DIY dengue test kits out

May 12, 2017 | 8:03 am

PHILAB Holdings Corp., through its brand LABitDx, has launched the Dengue NS1 Ag self-test screening kits which are now available through the e-commerce company Lazada Group.

Philab Holdings President Darlene Marie B. Berberabe said Philab decided to sell the product through Lazada.com so that working parents can access the product by simply going online or downloading the Lazada app and ordering the test kits from their mobile phones.

“For now it is available online, but we hope to start delivering to drugstores nationwide so that everyone can have access to the self-test screening kits by first half of the year,” she added.

“Parents can now act faster because the self-test screening kit provides a result in as fast as 15 minutes,” she was quoted as saying in a press release.

The kit comes with a lancet or finger pricker that draws out blood for testing. Like a pregnancy kit, a result of two lines in the dengue test kit indicates one is positive for dengue while one line indicates negative.

The screening kit can be used at the onset of fever. It is advised that if one has a positive result, and if symptoms persist after getting a negative result, that the user consult a doctor.

Your Weekend Guide (May 12, 2016)

May 12, 2017 | 7:21 am

PERFORMANCE

Music and French cuisine will come together in Musique et Gastronomie, the fundraising send-off concert of Coro San Benildo, the resident choral group of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB). Dine on a meal prepared by Vatel Restaurant Executive French Chef Pierre Cornelis as members of the choir perform a selection of songs. Guests have a choice of dinner on May 12, at 7 p.m., lunch on May 13 at noon, or dinner on May 13, at 7 p.m. The choir plans to participate at the 46th Florilège Vocal de Tours International Choral Competition in Tours, France,. Tickets to Musique et Gastronomie are priced at P1,500. Proceeds will fund the airfare of the delegation. Vatel Restaurant Manila is located at the Roof Deck of Hotel Benilde Maison de La Salle, Estrada corner Arellano Sts, Malate, Manila. For reservations call 230-5230.

Bunk Puppets uses household items to create surreal shadow puppets in the show Sticks, Stones, Broken Bones, a shadow puppet comedy which is an Adelaide FRINGE award winner. There will be performances on May 5, 2 p.m.; May 6 at 1:30 and 4 p.m.; and May 7 at 1:30 and 4 p.m., at the PETA Theater Center, No. 5 Eymard Dr., New Manila, Quezon City, Tickets, available at TicketWorld (891-9999, www.ticketworld.com.ph), are P938.72.

Comedy Manila’s Funny Fridays, stand-up comedy nights every Friday until May 26 at Teatrino at Greenhills Promenade, Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan. Featured artists are Alex Calleja, GB Labrador, Victor Anastacio, Red Ollero, James Caraan, Ryan Rems and Nonong Ballinan. Showtime is at 8:30 p.m. Tickets, available through Ticketworld (891-9999, www.ticketworld.com.ph), cost P579.20.

MUSICARTES restages its first Broadway rock opera Godspell, on May 12-14, 19-21 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium of RCBC Plaza, Ayala Ave., Makati. Led by the international hit, “Day By Day,” Godspell features a powerhouse cast with Jef Flores, Myke Salomon, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez, Caisa Borromeo, Poppert Bernadas, Topper Fabregas, Abi Sulit, Maronne Cruz, Rhenz Gabalonzo, Gab Pangilinan and Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo. Tickets range in price from P1,045 to P2,612.50 and are available through TicketWorld (891-9999, www.ticketworld.com.ph) and at Musicartes (895-8098, 519-3603, musicartes.manila@gmail.com).

Paolo Santos performs in a Mother’s Day show on May 14, 8 p.m. at the River Park Activity Court of Festival Mall in Alabang.

ART

Due to popular demand, the exhibit Mapping the Philippine Seas has been extended until May 31. The exhibit features a comprehensive collection of rare historical maps and charts of the Philippine archipelago and its surrounding seas from the early 16th century to the end of the 19th century. The museum is at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Complex, Roxas Blvd., Malate, Manila, and is open Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

CURRENTLY on view at the Ayala Museum is Eduardo Castrillo: A Prism of Art & Friendships, an exhibition on the late Filipino sculptor Eduardo Castrillo (1942 – 2016) with guest curator Jeannie E. Javelosa. The exhibit is the third of series that serves to honor Castrillo’s artistic legacy, as well as the friendships he developed through the years. The exhibit is on view from until June 4 at the Ground Floor Gallery of Ayala Museum, Makati Ave. corner De La Rosa St., Greenbelt Park, Makati City.

1335MABINI’s artist-in-residence Peter Moosgaard has an ongoing solo exhibition titled Xenorealism which runs until May 24. The gallery is located at 1335 Mabini St., Ermita, Manila.

Shared Residence, a collaborative art project initiated by Poklong Anading, examines the notion of public and private spaces and communal ownership, from the artists to its prospective borrowers. Adopting a system similar to borrowing a book from a library, members of the Ateneo de Manila Loyola Schools community are given the option to borrow an artwork to reside in their personal space for two weeks. This act of temporary ownership or possession introduces borrowers to collecting as a social practice which also comes with the responsibility of care and integrity. The project is ongoing until March 1, 2018 at the Ateneo Art Gallery, Ateneo de Manila, Katipunan, QC.

Painter and sculptor Roberto M. A. Robles returns to the basics of form and examines a piece as a post-sculptural work in Form | Kata, an exhibit which runs until May 27. In it he rediscovers light and shadows through tones of gray, black and white that result in a new dimensional angle. The exhibit will be held at the Galleria Duemila, 210 Loring St., Pasay City. For details visit www.galleriaduemila.com.

Known for her photographic works in portraiture, contemporary landscape, and installation, Wawi Navarroza returns with her solo exhibit, Medusa. The exhibit runs until June 3. There will be a Walk through with the artist on May 27, 3 p.m. In this exhibit, the artist calls forth the Medusa and the gaze that can turn the seen into stone. Medusa will be on view alongside Issay Rodriguez’s exhibit titled “…” at Silverlens, Lapanday Center, 2263 Don Chino Roces Avenue Ext., Makati City.

Alliance Française de Manille and Fundacion Sanso present an exhibit of works by Juvenal Sanso entitled The Triumph of the Spirit: a healing inspired by the coast of Brittany at the Alliance Française de Manille’s Total Gallery. It runs until May 26.

MARIANO CHING and Yasmin Sison present Traveling on the Edges of Lost Maps until May 21 at MO_Space, MOs Design, B2 Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City.

JEWELRY, art, furniture, couture, and objets d’art are on view in Wynn Wynn Ong: Redefining Boundaries (A Retrospective) until June 15 at the Yuchengco Museum, RCBC Plaza, corner Ayala and Gil J. Puyat Avenues, Makati City.

THE group show LIGALIG: Art in a Time of Turmoil is on view until May 27 at the Ateneo Art Gallery, Ateneo University Campus, QC.

ARTINFORMAL has three ongoing exhibitions: Eugenia Alcaide’s See, Rene Bituin’s The Earth Doesn’t Need Us, and Micaela Benedicto’s Paths of Invisibility. The gallery is at 277 Connecticut St., Mandaluyong City.

AN EXHIBIT of 53 photographic replicas of masterpieces from Spain’s Museo Del Prado is on view at the Ayala Triangle in Makati before moving to Intramuros in Manila. It will then go on view from June to August at Intramuros, Manila. This is a joint project of the Intramuros Administration and Embassy of Spain in Manila.

Due to popular demand, the exhibit Naichayu: An Architectural Exploration of the Kalinga Tattoo, which delves into the history and tradition of this indigenous practice of self-expression, has been extended until May 13. The show is at the 12th Floor of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Design and Arts at 950 Pablo Ocampo St., Malate, Manila. Open daily, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Lost Frames is coming to the Ateneo Art Gallery on May 18, International Museum Day. The participating artists — Poklong Anading, Vic Balanon, Lena Cobangbang, Rico Entico, Cocoy Lumbao and Kaloy Olavides — will screen and discuss unfinished video works, abandoned projects and ideas that have yet to be made. Lost Frames is a community-based initiative for viewing artists’ moving images. It started with a small group of artists who took interest in showing each other’s works through an evening of presentation and discussion alongside a video projector. The Ateneo Art Gallery is at the Rizal Library Special Collections Bldg., Ateneo de Manila University, Katipunan Ave., Loyola Heights, Quezon City.

THREE exhibits are now on view Vinyl on Vinyl gallery: Tar Pits by Tokwa Penaflorida, Frames of Mind by Ren Quinio, and Kalaban by Renz Bautista. The gallery is at 2135 Warehouse II Chino Roces Ave., Makati.

EVENTS

The Travelling Trunk bazaar will be held on May 13 and 14, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at A11 at The Henry Hotel Compound, 2680 FB Harrison St., Pasay City. A carefully curated selection of items, ranging from bags to banana pudding, will be available.

Pets will take center stage as Robinsons Malls Nova Market holds its Summer Pet Fest on May 13, 2 p.m. Pet owners and their furry friends can compete in a series of matchups and participate in different activities such as the Leash Decorating Contest where the first 50 participants get to show off their creativity and resourcefulness in making a unique and stylish leashes for their pets. At 3 p.m. there will be a pet costurme competition with the most exceptional look getting prizes. There will also be a photo corner, interactive booths, and the Pet Fair where partner stores such as Handy man and St. Roch Pet Grooming sell different accessories at a regular and discounted price. The day ends with a pet blessing at 4:30 p.m.

Festival Mall in Muntinlupa will hold the Mom’s Amazing May Sale from May 12 to 14. A P1,000 minimum purchase from any of the mall’s restaurants or fashion stores on May 13 and 14 entitles mothers to a free make-over and diva photo session at the Carousel Court on May 14.

Shangri-La Plaza Mall celebrates Mothr’s Day on May 14 with special discountrs from several tenants. There will also be a Happy Mother’s Day musical greeting along with special cupcakes for mothers. The Manila Philharmonic Orchestra will perform at the Gand Atrium at 6:30 p.m. Photo booths will be set up at the Main and East wings.

Eastwood City celebrates UnMother’s Day on May 13 and 14, aiimng to give all mothers an unusual way to celebrates Mother’s Day. They will get free henna tattoos, nail art, make-overs, and hair color are specialty booths. There will also be a slew of activities including wall climbing, archery, and a mechanical bull ride. There will be Baby-wearing Hiphop and Zumba dance classes on May 13, plus an unMother’s Day Fashion Show, and #Momtribe Meet-up. On May 14, there will be booths and activities including talks on fashion, yoga for babies, and baby photography. The highlight is a Breastmilk Donation Drive for the benefit of the Quezon City Human Milk Bank.

FILM

Seven films from Korea will be showcased in the Philippine leg of DMZ International Documentary (DMZ Docs) Film Fesstival from May 11 to 13 at the University of the Philippines Film Insitute. The films are: Mrs. B, a North Korean Woman; My Love Doesn’t Cross that River; Planet of Snail; The Emotional Society; Red Maria; Summer Days in Bloom; and, Troublers. All films will be shown with english subtitiles and free of charge. For details visit www.koreanculture.ph.

The Revolution is not over

May 12, 2017 | 7:21 am

Theater
Lean – A Filipino Musical
May 12, 7 p.m.; May 13, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Adamson University Theater,
San Marcelino St., Ermita, Manila

POOR Lean Alejandro. Perhaps he never saw the bullet that shot his face off while on his way to his office in September 1987. The former student-leader and sworn activist, a young enemy of the Marcos regime, was possibly still burning with hope for the newly restored democracy when he was gunned down in 1987, just a year and a few months after the EDSA Revolution that toppled many of his enemies.

Lean’s story is a bitter example of change that never came, and Lean: A Filipino Musical, composed by his fellow activist Gary Granada (now better more for his ad jingles and his love songs), serves as a tribute not only to Lean himself, but to other people who fought the Marcos regime and paid the price for freedom and change with their own lives. The musical had been produced two times previously: once in 1997, and again in 2013. This 2017 production is staged by UP Manila Dramatista.

A press preview on May 5 showed a stumbling crew, a cast which can sing but cannot be heard properly, and a stammering narrator. However, these may be forgiven as the student production has a battle to fight themselves.

The internal drama to which director, student-activist Vanessa Rubian, admits to, serves as a perfect foil for a play about a society that does not work, thanks to an inefficient bureaucracy. Ms. Rubian said that if the press preview was sub-par, it was because they had only been able to rehearse on the day itself. “We’re from UP-Manila Dramatista, and in UP-Manila, there’s no space,” she said. According to her, various organizations have been fighting over the limited space within the campus for about three years now, and if one wanted to use a classroom for extracurricular activities, an organization has to pay P600 for two hours. How’s that for wanting to be heard?

The press preview only included about six songs from the production, and because of the sub-par quality of the sound (again, not Ms. Rubian’s fault, as she and the crew had only stepped into the theater just the night before), some of the songs could not be properly heard. One also has to excuse the lack of accuracy in the costumes: one of the actors playing an activist in the 1970s was wearing sneakers released perhaps two years ago. The set we saw was also quite simple: three black platforms draped in black, as well as a projection screen. Yet for all the technical grandeur and mastery that this production may lack, it has heart, reason, and passion — backed by data, research, and internalization, such precious things in a world smothering in fake news. As well, the weekend showings might promise a better show.

Not many know Lean Alejandro’s story. Unlike many of his contemporaries in the student movements of the 1970s, Lean Alejandro never rose to mainstream politics, and was killed too early to make a real name for himself after Martial Law. As well, his death is a blot on the early years of Cory Aquino’s administration, for the respected activist was supposed to be running free with his ideals, with the shackles of the Marcos regime supposedly having been shaken away. Mr. Alejandro, born in 1960, began as an intellectual and challenging student in a Catholic school, and tried to pursue a degree in Chemistry in UP Diliman. After being exposed to history and political science, particularly Marxist ideology, Mr. Alejandro shifted to Philippine Studies, and began the long fight against the Marcos regime. He was jailed in 1985, and released after two months. After the 1986 EDSA Revolution, Mr. Alejandro tried to enter mainstream politics by running for a Congressional seat in Malabon-Navotas, but was defeated by Tessie Aquino-Oreta. Ms. Oreta happened to be slain senator Ninoy Aquino’s sister, and therefore the current president’s sister-in-law.

In the 1930s, and later revised in the 1960s, historian Crane Brinton wrote The Anatomy of Revolution. In the book, he dissects the reasons for revolutions, but more importantly, using the British, French, American, and Russian revolutions, he constructs a timeline that might happen before and after every revolution. The Fall of the Old Regime might be the label for the later decline and eventual flight of the Marcos family, and the EDSA Revolution that came between those events. The coup d’etats and instances of violence during the first Aquino administration might fall under the Reign of Terror and the Thermidorian Reaction (named for the month in the French Revolutionary calendar). Thermidorian reactions in revolutions see eventual regressions to pre-revolutionary ways (such as the state-sponsored violence many thought would fade after the fall of the Marcoses). Mr. Alejandro’s death can be seen as part of this timeline.

As for the production itself, we have noted its technical blunders. Most of the songs deal with Mr. Alejandro’s conflict between what each activist seeks from the coming revolution, and what he has to give up for freedom. However, two scenes may stand out in memory: the narrator recited that it would be a tribute to the fallen members of the Left and the victims of the Mendiola massacre. While their names were recited (Eman Lacaba, Lorena Barros, and Edgar Jopson were some), a chorus in black held up candles, as if a living candlelight vigil on asphalt. The effect was soulful and haunting. The second song to watch out for is “Dito,” a bouncing tune showing the elections in which Ms. Oreta defeated Mr. Alejandro. It’s cheerful, but masks corruption in traditional politico techniques such as vote-buying. Finally, the choreography is a jab at the restored democracy: while the actors playing Ms. Oreta and her party flash Laban (fight) “L” signs, indicative of her family’s alliances, Mr. Alejandro flashes the more inclusive, more militant raised left fist.

It’s no small stroke of luck that the production is directed by Ms. Rubian, a self-confessed activist. Because she’s actually aware of the causes that Lean fought for, the storytelling in this production is very sincere. When asked why Mr. Alejandro as both person and figure is still relevant today, she noted that this year is Lean Alejandro’s 30th death anniversary. She says that the play is also for Martial Law victims who have yet to see justice, pointing to the former dictator’s recent burial at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani. She also took the opportunity to educate the cast about the causes that Lean fought for (and she presumably believes in). “Ano ba iyong imperyalismo, at bakit kailangan natin itong ibagsak? (What is imperialism, and why do we need to bring it down?)” she said.

Finally, the composer of the libretto himself, Mr. Granada (who was present that evening), a bit bent, a bit old, expressed some regrets — not about the production, but about the world he continues to move in. “When I look back, wala naman kaming nabago sa lipunan (we weren’t able to change society),” he said. He said that the poor are even more vulnerable now: “Gabi-gabi, ilan namamatay (every night, how many of them die?)”

He added, “In a sense, we failed as a generation to change things; to turn things around.” This isn’t defeatist for there’s still a bit of the revolutionary spark in him, apparently: “Ang urgency, nandiyan pa din (The urgency [to move] is still there).”

When asked about the political tinge in the songs for Lean, he said, “We don’t want to hear about these songs anymore — maybe my corny love songs, I hope they will last. But these political ones, I hope, wala na… tama na (enough!)” Not a call to drop one’s arms, but to create a world where heated political songs will no longer be needed.

For details and tickets, call 0906-427-3981.

Your Weekend Guide (May 5, 2016)

May 12, 2017 | 7:21 am

PERFORMANCE

Comedy Manila’s Funny Fridays, stand-up comedy nights every Friday until May 26 at Teatrino at Greenhills Promenade, Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan. Featured artists are Alex Calleja, GB Labrador, Victor Anastacio, Red Ollero, James Caraan, Ryan Rems and Nonong Ballinan. Showtime is at 8:30 p.m. Tickets, available through TicketWorld (891-9999, www.ticketworld.com.ph), cost P579.20.

BUNK PUPPETS’ show Sticks, Stones, Broken Bones
Bunk Puppets uses household items to create surreal shadow puppets in the show Sticks, Stones, Broken Bones, a shadow puppet comedy which is an Adelaide FRINGE award winner. There will be performances on May 5, 2 p.m.; May 6 at 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.; and May 7 at 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m., at the PETA Theater Center, No. 5 Eymard Dr., New Manila, Quezon City, Tickets, available at TicketWorld (891-9999, www.ticketworld.com.ph), are P938.72.

BRING picnic baskets and enjoy the sunset as the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) serenades the public on May 6, 5 p.m., at the Tanghalang Maria Makiling of the National Arts Center in Los Baños, Laguna. The event, presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Filipinas Opera Society Foundation, Inc., is free to the public. Entitled PPO Sunsets at Makiling, the program includes overtures, arias and ensemble pieces from well-known operas. The concert’s Music Director and Vocal Coach is international Filipino baritone Andrew Fernando. Conducted by PPO Associate Conductor Herminigildo Ranera, the concert features up and coming opera singers including soprano Nerissa De Juan, mezzo soprano Ma. Krissan Manikan, tenor Lorenz Lapresca, and baritones Belford Mabunga and Joseleo Logdat. Jeepneys to the National Arts Center will be available at the Baker Hall of the University of the Philippines Los Baños from 2 p.m. onward on May 6. Fare is P50 (one way).

PLATINUM: World’s Favorite Hit Songs… LIVE!, a concert featuring Morissette and Tanya Manalang, will be held on May 6, 8 p.m., at the Newport Performing Arts Theater , Resorts World Manila #10 Newport Blvd., Newport City Complex, Pasay City. Directed by Freddie Santos, the concert will feature the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra with Ogie Alcasid as the guest. Tickets range in price from P2,151 to P6,453 and are available through TicketWorld (891-9999, www.ticketworld.com.ph).

MUSICARTES restages its first Broadway rock opera Godspell, on May 6-7, 12-14, 19-21 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium of RCBC Plaza, Ayala Ave., Makati. Led by the international hit, “Day By Day,” Godspell features a powerhouse cast with Jef Flores, Myke Salomon, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez, Caisa Borromeo, Poppert Bernadas, Topper Fabregas, Abi Sulit, Maronne Cruz, Rhenz Gabalonzo, Gab Pangilinan and Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo. Tickets range in price from P1,045 to P2,612.50 and are available through TicketWorld (891-9999, www.ticketworld.com.ph) and at Musicartes (895-8098, 519-3603, musicartes.manila@gmail.com).

The Philippine Madrigal Singers present the concert BOOM! PAK!, a collection of the Madz’s favorite and most requested songs through the years, on May 6, 8 p.m., and May 7, 5 p.m., at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Main Theater, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City. Tickets, which range in price from P309 to P5,150, are available through TicketWorld (891-9999, www.ticketworld.com.ph).

Dance Xchange 2011: The Philippine International Dance Festival will bring together the best dance companies and dance experts, both local and international, for a grand celebration of dance from May 8 to 11 in Ilagan City, Isabela. Dance Xchange bring together international dance companies and top Philippine dance companies. It will also have a host of activities including performances and dance concerts, workshops, master classes and a cultural tour to experience the province of Isabela. There will also be outreach performances in the city of Cauayan and the towns of Roxas and Echague. For inquiries, contact Shirley Halili-Cruz at shirleyhalilicruz@yahoo.com or 0920-951-4911; Marichu Tellano at 527-2214 or 0920-951-4911 or mgtellano@yahoo.com; or the NCCA Public Affairs and Information Office head Rene Sanchez Napenas at (632) 527-2192 or 0928-508-1057, visit www.ncca.gov.ph, or e-mail ncca.paio@gmail.com.

All Time Low returns to Manila
THE BAND All Time Low will be coming back to Manila for the All Time Low: The Young Renegades Tour on Aug. 22 at the Mall of Asia Arena. The four-piece band from Baltimore, Maryland — composed of Alex Gaskarth, Jack Barakat, Rian Dawson, and Zack Merrick — has evolved from teenage pop punk up-and-comers to today’s trailblazers, producing six studio albums through the years. All Time Low first played in the Philippines at the Araneta Coliseum in 2011, then made a headlining appearance at Pulp’s Bazooka Rocks Festival II in 2013, and most recently played in a packed Mall of Asia Arena on Aug. 12, 2015. “I tried to change perspective in my approach to writing and center in on all of the different versions of me that other people might have met over the years, through the ups and the downs, in the public eye and behind closed doors. Would I like this person? Do I like this person? Do I even recognize this person anymore?” said the band’s frontman Gaskarth upon sharing the news of the upcoming album Last Young Renegade, slated for release this coming June under their new label Fueled By Ramen. Presented by Pulp Live World, tickets for All Time Low: The Young Renegades Tour are on sale at all SM Tickets outlets nationwide and online thru www.smtickets.com, with prices ranging from P2,500 to P6,000.

ART

1335MABINI’s artist-in-residence Peter Moosgaard has an ongoing solo exhibition titled Xenorealism which runs until May 24. The gallery is located at 1335 Mabini St., Ermita, Manila.

SHARED RESIDENCE, a collaborative art project initiated by Poklong Anading, examines the notion of public and private spaces and communal ownership, from the artists to its prospective borrowers. Adopting a system similar to borrowing a book from a library, members of the Ateneo de Manila Loyola Schools community are given the option to borrow an artwork to reside in their personal space for two weeks. This act of temporary ownership or possession introduces borrowers to collecting as a social practice which also comes with the responsibility of care and integrity. The project is ongoing until March 1, 2018 at the Ateneo Art Gallery, Ateneo de Manila, Katipunan, Quezon City.

PAINTER and sculptor Roberto M. A. Robles returns to the basics of form and examines a piece as a post-sculptural work in Form | Kata, an exhibit which will run from May 6 to 27. In it he rediscovers light and shadows through tones of gray, black and white that result in a new dimensional angle. The exhibit will be held at the Galleria Duemila, 210 Loring St., Pasay City. For details, visit www.galleriaduemila.com.

KNOWN for her photographic works in portraiture, contemporary landscape, and installation, Wawi Navarroza returns with her solo exhibit, Medusa. The exhibit will run from May 6 to June 3. There will be a walk-through with the artist on May 27, 3 p.m. In this exhibit, the artist calls forth the Medusa and the gaze that can turn the seen into stone. Medusa will be on view alongside Issay Rodriguez’s exhibit titled … at Silverlens, Lapanday Center, 2263 Don Chino Roces Avenue Ext., Makati City.

ALLIANCE Française de Manille and Fundacion Sanso present an exhibit of works by Juvenal Sanso entitled The Triumph of the Spirit: a healing inspired by the coast of Brittany at the Alliance Française de Manille’s Total Gallery. It runs until May 26.

MARIANO CHING and Yasmin Sison present Traveling on the Edges of Lost Maps until May 21 at MO_Space, MOs Design, B2 Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City.

THE group show LIGALIG: Art in a Time of Turmoil is on view until May 27 at the Ateneo Art Gallery, Ateneo University Campus, Quezon City.

AN EXHIBIT of 53 photographic replicas of masterpieces from Spain’s Museo Del Prado is on view at the Ayala Triangle in Makati City for five weeks before moving to Intramuros in Manila. It will then go on view from June to August at Intramuros, Manila. This is a joint project of the Intramuros Administration and Embassy of Spain in Manila.

DUE TO popular demand, the exhibit Naichayu: An Architectural Exploration of the Kalinga Tattoo, which delves into the history and tradition of this indigenous practice of self-expression, has been extended until May 13. The show is at the 12th Floor of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Design and Arts at 950 Pablo Ocampo St., Malate, Manila. Open daily, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

EVENTS

Pets will take center stage as Robinsons Malls Nova Market holds its Summer Pet Fest on May 13, 2 p.m. Pet owners and their furry friends can compete in a series of matchups and participate in different activities such as the Leash Decorating Contest where the first 50 participants get to show off their creativity and resourcefulness in making a unique and stylish leashes for their pets. At 3 p.m. there will be a pet costume competition with the most exceptional look getting prizes. There will also be a photo corner, interactive booths, and the Pet Fair where partner stores such as Handy man and St. Roch Pet Grooming sell different accessories at a regular and discounted price. The day ends with a pet blessing at 4:30 p.m.

THE children’s television group Hi-5 returns to the Philippines with the Some Kind of Wonderful show at several Robinsons malls. Hi-5 entertains audiences both young and old, being primarily aimed at aged 1-8. There will be performances at Robinsons Las Piñas on May 4 at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.; Forum Robinsons on May 5 at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.; Robinsons Galleria on May 6 at 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.; Robinsons Magnolia on May 7 at 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.; Robinsons Malolos on May 9 at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.; Robinsons Jaro on May 10 at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.; Robinsons Imus on May 12 at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.; Robinsons Metro East on May 13 at 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.; Robinsons Galleria Cebu on May 14 at 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.; Robinsons Manila on May 16 at 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.; Robinsons Gen. Trias on May 18 at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.; Robinsons Lipa on May 19 at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.; Robinsons Antipolo on May 20 at 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.; and Robinsons Bacolod on May 21 at 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

FILM

RICHARD WAGNER’s Tristan und Isolde is the 6th and last offering of the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Metropolitan Opera in HD Season 4, set on May 9, 6:30 p.m., at Cinema 3 of Greenbelt 3 in Makati City. Tristan und Isolde opened the Met season in a new production by Mariusz Treliński, and featured Nina Stemme as Isolde, Stuart Skelton as Tristan, Ekaterina Gubanova as Brangäne, and René Pape as King Marke, with Sir Simon Rattle conducting. The CCP’s Met Opera in HD series, in cooperation with The Filipinas Opera Society Foundation, Inc., features screenings of the latest operatic productions of the Metropolitan Opera in New York through High-Definition digital technology. For more information, call Greenbelt 3 cinemas Customer Service Hot line: 757-7883 or CCP Sales and Promotions at 832-3706 or e-mail ccpsalesandpromo@gmail.com.

Your Weekend Guide (April 28, 2017)

May 12, 2017 | 7:21 am

PERFORMANCE
TOP STREET dancers from all over Asia will perform in Japan Foundation, Manila’s Dance Dance Asia: Crossing the Movements on April 28, 8 p.m., and April 29, 3 p.m., at the Teresa Yuchengco Auditorium, De La Salle University, Manila. For details, visit www.dancedanceasia.com.

PULP SUMMER SLAM 17: Redemption, the 17th edition of Southeast Asia’s largest and longest-running metal festival, will be held on April 29 at Amoranto Stadium, Quezon City. It will feature both international and local rock stars including Megadeth, Dragonforce, Whitechapel, Crossfaith, I See Stars, Gods of Eden, Slapshock, Greyhoundz, Wilabaliw, Razorback, KJwan, and Shotgun Combo. Tickets are available nationwide through SM Tickets at P669. Gates open at noon. Log onto www.smtickets.com and www.pulpliveworld.com for more details.

IT WILL BE an evening of soul and funk music as Apartel performs at Big M Night on April 29 at Buddha-Bar Manila, which will also feature the grand draw of this year’s winner of “Dine and Drive a Maserati” promo. Apartel is composed of members Ely Buendia on vocals and guitars, RJ Pineda on vocals and keyboards, Redge Concepcion and Coco Coo on guitars, Deej Rodriguez on percussion, Jun Lazo on bass, Pat Sarabia on drums, Diane and Donna Sagun on backing vocals and horn section Bras Pas Pas Pas. Pasta Groove, Lustbass and Tarsius will also be performing. Buddha-Bar Manila is located at Picar Place, Kalayaan Ave. Makati City. For inquiries and reservations, call 856-6719, 856-6859, or 0998-983-3918.

ATENEO BLUE Repertory’s re-imagined and revamped version of Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady: The Musical will have performances tonight and tomorrow at 8 p.m., with 3 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday, at the Rizal Mini Theater, Ateneo de Manila University. Quezon City.

TWIN BILL Theater Productions presents WIT, directed by Steven Conde, has performances on April 29 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.; April 30 at 3 p.m.; and, May 2 at 8 p.m. at the Trinity University of Asia, E. Rodriguez, Sr. Ave., Quezon City. The one-act play, which won the 1999 Pulitzer Prize for Drama by Margaret Edson, stars theater veteran Tami Monsod as a cancer-ridden literature professor whose last days are framed by the poetry of John Donne. Tickets are available through TicketWorld (www.ticketworld.com.ph).

WORDS ANONYMOUS will be turning three with a celebration show at PETA Theater Center, Quezon City, on April 29, 7 p.m. Tickets are priced P500. For reservations, call 725-6244 loc. 23 or text 0915-687-6053.

ART
ALLIANCE Française de Manille and Fundacion Sanso present an exhibit of works by Juvenal Sanso entitled The Triumph of the Spirit: a healing inspired by the coast of Brittany at the Alliance Française de Manille’s Total Gallery. It runs until May 26.

MARIANO CHING and Yasmin Sison present Traveling on the Edges of Lost Maps until May 21 at MO_Space, MOs Design, B2 Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City.

THE group show LIGALIG: Art in a Time of Turmoil is on view until May 27 at the Ateneo Art Gallery, Ateneo University Campus, QC.

THE Korean Cultural Center presents a Korean media art exhibit, Eternal Light, featuring 15 works and installation art by Korean artist Han Ho, at the KCC Exhibit Hall, Taguig City until April 28.

AN EXHIBIT of 53 photographic replicas of masterpieces from Spain’s Museo Del Prado is on view at the Ayala Triangle in Makati for five weeks before moving to Intramuros in Manila. It will then go on view from June to August at Intramuros, Manila. This is a joint project of the Intramuros Administration and Embassy of Spain in Manila.

THE exhibit Alex Cu Unjieng: Jouissance is now on view until May 4 at the Mezzanine level of the Makati Shangri-la Manila. The exhibit is held in partnership with Hiraya Gallery.

DUE TO POPULAR demand, the exhibit Naichayu: An Architectural Exploration of the Kalinga Tattoo, which delves into the history and tradition of this indigenous practice of self-expression, has been extended until May 13. The show is at the 12th Floor of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Design and Arts at 950 Pablo Ocampo St., Malate, Manila. Open daily, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

EVENTS
HOW TO WRITE Scripts for Theater, a six-hour crash course taught by Joem Antonio, will be held on April 29, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Millenia Suites, Ortigas Center, Pasig City. The enrolment fee is P3,500.

BECAUSE of the ASEAN conference which will be held in Manila this week, The venue for the lecture “Ways of Seeing: The Linked World of Maritine Trade and the Making of the Selden Map” by Stephen Davies, has been moved to The Manila House Private Club at the 8th floor, Net Park Bldg., 5th Ave. Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. This is part of the lecture series held in conjunction with the exhibit Mapping the Philippine Seas at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila. For details e-mail info@metmuseum.ph or call 708-7829.

AXN and Sony Channel take part in the Labor UNION Festival 2017 from April 28-30, a three-day event which features a variety of sports and other activities including performances from iconic Filipino artists. The AXN Big Thrill, a beach obstacle course competition will be held on the Kahuna Beach Resort beachfront on April 29. From 4 p.m. to midnight, dance to the beats of Slow Jam Hip Hop or Chill House music and listen to the music mixes of DJs Cam Abecina, Abdel Azis and DJ Badkiss on wireless headphones at The Sony Channel Sunset Silent Disco at San Juan Surf Beach Resort.

Your Weekend Guide (April 21, 2017)

May 12, 2017 | 7:21 am

PERFORMANCES

Top street dancers from all over Asia will perform in Japan Foundation, Manila’s Dance Dance Asia: Crossing the Movements on April 28, 8 p.m., and April 29, 3 p.m., at the Teresa Yuchengco Auditorium, De La Salle University, Manila. For details, visit www.dancedanceasia.com.

Ateneo Blue Repertory presents a re-imagined and revamped version of Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady: The Musical by Carlo Vergara at 8 p.m. on Thursdays to Saturdays, and 3 p.m. matinees on Saturdays and Sundays until April 30, at the Rizal Mini Theater, Ateneo de Manila University. Quezon City. For ticket, call 0956-845-2030 or reserve through bluerepertory.org/tickets.

This is the last weekend of performances of Repertory Philippines production of Sarah Ruhl’s In The Next Room or the Vibrator Play at the Onstage Theater, Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas, Makati City. A comedy set in the 1880s, it revolves around Dr. Givings’ invention of the vibrator to relieve “hysteria” in both men and women. Directed by Chris Millado, the play is for adults only. Tickets are available at TicketWorld (891-9999, www.ticketworld.com.ph).

Twin Bill Theater Productions presents WIT, directed by Steven Conde, from April 20 to May 3 at the Trinity University of Asia, E. Rodriguez, Sr. Ave., Quezon City. The one-act play, which won the 1999 Pulitzer Prize for Drama by Margaret Edson, stars theater veteran Tami Monsod as a cancer-ridden literature professor whose last days are framed by the poetry of John Donne.

ART

Ayala Museum’s ArtistSpace presents Vintage Beauty by Baguio-based artist Art Lozano until April 23. Meanwhile, ARTURO LUZ: First Light is on view until June 11 at the Ayala Museum, Makati Ave. corner De La Rosa St., Greenbelt Park, Makati City.

THE BenCab Museum in Baguio presents SinEaster, paintings by Olan Ventura, at the Gallery Indigo, and Philippine Religious Engravings (18th to 19th century prints) at the Print Gallery until June 11. The museum is at Km. 6 Asin Road, Tuba, Metro Baguio.

MARIANO CHING and Yasmin Sison present Traveling on the Edges of Lost Maps from April 22 to May 21 at MO_Space, 3rd level of MOs Design, B2 Bonifacio High Street, 9th Ave., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

NAICHAYU: An Architectural Exploration of the Kalinga Tattoo is on view at the 12F of the School of Design and Arts, DLSC Saint Benilde School of Design and Arts until April 29. Meanwhile, Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s traveling exhibition The Serenity of Madness is on view at the school’s Museum of Contemporary Art and Design.

RUSS Ligtas’ Another World, his first solo exhibition in seven years, is currently on view at the Bulwagang Fernando Amorsolo at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) until May 14. Also at the CCP is Lying In State: Cesar F. Legaspi, ongoing until June 4 at the Bulwagang Juan Luna.

MAPPING of the Philippine Seas, an exhibit of rare antique Philippine maps and sea charts, is on view until April 29 at the Tall Galleries, Metropolitan Museum of Manila, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Complex, Roxas Blvd., Manila.

MAYIE DELGADO’s Poetic Images, an exhibit of photos featuring landscape images in New Zealand and Iceland, is currently on view at the Globe Art Gallery at the Globe Headquarters in Bonifacio Global City.

PANG Hui Ba Ho Public showcases a private space that is made public, specifically a toilet shared by multiple users with varying private routines. The group exhibit runs until April 24 at the Post Gallery, Shop 7 of Cubao X in Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City.

JEWELRY, art, furniture, couture, and objets d’art are on view in Wynn Wynn Ong: Redefining Boundaries (A Retrospective) until June 15 at the Yuchengco Museum. Also on view is Naoko Tosa’s Digital Dimensions. The museum is at the RCBC Plaza, corner Ayala and Gil J. Puyat Avenues, Makati City.

THE group show LIGALIG: Art in a Time of Turmoil is on view until May 27 at the Ateneo Art Gallery, Ateneo University Campus, QC.

THE Korean Cultural Center presents a Korean media art exhibit, Eternal Light, featuring 15 works and installation art by Korean artist Han Ho, at the KCC Exhibit Hall, Taguig City until April 28.

FILM

There will be a free screening of Lamrag: Stories of Hope and Inspiration in the Time of a Changing Climate — short films made by young filmmakers from Eastern Visayas who participated in a filmmaking workshop initiated by Greenpeace Philippines and SINErangan in November 2016 — on April 22, 3:30 p.m., at SM Megamall Cinema 12.

EVENTS

Instituto Cervantes celebrates Dia del Libro on April 22. This year, discounted books from top bookstores and publishing houses will be made available at the Ayala Triangle in Makati City, and free books will be given away by Instituto Cervantes. Every book purchase entitles the buyer to one free rose. There will be many activities throughout the days. Admission to all Dia del Libro activities is free. For details visit http://manila.cervantes.es or Facebook page, www.facebook.com/InstitutoCervantesManila.

The National Book Development Board is celebrating the World Book and Copyright Day on April 23 at the Promenade, Quezon City Memorial Circle (near the Peace Monument). There will be a free workshop on erasure poetry and on-the-spot comic book making. For details visit www.booksphilippines.gov.ph.

Art Exchange, which gathers artists, crafters, and enthusiasts for capsule workshops and free demonstrations, is ongoing until April 25 at The Gallery, Greenbelt 5. These include workshops on basic calligraphy, lettering, watercolor techniques, and florals. For details, visit artexchange.thecraftcentral.com.

Asexual Healing

May 12, 2017 | 7:21 am

Theater Review
In the Next Room or the Vibrator Play
By Sarah Ruhl
Presented by Repertory Philippines
April 7 to 23, with 8 p.m. performances on Fridays to Sundays, and 3:30 p.m. shows on Saturdays and Sundays.
There are no performances on Holy Week.
Onstage Theater, Greenbelt Mall 1, Paseo de Roxas St., Makati City

By Sujata Mukhi

I really should stop reacting to my own perceptions of things. Just based on the title, not knowing anything about this third offering in Repertory Philippines’ 80th season, I thought this was going to be a period farce featuring a cast of philandering partners playing musical beds. In the next room. Using a vibrator. While navigating the hoop skirt or crinoline, and undressing layers and layers of underthings. Imagine the imagery in my mind, and maybe you would be enticed to watch that play instead.

You would understandably get thrown off by how the play is marketed. Just like my opening paragraph, audiences may be teased into thinking it’s a sexual comedy of erotic errors and watch it with the expectation of being titillated. The synopsis in the program notes, directly quoting a Wikipedia entry, gives the impression that it’s a wanton search for the joy of sex by desperate Victorian housewives

There’s the rub — pardon the pun that is not intended to be lascivious. There was nothing sexual in scene after scene women were genitally stimulated by a rather terrifying looking dildo prototype until they reached what was called a “hysterical paroxysm,” aka climax, aka orgasm in today’s language. It was clinical, it was medical, it was asexual.

But the play itself, presented with so much love by a very courageous cast, was far from clinical, far from medical. At its heart, it is a story about love and intimacy unfolding, but in a rather unorthodox way, framed within the context of the politics of sexual expression and repression.

Inspired by American historian Rachel Maine’s research entitled The Technology of Orgasm: “Hysteria”, the Vibrator, and Women’s Sexual Satisfaction, playwright Sarah Ruhl interweaves quite remarkably the themes of technological and sexual liberation, and the consequences thereof. The play is set on the cusp of the 20th century. Gas lit lamps have started to be replaced by electrical incandescent bulbs, and electricity now powers the home.

Dr. Givings (the spot-on Joshua Spafford) is very pleased with his latest invention: an elongated instrument that vibrates when powered electrically. He uses the instrument to cure “hysteria,” the catchall word describing women’s symptoms that ranged from nervous disorders, insomnia, fainting, or what could have been interpreted as sexual immodesty. With the assistance of Nurse Annie (the incredible, understated Tami Monsod), Dr. Givings looks away as he instructs his clients to undress, lie on the clinic bed, and cover their private parts with a sheet. With supreme professionalism and efficiency, Dr. Givings gives his treatment which involves inserting (?) or moving his gadget around his patient’s clitoris, maybe vulva, until muscular contractions, or a paroxysm, are induced. If the machine for some reason doesn’t work, he instructs Nurse Annie to administer manual stimulation. All under the sheets of course, as the audience gets no peep show.

Okaaaay. What’s the rating of this play again? (Repertory Philippines is adamant that it is for adults only. — Ed.) But never mind that. At this point I’m laughing and agog all at the same time, as I can’t get over the utter naturalness of how Caisa Borromeo, who plays Dr. Givings’ client Mrs. Sabrina Daldry, gives in to her character’s first orgasm. Mrs. Daldry is initially brought to Dr. Givings for treatment by her husband Mr. Daldry (Hans Eckstein) as she suffers from fatigue and anxiety. No one, including Dr. Givings’ wife Catherine (Giannina Ocampo) seems to know what the treatments consist of, which happen in the clinic adjacent to the Givings’ drawing room. Neither does Mrs. Daldry reveal what she has been experiencing.

As Mrs. Daldry looks for more treatment sessions, transforming to a confident, outspoken woman in the process, Catherine becomes more and more curious about what goes on in the next room, hearing strange but alluring moans through the door. A new mother, Catherine is frustrated that her baby refuses to suckle from her, is generally dissatisfied with her life, and yearns for attention and intimacy from her husband who spends more time in the clinic and with friends at the club. Mrs. Daldry suggests Catherine employ the services of her colored servant Elizabeth (Cara Barredo) as a wet nurse, whose own baby was still-born. The introduction of Elizabeth into the Catherine’s life makes Catherine confront her own limitations as the baby easily takes to Elizabeth’s nursing. Elizabeth on the other hand is forced to face her repressed grief at losing her own child, and develops a maternal attachment to the white woman’s baby.

Repression and expression are the undercurrent of the play. Leo the artist (Jef Flores), also a client of Dr. Givings, is unabashed in his free love for all women, and flirts with Catherine. With deep feelings stirred, she summons the courage to break the barrier and open the door to the next room to see for herself what panacea lies therein, and Mrs. Daldry, her partner-in-crime, helps her experience her very first paroxysm/orgasm. Ever.

The beauty of the play is how the tone never gives in to mockery or exaggeration. There is a deep compassion for the needs of these women, trapped by the demands and expectations of the times. Just as interesting is the view of sexual release as a healing modality, independent of this release being in the context of a relationship or encounter with another person. Release for its own sake, without the trappings of morality and judgment. This very much reminds me of the English movie Bliss (no, not the current controversial Tagalog film) where a married woman, unable to orgasm, seeks the help of a sex therapist to help her unlock deep dark secrets stored in her somatic memory. Esoteric eastern spiritual practices also seek to channel pure sexual energy as a link to the divine, which may or may not include another person.

But that is the interesting contrast between Mrs. Daldry and Catherine. Mrs. Daldry is content with the release for its own sake, while Catherine loses interest in it if it’s not accompanied by love, intimacy, and companionship.

Just a marvelous is the transformation of Dr. Givings. The treatments he gives women are purely objective and clinical, and there is no association of their experiences with sexual activity. In the same way, sex with his wife is devoid of intimacy, and female orgasm in that setting is unheard of. But his jealousy and passion are roused when Catherine tells him she is attracted to Leo, and later, in a truly touching scene, he caresses Catherine sweetly and earnestly and uses the language closest to intimacy that he knows, by naming each part in anatomical terms. Some audience members laughed and tittered, but I found it very moving.

And that cast. That truly giving cast! Joshua Spafford has chosen a great vehicle for his return to Philippine stage, and we truly hope to see more of him (no pun intended! Watch the play and you’ll know why I say this!) He had the perfect carriage of a Victorian gentleman. Ms. Borromeo’s shift from an hysteric to a self-possessed woman was compelling, and the changing quality of her rendition of orgasms, scene after scene, were sights and sounds to behold. Tami Monsod, who I think is one of the best actors on the Philippine stage, says so much with so little. A look, a gesture, a bit of stage business, is all it takes to feel her intensity. Giannina Ocampo has an even wider room for transformation, and delivers effectively. Cara Barredo smoldered with repressed anger, and Hans Eckstein, who clearly stood out recently as the butler in Annie, tightened the ensemble. The flamboyance of the gorgeous Jef Flores as the artist Leo just felt a little forced, but you have to give it to the man for being willing to bend over and pretend to be impaled. Once again the vibrator to the rescue.

The set was detailed, and someone mentioned it was a throwback to the good old days when realistic box sets were the hallmark of Rep productions. It was split into two areas, with the clinic on one side and the drawing room on the other, and there would be times you would see actions take place simultaneously that reflected opposing undertones. While Dr. Givings was getting ready to administer treatment clinically on one side, restlessness and stirred emotions were expressed on the other side. It didn’t matter if your attention would be split, a kind of integration takes place as you watch.

Under Chris Millado’s direction (his plays are fast becoming some of my favorites to watch), the whole is so much more than the fractured parts. He is sensitive to the vulnerabilities of his actors, and gradually peels off the layers, very similar to how the ladies’ clothes and underthings are meticulously and expertly removed. (I understand that actors had days and days of practice to just get that process right. And it looked seamless.) Mention must be made of the excellent costume designer Bonsai Cielo and set designer Mio Infante for the realism.

You may avoid The Vibrator Play if you don’t want to ruffle your sensibilities, or you may want to watch it to titillate them. But the end moved me to tears at the innocence of re-discovery, and the re-awakening of tender passion. And it is all good.

Tickets cost P836 and P1,045 and are available at TicketWorld (www.ticketworld.com.ph) and at the gate.

Your Weekend Guide (April 7, 2017)

May 12, 2017 | 7:21 am

PERFORMANCES
Ateneo Blue Repertory is celebrating its 25th year with a concert, Company Call: blueREP at 25, that will bring together current members and alumni, featuring some of the organization’s most recognizable musical numbers, on April 8, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., at the Cine Adarna, UP Film Institute, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City. Tickets are P500, P600, and P700. For tickets visit http://bluerepertory.org/Tickets, or call 0917-531-6026 or 0917-520-1998.

RED TURNIP Theater’s science fiction play The Nether has performances until April 9 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight, Circuit Makati. Tickets are available at TicketWorld (891-9999, www.ticketworld.com.ph), and at www.facebook.com/RedTurnipTheater.

FILM
Pineapple Lab’s Dark Room Series presents a new documentary short film by Jean Claire Dy and Manuel Domes on April 9, 4 p.m. Pagrara Sang Patipuron follows a group of indigenous Aeta women weavers in Nagpana. The film will be followed by a short talk with the artistic team. Tickets are P400. Pineapple Lab is at 6071 R. Palma Street, Barangay Poblacion, Makati City.

EVENTS
Edsa Shangri-La and Wedding Treasures and Fashion Pulis, present a bridal fair called Unveil 2017, on April 8 and 9, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., at the hotel’s Grand Isla Ballroom. Unveil 2017 is open to the public. There will be a talk on Ting Hun (Chinese engagement ceremony) on the first day, and a bridal fashion talk on the second day. There will be bridal fashion shows on both days at 7 p.m., featuring gowns by Veluz, Val Taguba, Joel Escober, Anthony Ramirez, Michael Leyva, Francis Libiran, and Roulette. Wedding stylists will decorate the ballroom. Guests can check a variety of sources for wedding cakes and pastries, car rentals, furniture rentals, designers, artists, event coordinators, event stylists and florists, fashion choreographers, gifts and novelties, event emcees, invitations, jewelry, musicians, audio visual equipment, photography, videography, among others. The hotel will likewise be offering fitness, beauty and wellness programs to brides and grooms to be in preparation for their big day.

ART
THE BenCab Museum presents SinEaster, an exhibit of paintings by Olan Ventura, and Philippine Religious Engravings (18th to 19th century prints) starting April 12. Both will run until June 11. Meanwhile, TAKE 5 on Aquarelle, an exhibition of watercolor paintings is on view until April 7. The BenCab Museum is at Km. 6 Asin Road, Tuba, Metro Baguio.

ON VIEW at the Makati Shangri-La Manila until April 17 is a show by Hiraya Gallery titled By the Sea, By the Beautiful Sea.

NAICHAYU: An Architectural Exploration of the Kalinga Tattoo is ongoing until April 29 at the 12F, School of Design and Arts, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, 950 Pablo Ocampo St., Malate, Manila.

RUSS Ligtas’ Another World is on view at the Cultural Center of the Philippines until May 14. Also ongoing until June 4 is Lying In State: Cesar F. Legaspi.

MAPPING of the Philippine Seas, an exhibit of rare antique Philippine maps and sea charts, is on view until April 29 at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, Roxas Blvd., Manila.

MAYIE DELGADO’s Poetic Images, an exhibit of landscape photos, is on view at the Globe Headquarters in Bonifacio Global City.

AN EXHIBIT of video work by Lani Maestro, “her rain”(slaughter), has been extended until April 16 at MO_Space at Bonifacio High Street, BGC, Taguig City.

THE Pang Hui Ba Ho Public group exhibit runs until April 24 at the Post Gallery, Cubao X in Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City.

Wynn Wynn Ong: Redefining Boundaries (A Retrospective) runs until June 15 at the Yuchengco Museum. Also on view is Naoko Tosa’s Digital Dimensions.

THE group show LIGALIG: Art in a Time of Turmoil is on view until May 27 at the Ateneo Art Gallery, Ateneo University Campus, Katipunan Ave., Quezon City.

THE Korean Cultural Center (KCC) presents a Korean media art exhibit, Eternal Light, featuring installation art by Korean artist Han Ho, at the KCC Exhibit Hall, Taguig City until April 28.

APICHATPONG Weerasethakul’s traveling exhibition The Serenity of Madness is on view at the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD), De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Design and Arts, 950 Pablo Ocampo St., Malate, Manila.

ARTURO LUZ: First Light is on view until June 11 as part of Ayala Museum’s “Images of Nation,” a program in honor of the National Artists for Visual Arts. Ayala Museum is located at Makati Ave. corner De La Rosa St., Greenbelt Park, Makati City.

Your Weekend Guide (March 24, 2017)

May 12, 2017 | 7:21 am

PERFORMANCES
REPERTORY Philippines presents Sarah Ruhl’s In The Next Room or the Vibrator Play from March 24 to April 23 at the Onstage Theater, Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas, Makati City. A comedy set in the 1880s, it follows the events that happen after Dr. Givings invents a device to relieve “hysteria” in both men and women. The brilliant new device is a vibrator. Directed by Chris Millado, the play is for adults only. Tickets are available at TicketWorld (891-9999, www.ticketworld.com.ph).

THE Manila Improv Festival 2017 is ongoing until March 26 at the PETA Theater in Quezon City. Presented by SPIT and PETA, the festival features over 20 improv groups from all over the Philippines and the globe. Tickets are available at TicketWorld (891-9999, www.ticketworld.com.ph).

THE Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company Recital presents Jean Genet’s Ang Balkonahe, translated and directed by Dennis Marasigan. For adults only. Performances are on March 25, 7 p.m., and March 26, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City. Tickets are available at TicketWorld (891-9999, www.ticketworld.com.ph).

THE Ywan Ballet Theater Company of South Korea will be performing on March 24, 6:30 p.m., at the Shangri-La Plaza Grand Atrium, Level 2 of the Main Wing. The ballet company, founded in 1987, has since been making efforts to spread Korean culture all over the world through contemporary ballet. For inquiries, call 370-2597/98 or visit facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficial.

BENILDE’S Art and Culture stages Makbet, Shakespeare’s tragedy translated into Filipino by Rolando Tinio, with performances until April 1 at the 6/F Black Box, School of Design and Arts Campus, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, Pablo Ocampo St., Malate Manila. The show is directed by Nonon Padilla and the cast includes theater veterans Irma Adlawan and George De Jesus III. Tickets are available at TicketWorld (891-9999, www.ticketworld.com.ph).

THE Union of Journalists of the Philippines-UP and The UP Repertory Company present Barangay Pagkatularan: A Travelogue Experience on the War on Drugs on March 24, 1-4 p.m., at the Student Activity Center, Plaridel Hall, College of Mass Communication, University of the Philippines-Diliman. For reservations, visit UJP UP Diliman on Facebook.

RED TURNIP Theater’s The Nether, starring Jenny Jamora, Alba Berenguer-Testa, Junyka Santarin, TJ Trinidad, Bernardo Bernardo and Bodjie Pascua and directed by Ana Abad Santos, has performances until April 9 at Power Mac Center Spotlight, Circuit Makati. Visit ticketworld.com.ph or www.facebook.com/RedTurnipTheater.

ART
THE Freedom Art Society presents Babae, Sino Ka?: Isang Daang Babae, Isang Daang Obra, an exhibition in celebration of the International Women’s Month. It is on view until March 30 at the Unit C-1 Windsor Villas 348 Tandang Sora Ave. cor. Congressional Ave. Extension, Quezon City.

AN EXHIBIT of video work by Lani Maestro, “her rain”(slaughter), has been extended for viewing until April 16 at MO_Space at Bonifacio High Street, BGC, Taguig City.

FORCED EVACUATION, an exhibit of works by Jaime Pacena II, runs until April 1 at the Blanc Art Gallery, 145 Katipunan Ave., St. Ignatius Village, Quezon City. Blanc Gallery has two other ongoing exhibitions: Too Late for Today, Too Early for Tomorrow by Don Dalmacio and Hinggil sa Mukha ng Kasalukuyan.

GALLERIA Duemila features Sacha Cotture’s Moments de Creation until April 3. Galeria Duemila is located at 201 Loring St., Pasay City.

THE group show LIGALIG: Art in a Time of Turmoil is on view until May 27 at the Ateneo Art Gallery (AAG). Also at the AAG are Lines: Pictures and Poems by Jose Garcia Villa which is on view until August, AAG in Review: Bellarmine Hall (1960-1967) and Print and Drawing Room (1997-2005) until May, and #LUZ@90 which celebrates National Artist for Visual Arts Arturo R. Luz. It is on view until April 8. The Ateneo Art Gallery is at the Rizal Library Bldg., Ateneo University Campus, Katipunan Ave., Quezon City.

THE Korean Cultural Center (KCC) presents a Korean media art exhibit, Eternal Light, featuring 15 works and installation art by Korean artist Han Ho, at the KCC Exhibit Hall, Taguig City until April 28.

TAKE 5 on Aquarelle, an exhibition of watercolor paintings by Alfredo Roces, BenCab, Elmer Borlongan, Kelly Ramos, and Abi Dionisio, is on view at the BenCab Museum in Baguio City until April 7.

ARTINFORMAL has three ongoing exhibitions: Fearful Symmetries by Ronald Achacoso; Other Things in the World by Jan Balaquin, Nice Buenaventura, Nicole Tee, Juni Salvador, Lubin Nepomuceno, Van Tuico, and Reg Yuson; and Still by Raena Abella. The gallery is at 277 Connecticut St., Mandaluyong City.

FILM
AS PART of its current exhibition, Apichatpong Weerasethakul: The Serenity of Madness, MCAD Manila will be screening a selection of the acclaimed Thai filmmaker’s short films on select Fridays of March and May 2017 starting on March 10, 3 p.m., at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde SDA Cinema (12th floor). Admission is free. For more information, visit the events page Short Films by Apichatpong Weerasethakul on Facebook.

FILMMAKER Ivy Universe Baldoza converses with Patrick D. Flores on the film Marciano on March 24, 2:30 p.m. at the UP Vargas Museum in University of the Philippines. The film traces the life of a gay overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who lived and died in Paris by gathering anecdotes from friends, colleagues, and strangers. Admission is free.

INSTITUTO CERVANTES presents Espacio Femenino, a series of documentaries directed by Spanish female filmmakers at the FDCP Cinematheque, Manila this month. To be shown on March 25, 6 p.m. is Maite Vitoria Daneris’ El lugar de las fresas. For details on the films and schedules, visit www.manila.cervantes.es or www.facebook.com/InstitutoCervantesManila.

EVENTS
JOIN a pop-up marketplace for antique and vintage goods in Warehouse Eight, Makati City, on March 25 at 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Istorya is an appreciation fair that aims to revitalize Filipino history and culture with workshops, demonstrations, and stories behind vintage pieces. Entrance fee is P200.

BONIFACIO High Street (BHS) presents Summer on the Street every weekend from March 25 to 28. from March 25 to May 28, with different activities staged around BHS. The summer series is kicking off with a Food Truck Festival on March 25-26. Subsequent weekends will see a Pet Summit (April 1-2); Walkways: Stations of the Cross (April 9-16), Easter Sunday celebration (April 15); a Health & Wellness Weekend (April 22-23); United Geekdom 2 (May 7); Mother’s Day Weekend (May 14); Waggin Tails (May 21); and the Summer Ender Concert (May 27 or 28).

Red Turnip’s virtual reality play reflects real world issues

May 12, 2017 | 7:21 am

Theater
The Nether
Produced by Red Turnip Theater
Directed by Ana Abad Santos
Weekends until April 9
The Power Mac Center Spotlight Theater, Circuit Makati

IN A THEATER landscape dominated by musicals, Red Turnip Theater has focused on staging contemporary straight plays. It ends its fourth season in an unusual manner, with a science fiction crime drama, The Nether.

Written in 2012 by Susan Smith Blackburn Prize awardee Jennifer Haley, The Nether focuses on the dilemmas of living in a virtual world.

In the play, Mr. Sims (portrayed by veteran actor Bernardo Bernardo) creates the “Hideaway,” a virtual space inside online world called The Nether.

Aside from issues familiar in this age of the Internet where people masquerade as someone they are not, The Nether also tackles unsettling issues such as pedophilia and bloodlust. In “Hideaway,” Mr. Sims runs a business in which clients pay to meet young girls who satisfy their desires.

This and other situations raise ethical questions about living out one’s hidden fantasies and their moral consequences.

The play made its debut in the West End and Off-Broadway in 2015 and has since been produced across the United States and Europe. Red Turnip’s production is its Asian premiere. It is directed by award winning actress and director Ana Abad Santos, one of the founders of the theater company.

“The Internet is really a demon that we don’t know what’s capable of. In the last 10 years, it has developed greatly and has taken us by storm,” Ms. Santos said during the play’s opening night on March 9 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight in Circuit Makati.

She felt the need to stage The Nether because there are issues of morality that people should be reminded of. “Pedophilia is just a tool that they used in terms of games and role-playing. There is a lot that you don’t see. They just used that as one concept, but there are a lot more,” she said of the play.

Joining Mr. Bernardo onstage are Bodjie Pascua, TJ Trinidad, and Jenny Jamora. Young actresses Alba Berenguer-Testa and Junyka Santarin alternate as nine-year-old Iris, an avatar with whom men act out their fantasies.

Ms. Santos admitted that it was difficult explaining what the story was about to the children. She however said the playwright wanted to keep the Iris’ character innocent to make it more believable.

“It was hard explaining it to them because it was a very sensitive subject, but what was important for the play was to keep their innocence. We couldn’t really tell them about everything,” she said.

Ms. Santarin said she had no idea what The Nether was about even after auditioning for the part.

“I got the role and my parents explained to me that it was intended for adults,” she said. “Whenever I have questions in mind, I ask Ms. Ana. But to be honest, I don’t understand some of it.”

Messrs. Bernardo and Pascua said they could relate to the story being public figures who most of the time live a “double-life.”

Mr. Pascua said: “It’s kind of similar to what we, as actors and as celebrities, what image would we show in our public side — like ‘Kuya Bodjie’ (his iconic character from the children’s program Batibot). I have to look for my ‘other side’ and demonstrated something as real.”

Mr. Bernardo noted there are dangers in social media that could lead to lose one’s identity. “We are creating our own avatars… Up until where you will be responsible for this? What are the impacts brought by your own loved ones and other people?”

As the director puts it, The Nether is both beautiful and grotesque, and certainly it is a play that is very relevant to today’s reality, both virtual and not. — Camille Anne M. Arcilla

Tickets are available at www.ticketworld.com.ph and www.redturnip.com.ph.

Manila joins global run to ‘Break the Silence’

May 12, 2017 | 7:21 am

Fun Run
Break the Silence
March 19, 6 am.
McKinley West Park, Taguig City

MANILA joins 20 other cities across the globe to “Break The Silence” on March 19, as the Philippine Accessible Disability Services, Inc. (PADS) initiates a solidarity run to stop sexual abuse and exploitation to deaf communities in the Philippines.

The goal of the run is to generate a global wave of awareness which will contribute to stopping the sexual abuse of deaf women and children who are the more vulnerable to exploitation according to a recent survey conducted by the Philippine Deaf Resource Center. It found that 65-70% of Deaf boys and girls in the Philippines have been molested while a further study revealed that one-third of female respondents had been raped.

PADS is a Cebu-based nongovernment organization with the vision of a “Disability Inclusive Filipino Society.”

While the primary run will be held in Cebu City, AIESEC Alumni Philippines is organizing a local fun run in Manila to support the global movement.

The Manila run will be held at McKinley West Park, Taguig City from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., with a 2.5K and a 5K running route.

PADS’ partners and networks across the Americas, Australia, Asia, Europe, and the Pacific nations will also host runs in their cities on that day. The final run of the day will be hosted by Google at the Googleplex in Mountain View, California.

Approximately 10,000 global people of all abilities and ages are expected to participate in the Global Run. PADS is also encouraging other local organizations and NGOs to adopt the project and host fun runs in their cities as well.

Participants are encouraged to donate a minimum of P350 which will help strengthen the Break the Silence advocacy through a year-long activity which involves raising awareness, providing training, and improve access to education for the PWD community.

AIESEC Alumni in partnership with DDB Cares produced a promotional video and started circulating a video challenge on social media to help raise awareness. The challenge is done by filming one’s self saying “Together, we can break the silence” in sign language and uploading it on Facebook using the #BreakTheSilence hashtag and tagging it to friends to do the same.

For more details and to pre-register, visit the Break the Silence Event Page through PADS’ Facebook Fan Page or visit PADS Web site at www.pads.org.ph.

Fossils suggest hominids may have lived alongside modern humans

May 12, 2017 | 7:10 am

MAROPENG, SOUTH AFRICA — Primitive hominids may have lived in Africa at the same time as humans, researchers said Tuesday, in new findings that could change the understanding of human evolution.

Fossils found deep in South Africa’s Rising Star cave complex in 2013 have been dated by several expert teams with their findings suggesting the hominids, called Homo naledi, may have lived alongside Homo sapiens.

It had previously been thought that the hominids were millions of years old.

A team of 20 scientists from laboratories and institutions around the world, including in South Africa and Australia, established the age of the fossils which suggests that Homo naledi may well have lived at the same time as humans. Their findings have been published Tuesday in three papers in the journal eLife.

The focus of the team’s research has been South Africa’s barely accessible Rising Star Cave system, part of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, about 50 kilometers northwest of Johannesburg. The area has been an incredibly rich source of artifacts for palaeontologists since it was first discovered.

“There has been a great deal of speculation on how old Homo naledi was… Everyone who has examined the anatomy of Homo naledi has suggested that it would be in the millions of years,” said project leader and researcher at Wits University, Lee Berger.

But now, having established the age of the fossils using six independent methods, the team estimates that they are between 236,000 and 335,000-years-old — the beginning of the rise of modern human behavior, said Berger.

Researcher John Hawks said that the separate discovery of new Homo naledi fossils — including a pristine skull — in two other caves “confirmed that we’re looking at an anatomical pattern that is very different from any other common species.”

Some experts disputed the findings of the team that discovered the initial fossils and named the new species Homo naledi, arguing that they were merely early Homo erectus.

‘ALL SORTS OF POSSIBILITIES’
“We’re looking at a diversity of species in Africa in the latest stages of our evolutionary history that no one had suspected would be there,” said Hawks, an academic at the University of Wisconsin in the United States.

“That implies that as our species arose, it arose with others, that there were a diversity of hominid species in Africa occupying these environments during what we had considered to be the critical time period of modern human origins.”

Work has begun to also date the latest fossils to be found.

Paul Dirks, a professor at Australia’s James Cook University which is involved in the project, said that Homo naledi’s hand structure and the more recent era in which it is thought to have lived means it could have been a toolmaker.

The new findings have shown that the history of evolution is far more complicated than a straight-forward sequential history, he said.

“We have many different branches on the family tree and it is only fairly recently that there is only one survivor on the landscape. The new dating of the fossils opens up all sorts of possibilities for an interchange of… behaviors between Homo naledi and Homo sapiens,” Dirks added.

“This will have profound effect on archeology… (it is a) critical missing part of what happened in human evolution,” said Berger, who described the findings as “a Rosetta Stone for us.”

Homo naledi had a tiny brain, about the size of an orange and stood about 1.5 meters (5 feet) tall, weighing around 45 kilos (100 pounds), experts say.

Homo naledi’s teeth and skull are similar to those of early humans while their shoulders are more similar to those of apes.

They had a brain about a third of the size of a modern human brain and curved fingers that are seemingly well suited for climbing. — AFP

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