Jojo Vito Designs Gallery Journey | In one of our early exhibits at Rockwell, Makati City,

From Adversity to Artistry: The Jojo Vito Designs Gallery Journey

 A Heartbreaking Closure

The story of the Jojo Vito Designs Gallery begins with heartache and uncertainty. After years of dedicated service with Ship Shops Group of Companies, a subsidiary of the former Negros Navigation, the company faced a takeover. As a provider of manpower on board vessels, our company closed its doors. The news was devastating, and the separation pay was distributed in three post-dated cheques, symbolizing the end of an era.

“Bulawan Awards, Luminary Category Winner | ‘Barnacle Lamp’ by Jojo Vito”

A Ray of Hope, The Struggle to Survive – Papyrus Prints Company [ Jojo Vito Designs Gallery Journey ]

Amidst the loss and desperation, a glimmer of hope emerged as I my colleagues Tina Gacho and April Gonzaga decided to venture into a new business – the Papyrus Prints Company. Fueled by determination, we set up the business, eager to turn our lives around. However, we rushed into the endeavor without fully understanding its feasibility, leading to our downfall.

The Papyrus Prints Company faced stiff competition from established players armed with modern machines and access to exclusive privileges from suppliers. Struggling to keep our heads above water, making ends meet seemed impossible. The mounting pressure pushed us to decide to close the business.

 

“Jojo Vito provided festival masks for the participants of the Masskara Queen Pageant, produced by ABS-CBN.”

A Spark of Creativity – The Birth of Jojo Vito Designs Gallery

Despite the setback, the location of the former business became the birthplace of a new venture. I began crafting paper mache masks using the excess paper from the printing business. This was an artistic endeavor and an attempt to salvage what little we had left and breathe life into our dreams again.

The Masskara Festival and a Ray of Light [ Jojo Vito Designs Gallery Journey ]

The Masskara Festival in Bacolod City brought a ray of light into our lives during our darkest times. With only a few people left from our previous printing business, we created paper mache masks inspired by the festival’s vibrant celebrations. Working passionately, we poured our hearts into crafting each cover, infusing them with hope and determination. The masks’ success at the festival ignited our passion for artistry and became a symbol of resilience and inspiration for our community, propelling us on a remarkable journey of creativity and entrepreneurship.

With Jessica Soho of GMA

The Hand That Works – Nurturing Dreams Amidst Challenges [ Jojo Vito Designs Gallery Journey ]

With a limited workforce, I took charge of the creative side of Jojo Vito Designs Gallery, involving myself in painting, decorating masks, adding headdresses, and marketing our products. The Negros Showroom, just a few steps from my place, served as our first venue. During my free time, I would observe buyers, attentively noting their comments, preferences, and behaviors toward our creations. Despite being a teacher at La Consolacion College, I found myself multitasking, switching between painting sessions and preparing for classes. My hands, stained with colorful paint, often bore witness to the artistic endeavor that consumed me.

Once, during a lecture, I noticed a student intently gazing at my hands as I gestured while speaking. Then I realized that the paint on my fingernails had not been completely removed. With a smile, I showed my hands to the entire class, proudly declaring, “Class, these are the hands that work.” I explained that I had come straight from my workshop, where the marks of creativity lingered. This moment became a defining one, as “The Hands That Work” phrase resonated with my entrepreneurship students, becoming a powerful reminder of the value of hard work and dedication.

A TV Guesting at ABS CBN in Manila 

The ABS CBN and Other Media Connection [ Jojo Vito Designs Gallery Journey ]

With an unwavering love for art and a passion that resonated with buyers and onlookers, my early creations may not have been flawless. Still, they were in high demand, quickly selling out at the prestigious Negros Showroom, where our journey began. However, the Masskara festival marked a pivotal moment in my artistic odyssey. The former ABS CBN, the producer of the celebrated Masskara Queen pageant at that time, sought my masks for the candidates, granting me the incredible opportunity to have my work featured on their esteemed platform. This auspicious occasion also led to an exclusive interview with the talented Yasmin Pascual Dormido, igniting what would soon become a cherished relationship with ABS CBN.

The floodgates of recognition opened wide as ABS CBN continued to champion my art, showcasing it countless times and even pitching my story to a broader audience in Manila. It was as if the world had noticed, with other prominent media outlets such as Jessica Soho, Kuya Kim, CNN, and others eager to showcase my artistry on their platforms. The reach of my work extended beyond borders, earning praise from international audiences as well. The Korean Broadcasting Network and a Chinese TV show featured my creations, bringing global acclaim to my humble gallery.

Featured at Korean Broadcasting Network

Just before the pandemic, the “Pia’s Postcard” program provided a platform for my art to shine again, with the gracious Miss Universe Pia herself visiting my gallery to witness the art of mask painting firsthand. The support from the media did not stop there; celebrities and notable figures graced our gallery, celebrating the unique allure of my creations. Countless articles and blog features celebrated my journey, cementing my place in the hearts of art enthusiasts and fans. The power of media elevated my artistry and allowed me to share my passion with the world, touching the lives of many through the transformative magic of my artistic creations.

Miss Universe Pia Wurtsbach during her visit at Jojo Vito Designs Gallery

Embracing New Mediums and Reaching New Heights [ Jojo Vito Designs Gallery Journey ]

As the demand for my artistry grew, I yearned to elevate the quality of my masks even further. With the unwavering support of various suppliers, I embarked on an artistic exploration, delving into clay, wood, and fiberglass. This transition marked a profound turning point in my creative journey, breathing new life into my designs and propelling them to newfound heights of excellence.

one of the window displays of The Negros Showroom featuring Jojo Vito Designs Gallery 

The process of experimenting with these new mediums was both exhilarating and challenging. Each stroke of clay, each carving in wood, and each delicate touch with fiberglass allowed me to push the boundaries of my craftsmanship. I poured my heart and soul into these artistic ventures, determined to create masterpieces that would captivate the hearts of art enthusiasts. The long hours in the workshop were a labor of love as I fervently sought perfection in every intricate detail.

The opening of Gilded Expressions at Park Inn By Radisson Bacolod

A Blossoming Business and a Flourishing Dream [ Jojo Vito Designs Gallery Journey ]

As the Jojo Vito Designs Gallery expanded its artistic horizons, it blossomed into something more profound than just a place for masks. It became a sanctuary of creativity, where various exquisite products like chandeliers, decors, and furnishings found their place in the spotlight. This transformation was a testament to my artistic growth and a reflection of the unwavering support from a community that believed in my vision.

Citem Manila

Attending fairs and exhibits became an invaluable aspect of my creative journey. In these gatherings, I found camaraderie with fellow artisans, exchanging knowledge and experiences that fueled my passion for product development. Learning from the industry’s finest minds and understanding the intricate dance of design and consumer preferences, I embraced the art of constantly evolving and adapting to the ever-changing artistic landscape.

From Exhibitions to Masterpieces:   Jojo Vito Designs Gallery Journey

My artistic journey has been a whirlwind of exhibitions and showcases, where I proudly presented my creations alongside other talented artisans. These events provided the perfect stage for me to share my passion with the world, connecting with art enthusiasts who marveled at the depth and beauty of my work. Additionally, I began organizing my exhibit locally, a labor of love that allowed me to curate a space that genuinely embodied my artistic vision.

One of the most impactful exhibitions was the continuous showcase at Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod, titled “Festive Faces,” alongside my prior exhibit at the same venue, “Gilded Expressions.” This invaluable opportunity enabled my art to thrive within the esteemed confines of this establishment, presenting my creations to a wider and more diverse audience. The profound support and admiration from exhibit-goers emboldened me to fearlessly extend my artistic boundaries even further.

commissioned work for Megaworld

Beyond traditional masks, I ventured into crafting awe-inspiring humongous pieces that pushed the limits of my skills and creativity. The first colossal project with Megaworld left an indelible mark, leaving spectators in awe of its grandeur and artistry. As I seek fresh avenues to express my boundless creativity, I eagerly await the chance to craft an even grander mask, surpassing the magnificence of our previous venture at Upper East McDonald’s. Moreover, I was honored to create an almost identical-sized Masskara for Brgy Granada, spreading joy and festivity throughout the local community.

Festive Faces Masskara Exhibit at Park Inn by Radisson

Today, most of our masterpieces are treasured as vibrant festival masks and regarded as valuable art pieces. They grace homes and establishments across the country and abroad, captivating hearts and leaving a lasting impression on all who encounter them. Each exhibit and colossal project has enabled me to touch the lives of a vast and ever-growing audience, affirming my commitment to continuously push the boundaries of my artistic expression. Through my unwavering passion for art, I strive to inspire and uplift others, leaving an indelible mark on the creative landscape of Bacolod and beyond.

Sunburst by Jojo Vito

Roses Blooming with Promise of Abundance

In the vast expanse of the future, I see a bed of roses blooming with promise. Though thorns may occasionally test our resolve, they will never deter the spirit that has driven us for years. This business is a divine gift, and I hold steadfast to the promise of a life lived abundantly, granted by the Almighty.

With unwavering hope, we step forward, nurturing our creative dreams and embracing the challenges that come our way. Our passion for art will conquer obstacles like a rose unfurling its petals to welcome the sun. Each day, we forge a legacy that transcends time, leaving an indelible mark on hearts near and far. Guided by the divine assurance of abundance, we embark on this journey with unyielding faith, ready.

Opening of Festive Faces by Jojo Vito at Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod  

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