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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

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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

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Music Educator-Artist Michelle Nikki Junia is New CCP President Ad Interim

Early childhood educator and performing artist Michelle Nikki Junia is the new President Ad Interim of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, starting September 1, 2023.  She was elected by the CCP Board of Trustees on August 16, 2023.

Junia, who has been with the CCP as board trustee since 2016, replaced Maria Margarita Moran-Floirendo who now holds the CCP’s ad interim co-vice chairperson position together with Atty. Lorna P. Kapunan.

Junia has a degree in Music Education major in voice (cum laude) at the UST Conservatory of Music.  She was under the tutelage of Maestra Irma Ponce-Enrile Potenciano.  Her love for teaching music and stage performance started at the young age of 15.

A former child singer and an original member of the 14K (scholars of National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab), Junia, whose family hails from Tolosa, Leyte, has performed all over the Philippines as well as in key Asian countries and in the United States.  She released a record album in 2009 entitled “Back in time”, which was hailed by media for her captivating music prowess and aptly accorded a title the “singer with a mission”.

Likewise, Junia did voice training in California, USA with the most sought after vocal coach in Hollywood: Seth Riggs.  Known for his “speech level singing technique”, Seth’s students included virtually the “who’s who” of the world’s top performers such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, Barbara Streisand, Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, and many more.

Presently, she manages and owns a school MUSIKGARTEN MANILA.  Junia was appointed a seat in the Board of Trustees of the Cultural Center of the Philippines in October 2016.

Junia looks forward to making the CCP programs known to the younger audiences that compose a large chunk of the country’s population through art integration and digital technology. “It won’t be as difficult for some people to reach out to CCP because they may be able to relate to me,” says Nikki who coincidentally is the youngest CCP president to hold the said position. “We have great programs, and need to catch up in promotions and marketing due to advancement in technology, including social media and other various digital platforms.  These are the areas that I want to work on as soon as possible,” she adds.  “The new direction is towards integration and inclusivity.  Integration, meaning the old being understood and appreciated by the new generation.  Inclusivity, meaning CCP is for all, regardless of social and economic status and gender, we started this with Kanto Kultura programs and other CCP programs,” Junia said.

“CCP is being more relevant now,” Junia explains. “We are truly evolving, and being sensitive to the needs of the rising fast-paced needs of this era.  With that in mind, we want to expand our reach to a bigger number of audiences, and continue what our past CCP presidents have done in terms of doing outreach programs.  Especially now that the CCP building is being rehabilitated for preservation and retrofitting, it is important to bring CCP to the various regions to make them feel that CCP is present.  CCP is not just a building.  We’re bringing the soul of CCP to the greater number of people around the country.   And we also want to continue our cultural exchanges to better promote them.”

Junia also said that during her term as CCP President she will help to awaken Filipinos in finding their own place in the artistic global industry, uplifting their status as artists, and educating the families on the importance of arts and culture.

#MichelleNikkiJunia #CCPPresident #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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From 2020 Vision to ‘A New Contemporary’: ManilART’23

The country’s national art fair proudly announces its milestone 15th year with the theme “A New Contemporary.” ManilART’23 will be held from October 11 to 15, 2023 at the SMX Aura Convention Center, Taguig City.

 

This marks the culmination of a series of themes that ManilART explored over the most recent years, emphasizing the legacy and tradition of Philippine art, while embracing new perspectives and the incorporation of new media.

Leading up to this milestone and beyond

In 2020, the art fair faced the year’s unprecedented challenges head-on with the theme 2020 Vision for a Future Reimagined, ready to take on the country’s evolving artistic landscape. In 2021, Continuing Legacies highlighted the art fair’s journey as a platform for the arts, celebrating tried and tested methods and paying homage to the artists behind its success. And in 2022, Forging Futures captured the spirit of progress as the fair began to navigate a post-pandemic world, ushering in a new era of artistic exploration.

This year signals “A New Contemporary” as ManilART continues its commitment to excellence, built upon each iteration of its evolving journey–bridging traditional and contemporary, providing a space for an ever-expanding spectrum of old and new media expression in the visual arts.

From functional to phygital: offerings at ManilART’23

At ManilART’23, there’s surely something for everyone. The art fair shall showcase a diverse range of exhibits, featuring both traditional and interdisciplinary expressions. Attendees can explore captivating canvas-based and sculptural works, as well as delve into the world of functional and technology-based art. The fair also embraces various media, including automotive art and design, digital art, sound art, and emerging forms like non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and phygital media.

ManilART also returns as a festival and fellowship for all art lovers via the grand gala opening, as well as VIP vernissage, artist night and various planned social and artistic engagements for collectors, artists and art aficionados. The milestone 15th year also celebrates the fair’s uninterrupted annual staging and having come out more responsive to the times.

A new art world of interconnectivity

Having gone through the crucible of global challenge, ManilART’23 retains the gains of being thrust onto the online sphere and continues to develop its online viewing platform and portals. These digital spaces allow for simultaneous, multi-location and satellite exhibitions, offering a larger showcase that brings art to wider audiences, allowing them to engage with art from the comfort of their own spaces.

ManilART’23 shall continue to partner with satellite exhibitions around the country as well as expand its onsite offering through collaborations. In the lineup include projects with Museo Orlina, The Estate, Silangan Art Fair, Barasoain Church and the Manila Clock Tower.

As the flagship project for Museums and Galleries Month of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, ManilART’23 continues to abide by its mandate to strengthen creative economy and promote Philippine visual artistry through supporting art galleries, museums, and associated institutions.

This year’s participating exhibitors are OMV Art Gallery, Galleria Nicolas, M Gallery MNL, Ysobel Art Gallery, AT Gallery, Renaissance Art Gallery, Artologist, Art for Space, Gallery du Soleil, Portrait Artists’ Society of the Philippines, Inc., Galerie Raphael, Gallery Nine, Annual Sculpture Review, Espacio Manila, Artes Orientes, Historia Arts, 371 Art Space, Village Art Gallery, Drybrush, Art Circle, Rayos Del Sol Gallery, Galerie Banez, NAMI, Galerie Artes, G9Online, Daloy Likha, Artalyer, and VCM.

ManilART’23 is supported by The Estate Makati, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Museums and Galleries Month, BAGO, SMX Convention Center Aura, Ladder Productions, Museo Orlina, Grentek Solutions Inc., Vision, Think Big Taguig, I Love Taguig, SM Aura Premier, Future Studios, Phoundry, BDO Credit Cards, Ticketbooth.ph, Giffard, Via Mare, Sebastiao Cocktails, ANC, Daloy Likha,  Inquirer.net, Cebu Daily News, Preen.ph, Inquirer POP!, Be An Inquirer, Scout, nolisoli.ph, The Manila Times, WhenInManila.com., SMNI News Channel,  DZAR 1026, Metro.Style, People’s Journal, Frontpage PH, Klik.PH, Experience Travel & Living Magazine, and Pilipino Mirror.

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ManilART’23 is set to run 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.

 

#ManilART23 #15thyear #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

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‘Ang Larawan: The Musical’ is a tour de force in the PH theater

The all-star cast, Alice Reyes Dance Philippines’ dancers, and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, presented Contra Mundum, a star-studded concert version of Ang Larawan: The Musical, held at the Manila Metropolitan Theatre last May 6, 2023.

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Manila Metropolitan Theatre, and Culturtain Musicat have offered a one-night-only Saturday performance of the three-act musical to celebrate the 50th-anniversary of the Order of the National Artists of the Philippines and National Heritage Month. It was also streamed for free on MET’s official Facebook page.

The country’s best artists from the film, music, and theatre industry united on stage to perform the greatest Filipino stage musical ever made. The stellar cast includes Celeste Legaspi, Bituin Escalante, Dulce, Aicelle Santos, Audie Gemora, Mitch Valdez, Karylle Tatlonghari, Hajji Alejandro, Kakai Bautista, Mikki Bradshaw-Volante, Kakki Teodoro, Nyoy Volante, Menchu Lauchengo-Yulo, Agot Isidro, Bodjie Pascua, Jericho Rosales, Sandino Martin, Markki Stroem, Nanette Inventor, Jojit Lorenzo, Jaime Fabregas, Nonoy Froilan, Paulo Avelino, Roeder Camañag, Ricky Davao, Rachel Alejandro, and Bea Alonzo.

The musical was based on the National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin’s stage play, A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino. It tells about two spinster sisters who are barely making ends meet despite having the ability to sell the symbolic and valuable last painting that their sick father made.

The musical play was staged several times by different theatre companies through the years, starting with its non-musical and original script presented with its English text in 1955, and it became more popular for its Tagalog musical adaptation in 1997, translated and lyrics by Rolando S. Tinio, and music by Ryan Cayabyab. The musical was even made into a film in 2017, directed by Loy Arcenas, which is an entry to the 43rd Metro Manila Film Festival that won the Best Picture award.

In Contra Mundum, the producers put a great effort to bring a top-notch stage musical, which is a pure Filipino masterpiece and a precious gem in literature, music, and arts. The concert version was brought to life with Chris Millado’s direction.

The concert had different actors who portrayed some roles in each act, showcasing different approaches to the lead characters of Candida and Paula, as well as Tony Javier and Bitoy Camacho.

Winter David’s minimalist set design and Barbie Tan-Tiongco’s wonderful lighting design complement all mise-en-scènes that were on point, making the entire show complete perfection with Joyce Garcia’s projection design. National Artist Badong Bernal, with well-known costume designers Gino Gonzales and Francis Libiran did a great job of making all the artists’ costumes fit their character’s bone structure and be realistic based on the story set in the 1940s.

Ang Larawan: The Musical is truly a must-see for everyone, especially millennials as if it is both entertaining and enlightening. Never boring, it is a spectacular musical for its wonderful music score, a high-spirited conga number led by Elsa Montes (Bea Alonzo), and inspired performances by the talented cast. It is also enlightening and informative, giving us a glimpse of Old Manila through the play’s dialogues, scenes, and songs. It shows a part of our history through a fictional tale of an impoverished family, specifically the spinster sisters, who are trying to desperately hold on to and fight for what is left behind – the painting, the house, their values – in the face of materialism, the changing times and the looming second World War.

Contra Mundum, the musical play’s concert version, is truly a tour de force in the Philippine Theatre that pays tribute to our very own art and culture. It is both a literal (the actual painting) and figurative (the Filipino artist) depiction of the Filipino artist. It is a sad commentary about starving artists who write or paint for their personal satisfaction. Their art gives them food for the soul but there is that sad realization that they also need to earn to put food on the table.

The award-winning film adaptation of the musical is now available for streaming on Netflix. It can also be streamed on iWantTFC.

Contributed by Rayne Jarabo

#AngLarawanTheMusical #ContraMundum #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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CCP TIG Gallery’s ‘The White Elephant Project’ inquires into architectural usages and purposes

The Cultural Center of the Philippines opens the second exhibit of the Bulwagang Roberto Chabet (TIG Gallery), titled “The White Elephant Project” by visual artist Jomar Galutera, on view until August 13, 2023.

 

Curated by Jason Dy, SJ, the exhibit is a serial inquiry into monumental infrastructures inspired by the artist’s mushroom farming. To support his independent practice, Galutera propagates edible mushrooms and sells them to local restaurants in Lucban, Quezon.

While farming, he gained insights on how organic materials flourish in decomposing substrate matter and correlated it on how disused, derelict, and destroyed buildings may have a future for utilitarian and humanitarian purposes, leading him to conceptualize and exhibit The White Elephant Project.

For the iteration exhibited at the TIG Gallery, the artist discursively engages the cultural complex, specifically the Manila Film Center (MFC), as another site of exploration for his first solo exhibition in Metro Manila. He delves into the history, architecture, and adaptive reuse of the building, as well as other complex factors that shaped its Parthenon-inspired architecture.

“This is the second of the series; the first being the running commentary and critique on the Bataan Power Plant. For this current exhibit at TIG Gallery, the artist chose the Manila Film Center. Admittedly, it had some lofty ideals when the Manila Film Center was imagined to be created. Nonetheless, we know that eventually when the film festivals ended, we had to reinvent the building,” shared Ariel Yonzon, the CCP associate director and head of the Production and Exhibition Department.

Through the years, efforts to reinvent the structure were made. Before the pandemic, the CCP planned to repurpose it as a communal creative space for artists and filmmakers.

“The artist’s insight on the building gives us the very basic definition of architecture. When we try to define architecture, it is always just forms and functions. Is the building, according to its form, able to serve what its intended purpose? The exhibit tries to delve into this,” said Yonzon during the exhibit opening held recently.

Through monochromatic paintings and video installations, the artist acts like a hybrid researcher that surveys online film clips and resources related to the film center. He did onsite visits and documented it through photographs and videos to understand the interplay between architecture and social space, history with its current evolution, as well as arts and public buildings.

Join the White Elephant Project workshop on July 18, 2pm. The workshop is co-organized with CCP Intertextual Division for the National Children’s Book Day Celebration.

There will also be a talk, dubbed “Inquiries and Interplays” with artist Jomar Galutera and curator Jason Dy, SJ, at 4pm. Galutera will talk about the first presentation in SaLang (Single-Piece Exhibition Series) at Project Space Pilipinas in Lucban, Quezon; while Dy will discuss the research and creative process for the current iteration that revolves around the Parthenon-inspired architecture of the Manila Film Center. The conversation aims to encourage thinking about how artmaking can present complex and historical subject matter in exhibitions.

The White Elephant exhibit runs until August 13, 2023. The Bulwagang Roberto Chabet (TIG Gallery) is located at the third floor of the Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez (CCP Blackbox Theater), inside the CCP Complex.

To keep you posted on the latest CCP news and current events, visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) or follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tiktok.

 

#CCP #TIGGallery #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Cinemalaya 19 Announces Short Film Finalists

The Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Cinemalaya Foundation Inc. reveal the 10 competing films that will vie for the Best Short Film in this year’s Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.

From 192 submissions, the 10 finalists are: Tong Adlaw Nga Nag-snow Sa Pinas by Joshua Caesar Medroso; HM HM MHM by Sam Villa-Real and Kim Timan; Golden Bells by Kurt Soberano; Hinakdal by Arvin Belarmino; Kokuryo: The Untold Story of Bb. Undas 2019 by Diokko Manuel Dionisio; Ang Kining Binalaybay kag Ambahanon ko para sa imo by Kent John Desamparado; Maudi Nga Arapaap (Last Dream) by Daniel James Magayon; Makoko Sa Baybay by Mike Cabarles; Sibuyas Ni Perfecto (Perfecto’s Onion) by Januar Yap; and Sota by Mae Tanagon.

The competing short films tackle a myriad of human stories, including zombie tale, family adventure, coming-of-age chronicles, LGBT narratives, and a documentary on horse caretakers, showcasing different techniques and approaches.

The 10 competing short films will be screened during the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, slated on August 4 to 13, 2023, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) located inside the CCP Complex in Pasay City.

The best short feature film will be awarded a cash prize amounting to Php150,000 and a Balanghai trophy during the Cinemalaya Awards Night on August 13.

Now in its 19th year, the Cinemalaya is an all-digital film competition that aims to discover, encourage, and support the cinematic works of Filipino filmmakers that boldly articulate and freely interpret the Filipino experience with fresh insight and artistic integrity.

 

#Cinemalaya #digitalfilmcompetition #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Watsons’ holds First Sustainability Exhibit together with drybrush Gallery showcasing artworks made from Reused materials

Sustainability has always been ingrained in Watsons’ DNA. The leading health, wellness, and beauty retailer is always at the forefront of helping educate and encourage customers do their part in saving the planet and encouraging them to make it a better place to live in for future generations.

Watsons has also integrated sustainability into its corporate strategy with initiatives like Sustainable Choices and encouraging volunteerism among its employees, pushing boundaries to show its customers that it can walk the talk.

As part of its sustainability initiatives and to celebrate Filipino artistry and talent, Watsons, in collaboration with drybrush Gallery, launches “Reuse with Watsons: A Sustainability Art Exhibit” held at drybrush Gallery in SM MOA Square, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.

Watsons hopes the art exhibit will be an avenue to raise public awareness about the importance of reusing by showcasing art pieces created from discarded materials such as plastic bottles/containers, plastic wrappers and containers, paper/carton boxes/tissue, blister packs, metals, sponges, foam, brushes, and cosmetics) collected from Watsons’ Recycle for Rewards Campaign/ Products found in Watsons Stores.

drybrush Gallery Founder Jojo Liao with Watsons Philippines Executives(L-R) Jowee Liao, Josie Arriola, Viki Encarnacion, Belle Pasayco, Sharon Decapia, Marlon Baguyot and Patrick Yu.

The exhibit also seeks to continuously educate and inspire the public to practice Reusing and the 3RS (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) as these would contribute to the preservation of our planet.

The participating artists were tasked to create art pieces that integrate discarded materials sourced from Watsons Stores and from all the entries, the three outstanding artworks, which best fit with the theme of the exhibit, will be chosen.

The artists that will be featured in the exhibit are Iñigo Acuña, Astrid Anabo, Neptalie unzo, Arnel Borja, Meijan Cabagay, Ape Castillo, Jeff Dahilan, Ronwaldo Dasal, Cesar Dela Torre, Angelo Delola, Daniel Dumaguit, Noli Española, Juno Galang, Esther Garcia, Ann Gatdula, Loise Angelo Go, Edgardo Granada, Anne Labesores, Ronald Limayo, Linggit (Briks Benigno), Ricardo Mallari, Ron Masaga, Luisito “Jon” Paras, Pancho Piano, Isah Rodillo, Roland Rosacay, Ferdinand Sanchez, James Sanorjo Jr., Rinald Sotto, JL Timbreza – Siao, Dominic Urbano and Ariel Villalobos.

Grand Prize Winner Ferdinand Sanchez with his winning piece, Aruga.

The top three artists will be chosen based on Creative Reuse (50%), the extent to which discarded materials are creatively repurposed and transformed into the artwork; Aesthetic Appeal (30%), the visual impact and artistic quality of the artwork, considering elements such as composition, use of color, texture, and overall craftsmanship; and Environmental Message (20%), the artwork’s ability to convey a message of environmental sustainability, raising awareness about the importance of reusing and reducing waste, and inspiring consumers to adopt more eco-friendly practices.

“We are very happy with our collaboration with drybrush Gallery, which helped greatly in making all this possible.  To the participating local artists who have tremendously supported us and have given their whole dedication in creating art pieces using sustainable products from Watsons, we salute your passion and your love for our planet,” said Watsons Sustainability and PR Director Ms. Viki Encarnacion.

To view the Watsons Sustainability Exhibit artworks and learn more about the artists, log on to drybrush Gallery website.

 

#Watsons #drybrushgallery #sustainability #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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‘Isang Gabi ng Sarsuwela’ in the New CCP Out-Of-The-Box Series

The Cultural Center of the Philippines gets out of the box with its new series of concert productions, dubbed CCP Out-of-The-Box (OTB) Series, featuring performances that audiences normally wouldn’t see in conventional programming.

Conceptualized by former artistic director Chris Millado, the CCP Out-of-The-Box Series aims to create a space “for adventurous audiences, artists, and ideas.”

The OTB Series premieres with Isang Gabi ng Sarsuwela, featuring excerpts and songs from classic and contemporary sarsuwela works, on June 30, 7:30 pm, and July 1, 3 pm, at the Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez (CCP Blackbox Theater).

“When CCP was planning for this series, we thought about the things we have not yet done or haven’t done in a long time,” shared CCP’s current artistic director Dennis Marasigan. “We have had discussions on the possibility of producing another sarsuwela, particularly with Tanghalang Pilipino, which has done several sarsuwela revivals since the 1980s.”

Owing its roots to the Spanish zarzuela originally brought to the Philippines in the late 1800s, the sarsuwela became the popular form of entertainment for many Filipinos, particularly in the early 1900s. “The best proof of this is, when cinema was first introduced to the Philippines, some of the first films produced were based on many of the sarsuwela, such as Dalagang Bukid. The actors of these films were mostly sarsuwela stars,” enthused Marasigan.

The CCP artistic director tapped music director Joed Balsamo, who suggested including excerpts not only from Dalagang Bukid and other classics like Walang Sugat, Paglipas ng Dilim, and Sa Bunganga ng Pating, but also contemporary sarsuwela productions like Pilipinas Circa 1907, Ang Palabas Bukas, Hibik at HImagsik nina Victoria Lactaw, and Ang Palasyo ni Valentin.

A typical sarsuwela generally revolves around a love story set in the context of social realism. Walang Sugat is set during the Spanish Revolution and Philippine-American war; Paglipas ng Dilim tackles colonial mentality; Dalagang Bukid, poverty, and arranged marriages; and Sa Bunganga ng Pating, the evils of usury.

For Isang Gabi ng Sarsuwela, Marasigan and Balsamo have put together top-notch performers who have all distinguished themselves in musical theater, such as Nenen Espina, Franco Laurel, Ayen Munji Laurel, Reuben Laurente, Lorenz Martinez, Shiela Valderrama Martinez, Jonathan Tadioan, and Karylle Tatlonghari.  “It would be interesting to see the dynamics of the real-life couples in the cast – Franco and Ayen, and Shiela and Lorenz – as they perform love duets. Tad (Tadioan) and Nenen have done several sarsuwelas. Karylle and Reuben are excellent singers eager to immerse in the form. All in all, it will be an entertaining evening.”

Catch the CCP Out-Of-The-Box Series: Isang Gabi ng Sarsuwela this June 30 and July 1, 2023, at the Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez.

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

#IsangGabingSarsuwela #CCP #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Breaking Stereotypes: Redefining Fatherhood Through Art

Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this transformative exhibition, on display until July 8, 2023, at the Imahica Art Gallery.

 

In a bold and inspiring move, a groundbreaking exhibition is challenging traditional notions of fatherhood and redefining the role of fathers in our society. “Inheritance: Tracing Lineage & Inspiration” is an extraordinary display that seeks to dismantle preconceived notions and celebrate the diversity and depth of the paternal experience through experiencing the artworks of Pandy Aviado, Diana Aviado, Fil Delacruz, Janos Delacruz, Roy Espinosa, Pauline Allison Espinosa, Nikulas Lebajo, Beatrice Lebajo, Fernando Sena, Tintin Sena, and Oddin Sena.

 This thought-provoking event serves as a platform to explore the multifaceted nature of fatherhood. Through diverse artistic expressions, the exhibition showcases the unique journeys, perspectives, and narratives of fathers from all walks of life. It aims to break down stereotypes and highlight fathers’ immense impact on their children’s lives.

Beatrice Lebajo and her artworks

“Inheritance: Tracing Lineage & Inspiration” challenges the traditional image of fathers as sole providers and disciplinarians. Instead, it embraces the complexity of fatherhood by showcasing tender moments of nurturing, emotional vulnerability, and deep connection between fathers and their children. The artworks on display offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of experiences that fathers bring to their roles, dispelling misconceptions and fostering understanding.

Through visual art, this exhibition invites visitors to engage with the stories of fathers who have defied societal norms and forged their own paths. It encourages us to question and reassess our assumptions, celebrating the diversity of fatherhood experiences and the power of acceptance and inclusivity.

“Inheritance: Tracing Lineage & Inspiration” goes beyond celebrating individual fathers; it aims to provoke meaningful conversations and inspire societal change. By challenging traditional roles and expectations, the exhibition invites us to envision a future where fathers are recognized as active participants in their children’s lives, capable of nurturing and emotional support.

Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this transformative exhibition, on display from June 17 to July 8, 2023, at the Imahica Art Gallery. Step into a world where stereotypes are shattered, and the true essence of fatherhood is celebrated. Join us in embracing the richness and diversity of paternal experiences and championing a more inclusive and progressive society. For more information, please contact 0917 894 5646. Together, let us redefine fatherhood through the power of art.

 

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