Know the latest news, events and other happenings in Philippine art and culture scene! Here you can find updates on Filipino art exhibits, film festivals, cultural summit, Philippine art contests and other events. Announcements of forthcoming events may be sent to philippineartscene@yahoo.com. This site is dedicated for Filipino artists, art aficionados and the public at large in the Philippines and other parts of the world!

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Friday, August 28, 2009

UPFI Calendar Sept 2009: Focus on Filipino Filmmakers

UPFI Calendar SEPT 2009 : Focus on Filipino Filmmakers



University of the Philippines Film Institute
(Member, CILECT/Internationa l Association of Film and Television Schools)

For workshop inquiries:
Cine Adarna, Magsaysay and Osmeña Avenues, UP Diliman, Quezon City
E-mail: upfi_workshops@ yahoo.com. ph>
Tel: 9818500 (UP Trunkline) local 4286, 4289; 9263640/9262722 (Telefax)
Website: http://www.upd.edu.ph/~film_ institute/workshop. htm
Read More »

TANYAG: A Production of Palanca-Award Winning Works

TANYAG
A Production of Palanca-Award Winning Works
FACT SHEET

WHAT: Three (3) one-act plays, all winners in the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature.

OUR LADY OF ARLEGUI by Chris Martinez, directed by Dennis Marasigan
(First Prize, Dulang May Isang Yugto, 2007)
While attempting to return a DVD he purchased from a DVD stall in Arlegui Street in manila, a student from UP finds himself trapped with a Muslim woman who runs it when authorities raid the premises in search of pirated discs. Their reluctant efforts to overcome mutual mistrust end in interesting fashion in this comedy winner by the award-winning playwright of Welcome to Intelstar and Last Order sa Penguin and the films Bridal Shower and 100.

BAKA SAKALI by J. Dennis Teodosio, directed by Dennis Marasigan
(Second Prize, Dulang May Isang Yugto, 2007)
A young man tries to convince his grandfather of the folly of entrusting their future on the possibility of winning a television game show. His efforts are in vain, resulting in a tragedy that befell many other Filipinos. This play inspired by true-to-life events is written by the same author of Geegee and Waterina.

ANG KALUNGKUTAN NG MGA REYNA written and directed by Floy Quintos
(First Prize, Dulang May Isang Yugto, 2008)
The female President of the Philippines had an epiphany: what the country needs is a monarchy. She prepares to join the ranks of the world’s royalty by engaging the tutelage of a fashion designer who must bring taste and regal manners into the palace. Winner of four Gawad Buhay Awards (for Outstanding Production of a One-Act Play, Original Script, Actress and Direction).

CAST : A company of actors which will include some or all of the following:
SHAMAINE CENTENERA BUENCAMINO * BODJIE PASCUA*
CES ALDABA * TUXQS RUTAQUIO *
and other veteran theater/television/film artists

PLAYDATES: August 28, 2009 7:00 P.M.
August 29 & 30, 2009 3:00 P.M.

VENUE : PHILAMLIFE THEATER, United Nations Avenue, Ermita, Manila

TICKETS : Regular price PhP 600
Student Price Php 300
WITH DISCOUNTS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS AND GROUPS
*Also available in Ticketworld outlets.

For inquiries and reservations, please call IIFA 815-2246 / 818-7201,
mobile 0916-5918815 or email filmarts.manila@gmail.com

TANYAG
Palanca-Award Winning Works on Tour

FACT SHEET

WHAT: Performance tour of three (3) one-act plays, all winners in the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature.

OUR LADY OF ARLEGUI by Chris Martinez, directed by Dennis Marasigan
(First Prize, Dulang May Isang Yugto, 2007)
While attempting to return a DVD he purchased from a DVD stall in Arlegui Street in manila, a student from UP finds himself trapped with a Muslim woman who runs it when authorities raid the premises in search of pirated discs. Their reluctant efforts to overcome mutual mistrust end in interesting fashion in this comedy winner by the award-winning playwright of Welcome to Intelstar and Last Order sa Penguin and the films Bridal Shower and 100.

BAKA SAKALI by J. Dennis Teodosio, directed by Dennis Marasigan
(Second Prize, Dulang May Isang Yugto, 2007)
A young man tries to convince his grandfather of the folly of entrusting their future on the possibility of winning a television game show. His efforts are in vain, resulting in a tragedy that befell many other Filipinos. This play inspired by true-to-life events is written by the same author of Geegee and Waterina.

ANG KALUNGKUTAN NG MGA REYNA written and directed by Floy Quintos
(First Prize, Dulang May Isang Yugto, 2008)
The female President of the Philippines had an epiphany: what the country needs is a monarchy. She prepares to join the ranks of the world’s royalty by engaging the tutelage of a fashion designer who must bring taste and regal manners into the palace. Winner of four Gawad Buhay Awards (for Outstanding Production of a One-Act Play, Original Script, Actress and Direction).

CAST : A company of actors which will include some or all of the following:
SHAMAINE CENTENERA BUENCAMINO * BODJIE PASCUA*
CES ALDABA * TUXQS RUTAQUIO *
and other veteran theater/television/film artists

COST OF PRODUCTION: ONE HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND (P 150,000.00) PER SHOW
(Additional shows subject to discounts/reduced rates)
Inclusions: Cost of production inc. sets, costumes and props, talent fees, lights and sound equipment;
Exclusions: Transportation, food and accommodations

OPTIONS: workshop sessions in acting, directing and filmmaking;
film showing of independent films by Palanca-award winning writers/filmmakers
COST: PhP 5,000/screening or 50%-50% sharing on ticket proceeds
For inquiries and reservations, please call IIFA 818-7201, mobile 0916-5918815 or email filmarts.manila@gmail.com

Ticket Prices and Pre-sell rates
Individual Ticket cost Regular ticket price P 600,00
Student ticket price P 300.00
Block Sales minimum 50 tickets 10 % discount
minmum 200 tickets 15 % discount
full show (700 tickets) 20 % discount

OUT OF TOWN SHOWS
COST PER SHOW 1-3 shows 150,000.00
4-6 shows 140,000.00
7-9 shows 130,000.00
10 shows and above 125,000.00
includes all talent fees and production expenses/lighting and sound equipment rental;
exclusive of transportation, accommodation and food

SPONSORSHIP RATES

TOUR PRESENTOR P 3,000,000.00

TOUR CO-PRESENTOR P 1,000,000.00

TOUR SPONSOR P 500,000.00

AREA MAJOR SPONSOR P 50,000.00

AREA MINOR SPONSOR P 20,000.00


Advertising Rates : Full Page - P 20,000.00

Half-page - P 12,000.00

¼ page - P 6,500.00


Page Listing : BENEFACTOR - P 4,000.00

PATRON - P 2,500.00

Donor - P 1,500.00
Read More »

Sinukuan Festival to Include Contest for Short Films

The advocacy to promote the Kapampangan language has just extended its reach to include the medium of film, with the launching of the First Sinukuan Film Festival, a competition of short films using the Kapampangan language.

The contest is the latest feature of the annual Sinukuan Festival, which is sponsored by the Foundation for Lingap Kapampangan, Inc. (KLFI).

According to Fer Santos, VP for Marketing of the KLFI, the film festival features short films (10 to 20 minutes long) that depict any topic or theme and use dialogue that is mostly in Kapampangan. It is open to amateur and professional filmmakers, Kapampangans and non-Kapampangans, living in the country or abroad.

A free workshop will be held at the Center for Kapampangan Studies, Holy Angel University for those who are interested to join the contest.

Santos says that participants will be taught how to make short films, from writing the script to using digital camera, directing, acting, editing and subtitling.

Kapampangan filmmaker Jason Laxamana of Kalalangan Kamaru, a co-sponsor of the contest, will serve as workshop facilitator. Cannes Film Festival Best Director, Brillante "Dante" Mendoza, a native of the City of San Fernando, will be guest lecturer.

The film entries will be shown during the festival and will vie for awards such as best picture, director, actor, actress, screenplay, cinematography, production design, sound & music and special jury prize. The top film will be awarded P30,000 in addition to the trophy.

Santos says that the organizers are arranging for the showing of the film entries in mall theatres and cable TV.

Robby Tantingco, Director of the Center for Kapampangan Studies which co-sponsors the contest, says that the film festival will celebrate the contribution of Kapampangans to the film industry in the Philippines, which is why there will be retrospectives and tributes to outstanding film actors, actresses, directors, screenwriters who hailed from the Kapampangan Region.

"But more than that, the festival's aim is to show that it's better to use the Kapampangan language in films depicting the Kapampangan experience," Tantingco says. "Eventually we will have our own movie industry here in Pampanga, the way the Cebuanos, the Davaoeños, and the other regions have done. It's time to decentralize the movie industry from Manila."

Those who are interested to join the free workshop and submit entries may contact the Center for Kapampangan Studies at tel. nos. (045) 888-8691 local 1312 or 1369, email kapampangancenter@yahoo.com, or text 0918 941 8599.
Read More »

Jeho Bitancor's "unBOUNDed" at blanc Makati

unBOUNDed
by Jeho Bitancor

How does space as a phenomenon translate to embodied articulations of
personal and social significance?

Referencing my condition as a migrant, I had to grapple with this
problematic and contemplate on other questions whether the space to
locate our bodies constricting or liberating or both? If so, how does
it manifest? Is it of our own choosing and creation, or is it imposed
and inherited?

My inquiry was triggered by the tension I had to negotiate as a
transient body constantly relocating itself, from the “periphery” to
the “center”, and from the west coast to Midwest to east coast in
barely two years. This would mean adapting to new circumstances and
unfamiliar grounds. Or better yet, enduring/enjoying shifting working
conditions; from a huge garage space in California, to a freezing open
patio in Memphis, to a claustrophobic basement apartment in Jersey
City, and finally to a decent studio space in the suburbs of Central
New Jersey.

It is while working in a spare space in Jersey City measuring less
than 7 X 5 ft in floor area that I have come to question the nature of
my existence. Does the space I occupy define me or is it in defining
myself that I inhabited it? Similarly, is the decision to be “in” the
space and adhere to the condition it entails a result of my own
volition alone or a product of inherited values historically ingrained
within my psyche? It can be both in my case for there are a number of
reasons that may be politically in/correct or even romantic. It can be
the notion of growing artistically/ intellectually and recognizing my
battle as a post-colonial subject, while at the same time grazing at
my enemy’s pasture for which I am not yet guilty of.

For this exhibition, I have focused on subjects that are apparently
social in context and navigating through issues that affect me. For
me, there is no dividing line clearly delineating the personal to
societal. I believe that personal experiences transcend to if not a
direct result of the workings of society.

Age-old issues of vulnerability, conformity, dislocation, bondage,
greed, identity and struggle are presented in various reconfigurations
and re-contextualization. Utilizing as a device objects that contain
figures or figures that resemble objects, the works allude to feelings
of entrapment, enclosure and imprisonment. Others served as shelter
and recluse, echoing the duality and manifold definition of inhabiting
and identifying with a space.

Jeho Bitancor’s “unBOUNDed” Will be on view until September 18, 2009
at blanc Makati. blanc is located at Crown Tower, 107 H.V. dela Costa
St., Salcedo Village, Makati City. For more information, please call
or sms 752-0032 / 0920-9276436, email info@blanc.ph or visit
www.blanc.ph, www.blancartspace.multiply.com
Read More »

Friday, August 21, 2009

Treasure Island the Musical

Avast ye lubbers! Get ready for a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas! "Treasure Island" is coming your way this September! Based on the classic yarn by Robert Louis Stevenson, this musical is filled with thrills, pirates and buried treasure! It's sure to be a rollicking good time for everyone! Directed by Cap'n Michael Williams!!! So heave ho and anchors away! Best be gettin' yer tickets while the gettin' be good! Don't miss this spectacular musical staging to be held at the Insular Life Theater in Alabang from September to November 2009. For information, show booking and other inquiries, please contact us at 0927 8336243 or email info@theaterdownsouth.com or visit www.theaterdownsouth.com.

Tickets are available through Ticketworld at selected National Bookstore branches, selected Robinsons Department Stores, Ayala Malls - Greenbelt 1 or Glorietta 1, the TicketWorld Office, or the Ticketworld web site www.ticketworld.com.ph. You may also contact Ticketworld by calling (63) 2 891 9999.

Available dates:
Sept 20 Sunday 3PM
Sept 27 Sunday 3PM
Oct 11 Sunday 3PM
Oct 31 Saturday 3PM
Nov 8 Sunday 3PM
Nov 22 Sunday 3PM
Nov 29 Sunday 3PM
Read More »

Auditions for Singers for Ballet Philippines' Tales of the Manuvu

Ballet Philippines is holding auditions for singers for its new production of Tales of the Manuvu, a dance-musical based on the Manuvu myth of creation directed by Paul Morales with new choreography by Alden Lugnasin, with performances scheduled on Oct. 23, 24 & 25 at the CCP Main Theater. Auditions will be held on August 25, Tuesday 5:00-8:00pm at the CCP Silangan Hall and Aug 28, Friday 6:00-9:00pm at Arts in the City, FVR Park, 26th St., Bonifacio Arts Center.

Tales of the Manuvu is seeking for 2 pop tenors, 1 baritone, 1 alto/soprano, and 8 singers for the chorus to complete the cast of the new production under the musical direction of Jed Balsamo and Diwa De Leon, and accompanied live by Makiling.

Created by founding Artistic Director Alice Reyes with libretto by National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera in 1977, Tales of the Manuvu, a pop rock opera ballet, was one of Ballet Philippines' biggest hits and featured collaborations with leading singers including Boy Camara, Haji Alejandro, Leo Valdez, Isay Alvarez and Celeste Legaspi. Tales of the Manuvu also discovered Leah Navarro and launched her career.

Applicants should prepare 1 Filipino pop ballad or "Noong Unang Panahon", the hit single from Manuvu composed by Dero Pedero. Applicants may bring a music score or minus-one for their audition. Applicants may submit their bio-data or resume to info@balletphilippines.org.

For more information, please call Melissa at 832-3689.
Read More »

PETA's Official Statement on National Artist Issue

Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA)'s OFFICIAL STATEMENT

One should have been far too many, yet President Arroyo has abused her power – again. This time it threatens to divide the artist community.

We join our fellow artists in the condemnation of President Arroyo’s abuse of her so-called prerogatives and her utter disrespect for a selection process that has served the awards program well. During the term of President Aquino, that prerogative was already in place, but in contrast to President Arroyo, Cory had the grace and wisdom to entrust the selection to the legally appointed bodies. President Arroyo’s elimination of one legitimate nominee, and her insertion of four persons without the benefit of the rigor of standards, and scrutiny that the awards deserve have debased the National Artists Award.

We question the prudence of those who nominated Cecile Guidote-Alvarez to President Arroyo, those who decided to bypass the rules of the selection process. They knew full-well that any member of the two selection bodies, NCCA and CCP, cannot be nominated for this honor. Cecile Guidote-Alvarez is the Executive Director of the NCCA and yet they still pushed for her inclusion in the roster. Finally, President Arroyo, sanctioned this violation when she offered to elevate Cecile Guidote-Alvarez to the status of National Artist.

We have the highest respect for Cecile Guidote-Alvarez, and even to this very day, decades after she has left PETA, we still owe her a tremendous debt of gratitude as our founder and original guiding spirit

It is precisely because of our respect, admiration and affection for her that we request her to decline the award at this time as it is sadly tainted. We believe that the award will be much more meaningful for her if it is granted the benefit of the rigorous scrutiny, and endorsement of her peers.

Her vision and blueprint for a national theater was a masterplan which helped change the direction of Philippine theater in the 60’s. Her work, especially in the first five years with PETA, created a spirit that until now animates parallel cultural movements and initiatives. Her legacy has been greatly expanded and enriched by wave after wave of PETA members but her original vision and mission remain: theater can be a force to educate, to mirror and forge our cultural identity, and to break the culture of silence. It is in the same spirit that we have chosen to speak now and in this manner. This is especially important at a time when the nation is suffering from so much loss of public trust, in government, and in ourselves as a people.

As PETA members, we are encouraged to express our opinions as individuals. On this issue however, we have deliberated as a body to formulate this statement. The issue of the National Artists Award is a national issue. It affects us as individual artists because the award symbolizes the best in us. It affects the whole country because these artists, once given this honor are transformed into examples, beacons, and icons for our country. It defines all Filipino artists and all Filipinos. To surrender the power to one person to declare – who among us should be considered exemplary is not acceptable. That is not the President’s prerogative!

The culture of insensitivity and disrespect for due process, spawned by eight years of absence of transparency and accountability of the Arroyo administration has finally reached our gates. Art is the last of the few independent refuges of freedom, and when this refuge is breached, all freedom is utterly lost.

We join the arts and culture community in condemning this administration' s abuse of power that threatens the freedom of the arts. We artists, performing the sacred role of committed citizens, will be standing as one to defend this refuge - vigilant and courageous in the pursuit of genuine democracy.
Read More »

Young Artists on PGMA's Order of National Artists Selection Anomaly

STATEMENT of Young Artists on PGMA’s Order of National Artists Selection Anomaly

We, young artists and cultural workers condemn the manipulation of the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo regime in the selection of this year’s Order of National Artists and hold her accountable for abuse of power and victimizing the Filipino people in a psychological “all-out war”.

Ms. Arroyo’s July 6 presidential proclamation on her engineered list and announced in July 29 through its Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita is a sham that the youth would rather not easily forgive and forget especially that the national culture and arts is at stake.

Herself beset by anomalies as Executive Director of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and as Presidential Adviser on Culture, Cecille Guidote-Alvarez made it to the Order alongside three other names while Music scholar Dr. Ramon Santos was deleted from the original list of the Council of Experts composed of, as mandated by law, the Board of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the NCCA and National Artists.

Alvarez is popular in the arts community for malpractices, favoritism, questionable dissemination of public fund, the controversy on the illegal transfer of P2.5 billion National Endowment Fund for Culture and the premature appointment of then DepEd Underseceretary Vilma Labrador who is now the NCCA Chair and stunt defender of Ms. Alvarez’s designation in the Order. It was also in Ms. Alvarez’s term that during the 2005 National Cultural Summit with the theme “Breaking the Cycle of Corruption, Poverty, Pollution and Violence that progressive artists were harassed and barred from staging a lightning performance depicting the pressing issues of the country, such as corruption.

Contrary to Ms. Alvarez’s alibi that her National Artist designation is not a political gift from GMA, Malacañang’s shameless move is of the obvious, both a political and a gift in the name of public fame and funds.

The Order of National Artists is set as the highest national recognition given to Filipinos who have made significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts and a National Artist is granted a sum of P100,000 upon awarding, a monthly stipend of P24,000, medical support, a P1-million project grant for a year and privileged burial at Libingan ng mga Bayani.

In exchange for the gift, it is possible that the monetary grant would be channeled to cultural outputs that may only serve the interests of an already isolated and unpopular GMA regime in desperate moves to stay in power and escape accountability to her corruption issues, among others.

It must be noted that in the exposé of the Arroyo’s anti-insurgency program called Oplan Bantay Laya (OBL), psychological war materials proliferated in the form of komiks, powerpoint presentations, stage performances, video flash, commercial tv ads and full length film in a form of teleserye where one untitled series was a direct attack to workers striving to live in a state of unemployment, contractualization and labor exploits and the other series titled, “Ligaw na Pangarap” aimed to harass students who chose to be critical and vigilant in a time of worsening commercialized education. The number of victims of human rights violation and enforced disappearances rose to alarming figures since OBL was implemented in 2002.

The Filipino people don’t need a leader like Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and a national artist like Cecille Guidote-Alavarez, who no matter how much foundation they apply on their face offcam, no matter how ironed their scripts are, no matter how spectacular their visual and human exhibits are, they cannot deceive sensible and thinking artists. We call to disregard the conferment of Arroyo’s picks in the Order of National Artist, an investigation to the “honors committee” that the Malacañang claims to nominate Alvarez and a culture of respect to a democratic process to the recognition.

The Arroyo regime and her tandem in culture of corruption, Ms. Alvarez, seem to underrate the collective power of the cultural sector, who, with the solidarity of the majority basic sectors, have championed in history struggles such as the defense of freedom of expression and civil liberties. Temporal was our Black Friday grief of the Death of the National Artist Awards as we remain in staging protest art, productions and actions for democratic cause. Arroyo’s recklessness is her own demise in power.

SINAGBAYAN is Sining na Naglilingkod sa Bayan, an organization of young writers, enthusiasts in various art disciplines and cultural workers committed to serve the arts for the education and organization of basic sectors. It has been in the forefront of advocating a nationalist, scientific and mass-oriented arts and culture since the turn of the millennium.
Read More »

Sunday, August 16, 2009

DOST Extends National Biotech Week Logo Design Contest

The Department of Science and Technology will accept entries for the National Biotech Week (NBW) Logo Design Contest until the end of August.

The winning entry will be rewarded with a Php 50,000 cash prize and a plaque of recognition.

The NBW Logo Design Contest is open to Filipino citizens, individuals and groups except for members of the 2009 NBW Task Force, the screening committee and the board of judges.

Logo designs must symbolize the application and benefits of biotechnology as well as reflect this year's NBW theme: "Bioteknolohiya para sa Kalikasan, Kalusugan, Kagandahan, Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran" (Biotechnology for the Environment, Health, Beauty, Livelihood and Development) .

Each entry must be original, in JPEG format, 5.5 x 5.5 inches in size and never been entered in any competition.

Logo designs must be accompanied with written descriptions of not more than 350 words.

All entries must be e-mailed to nbw@pnri.dost. gov.ph together with the contestants' names, mailing addresses, contact details and scanned ID cards with photographs on or before August 31, 2009 at 5 pm.

For more information, call Mr. Chitho Feliciano of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute at 925-9211 or 929-6011 local 273.
Read More »

Saturday, August 15, 2009

2009 Ateneo Art Awards : The Next Wave

0

2009 Ateneo Art Awards : The Next Wave
at the Grand Atrium, Shangri-la Plaza

Awards night 13 August 2009, 6pm
Grand Atrium Shangri-la Plaza

Exhibition 7 - 17 August 2009
Grand Atrium, Shangri-la Plaza

24 August - 19 September 2009
Ateneo Art Gallery, Ateneo de Manila University

Shortlisted Artists: Martha Atienza, Allan Balisi, Ringo Bunoan, Joey Cobcobo, Kiri Dalena, Kidlat de Guia, Christina Dy, Patricia Eustaquio, Jan Leeroy New, Goldie Poblador, Pam Yan Santos, Michelline Syjuco

The Ateneo Art Awards are presented by : Ateneo Art Gallery, Shangri-la Plaza, Unionbank, Metro Society, and Ystyle of the Philippine Star
Read More »

Sam Concepcion Joins the Cast of N.O.A.H.

Multi-talented artist and youth role model Sam Concepcion joins the cast of Trumpets’ major family musical N.O.A.H. [No Ordinary Aquatic Habitat] as the Narrator. He will share the role with theater newcomer Fred Lo beginning September 4, 2009 at the Meralco Theater.

Sam is not a stranger to Trumpets. At the tender age of 9, he took on the demanding role of Edmund in Trumpets’ THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE. Sam’s performances were even then highly acclaimed and no one was surprised when he went on to win the grand prize on ABS CBN’s “Little Big Star” (2006). Since then, he has graced kids and teen magazine covers (KZone, Candy), teen TV (Myx, Boystown), teen dance group Gigger Boys, various print and TV endorsements (Bench, Smart My Sandbox), the cast of Disney’s “High School Musical On Stage,” the soundtrack of Dreamworks’ hit animated movie “Kung Fu Panda,” among others. He was also awarded hottest “Candy Cutie” for three consecutive years (2006-2008), Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards’ Pinoy Wannabe Awardee (2006), and more recently United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNAP) Young Achiever Awardee for Entertainment (2009).

But despite all his successes in the “show biz” scene, Sam’s heart has never left the theater. In 2004, he recorded the voice of Japeth for the puppet version of N.O.A.H., which featured the vocal talents of Gary Valenciano and Bituin Escalante. Sam deemed the experience “enjoyable” but “not the same as performing on stage.” It is no wonder then that he jumped at the chance to play the Narrator. Now he goes live onstage in the full-scale production of N.O.A.H. under the stage direction of theater stalwart Jaime del Mundo.

In N.O.A.H., Trumpets retells the classic story of the Biblical patriarch and his famous ark with wit and humor, heart and compassion, hope and joy, and of course, fun!

Sam will be alternating with Fred Lo, a standout in del Mundo’s Playshop 2009 Advanced Musical Theater class. N.O.A.H. is his first professional theater gig. Though a relative newbie, Fred’s performances promise to be just as stellar as his more senior counterpart.

So set sail with Sam in N.O.A.H. [No Ordinary Aquatic Habitat] opening at the Meralco Theater on September 4 and will run till September 27 with shows every weekend in between.

For tickets and/or more information call TRUMPETS 6354478, 0917-8842105, 0932-2705639 or email trumpetsinc@gmail.com. Tickets also available at Ticketworld 8919999.
Read More »

John Hughes Week at Mogwai

This week, we pay tribute to the late John Hughes (1950-2009), who in the 80s created a new cinematic landscape. His movies became the voice of a generation, their problems and anxieties laid bare and treated with the same gravity with which they saw them. Hughes' cinematic contribution cannot be exaggerated, his influence clearly seen in any filmmaker who would deign to show us teenagers. All this week at Mogwai, we take a look at the films he directed, taking you back to another era of filmmaking.

AUGUST 17 – MONDAY
9 PM – Weird Science
Written and Directed by John Hughes
Gary (Anthony Michael Hall) and Wyatt (Ilan Mitchell-Smith) are two nerdy teenagers stuck at home on a Friday night. On a whim, they attempt to create the perfect woman with their computer, and thanks to a freak electrical storm, the perfect woman actually appears before them. Hughes turns geek fantasy into a strange coming-of-age tale that lays out the archetypes that he would later explore in his more serious work, all set to a pretty fantastic 80s soundtrack.

AUGUST 18 – TUESDAY
9 PM – Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Written and Directed by John Hughes
Uptight ad executive Neal Page (Steve Martin) wants to get home to Chicago in time for Thanksgiving, but his flight has been cancelled due to bad weather. Neal tries to get home using whatever means of transportation is available to him, but aggressively gregarious shower ring salesman Del Griffith (John Candy) has decided to tag along, and disaster seems to follow him wherever he goes. Many consider Planes, Trains & Automobiles the last great film that Hughes directed, filled with his dark wit while never leaving out the heart.

AUGUST 19 – WEDNESDAY
9 PM – Sixteen Candles
Written and Directed by John Hughes
Samantha (Molly Ringwald) is turning sixteen, but her entire family has forgotten as they fuss over her sister's wedding. She tries to get through the day the best she can, but nothing goes right as she deals with her hunky crush, the geek that has a crush on her, and a foreign exchange student that she has to look after. Sixteen Candles was the first film directed by Hughes, and it made a star out of Molly Ringwald, who for the next few years would become the face of an entire generation of teens.

AUGUST 20 – THURSDAY
9 PM – Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Written and Directed by John Hughes
High school senior Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick) skips school one day by faking an illness and convinces his girlfriend and his best friend to on a trip with him to Chicago before they all split up for college. The plan seems to work, but the stuffy Dean of Students Ed Rooney suspects Ferris of truancy, and goes all out trying to reveal his ploy. "Life moves pretty fast. You don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." Truer words have never been spoken.

AUGUST 21 – FRIDAY
9 PM – The Breakfast Club
Written and Directed by John Hughes
"Saturday, March 24,1984. Shermer High School, Shermer, Illinois, 60062. Dear Mr. Vernon, We accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday in detention for whatever it was we did wrong. What we did *was* wrong. But we think you're crazy to make us write an essay telling you who we think we are. What do you care? You see us as you want to see us - in the simplest terms, in the most convenient definitions. You see us as a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess and a criminal. Correct? That's the way we saw each other at 7:00 this morning. We were brainwashed. " The greatest teen movie ever made? Probably.
Read More »

World Cinema Fund (WCF) Spotlight at Cinemanila

In line with its efforts of fostering international cinematic excellence, the Cinemanila International Film Festival focuses the spotlight on the World Cinema Fund (WCF). An off-shoot of the Berlin International Film Festival, the WCF has been instrumental in launching critically acclaimed and competitively viable films since its inception in 2004.

The WCF provides support in the fields of production and distribution to filmmakers from developing countries. Thru its funding, feature films and creative feature-length documentaries with a strong cultural identity have been given the chance to be realized.

To date, all of the WCF produced films have been included in the programmes of renowned international film festivals. One of its very first projects, Paradise Now (Palestine, 2005) was the winner of the 2006 Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Film and was nominated for the same category at the Academy Awards. Another film supported by the WCF, Silent Light (Mexico, 2007), bagged the Jury Prize at the 2007 Cannes International Film Festival and was also nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

In 2008, the WCF backed three Southeast Asian projects including Independencia by the Philippines' very own, Raya Martin. Independencia eventually screened in this year's Official Programme of the Cannes International Film Festival.

WCF manager Sonja Heinen will personally conduct an info session on how to apply for WCF funding. Aside from that, Cinemanila will also showcase 5 WCF funded films including Martin's Independencia.

Call for entries is currently ongoing. For more info, contact cinemanila.entries@ gmail.com and cinemanila@gmail. com or go to www.cinemanila.org.ph.

The 11th Cinemanila International Film Festival will be held from October 15 to 25, 2009 in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. Around 100 international and local films will be screened in a span of 10 days – from the current toasts of the local indie scene to the award-winners and favourites at prestigious festivals such as Cannes, Berlin, Rotterdam, Sundance, and Pusan. The festival will also feature workshops, seminars and master classes. Call for entries are currently ongoing. For more info, contact cinemanila.entries@gmail.com and cinemanila@gmail.com or go to www.cinemanila.org.ph.

The 2009 Cinemanila is presented by the City of Taguig and the Cinemanila Interrnational Film Festival Foundation, in cooperation with Cinema One, Click the City, Goethe Institut, Pep.ph, Spot.ph, Web Philippines, World Cinema Fund, Easy Rock, NU 107, 99.5RT and Sprout Magazine.
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Pitik Bulag: Letra at Liwanag @ GSIS Museum of Art

THE GOVERNMENT SERVICE INSURANCE SYSTEM
Museum of Art
and
National Artist Virgilio Almario
cordially invite you to the

PITIK BULAG: Letra at Liwanag
A Celebration of Contemporary Filipino Art and Poetry

Opening Reception
On Tuesday, 25 August 2009
6:00 in the evening

GSIS Museum of Art
Diosdado Macapagal Avenue
Pasay City

The exhibition will be on view until December 5, 2009.

Featuring the works of Artists: Leonardo Aguinaldo, Virgilio Aviado, Manuel Baldemor, Elmer Borlongan, Salvador Ching, Charlie Co, Fil Dela Cruz, Edgar Fernandez, Jose John Santos III, Steve Santos and Poets : Teo Antonio, Rebecca Añonuevo, Roberto Añonuevo, Mesandel Arquelles, Romulo Baquiran Jr, Michael Coroza, Jerry Gracio, Vim Nadera, Fidel Rillo, Edgar Samar, Marne Kilates & National Artist Virgilio Almario

R.S.V.P. Leslie / Mayette (GSIS Museum) Tel. No. 479-3588 / 859-0395
Cellphone: 0929-171-4091 Email: museum@gsis.gov.ph
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Sunday, August 09, 2009

This August @ Kaida Gallery

Landong by ROEDIL “JOE” GERALDO & TRISTRAM MIRAVALLES
Kamasutra by PABLO CAPATI III
KAIDA GALLERY
16 Aug. – 2 Sept. 2009

This August @ Kaida Gallery:

Kaida Gallery will be featuring two simultaneous exhibitions from August 16 to September 2, 2009: Landong, a two-man show by Bacolod based artists, Joe Geraldo and Tristram Miravalles (Main gallery) and Kamasutra, Pablo Capati’s recent sculptures at Kaida’s Gray wall.

Kaida Gallery was founded in February 2007, envisioning to support the works of young, dedicated, and emerging painters and sculptors as well as supporting collaborations between them and established names in Philippine art.

Both shows open on August 16, 2009 (Sunday) 6 p.m., at Kaida Gallery, located at 26 Scout Torillo corner Scout Fernandez, Sacred Heart (Timog), Quezon City, Philippines 1102. For inquiries, please call (632) 4144777 or email info@kaidagallery.com.
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N.O.A.H. by Trumpets at Meralco Theater


Trumpets' "N.O.A.H." has finally reached Manila!

Premiere Night on September 4, 2009 [FRI 8PM] at the Meralco Theater.

Tickets at
Orchestra Center P1200
Orchestra Side P1000
Balcony Center P700
Balcony Side P500

WE HAVE A PROMO OF 10 TICKETS LESS 10% DISCOUNT

Contact POWER at 0915-6880533.

Trumpets, the theater company behind the critically acclaimed productions of "Joseph The Dreamer," "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe" and "Little Mermaid" is back at what it does best! - producing musicals that inspire, teach and entertain the whole family all at the same time.

In N.O.A.H. (No Ordinary Aquatic Habitat), Trumpets retells the classic story of the Biblical patriarch and his famous ark with wit and humor, heart and compassion, hope and joy, and of course, fun!

"Yes, we're back," declares returning Trumpets president Audie Gemora. "We've always work towards producing shows that are of the highest level of quality possible, are geared towards the family, and most importantly, with stories that convey God's message of love. And if ever there's a time we need hope, it's now and, if ever there were a story that best promises that hope, it's Noah."

"We've always tried to put a modern take on what would otherwise be an `old' story," explains writer and director Jaime Del Mundo. "Aside from Noah's always relevant theme of hope and second chances, we address three of man's most vital relationships – man with God, man with his fellowmen and man with his environment. Concern for conservation and ecology – these are real concerns here and now."

Originally produced and staged with puppets, this tale of a single man's faith and obedience against seemingly insurmountable odds will now feature a cast of seasoned theater performers. Veteran actor, singer, producer and artist manager Carlo Orosa heads the list as the jovial and staunchly devoted Noah. Acclaimed star of West End's "South Pacific" Sheila Francisco is the culinary-challenged Mrs. Noah. An ensemble of the Philippines' finest theater performers plus some new exciting talents will join them.

And as always, Trumpets will not disappoint. Del Mundo teams up again with "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe" and "Little Mermaid" production designer Mio Infante. Together they breathe new life into N.O.A.H. via imaginative staging, a fabulous set and colorful, whimsical costume designs never before seen on Philippine stage. Musical director Rony Fortich's original music is lively, spirited, appealing and at the same time moving and inspiring. Such combination will not fail to make N.O.A.H. a live theater experience incomparable to any other form of entertainment.
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Zarzuela Gives Life to Baler History

Baler, a quaint little town in the heart of Aurora, will open its doors to the nation for the celebration of its town fiesta, culminated by the grand zarzuela “Baler ng Puso Ko” on August 12-15 at the Baler Sports Complex, with the gala performance to be staged on the last day.

The zarzuela, featuring the libretto of Isagani Cruz and the original music composition of Lutgardo Labad, creatively joins together pieces of historical fact and mythological creatures in Philippine culture to present Baler in the midst of the ongoing Revolution.
“Baler ng Puso Ko” will reflect the wealth of heritage of the historic town since its founding 400 years ago. It will also show a united town regardless of race, ethnicity and status but driven apart by the news of an approaching Filipino army tasked to drive the Spanish soldiers away from the Philippine soil.

The story of the Baler zarzuela provides a panorama of the indigenous communities, the tsunami survivors and the battle for Independence. It is told from the point of view Maria Amatoria, a beautiful Filipina teacher, who is torn between her father’s point of view on the country and her own desire to live in Spain.

Directed by Frank Rivera, libretto of Isagani Cruz, music by Lutgardo Labad and production management by Mars Cavestany, “Baler ng Puso Ko” stars Leisl Batucan, Lara Maigue and Diana de Mesa, a scholar student from Baler, alternating in the lead roles of Maria Amatorio and Diwata. Also in the cast are Al Gatmaitan, Montet Acoymo, and Eugene delos Santos together with select members of the UST Liturgikon, as back-up chorus playing various character roles. Joining the cast are the new youth Baler chorus trained by Ed Manguiat with the choreography by Rene Jaguio and Wally Tuyan. The assisting choral masters of the zarzuela are Raphael Balagot, Paulo Rodriguez, Peter McCrohon and the Technical Director is Joey Nombres.

“Baler ng Puso Ko” also demonstrates the concept of the Kalahi-Cultural Caregiving program of NCCA with the artistic supervision of Executive Director Cecile Guidote-Avarez. The participants are conducted by a team of ITI Earthsavers Dreams Faculty of artist-teachers from various disciplines.

The staging of the zarzuela was organized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts through its Kalahi-Cultural Care-giving Services and the Philippine Center of the ITI Earthsavers Dreams Academy with the cooperation of Baler 400 Steering Committee, the Office of Senator Edgardo J. Angara, and the provincial and local governments of Aurora led by Gov. Bellaflor-Angara.

“Baler ng Puso Ko” is part of the year-long celebration for the quadricentennial celebration of Baler, pursuant to the Presidential Proclamation 1696, declaring 2009 as the “Year of Baler” tied up with other cultural events during Baler Week and the Buwan ng Wika.

For details, please contact RENE NAPEÑAS, Head of the NCCA-Public Affairs and Information Office (PAIO) at cellphone number 0928-5081057), or call (02) 527-5529 / 527-2192 loc. 508, 612 to 615, email at ncca.paio@gmail.com or public_affairs@ncca.gov.ph or log on http://www.ncca.gov.ph.
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Wednesday, August 05, 2009

Concerned Artists of the Philippines on 2009 National Artist Awards

CAP INDIGNANT OVER MORIBUND, DECADENT POLITICS BEHIND THIS YEAR'S SELECTION OF NATIONAL ARTISTS

The Concerned Artists of the Philippines joins much of the Filipino arts and cultural community in expressing indignation over the unprecedented brazen use by the Arroyo regime of the National Artists awards for its moribund, decadent politics.

We are outraged that Arroyo has transformed the National Artists awards as her own largesse for doling out political favors. More than half of the seven new National Artists awardees were Arroyo's direct recommendees that were not on the list given by the both the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the sole agencies tasked by law to recommend National Artists awardees.

We particularly detest the designation of Presidential Adviser on Culture Cecille Guidote-Alvarez as National Artist as reeking of the worst kind of patronage politics the Filipino people would have long been far better off without. Alvarez's designation speaks of the worst conflict of interest possible in this situation, given that she is currently NCCA executive director and heads the secretariat for the National Artists awards! How is it possible that such an award can be seen in any good light, and that the awardee would accept it in all good faith and honesty?

We cannot but see Alvarez's being named National Artist as Arroyo's way of returning political favors after Alvarez's consistent whitewashing of her regime's corruption and repression. As well, we see this as a spectacular condonation of various reported anomalies at the NCCA committed by Alvarez all these past years.

It gets worse. Malacañang is vainly covering up for its wanton presidential abuse by contending that it just dispatched its "purely ministerial" duties in naming this year's National Artist awardees. This is a brazen lie that is easily shown by a simple inquiry into the entire process, and by those from both the NCCA and CCP who were affronted by the grave presidential indiscretion after they went through a rigorous selection process!

We find this action by Arroyo as being consistent with her longstanding deceit of the Filipino people, capped recently by her last State of the Nation Address (SONA), the worst farewell SONA in our country's history. It is consistent with her overall disdain for all public accountability throughout her rule, as she engaged in massive cheating, corruption, brutal and bloody suppression of consistent critics to her criminal reign, puppetry to corrupt foreign interests, wholesale subversion of the constitution she vowed to uphold and protect, and sabotage of fully urgent and legitimate impeachment moves against her all these years.

Arroyo's virtual subversion of the National Artists awards process highlights as well her regime's deliberate exacerbation of the longstanding severe crisis in Philippine culture and the arts. Her regime will long be infamous for worsening colonial, feudal, fascist and commercial culture, shown by (1) its unabashed promotion of English as official language of instruction, commerce and government; (2) unprecedented opening up of the economy to foreign cultural goods and services, leading to the virtual decimation of the local cultural economy; (3) annihilation of native and minority cultures brought by unrivaled disruption of the agriculture- based livelihoods of Filipino cultural minorities and native communities; (4) the brazen bastardization and commercialization of Filipino native cultures and customs through promotion of tourism attuned to neoliberal globalization; and (5) its brazen suppression of the constitutionally- guaranteed freedom of expression by censoring numerous films with social commentary that have in fact been recipients of many international and local awards, and its world-class annihilation of journalism and journalists.

CAP will be alongside Filipino cultural workers, professionals and advocates in taking immediate direct actions to justly detest this latest outrageous act of the Arroyo regime. We enjoin all other freedom-loving Filipinos to do likewise. Philippine arts and culture deserve no less.

Sobra Na! Tama Na! Patalsikin si Gloria!
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Luksang Bayan Para Sa National Artist Awards

"Luksang Bayan Para Sa National Artist Awards" on Friday, August 7 at 2:00pm.

Event: Luksang Bayan Para Sa National Artist Awards
"A gathering of artists and arts supporters to eulogize the death of a meaningful National Artist Awards."
What: Protest
Host: Artists
Start Time: Friday, August 7 at 2:00pm
End Time: Friday, August 7 at 6:00pm
Where: CCP Ramp
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Alfred Urieta is Menandro in Gantimpala Theater's Florante at Laura

In Gantimpala Theater thirty-second season opener, the much revered awit Florante at Laura, under the direction of Soxie Topacio, Alfred Urieta portrays Menandro, the loyal best friend of the Albanian prince.

For the past seven years, Urieta has been part of Tony Espejo’s drama company. He started with taong bayan roles prior to getting “speaking parts” that includes Bugan in the Aliw Awards 2005 Non Musical Production The God Stealer, Sergeant Tirona in Bombita, one of the revival plays presented during the First Pearl Theater Festival, and as Basilio, in El Filibusterismo, his most favorite role and biggest acting break..

“What attracted me to do theater is the fact that it allows me to explore the different facets of my personality, and do the things I like which is primarily acting, then production work,” begins Alfred. “There is a whole process of creation when you are assigned to a role, it’s almost like you conceive it from your mind, and then you give it life and emotions. I enjoy doing theater stuff and I don’t mind whether I do a major or minor character.”

Being Menandro, the best friend and trustworthy comrade of Florante is a part that Urieta takes pride in doing and he is very much aware that this is not a “small” part.

“When I found out that I’m doing it, my first reaction was, ‘Oh? Menandro, cool!’ I can’t help but wonder why, at first,” he relates. “When my apprehensions died down, what stuck in my mind is that I have to give my best. As an actor, I must give whatever my director expects from me. Though this role has been performed before, people can expect a big difference with my portrayal.”

“He is a very stimulating director,” reveals Alfred when asked about Soxie Topacio, this is their third time working together. “He gives you simple notes after every rehearsal. The subtext of those notes is actually, you have to give more, you have to do more. With him, you can do whatever you want, and then he’ll give his comments if he thinks you’re going over board or if what you’re giving is not enough.”

How is Migui Moreno as Florante? “He is doing well,” he avers. “He is also working hard for his role. We are helping each other to establish rapport since we play best friends. We have to jive and that must be seen and translated on stage.”

He adds, “You see, if you read the awit, we are best friends since our days as student in Athens. We grew up together. We fight as a tandem in the same batalla and we do it because we love our home country, Albania. Personally, Migui and I talk a lot, share jokes, and help each other out in our scenes.”

As one of the senior apprentices of Gantimpala Theater’s Actors’ Company, he appreciates the fine comments given to him by senior members with regard to the quality of his acting.

“Wow! That’s a compliment,” he reacts. “With every role that they give me, I always worked hard. I think, the company noticed my commitment to do well in acting. So, when I finally got the chance to get a tough role (Basilio in El Filibusterimo) , I gave it my best and luckily, nagtuloy-tuloy na ang magagandang characters. Frankly speaking, any actor, especially someone like me who is still a relative newbie, their confidence in me and my capabilities is very inspiring. Maganda pala yung ginagawa ko, and because of their vote of confidence, I refuse to be complacent. I will continue to learn, give my best and be professional, since that is what is expected of me.”

What can the audiences expect from this season’s Florante at Laura? “I think they will have a better appreciation and understanding of this literary masterpiece by Francisco Balagtas. They will feel definitely feel the actors. Direk Soxie and our assistant director, Roeder Camañag is working double time to ensure that we will give every one a good show. Makikita nila na this is Gantimpala Theater, and that every one will be getting their money’s worth.”

In the nearest future, the other roles he wishes to do for Gantimpala are Adolfo or Aladin, Elias in Kanser (Noli Me Tangere), Don Juan in Ibong Adarna.

Aside from acting, Urieta also does stage management work. He occasionally appears on TV. He is also a swimming instructor.

He concludes, “I hope that people will have a wonderful time when they watch Florante at Laura. This is a theater experience that you will not forget. Aside from the romantic love story of the two main characters, our company presents it as a komedya and I am sure, the audiences will remember and enjoy the marches and grand batalla. I say peace to every one!”
Gantimpala Theater’s Florante at Laura performances are on August 1 (6pm) Open Air Auditorium, in Luneta, August 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16 (10am.2pm), AFP Theater in Quezon City and August 21, 22, and 23 (10am.20m), SM Southmall in Las Piñas.

For information, bookings and ticket reservations, please call 899-5745, 896-3503, 474-5198. Or, visit:gantimpalatheater.multiply.com.
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