Gavel&Block art+design auction

SALCEDO Auctions will host its Gavel&Block art + design auction on May 21, 11 a.m. The auction preview is open until May 20 at the NEX Tower Podium Level, 6786 Ayala Avenue, Makati City from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for inquiries, contact 0917-825-7449 or 0917-107-5581. To view the auction catalog, visit https://salcedoauctions.com/auction/144/art-design.

Discussions on opera and musical theater

THE CULTURAL Center of the Philippines (CCP) presents Behind Arias and Showstoppers: Conversations with the Pinoy Stars of Opera and Musical Theater, a two-part online show featuring leading Filipino performing artists and theater personalities. Moderated by Floy Quintos, part one of Behind Arias premieres on May 21, 6 p.m. Part two will stream on May 28, 6 p.m. Both episodes will be available for streaming at the official CCP Facebook page and YouTube Channel. “Part 1: Duet for Tenor and Leading Lady” features a conversation between musical theater actress Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and internationally renowned opera singer Arthur Espiritu. Both have had formidable careers and share many lessons about their chosen art. “Part 2: Quartet For Leading Lights” features opera singers Rachelle Gerodias and Camille Lopez-Molina, and musical theater artists Sheila Francisco and Reb Atadero who have all devoted their life to their art. The conversations range from the differences and similarities of the training, the preparation, rehearsal process and performance of musicals and opera.

Rep offers online voice classes

REPERTORY Philippines is offering one-on-one voice classes from June 13 to July 8. Registration is on a first-come-first-serve basis. The workshop is priced at P7,000, for 12 workshop sessions, conducted via Zoom. For registration and inquiries, visit the Rep Facebook page or Instagram page, or contact them through e-mail at sales@repphil.org or call 0966-905-4013.

Mindoro the focus in ARTablado exhibit

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THE GRANDEUR of Mindoro is celebrated through artworks by 10 visual artists in an exhibit titled “Unlimited Grace” at Robinsons Galleria’s ARTablado. Mindoro’s landscapes and seascapes are depicted by 10 Mindoreños: Wilfredo Rufon, Rodel Cruzado, Lulu Lladones, Chressa Yee Rufon, Ralph John Fatallo, Anna Lumpas, Vanessa Tria, Windsor Magnaye, Angelo Provido, and Nilo Evangelista. Aside from these visual artists, weaver Ulway Igoy Gayno is also showcasing the local weaving practice, while watercolorist Popoy Cusi serves as a guest speaker and special exhibitor. “Unlimited Grace” is currently on view at ARTablado, 3/F Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Quezon City.

‘Flores de Maria’ exhibit opens in Ali Mall

ARANETA City opens to the public the “Flores De Maria” exhibit in Ali Mall to celebrate the Philippine tradition of honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary every month of May. The two-week exhibit features religious-historical images of Mary and her devotion to the Holy Cross. More than 40 religious images and replicas from different parishes are on display in the exhibit. Notable images displayed are Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia (known as the Patroness in Bicol Region), La Imaculada Concepcion de Malabon, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, the official replica of the Diocese of Cubao, and the Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu (known as the patroness of San Mateo, Rizal). The exhibit is open until May 30 at the Gen. MacArthur Entrance of Ali Mall, Araneta City, Cubao, Quezon City.

ArtistSpace presents solo exhibit

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“KAMUKHAMO: Face the Truth, Truth Is in Your Face” is the 12th solo exhibition of multi-media works by Filipino visual artist Elmer Dumlao who is based in Jordan. “Kamukhamo” is on view until May 28, with an Artist’s Reception on May 21 at 4 p.m., at the ArtistSpace. Prejudice is dangerous and unforgiving, and this is what Mr. Dumlao wants viewers to reflect in his Kamukhamo series: to be more sensible, fair, cautious, and discerning yet critically caring. Concurrently working as an art director and consultant abroad, Mr. Dumlao is a multimedia artist having design projects and art exhibitions in the Middle East, Europe, and the country.

Upcoming exhibit at Ortigas Foundation Library

THE ORTIGAS Foundation Library will hold an exhibit, “People and Places: A Cordillera Legacy,” featuring 100 vintage photographs of the people, culture, and architecture of the Cordilleras, at St. Mary’s School in Sagada. These are never before seen photos that, over 100 years later, revive a most stunning and complex visual history of the Cordilleras. The exhibition starts on May 23, and will last for six weeks.

Sansó exhibits focus on private collections

THIS year, Fundacion Sansó launches “Sansó: Prized and Personal,” a series of major exhibits that focuses solely on private collections that revolve around the works of Presidential Medal of Merit Awardee Juvenal Sansó’s works. These exhibitions are meant to give viewers insight on aspects of Mr. Sansó’s art and how these resonate with the individuals and families who have made it their personal mission to create a comprehensive Sansó collection. The series of exhibits will run on different dates throughout 2022 and will culminate in the publication of a book of the same title in 2023, published by Fundacion Sansó. The private collection featured in the first “Sansó: Prized and Personal” exhibit is that of Fundacion Sansó chairman Joaquin M. Teotico, who, along with other friends of the artist, founded Fundacion Sansó in 2014 to establish the artist’s artistic legacy and support his advocacies. The next exhibition focuses on a couple who became collectors rather recently. For more information, contact Fundacion Sansó at fundacionsanso@gmail.com. Fundacion Sansó is at 32 V. Cruz, San Juan City. Museum hours 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Submissions to anthology sought

BOOKSHELF PH, a publishing house in the Philippines focused on books and ebooks, is calling for submissions for an anthology is titled, Taking Flight: Successful College Admission Essays from International Students. The anthology will contain essays from Filipino students who successfully pursued undergraduate or graduate school abroad. Each submission should have been used to successfully gain admission into a foreign undergraduate or graduate uni-versity. Bookshelf PH seeks to showcase their works as references to guide aspiring Filipinos when they write their own admission essays. The book will include a foreword from Prof. Francisco L. Roman, adjunct professor at the Asian Institute of Management. The anthology will be managed by Bookshelf PH’s Editorial Team: Mio Borromeo (editor-in-chief), Pancho Dizon (executive editor), and Leanne Tria (managing editor). Writers may send their submis-sions to hello@bookshelf.com.ph until May 30 using the subject line “Taking Flight + Your Name.”

Guided virtual tours at the CCP

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THE CULTURAL Center of the Philippines (CCP) offers a virtual building and theater tour package which was launched last February during the Pasinaya 2022. The CCP virtual tours also address the changes on how people consume arts in the new normal; and, usher in a new way to bring visitors back to the Center. A project of the CCP Venue Operations Division (Production and Exhibition Department), the interactive 360 and/or 180-degree guided virtual tour takes visitors inside the CCP theaters, spaces, and other facilities, including the newly built Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater). Facilitated via Zoom, visitors can see the interiors of the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater), with its famous stage tapestry Genesis based on an artwork of National Artist H.R. Ocampo. Visitors can also head to the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater) and the Tanghalang Huseng Batute (CCP Studio Theater). Virtual visitors can also take a glimpse behind the stage. The 30-to-45-minute tour utilized high resolution photography, allowing a real on-site experience as if the visitors are walking through every corner of the artistic spaces with us. Over 2,916 photos, with 489 panoramas and eight aerial shots were used to build a digital simulation of the actual physical spaces; creating an immersive virtual environment. The guided tour is interactive allowing tour guests to ask questions and further explore the featured spaces through the assigned tour guide. There are Q&A sessions after every tour. For tour inquiries e-mail ccptours@gmail.com, call 8833-2125 or 8832-1125 loc. 1412/1413. For a sneak peek of the CCP virtual guided tour, visit https://www.facebook.com/culturalcenterofthephilippines/videos/973841733504657.

CCP holds choral workshop

THE CULTURAL Center of the Philippines (CCP) is now accepting applications for the CCP Hands-on Choral Workshop (HOCW) 2022 which will be held online for the first time. The module includes synchronous sessions which will be on June 7 to 10, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. via Zoom. After this, participants will record and submit performances of songs assigned by the trainers to be showcased during the Virtual Culminating Program, to be streamed on July 30, at 3 p.m. via the CCP Facebook Page. The HOCW is a biennial intensive choral clinic open to amateur choirs and choral conductors to develop their skills in choral singing, conducting, and performance. Workshop trainers are current members and alumni of the Philippine Madrigal Singers, led by choirmaster and artistic director Mark Carpio. This year, the participants will also be provided with training on virtual and online choral music productions. Open to choirs who have been in existence for at least two years, registration is P19,000 for at most 20 choir members and the conductor. Since choir participation is on a first-come-first-served basis, choirs should pay a reservation fee of P1,000, in addition to the registration fee, to be assured of a slot. To apply, visit https://tinyurl.com/CCPHOCW2022-Application-Choir. Individual conductor applicants have an opportunity to observe selected sessions and partici-pate in mentorship sessions under Mr. Carpio. They should be musically literate and should be able to sing. The reservation fee is P2,000. To apply, visit https://tinyurl.com/CCPHOCW2022-Apply-Individual. Slots are limited. For more information, contact the CCP Artist Training Division via e-mail at artist.training@culturalcenter.gov.ph or call 8-832-1125 loc. 1604/1605.

CANNES, France — The Cannes Film Festival is gearing up for a bumper 75^th anniversary edition with a selection of big Hollywood names, buzzy newcomers and previous Palme d’Or winners – a splashy return even as the conflict in Ukraine looms over festivities.

“I honestly think this is one of the best Cannes line-ups in years,” said Scott Roxborough, European bureau chief for The Hollywood Reporter.

The festival runs from May 17-28, resuming its traditional calendar following two years of pandemic disruptions. It was canceled in 2020, and last year moved to July, when it was held under strict COVID protocols.

This year, the parties are back and Hollywood heavyweights will include Tom Cruise’s Top Gun Maverick – bringing the star to Cannes for the first time in three decades – as well as Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis biopic, starring Austin Butler and Tom Hanks.

“It’s tradition to have our American friends – let’s not forget that the Cannes Festival, in 1939 and in 1946, was practically co-built, co-invented by France and Hollywood,” festival director Thierry Fremaux told a press confer-ence.

Actor Forest Whitaker will be on hand to receive the festival’s Honorary Palme D’Or for lifetime achievement.

David Cronenberg will mark his return to horror films with Crimes of the Future, featuring Viggo Mortensen, Kristen Stewart, and Lea Seydoux.

Asia will have a strong showing, despite the absence of China, with films by Park Chan-wook and Hirokazu Kore-eda in competition and Squid Game actor Lee Jung-jae premiering his new film Hunt.

“Everyone wants to sort of come back for this moment, sort of this re-awakening of cinema here in Cannes,” said Roxborough.

The festival opens on Tuesday with a zombie film, Final cut, by French filmmaker Michel Hazanavicius, who changed the title from Z, like Z to strip out a reference to the letter which has become associated with the war in Ukraine.

The festival banned official Russian delegations from the event but will feature Tchaikovski’s Wife by exiled Russian director Kirill Serebrennikov, who has been outspoken about the war.

Also screening is Mariupolis 2 by Lithuanian director Mantas Kvedaravicius, 45, who was killed in Mariupol, the Ukrainian city heavily bombarded by Russian forces, nearly a month ago while working on the film. His fiancée Hanna Bilobrova, who finished the project, will present it.

Another Ukrainian entry is a debut film from Maksim Nakonechnyi, Butterfly Vision, the story of a young Ukrainian woman who returns to her country after being captured then released in a prisoner swap.

“We will be thinking a lot about film, but we will never stop thinking about what is happening in Ukraine as well,” said Fremaux who was peppered with questions about the festival’s position on the war. — Reuters

Rust producer says movie will be completed — Hollywood Reporter

A producer of the movie Rust, whose set saw the fatal accidental shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins last year, said the movie will be completed, the Hollywood Reporter reported on Monday. Hutchins was killed in October when a revolver that actor Alec Baldwin was rehearsing with during filming in New Mexico fired a live round that hit her and movie director Joel Souza. Souza was wounded but survived.

“We’re confident we’ll be able to complete the movie,” Anjul Nigam, one of the producers, was quoted as saying by Hollywood Reporter.

A representative of Nigam did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Last month, the state of New Mexico fined Rust Movie Productions the maximum amount possible, $137,000, for what it called “willful” safety lapses leading to Hutchins’ death. The company said it disagreed with the findings.

Baldwin, also a producer on the film, has been named in several lawsuits filed in connection with Hutchins’ death, including one by her husband.

Baldwin, 64, has denied responsibility for Hutchins’ death and said live rounds should never have been allowed onto the set of the Western film at Bonanza Creek Ranch.

The actor also has argued in court papers that an indemnification clause in his contract shields him from personal liability. — Reuters

Johnny Depp’s attorneys challenge Amber Heard on abuse claims

ATTORNEYS for actor Johnny Depp began their questioning of Amber Heard in the couple’s defamation trial on Monday and challenged the Aquaman star’s claims that she suffered physical abuse before and during their brief mar-riage.

Depp’s attorneys introduced photographs of Heard making public appearances on red carpets and The James Corden Show shortly after times that she said Depp had struck her with his hands, on which he usually wore heavy rings.

The pictures shown to jurors appeared to reveal no injuries. Heard said the harm, which included what she thought was a broken nose, was not severe enough to be visible or was covered up by makeup.

Depp, 58, is suing Heard, 36, for $50 million, saying she defamed him when she claimed she was a victim of domestic abuse. Heard has countersued for $100 million, arguing that Depp smeared her by calling her a liar.

At the start of cross-examination of Heard, an attorney for Depp asked Heard if she had abused Depp and was further harming him with false allegations.

“I could never hurt Johnny,” Heard said.

Earlier, Heard told jurors that she filed for divorce from Depp in 2016 because she worried she would not survive physical abuse by him. She said she realized the relationship was beyond repair after he threw a cell phone that hit her in the face.

“I knew I had to leave him,” she said. “I knew I wouldn’t survive it if I didn’t.

“I made the decision to file for divorce,” she added. “It was hard because I loved Johnny so much.”

The pair wed in February 2015 and their divorce was finalized about two years later.

Depp has testified that he never hit Heard and argued that she was the abuser in their relationship. He said she threw a vodka bottle at him in early 2015, severing the top of his right middle finger.

Heard said she did not cause the finger injury and said she only hit him to defend herself or her sister.

She also denied Depp’s allegation that she had left feces in a bed at one of his homes following a fight on her birthday. A security guard had testified that Heard told him the feces were a “horrible practical joke.”

Heard said she did not commit any prank that day, adding that she was “not in a pranking mood.”

“I had just been attacked on my 30th birthday by my husband, with whom I was desperately in love and knew I needed to leave,” she said.

The legal case centers on a December 2018 opinion piece by Heard that appeared in the Washington Post. The article never mentioned Depp by name, but his lawyer told jurors it was clear Heard was referencing him.

Depp, once among Hollywood’s biggest stars, said Heard’s allegations cost him “everything.” A new Pirates of the Caribbean movie was put on hold, and Depp was replaced in the Fantastic Beasts film franchise, a Harry Potter spinoff.

Heard’s attorneys have argued that she told the truth and that her opinion was protected free speech under the US Constitution’s First Amendment.

Closing arguments are scheduled for May 27.

Less than two years ago, Depp lost a libel case against the Sun, a British tabloid that labeled him a “wife beater.” A London High Court judge ruled that he had repeatedly assaulted Heard.

Depp’s lawyers filed the case in Fairfax County, Virginia, because the Washington Post is printed there. The newspaper is not a defendant. — Reuters