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‘Sinag’ and ‘Lupa’: Light that guides and land that nourishes
In late September 2019, the Cultural Center of the Philippines mounted the son et lumiere titled “Sinag: Festival of Radiance,” accompanied by a video projected on the façade of its iconic Brutalist Main Building, dancing fountain, performances and installations, as part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of one of the Philippines’ revered cultural institutions. The light show was staged again in the following years with different themes even during the imposed lockdowns in the first years of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 and 2021, serving as beacon of hope during one of the most challenging times for the arts and culture sector. The “Sinag” light-and-sound show continued to be mounted this year, fast becoming a tradition for CCP, as it commemorated its 54th founding anniversary and signaled the sector’s embarking on the road to recovery. It also recognized the sector’s perseverance and determination to continue creating and healing with its theme, “Tuloy Ang Palabas”(The Show Continues).” This year, the Main Building has remained dark and silent as it closed down in January for a three-year rehabilitation and renovation, but it came alive again from 28 September to 1 October for “Sinag 2023: Tuloy Ang Palabas.” A short video was projected on the façade, showing snippets of productions, projects and performances in the past nine months, all held in different venues outside the Main Building. The main part was a spectacle of colors and moving patterns, conceptualized by CCP light designers Camille Balistoy, Danilo Villanueva, Louie Alcoran and Shantie De Roca. This was accompanied by music by Soundridemusic and Makai-symphony, spliced by Jerry Tria. Capping the show was a video showing CCP’s reach in the country, through a map created by Reily Villaruz, as well as glimpses of performances and projects in the planning, accompanied by Jed Balsamo’s “Rurok.” As the CCP Main Building highlighted art’s role as light giver, the park beside it, CCP Liwasang KaLIKHAsan, is venue for an exhibit of installations depicting popular creatures of Philippine folklore. [caption id="attachment_191675" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Kapre. | PhotoGRAPHS by Roel Hoang Manipon FOR THE DAILY TRIBUNE[/caption] The kapre, aswang and tikbalang often figure in horror stories told to children, but acclaimed artist Abdulmari “Toym” de Leon Imao, son of the late National Artist for visual arts Abdulmari Asia Imao, regarded them as nature guardians, thus the title “Tanod-Lupa.” “Tanod-Lupa” was first mounted in celebration of Earth Day on 22 April, but was brought back for the anniversary celebration, and it seems fitting for the Halloween and Christmas seasons. Imao was inspired by stories about these creatures, many of which most likely can be traced from pre-colonial times, during his childhood. “My mom is Kapampangan, and they have wonderful stories of mythology such as Apo Mallari god of Mount Pinatubo. My dad came from the South. He was a Tausug. Mindanao is also rich in stories. The Sarimanok itself is a mythical creature. My appreciation comes from a fascination from childhood and growing up with these stories and narratives from my parents,” he said. “I am very fascinated with tikbalang. There are some stories that tell that it is actually a friend. The tikbalang also has a masculine appearance, very heroic,” he added. Working together with lantern makers from San Fernando City, Pampanga, headed by Arvin Bondoc Quiwa, and using materials such welded steel, fiberglass, ropes and lanterns with LED lights, Imao reimagined the creatures to be cartoonish but still retaining some scary and mysterious qualities. [caption id="attachment_191676" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Manananggal.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_191674" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Duwende.[/caption] The bright installations of kapre, duwende, manananggal, aswang, nuno sa punso and tikbalang are scattered around the park — under a balete, in between coconut trees, among overgrown weeds and unkempt bushes — and accompanied by eerie sounds designed by TJ Ramos. The most prominent among Imao’s works is his large installation in the shape of the panolong, a decorative detail of the traditional house of the Meranaw people, and the sarimanok, a popular design motif of several Moro ethnic groups, frequently used by his father in his works. [caption id="attachment_191677" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Nuno sa punso.[/caption] “Tanod-Lupa” is a work in progress, and more installations are being planned to be added to the collection. “With themes like climate change and cultural promotion, it’s perfect for us to bring these creatures from folklore and mythologies to the forefront. We are not the only inhabitants of our environment. We share it with other beings and creatures. Our ancestors remind us that we take good care of our environment lest these ‘tanod-lupa’ come out to remind us of our shortcomings,” Imao said. The post ‘Sinag’ and ‘Lupa’: Light that guides and land that nourishes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
A tribute to people working behind the scenes
Audiences always see the work that the actors, and rest of the cast — the so-called front-liners of a production — put into a successful performance, but they seldom are aware of the “backliners” — the backstage and production crew — who also spent time and energy on the production. As the cast receives applause and adulation, the behind-the-scenes crew often goes unnoticed — the costume designer who works on the fittings and alterations, the technical staff who makes sure that the lighting and sound system works, the production people who make the artistic vision come alive with their hammers, paint brushes, etc. Some take great pride in their backstage work such as Annie Ignacio and Amado Bonifacio III, who are in production design for the Cultural Center of the Philippines. A theater arts graduate of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Ignacio first encountered CCP when she was invited as a performer for Pasinaya: The CCP Open House Festival, the country’s largest multi-arts festival happening every February. After hearing great things about CCP from her friends who have been working at the premier cultural institution, she decided to try her luck and inquired about a job opening. Weeks later, she started her new job as part of the theater crew at the Production Design Center. Later on, she was promoted as a draftsman. [caption id="attachment_185925" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Amado Bonifacio III prepares a production’s scale model with his mentor Manong Junior.[/caption] Bonifacio, meanwhile, recalled undergoing an on-the-job training at CCP in 2016, a requirement to finish his engineering degree at the University of Manila. Two years later, in 2018, he became a reliever for one of the theater crewmembers. He was later tasked to supervise the layout of the CCP’s Christmas decorations. Ignacio and Bonifacio both trained under Francisco M. Galvero Jr., or “Manong Junior” to people he worked with. For more than five decades until his retirement last year, Manong Junior remained the only scenic painter of the CCP. After watching him create huge sets for different CCP productions, the mentees started shadowing this master. They would always see Manong Junior doing the scale models and then bringing these miniatures into life-sized sets and sceneries. Curiosity led Ignacio to this path. She would ask questions, inquire about the process of producing sets, find out how to make things realistic and experiment with colors and textures to make the design come alive, among others. “While working with Manong Junior, I noticed his hands. I told him that his hands look like my father’s hands,” shared Ignacio in an interview. Bonifacio added that Manong Junior served as a father figure to him and his fellow workers. “As a mentor, he gave us artistic freedom to explore. He allowed us to express our creativity, but he would appraise our works and rectify what we’d done wrong in a very patient way,” he said. Being a backstage crewmember has its share of ups and downs. Sometimes, several productions are scheduled simultaneously, with everything happening all at once. When these happen, the workload could become overwhelming for the crew. “There was a time when work piled up. We didn’t know what we should do first. My mind went blank, and I just cried. But after that, I returned to work as if nothing happened,” said Ignacio. Bonifacio noted a similar experience. “Even if we don’t want to, the nature of the work forces us to be workaholics. Things could get stressful and tiring, but we love what we are doing. That’s why we are still here.” For them, work does not feel like work. They find fulfillment in seeing what they worked hard for and pour their hearts into it. Ignacio’s biggest achievement to date was creating the now-iconic eye balloon for the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival 2019. The work was displayed at the CCP Main Building Grand Staircase and became an instant hit as an Instagrammable spot among film enthusiasts. She also did the realistic bibingka and puto bumbong props for Tuloy Ang Pasko. These involved trials and errors, and hearing the compliments and receiving recognition made it all worthwhile. She said, “Manong Junior always told us not to be afraid to keep trying and make mistakes.” [caption id="attachment_185927" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Francisco M. Galvero Jr., with his apprentice Annie Ignacio, preparing the set for a ballet production.[/caption] Bonifacio, who takes pride in his work with the Art House Cinema facade decor and Sinag: Festival of Lights, reveals that he doesn’t see himself as an artist. It was only when his mentor Manong Junior recognized him as an artist that he started pondering about his work. They know that backstage work is rarely recognized, but CCP is paying homage to these unsung heroes through a series of mini-documentaries by filmmaker Joseph Mangat, Backstage Pass. Launched during Cinemalaya 19, the second installment features Manong Junior, who had been working on sets for various CCP productions since the early 1980s. The first release featured the technical theater crew in the lights and flying sections. More Backstage Pass episodes will feature the CCP film technicians, sound crew and costume custodians, as well as venue booking and front-of-house operations. The series also gives viewers a glimpse of the lesser-known careers in cinema and theater work. The post A tribute to people working behind the scenes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DILG brings low-cost agri, SME products through Kadiwa ng Pangulo
The Department of the Interior and Local Government hosted the Kadiwa ng Pangulo in the DILG Central Office on Friday, bringing low-cost agricultural products and other products of small and medium enterprises to employees of the DILG and the National Police Commission in Quezon City. This was part of the celebration of National Nutrition Month, where DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos said the Department is one of the first national government agencies that hosted the KNP on its premises. Abalos said conducting KNP in DILG premises will allow Department employees to buy low-cost and fresh goods straight from the producers since they, like the others, should also benefit from this good program of the President and are not exempt from rising food costs. “We are planning to hold this activity monthly and as the Christmas season approaches, we will do it twice a month,” Abalos said. The DILG Secretary said the project is already being implemented in the local government units, where KNP market days are set on the 15th and 30th days of each month. The Department of Agriculture brings the farmers and their produce, and the Department of Trade and Industry takes care of the products of SMEs. “Only Philippine products are sold so each LGU can promote the fruits and vegetables that are grown in their locality as well as their local dry goods,” he said. In addition to fruits and vegetables, ready-to-eat food and processed meat were sold as well as organic fruit juices and concentrates. SMEs sold bags and apparel and leather goods like wallets, belts, and shoes. The Department of Social Welfare and Development also showcased its livelihood assistance projects, while the National Nutrition Council and the Cooperative Development Authority promoted proper diet and cooperative participation. Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will pay the wages of those who transported the products and the builders of the stalls under its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers Program. Launched and spearheaded by the DA in 2019, in collaboration with the DILG and the Food Terminal Inc, KNP is a program of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. which seeks to empower the farming community by providing a direct and effective farm-to-consumer food supply chain. It also gives farmers, fisherfolks as well as micro-SMEs rent-free venues to sell their produce and increase their income. In his second State of the Nation Address, the President said “The Kadiwa system enabled the public to buy goods at cheaper rates and the farmers to sell their crops without having to worry about transportation costs.” The post DILG brings low-cost agri, SME products through Kadiwa ng Pangulo appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Toni Garrn to divorce Alex Pettyfer
It’s not new how celebrity couples in Hollywood sail and sink instantly — despite tying the knot. While there are a handful of couples who lead a long and happy marriage, Alex Pettyfer and Toni Garrn are not part of that club. Last 22 April, Toni announced via Instagram Stories that she is divorcing Pettyfer, her husband of two years. Her statement reads: “Alex and I have made the very difficult decision to divorce. We will continue our relationship as friends and co-parents to our angel Luca. Please respect our privacy during this sensitive time. Thank you.” According to E! News, Toni and Alex were first spotted together in February 2019 but People reported that the two had been dating since 2018. Alex proposed to Toni on Christmas eve 2019, wed in October 2020 in Germany and exchanged vows in June 2022 in Greece. They welcomed their first baby together in July 2021. Toni, 30, is a former Victoria’s Secret model while Alex, 33, is an actor best known for his works in I Am Number Four, Beastly, Magic Mike, The Infernal Machine, among others. The post Toni Garrn to divorce Alex Pettyfer appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Be The Spark, Light The Way: BE Grand Resort Bohol celebrates Christmas
A story of revival and resilience, BE Grand Resort Bohol shares the Christmas Spirit of love, joy, and giving as they strive to “Be The Spark and Light the Way” for a better year ahead. Since 2019 and 2021, the island of Bohol has been met with uncertainties with the pandemic and Typhoon Odette. But […] The post Be The Spark, Light The Way: BE Grand Resort Bohol celebrates Christmas appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Slight rise of COVID-19 cases noted in Lapu-Lapu City
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Philippines – The Lapu-Lapu City Government could not attribute yet the slight rise of cases of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the city to the recent Christmas and New Year celebrations. Earlier, the Department of Health (DOH) was already expecting a post-holiday surge of COVID-19 cases, due to the movement of people, […] The post Slight rise of COVID-19 cases noted in Lapu-Lapu City appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
1,885 cases on Christmas Day bring virus total to 467k
The Philippines logged 1,885 new cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on Christmas Day, bringing the country's total to 467,601, as 15 laboratories failed to submit their data on time, the Department of Health (DOH) reported......»»
CHD’s Report: COVID-19 claims another life in Toledo City
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu – Toledo City in midwestern Cebu lost another resident to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on Christmas Day. In its COVID-19 Case Situation Report No. 269, the City Health Department (CHD) identified the new fatality as CC368, a resident of Barangay Bato. “Our condolences to the bereaved family,” the report said. CC368 […] The post CHD’s Report: COVID-19 claims another life in Toledo City appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Rody, Leni, Congress, SC spread message of hope
As the Philippines celebrates Christmas amid the continuing threat of the coronavirus 2019, President Rodrigo Duterte joined his countrymen in marking the birth of Christ and to follow the lead of Jesus Christ in helping those in need......»»
49 patients to celebrate Christmas in isolation at NOAH
CEBU CITY, Philippines — They won’t be spending Christmas with their families this year. Instead, the 49 patients of the New Oasis for Adaptation and a Home (NOAH) will be celebrating the holiday in isolation. The names and identities of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients were not revealed by the nurses handling them, but the […] The post 49 patients to celebrate Christmas in isolation at NOAH appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
COVID-19 ‘high-risk’ areas monitored for holiday surge
Areas which have been identified as “high-risk” for coronavirus disease 2019 are being monitored to prevent the spread of COVID and ensure that health protocols are observed during the Christmas holidays......»»
Bacolod bans Christmas caroling, discourages exchanging gifts
BACOLOD CITY – Face-to-face caroling is prohibited during the Christmas holidays while exchanging of gifts is also discouraged during gatherings as part of the city government’s continuing response to curb the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). These are part of the guidelines on the conduct of Christmas and New Year gatherings and other merry-making […].....»»
US, EU push forward vaccine approval as fears of Christmas infections grow
WASHINGTON, D.C.: The United States and the European Union on Tuesday pushed forward approval of two leading coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) candidate vaccines, as fears grew of a fresh wave of infections over Christmas. Two leading British medical journals meanwhile urged London to scrap plans easing restrictions for the holiday season and the Netherlands imposed […].....»»
Christmas parties allowed in Nueva Vizcaya town
Christmas parties, which are banned in many areas as a precautionary measure against coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19, is allowed in Solano, Nueva Vizcaya......»»
DOH-7 discourages kissing the hand of elders during Christmas
CEBU CITY, Philippines– The Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH-7) is discouraging the public from kissing the hand of elders and hugging their relatives during the celebration of Christmas on December 25. This is to avoid further spreading the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Dr. Mary Jean Loreche, the spokesperson of DOH-7, also told CDN […] The post DOH-7 discourages kissing the hand of elders during Christmas appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Mrs. Universe PH 2019 covers & lsquo;Miss Kita Kung Christmas& rsquo;
The iconic OPM Christmas song “Miss Kita Kung Christmas” is making a comeback this holiday season via a new version from Mrs. Universe Philippines 2019 Maria Charo Calalo-Laude. The song debuted on YouTube on Nov. 13......»»
Mandaue bans house-to-house caroling, Christmas gatherings
MANDAUE CITY, Philippines — There will be no house-to-house caroling and Christmas gatherings in Mandaue City this Christmas season. The Mandaue City government has banned these activities including caroling, which has been part of the Filipino tradition every Christmas season, because of the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) “Diri sa Mandaue, ato nang […].....»»
Labella to private sector: Forego physical Christmas parties
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella is urging private establishments in the city to forego the holding of physical Christmas parties this year to avoid the risk of spreading the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The Cebu City government has already declared that they will not be holding Christmas parties for City Hall […] The post Labella to private sector: Forego physical Christmas parties appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
NBA players agree to pre-Christmas season tip-off
Concluding the 2019-20 season only early October, the players were at first hesitant at such a quick turnaround with a proposed December 22 start date for the next season......»»
Donny type maging leading man ni Christi Fider: Ganu’n ang hinahanap ko sa lalaki
ANG pagiging family oriented at ang pouting lips ni Donny Pangilinan ang dahilan kung bakit gustung-gusto siya ng baguhang singer na si Christi Fider. Siya ang anak ng independent producer na si Edith Fider ng Saranggola Media Productions at nag-produce ng “Tatlong Bibe” (2017), “Christmas Bonus” (2015), “Wander Bra” (2018), “And Ai Thank You” (2019) […] The post Donny type maging leading man ni Christi Fider: Ganu’n ang hinahanap ko sa lalaki appeared first on Bandera......»»