Patrons of the Arts – Nostalgia: a trip through 90s Pinoy childhood and AR Art

What makes this project special is its heart: it’s a massive community effort powered by over 60 artists who contribute their time and talent while building their own portfolios. The team was at the event, selling exclusive merch and accepting donations to help turn this volunteer passion project into a fully funded production.

With a QCinema pitch and a trailer release set for February 14, the team is working toward an optimistic Q4 2026 completion. Chanoma’s presence at the event emphasizes the future of indie animation, where community support helps turn collective dreams into professional reality.

Learn more about their work on Instagram: @wheellovefilm.

2. The time-machine art of Kartonyo

Every piece created by the illustrator Kartonyo evokes a sense of timelessness. He has managed to turn the “clutter” of our youth into a curated gallery of our core memories. Whether it’s the high-stakes games of tumbang preso and pogs or the comfort of a warm bowl of sopas on a rainy afternoon, Kartonyo preserves our childhood beautifully.

His work transcends simple drawing; it evokes the smell of fresh pandesal with liver spread, the crackle of a Lolo’s radio on a Sunday morning, and the simple joy of a warm taho cup. By transforming brickgames and jackstones into “art that hits right in the feels,” Kartonyo pays tribute to an era where our biggest worry was keeping a Tamagotchi alive.

3. The future of interaction: AR Art by Nekoroad & Pocket Portal

The line between physical illustration and the digital world is officially disappearing. Artists Nekoroad and Pocket Portal used Augmented Reality (AR) to prove that a single frame can hold an entire living story.

Currently developing a dedicated app to bring high-tech renders to life, Nekoroad is finding a beautiful balance between traditional illustration styles and high-tech rendering using immersive 2026 technology. The work is constantly evolving, and he’s currently in the process of building a dedicated app to bring these renders to life in a way that feels seamless and immersive. It’s a glimpse into the future of how we interact with art.

In a similar feat of digital magic, Pocket Portal has turned a static scene into a living environment. Their illustration of a boy in his room changes right before your eyes, with regular AR updates that make him perform different random tasks. It transforms the artwork into a narrative that grows and shifts over time, making every viewing a unique experience. If you bought the artwork, you can watch his daily activities come to life on your phone.

Art fairs like these give us the space to slow down and realize that while our tools have changed, the heart of Filipino creativity hasn’t. Make sure to follow these incredible local artists, support local, and keep an eye out for the next Patron of the Arts showcase!

 

 

From old Philippine banknotes to the iconic toys of a 90s childhood, the event was a reminder that before the world was dominated by high-speed internet, we had memorable moments with these treasures.

 

 

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