshops! To stay updated with upcoming creative workshops, visit www.cebumakingspace.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram: @cebumakingspace.

Ever wanted to learn how to work a 3D Printer, Laser Cutter and Engraver or Cricut Cutting Machine? Look no further than Cebu Making Space! Head Maker of Cebu Making Space, Stephanie Tudtud leading the Digital Fabrication workshop Last July 1 was the second batch of the Digital Fabrication Workshop by Stephanie Tudtud, Head Maker of Cebu Making Space, Creative Director of White Brick, and Faculty member at the University of San Carlos Fine Arts Department. During the workshop, participants were first oriented on the different uses of the machines and what free software they can download and install on their computers. Then, they learned how to use three different digital fabrication software tools and machines to create cool knick knacks like acrylic and wood keychains with names and designs engraved on them. Some enterprising creatives made sample prototypes for potential merch that they could sell during future art fairs and market meets. Check out what went on during the workshop! Missed out on the last one? Make sure to stay updated with upcoming creative workshops by visiting www.cebumakingspace.com or following @cebumakingspace on Facebook and Instagram.

Making Space is White Brick’s initiative to support makers in Cebu and the maker community as a whole by providing a dynamic space where creatives of all fields are able to explore, collaborate and create. White Brick's Stephanie Tudtud, and Jude Crisostomo with DTI 7's Ma’am Hope Melgar. Situated in the heart of Cebu City, in Mango Square, it is accessible to students, working professionals, businesses, hobbyists, and residents who need space and tools to make, repair, or learn. Making Space is a co-making space which combines the resources of a Fablab, machine shop, and co-working space. It has 3 main spaces: Makerspace, Gallery, and Studio. Inside the makerspace, there is a woodworking workshop, digital fabrication machines, sewing machine, and painting booth. The gallery can be rented for special exhibitions, a retail shop, and other pop-up events and is equipped with peg board walls and track lights. The studio is a 48 sqm space that is fitted with a light grid for easy lighting installation. Lights, stands, grips, camera, and other shooting equipment are also available for rent. The space is also suitable for workshops and talks. Last April 1, White Brick celebrated the grand launch of Making Space with a party featuring beats by DJ Short and Shiro Yamada plus live performances by Cebu’s up-and-coming hip hop artists ELEMINO & DOEZA, Felhony, and Mistah Lefty. Present during the ribbon-cutting ceremony was Assistant Regional Direction of DTI 7 Ma’am Hope Melgar together with White Brick’s Stephanie Tudtud and Jude Crisostomo. Cebu City Vice Mayor Raymond Garcia also graced the event together with other special guests, family and friends from Cebu’s creative industry. Check out what went on during the event! Stay updated about Making Space workshops and other events on Facebook and Instagram: Cebu Making Space. To learn more about White Brick Creative Studio and the visionaries behind Making Space, visit www.wbcreativestudio.com or follow us on Facebook: @wbcreativestudio or Instagram: @wearewhitebrick.

Savage Ink International Tattoo Convention returned to Cebu last April 22 and 23, 2023 at the IEC Convention Center Cebu (IC3). In partnership with World Tattoo Events, the two-day event featured 200 tattoo artists, judges, and guests from the Philippines and 15 different countries, including the Philippines, UK, Vietnam, South Korea, France, USA, Taiwan, Thailand, Sweden, Switzerland, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, Italy, and Poland. Event goers rocked out to live performances by local acts, including Annulled by Nature, Ajirakun, Flirt, Scary Death Barbara, Anorexia, Cursed by Fire, Vince Amores, Finding Apollo, Stellarskin; hip-hop artists D A P, Jeper, Loon, Kayaza Chuya, Fongger King Rich, and Shoot-T; and the most-awaited headliner Oh! Caraga. Founded by veteran tattoo artists Ann Savage and Joe Black Savage Ink International Tattoo Convention 2023 is made possible in partnership with World Tattoo Events and brought to you by M&R Building Toledo and Asia Tattoo Supply; with the support of MDF Productions, Salve, AStee, Formybiotattoo, and Sullen Malaysia; and special thanks to Titay’s, Fortis Vinculi Eagles Club, and Diablos MC Philippines - Cebu. Mad Props to Savage Ink International Tattoo Convention for an amazing event. Shout out to all the tattoo artists who showed up and showed off their insanely awesome works. To all the musicians and bands who were and everybody who came through to celebrate ink, art and music. Check out what went on during the Savage event! Thank you Ian Intong for the photos!

Local Cebuano artist and USC Painting student Clifford Honoridez showcased his collection entitled “Elsewhere” at The Gallery, Cebu Making Space. Artist and USC Painting student, Clifford Honoridez The exhibition is inspired by Karl Marx’ theory of how the only way an alienated worker can feel human is by being away from work. The artworks are based on Clifford’s personal experience as a former worker in the service sector with realistic visual representations. His aim is to depict the situations of current service sector workers on what things they do when they are not at work with a realistic approach in painting inspired by Gustav Courbet’s Realism works. Inspired by Gustav Courbet’s depiction of workers and Edward Hopper’s night settings, Clifford created images that represent white-collar workers in graveyard shifts using warm and cool vibrant color combinations to set the atmosphere of the night and depict the activities of a service sector worker while they are not at work. The activities portrayed in the paintings will help visualize the idea of what truly a worker wants to do, which are activities that satisfy their own human essence. According to Clifford,” The research project will provide insight into Contemporary Realism’s simplicity of how it is used to portray the service sector worker’s human essence. Since we all need to earn to continue living in this society, we tend to find a way to make a living. And a high percentage of people tend to pledge many hours to work and sacrifice their own freedom of doing what they want. The exhibit aims to show people that workers are also human and do human activities during their free time rather than being a cog in a corporate machine.”