Finance super app GCash, through its innovative GCrypto platform, has teamed up with globally acclaimed Filipino American rapper Apl.de.Ap and contemporary artist Bitto to introduce the Agents of Peace and Love Phygital Art Collection. The launch event, held at Apotheka Makati, Poblacion, marked a pivotal moment in the Philippines’ creative landscape, blending traditional art with interactive digital elements.
The Philippines, already a hotbed of artistic innovation, witnessed its creative economy surge to PHP1.6 trillion in 2022, signaling a remarkable 12% year-on-year growth. Now, with the advent of phygital art, a transformative storytelling experience is unfolding, inviting audiences to actively engage with narratives that seamlessly meld traditional and digital art forms.
“We are delighted to work with Apl.de.Ap and Bitto, two Filipino artists who have established their marks in the global space, as they break artistic boundaries. This collaboration is in line with our goal of amplifying more local talents to the global stage while enabling more Filipino creatives and collectors to access premium art collaborations,” according to Luis Buenaventura, GCash Head of Web3.
At the Apl.de.Ap x Bitto Phygital Art Launch, attendees, including art enthusiasts and NFT collectors, gathered to witness the unveiling of the Agents of Peace and Love collection. This collaborative effort featured Apl.de.Ap’s NFT music and Bitto’s Bittoverse artworks, creating a mesmerizing fusion of sound and visual art.
The centerpiece of the launch was a unique canvas painting by Bitto, accompanied by unreleased music by Apl.de.Ap, both of which were auctioned off through the Likha NFT marketplace and Vinyl on Vinyl art gallery. The proceeds from this exclusive piece will benefit the Apl.de.Ap Foundation, furthering the artist’s commitment to empowering Filipino youth through arts, technology, and healthcare.
Collectors had the opportunity to acquire limited edition sculptures with embedded music, as well as signed event-exclusive art prints. The Agents of Peace and Love collection explores the intersection of technology and creativity, breathing life into colors, shapes, and emotions. To provide transparency and peace of mind to both artists and buyers, GCrypto introduced a digital certificate of authentication (COA) documented on the blockchain.
Grammy-winning hip-hop artist Apl.de.Ap, a stalwart supporter of the Filipino creative industry through Web3 initiatives, showcased his commitment to philanthropy by announcing an NFT collaboration with Sevi, a 10-year-old artist with autism. This collaboration, a beneficiary of the First Mint Fund, was unveiled at the 2022 Philippine Web3 Festival. Apl.de.Ap’s efforts extend beyond the art world, as evidenced by the Apl.de.Ap Foundation’s focus on providing grant opportunities to Filipino youth.
Bitto, a Manila-based modern and contemporary artist, brought his unique style to the collaboration, drawing inspiration from nature, textiles, Japanese fashion magazines, and streetwear. His diverse body of works, characterized by recurring characters and intimate scenes of everyday life, has garnered global attention, with previous collaborations including Shakeshack, Nike, Bench, Sentosa, Fjallraven, and Apple.
GCash’s foray into the NFT space began in 2023 with the launch of its first GCrypto NFT collection, “The House of Ohlala,” created by Filipino contemporary artist Reen Barrera. The introduction of the GCrypto NFT Hub expanded access to digital art for GCash users, allowing them to own a piece of renowned artists’ work through blockchain technology. The GCrypto NFT Hub features digital art by National Artist Larry Alcala, Superordinary Friends x TRNZ, and “Monster Mayhem” by Distort Monsters, further solidifying the platform’s commitment to showcasing local artistic talent.