CCP Celebrates National Women’s Month with Facade Lighting

The Cultural Center of the Philippines lights up the Tanghalang Pambasan (CCP Main Building), the Bamboo Pavilion at Liwasang Kalikhasan, and the Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez in purple to celebrate the National Women’s Month this March.

CCP Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez
CCP Liwasang Kalikhasan

Designed by Camille Balistoy and Jericho Pagana, and executed by the Production Design and Technical Services Division under the Production and Exhibition Department, the façade lighting is the art institution’s way of recognizing Filipino women’s contribution to nation-building, putting the spotlight on their accomplishments. Through its various programs and projects, the CCP advocates women’s empowerment and gender equality.

(Photo by RODEL VALIENTE)

#CCP #WomensMonth #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Life ‘n Arts Festival: A celebration of a bountiful harvest of culture, diversity and creativity

What happens when you transform an Art Fair into a Fiesta? It metamorphoses into something more profound we call an Art Festival. A celebration of a bountiful harvest of culture, diversity, and creativity encompassing the traditional and contemporary forms of dance, music, theater, literature, visual arts, and other mediums of creativity. With this context, over 90,000 individuals had the enriching experience of immersing themselves in the arts at the heart of Laguna this February, widely recognized as Art Month nationwide.

Bursting with vibrant music, dazzling dance performances, and captivating art exhibits, the Life ‘n Arts Festival pulsated with a spirit of joyful community. This lively celebration, now in its second year (previously known as the Laguna Art Festival), truly lived up to its name, offering a kaleidoscope of experiences that breathed life into art and brought people together. The idea for this festival was inspired by Lerma Julian, who is also marking the 21st founding anniversary of her gallery, Life n’ Arts.

This three-day celebration was the ultimate dream for every art enthusiast and especially art collectors, as 28 exhibitors and over 300 artists showcased their latest collections. Among the participating galleries were: Life ‘n Arts Gallery, Omvi Gallery, Daloy Likha Art Gallery, Kambal Gallery Hong Kong, Nami Art Gallery, M Gallery, Quadro Art Gallery, Unified Artist Society, FAVA INC. Gallery, Nañola Gallery and Art Natin Gallery. While the works of master artists like Raul Isidro, Al Perez, Juno Galang, Augusto Santiago, Fidel Sarmiento, Jun Rocha, Ram Mallari, Otep Bañez, Dante Enage, Ronald Castrillo, Cameron Castrillo, Emmanuel Nim, and many more were celebrated and became bountiful delight for the eyes and the heart.

To enrich the event further, art workshops and demonstrations were led by master artists such as Fidel Sarmiento, Jun Rocha, Augusto Santiago, and others. Acknowledging that in the arts, skill alone is not enough, art academicians were also invited to deliver a series of art talks and lectures that stimulated participants’ minds and inspired creative processes. These activities provided participants with the opportunity to engage in two learning dimensions: psychomotor skills and a cognitive understanding of art.

The Festival kicked off last February 2, 2024, with the Bear Pouring Workshop, which was led by the Life ‘n Arts teachers. Other highlights included the oil pastel demonstration by AAP Maestro Fidel Sarmiento, the bonsai art demo by Richard Tuppil, and performances by MMCL Shape, Caritas Don Bosco, and Leah Cortina. This year’s newest addition to the program, the Cosplay Parade, and Competition, was also a highlight of the day, leaving the community joyfully celebrating art through cosplay.

Clay sculpting demo by Lito Mondejar.

On its second day, February 3, 2024, the Festival started with a crochet workshop led by Teacher Marie Tecson, and a clay sculpting demonstration by Manilito Mondejar. In the afternoon, a polymer workshop was conducted by Playground PH followed by an On-the-Spot portrait of Jun Rocha with Marriannelle Baccay as the live-portrait model. To lighten the day, the Miriam College Music Club serenaded everyone around. The day ended with a Fashion Talk led by the Fashion Institute of the Philippines, followed by a magnificent fashion show featuring the exquisite works of their incredibly talented designers.

On the final day, February 4, 2024, the festival concluded with a pottery workshop led by Evan Venegas of Ay! Putik Studio. This was followed by an art talk featuring visual artists Jarvie Madronero, Abbey Romina, Yana Ofrasio, and Rommel Rico. Maestro Augusto Santiago also showcased his unparalleled skills with on-the-spot portraits having Maria Thea Judinelle Casuncad as the live portrait model. In the afternoon, the celebration peaked with the Battle of the Canvas 2 On-the-Spot Painting Competition, featuring over 40 participants divided into two categories: artist and student levels. Meanwhile, ACTS Manila dazzled the crowd with impressive ballet performances. The program continued with Mommy Lala’s engaging arts and crafts activity, culminating in closing performances by DLSU-IS SHS, bringing the festival to a memorable end.

Battle of the Canvas 2 Winner – Shanra Kate Gilongos.

The event’s undeniable success was a testament to the strong sense of girl power leadership led by Ms. Lerma Julian and Leah Cortina. Their dynamic leadership was complemented by the combined efforts of Alaire Ann Lazaro and Michaella Cullo from the marketing department, contributing to the event’s seamless execution and remarkable achievements.

A heartfelt thank you is also extended to the generous sponsors: Liquitex, Winsor and Newton, Abstrak Canvas, East Asia, Pebeo, Franchise Manila, I Heart Art, Pizza Hut, Union Bank, and Ash Tech. Additionally, esteemed partners such as Ayala Malls Solenad, National Commission for Culture and Arts, Art Association of the Philippines, City of Sta. Rosa Laguna, Sangguniang Kabataan ng Brgy. Sto. Domingo Sta. Rosa Laguna, Elood Aesthetic Bar, Fashion Institute of the Philippines – Sta. Rosa, Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna, Miriam College Nuvali, De La Salle University Integrated School, DLSU College of Business Administration and Accountancy Student Government, St. Scholastica’s College Westgrove, Xavier School Nuvali, ACTS Manila, and The Philippine Star as a media partner, played a pivotal role in making the event more impactful.

A heartfelt thank you is also extended to the generous sponsors: Liquitex, Winsor and Newton, Abstrak Canvas, East Asia, Pebeo, Franchise Manila, I Heart Art, Pizza Hut, Union Bank, and Ash Tech. Additionally, esteemed partners such as Ayala Malls Solenad, National Commission for Culture and Arts, Art Association of the Philippines, City of Sta. Rosa Laguna, Sangguniang Kabataan ng Brgy. Sto. Domingo Sta. Rosa Laguna, Elood Aesthetic Bar, Fashion Institute of the Philippines – Sta. Rosa, Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna, Mir

#LifenArtsFestival #ArtMonth #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Life ‘n Arts Festival 2024 Returns for its Second Edition

Life ‘n Arts Festival 2024 is set to enchant art enthusiasts from February 2 to 4, 2024, at the Activity Park, Ayala Malls Solenad, Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna. This eagerly awaited event, previously known as the “Laguna Art Festival,” returns for its second edition, aligning with Art Month’s festivities. Dedicated to supporting local artists, promoting Filipino arts, fostering a thriving artistic community, and connecting with diverse audiences, the festival brings a myriad of dimensions to art appreciation.

The festival unfolds as an exploration of art as pedagogy, featuring interactive activities like art workshops and art demos led by master artists in pastels, watercolor, clay sculpting, and more. It seamlessly transitions into a dance with nature through the captivating art of bonsai, showcasing the skilled cultivation of miniature natural landscapes. Further enriching the experience, art talks delve into the transformation of arts into digital forms and distinguish between modern art and contemporary art.

As the three-day event unfolds, galleries and artists from the nearby Metro exhibit their latest collections, promising artistic creations that captivate the senses. Performances by talented artists from local schools, expressing kinesthetic art through dance and singing, contribute to the lively celebration. The festival embraces the philosophy that art is a living entity with a body, mind, heart, and soul, offering a unique fusion of artistic expressions.

Hosted by Life ‘n Arts, a longstanding community-based art center in Santa Rosa, Laguna, the festival builds on a legacy dating back to 2002. Committed to providing the finest art products and services, Life ‘n Arts engages attendees through selling art materials, frames, paintings, and sculptures, as well as offering art, music, and dance workshops to cultivate the talents of aspiring artists.

Co-presented by Ayala Malls Solenad, in collaboration with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Art Association of the Philippines, and Brgy. Santo Domingo City of Santa Rosa Laguna, Sangguniang Kabataan Brgy. Sto. Domigno, and the festival proudly partners with esteemed institutions like Caritas Don Bosco School, Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna, Miriam College – Nuvali, De La Salle University – Integrated School, Xavier School Nuvali, St. Scholastica’s College Westgrove, ACTS Manila, and Fashion Institute of the Philippines – Sta. Rosa. Sponsorships from Elood Aesthetic Bar, Winsor & Newton, Liquitex, Abstrak Canvas, East Asia Innovations Incorporated, Pebeo, I Heart Art, Franchise Manila, Ash Tec, and Union Bank contribute to the grandeur of this cultural celebration.

#LifenArtsFestival2024 #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Art as Food for the Soul

For veteran stage managers Renz Sevilla, Ching Danseco, Roldan Espino, and Richard Eusebio, working on the stage management of Pasinaya: The CCP Open House Festival does not only bring joy to their lives, but it satisfies their soul and sustains it as well.

“Through time, magiging panata ‘yan. You have to be here because you have to pay back for all the good things na binigay [sa amin] ng Sentro,” said seasoned stage manager and designer Sevilla, who works as a carpenter and farmer when he’s not doing production work.

Eusebio, who was also a former folk dancer, currently works in a cruise ship but always makes sure to volunteer in Pasinaya every time he comes home.

Espino, meanwhile, finds joy in working in Pasinaya. A full-time fireman, he started his Pasinaya journey in 2017 and never stopped since then. He also does stage work in various CCP events through the years. “Basta bukal sa puso mo at masaya ka sa ginagawa mo, ipagpatuloy mo lang.”

Danseco reminisced of how they volunteered to do Pasinaya, with just shirts as payment. “Walang bayad noon, T-shirt lang. Ngayon, kahit kaunti meron na kaming natatanggap. Pero hindi pera ‘yung naging driving force para sumali kami sa Pasinaya. Kasi it’s food for the soul of the stage manager,” enthused Danseco who is a former folk dancer.

Stage manager Ching Danseco overseeing the Bukaneg performances.

As Sevilla and his fellow veteran stage managers saw this as a stepping stone for their credentials to flourish, they did not mind the lack of monetary compensation.

“Sa simula, pumasok kami ng Pasinaya for the experience, for the feel kung ano bang nangyayari sa Pasinaya. As years go by, gaya ng pag dumating ka na sa ganitong edad, having served years working in Pasinaya, magkakaroon ka na ng sense of devotion,” said Sevilla.

As stage managers, they handle more or less everything. May it be in the creative or technical department, they oversee sets, props, lights, and sound; while calling all technical cues during performances. With the many hats they wear, the challenges they face as stage managers only serve to keep their passion for their work burning.

“Hindi mo mararamdaman ‘yung pagod, talagang mag-eenjoy ka kahit na kulang ka sa tulog at pagod,” said Espino.

Danseco sees this as an eye-opener for the young volunteers. “It’s an experience, yes, but it is also a huge challenge and a huge responsibility, lalo na dahil marami kang hawak na performing groups,” he said.

In 2023, there was a grand total of 150 shows which featured more than 3,000 artists from different art fields. As an open house festival, Pasinaya welcomes people from all walks of life to foster art appreciation not only through countless performances, screenings, and other art activities, but also through 30-minute workshops in various art disciplines conducted by leading artists, resource persons, and teachers.

Since 2005, the Pasinaya has become a safe space for artists and cultural groups to showcase their talents while being a nurturing platform for art education and appreciation for the audiences through interactions and performances.

Pasinaya boasts of over a hundred free shows, workshops, and other activities in music, theater, dance, visual arts, film, and literature to choose from. It is also widely known to pool hundreds of volunteer artists, stagehands, technical crew, and other cultural workers to make the entire festival possible.

This year, for the first time ever, the country’s biggest multi-arts festival will go beyond the capital city and spread its wings to Visayas and Mindanao on February 3 and 4, 2024.

Eusebio hopes for more young volunteers to try stage management since the vocation also champions the Philippines and its cultures.

Following the theme “Sulong,” the country’s largest multi-arts festival returns on a grander scale with more artistic and cultural offerings in its 20th year. Pasinaya will simultaneously happen at the CCP Complex and its partner museums, the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Arts in Iloilo City, and Tagum City, Davao del Norte on February 3 and 4, 2024, moving forward to promote art as food for everyone’s soul.

#Pasinaya #CCP #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Cinemalaya 2024 Calls for Short Film Entries

After two decades of celebrating Philippine independent filmmaking, the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Cinemalaya Foundation Inc. open the screens for submission to the Short Film Category of the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival 2024.

The deadline for submissions is on or before 6 pm on March 8, 2024.

The country’s biggest independent film competition is open to all Filipino filmmakers. Interested participants may submit a maximum of three (3) entries but only one (1) entry per proponent may be considered as a finalist.

Submitted entries must have been produced from March 3, 2023 to March 8, 2024. Short film entries that participated in other local and international festivals and competitions are qualified to join Cinemalaya. However, if an entry is submitted and is selected as a finalist in both the Cinemalaya and Gawad Alternatibo, the said entry will automatically be removed from the Gawad Alternatibo lineup, in favor of Cinemalaya.

Entries may be submitted ONLINE or OFFLINE. For online application, submit all requirements through  https://forms.gle/gb4csK1rcDqFwnhs7 . Requirements include a duly completed entry form, synopsis in English, a brief resume with 2×2 photo/s of the filmmaker/s, and the final work in MP4 format, with violator/watermark (for screening purposes only) and properly labeled with title, production company, address and contact numbers, production date, director’s name, running time which should not exceed 20 minutes including credits.

For OFFLINE submission, send entries to the Film, Broadcast, and New Media Division office, located at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Annex Building, Vicente Sotto St., Pasay City.

For OFFLINE submission, film entry must be submitted on a thumb drive (USB), with the entry form, synopsis, and filmmaker’s profile. All must be submitted in a long brown envelope properly labeled with the proponent’s name, title of the film, and contact details.

The Cinemalaya Selection Committee will shortlist 10 film finalists which will be screened at the 2024 Cinemalaya Film Festival on August 2 to 11, and will have the chance to compete for the coveted Balanghai trophies.

Since 2005, Cinemalaya has been committed to the development and promotion of Philippine independent film. At its core, it provides an avenue for the production of cinematic works of Filipino independent filmmakers that boldly articulate and freely interpret the Filipino experience with fresh insight and artistic integrity. With its call for submissions for the 2024 short film competition, Cinemalaya continues to invigorate the Philippine film industry by developing a new breed of Filipino filmmakers.

For full mechanics, visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) and the Cinemalaya website (www.cinemalaya.org). Follow the official CCP and Cinemalaya social media accounts on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for more updates.

#Cinemalaya #CCP #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Jeanette Kamphuis: In Her Element

Swedish artist Jeanette Kamphuis, a name synonymous with the seamless fusion of art, nature, and elemental forms, invites you to embark on an enchanting journey through her world at the Imahica Art Gallery. With a collection of over 20 artworks and the unveiling of her book “JEANETTE KAMPHUIS: Inspirations and Impressions,” this one-woman art show and book launch promises an immersive experience that delves deep into the artist’s passion for nature and the elements that shape our world.

“In Her Element” succinctly encapsulates Jeanette Kamphuis’s connection with her art and her lifelong fascination with the elemental pillars of human existence. Her works, spanning multiple artistic disciplines, are a testament to her unyielding devotion to this theme, mirroring the value of our planet’s parallel reality. The Earth beckons her, urging her to connect with and express her extraordinary perspective on our collective home.

Jeanette Kamphuis shares, “For as long as I can remember, I always felt that I was ‘ONE’ or connected with the earth.” Her innate creativity flows effortlessly through various channels – be drawing, painting, singing, or crafting. It is a connection so profound that when she paints, she feels a rush of pure, intense energy, and every word conjures a vivid image. Her world is a canvas filled with vibrant colors, harmonizing with her music, art, and the beauty of nature.

“JEANETTE KAMPHUIS: IN HER ELEMENT” is an exploration of this unique connection, a tribute to the earth and its fundamental forms. The heart of her aesthetic is balance, offering a respite from chaos and a harmonious balance that brings serenity, purpose, and contemporary cohesion to the forefront.

She reflects, “I always strive for balance and purpose because they impart stability and security… remember, the elements were here before us, they will remain after us. We must embrace them and use them wisely. Only human sensitivity can transform the immutable into the unforgettable.”

#JeanetteKamphuis #artshow #booklaunch #Imahica #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

All-Male Group Wins Top Prizes in Choral Contest in Tolosa, Spain

THE Male Ensemble Philippines (MEn) clinched top prizes in the recently concluded 54th Tolosa Choral Contest held from October 31 to November 5, 2023, in the town of Tolosa in the Basque Region of Spain.

Led by their musical director Ily Matthew Maniano, the group secured the First Prize in the Secular Music Category and the Second Prize in the Sacred Music Category under the Vocal Groups Category of the competition, surpassing competitors from the United Kingdom, Italy, Iceland, and Sweden.

The Male Ensemble Philippines is a 6-member vocal ensemble under the Philippine Madrigal Singers Company of Artists, composed of singers from different world-class and award-winning choral groups, united by passion and love for ensemble singing. The group consists of Ily Matthew Maniano (countertenor), Amiel Job Liwanagan (countertenor), Tomas Umberto Virtucio, Jr. (tenor), John Philip Bautista (tenor), Dwight Benedict Chavez (baritone), and Nil’s Emerson Flores (bass).

Regarded as “one of the most important choral events in the world,” the Tolosa Choral Contest brings together top choirs from around the globe. It aims to bring together the best choirs in the world, in order to enable an exchange of styles, interpretation, choral literature, vocal education, and customs of each country, as well as raise awareness of the musical and cultural tradition of the Basque Country.

Established in 1969, the competition has become one of the most important choral events in the world through the years.  To date, almost 1,200 different choirs from all over the world have come to Tolosa to make their music.

“The Cultural Center of the Philippines is proud of the success that the Male Ensemble Philippines achieved in the Tolosa Choral Contest.  We laud them for epitomizing solid musicianship as well as championing artistic discipline and respect. Our Filipino artists have been making their mark on both local and international stages, and the CCP supports them in their artistic journey,” said CCP president Michelle Nikki Junia.

The Male Ensemble Philippines is currently on its 2023 European Concert Tour from October 20 to December 19, conducting concerts, performances, and workshops in France, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, and Austria.

Since 2018, the group has dedicated itself to promoting Philippine culture and arts through music.  They have participated in numerous concerts and events across the Philippines and abroad, collaborating with esteemed musical artists and cultural, government, and private institutions. Recently, MEn performed at the prestigious Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory, following the invitation of the Philippine Embassy in Russia.

The Male Ensemble Philippines had performances at the Cultural Center of the Philippines as well, among them, TERNOCON in 2018, “Tanghalan Naming Tahanan” production of the Madz in 2019, as featured artists for BINURDA event in December 2022, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra’s concert “Messiah” in December 2022, and as part of the performance of the Philippine Madrigal Singers’ SIXTY OF PLENTY anniversary concert in October 2023.

For more information, contact the group via email at male.ensemble.ph@gmail.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram (@maleensembleph).

#MaleEnsemblePhilippines #CCP #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Intramuros Evenings Presents CCP Out-of-the-Box Series: Ang Kasal ni Figaro

The Tagalized production of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro,” originally produced as part of the CCP Out-Of-The-Box Series, returns to the stage through Intramuros Evenings on December 9, 6pm, at the Baluarte de San Diego inside the Intramuros, Manila.

“After its successful comeback with Isang Gabi ng Sarsuwela, Intramuros Evenings continues to delight with another CCP production, ‘Ang Kasal ni Figaro.’ We are grateful for this partnership with CCP as we relaunched our program. You can look forward to good programming that showcases the best of the Philippine arts and culture while promoting historical landmarks inside the Walled City,” said Intramuros Administration head Atty. Joan M. Padilla.

Intramuros Evenings, which was first held in 1996, used to feature performances from CCP resident companies such as the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO), Ballet Philippines, and Tanghalang Pilipino. Its recent revival paved the way for the CCP to once again feature the best of Philippine artists and performing groups through their long standing partnership.

“Ang Kasal ni Figaro” follows the resourceful servant Figaro as he and his betrothed Suzanne prepare for their wedding. In a comedic journey to happy-ever-after, the couple faces several attempts of Count Almaviva to prevent the marriage. Amid various hurdles, suspicions, and intrigues, will the couple finally find their happy ending?

The libretto of “The Marriage of Figaro” was written by Lorenzo da Ponte, based on The Figaro Trilogy by French playwright Pierre Beaumarchais.

“Ang Kasal ni Figaro” features stellar performances by Bianca Camille Aguila, Roxy Aldiosa, Diego Aranda, Angeli Benipayo, Ruzzel Clemeno, Nerissa de Juan, Roby Malubay, Nomher Nival, Noel Rayos, Jonathan Tadioan, and Floyd Tena, with stage direction by Jaime del Mundo.

Farley Asuncion takes charge of the music direction, with Ohm David for set design, Raqs Regalado for costumes, Rards Corpus for sound, Rommel Serrano for hair & make-up styling, and D Cortezano for lighting.

Nomher Nival and Angeli Benipayo.

CCP Vice President/Artistic Director Dennis N. Marasigan did the translation for this production, aiming to make opera more accessible to Filipino audiences.

“True to the concept of the CCP Out-Of-The-Box Series, which aims to present performances that audiences normally wouldn’t see in conventional programming, this re-staging of Ang Kasal ni Figaro would give a unique twist to what the opera we know. With its minimal set design and technical requirement, we are able to produce opera to create new awareness and further appreciation to this art form,” said Marasigan.

With a shared goal to promote the Philippine brand and strengthen national identity while helping in national development, the CCP and IA continue to collaborate to preserve what is inherently Filipino and celebrate the best of the best in performing arts through Intramuros Evenings.

Catch the second installment of Intramuros Evenings, featuring the CCP Out-Of-The-Box Series: “Ang Kasal ni Figaro,” on December 9, 2023, 6pm, at Baluarte de San Diego, Intramuros. The show is free to the public. Entrance fee to Baluarte de San Diego is priced at Php 75, with discounted price of Php 50 for students, senior citizens, and PWDs.

For latest updates, follow the CCP official social media accounts on Facebook, X, Instagram and Tiktok, and visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) for tickets and other inquiries.

#AngKasalniFigaro #CCPOutoftheBox #Intramuros #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

CCP Cultural Exchange Presents Mabuhay PH for OFWS in Europe

The CCP through its Cultural Exchange Department (CED) presents Mabuhay Philippines!, a cultural awareness and arts appreciation program for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and migrants, on October 20 to November 6, 2023 in selected communities in Europe.

Now on its 5th edition, Mabuhay Philippines will feature The Nightingales, composed of sopranos Bianca Camille Lopez-Aguila and Keiko Cressida Cayanga. The tour program will also include lecture demonstrations-workshops on Mindanao dance-theater by Professors Cecile B. Mambuay and Lolito M. Pontillas of Marawi/Cagayan de Oro and Agusan del Sur, and puni leaf art by Marichelle S. Bernardo of Malolos-Bulacan.

When it was first implemented in 2013 and 2014, Mabuhay Philippines brought the world-renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers for concerts and workshops in Singapore and Hongkong. In 2015, the CED facilitated the performance tour of CCP Gawad Awardee Barasoain Kalinangan Foundation, Inc. in various Filipino communities in Prague, Vienna, and Venice.

In 2018, the program brought the Song Weavers Phils. and Lahing Batangan Dance Troupe to Changwon City, South Korea for the Arirang Migrant Workers Cultural Festival. The program has been well-received in the three countries, with OFWs and Filipino migrants expressing their appreciation of the program.

For the Europe tour this year, the first leg featured concerts by the Song Weavers Philippines in June and July 2023 in Belgium, Germany, and France.

The last leg will have concerts in the Netherlands, Germany, and Spain. These are in partnership with the Filipino Catholic Community of Gouda, Team Blended of Bonn, Philippine Catholic Community of Cologne, and the Parroquia Immaculada Concepción Y San Lorenzo Ruiz in Barcelona.

The Nightingales concert program is a vibrant fusion of musical styles, featuring Filipino folk songs that celebrate cultural heritage, powerful operatic performances that will showcase the soprano duo’s vocal prowess, catchy pop tunes to captivate a modern audience, and heartwarming Christmas songs to spread holiday cheer.

The Mabuhay Philippines concert tour is organized by CED, led by department manager Chinggay Jasareno-Bernardo, with The Nightingales artistic director Alfred Allan Samonte and production manager/videographer John Ryan Aguila.

For more information, contact the CCP Cultural Exchange at 832-3674, or e-mail ccp.ced2014@gmail.com, or through the CCP CED Facebook page.
#CCP #MabuhayPhilippines #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Discover ‘A New Contemporary’: 15 Must-See Highlights at ManilART’23

From October 11 to 15, 2023, the national art fair celebrates its 15th year in grandeur with the theme “A New Contemporary,” which pays homage to the past while propelling the fair into its exciting future. On its fifteenth edition, it bridges past, present, and future – fairgoers can marvel at the works of established artistic forefathers and interact with next-generation immersive exhibits under one roof. As a flagship project of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts, ManilART’23 commemorates 15 years of Filipino creative brilliance during Museums and Galleries Month.

Our journey to explore this dynamic artistic landscape begins here. Moving from front to back, here are 15 picks from ManilART’23:

Orlina Art Cars. At the lobby, you will be greeted by Ramon Orlina’s captivating art cars, creations by and collaborations with the celebrated glass sculptor. These painted vintage cars channel the vibrant colors and psychedelic styles of the 1970s, providing a sneak peek into Orlina’s profound passion for vehicles and three-dimensional artistry — offering a preview of what’s to come at the upcoming Orlina Art Car Museum. (Pre-function Lobby/SMX Entrance)

 

Champagne Fountain by Ramon Orlina at The Estate Lounge. Detour to Hall 1. The Ledesma Champagne Fountain graces The Estate Makati Lounge at ManilART’23, serving as the centerpiece of The Wine Room. With its peridot hues designed to enhance the allure of sparkling wine, it adds a multisensorial experience to visual and gustatory appreciation. Partner Novellino Wines, a proud Filipino brand, supplies the fountain with super-chilled, free-flowing Vivace Sparkling White Wine. The Estate Lounge, meantime, gives visitors a sneak peak of the luxury and opulence of their soon-to-stand prime Ayala Avenue address as designed by world-class builders and adorned with the art of Filipino masters. (Hall 1 Lounge)

Ali Alejandro Digital Art (AADA) Installation. Stepping into the future, ManilART features new media, phygital art, and augmented reality, including Ali Alejandro’s Installation Art presented on a large LED screen. Through this new media, digital artists like Alejandro have limitless possibilities to project illusions of reality, utilizing materials that span from projections to sculptural pieces. Alejandro specifically created his digital art installation to celebrate 15 years of ManilART. (Hall 1 Lobby, LED stage)

Ombok Villamor (OMVI) Art Gallery. Inside the main exhibit hall, sculptures by its owner-namesake artist Ombok Villamor resemble tessellations of corals, forming organic shapes that evoke both surreal and contemporary elements. His recent works convey the dynamic energy and beauty of aquatic life, inspired by his surroundings on the shores of Samar in the Philippines. (Booth A1)

Marge Organo and Raisa Luz at Galleria Nicolas. Galleria Nicolas showcases a mother-and-daughter duo of glass sculptors, Marge Organo and Raisa Luz. Organo, a collector favorite at ManilART, creates contemporary abstract works that evoke relatable and intimate

scenes, captivating viewers with her generous use of color. Luz specializes in kiln-formed glass art, producing opalescent and transparent glass pieces that highlight her commitment to the craft and artistic development. (Booth A2)

Romulo Galicano and Portrait Artists Society of the Philippines (PASPI). Galicano, the country’s top figurative realist, delivers another masterpiece in his ongoing Climate Change series that offers social commentary about the spate of catastrophic changes in the world just in the past two decades with his work “The Messengers of Geoengineering”. He leads PASPI, a group dedicated to realist/romantic realist style in painting and portraiture based out of Manila and Cebu. Many notable painters today emerged from the group. (Booth B2)

Artes Orientes highlights the vibrant abstractions of Macoy Coching. Grandson of National Artist for Visual Arts Francisco Coching, the scion, a graduate of the University of Sto. Tomas College of Fine Arts, has since made a name for himself with his distinctive colorist abstractions. In “La Luna Llena”, his signature waves set the stage for Moonscapes– depictions of full moons glowing above serene, iridescent waves. In high contrast are the steampunk works of sculptor Ram Mallari, Jr. Brute force and size grab the viewer’s attention with his statement pieces. Flawless execution of an 8-foot tall Spartan warrior makes Mallari’s mastery of the style and medium evident. (Booth C1)

Junyee, Vinluan and Aviado. The Artologist presents a triumvirate of the country’s most senior artists including Luis “Junyee” Yee Jr., Nestor Vinluan and Virgilio “Pandy” Aviado. Junyee is hailed as the “Father of Installation Art in the Philippines,” celebrated for his lifelong dedication to documenting Filipino life and creatively using indigenous materials. Dean Vinluan’s work, meanwhile, embodies his visual thinking style– works that bring abstraction to a higher, spiritual plane. Pandy Aviado is renowned as the top figure in Philippine printmaking, leaving an indelible legacy in the medium. (Booth A7)

Featured Artists at the Annual Sculpture Review (ASR). The ASR, an annual gathering of Filipino sculptors, which is now on its 19th year, showcases the most innovative works of its collection at the fair. Among the year’s highlights is Roen Capule, known for his surrealist subjects crafted from metal and molded resin. Wood master Agi Pagkatipunan is back with his highly-imaginative functional art that uses only the best local hardwoods. Meanwhile, Jinggoy Salcedo delivers a forest of trees in stainless steel and borosilicate glass. More glass of the highest artistic caliber is delivered from the House of Orlina led by the patriarch Ramon Orlina, with scions Anna Orlina and Michael Orlina, who themselves have created a following for their distinctive work in the medium. (Booth B5)

Espacio Manila has both young and veteran artists side by side. The works of Jerika See and Jean Govinda Marquesto stand side by side with those of Mayi Penaflorida and Roger San Miguel. Penaflorida’s doll-faced characters make intriguing wall mates with See’s top view slice-of-life scenes and contrast with San Miguel’s traditional figurism and Marquesto’s abstraction. (Booth B6)

RDS Gallery. Danny Rayos del Sol’s eponymous RDS Gallery is a mainstay at ManilART and a must-visit. He is an artist known for his prolific ostrich egg art and has ventured into the canvas medium, incorporating fresh techniques that blend figurative painting with collage, interspersing traditional subjects with distinct Filipino weaves. (Booth D3)

Jose Tence Ruiz at Galerie Artes. Bogie Ruiz is back with his acerbic social commentary with the work “Neo-Makapil in Blue Croc” alluding to an icon of shame in Philippine history. He is now clad in Birkins and Louboutins and the visual rant goes on. The multimedia painter, sculptor, illustrator, designer and performance artist never fails to deliver a punch with his strong composition and bold colors. (Booth D6)

Entre Blanc: A Multisensory Exhibit. Entre Blanc returns for its sophomore edition, offering an interactive exhibit that engages viewers through multiple senses. Thirteen visual artists collaborate with a music composer-producer, drawing inspiration from his music to create unique artworks. This immersive experience of sight and sound resonates on multiple levels, exploring inspiration through different senses. (Booth D7)

Adeste Deguilmo at Daloy Likha. Another pride of Cebu, who studied under the Cebuano master Martino Abellana, is international award-winning painter Deguilmo. He brings his figurative canvases portraying traditional subjects in more contemporary style under the banner of gallery and publisher Daloy Likha. (Booth D8)

Invitational Sketching by Masters. An event rather than a permanent booth is the on-the-spot invitational sketching which happens at the Estate Lounge on October 14, Saturday afternoon, with top portraitists including Raul Isidro, Hermes Alegre, Caloy Gabuco, Gig de Pio, Celso Pepito, Al Perez, Cee Cadid, Jun Impas and more. Special sitter will be Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano wearing a Filipiniana dress. (Hall 1 Lounge)

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ManilART23 will be held from October 11-15, 2023 at the SMX Convention Center, 3rd Level, SM Aura Premier, Taguig City. Call (0977) 807 3369 or visit www.manilartfair.com for details.

 

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