Street Art Hunting: Unsung Heroes

Magsasaka

Magsasaka

Years ago I left the corporate world to practice what I learned in the University. I took a project with the government and conducted market studies for three farmer group proponents, finding out what sustainable crops they could focus on. I was able to spend time with farmer groups of Real, Quezon; Negros Occidental, and Misamis Oriental. It was a truly enriching experience as I got immersed in community of farmers. In Real, at the time, there was no electricity in the farming village and we used gaseras at night. I sat with the farmers as they talked around a bonfire sharing stories of their lives. There was no radio, and I was lulled to sleep later on by the sound of the seawaves. That was why a few years later when the province of Real was hit by a typhoon my heart ached for the farmers who were mourning the loss of their crops – they worked half the year toiling the earth and in an instant the hardwork was literally washed away by the fury of mother nature.

The mural above, Magsasaka is made by Archie Oclos and Aleili Ariola. It’s found next to Burgos Eats along Rizal Drive in Bonifacio Global City. A tribute to the unsung heroes, the magsasaka (in English, farmers), who tirelessly work the fields, rain or shine, to provide rice – the Filipino staple food.

Thus this artwork resonates to me so much and whenever I see it I am reminded to honor the Filipino farmers who work with passion and perseverance, everyday.

Responses

  1. observationblogger Avatar

    Fantastic post and that art work is something to behold! Your post did it justice.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. MrsWayfarer Avatar

      Thanks for the kind words. The mural was truly beautiful, it captured the no-east-work that the farmers purposefully put in every day.

      Like

      1. observationblogger Avatar

        I love your posts, they are so descriptive and of the highest quality

        Like

  2. Mara Avatar

    Love it! Also so very entertaining to see what’s out there they your eyes! Looking forward to your posts…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. MrsWayfarer Avatar

      Thanks for reading, Mara!

      Like

  3. healthhotspot9 Avatar

    The history you shared gives so much more depth to the picture. I appreciate the art more when I know the story behind it. Thank you for the enrichment! 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    1. MrsWayfarer Avatar

      You’re most welcome!

      Liked by 1 person

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