Philippine National Artists and National Heroes

[paulkrps]

eto po yung exhibit namin sa nuyok... kaya medyo busy ako preparing for this.

http://groups.msn.com/AbitofArt/memb...w=5&sortstring

[Lili]

Wow, Paul. Beautiful artwork by you and your fellow artists. I should better ask around for the venue I spoke about with Sugarboy. So, that we can time it together.

Do you mind if I use that webpage to show the art gallery proprietor/director. These are purely for exhibit only, right?

[paulkrps]

sure ms lili, not a problem.

[kiretoce]

Rock stars MiG, Constantine arrive for shows
By Nikko Dizon Inquirer News Service Nov 15, 2005

Two charismatic rockers who became famous worldwide this year landed in Manila yesterday.

Filipino-Australian rocker MiG Ayesa and New Yorker Constantine Maroulis stepped off the same Philippine Airlines flight from Los Angeles, California, and into a quiet welcome each from a small group of fervent fans. It was 3 a.m.

Ayesa placed third in “Rock Star INXS,” which featured 15 contenders and was broadcast worldwide for 11 weeks from the CBS Studios in Los Angeles. The prize was the position of new front man for the Australian band INXS, a phenomenal success in the 1980s whose lead singer died in 1997.

His impressive showing, Ayesa believed, was boosted by text messages from his two home countries. During the final leg of “Rock Star,” he said in a previous Inquirer interview that, win or lose, he was definitely Manila-bound “sooner than next year … to personally thank every single fan” who sent an SMS in his favor.

“It’s nice to be treated like a long-lost son, to feel the nation behind me. It’s very nice to come home this way,” Ayesa told a handful of reporters upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Centennial Terminal 2.

It was a surprise, too. Ayesa was initially expected on Dec. 1 to perform at the “MTV Staying Alive Music Summit for HIV/AIDS.” As it turned out, he had to turn up two weeks early as negotiations pushed through for him to perform the finale number at the opening ceremonies of the Ad Congress in Cebu City on Thursday.

At NAIA, he briefly exchanged “hey, man” hugs with “American Idol” finalist Constantine Maroulis, who is in the country for a series of performances at Ayala malls nationwide.

Like Ayesa, Maroulis did not win the competition he joined, but emerged as a big audience favorite. “I did not expect to make friends on ‘Idol.’ I treated the audition like a job interview,” Maroulis said at a press conference later in the day. “But I did make friends. In fact, we were like family.”

Ayesa, 35, describes himself as a “funk soul rocker.” His fans have heard him render classic rock songs like they were his own. He has also treated them to soulful ballads.

After a little prodding, the rocker revealed that he was also performing at the Ad Congress with Lea Salonga. “We will be doing a duet,” Ayesa said, grinning, the handsome face lit up by his amazingly beautiful blue-green eyes.

He wouldn’t say what the duet would be, but for his solo numbers, he said, he would reprise a song he did on “Rock Star” and the legendary British band Queen’s signature, “We Will Rock You.”


Killer abs

Ayesa, who is a theater singer and actor by profession, played the lead role in the London West End production of “We Will Rock You” before joining the reality competition.

Despite losing to Canadian JD Fortune, Ayesa was a huge hit with rock fans in the United States, Australia and Asia, as much for his mesmerizing performances as for the killer abs that sent the women in the studio audience screaming whenever he ripped off his shirt after nailing a song.

Miguel Alfonso Ramon Legarda Ayesa was born in Manila on Jan. 12, 1970. His nickname, MiG, comes from the Russian MiG fighter jet. His family moved to Sydney when he was 2.

Lawyer Katrina Legarda is an aunt, and Manuel Legarda, lead guitarist of Pinoy rock band, Wolfgang, is a cousin. International pop star Enrique Iglesias, son of Julio Iglesias, is also a cousin.


Truly Pinoy

MiG has been married to Simone de la Rue since 2002. They have a Maltese named Powder.

In his own words, his Tagalog is “terrible” and “putik” (mud). Yet Ayesa swears he is as Pinoy as a Pinoy could be. He is a Roman Catholic and he loves to eat, he pointed out.

“I love adobo, crispy pata, kare-kare,” he said. “I look forward to eating those … and suman … and champorado…”

He is flying back on Friday to Los Angeles, where he is taking part in a rock awards program. But he’ll be back “in exactly 12 days.”

This is his message to his Filipino fans, especially those who may not see him this week: “It’s great to be back here and it’s nice to be amongst you again. I hope this is going to be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”

These are not empty words. Later in the afternoon, over coffee with staff members of Inquirer Entertainment who chronicled his performances on “Rock Star,” Ayesa said, “I truly felt the support from the Philippines. I’m here to pay up.”

Laughing, he added, “Spread the word.”

[sandrin]

Don Quixote - The Man of La Mancha is being performed by the Repertory Philippines in Manila


Bibot’s quixotic dream comes true

By ROME JORGE

To dream . . . the impossible dream . . . " This most famous line from Joe Darion’s lyrics for Dale Wasserman’s musicale, The Man of La Mancha, based on Miguel de Cervantes’ literary masterpiece Don Quixote, distills our noblest aspirations -- to believe regardless.

And sometimes, dreams do come true. Live orchestral music. A superb set. Flamenco dancing. Sterling voices. Riveting performances of the highest caliber.

The late Zeneida Amador -- founder of the much-acclaimed Repertory Philippines, a tiller of windmills by reputation and known as "Tita Bibot" to her friends and collogues -- got her wish as the Repertory with the Manila Symphony Orchestra stages "Man Of La Mancha" at the Globe Theater, Onstage, Greenbelt 1, on November 25 to 28, and December 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 and 16.

Before she passed away, Amador had requested that Repertory stage Wasserman’s well-loved musicale this year. Nearly a year after her death on November 28, 2004, old friends have come together to make her dream come true.

Come together

A reunion of Repertory’s illustrious talents, La Mancha brings together Baby Barredo as director, with a cast led by Michael Williams and Audie Gemora in the role of Don Quixote; Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo who plays Aldonza; and Robbie Guevara who plays Sancho Panza. Also playing key roles are Cocoy Laurel, Miguel Faustmann, Niccolo Manahan, Cathy Azanza, Joy Virata, Rem Zamora and Arnel Carrion. Completing the cast are Allan Alojipan, Carlos Canlas, Edwin Cruz, Harold Cruz, Lorenz Martinez, Raul Montesa, Ralph Perez, Jack Salud, Boyd Tinio, Oliver Usison, Aireen Antonio and Maria Soria. Flamenco artist Clara Ramona makes a special appearance in the musical.

La Mancha narrates the tale of a man who doggedly chooses to pursue the unattainable ideals of chivalry. Despite reality constantly knocking him off his high horse, the eternal optimist chooses fantasy over reality.

Cervantes’s immortal classic is a dreamers dream well told. On stage, it is a thespian’s declaration of principles. As staged by Repertory Philippines, The Man of La Mancha is love for an old friend enacted.

A tale within a tale

The play begins with Cervantes being thrown into a dungeon along with his servant to fend off a mangy rabble of ruffians and harlots. His crime: insisting to collect tax arrears from a monastery in the time of the Inquisition. The playwright, an aristocratic soldier who, upon his return from battle, lost his fortune after being held hostage in Africa for years, has taken up the unenviable work to make ends meet.

While he awaits the Inquisition, his fellow inmates, rapaciously eying his possessions, conduct their own trial, accusing him of incorrigible and hopeless optimism. Cervantes pleads guilty, but to prove worthy of reprieve, he mounts a legal defense in the only way he knows how: by mounting an improvisational play with the mangy lot as his cast.

Alonzo Quijana, an elderly nobleman who losses his wits, but gains his soul in assuming the fantasy identity of Don Quixote, sees true with his mad eyes: the tramp is a lady and reason is but dark wizardry.

Wasserman’s musicale is postmodern theater: it is a play within a play and a story about story making. Cervantes’s novel, arguably the world’s first, expounds on the dilemma of all writers: how does one tell the truth by writing fiction? Don Quixote answers that question with knackered armor, bent sword and warped mind.

Matching talent for talent

As staged repertory Philippines this year, the play opens with Romana transforming the floor into a percussion instrument with staccato taps and kicks that complement her rapid-fire castanets.

The Manila Symphony Orchestra turns brass into gold by complementing the spirited performances with living music.

The finely crafted set and lighting is evocative; the dungeon deep in the belly of the earth hangs heavy with impending verdicts and punishments.

But as with any worthy play, it is the players that shine brightest.

Williams hits all the high notes with gusto worthy of the knight-errand. As Cervantes, Quixote and Quijana, Williams strides with the literary giant’s gait and speaks his gilded truths. Through him we feel the tragedy and heartache that waits all optimists.

Lauchengco-Yulo wins our hearts with her feisty yet soulful Aldonza/Dulcinea. Hardened yet fragile, scornful yet tender, Aldonza as portrayed by Yulo, is fleshed out and transcendental.

And Guevara is simply adorable as the squire Sancho. Undaunted and loyal despite his sanity, Sancho as played by Guevara is more than a sidekick; he is a player with his own truths to tell. Much like Sancho, Guevara is unerring in delighting audiences.

Laurel sings a silver note as the priest. Manahan is unforgettable as the scheming nephew Carrasco. The ensemble cast that plays like a symphony.

For information and reservations call 887-0710 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays to Fridays. Tickets are also available at Greenbelt 1 Ticketron and at Ticketworld outlets with phone number 891-9999.

[sandrin]

Christmas classics at the Park ]

Ilocos Norte’s Centro de Baile School of Classical and Contemporary Ballet, under the management of Edwin “Nonoy” Vicente and Helen Perez, performs in Concert at the Park this Sunday, Dec. 4, at 5 p.m.


Billed "In the Classic Tradition," the program hosted by Minette Padilla will also feature students from Laoag City Ballet and Centre de Ballet Etude of director/ choreographer Venus Salgado.

"In the Classic Tradition" is composed of "Excerpts from the "Nutcracker Ballet", "Selections from the Ray Coniff Christmas Medley" and other ballet pieces such as "Jewels", selections from "Paquita", La Poupee, Twinkling Stars, Pas de Deux and Les Fantasy, among other Christmas classics.

Performing ballet students from Badoc and Pinili, Ilocos Norte are Joshua Roam Abucay, Joni Rose Aclan, Kristal Jane Adora, Charyll Mae Arcangel, Maria Christianette Bagarino, Clarisse Baligad, Danica Joy Borja, Angeli Calaycay, Marie Concepcion, Tessie Canero, Christine Coloma, Linel Jan Coloma, Myka Dalimot, Jemaica Dumaguing, Nastasha Guelas, Everly Joy Marquez, Angelica Andrea Pagala, Ma. Krisnalie Juliene Saturnio, Jhervy Gianne Acosta, Ashley Barnachea, Christiamae Genove, Jasmin Beatriz Hidalgo, Gea Johnson, Kristyl Ann Laureaga, April Rian Lorenzano, Jodi Dianne Picar and Esthericca Sumabat.

Joining them are Ivan Morris Canlas, Yzrae Trish Caoile, Mae Jansen Doroneo, Lewizah Lyrah Gapuzan, Amerah Claire Perez and Edle Joy Perez of the Laoag City Ballet and Katherina Claire Umali and Ramcy Cortista of Centre de Ballet Etude.

"In the Classic Tradition" is under the choreography and direction of Edwin "Nonoy" Vicente, a member of the Association of Ballet Academies, Philippines (ABAP) and an affiliate of the Australian Conservatoire of Ballet and Mr. Breshnev Larlar.

Admission is free.

[paulkrps]

Originally Posted by paulkrps

eto po yung exhibit namin sa nuyok... kaya medyo busy ako preparing for this.

http://groups.msn.com/AbitofArt/memb...w=5&sortstring

so bump, the reason why i'm going to nuyok.

[sandrin]

RP hosts 'historic' jazz & arts festival
First posted 08:52pm (Mla time) Jan 22, 2006
By Tina Arceo-Dumlao
Inquirer

FILIPINOS ARE AMONG the world's best jazz exponents, says renowned jazz artist Kevyn Lettau, and it's about time more Filipinos knew about it.

Lettau told the Inquirer that it was with this in mind that she had jumped at the chance to participate in the first Philippine International Jazz and Arts Festival spearheaded by the Philippine Jazz Society (PJS).

"Jazz artists here are not appreciated enough," Lettau said, "[I'd like] to help raise awareness among Filipinos that there are really good artists here."

Lettau said jazz as a music form has not been as appreciated as it should be, either, not only in the Philippines, but elsewhere in the world, because of lack of exposure to the music, plus a generation gap between those who grew up listening to the likes of Sarah Vaughn and Billie Holiday and those weaned on rap music.

Another reason, she said, is the proliferation of pop music that she described as "overwhelmingly loud." She explained: "Nowadays, popular music hits you over the head, it does not allow you to be involved. This means the younger generation is not used to really listening."

Lettau is confident that jazz and similar forms of music will soon enjoy a resurgence. She said the festival is one such opportunity for more people, especially Filipinos, to be exposed to the unique musical art form that is jazz and then maybe champion it.

"[Filipino] culture is an advantage because [of the many] influences, [including] Latin and black," Lettau said. "[That's why] you have a lot of soul."

Showcase of cultures

The desire to showcase that soul prompted the PJS, headed by singer Sandra Lim-Viray, and the Department of Tourism to put the festival together.

Kicking off the four-day event was the World Jazz Fiesta street party at The Podium held Friday night, featuring local bands The Brass Munkeys, Pinikpikan, Guarana, Hairy Dawgs, Nyko Maca and Electrosamba and Sirocco of Australia.

It is Sirocco's first time in the Philippines. The group has been singing for some 25 years now. Its mission: to expose the world to Australian aboriginal music and learn from other cultures.

"Sirocco means desert wind. It knows no boundaries-like music," explains musician Paul Jarman.

David Hudson, who plays the didgeridoo, a traditional aboriginal instrument, added that the group was excited to participate in the festival.

"We call ourselves edutainers," he explained. "We educate and entertain. We believe [we should all] learn from each other because we are part of just one race, the human race."

Sirocco also took part in the official opening ceremonies on Saturday night at the Harbour Square, CCP complex.

Hosted by local jazz great Mon David, the rites also featured performances by UP College of Music Dean Ramon Acoymo, Bob Aves, Grace Nono and traditional groups from Maguindanao and the Cordilleras, Sinika and Kaisahan ng Lahi Dance Ensemble from Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and the Indonesian Dance Troupe.

This was followed by grand performances of the UP Jazz Ensemble, Johnny Alegre Affinity, Lester Demetillo, Makopa, Jong Cuenco, Isha with Look, the Ria Villena Group, Brownbeat, Paolo and Power Train, Aquarela, Makopa and the H30 Jazz Visitors.

Deodato with Lettau

The night was capped by a concert featuring the Kevyn Lettau Quartet and Brazilian composer and musician Eumir Deodato.

Last night, one of the featured artists was homegrown talent Charmaine Clamor, who has released a solo album in the United States, "Searching for the Soul," under FreeHam records.

The album represents the fulfillment of the American dream for Clamor, who left the Philippines for the US in 1988 to pursue a singing career.

Clamor said she had her share of bad gigs and paid more than her due before she finally got that album into the market.

To come home and participate in the jazz festival, she said, was another dream come true.

"This is such a historic event and it's amazing to be part of it," Clamor said. "Hopefully, we can have something like this every year."

[weirdo]

this isn't an international thing but he's filipino anyway and i dunno any other thread to place this. just trying to help a friend. sana makapunta kayo lalo na sa mga taga metro manila.


by Chris C. Calilao

Chop Chop, the first solo exhibition of paintings by AJ Omandac, will open at the ultra-hip boutique/gallery Store For All Seasons, owned by designers Mich Dulce and Cecile Zamora, on February 3, 2006.

Born and raised in Davao, Omandac is one of finest new artists to emerge from the burgeoning Philippine lowbrow art scene. As opposed to the practitioners of fine art, lowbrow artists rebel against the elitist conventions of the traditional art world to create fun, exciting, and most importantly, accessible works. Drawing inspiration mainly from pop culture, lowbrow art incorporates influences from such diverse and disparate sources such as graffiti, old cartoons, fashion, comic books, rock music, Japanese anime, classic TV sitcoms, B-movies and cyberspace among many others.

With Chop Chop, the artist introduces his own brand of lowbrow art. Mischievous and playful, Omandac's works are distinguished by their utilization of wooden chopping boards instead of canvas as the surface of choice. The paintings depict scenes and images culled from daily life, rendering them in an exaggerated, almost cartoonish manner. Notable for the use of bright, garish colors favored by Pop Art, they are pictures of paradox: coating the angst and loneliness of the everyday with the veneer of the whimsical and fantastic to expose the surrealism and absurdity of the ordinary and mundane.

Store for All Seasons is located at The Conservatory Building, 605 Shaw Blvd. Exhibition runs until February 24, 2006.

[paulkrps]

very nice work!

[weirdo]

another good friend of mine is exhibiting in store for all seasons. sana makapunta ang mga asa metro manila sa dates nung exhibit. thanks.



Driftwood: Visions of a New Floating World, a solo exhibit by Mica Cabildo, runs from March 18 until April 8 at Store for All Seasons.

The show features medium-sized acrylic paintings on plywood depicting birds of paradise, fallen angels, unlikely goddesses, and other women of a slightly grafitti-esque floating world. Cabildo's stylized women are burly yet provocative, and are often portrayed in dramatic poses amidst drippy clouds, colorful sunbursts and illusive foliage.

Cabildo, mostly self-taught, derives her style from fashion illustration, contemporary cartoon and graphic design influences. For more information about the artist and her works, please visit http://www.tabulas.com/~toblindfoldher.

Store for All Seasons is located at the Conservatory Building, 605 Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City.

thanks.

[paulkrps]

this is the more appropriate thread.

[bagel]

Ay sayang... I just found out that my trip won't be until the weekend of April 22. Maybe if I get in on the 21, I'll be there for the closing.

[ramvingar]

wow! Is that the flyer Paul? Kakatuwang makita yung name mo sa flyer.

[sista]

sikat na si kuya paul!!!! yay!!! hehehehehe

[sugarboy]

Originally Posted by weirdo

another good friend of mine is exhibiting in store for all seasons. sana makapunta ang mga asa metro manila sa dates nung exhibit. thanks.



Driftwood: Visions of a New Floating World, a solo exhibit by Mica Cabildo, runs from March 18 until April 8 at Store for All Seasons.

The show features medium-sized acrylic paintings on plywood depicting birds of paradise, fallen angels, unlikely goddesses, and other women of a slightly grafitti-esque floating world. Cabildo's stylized women are burly yet provocative, and are often portrayed in dramatic poses amidst drippy clouds, colorful sunbursts and illusive foliage.

Cabildo, mostly self-taught, derives her style from fashion illustration, contemporary cartoon and graphic design influences. For more information about the artist and her works, please visit http://www.tabulas.com/~toblindfoldher.

Store for All Seasons is located at the Conservatory Building, 605 Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City.

thanks.

@weirdo, friends mo ba ang mga owners ng store for all seasons?

[weirdo]

kuya sugarboy hindi po. ang pagkakaalam ko si mich dulce (pinoy big brother celebrity ed contestant) ang owner noon. nagwork dun friend ko for a while so may artist friends kaming nakakapag exhibit.

ang driftwood exhibit ay extended til april 22. sana makapunta kayo.

kuya paul good luck po sa palabas ninyo.

[demented_pigeon]

speaking of artists... paki-add po sa friendster ang banda ng kaibigan ko... astig sila promise... jawbangers@yahoo.com

[paulkrps]

some revisions for the invite:



some names have been added. one made it in time for the exhibit after pleading with the visa officer about this exhibit.

[tigidig14]

si Paul Corpus ka pala