Cebu City, Philippines—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) proudly launched Fiesta Haraya Bai 2024, a month-long celebration honoring Filipino creativity, innovation, and the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in the creative industries in the Central Visayas region last November 8.

The festival, which centered on the AI wave, brought together an inspiring lineup of artists and tech experts with about 200 entrepreneurs, students, industry leaders, and local creatives exploring how AI can revolutionize creative fields.

DTI Undersecretary for Competitiveness Rafaelita Aldaba discussed the DTI’s strategic commitment to prepare the Philippine creative sector for a digitally driven future.

The festival kicked off with the inaugural AI Conference entitled “To Love or Not to Love: Creativity in the Time of AI.” The event explored the evolving intersection of human artistry and artificial intelligence, inspiring local creative artists to harness cutting-edge tools while navigating ethical frameworks for responsible innovation.

“This is an important milestone,” remarked DTI Region 7 Director Maria Elena C. Arbon. “I must say, we’ve come a long way—and even further—from the AYO Events in 2022 and FiestaKucha Cebu in 2023, leading us here to Fiesta Haraya Bai! 2024.”

Director Arbon’s remarks underscored the DTI’s sustained efforts in fostering creativity and innovation through the Malikhaing Pinoy Program (MPP), which celebrates Filipino artistry and equips local creatives with essential skills and resources to thrive in the digital age.

The festival launch came at a significant moment, aligning with the celebration of Philippine Creative Industries Month (PCIM). Through PCIM and Fiesta Haraya Bai, DTI Region 7 places a spotlight on Cebu’s thriving creative ecosystem, inviting Filipinos to explore a series of exhibitions, workshops, and forums that showcase the talents and ingenuity of local artists, designers, and innovators.

The conference sessions included “AI Essentials,” led by Luisa Abigail Go, who introduced participants to AI’s core applications in creative industries, illustrating how AI can enhance artistic processes and automate repetitive tasks.

Kendrick Geluz Kho, an advocate for responsible tech, followed with “AI Policy Paradigms,” where he addressed the ethical considerations of AI use in creativity and the need for policies that safeguard creative intellectual property.

In a subsequent session on Promoting Ethical AI, Gilbert T. Trinchera of KPMG Philippines shared insights on prioritizing ethical frameworks in AI development, emphasizing how responsible AI usage could enrich creative work. This theme was continued in The State of AI in the Philippines, presented by Carlo Almendral of AI Republic who discussed the Philippines’ AI landscape and the untapped potential for local creatives to lead AI-driven innovations.

The event also brought practical sessions such as “The Business of Creation,” led by Marla Rausch, who delved into the commercial aspects of creative AI, and “Generative AI as a Creative Tool,” presented by Professor Eugene Rex L. Jalao who showcased real-world applications of generative AI for artists. Angela Teng rounded out the lineup with “Custom AI Models for Your Art,” illustrating how personalized AI tools can elevate creative expression.

The month-long Fiesta Haraya Bai! 2024 promises a diverse lineup of events, beginning with “Creativity in the Time of AI” on November 08, where industry experts and local creatives will explore AI’s role in enhancing artistic processes and productivity while addressing intellectual property concerns.

On November 13, the Writers Forum will unite Cebuano authors and journalists for a discussion on creative nonfiction, exploring the role of AI in enhancing research and storytelling. Musika Haraya, taking place on November 16 and led by 22 Tango Music and Room 11 Studio, will offer a music workshop focused on talent development and product creation, culminating in a live showcase that highlights Cebu’s vibrant musical scene.

Additionally, on November 17, the Yabo Film Lab will gather filmmakers for an intensive storytelling workshop, followed by a 48-hour film development sprint, with the final projects to be screened at the Fiesta Haraya Bai Fair in December.

Throughout November, the Dwende Creative Sprint will bring together writers, animators, musicians, and voice artists to collaboratively create original animations, which will be unveiled during the festival’s awards ceremony. From December 6 to 8, the Cebu Music Business Expo will gather experts from both Cebu and Manila, offering valuable insights on songwriting, music production, and navigating the industry.

The festival will culminate in the highly anticipated Fiesta Haraya Bai Fair, where the creative works developed throughout the month will be showcased. This grand finale will celebrate Cebu’s vibrant arts scene and honor the exceptional talent and contributions of local artists and cultural practitioners.  ♦

Date of release: 13 November 2024

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