NQC to artists: Join Quincentennial art, design competitions
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The National Quincentennial Committee (NQC) is urging artists to join the art and design competitions ahead of the celebration of the Quincentennial anniversary of Datu Lapulapu’s victory on the shores of Mactan. NQC executive director Dr. Rene Escalante said the deadline has been extended to January 6, 2021, to give more […] The post NQC to artists: Join Quincentennial art, design competitions appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Jaime Gubaton diverts from usual style to relay urgent message
In this era of constant waste and ruin, “Foiled” serves as a reminder of the dangers of mindless consumerism and its deadly consequences on the environment. Presented by Arte Bettina, the solo exhibition of Filipino visual artist Jaime Gubaton is on view from 30 August to 12 September at the ArtistSpace, located at the ground level of Ayala Museum Annex, Makati Avenue corner Dela Rosa Street, Greenbelt Park, Makati City. Gubaton, a veteran artist with the burning enthusiasm of a student, considers artmaking a continuous process — a cycle of retaining, changing and revisiting. Born in 1981, he is an artist who mainly works with oil painting and contemporary figures and portraits juxtaposed with various elements, some linear and graphic representations, with the use of appropriated materials that are borrowed from a day-to-day context. Gubaton considers making art a craft that is executed using clear formal rules and that always refers to social reality. His works are notable for their perfect finish and tactile nature. This is of great importance and bears witness to great craftsmanship. The style and the corresponding vision of the artist naturally evolve and mature, but there is something in the initial creative impulse that continues to be sustained through their works, whether it is a preferential treatment of color, a recurring image or a conspicuously revisited subject matter. In the case of Gubaton, now considered one of the most sought-after artists working today, an emphasis on certain qualities of the Filipino identity can be discerned, even if he has fully ventured into photorealistic depictions of portraits. His formal arts education began at the University of the East in Caloocan, where he majored in advertising. He was already winning major art competitions while still in college. In 2002, he won the grand prize for both the PLDT-DPC Directory Cover National Competition and Art Petron, which influenced him to pursue a career as a painter. Art competitions served as his early training ground for painting until he was invited to participate in several art exhibits by various galleries both locally and internationally. [gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="179672,179671"] [gallery size="full" columns="2" ids="179670,179669"] “My artistic journey is a learning process that enables me to improve my skills and techniques. It opens opportunities for me to better appreciate the history and culture of the world. Allow yourself to grow at your own pace. Don’t rush the process,” Gubaton said. Despite being a firm believer in the foundational skills of art, he centers his practice on experimentation and polishes his skills by regularly stepping away from routine — a feat many shy away from due to human nature’s fear of the uncertain. “Foiled” showcases this as he deviates from human portraiture and instead breathes nature and its pollutants onto a dark canvas. As much as “Foiled” has prevention at its core, Gubaton weaves the multiplicity of his concept into the composition of his works. His paintings take inspiration from a foiling technique seen in jewelry making and mimics its principle of using foil to further emphasize its symbolism, spotlighting his subjects onto an almost black base. There is no mistaking the message of his show, and that is intentional. He is blunt in his execution and his intentions could easily be received at a glance. Nature is in danger, and its stewards have become its executioners. Gubaton takes this opportunity to champion what he has always implemented in his act of creation, a willingness to change. ArtistSpace, an art gallery established in 2004, is dedicated to the promotion of contemporary visual arts featuring a wide range of styles and media from local and foreign artists in two-week exhibitions. The gallery is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free. For queries on the exhibition, contact Arte Bettina at 905-2696095, 27004-3209 or artebettinagallery@gmail.com. For more information on ArtistSpace, contact Jane Salvador at 917-8264425 or hello@artistspace.org.ph. The post Jaime Gubaton diverts from usual style to relay urgent message appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Making Filipinos proud through our folk dances
The summer that Marielle Benitez-Javellana participated in the performances of the Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company in various barangays of Manila, she was balancing her time between football and folk dance. [caption id="attachment_175404" align="aligncenter" width="841"] Marielle Benitez-Javallana with son Lucho.[/caption] She had just graduated from De La Salle University where she played for the University Athletic Association of the Philippines. She was also a member of the national women’s football team. Between her graduation and return to the football field, she attended the Philippine Women’s University’s Bayanihan folk dance workshop. This culminated in a class recital at the Folk Arts Theater where she danced “Aray.” As she recalled in her interview with the DAILY TRIBUNE, it was quite a challenge for her to give her equal attention to football and dance. She recounted laughingly, “I would run from one rehearsal to one training. Or from a game to a performance. In the car, I would fix my make-up or change into my costume or my sportswear. “I stayed in dance because I enjoyed the company. We goofed around a lot, and we didn’t care if we fell from a bench, tripped or looked awkward because of our mistakes. We kept trying and we learned how to do the steps correctly.” It was a rite of passage for Marielle and the new Bayanihan applicants because they had to follow the rules, “such as attending rehearsals with our makeup on and our hair pulled up in a bun. They were inculcating in us the standards for which Bayanihan was known and admired.” Grace and precision While folk dancing may be different from playing football, she somehow found similarities in both. “At first, I felt a little bit awkward because I was a football player and at the same time dancing Itik-Itik, Binasuan and Tinikling. In both, precision and grace are important. Both require commitment and hard work. And in dance, as in football, you perform as a team. You can’t do things by yourself. You have to be in sync with the other team members and be connected with them.” She would have her first international engagement in August that year and, to her delight, it was in Athens where the Olympics were being held. “Just like most athletes, my dream was to be part of the Philippine team in the Olympics. And there I was exactly at the Olympics, but I was not in my athlete’s uniform. Instead, I was in my Filipiniana costume, with my hair teased up. We were the Philippine representatives at the Cultural Olympiad, which took place alongside the Olympic Games. “We had shows at night over the week. One headline said, ‘Philippines bags the gold in the Cultural Olympiad because of Bayanihan.’ I was there mesmerized by all those athletes gathered and there I was, all made up, dancing to Philippine folk music. Still, being there for my country and eliciting thunderous applause made me proud of my country and the Bayanihan.” The rest is, of course, history. She went on to dance in various international performances, festivals and competitions and had been part of many award-winning showcases. A challenge every day Fast forward to 2023, Marielle is the executive director of the Bayanihan. One would think she has adapted to the rigors of managing a world-class performing arts group and can now take it easy, having become accustomed to running the organization. On the contrary, Marielle clarified, “I think it’s a challenge every day because, number one, I obviously would continue all my mom’s programs but, at the same time, I would also need to move forward. “At the time that she was on top of the administration of the Bayanihan, she had different challenges naman. And I think, what she was able to set and implement will now create more challenges and opportunities for me. What we share is our passion for work and for a cause. Like her, I work passionately and enthusiastically. “If you ask the younger generation now who the Bayanihan is, they wouldn’t know it the same way the older generation knew the prestige of Bayanihan. That is a challenge for me. Without having to put the Bayanihan on TikTok, it is my responsibility to make ourselves visible and relevant without breaking the Bayanihan traditions.” But if it was a top dream for the young women then to join the Bayanihan so they could see the world, today is quite different “since everyone could travel now. What has remained is that certain character that qualifies one to be a member. There is no money in Bayanihan, so one has to have that desire for advocacy to share with the world the best of our country. A Bayanihan member should be capable of taking to heart our mission to promote Philippine culture. It’s a cause. A thing of the heart. That’s why we’re also known as cultural ambassadors.” Hall of Fame Bayanihan has survived, Marielle explained, “because we always have new trainees. We constantly recruit and we receive applications often. But of course, we also see through the applications. Not just anyone would really be able to last long rehearsals. One has to have that specific attitude and frame of mind that they need to be able to balance school or work and rehearsals. There has to be a certain kind of maturity, which comes from exposure and work ethic that one learns in a working environment. The thing is if you’re working, you cannot just leave for tours and performances so all these factors come into play.” “Right now, we have 30 members — 15 men and 15 women,” Marielle said. “We also brought in new trainees in our annual production Continuum — A Dance Spectrum Through the Years. In the short time that Marielle has assumed the post of executive director, Bayanihan has added to its long list of awards at the same time that it scored new milestones. “Last year, we won our 14th grand prize in Korea so we have been installed into the Hall of Fame. This year we are participating as a guest organization.” “Last year, we were the first Philippine dance group to perform in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Early this year, we were the first Philippine group to perform at the Royal Opera House in Oman, Muscat.” First face-to-face festival Looking forward, Marielle enumerated future plans including a tour in September that will bring them to Cyprus and Greece, and in October, to Korea. Marielle will also be active as an officer of the Federation of International Dance Festivals, of which her mom was the local chair for Asia. “When I came in as Bayanihan executive director, it was crucial for me to continue what my mom had begun. Fortunately, during the election last October, I was elected as vice chair for Asia.” In December, Bayanihan will finally host its first face-to-face international dance festival. So far, countries that have confirmed their attendance are Austria, Spain, Poland, Korea and Indonesia. They will all perform in week-long productions. Marielle acknowledged the support of her brother Philippine Women’s University president Marco Benitez and the Bayanihan Board of Trustees composed of its chair, Congressman Kiko Benitez; the president, Ambassador Rosario Manalo; and the members, namely, Rosky Balahadia-Hilado, Judith Pantangco, Imelda Trillo, Leni Cabili, Neny Apostol Regino, Chingay Lagdameo, Marilou Mirasol, Rachy Cuna, Marilou Mirasol and Boy Abunda. Of course, behind them too is the PWU chair Vicky Nazareno. Finally, Marielle shared, “We will continue with our mission to research our dances all over the Philippine archipelago and create our distinct Bayanihan adaptations. And, of course, we will strive to continue inculcating in our members the Bayanihan values that I believe make our performing artists stand out — commitment, discipline, perseverance, leadership, teamwork, time management and the ability to balance late-night hours of rehearsals with your work and home responsibilities when you wake up the next day. These practices make us excel as dancers and because we do our best to excel, we proudly represent our country and hopefully make our countrymen proud.” The post Making Filipinos proud through our folk dances appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Grand night of classical music with an electric audience
Three youthful musicians, Mark Kenedy Rocas, Adrian Nicolas Ong and Aidan Ezra Baracol, recently wowed — make that brought the house down — an appreciative, mostly Gen Z audience at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater at Circuit Makati. The hyped evening featured the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra — under the baton of Maestro Herminigildo Ranera — the country’s leading orchestra, presenting the Young People’s Concert. An educational guide with a friendly and amiable approach, he gainfully conducted an educational tour in an informal and candid manner before the actual concert. He gleefully introduced the PPO according to the four sections: percussion, strings, woodwind and brass, as each team stood up and outdid each other with little catchy tunes. [gallery columns="2" size="large" ids="159369,159370"] This is in keeping with the Cultural Center of the Philippines Arts Education Program-focused event — more aimed for the younger generation. Ranera is a product of the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music with a Bachelor of Music degree major in Trombone and Theory. He likewise possesses a Master of Music degree in Conducting from the renowned University of Northern Colorado and Doctor of Philosophy major in Educational Management from the Cagayan State University. The arrangements of the three-time winner of the National Music Competitions for Young Artists or NAMCYA have been featured in the albums of lauded conductor Redentor Romero, together with the Moscow Symphony Orchestra and the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra. Through the years, we have been blessed to have witnessed the greatest and the best performers. Thus, we were absolutely baffled with these three young gentlemen with exceptional talent and technical ability. And to think they already have a stellar resume this early on into their musical forays! Rocas performed “Orpheus in the Underworld by German-born French composer Jacques Offenbach” (1819-1880). The piece’s rousing initial fanfare was followed by a gentle love song and an infernal passage. The finale was the ever-popular and all-too-familiar Can-Can of Moulin Rouge fame. He further showed his skills by a rendition of the Flute Concerto No.2 in D Major and K. 314 first and second movements by Austrian composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791). His love affair with the flute began at nine years old. He became a member of the Philippine Youth Symphonic Band from 2005 to 2012. A graduate from the University of the Philippines College of Music, he enrolled in several masterclasses under renowned international artists and mentors. Currently, he is an assistant principal flute of the UP Symphony Orchestra. [gallery columns="2" size="large" ids="159371,159372"] Ong’s prowess on the violin was exhibited with the Tzigane by French composer, pianist and conductor Maurice Ravel (1875-1937). The 10-minute obra is a continuation of the Romantic tradition of show pieces for violin virtuosi in a wholehearted gypsy style. He made his professional debut at 17 with the PPO. A scholar of the Interlochen Arts Academy by the Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan, he graduated with honors and served as the concertmaster. He recently completed with one of the highest distinctions from the Mannes School of Music in New York City. Notably, he has debuted at the holy grail for performers, the prestigious Carnegie Hall of New York, in May 2023. He is now slated for international concerts with the Asian Youth Orchestra. Baracol revealed mastery of the keys through the Piano Concerto No. 2 OP .18, C Minor by Russian composer, pianist and conductor Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943). This masterwork established his name in the annals of history and is an enduring piece that breathes air into his childhood experiences. This was eloquently and passionately interpreted by Baracol. [caption id="attachment_159373" align="aligncenter" width="525"] (L-R) CCP Vice President and Artistic Director Dennis Marasigan, CCP Consultant Alex Cortes, CCP Board of Trustees Vice Chairman Michelle Nikki Junia, CCP President Maria Margarita Moran-Floirendo, violinist Adrian Nicolas Ong, flutist Mark Kenedy Rocas, pianist Aidan Ezra Baracol, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Consultant Edu Jarque and Niña Romualdez Estela | Photos courtesy of the Cultural Center of the Philippines[/caption] His first brush with the piano was at age 10 and had his first solo piano recital at the SEARCA Auditorium of the University of the Philippines in 2017. During the pandemic, he continually joined international competitions, earning top placements. This coming September 2023, he has been awarded entrance scholarships and admissions at the Royal Academy of Music, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the Royal College of Music, all in London, plus the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music at the National University of Singapore. Amid cheers, applauses and bravos, the three promising young men took bow after bow after bow. I could only imagine that the future holds international acclaim, with recital after recital after recital in front of discerning audiences around the world. The post Grand night of classical music with an electric audience appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Classical Guitar Outside of The Box
The guitar is the most popular instrument in this country due to its accessibility. It comes in various sizes and prices. It is mostly self-learned, making it a friendly instrument. In pop music, the guitar is in safe hands. However, in its classical form, the guitar does not enjoy the same status. It might be the least popular in the realm of classical music. Why is that? It’s simple. We don’t have mainstream composers, such as Beethoven, Mozart, Bach and others who wrote for the guitar. The guitar remained a popular accompaniment instrument despite having great composers (although not famous) write for it. Slowly this has been changing all over the world. But I will focus on the Philippine scene. For years there have been bursts of guitar activities whether these be concerts, festivals, competitions or other events. However, the circle of people, both the musicians and supporters, remains small. As grateful as we are to the patrons who stand by us passionately and support the community consistently, I think classical guitarists need to think outside of the box. Their classical guitar repertoire maybe exciting to them, but completely foreign to others. The guitar is a concert instrument. But we must get more creative if we want more people to attend guitar concerts. I believe that collaboration with other musicians and artists is basic if we’d like to grow before the audience for the instrument. Another artist will surely bring fresh faces interested to see new collaborations. Programming is the most important. With most of our repertoire being less popular, introducing pieces in a thematic concert may help. For example, there’s no doubt a lot of guitar music was used in film. But which pieces and which films? A movie-themed concert produced by classical guitarists can feature known film music while introducing original guitar music. This creates enthusiasm for the show itself rather than it being a “classical guitar concert.” Introducing something new in the shadow of something familiar should clinch it all. I have been doing this so far both in online concerts and as a member of the PIMA Guitar Quartet with guitarists Patrick Roxas, Iqui Vinculado and Monching Carpio together with our filmmaker Roneil Santos. Luckily, our audiences have been enthusiastic. Looking for more guitar students is one thing, but expanding an audience is another. This is a niche product. It’s not for everyone and never will be. So, the goal should be growing within the niche — seeking audiences from outside of the guitar/music circles. Growing the niche audience can happen in 10 years and develop into a paying audience provided that the classical guitarist does not stop experimenting with ways to connect to their audience. We can complain all we want about lack of support/attention. But the only control we have is our work. We must work hard and non-stop. We may have a full house, or less than 20 people in the audience, but we must continue. To sum it all up, I believe we will have a bigger audience for the guitar concerts in the years to come when we, as classical guitarists, present our concerts as entertainment rather than labeling them as “classical.” ***** Adrik Cristobal is a classical guitarist who completed his studies at UP Diliman with Lester Demetillo; Spain with Francisco Bernier; and the Netherlands with Carlo Marchione. He is currently a member of the PIMA Guitar Quartet and is a faculty member at the De La Salle College of St. Benilde. The post Classical Guitar Outside of The Box appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NQC to artists: Join Quincentennial art, design competitions
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The National Quincentennial Committee (NQC) is urging artists to join the art and design competitions ahead of the celebration of the Quincentennial anniversary of Datu Lapulapu’s victory on the shores of Mactan. NQC executive director Dr. Rene Escalante said the deadline has been extended to January 6, 2021, to give more […] The post NQC to artists: Join Quincentennial art, design competitions appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Quest for great Filipino musical talents
For the first time in its 47 years of existence, the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA) – the country’s foremost music competition, in partnership with National Commission for Culture and the Arts – is going online. This dramatic move signifies NAMCYA’s efforts to reach out to more Filipino music talents from all over the country who have become so adept in using the digital platform to showcase their musical talents......»»
Tothapi may bagong single, ka-join na sa Sony Music family
LEVEL up ang breakthrough Bicol-based band na Tothapi! Sila kasi ang pinakabagong pamilya ng Sony Music Entertainment na kinabibilangan ng ilan sa mga biggest OPM acts ng bansa, katulad ng Ben&Ben, SB19, Denise Julia, Clara Benin, Ace Banzuelo, The Itchyworms, Sponge Cola, at marami pang iba. “It has been an amazing ride with Sony Music.....»»
Thousands join Porac town earthquake drill
Thousands join Porac town earthquake drill.....»»
Team Vice, Team Anne bardagulan sa Family Feud; bakit wala si Karylle?
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Brazil: Join Regional Treaty on Environment, Defenders
(Sao Paulo) - The administration ofBrazilianPresident Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva should rally legislators to approve theEscaz Agreement, more than 150 Brazilian and international organizations said today in aletterto Instituti.....»»
Stewart Cink, 50, part of five-way tie for Valspar lead
(Photo credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports) Fifty-year-old Stewart Cink shot a 4-under 67 to join a five-way tie for the lead at the Valspar Championship before play was suspended Friday in Palm Harbor, Fla. As the field endured rainy conditions at Innisbrook Resort's Copperhead Course, 20 golfers did not complete their rounds before darkness fell. They will resume their second rounds Saturday at 9 a.m. The five co-lea.....»»
Southeast Asian Police, Prosecutors Join Forces to Fight Scamdemic
Bangkok - Police and prosecutors across Southeast Asia are forging new ways of working together to thwart and pursue the sprawling criminal networks behind the online scam centers that have quickly taken root in the region, experts involved in the effort have told VOA.In a few short years, scamming hubs bilking billions of dollars out of victims across the globe have set up shop in Cambodia, Laos, the Philippine.....»»
Sibol exec wants improved conditions for women in esports
Esports has once been dubbed as a male-dominant industry, both in competitions and within top positions in different related organizations. Recent years have seen a shift in the role of women in the industry but like in traditional sports, the change is considered minimal, and more could be done......»»
Southeast Asian Police, Prosecutors Join Forces to Fight Scamdemic
Bangkok - Police and prosecutors across Southeast Asia are forging new ways of working together to thwart and pursue the sprawling criminal networks behind the online scam centers that have quickly taken root in the region, experts involved in the effort have told VOA.In a few short years, scamming hubs bilking billions of dollars out of victims across the globe have set up shop in Cambodia, Laos, the Philippine.....»»
D& L central hub in Batangas gets LEED gold seal
D&L Industries Inc. has secured a gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for its newly operational plant in Batangas......»»
High Speed Hitters chalk up win No. 5
PLDT rode on Savannah Davison’s powerful effort as it repulsed Farm Fresh, 25-9, 25-13, 25-21, yesterday to join Creamline on top in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Ynares Center Antipolo......»»
We broke it, we fix it : DENR urges Filipinos to join Earth Hour 2024
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) enjoined Filipinos to do their part in reversing damages brought by humans upon Mother Nature in the last 300,000 years......»»
Two U.S. Navy carriers join Japan destroyer on Multi-Large Deck Event in Philippine Sea - navy.mil
Two U.S. Navy carriers join Japan destroyer on Multi-Large Deck Event in Philippine Sea navy.mil.....»»
Stewart Cink, 50, part of five-way tie for Valspar lead
(Photo credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports) Fifty-year-old Stewart Cink shot a 4-under 67 to join a five-way tie for the lead at the Valspar Championship before play was suspended Friday in Palm Harbor, Fla. As the field endured rainy conditions at Innisbrook Resort's Copperhead Course, 20 golfers did not complete their rounds before darkness fell. They will resume their second rounds Saturday at 9 a.m. The five co-lea.....»»
Government calls for Earth Hour switch-off tonight
Government agencies are calling on the public to join the Earth Hour today by switching off non-essential lights from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m......»»