Arts & Culture (05/12/21)
Webinar on San Sebastian Basilica cultural heritage, preservation
IN LINE with the 400th founding anniversary of San Sebastian Basilica, a National Cultural Treasure, cultural practitioners from diverse disciplines will discuss its continuing preservation and its current state in the country in a free public webinar. Entitled “Beyond the Basilica: Heritage Conservation and Appreciation,” it will provide in-depth understanding and diverse perspectives on the subject. The webinar will feature educator Brenson Andres who will share his insights on teaching heritage appreciation in K-12 as well as a glimpse into its curriculum and pedagogy; De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Architecture Program Chairperson architect Harvey Vasquez will impart the best practices in heritage architecture and conservation; and San Sebastian Basilica Conservation and Development Foundation, Inc. (SSBCDFI) Communications and Fundraising Officer Samantha Pacardo will introduce the #SaveSanSebastian Campaign and the mission of the foundation to champion its restoration and all of its original features following the international standards. The webinar will conclude with an online tour of San Sebastian Basilica, Asia’s lone all-steel metal Gothic Revival church, to be facilitated by SSBCDFI Education Head Ysabel de Dios. The audience is transported into an accurate 3D model of the church created through photogrammetry. Complete with historical facts and videos of a Recollect friar, the project aims to bring the beauty of the Basilica to the people even amid the social distancing protocols due to the pandemic. The webinar, hosted by the Arts Management Program of the DLS-CSB, will be conducted in partnership with the SSBCDFI with the support of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). The talk will be moderated by Benilde Arts Management Program Chairperson Alain Zedrick Camiling. “Beyond the Basilica: Heritage Conservation and Appreciation” is on May 20, 2:30 to 5 p.m. Interested participants may register through bit.ly/BeAMBTB.
Writer, painter, actress, theater designer Celia Diaz-Laurel to launch book
HOW does one celebrate her 93rd birthday in this time of pandemic? For mother, wife, philanthropist, writer, painter, thespian, theater production and costume designer Celia Diaz-Laurel, the best way would be to launch her latest coffee table book, aptly titled My Lives Behind the Proscenium, on May 29 via Facebook Live. The book chronicles the life that Celia Diaz-Laurel led with chapter titles: Stage-struck at Five, Wartime Years, Dramatic UP Days, Yale Years, Back to the Stage at Repertory Philippines. “Celia has written an entertaining story about her theatrical life in a straightforward, simple, style that not only will give the curious reader an insight into her life and the social milieu of her time but is a historical narrative of the early years of Manila theater and the personalities who were part of it. She writes about her early personal life as the background for the successful career she carved out for herself — not only as an actress but as a set and costume designer,” wrote Joy Virata in the foreword of the book. The book is edited by Suzie Laurel-Delgado and Cocoy Laurel. For book reservations and inquiries, contact Jenn Tejada at 8869-7298 Monday to Friday from 1- 5 p.m.
Pen International to hold 2021 Congress online
THE PHILIPPINE Center of International PEN (Poets, Essayists, Novelists), in partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), will hold its annual Congress on May 15 via the official Facebook pages of the CCP, the CCP Intertextual Division, and the Philippine Center of International PEN. Following the theme “All In,” the congress aims to capture the linguistic and cultural inclusivity that the digital space enables, as well as speak of the collective hope Filipinos must have during these uncertain times. Marking the 100th year of PEN International, this year’s theme also signifies the Philippine PEN’s solidarity with the organization’s continuing fight for Freedom of Expression across the world by delivering a message of unity in freedom and dignity — values that Filipino writers must express and espouse in their work. The one-day congress will be held in two parts. The first part features a keynote address by Bro. Karl Gaspar, followed by the traditional Jose Rizal lecture by Dr. Reynaldo Ileto. This morning session is primarily for active members of the organization, but it will be streamed live on the Facebook pages of the CCP and the Philippine PEN. The second part takes place in the afternoon. “Free the Word” features public readings and performances by noted writers and artists including Elsie Coscolluela, Rody Vera, Anton Juan, Jr., Edgar Samar, Frank Rivera, John Iremil Teodoro, Jhoanna Cruz, Guelan Luarca, Adjani Arumpac, JK Anicoche, Erl Sorilla, Jonathan Davila, Richard Hangdaan Kinnud, Jason Chancoco, and Neldy Jolo, among others. This is open to the public.
Leon Gallery holds Abstract Art exhibit at Art Fair
LEON Gallery brings Abstract Art to Art Fair Philippines 2021 via an exhibit called “Elemental” featuring works by Vasarely, Albers, Diez, Zobel, Aguinaldo, among others. The exhibit is ongoing until May 15. A virtual exhibit is on view at the Art Fair Philippines website at www.artfairphilippines.com. A complementary physical exhibit can be viewed at Léon Gallery International located at G/F Corinthian Plaza, 121 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City. Among the renowned artists whose works are on view in the exhibition are Op Art pioneer Victor Vasarely, Venezuelan kinetic artist Carlos Cruz-Diez, and local masters Fernando Zobel, Jose Joya, Lee Aguinaldo, and Florencio Concepcion. Other artists whose works are on exhibit include Nena Saguil, Lao Lianben, Bernando Pacquing, Norberto Carating, Jesús Rafael Soto, Romulo Olazo, and Josef Albers. To book an appointment to see the paintings at the gallery and for further inquiries, contact 8856-2781 and 0998-5517-2010 or e-mail info@leon-gallery.com.
Silverlens holds online, offline exhibitions
SILVERLENS has opened its hybrid presentation for Art Fair Philippines 2021 to the general public. Over 100 works by 36 artists are now on view online and on-site at the gallery’s Makati location. The on-site exhibit will run until May 10, while the online exhibit will run throughout the course of the art fair, which ends on May 15. The gallery will accommodate visitors everyday until May 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is no entrance fee, but visitors must book an appointment via 8816-0044, 0917-587-4011 or e-mail info@silverlensgalleries.com. The gallery is at 2263 Don Chino Roces Ave. Ext., Makati.
Young student-artist to teach origami
STUDENT-artist Nikki Talento has volunteered to impart her interest in origami, the traditional Japanese art of paper folding in a workshop for children and young adults. The first part will teach kids ages five to 10 on how to build their own origami animal puppets using only green, blue, and red papers. With the help of a black marker and a pair of scissors, they will be able to come up with three jumping frogs and two water lily pods to play the game of jumping frogs. The session will likewise include a special storytelling time featuring the Filipino fairy tale Ang Palaka at ang Baka (The Frog and The Cow)” using the finished puppets. The second session will help preteens and teens ages 11 to 18 in making their own sculptural origami using only recycled papers such as old magazines, worksheets, newspapers, and colored papers. Additional materials include thin skewers, barbecue sticks, or toothpicks as well as white glue, scissors, cardboard, ruler, and pencil to complete a D.I.Y pen holder. The workshop is made possible by the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD) in partnership with the Center for Social Action (CSA) of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. The sessions are scheduled on May 14, 10 a.m. to noon for the younger children, and 3 to 5 p.m. for preteens and teens. To register, e-mail mcad@benilde.edu.ph or social.action@benilde.edu.ph.
Tickets to Rak of Aegis online now available
PHILIPPINE Educational Theater Association (PETA) together with Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-Aawit (OPM), the Philpop Musicfest Foundation (Philpop), PLDT Home Fibr, and Foodpanda, presents the pay-per-view streaming of the jukebox musical Rak of Aegis on July 31, Aug. 1, 7, and 8 via www.ticket2me.net. The Rak of Aegis online streaming is part of the Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino (LMP) 2021 celebration, and the banner project of the #TakePETAbeyondCOVID campaign, a fundraising drive that aims to help PETA survive this unprecedented time. Featuring songs from the popular 1990s band Aegis, the jukebox musical tells the story of Aileen who dreams of becoming an online singing sensation and uses the platform to help the impoverished community Barangay Venezia, which has been submerged in floodwater for two months. The Rak of Aegis streaming cast includes Aicelle Santos, Pepe Herrera, Poppert Bernadas, Isay Alvarez-Seña, Robert Seña, Joann Co, Jimi Marquez, and Gie Onida, together with John Moran, Matel Patayon, Marynor Madamesila, Lemuel Silvestre, Teetin Villanueva, and Rafael Sudayan in the ensemble. Tickets are now on sale via www.bit.ly/rakofaegisstreaming. The following viewing options are: Livestream at P300 (8 to 11 p.m., Philippine Standard Time); Video On Demand at P500 for 24-hours streaming from 10 a.m. to 10 a.m the next day (Philippine Standard Time); Video on Demand Premium at P1,000 for 24-hours streaming from 10 a.m. to 10 a.m. the next day (Philippine Standard Time) with exclusive access to the Rak with Aegis live virtual concert on Aug. 8, (8 p.m.), featuring the Aegis Band and select cast members. For additional donations to PETA Theater, visit www.ticket2me.net (for donations 500 and up), or through PETA’s Gcash account. For bulk tickets and partnerships, contact Mitch Go, mitchgo@petatheater.com, 0917-5391112. For more information, follow PETA’s social media pages: Facebook www.facebook.com/petatheater; Instagram @petatheater; Twitter @petatheater; YouTube www.youtube.com/petatheateronline or visit www.petatheater.com/rakofaegis.
Gateway Gallery to hold first virtual paint-along session
GATEWAY Gallery will conduct its very first online art workshop via Zoom on May 15 from 9 a.m. to noon. Titled Pastel 101: Paint-Along with Julius Legaspi, this special digital art session will teach beginners, from teens to adults, the basics of the oil pastel medium. Mr. Legaspi will discuss pastel and its materials, as well as demonstrate the techniques often used in oil pastel painting. Pastel 101 is an art demonstration online session. Though an artwork or output is not required from the participants, Mr. Legaspi encourages the students to paint along with him. This way, the students will have a more intimate experience with the medium and be able to come up with a moody waterscape painting. Mr. Legaspi is a graduate of the UP College of Fine Arts and is one of the leading proponents of the pastel medium in the country. He and his artist-friends started in 2015 the Philippine Pastel Artists, Inc., which has been active in promoting the use of the medium among Filipino artists through regular events and annual conventions. To sign-up for Pastel 101, message Gateway Gallery through its Facebook or Instagram accounts (gateway.gallery), or send an e-mail to gatewaygallery@aranetagroup.com. Send the full name of the registrant/attendee, e-mail address and mobile number, then pay the session fee of P800 via bank transfer or deposit.
Creative and cultural personalities to headline online interactive project
DO IT, the world’s longest-running curatorial project, will have its first appearance in the Philippines with an expansive lineup of featured collaborators on May 13. Called Do It (MCAD), the Philippine iteration’s line-up will include local influencers and leaders such as painter and photographer MM Yu; poly-disciplinary artist Russ Ligtas; independent dance and multimedia artist Madge Reyes; musician, emcee, poet, journalist, and activist Lourd de Veyra; cartoonist and Kikomachine Komix illustrator and writer Manix Abrera; storyteller and TRESE co-creator Budjette Tan; multi-disciplinary media artist Manny Montelibano; intermedia artist Mark Salvatus; global chef Miko Calo; and graffiti artist Dex Fernandez. A special section will include Chinese multimedia expert Cao Fei, Brazilian master Rivane Neuenschwander, British relational artist Liam Gillick and Swiss creator Hannah Weinberger, as well as French dancer and choreographer Jerome Bel and American contemporary composer Robert Ashley, will likewise be featured. The event will be an interactive forum that allows the guests to get a glimpse inside the minds of the different visionaries and innovators. This show is a part of the effort of over 50 institutions in Basel, London, Paris, Stockholm, New York, Moscow, Venice, Manchester, Shanghai, Oslo, and Hong Kong, among others, to recreate the rigid exhibition format as flexible and open-ended. It will be held in partnership with Independent Curators International (ICI) New York. Do It (MCAD) is made possible through the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD) Manila of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. Do It (MCAD) opens on May 13 through the museum’s website (http://mcadmanila.org.ph) and official social media channels on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/mcadmanila) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/mcadmanila).
Virtual Choral Fest set this month
MUSICA FEUROPA, Far Eastern University’s annual choral festival with the European Union Delegation in the Philippines as its principal partner, presents Musica FEUropa 12, a virtual series of concerts on May 15, 22, 29, and 30. The Concert of Champions will be held on May 30. Musica FEUROPA 12 will celebrate the power of music with choral groups sharing their virtual performances to showcase both Philippine and European pieces. Musica FEUROPA prepares Filipino choirs to participate in European choral competitions and fosters an openness to cultural exchange. The Concert of Champions will feature various Filipino choirs who have won not just in Musica FEUROPA but bigger competitions in the Philippines and abroad. Musica FEUROPA 12 will happen via Zoom. All Musica FEUropa 12 concerts will also be posted on its YouTube Channel and that of the FEU Center for the Arts.
Musical Theater Dance workshops now offered
THE PRODUCERS of The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Matilda and many others will hold their first ever Online Musical Theatre Dance Workshops, taught by international touring cast members. Join cast members from Chicago, Mamma Mia, Cats, and West Side Story this June: Week 1: “Hot Honey Rag” from Chicago with Darren Greeff; Week 2: “Mamma Mia” from Mamma Mia! with Alex O’Reilly; Week 3: “Jellicle Ball” from Cats with Brian O’Muiri; Week 4: “Cool” from West Side Story with Louisa Talbot All workshops will be held online via Zoom. These workshops are in partnership with the Open House Fundraiser and the Artists’ Welfare Project, Inc. A portion of sales will go to Open House Fundraiser in support of the Philippine Performing Arts Community. The classes will be held from June 7 to July 2, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, at 3 p.m. The enrollment fee is P3,500 per week.
