Artletics 5: Healthy Eyes and Sound Mind for Awe-inspiring Art

Artists returned to De La Salle Lipa, Batangas for the fifth season of Artletics. This is the third time the institution hosted the 2-day health and wellness event. From April 11-12, 2015, different artist groups and individuals participated in various sports activities, art talks, and health discussions.

This year's discussions focused on artist concerns regarding their art making process and (financial & health) protection in order to continue their practice.

Mae Paner, also known as Juana Change, discussed importance of artist's well-being. As self-employed individuals, she encouraged participants to get a health card. She spoke about the efforts of Artists Welfare Project Inc. to assist artists in the acquisition of HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) card. She also talked about the benefits of having an HMO card like emergency care and hospital benefits.

Raul Alfonso of Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) gave artists a relaxing yoga session. It takes a lot of brainpower to make an artwork. Mr Alfonso pointed out that artists sometimes need a break to refresh their minds. In addition, he discussed the importance of fitness and healthy mindset.

As an ophthalmologist for 20 years, Dr. Alexander Tan shared his knowledge about the importance of good eyesight. The visual artist's primary tool is a good pair of eyes. Dr. Tan gave tips on how artists can maintain their eye health.

Aside from health and wellness discussion, the fifth Artletics also included an art forum to discuss the latest concerns in the art scene. Interdisciplinary artist Alwin Reamillo spearheaded the discussions, and Jojo Soria-de Veyra joined as forum facilitator.

The artists also reached out to the students of De La Salle Lipa. Sarah Salazar and Claudia Enriquez of Dulaang Sipat Lawin held a workshop for the students prior to the Artletics activities.

Arletics 2015 was made possible through the help of Art Cube, Art Verite, Atty. Joel Butuyan, Dr. Alex Tan, Caronia, New Quepe Hardware, Edward Tongco & Bea Panopio, and De La Salle Lipa and its media partner, Diskurso.