coast2coast

Words by Munchkin Dirige-Ouano

If you’re an artist, an art lover, or someone who simply enjoys great music with a cold beer in hand, chances are you’ve already heard of Karumata. Nestled in the heart of Cagayan de Oro (often abbreviated as CDO), Karumata Art House is more than just a venue; it’s a living, breathing testament to the enduring connection between art, music, and community. Founded by Michelle Hollanes-Lua and Jericho Antonio Valjusto Gabriel-Vamenta (fondly known in the community as Mich and Jake), Karumata is a platform for artistic exchange — a convergence of sounds, textures, and creativity. As Mich shared to Coast2Coast, it is the formula of music and art combined, embodying the shared journey of those who carry the weight of creating and sharing culture.

Two artists and a dream

Michelle Hollanes-Lua, the eldest of four siblings. Her early years were spent in Iligan City, followed by her education in Manila and later, North Cotabato. Though she had no formal training in art, Mich’s creativity was nurtured by her experiences, travels, and a deep connection to nature. At 13, she received her first set of oil paints as a gift from her aunt, sparking a lifelong passion for visual art.

Mich is now a renowned mixed-media artist, known for her upcycled sculptures inspired by Philippine folklore and mythical creatures. Despite her accolades, she remains grounded, dedicating herself to Karumata’s construction and the art scene in CDO.

On the other hand, Jericho Antonio Valjusto Gabriel-Vamenta, grew up in CDO after spending his early years in Sampaloc, Manila. The eldest of four siblings, Jake inherited his artistic inclination from his father, a painter and former assistant curator at Museo de Oro. He took up Fine Arts in UP Diliman and won both the prestigious Philippine Art Awards (PAA) and the Metrobank Art Awards 2013. Jake has spent his career as a full-time artist, balancing his craft with his role as co-creator of Karumata.

Together, Mich and Jake embody the resilience and resourcefulness of artists. They’ve worked tirelessly to build Karumata from scratch, often taking on tasks like tiling, carpentry, and cleaning themselves.

Where the story began

It all started in April of 2006, after a year into their relationship, Mich and Jake wanted to create a space that is specifically designed and constructed to shelter the music and art scene of the locality. They decided to build a bar & boutique ‘bartique’ with their bare hands and sold thrifted clothes, ethnic drums, flutes, and accessories with a capital of only Php 7,000. Mich would also sell appetizers she cooked herself. Some could possibly even remember her best sellers which are nachos, pita pizza, and sizzling sisig.

With their love for music, they turned it into a space where their friends would drink, dine, and play music all night long. As Mich said with a smile, “gibuhi sa mga musikero ang Karumata (Karumata was kept alive by the musicians).” This small initiative was born from Mich’s dream of fostering creativity and connection, initially located at Pabayo-Dolores Streets in CDO. However, even before Karumata, Mich had established Botilya Bar in Iligan City (1999-2001), a precursor to what Karumata would become — a haven for creative souls.

The name “Karumata” is derived from a carriage pulled by a kalabaw (carabao). For Mich and Jake, this symbolizes the hard work and humility of artists. “We are like laborers sa art (of art),” Mich explained. “We carry everyone with us as we journey together.” The wheel of the karumata represents constant progress, always moving forward.

The name also holds a personal story. While searching for vintage items, Mich’s uncle mentioned seeing a karumata. At the time, Mich had to ask, “Unsa’y karumata? (What is a karumata?)” This serendipitous encounter gave the space its memorable and enduring name.

Turning the house into a home

Karumata has gone through numerous transformations, mirroring both Mich and Jake’s personal and professional journeys. After three years in CDO, the couple moved to Manila in 2009 to pursue their journey as artists; Jake as a painter and Mich as a sculptor. Karumata then found a new home at 37D West Avenue, Quezon City, serving as both a studio and a venue for art gatherings, poetry readings, and exhibitions. For eight years, it thrived in Manila, a hub for their growing network of artists and musicians.

In 2017, the couple returned to CDO, bringing Karumata back to its Mindanao roots. The decision was driven by their desire to rebuild their home and strengthen the local art and music scene. While still under construction, the space began attracting visitors from across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Friends, artists, and collaborators like Clem Castro of Dragonfly Collector and Orange & Lemons came to see the progress and lend their support.

Despite financial challenges, Karumata reopened its doors in 2020, becoming a venue for artistic exchange once again. They hosted their first partnership with Cine de Oro, a group of filmmakers for Cine de Oro Film Festival, a non-profit, non-government film festival based in CDO. Their collaboration with Indie CDO began on July 22, 2023, with a secret party with performances by multiple local artists that marked a new era for the venue.

Today, Karumata continues to serve as a sanctuary for artists and musicians. The notable first ever Fête de la Musique CDO Indie and Experimental stage in 2024 was even held there. It’s a space where creativity flourishes, where instruments are left behind by visiting musicians as symbols of trust and camaraderie. The first generation of Karumata artists includes names like Rotsanjani Mojica, Kaapin, Trazo of Gasulina, Mamai, Chuck Bolz, Superflirts, Fayeed Tan, Pancho, Arkyoo, Papi Clapton, Ramon, and nearly every musician in CDO.

Sustaining the dream

As beautiful and heartwarming this all sounds, it’s not all sunshine and butterflies for the couple. The journey hasn’t been easy. Mich and Jake have faced financial challenges, often relying on their own resources and the support of fellow artists and their families. Despite this, their dedication remains unwavering.

“Mao nay importante,” she shared. “Create a space jud, para create kag artwork. Imong studio ang holy space to create your work (That’s what’s important: create a space for making art. Your studio is your holy space).” 

When asked why they continue building Karumata despite the challenges, Mich said, “Imagina ra gud ang lugar nga walay music ug art (Imagine a place without music and art)?”

Mich strongly expressed that she is beyond happy to see the scene grow and strengthen and what she gets in return are the priceless memories and experiences by hosting all these events. For her, nurturing the local art and music scene is essential, even if it means personal sacrifices. 

Just like any other artist and human being, when we nurture and pour ourselves into our craft, we also need a break to prevent burnout. So when asked how they manage to take a break, Mich and Jake revealed that their version of rest is creating art. “Ang break namo is ang pag make ug art (Our break is making art),” Mich shared.

They admitted that they rarely get proper breaks, with their only real pause coming when they fall ill or recover from a hangover. Balancing Karumata and their individual artistic pursuits keeps them constantly busy. Jake finds moments of respite watching movies, and sometimes Mich joins him when time allows. Occasionally, they request people to hold off on organizing events, but even during downtime, they’re often hard at work constructing or renovating their home and studio. For them, rest and work are deeply intertwined, driven by their passion and commitment to their craft.

The way forward

Looking ahead, Mich and Jake aim to complete Karumata’s construction while continuing their individual art practices. Their dream is simple yet profound: to have a bedroom of their own and to sustain the space through the love and support of artists and the community.

Their message to all who’ve supported Karumata since 2006 is heartfelt: “Sa mga first gen supporters, I’m glad that you still continue your music and art, and until now nagtagbo gyapon ta sa second gen. Sa lahat ng artists, be ready to be financially broke pero pinaka importante is the fulfillment of what we are doing. Basta, be ready to be broke! Kay pirmi gyud na (To the first-generation supporters, I’m glad you still continue your music and art, and until now, we meet again in the second generation. To all artists, be ready to be financially broke, but what’s most important is the fulfillment of what we are doing. Just be ready to be broke—it’s always like that!)” 

Mich  and Jake’s story is nothing short of inspiring. Their passion for Karumata and deep dedication to art and community showcase the power of creativity to unite and uplift. Through countless sacrifices and tireless efforts, they have built more than just a venue, it’s a sanctuary for artists and a reflection of their vision to sustain the local art and music scene. Karumata is their legacy — a labor of love that will continue to carry and uplift the creative spirits of Mindanao and beyond. Their journey serves as a powerful reminder that true art is born from perseverance, love, and an enduring commitment to something greater than oneself.