Word to the artistic
From national artists to award-winning actors and drag queens, inspirational words of advice from our local creatives Last year brought us to our knees, yet here we are standing tall with courage, facing 2021 with hope and a positive perspective. To give us more inspiration to create and explore new things this year, the Manila Bulletin has compiled some quotes from creative individuals, from national artists to award-winning actress. May their words of wisdom bring out the creative urges in all of us, as we make this world a better, more colorful, more meaningful place to live in. Kidlat Tahimik, national artist for film We are all adjusting to the new normal—new rules and new protocols. I’m sure that most artists are taking this time to take art deeper into their hearts. After all, you have nothing to do but just to be productive. *** Ian Inoy, biromantic pansexual artist Every move I made with my art before had this follow up question in my head, asking if it would look gay or not. Now that I’ve fully accepted myself, nothing like that matters anymore. I no longer have the fear of hearing people perceiving my art as “too gay or girly.” *** Heart Evangelista/Love Marie Ongpauco Escudero, actor, painter Express yourself in art. See how art can move you or distract you from distress or how art can bring the best out of you. I notice that my paintings have been a bit muted these days. I feel it’s a bit because of the drama that’s going on around us. In a weird way, I find beauty in sorrow and the way my colors have been coming out, I like what’s happening. I’ve always been like this anyway. I find something beautiful about my emotions, no matter how dark they are, and I translate all that into art. *** Whatsoever you do, if you do it joyfully, if you do it lovingly, if your act of doing is not purely economic, then it is creative.—Osho, Creativity unleashing the forces within *** Kate Adajar, blogger artist The uncertainty Covid-19 brings has triggered confusion, anxiety, and mixed emotions in me. But the lockdown has also given me time to focus on and practice my art. Being in quarantine has allowed me to look at my craft not only as a creative outlet but also as a form of stress release. It has suddenly become therapeutic and meditative. *** F. Sionil Jose, national artist for literature Photo by Noel Pabalate Artistry is something that is created not just by intellect but by passion. And you stop being a craftsman. That is when you become an artist. You cannot be an artist without being a craftsman first. *** Miz Kiki Krunch, drag queen I am more creative as a gay person. My drag persona brings out the best and most authentic part of me. I can express myself better, I can perform better when I channel my weirdness, my “freak,” my truth. *** Cherie Gil, actor Everything can be learned as long as one sets one’s mind and heart to it. There is also no age limit to learning anything. Acting—what is it really but reliving lives and telling their stories. But this requires a lot of work to excavate the instrument to be able to truthfully do just that. It’s not easy. It takes a lot of balls to share one’s personal inner sanctum. *** Iana Cris Forbes, owner of art shop Quiversmiths Pursue what you want. At first, it was hard for me because I wanted to be a painter, I wanted to be a sculptor, I wanted to be a graphic artist, I wanted to be a wedding colorist, I wanted to stitch, I wanted to make bags and shoes and jewelry. But I haven’t seen a person doing all of those!. Before, I could not see any future in them but here they are now. I’m doing everything all at once and I’m fine. I’m happy living multiple lives. It’s like connecting the dots. My hobbies are now my sources of living and I couldn’t be more thankful. *** BenCab, national artist for visual arts This pandemic gives artists more time for their art. It’s usually better for an artist to be locked-in because you work on your own. *** Natasha Aliño, jewelry artist It’s been said many times and my mother always says this whenever I feel frustrated, which most people would feel when they’re starting something new—“trust the process.” This is more of a reminder when you’re in that headspace. Another thing is when you are learning a certain skill, do it so with purpose and authenticity. Then you can confidently say after some time that you can indeed trust the process. Never stop learning and inspiring others on your journey. Photos from the artists’ respective social media accounts and websites.....»»
Yulo pockets bronze
Carlos Yulo made sure he won’t go home empty handed as he snatched a bronze medal in the men’s floor exercise of the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan yesterday......»»
Carlos Yulo wins bronze in Baku World Cup
MANILA, Philippines – Carlos Yulo managed to reach the podium in his first high-caliber foreign meet since a world championship stint nearly half a year back. The Filipino gymnastics star punctuated his stint in the Baku, Azerbaijan leg of the 2024 FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Series with a bronze medal in the men’s floor.....»»
Yulo reaches floor exercise final in Baku World Cup, but parallel bars title defense in jeopardy
Carlos Yulo advances to the final of his pet event floor exercise, although he is in danger of yielding the parallel bars crown he won last year in the Baku leg of the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Series.....»»
Raffaele, Lim strut stuff in AAGC’s artistic swimming event
Antonia Lucia Raffaele and Zoe Lim, both neophytes in an Asian level competition, showed classy acts that wowed a small Filipino crowd here, but their performances in artistic swimming were overwhelmed by rivals from traditional superpowers......»»
Anya Alindada and Rubby Coyiuto share their artistic journeys
This week’s piece is devoted to interviews with two female artists: a ballerina and a visual artist......»»
IMAHICA ART presents CONSCIOUS CREATIONS: A Sustainability Art Show and Business Mixer in Collaboration with BNI Iconic
As a pioneer in artistic innovation and environmental consciousness, Imahica Art presents its exhibition, Conscious Creations, a captivating showcase of artworks which commenced with the Opening Reception and Business Mixer on January 27, 2024. This showcase of exceptional artworks will run up to February 11, 2024, at the Imahika Art Gallery.The exhibit, Conscious Creations, introduces a diverse array of artwork.....»»
Karl Eldrew Yulo, ‘cut above the rest’
IPINAMALAS ni Karl Jahriel Eldrew Yulo ang natatanging kakayahan nang dominahin ang Boys FIG Juniors 14-17 event ng Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (MAG) tungo sa pagwalis sa pitong nakatayang gintong medalya ng 2023 Batang Pinoy and Philippine National Games (BP-PNG) National Championships sa GAP Gym sa Intramuros, Maynila. May pagkakataon pa sanang makamit ng 17-anyos na ….....»»
Biñan gymnast shines in Batang Pinoy women’s artistic gymnastics
An avid Simone Biles fan in Clarysse De Matta Escoses made heads turn for a three-gold medal harvest as reigning champion Baguio City and Cebu City engaged in a neck-to-neck race for the overall championship in the penultimate day of the 2023 Batang Pinoy national finals......»»
'her': The Divine Feminine, Artfully Brought to Life, in the First Solo Exhibit of Filipina Artist, Dawn Almario
A muti-awarded Filipina artist living and working in Dubai returns to her artistic roots. She returns to her true calling and passion by unveiling her first solo exhibit here, in her native country. Entitled "her", it opened on November 17 and runs to November 30, 2023, in the Artienda Gallery, located in Quezon City, Manila.A feminist at heart, the exhibit showcases ten beautifully crafted works of art that exp.....»»
Sorsogon s 'Art Renaissance': Decentralizing and Democratizing Creativity
by Geri Matthew "Choi" Carretero (Kurit Lagting/ CAP Bicol)The rich cultural tapestry of the Philippines, found throughout the archipelago, holds unique stories, traditions, and artistic expressions often overlooked on the national stage. For far too long, the vibrant world of Philippine art has been largely centralized in Metro Manila, but thanks to the initiatives of various art groups in Sorso.....»»
Chinese sci-fi steps into the spotlight
Once effectively banned, Chinese science fiction has exploded into the mainstream, embraced by the government and public alike –- inviting scrutiny of a genre that has become known for its expanding diversity and relative freedom. Its new status was epitomized by this week's Worldcon, the world's oldest and most influential sci-fi gathering, which closed Sunday after taking place in China for the first time. Held in the gleaming new Chengdu Science Fiction Museum, the event's star was Liu Cixin, author of the international phenomenon "Three-Body" series and inspiration for the domestic blockbuster "Wandering Earth". But the wider science fiction fandom has become a rare space where diverse voices have flourished and a vast array of issues -- social, environmental, even sometimes political -- can be explored. "In its nature, part of sci-fi is talking about the present," award-winning author Chen Qiufan told AFP. "It takes advantage of talking about outer space, or being set in different times, but reflects the human condition right now." Chen's own novel "The Waste Tide" is set in a dystopian future in China, where migrant e-waste workers toil in hazardous conditions, exploited by corrupt conglomerates. He grew up near Guiyu, once one of the largest e-waste dumps in the world. Ecological destruction, urbanization, social inequality, gender, and corruption, to name just a few –- "these issues are intersectional and intertwined with each other", said Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University's Liu Xi. Together, they "allow everyone to understand Chinese writers' exploration of Chinese society", she said. That can be rare to find in today's China, where the space for political and artistic expression has shrunk drastically over the last decade under President Xi Jinping. Spiritual pollution Historically, science fiction has had a turbulent relationship with Chinese authorities -– it effectively disappeared during the Cultural Revolution and then was banned as "spiritual pollution" in the 1980s. Though it returned, it remained relatively obscure. Writer Regina Kanyu Wang said it was only at university that she met other fans -- together they formed one of the smaller clubs on campus. Sci-fi was not taken seriously, and seen as something for children and young adults, Chen said. That had its advantages. "There was a lot of freedom... because nobody was reading science fiction, (authors) could just do whatever they wanted," the University of Zurich's Jessica Imbach told AFP. The global success of the "Three-Body" series changed everything, catapulting its epic themes of technological prowess and the fate of humanity into the public consciousness. "Whether you like science fiction or not, the social reality we are facing is becoming more and more like science fiction," said Yu Xuying from Hong Kong Metropolitan University. "We live in a high-tech era. And then your daily life is completely technological," she said. The pace of digital change in China, already fast, was accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Cash has all but disappeared, and stringent health regulations further enhanced the state's significant surveillance capacity. The international interest spike in Chinese sci-fi is also related to real-world concerns, Chen believes. "I think there are different layers of reasons for the phenomenon," he said. "But a major one is the rising economic and technological power of China on the world stage." A good vehicle China's government has been happy to capitalize on all this. "At a national level, science fiction is a good vehicle for conveying the country's discourse on its science and technology strength," said Yu. It can also help "highlight the relationship between the Chinese dream (a Xi-era aspirational slogan) and science", she said. Authorities have put their money where their mouth is. The nebula-shaped Chengdu Science Fiction Museum, designed by the renowned Zaha Hadid Architects, was built at lightspeed in just a year to coincide with Worldcon. The event, historically fan-led and funded, this year was a "capitalistic initiative, coming top-down from the Chinese government", said Chen. "They want sci-fi to be the name card of the city, showing China's openness and inclusiveness to the world," he said. Government attention comes with potential risk. "The Three-Body Problem" has a different structure in English, with the narrative beginning with a violent Cultural Revolution scene. In the original Chinese, it was buried halfway through the book to make it less conspicuous, the translator Ken Liu was told. Liu told the New York Times in 2019 that increasingly, "it's gotten much harder for me to talk about the work of Chinese authors without... causing them trouble". Some works he has translated into English, deemed too sensitive, have never been published in Chinese at all. "If you're very marginal if you have low print numbers in China, then it's OK, you have more leeway. If you're doing a mega big-budget movie... it's much more complicated," said Imbach. "That's what's now also happening with science fiction," she said. "As it's becoming more mainstream, there is increased scrutiny." The post Chinese sci-fi steps into the spotlight appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Britney Spears set to hit bestseller list with tell-all memoir
Two years after escaping her father's guardianship, Britney Spears recounts her years as a superstar who became a victim of her success in a highly anticipated memoir being published on Tuesday. One revelation from "The Woman in Me" has already made headlines: Spears saying she felt pressured into having an abortion while dating fellow popstar Justin Timberlake between 1999 and 2002. "If it had been left up to me alone, I never would have done it," she writes. "It's one of the most agonizing things I have ever experienced in my life." The publishers have kept a tight lid on most of the contents -- unsurprising since Simon & Schuster reportedly paid more than 15 million dollars for the rights. It was not a risky bet, however -- the book is already topping the pre-sale chart at Amazon US. It is being released on Tuesday in around 20 countries and 10 languages. "Reliving everything has been exciting, heart-wrenching, and emotional, to say the least," Spears told People magazine. The emotional turmoil means the 41-year-old singer has only recorded a small section for the audiobook, leaving the rest to actress Michelle Williams. "There are so many hard things to read in the news about my book," she wrote on her Instagram this week. "Then I woke up this morning and said it's all relative... nothing really matters at this point." Up and down Spears came from a very humble background and found early fame on "The Mickey Mouse Club" alongside other future stars Ryan Gosling and Christina Aguilera. At 16, she became one of the most famous women on the planet with 1998's iconic "...Baby One More Time", which sold 10 million copies to become one of the biggest hits of all time. Eight more albums followed, often selling in the millions, including "Oops!...I Did it Again" and "In the Zone", combined with spectacular world tours. Growing up in the media glare, relentlessly sexualized by her marketing from a young age, Spears lost her footing in 2007. A highly public breakdown in which she shaved her head and was filmed attacking a paparazzi's car led to her father, Jamie Spears, taking legal control over her life. It meant he controlled her finances, career decisions, and even whether she could see her children or marry -- which Spears described as tantamount to "abuse". Her fans organized a campaign -- #FreeBritney -- aided by media investigations that finally led a court to remove her father as guardian in September 2021. She apparently no longer speaks to her family. Her life has hardly been smooth sailing since then -- her marriage to model Sam Asghari ended in August after just 14 months. But Spears at least looks set to add a number one bestselling book to her list of artistic accomplishments. The post Britney Spears set to hit bestseller list with tell-all memoir appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
The living ruins of Perge
Deserted temples. Columns on the ground. Crumbled boulders. Crushed stone upon stone. Cracked walls and pavements. Isolated statues. They are all mute witnesses to the ancient city of Perge, also known as Perga. Nestled along the breathtaking shores of Antalya, some six hours drive from Turkey’s capital Ankara, Perge is a remarkable archaeological site which boasts of a rich history dating back to the Bronze Age and flourished under Hellenistic and Roman rule. We were absolutely captivated with architectural wonders and its well-preserved onlookers of the past, which hold secrets from the old world. Notably, this is the birthplace of influential Greek mathematician Apollonius, who developed the now-familiar — yet taken for granted — conic concepts of the circle, ellipse, parabola, and the hyperbola. And perhaps this genius rubbed off on the structures — as each was a sight to behold in their own right. Perge was likewise mentioned in the Bible particularly in the Acts of the Apostles written by Saint Paul of the road to Damascus fame. The metropolis served as a stepping stone for other areas in central Turkey where the Apostle of the Apostles would preach the word of God. Here are five spots you should visit on your trip to the ruins of Perge: Columned Main Street: The Beating Heart Our journey initially led us to the Columned Main Street, a marvel that was once the beating heart of the community and was the artery of the north-to-south direction. Twenty-two meters wide, it hosted the bustling markets and was the vibrant social hub as well. In addition, it connected to other major sites of importance. It must be noted that unlike other settlements of yore, the gran via did not follow a perfect straight path — it wrapped around the plots erected during the Hellenistic Period. [caption id="attachment_200851" align="aligncenter" width="1310"] PROPYLON[/caption] Propylon: Gateway to the Sacred Our next stop was the Propylon, with its towering columns and intricate carvings. It was symmetrically designed with a two-step marble covered platform, filled with smooth granite columns in Corinthian style, plus geometric and floral decorative reliefs. This monumental entry led citizens to the sacred precinct. Built in the year 197 to 211, this impressive edifice was the introduction to the major area of Perge and was as a zone of transition to and fro the main layout. [caption id="attachment_200852" align="aligncenter" width="1309"] 12,000-seater Stadium.[/caption] Stadium: Sports and Laurels Our following destination was the majestic Stadium, a 12,000-seater arena which was the venue of sporting events, from chariot races to athletic competitions. It drew in the crowds — from commoners to royalty. It gave glimpses into the entertainment options of the aged civilization, as it showcased different seating tiers, perhaps based on one’s caste. [caption id="attachment_200850" align="aligncenter" width="786"] Hadrianus’ Arch[/caption] Hadrianus’ Arch: An Iconic Portal We then encountered Hadrianus’ Arch, an entrance dedicated to the Roman Emperor Hadrian. This stood as a symbol of their loyalty to the Roman Empire, while also spotlighting its artistic and architectural prowess. Through the centuries, only four pylons have survived — and yet, it remains adorned with great beauty. We stood in awe of carvings of the Greek Goddess of the Hunt Artemis, and Greek Goddess of Luck and Fortune Tykhe, alongside revered emperors Divus Augustus, Divus Nero and Divus Traianus. [caption id="attachment_200841" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Southern Bath[/caption] Southern Bath: A Sanctuary of Ritual and Hygiene Our final stop was the Southern Bath, one of two major hygienic and communal complexes. Dating between first to second century AD, it was embellished with sculptures known as the Three Graces, together with deities like Athena, Nemesis, Hygieia, Asklepious and Genius. This was a congregation zone where inhabitants met not just to bathe, but also for recreation and relaxation. The interiors consisted of connecting rooms, namely, the changing quarters, then the swimming pool, a cold bath, and finally, a hot bath. They may then emerge to enjoy other physical activities. These are our five magical postcards. What’s yours? The post The living ruins of Perge appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Love CALABARZON, Love the Philippines!
The CALABARZON Region, an acronym for its five component provinces: Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon, is known for its rich culture, breathtaking sceneries, and delectable food. This is why the Department of Tourism has chosen the region for the second leg of the Philippine Experience Program — showcasing cultural tourism circuit development focused on the heritage, culture, and arts of the country’s various regions. From 30 September to 2 October 2023, delegates of the PEP, including foreign dignitaries from various Embassies, as well as tour operators, travel agencies, vloggers, and members of the media, were given the chance to explore the wonders of CALABARZON. The first stop of the PEP was the shrine in the ancestral home of the country’s first President, Emilio Aguinaldo, the place where the country’s first national anthem was played and where the Philippine flag unfurled. [gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="194483,194482,194484,194485"] Delegates later served the Magdiwang and Magdalo breakfasts, a simple yet rich morning feast consisting of Cavite’s products: the Amadeo garlic fried rice, tuyo, tapa, scrambled eggs and hot chocolate. Delegates had a glimpse of the remarkable talents of 51 competing marching bands all over the country at the Bakood Festival, coinciding with the 352nd Founding Anniversary of the City of Bacoor, the marching band capital of the country. PEP participants took an epic trip down memory lane to revisit a small town in Taal, Batangas, richly endowed with well-preserved towers, which made Taal an inspirational cornerstone and pillar of Filipino history. [gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="194481,194491"] Casa San Pablo was the first itinerary during PEP’s second day, where participants learned how coconut, the main product of San Pablo City, evolved and produced by-products such as lambanog (traditional Filipino distilled coconut palm liquor), vinegar, masapan de buko, macapuno and buko pie, among others. Lunch was served while participants’ feet were dipped at Villa Escudero, Atimonan, Quezon’s gem. The resort plantation offers sumptuous Filipino delis. A cultural show was also shown during guests’ relaxation at the plantation. [gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="194486,194487,194488,194490"] On the last day, PEP delegates experienced the Magdapio River’s turbulent current while riding bancas to Pagsanjan (Cavinti) Falls in Laguna, maneuvered by expert and skillful boatmen. Paete wood carvers, which the small town of Laguna is known for, also amazed delegates as they saw how these woodcarvers etched their family’s legacy in the town’s history. Delegates were welcomed at Lumban, Laguna, by energetic pupils wearing ternos and barongs. The streets of Lumban offer a wide array of shops selling embroidered Barong Tagalog and Filipinianas, the trademark of Laguna’s oldest town. The Philippine Experience Program is just one of the many projects of Secretary Cristina Garcia Frasco. It aims to diversify the cultural tourism product offerings of the country, equalize opportunities across the regions, support the preservation of the country’s heritage and artistic resources and assets, and, most importantly, instill a sense of pride and patriotism among the Filipino people through a greater appreciation of the country’s inheritance and legacy. The post Love CALABARZON, Love the Philippines! appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Museo ng Makati celebrates Patis Tesoro creations
In the vibrant tapestry of Filipino arts and heritage, few threads are as intricate and captivating as fashion. Much like traditions and customs, fashion as a form of artistic and cultural expression has played a pivotal role in shaping the Filipino identity and has evolved alongside the nation’s rich history. It is not just about clothes, it is the tales they share, the craftsmanship they embody, the heritage they preserve, and the patrimony they carry on through generations. The Museo ng Makati, housed in the old Presidencia, which served as the town hall until 1961 and has since been declared as an Important Cultural Property of our islands, proudly presented the Grand Dame of Filipino Fashion herself, Patis Tesoro. Entitled Kasuotang Filipino: Mga Likha ni Patis Tesoro, this exhibition was a testament to the enduring legacy of our people’s artistic expression. Although celebrated for its romantic allure, these also carry expressions of love for our country. The exhibit highlighted the enduring 50-year lifelong friendship between Patis and Mita Rufino, who loaned a part of her personal Tesoro-designed Filipiniana. Rufino’s impeccable taste in fashion mirrors her support for the finest designers and creators in the field, with Tesoro as a favorite due to their numerous collaborations. Maria Beatriz Pamintuan Tesoro, lovingly known as Patis, is the force behind this remarkable assemblage. Her journey began in Iloilo, where she drew inspiration from her mother’s dressmaking skills and honed her own dexterity in embroidery during her time at the Assumption Iloilo. [gallery columns="5" size="full" ids="194543,194542,194541,194540,194539"] Her pursuit of artistic excellence brought her to Marygrove College in Michigan, United States, where she studied Art Education. The visionary’s passion in everything Filipino deepened when she married the late Tito Tesoro, whose family owns the iconic Filipino handicrafts store Tesoros. Together with former Philippine First Lady Amelita “Ming” Ramos, Patis worked tirelessly to protect, preserve and promote the use of pineapple or piña fabric, collaborating closely with local farmers to bolster their production. Even today, she continues to champion Filipino textiles and embroidery traditions, while infusing bohemian styles and practical, everyday clothing into her creations. While Tesoro’s genius was on the spotlight, it was equally dedicated to the exquisite beauty and exceptional craftsmanship of Filipino weavers and artisans, burdareras and costureras. The creations on display were nothing short of breathtaking. The venue showcased 23 long gowns that spanned fashion influences from various regions of the archipelago, which offered glimpses into her sensibilities throughout her illustrious career. These reflected her vision of the elegant Filipino attires. [caption id="attachment_194537" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Fashion innovator Patis Tesoro, curator Albert Figueras and Filipino Heritage Festival Foundation Inc. president Mita Rufino. | PHOTOGRAPHS by Edu Jarque[/caption] Hand in hand, fashion designer Albert Figueras had contributed his private treasure trove of fabrics from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, offering visitors a valuable opportunity to acquaint themselves on native textiles and weaving traditions — a critical endeavor in an era dominated by fast fashion and synthetic fabrics. Figueras played a crucial role in curating the whole affair. In attendance were civic servants such as Makati City Vice Mayor Monique Lagdameo and notable diplomats, business leaders, fashion afficionados, textile artists and modern trendsetters. The event was made possible by the Filipino Heritage Festival Inc. spearheaded by its president, Mita Rufino. SM Makati manager Kathleen Anne Cruz and SM Retail president Cielo Monasterio generously supported the show. The exhibit also saw a romantic performance of a string of kundimans from the Choral Society of Makati, joined by the city’s 2018 champion and a member of the University of Makati Chorale Kristina Maniling. The post Museo ng Makati celebrates Patis Tesoro creations appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Yulo 4th in floor exercise at gymnastics worlds
Filipino gymnast Carlos Yulo barely missed the podium in the men's floor exercise final at the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships Saturday evening (Manila time.).....»»
‘Anak Datu’ opens a rush of truth from ripples of trauma
A year after it premiered, Anak Datu is returning to the stage, opening the 37th season of Tanghalang Pilipino, the resident theater company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. When it debuted, it immediately became a landmark production in several ways. It was one of the first plays to be mounted with a live audience after the lockdowns and restrictions of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 and 2021. And it was the first play to be staged at the newly opened CCP Black Box Theater or Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez. Anak Datu is one of the few plays on the Tausug and Moro people and cultures of Mindanao, portrayed with marked sensitivity and apparent diligence. It was lauded by critics and audiences, with former Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo as one of the prominent people who trooped to CCP to watch the play on 1 October 2022. The play went on to win six awards at the 13th Gawad Buhay and five at the 35th Aliw Awards. [caption id="attachment_192618" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] the tausug pangalay dance is incorporated into the play.[/caption] Fine-tuned production Despite the accolades and being one of the most important theatrical events in 2022, the play was faulted by some for what was seen as its confusing storytelling, its shifts in timeline and milieus, and the cumbersome sets. The second staging afforded the creative team the opportunity to fine-tune these and other aspects of the production. According to director Chris Millado, former CCP vice president and artistic director, they were able to make the storytelling clearer and supply an elevated platform to make the designs of the light projections more visible. For Dennis N. Marasigan, current CCP vice president and artistic director, “[o]n its rerun, Tanghalang Pilipino's Anak Datu is tighter, its storytelling and technical aspects clearer and crisper, and its staging even more affecting, effectively overlaying story, myth and history.” The restaging marks another milestone in the journey of the play, which started in 2018 from talks that artist Toym Imao, son of the late National Artist for visual arts Abdulmari Asia Imao, had with Millado and veteran actor and TP artistic director Fernando “Nanding” Josef about making a stage adaptation of the elder Imao’s short story for children, written in 1968, the year Toym was born. The team recruited award-winning playwright Rody Vera to write the script. The plan became more concrete when Josef decided to make the project TP’s first original play after the pandemic lockdowns. By then, the play has evolved into something larger than the original story. Serving as Anak Datu’s set designer, Imao recalled the anxieties they felt during the first stages of production, especially the prospect of one of them getting sick and shutting down the show. “But we were able to tell an essential story that was important, especially for a nation that was coming out of the devastating election of May 2022 for a lot of people. It is something important for us na nakapagkuwento kami (we were able to tell a story),” he said. [caption id="attachment_192619" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Ramli Abdurahim as the pirate Jikiran.[/caption] Three stories Anak Datu tells three stories — Toym’s childhood with his father (Paul Jake Paule) and mother, Grace de Leon (Toni Go-Yadao); his father’s short story; and the recent history of his father’s people, the Muslim Tausug in Sulu Archipelago and the Moro, the collective Muslim ethnic groups, of Mindanao. The Imao family portion shows Toymie (Carlos Dala) growing up with Voltes V and other preoccupations of middle-class children in Metro Manila. Then there is the story of the disputed 1968 Jabidah Massacre, told through Jibin Arula (Gie Onida), the lone survivor — how young Tausug men, mostly illiterate, were recruited by the military, transferred to Corregidor and then massacred upon the discovery of a suspicious plot. Also dramatized is the 1974 Palimbang Massacre, in which the military allegedly murdered more a thousand Moro men inside the Malisbong masjid in the province of Sultan Kudarat, while 3,000 women and children were detained and about 300 homes were burned down. These incidents were said to have sparked the conflicts and armed struggle in Mindanao that would scar the region for decades. Along with the contemporary scenes is the retelling of the short story Anak Datu, set in a pre-colonial time and rendered in mythical mode, combining both the familial and the tragic. The Tausug village of datu Karim (Hassanain Magarang) and his wife Putli Loling (Tex Ordoñez-De Leon and Lhorvie Nuevo) is attacked by pirates, led by Jikiran (Ramli Abdurahim), who kidnaps the pregnant Putli Loling. She gives birth to Karim, who grows up knowing Jikiran as his father but later learns the truth. [caption id="attachment_192620" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Artist Toym Imao taking a picture with the cast and creative team.[/caption] Graceful movements All throughout, the play shifts among these threads of stories, each one compelling and multi-layered. Counterbalancing the oral storytelling is the dramatization through graceful movements, choregraphed by Magarang using the pangalay or Tausug traditional dance, a shared art form with the Yakan (pamansak) and Sama (igal) peoples, thus rendering the stories more visual and adding allure and distinctive cultural flavor to the play. The dances are accompanied by a live kulintangan or gong ensemble. The stark interiors of the theater come alive and burst with colors courtesy of the lighting by Katsch Catoy and projection design of GA Fallarme, who uses Abdulmari Imao’s paintings and traditional Tausug and Meranaw motifs such as the okir as inspirations. Toym’s set pieces are highly movable to keep up with the constant shifts in storytelling, and the bigger ones are like art installations, contributing to the visual richness of the production. Harnessing memory, myth and history, Anak Datu is able to weave its stories into an enthralling whole, establishing interconnectedness and consolidating the story of a person, a family and a community into the very story of a nation, like three or more streams converging into a great river. Tanghalang Pilipino’s Anak Datu runs 29 September to 15 October at Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater). The post ‘Anak Datu’ opens a rush of truth from ripples of trauma appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Iconic Italian home brand marks 16 years in Phl
Sixteen years of bringing joy to Filipino homes. This was how SMEG Philippines presented itself to its guests to mark its recent anniversary celebration at The Ayala Museum. SMEG, the world-famous Italian brand of modern lifestyle home and kitchen appliance that incorporates technology and style into every product, is exclusively distributed in the Philippines by Mondo Cucina Inc., owned by the power couple Ton and Karen Concepcion. SMEG stands for Smalterie Metallurgiche Emiliane Guastalla (roughly translated to English as Metal Enameling Plant of Guastalla, Emilia). It is best known for its outstanding performance and sleek, retro-style designs for refrigerators, washing machines, stand mixers, toaster ovens, microwaves, wine cabinets and coffee machines – all in striking colors of red, blue, orange, yellow, white and what-have-you. The iconic global brand has elevated the culinary experience with a touch of sophistication to numerable kitchens, making them truly a functional pieces of art. “Sixteen years ago, my wife Karen and I went to a town called Guastalla in Emilia Romagna in the northern Italy, where SMEG’s headquarters are located,” said Ton, founder and owner of MCI. “We immediately fell in love with SMEG. Never have we seen such beautiful appliances made with careful attention to design and technology. We knew we have to bring SMEG into the Philippines. And so, in 2006 driven by a passion for excellence into bringing the best experiences to the customers, we open the first SMEG experience center at Serendra in BGC.” Concepcion added: “Today, SMEG is an iconic brand — a household name desired by many. It can be found in top luxury homes all over the Philippines and nearly 10,000 luxury condominiums across Metro Manila, Cebu and Davao, all having SMEG kitchens. Our customers understand that SMEG products are actually pieces of art and not just appliances. We are excited for the future as we continue to innovate and launch new products and expand our stores and service centers nationwide.” Functional pieces of art Since SMEG products have been recognized as functional pieces of art, it was just apt that SMEG Philippines anniversary was held at the Ayala Museum, where guests were first transported to Italy via a delightful indoor garden installation, then ushered to view a great Philippine masterpiece. The venue was transformed into a lush Italian garden playfully adorned with SMEG appliances like an art installation reminiscent of the Emilia Romagna region. It was filled with lemon trees, flowers and verdant greens that came alive with the stunning colors of SMEG appliances showcased as pieces of art. Then, guests were ushered to an exclusive preview of a great Philippine masterpiece -- Juan Luna’s long-lost artwork, “Hymen, oh Hyménée.” This prized work by Luna stayed with him for a decade until his death in Hong Kong in 1899, when it mysteriously vanished. Italian ambassador to the Philippines, Marco Clemente, and SMEG Export director for Asia Matteo Lupi graced the event. Business leaders from the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines and stalwarts from the country’s property development, design and architecture industries were also present. “Our brand’s commitment to outstanding design and quality remains,” said Karen, SMEG Philippine creative director. “SMEG technology is very important and unique. It’s energy saving. It’s a big plus.” SMEG Philippines continues to push the envelope in terms of design and innovation. The long tradition and history, combined with new creations continue to bring even better SMEG appliances to more homes. “For the next 16 years or maybe not just 16 but many more years, we continue to innovate and market the brand. We always want to think out of the box and that’s the spirit of SMEG — artistic, high quality and unexpected,” Karen concluded. The post Iconic Italian home brand marks 16 years in Phl appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
2023 National Arts and Crafts Fair
The 2023 National Arts and Crafts Fair, a flagship platform for showcasing the rich cultural heritage of indigenous crafts, arts, and traditions, will be held from 4 to 8 October at Megatrade Halls 1-3 in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. It is being organized by the Department of Trade and Industry – Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion in collaboration with the DTI Regional and Provincial Offices and supported by the Office of Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda. The National Arts and Crafts Fair was conceptualized and initiated by Senator Legarda in 2016. As a national fair dedicated exclusively to our homegrown creative industries, the NACF is a significant initiative not only for preserving the country’s cultural heritage but also for promoting the economic viability of indigenous arts and crafts. Pre-pandemic, the five NACFs held from 2016-2019 were able to generate revenues of Php 114 million for its exhibitors. Back in the spotlight after a three-year hiatus, more than 200 micro, small, and medium enterprises from the country’s 17 regions have been carefully curated for the 2023 NACF. Their displays will feature traditional products such as Philippine fabrics, handwoven items, and handicrafts, as well as contemporary interpretations in the form of handmade ornaments, jewelry, woven apparel, and fashion accessories. Beyond the economic empowerment of indigenous communities and local artisans, the NACF also offers an educational experience through its daily program of activities. Attendees will have the opportunity to delve deeper into the cultural significance of our artistic traditions through workshops, demonstrations, and interactive exhibits. Aspiring entrepreneurs will find valuable resources and business insights during dedicated talks and sessions. Most significantly, the daily program will include feature presentations from the various Schools of Living Traditions from all over the region, providing an immersive experience into the rich and diverse cultural resources of our people. The post 2023 National Arts and Crafts Fair appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
An Italian garden with surprises
The prestigious Ayala Museum provided the perfect venue for SMEG Philippines’ recent 16th anniversary. Guests were first transported to Italy via a lush indoor garden installation with colorful and artistic appliances that SMEG is known for......»»