Ortigas Library offers conservation services
THE ORTIGAS Foundation Library is offering conservation services for old maps, rare books, historical papers, family letters and documents at its new home at the McKinley Bldg. (above Unimart) at the Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan. The Conservation team has over 15 years of experience in book and paper repair and restoration. The treatment services include removal of old repairs and tapes, surface cleaning, mending paper tears, foxing and stain reduction, reduction of creases, chemical cleaning to remove dirt and wash harmful acids, fumigation, and partial and full restoration. The services are reasonably priced and any income derived is for the continued operations of the library. For item assessment, send an e-mail at ortigasfoundation@ortigas.com.ph or message the library on its Facebook page. The library is open Mondays to Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The library can be contacted at 0977-728-5150 or 0947-426-1432.
Javier Galvan holds first exhibit
JAVIER Galvan, former Director of the Instituto Cervantes, is holding his first solo exhibition at the Leon Gallery International, under Derek Flores’ art management. The exhibit, “Otras Realidades” (“Other Realities”), consists of photographs and paintings. Galvan’s photographs are described by art critic Cid Reyes as “pure illusion of another reality, otherworldly, immaterial, sometimes ethereal and lyrical, but despite the ambiguity of the image, all are solid definition. In works that allude to specific places — like Cibeles, and Hogueras en St. Pierre — the eye can distinguish the avenue of evening lights in a European city and the illumination suggested by a blazing bonfire.” Meanwhile, Galvan’s cloud paintings are “strongly influenced by his friend Betsy Westendorp, who has now returned to her homeland Spain.” During Galvan’s term at the Instituto Cervantes, Westendorp donated a large painting of clouds to the Spanish cultural center. The exhibit is ongoing until June 20 at Leon Gallery, at the ground floor of the Corinthian Plaza, Paseo de Roxas., Legaspi Village, Makati, with proceeds benefiting the ANAK-tnk Foundation.
BenCab Museum opens 2 exhibits
THE BENCAB Museum in Baguio will be opening two exhibits on June 11: “Imprints,” featuring works by Leonard Aguinaldo, and “Binali 2,” featuring works by Sultan Mang-osan. “Imprints” will include woodcuts, rubber cuts, collages, and mixed media works by Aguinaldo. It will be on view until Aug. 7 at the museum’s Gallery Indigo. The works were created and inspired by the over two years spent under lockdown because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “The limited movement and confinement inside the house shut off the outside world where the only connection to the real world was the internet,” the artist wrote in a statement. “The anxiety brought about by these circumstances led to an inquest delving into an imaginative world hoping to find answers. The solace in the studio immensely enriched the conception of the works. Inspired by Cordillera motifs and healers’ wisdom, “Imprints” collates an alternative visual story of a virus outbreak.” The other exhibit, “Binali 2,” will run until July 11 at the museum’s Sepia Gallery. Sultan Mang-osan has been making pointillist figurative pen and ink drawings, including portraits of indigenous persons, since 2005. In 2015, Mang-osan began meticulously painting textiles, rattan objects and traditional musical instruments on canvas in an attempt to reclaim these objects from the valuations they are accorded as museum displays and souvenirs. The painted objects are rudimentary in forms and contours but are always intricate.
ARTablado opens branch in Rizal Province
THERE is something about a town, a city, or a particular piece of land that can make those who are receptive to inspiration live and breathe art. Such is the role of the Province of Rizal as the cradle of Philippine art, a haven for artists — with culture-driven areas such as Antipolo, Tanay, and Angono, as well as its lakeshore towns by the lip of Laguna Lake and mountain ranges that are waiting to be captured on canvas. Thus it is fitting that Robinsons Land ARTablado, which was established in Robinsons Galleria’s branch in 2020, puts up a base near the artistic source: Robinsons Place Antipolo. This makes the mall an ideal venue for Rizal-based artists who need a stage, a platform, a venue to share their talent, vision and fresh take on artistic expression. For its inaugural show, Robinsons Land ARTablado in Robinsons Place Antipolo presents “Sangkutsa: Ikalawang Yugto,” on view until June 15. After their successful run in ARTablado Robinsons Galleria with the Sangkutsa group exhibition from April 1 to 13, the members of Sining Rizal focus on the lifestyle and the cultural drive of people from the province of Rizal. The participating artists are: Bong Anore, Rey Punelas, Oiet Aramil, Jovito Andres, Berny Supsupin, Totong Francisco, Charlie Val, Jan Michael Ong, Ambhet Lugtu, Reggie Lim, Onak Limayo, Gerry Marasigan, Ding Jovellano, Jonalyn Montero, Jun Tiongco, Roger Fulgado, Bello Pasa, Jr., Roland delos Santos and Omer delos Santos. “Sangkutsa Ikalawang Yugto” is part of ARTablado’s “Rizal Series,” which runs until November. Other group exhibitions include: “Bigkis Singing Binangonan” from June 16 to 30; Grupo Sining Angono from July 1 to 15; Taytay Artists from July 16 to 30; Tanay Artists from Aug. 1 to 15; Brando Limon Bati and Adler Llagas (a two-man show) from Aug. 16 to 31; and Angono Ateliers Association from Sept. 1 to 15. Robinsons Land ARTablado is at the Upper Ground Floor, North Wing, Robinsons Place Antipolo.
Films on PH independence to be screened for free
IN COMMEMORATION of the Philippine Independence Day on June 12, a diverse collection of short and full-length films on the self-determination and sovereignty of the country will be screened for free on all Wednesdays of June. Starring the late award-winning actor and “King of Comedy” Dolphy, Markova: Comfort Gay (2000) is a historical comedy-drama that narrates the life of Walter Dempster, Jr., also known as Walterina Markova, the last surviving Filipino “comfort gay.” Written by Clodualdo Del Mundo, Jr. and directed by Gil M. Portes, the 97-minute biopic bares the hardships faced by the cross-dressing entertainers in the hands of the Imperial Japanese Army during the World War II. It will be screened on June 8. The other films to be shown are: A Rustling of Leaves: Inside the Philippine Revolution (1988) a 112-minute documentary by Canadian filmmaker Nettie Wild on June 15; Sentry (1988) by Filipino film director Mark Meily, is a six-minute short that provides a glimpse of the atrocities in a military camp through the eyes of a young soldier, will be shown on June 22; and, Bangsamoro: Isang Sulyap sa Kanilang Pakikibaka (2022) by filmmaker Milo Alto-Paz is a 12-minute collage of interrelated segments following the challenges of the 13 ethnolinguistic groups that comprise the Bangsamoro people, on June 29. Curated by the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, the free and public online screenings will be conducted via Zoom at noon on the scheduled dates. To register, e-mail mcad@benilde.edu.ph.
Film screenings at the CCP
IN COMMEMORATION of Pride Month 2022 and the 124th Philippine Independence Day, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), through the CCP Film, Broadcast and New Media Division, presents a special CCP Arthouse Cinema screening of Eduardo Roy’s F#@*bois, Cha Roque’s My Mamily, and Vahn Leinard Pascual’s Blue Is Not My Favorite Color on June 10, 2 p.m., at the CCP Tanghalang Manuel Conde. Admission is free. To register, visit https://bit.ly/3zcwYW1 (limited slots only). To read the CCP’s New Normal Protocols, visit https://bit.ly/CCPHealthProtocols.
Aussie embassy honors Pinoy kid’s story against COVID-19
A CHILDREN’S story about COVID-19 and proper handwashing was lauded by the Australian Embassy during the 2022 Australia Alumni Excellence Award. Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven J. Robinson handed the Bayanihan Award to Boom Enriquez, author of the children’s story entitled In the Town of Kamayanan and the Legend of the Dancing Hands, during the awarding ceremony held at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza. The Bayanihan Award recognized his leadership, innovation and contributions in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, “which have promoted recovery and fostered resilience in your immediate community as well as throughout the Philippines.” The story teaches children the importance of handwashing as a solution to COVID-19 pandemic through the tale featuring the fictional character of CoVully, who sowed chaos and fear in the town of Kamayanan and how he was defeated through the power of the “dancing hands” or proper washing of hands. Enriquez collaborated with the Itch Creatives company to produce the e-book. A recipient of the Australia Awards Scholarship in 2013, Enriquez finished his Master of Science in Public Policy and Management at Carnegie Mellon University with distinction. He is currently a Development Communications Consultant. Access to the e-book In the Town of Kamayanan and the Legend of the Dancing Hands is free at https://www.facebook.com/townofkamayanan.
VLF holds playwrights fair, fellows named
IN LINE with the return of the Virgin Labfest (VLF) onstage at the stage of the Tanghalang Huseng Batute of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) from June 16 to 26, the Playwright’s Fair also returns with a hybrid setup. There will be a series of talks with theater professionals on a range of topics including Playwrights in the Academe, Directors’ Takes on New Work by Playwrights, Writing Musicals, and many more. The fair will be led by Artistic Director, Rody Vera, with the CCP Intertextual Division. The talks will be held live at Tanghalang Manuel Conde on June 17, 18, 24, and 25, at 5 p.m. Online streaming is also available on CCP and VLF Official Facebook Pages from June 29 to July 3 at 7 and 8.30 p.m. Meanwhile, the CCP has announced the fellows accepted to the VLF17 Writing Fellowship Program which will take place online on June 14 – 26. They are: Wilfredo C. Alipala, Christian Antonio D. Castillo, Lauren Angela C. Chua, Bernardine B. De Belen, Adrian Carlo A. Fajardo, Mark Andy Pedere, Justin Myron R. Ramos, and Harvey R. Sallador. The VLF Writing Fellowship Program is a two-week mentorship program on the study and practice of dramatic writing for the stage. It is part of the Cultural Center’s desire to train young aspiring playwrights. The eight fellows will be mentored by playwright Glenn Sevilla Mas, and will be given access to all Virgin Labfest 17 plays. The Fellowship Program will conclude in a staged reading of the fellows’ works directed by Dennis Marasigan at the CCP on June 26, 5 p.m., and streamed online via the CCP Facebook page.
Araneta City uses AR technology to bring urban art to life
ARANETA City in Quezon City is using modern technology to create interactive murals and exhibits. At the activity area of Gateway Mall, visitors can enjoy the benefits of AR (Augmented Reality) technology at the “Binibining Pilipinas 2022 Glam Shot Photo Exhibit”. On view are seven-foot tall portraits of 40 Binibining Pilipinas candidates, but when visitors train their phones on the images, they will see the candidates come to life. To try out this AR experience, visitors must download the UniteAR app on their smartphones, open the AR camera on the app, and scan the QR code in any of the panels. From there, the images of the pageant contestants will spring to life. The “Binibining Pilipinas 2022 Glam Shot Photo Exhibit” at the Gateway Mall Activity Area is until June 11 and will be moved to other Araneta City malls like Farmers Plaza and Ali Mall in the days leading to the pageant’s Grand Coronation Night. Elsewhere in the commercial center, huge artworks and murals also get the AR treatment. There’s the Tropical Mural near the Gateway Mall skybridge (near Miniso), the Pet Pals Mural beside the Gateway Mall-General Roxas Ave. exit (beside Conti’s Bakeshop), the Waterfalls Mural at the New Frontier Theater Arcade (beside McDonalds), and the Kobe Bryant Mural at the Shopwise Arcade (beside Bonchon) — all of which can come to life on smartphones when the QR codes near these artworks are scanned. AR technology is also currently being used by Gateway Gallery for its “Sining Saysay: Philippine History in Art” exhibit, which features 30 large paintings that mark various pivotal moments in Philippine history. Visitors who will scan the paintings via the Gateway Gallery mobile app will see an informational video about the artwork.
Alliance Française de Manille holds Summer Camp
ALLIANCE Française de Manille is cooking up some activities for children this June and July. Each session is a week of fun introduction to French with cooking, arts and crafts, dress-up, and an escape game. Open to children ages six to 11. Summer Camp will be held onsite from Mondays to Thursdays, 1:30-4 p.m. The sessions will be on June 13-16, June 20-23, June 27 to 30, July 4-7, July 11-14, July 18-21, and July 25-28. Register at www.alliance.ph.
Pacita Abad exhibit catalogue now available
THE PACITA ABAD Art Estate and the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD) Manila recently launched Pacita Abad: A Million Things to Say, an exhibition catalogue that revisits the works of the late award-winning Filipino artist. The 164-page book walks readers through the kaleidoscopic, spirited and invigorating masterpieces of Pacita Abad that graced the galleries of MCAD Manila at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde from April 12 to July 1, 2018 as part of the exhibition “Pacita Abad: A Million Things to Say”. Curated by MCAD Director Joselina Cruz, together with Filipino artist and Pacita’s nephew Pio Abad, the retrospective presented large-scale and never-before-seen works and was considered as the internationally renowned painter’s first showcase after over a decade. Pacita Abad was known for her work in mixed media, painted textile collages, abstract assemblages and trapunto paintings. Her works cover socio-political portraits, masks and her love of underwater scenery, animal wildlife and tropical flowers, while her public arts include the 55-meter long bridge in Singapore, wherein she painted 2,350 multicolored circles a few months before she passed on in 2004. The book features a conversation between the exhibition curators together with Shabbir Hussain Mustafa, a curator of National Art Gallery Singapore. It also includes essays by Clara Kim, the Daskalopoulos senior curator for International Art at Tate Modern London, as well as H.G. Masters, the deputy editor and deputy publisher of Art Asia Pacific Magazine Singapore. The book was designed by Studio HATO and was printed by Asia One HK. It comes with a softcover and a dust jacket. Pacita Abad: A Million Things to Say is priced at P2,500. To order, e-mail mcad@benilde.edu.ph.
Artbooks.ph carries books on PHL history
ASIDE from books on art, Artbooks.ph also has a number of books on Philippine history, both in the far past and more recent events. These include Nick Joaquin’s A Question of Heroes (P630). First published in 1977, it provides a fresh point of view on 10 Filipino heroes — Jose Burgos, Marcelo H. del Pilar, Graciano Lopez-Jaena, Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Aguinaldo, Apolinario Mabini, Antonio Luna, Gregorio del Pilar, and Artemio Ricarte — and their role in the Philippine revolutionary tradition. Necessary Contexts: Essays for our Times by Rosario A. Garcellano (₱475) is a collection of her writings spanning 30 years, that was previously published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer. In The Sovereign Trickster (P360), Vicente L. Rafael offers a prismatic view of the age of Rodrigo Duterte in the Philippines, outlining how Duterte weaponizes death to control life. Written during the early years of Martial Law in the Philippines, Reynaldo C. Ileto’s highly influential book Pasyon and Revolution (₱460) is “an attempt to write history ‘from below.’” It offers an alternative history of the social movements during the late 18th to early 19th century in the Philippines based on the perspective of the masses themselves. Days of Disquiet, Nights of Rage: The First Quarter Storm & Related Events (P1,700) is a landmark book by Jose F. Lacaba on the Philippine protest movement of the 1960s and ’70s. First published in 1994, An Anarchy of Families (₱630), reveals how the power of the country’s family-based oligarchy both derives from and contributes to a weak Philippine state. Then there is Talking History: Conversations with Teodoro A. Agoncillo (₱430) by Ambeth R. Ocampo which is a transcript of the conversations between the two historians of different generations. Bonifacio’s Bolo (P3,000) by Ambeth Ocampo is a compendium of essays on the Philippine national hero, Andres Bonifacio. Drawn mostly from Ocampo’s regular column in the Philippine Daily Inquirer from the late 1980s to the early 90s, this book presents a fresh portrait of the Father of the Philippine Revolution. One copy only is available. Previously owned, with foxing stains on the edges, otherwise good condition. Memoirs of Pain (₱8,000) by Gustavo C. Ingles is a chronicle of the author’s harrowing experiences as a prisoner of war during World War II. Only one copy is available. Artbooks.ph is at 123 Pioneer St., Mandaluyong City. Call (632) 8632-7683 for detials.
NCCA open to proposals for competitive grants
THE NATIONAL Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) is making a Call for Project Proposals for its 2023 Competitive Grants Program. The deadline for the submission of proposals is on Aug. 31. As stated in Republic Act 7356, the NCCA is authorized to give grants to artists and cultural groups that contribute significantly to Filipino’s cultural legacy to extend artistic achievement, and to administer the National Endowment Fund for Culture and the Arts. The NCCA Competitive Grants Program is competitive in nature since project proposals pass through a rigorous and confidential evaluation process based on merit such as quality and relevance to Commission priorities. For more information, visit https://ncca.gov.ph/ncca-competitive-grants-program/.
