The Arts Program at CIIT Philippines celebrates a groundbreaking achievement with the release of its first published book, Gawang Marikeño: The Art of Shoemaking in Marikina. Authored by the talented Multimedia Arts Capstone Batch 2023–2024—Alliah Lipnica, Claudine Marcos, Hazel Cudalina, and Jillian Pagulayan—this remarkable publication is a testament to Filipino craftsmanship and creativity. It is the first to comprehensively document the rich history and heritage of Marikina’s storied shoemaking industry.
This milestone embodies CIIT’s values of innovation, creativity, and fearlessness. The creators boldly embraced the challenge of producing a publication that bridges tradition and modernity, showcasing the art of shoemaking in a way that ensures its preservation for future generations. The book goes beyond storytelling by securing trademark and copyright protections through the Intellectual Property Office and the National Library of the Philippines, exemplifying CIIT’s commitment to excellence and integrity.
From Vision to Reality: The Journey Behind Gawang Marikeño
Gawang Marikeño began as a capstone project with a purpose: to honor Marikina’s shoemakers and their contributions to Filipino cultural identity. Through meticulous research and collaboration with local artisans, the team crafted a compelling narrative that celebrates the craftsmanship, resilience, and legacy of Marikina’s sapateros.
The authors combined insights from existing literature and personal interviews with shoemakers, ensuring that every detail captured their authentic voices. The process involved traveling to meet artisans, overcoming technological barriers, and gaining their trust to document their stories with care and respect.
Advocacy Through Education and Accessibility
As part of their advocacy, the authors have donated copies of Gawang Marikeño to libraries across Metro Manila, including CIIT’s own library. This ensures the book reaches and inspires students, researchers, and cultural enthusiasts, fostering a deeper appreciation for the artistry and perseverance of Marikina’s shoemaking industry.
The team also seeks to expand the book’s reach by encouraging recommendations for other schools and libraries outside Marikina. Their goal is to spotlight the importance of supporting local artisans not just through words but through actionable efforts.
Empowering Future Generations
Beyond the pages of Gawang Marikeño, the authors aim to encourage others to support the local shoe industry. From attending shoemaking workshops to purchasing locally made footwear, every action contributes to preserving the industry and empowering the artisans who keep this craft alive.
Looking ahead, the team plans to make the book accessible as an ebook, with proceeds funding more physical copies for library donations. They also remain open to collaborations with publishing companies to bring their work to a larger audience.
A Testament to CIIT’s Mission
Gawang Marikeño stands as a symbol of CIIT’s fearless pursuit of impactful storytelling, innovation, and cultural preservation. Through this project, CIIT’s Multimedia Arts students have demonstrated that creativity, when interwoven with advocacy, can inspire change and honor the rich traditions of Filipino craftsmanship.
By nurturing innovators like Alliah, Claudine, Hazel, and Jillian, CIIT continues to redefine possibilities, empowering students to leave their mark on the world—one creative endeavor at a time.
Inspired by projects like Gawang Marikeño? Discover how CIIT’s programs can empower you to make a difference through creativity and innovation!