Lecture on adventurer Isabel de Barretto
ISABEL DE BARETTO (1567-1612) was the first female admiral in the world, and Philippine history enthusiasts may find it interesting to know that after traversing the Pacific Ocean from Peru, she ended her trip in the Philippines. In Manila, she was welcomed with great honors as the “Queen of Sheba.” Interested parties may learn more about her through two online lectures, the first of which will be held on March 31 at 6 p.m., with Spanish historian Elvira Roca. This lecture will have English subtitles and can be accessed at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82399004400. The lecture will be held on April 7, 6 p.m., with Francisco Mellén discussing the latest findings in archives on Isabel Barretto. He will also take part in a round table discussion with Vermont University historian Juan Maura. The event will have simultaneous translation in English, and will also be held via Zoom. The link will be available on the Instituto Cervantes de Manila Facebook page. For details visit the website of Instituto Cervantes at https://manila.cervantes.es or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/InstitutoCervantesManila.
Game of Trolls online
THE PHILIPPINE Educational Theater Association (PETA) presents the play Game of Trolls via www.ktx.ph. Written by Liza Magtoto and directed by Maribel Legarda, the musical is about Martial Law, historical revisionism, and fake news. The lyrics, musical arrangement, and direction are by Vincent de Jesus. The musical will stream on April 8, 22, and 23. To buy tickets, visit www.ktx.ph/category/a-game-of-trolls. Tickets are priced at P150.
Top 40 Shell art tilt works for sale
PILIPINAS Shell’s 54th National Student Art Competition (NSAC) Virtual Gallery is now available for viewing. The top 40 artworks in four categories — Digital Fine Arts, Oil-Acrylic, Sculpture, and Watercolor — are available for purchase with all the proceeds from the sale going to these young artists whose pieces won and/or shone in the competition. Prospective buyers can also view the complete list of the top 40 artworks of each category in the Buyers Guide. By downloading the order form from the Virtual Gallery website, (https://www.shell.com.ph/energy-and-innovation/make-the-future/national-students-art-competition-juan-art-nation/54th-shell-nsac-virtual-gallery.html), art patrons can purchase the physical artworks by bank transfer and then receive the work within five working days. The 54th NSAC concluded with an awarding ceremony held on Dec. 10, 2021, with 1,800 entries submitted nationwide, exceeding last year’s 1,500 entries. The first Virtual Gallery was launched during the 53rd NSAC in Dec. 2020, as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic’s shutdown of major galleries and museums.
MO_Space opening 2 exhibits
WHAT is the difference when one says they are “confronting their demons” as opposed to confronting themselves? The rise and rise of social media and related technology seems to have allowed a strange evolution to these questions as the use of alter egos and online personas have become the norm. Presenting oneself online with “carefully selected” selfies or a curated feed of interests while, at the same time, being informed by an endless stream of data and imagery from that same online makes you wonder who really is the influencer and who is the influenced. Audrey Lukban investigates this phenomenon with paintings examining “A Docile Body,” opening at MO_Space Main Gallery on April 2. The exhibit runs until May 1. Meanwhile, in Gallery 2, Jonathan Ching’s “Stranger in a Strange Land” will open on the same day. Navigating the remains of a world reeling from isolation, we begin walking the streets with the selves we had either found, rediscovered, or had been reduced to in the past two years. With paintings that are metaphorical prayers for both the departed and their survivors, Mr. Ching ponders the days in his exhibit. A Docile Body and Stranger in a Strange Land are open for public viewing at MO_Space from April 2 to May 1. The gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For inquiries, call (632) 8403-6620 or 0917-572-7970.
Multisensory exhibit
ARTIST NETWORK and wellness lifestyle brand Grounded is launching the second part of their exhibition series entitled “States of Cadence II.” In partnership with Art Fair Philippines, “States of Cadence II” is a multi-sensory exhibit on the timelessness and infinite evolution of the human spirit, through connection and engagement with the natural world. While “States of Cadence Exhibit I” was presented solely online, for “States of Cadence II,” Grounded has partnered with Karrera Showroom, a vintage car showroom and cafe based in Alabang for its physical space. The exhibition features paintings, prints, tapestries, photos, and mixed media works of 20 artists from the Grounded Artist Network Program. “States of Cadence II” at Karrera runs until April 1, alongside events including a wellness workshop, film night, watch showcase and fundraiser for schools in Siargao affected by Typhoon Odette. A portion of the proceeds from the exhibit are dedicated to Grounded’s partner beneficiary, Oceanus Conservation. “States of Cadence II” can be viewed at the @artfairph website (https://bit.ly/3D9GGc0).
Folklore the focus in National Literature Month
THE FOCUS of this year’s official celebration of National Literature Month is Philippine folklore and its various forms. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF), and National Book Development Board (NBDB) lead this year’s celebration of National Literature Month with the theme “Muling Pagtuklas sa Karunungang-Bayan.” The activities for this year’s celebration will be held online via the social media pages of the NCCA, KWF, and NBDB.
Book on motherhood out
SENATOR and author Risa Hontiveros tackles work-life balance and motherhood in her new book Healthy Buhay, Happy Mama. Published by Bookshelf PH, the book offers Ms. Hontiveros’ insights on the challenges of being a mother, ways to cope with anxiety, life in the time of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and having quality time with children. For book orders, visit https://bookshelf.com.ph/pages/healthy-buhay-happy-mama.
