5 films to see on the week of August 2 — August 8, 2019

PEOPLE seeking to satisfy their craving for Japanese ramen but not in the usual way may want to check out the newly opened Mitsuyado Ramen Shokudo at the Japan Town of Top of the Glo in Glorietta 2, Makati.

BRUSSELS — In the small western Belgian fishing village of Oostduinkerke, fishermen use horses, rather than boats, to go shrimp fishing — one of the very few places in the world still using a technique dating back to the 15^th century.

THERE’S A belief that the many golden apples mentioned in Greek mythology — the food and playthings of the gods — were actually oranges from the East. Also, just in case you want to know, the name of the color comes from the fruit and not the other way around. Now, the fruit is grown everywhere, with 2018 data from the UN Food and Agricultural Organization stating that 73 million tons of oranges are grown worldwide.

M BAKERY will begin offering special cupcake icing classes with a hands-on, in-store experience beginning Aug. 17.

WEEKENDS mean family time, and at Pancake House kids dine for free on weekends. From Friday to Sunday, children 12 years old and below with two adult companions can get a free meal.

GETTING INVITED to media wine events is fairly common for a writer like myself, but an invite for an afternoon tasting, and on a very busy working Monday, is normally an automatic “Hell No!” from me. But this invitation came from my good friend Damien Planchenault of the Okada Manila, and the winery being featured in the tasting just happened to be Vega Sicilia. This was more than enough incentive for me to ditch my afternoon office routine last Monday and to drive some 20 kilometers to make the 3 p.m. call time.

REPUBLIC ACT (RA) 11333, or the National Museum of the Philippines Act, takes effect today. The Act clarifies the role of the National Museum.

IF YOU find day-to-day reality terrifying, I’ve found a cure.

IN 1968, Manila City Mayor Antonio J. Villegas commissioned a painting from National Artist Carlos “Botong” Francisco. The result was Filipino Struggles Through History, composed of a series of four paintings, for the Manila City Hall. The huge mural depicts significant events in the country’s history — from the great Rajahs who ruled Tondo to events in the American period. The artist finished what was to be among his greatest artworks shortly before he died on March 31, 1969. In 1996, the mural was declared a National Cultural Treasure by then National Museum director Gabriel S. Casal.

MUSIC POWER couple Alicia Keys and Kasseem Dean, also known as “Swizz Beatz,” bought paintings by emerging artist Tschabalala Self, whose prices have risen along with her critical acclaim.

CARACAS — Carlos Cruz-Diez, a Venezuelan artist who shaped the field of kinetic and optical art during the 20^th century, died in Paris on Saturday, his foundation said on its website on Sunday. He was 95.