PH arts booming despite pandemic: Art-themed fest in Pampanga proves it

Crafting a painting or mural using a Klaypel kit works like a therapy or an expression of one’s artistic side. (Photo courtesy of Klaypel)

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga — Have you tried Klaypel, the uniquely Filipino art material? During the COVID-19 pandemic, sales of this moist colored paper, which is applied via two sticks on a board etched with a design, have skyrocketed.

“Surprisingly during the past two years of the pandemic, our sales have been better. Why? Because they realized that Klaypel is not just a do-it-yourself arts and craft [kit] but a therapeutic activity for all,” said Sue Morales, founder and chief executive officer of Klaypel Enterprises, at the opening of the month-long Klaypel Land arts, music, and food festival here on November 30.

She and Anjela, her daughter, pioneered an innovative medium in 2005 when the mother opened an arts cafe that encouraged parents and children to bond.

With a light bulb moment, 9-year-old Anjela’s mom, Morales, suggested using moist paper instead of paper clay. The idea completely changed Anjela’s art-making process.

READ: Klaypel celebrates its 17th Anniversary with a chance to win P500,000

Morales decided to rebrand and improve the product to penetrate the international market. Using the two sticks gave rise to a technique called “dutdut.”

The K, according to Morales, lent a very Filipino character to Klaypel. It had been exported to South Korea, Australia, the United States, other Asian countries, and the Middle East before the pandemic was declared in the first quarter of 2020.

“So we can say, we are the only one in the market, not only in the Philippines but in the world,” she added.

Anjela, an advertising management graduate of La Salle, is involved in Klaypel’s creatives, such as designs and colors.

“It is all her idea now,” Morales said.

READ: Love making art? Klaypel’s Art Competition gives you a chance to win P500,000

The Klaypel Land festival celebrates the firm’s 17th year by gathering visual artists, including sculptors,  fashion designers, performers, musicians, and dancers, and their groups.

The festival is the first sizeable art-themed event held in Clark since the pandemic, said Atty. Bryan Matthew Nepomuceno, a director of the Clark Development Corp., the state agency developing the freeport.

Klaypel, Morales said, is “very relevant” stuff because it helps people deal with or cope with mental depression, anxiety, boredom, or find their artistic side.

“We’ve had many experiences in the past 17 years when cancer patients used Klaypel as part of their journey. We are not a necessity like food, but we can say that Klaypel can help anyone and everyone become an artist,” Morales said.

/abc