This, Jav Virina of Backdoor Ventures states in underlining the idea behind their Arts & Music Festival undertaking. To be held early 2006 (exact dates and participating artists will be announced soon) at the Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall, Backdoor will be bringing together artists from different persuasions to celebrate their respective crafts "under the single umbrella of the arts."

"How do you compare a rock song to a painting? How do you compare Pepe Smith to Shirley Halili Cruz? You can’t—you don’t. Each has its own value; each, appraised differently. To say that one isn’t ‘greater’ than the other would be illogical," says Jav.

Most artists seem to agree. According to Jav, Backdoor did not have problems at all with convincing diverse artists as Kitchie Nadal, Ballet Philippines and Bayanihang Dulaang UP to participate in the first Arts & Music Festival held last February.

Many even waived off their talents fee and billing was nary a concern even for superstars that joined.

"Rightfully so because if you’re a real artist, you know that it all boils down to passion, not money or fame," says Jav. "Many parents that dissuade their children to not go into the arts by saying, ‘Walang pera dyan.’ But that’s not—shouldn’t be— the point at all."

Apart from the exhibits and performances of both known and unknown (at least to mainstream) artists, Arts & Festival is true mecca for the art lover that craves for a one-stop shop where stuffs as art supplies and musical instruments can be perused and purchased.

"Some might call it ‘tiangge’ but, really, the motivation is different," says Jav. "Flea markets is just about discounts and making sales whereas the aim of the festival is to make things available to those inclined to further their interests."

This thinking justifies the choice of venue since people regardless of social status go to the mall. "Malls, like death, is great equalizer," says Jav. "Besides, we want to break down barriers. We want people to realize that the arts is not elitist. With Arts & Music Festival, an art lover who is normally intimidated to go to, say, plush hotels or museums, now has no excuse."

To make the experience more wholistic, Backdoor has invited artists from provinces to participate, too. Also in the guest lists are key people from industries and embassies.

"If we could open doors for others, so much the better. If Arts & Music Festival becomes a platform for any artist, then it would’ve accomplished what it set out to do," says Jav.

What are future plans for the festival?

"That it be allowed to exhibit live nude sketching," says Jav. "Art flourishes when it is unhampered by taboos. And when art flourishes, so does culture."

The first three-day Arts & Music Festival drew about 10,000 people.