Throughout the Philippines, one aspect that unites us all is our melting pot of rich artforms. This unique combination of indigenous artestry, modern-day technological marvels, and the handcrafted gifts passed down by our ancestors all aid us in defining our regional and national identities. 

But often, government support for the field is significantly lacking, often receiving less than sufficient aid for sustaining the arts and our cultures. Without much assistance, dangers of being wiped out of memories arise—threatening our cultural heritages to be things of the past. 

Investigating the nuances woven into the many Filipino artforms, the Menagerie section presents Eternal quintessence. Marking the rebirth of the section’s special issue, we unearth the stories of how these artforms shape the Filipino identity. These narratives dictate how the arts are interconnected with the mundane. 

I’m hoping these stories help you foster a deeper, or even a newfound appreciation for the field. As National Arts Month comes to a close, let this be a reminder that while we may define what art is, the arts also define us.