With Tricia along, I was able to freely go around the market and chat up with a few of the artists in the market. We were also happy to see our friend Paola of Crafty Kitty (that's twice in a row) and buy another notebook from her. Apart from our usual friend, we were able to meet some more exciting people there.
One such person was Lorenzo Gabutina, a professor of advertising and probably the only PowerPoint artist in the country. Yes he is a PowerPoint artist! While Tricia was out shopping I was able to chat with him and listen to his story of why he uses the Microsoft program as his medium.
Armed with an ordinary point-and-shoot camera, Prof. Gabutina, sets about snapping ordinary shapes and objects inside his house until he is able to capture an image he truly likes. Once he has achieved the image he wants, he opens up the template of what he wants to create in PowerPoint and begins cutting up the image to fit into the template. Without any help from Adobe Photoshop or Internet sources, Professor Gabutina is able to create interesting pieces of abstract art through the manipulation of the options in PowerPoint.
Apart from digital arts, there were also a lot of photographer sellers. The works of digital artist Paolo Bustamante were really eye catching, beautiful black and white shots of various subjects in Manila and beyond are worth buying. At the same time his digital works on old theaters in the district would make for a good office/desk furniture. Likewise photographer Krafty Pirate evoked a sense of National Geographic quality of iconic spots in Manila, the seller also had interesting and unique photos of places taken through aerial kite photography.
Apart from the digital artists and photographers, the market is especially known for bringing out drives of arts and crafts sellers. Many of whom sold interesting ideas and concepts of ordinary items. Notebooks, stamps, bookmarks, tote bags and the like were all eye catching, if we only had the money I bet Tricia and I would have bought from each of the sellers. Likewise it's interesting that most of the items in the market were DIY's which made it more personal and unique.
Since I was here last month, I didn't really buy anything from the market. Tricia in the other hand was able to score a beautiful charms bracelet made from bike materials for only P170.
Apart from the sellers in yesterday's market, the only difference this time was the presence of food and refreshments in the lobby of the First United Building. Food from some of the local businesses in the district were present, delicious pastries and cold sweet treats were all great for calling down. Likewise I was happy to see Mr. and Mrs. Sylianteng vigorously promoting the revival of the district.