“We want to demonstrate to the world that Filipinos are rich in creativity and talent,” says Marivic Pineda, who undertakes GKonomics’ product development.
As a social enterprise partner of Gawad Kalinga, GKonomics continues to develop products that require a skilled hand and has even gained the support of many Filipino icons in the field of design such as FDCP president JC Buendia, Randy Ortiz, Milo Naval and Ed Calma, among others, who’ve shared their talent with the Gawad Kalinga communities.
Recently, a number of artists have submitted their works for GKonomics’ Hope in a Box project that is not only an effort to help rebuild the homes and lives of the victims of typhoon “Yolanda,” but is also an endeavor to spread the message of hope.
“Hope is truly tested at the most dire situations; when it is fervent, it perseveres through, but it’s so easy to feel like one has lost grasp of it,” says fashion designer Hindy Weber-Tantoco, who created a painting to translate this sentiment.
Though the women behind GKonomics only told their closest friends about the idea and posted an invitation on their social media networks, it wasn’t long before over 20 artists, “many of whom strangers to GKonomics, had sent in one, two, or sometimes five of their works.”
“There was so much grief, anger, chaos… but also, people were extending help, both big and small, and I realized that no matter what, we were all united in love and passion,” shares bag designer and School of Fashion and the Arts co-founder Amina Aranaz-Alunan.
Through a sketch of heart-shaped weaves and knots, she represented not only conflict and tension, but also unity, strength and bayanihan.
In a kraft box made by a Gawad Kalinga community in Pangil, Laguna, each set consists of 10 randomly selected designs from the various artists, and over the Christmas season, each card will have an insert for the special purpose of making a donation to the Gawad Kalinga Relocation and Rebuilding Fund and livelihood initiatives of GKonomics.
GKnomics (even with a lean staff in 75 of the 2,300 communities) continues to create and enhance livelihood opportunities and to vehemently value “close scrutiny of skills, product development, training, production, quality supervision, business mentoring, branding and connecting the Gawad Kalinga communities to markets.”
“GKonomics is about a different way of thinking, a walang iwanan principle,” quips GKnomics president Cecilia Manheimer. “This is about exhorting present and future business leaders to include the poor when they do their business plans.”
Coincidentally, Elmer Borlongan’s entry, a 1999 oil-on-canvas painting from the collection of Pinto Art Museum, is entitled “Walang Iwanan.”
“Human compassion compels us to unite and the time to help is now,” notes Borlongan.
Forming the rest of GKonomics’ lead team are finance director Pinky Poe; Divine Duran, who is also the regional director for social enterprise at the World Presidents Organization; and enterprises director Rose Cabrera, who pioneered Gawad Kalinga in the USA and also currently operates her own social enterprise Mabuhay Restop.
With their successful business backgrounds and experience as Gawad Kalinga volunteers, Gawad Kalinga founder Tony Meloto got them together to establish GKonomics.
“In reality, we are de facto just a team happy to be working together… putting together a whole jigsaw puzzle of talent and heart so we can give the best for the least,” says Poe.
She adds: “Giving your art is giving your heart, and we’re happy that Hope in a Box provided a platform, as small and humble a platform it is, for the creative field to share their artistry.”
“GKonomics is run by a very dynamic core of individuals and to be part of the group is so energizing!” shares interior designer Ivy Almario, who drew clasped hands in a chain link that looks like leaves, resembling a Christmas wreath.
Another supporter, David Weil, chose to send in a photograph entitled “Chopstick Girl,” which was taken in Manila and depicts a touching moment between a food seller and his daughter.
“I am a huge fan of the Philippines and am always happy to lend a hand,” says Weil.
His wife Cara, whose father was born in Tacloban, also came up with a piece that originated as a photograph but was transformed into something more abstract created with her iPhone.
She says: “I hope that collectively, with all the different fundraising projects and aid from the world, we can help the victims in a meaningful way.”
s GKonomics strives to creatively support Gawad Kalinga’s rehabilitation efforts, it continues to share and inculcate its founder’s principles, such as, “less for self, more for others, and enough for all”—exactly what this holiday season should be about.
Other artists include Plet Bolipata-Borlongan, Alyana Cerda, Erral de la Cruz, Cristina Derillo, Tracie Anglo Dizon, Anthony Fermin, Ric Gindap, Gerry Ingco, Krie Reyes Lopez, Raphaella Martelino, AJ Pineda, Fred Ramirez, Melissa Rivera, Camille Ver, and designers of the Philippine Institute of Interior Design.
Learn more about GKonomics at blog.gkonomics.com and facebook.com/gkonomics.