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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Tuesday, February 27, 2007

CCP Summer Arts Workshops

Once again, summer is just around the corner and the CCP announces its annual CCP Summer Arts Workshops. This year we are offering the following theater arts courses:
Events, Production and Stage Management
Lighting Design and Techniques
Sound Design and Techniques
Children's Theater
Teen Theater
Beginning Acting
Musical Theater for Teens

As in the past years, we are also offering directing lectures, conducted by some of the countries' top directors – Tony Mabesa, Bart Guingona., Floy Quintos, Ricky Abad and Ana Valdes Lim.

Among our newest courses in PHILIPPINE THEATER HISTORY – THE TOUR. Learn about Philippine Theater History while going on a tour of the CCP. Conducted by Dennis Marasigan and the Tanghalang Pilipino Actor's Company.

For more information, please call Ms. Nikki Torres at 832-2314 and 832-1125 local 1607.

We need your opinion!

We are considering adding one more course to our roster this summer. Mr. Ronald "Ony" Carcamo, Palanca Award Winning poet and co-founder of LIRA, would like to offer courses in Ventriloquism and Puppetry. Aside from his credentials as a poet, Ony is a trainer and a kidshow expert.

Of the courses Ony is offering, which of the two would you prefer?

PUPPETRY AND VENTRILOQUISM
Summer Workshop for Kids
Children will be taught basic puppetry and ventriloquism and encouraged to use these skills as tools to develop their creativity and self esteem.

Or

PUPPET POWER IN EDUCATING KIDS
A fun Seminar for teachers on simple but effective puppetry techniques for classroom use

Please let us know your opinions. You may e-mail us through the CCP e-group or send a private e-mail to nikkigarde@yahoo. com

Thank you.

Cultural Center of the Philippines
Read More »

Artits' Vote Against Electoral Fraud and Violence Music

ARTISTS' VOTE AGAINST ELECTORAL FRAUD AND VIOLENCE
MUSIC


Arrest Gloria Presents
ARTISTS' VOTE AGAINST ELECTORAL FRAUD AND VIOLENCE
Feb. 26 and 28, @ mag:net Katipunan

Feb 26
5pm Screening of THE FOURTH WORLD WAR a film by BIG
NOISE

6pm - 9:30pm Poetry and Music
Bobby Balingit
Lourd de Veyra
Jess Santiago
Vim Nadera
Kilometer 64 Poetry Group
Datu's Tribe
Agaw Agimat
Anak ni Aling Juana
Republika de Lata
Tolongues Death Squad

Feb 28
5:30pm Screening of BANTA NG BAYAN a film by TUDLA

6pm - 9:30pm Poetry and Music
Cynthia Alexander
Bayang Barrios
Dr. Bien Lumbera
Vivian LImpin
Peryodiko
Rockbato
Gapos
Traumaligno
The Brockas


Vote against Fraud and Violence

The history of elections in the Philippines has so far been a history of fraud and violence. Always, someone's votes were padded and another's votes were shaved, and there were votes that went to the highest bidder. Always, a candidate and another would be thrown out of the race by the bullet, and a ballot box would be seized at gunpoint.

The 2004 elections were the worst so far. Just when we thought we had seen the worst of electoral fraud in the 1986 snap elections, we had independent poll watchdogs and even some commissioners of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) describing the 2004 elections as the most fraudulent ever. No less than the Philippine National Police (PNP) said the 2004 elections were "the bloodiest" ever.

It is in these elections that Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was supposed to have won by more than a million votes over her closest rival, the late actor Fernando Poe, Jr. The discrepant figures in the copies of election documents collected by the independent poll monitor Patriots, together with the so-called "Hello Garci" tapes, tainted the credibility of the 2004 election results beyond redemption.

Thrown to the defensive by the resultant popular outrage, the Arroyo administration has resorted to repressive measures - including the physical elimination of activists and other government critics by state forces.

The May 2007 elections is going to be a confrontation between, on one hand, the Arroyo administration; and the broad base of anti-Arroyo forces, ranging from progressive party-list groups affiliated with the cause-oriented movement to the traditional opposition parties, on the other.

Both sides are determined to achieve their respective objectives. By the various means by which it has shamelessly bent the law to strengthen its hold on power, the Arroyo regime has shown that it is bent on preserving its usurped authority. On the other hand, the anti-Arroyo forces have also shown by their various actions - which have included two impeachment complaints against Arroyo - that there will be no rest for them unless they see a change in the country's leadership.

The Arroyo regime may be expected to do all it could to prevent its opponents from gaining the headway in the coming elections. It has in fact begun to take specific steps, including: the mass suspensions of local officials affiliated with the opposition, the rush to pass an Anti-Terrorism Bill which defines "terrorism" so broadly that the slightest criticism of government could be classified as an "act of terrorism," the continued killings of activists and other government critics, and the mass registrations of military personnel as voters in their areas of assignment - not residence, contrary to election laws.

They who perpetrate the fraud and violence in elections recognize the power of artists, and they have frequently scoured our ranks for elements to be used as instruments in the campaign of deceit that inevitably has to be carried out if fraudulent and violent elections are to be made to appear as clean and peaceful. We thus make known our stand - as artists whose work stands to be either debased by complicity or apathy, or uplifted by taking the side of reason.
We vote with our poetry, music and other works for genuinely clean and peaceful elections this year and beyond. We vote against all who have benefited from the vicious cycle of electoral fraud and violence - a cycle that has to be broken.

Arrest Gloria!

Southern Tagalog Exposure + KASIBULAN Women Visual Artists' Collective + KUMASA (Kulturang Ugnayan ng
Manggagawa at Uring Anakpawis sa Timog Katagalugan) + ARTIST, Inc. (Arts Research and Training Institute in Southern Tagalog) + Kilometer 64 Poetry Group + Tambisan sa Sining +TUDLA Productions + APLAYA
(Artistang Pangkultura ng Mamamalakaya sa Timog Katagalugan) UPLB Umalohokan + Paolo Martinez + Andrea Muñoz + Gian Paolo Mayuga + Jeffrey Ferrer + Onin Tagaro + Bobby Balingit + Winnie Balingit + Lourd de Veyra+ Dong Abay + Ninj Abay + Con Cabrera + Babes Alejo + Teny Arellano + Vivian Limpin + Roselle Pineda + Heidi Takama + Cynthia Alexander + Fred Rebadulla
Read More »

PELIKULETRAN 2007

"6 Films" will be shown at LETRAN "PELIKULETRAN 2007 HAS ARRIVED"

Forwarded by Ramil de Jesus

Communication Department of Colegio de San Juan de Letran will have It's annual Pelikuletran where it showcases talents of Senior Communication Arts students in making short films.

Six short films will be shown on February 26-March 01 at LETRAN GROUNDS, MURALLA ST., INTRAMUROS, MANILA



"PANAKOBA"
Written and directed by Mike Canlas
Starring Fernando Magaling with a special participation of Cesar Montano

Ramwen specializes in terrorizing kids, and is known to be the best in the business. Everything goes well until an Indian urban legend brings him back to his own childhood fears, that will serve as his toughest challenge yet.

"GATAS NG PUSA, KATAS NG KALIKASAN"
Written by Sheng Constantino
Directed by Dwein Baltazar
Starring Giselle Sanchez, Mark Christian Dumdum, Jonas Camposagrado,
Ephraim Lance Robles, Maria Katrina Oledan and Clee Nette Caddi

Three kids - Shapiro, Bulang and Marina get a first taste of stardom when they were casted for a new cat milk commercial. During the shoot, they get to see Eba Bituin in the flesh, the beautiful and glamorous actress they all admire and start making up assumptions on how a star should behave to achieve god-like status.

"ELLIPTICAL ROAD"
Written and directed by Ace York Mercado
Starring Perry Escaño, Choy Roldan, Janelle Dagaas, Rico Del Rosario,
Sheila Hollon, Andrea Gregorio, Ces Aldaba and Bernard Fulgencio

Joaquin Cervantes, a successful businessman lives a comfortable life with his loving wife and son. Everything seems to be perfect but he feels something is missing. At night, he would get strange dreams of his past, leading him to a startling realization.

"SUTANA"
Written and directed by Arminda Linaja
Starring John Cundangan, Therese Carlos, Robert Diamson and Emmanuel Geslani

A seminarian takes on a journey of temptation and sin as he is about to take his vow. It's a test of faith between the divine and the carnal, the righteous and the unjust, wherein he must summon his strength to choose which life to lead.

"L"
Written and directed by Mads Santos
Starring PJ Lanot, Sandy Francisco, Bernard Catindig, Mark Padilla and
Brian Javier

Kiko is a young urban professional working at a small accounting firm. He fancies Chloe, her boss' secretary but his reputation as the office loser does not warrant a second look from her. What must he do to gain respect and get the girl of his dreams?

"METRO"
Written and directed by Marvin Delgado
Starring James Lomahan, Hubert Posadas, Joana Pe, Canareen Tin,
Malone Daytiquez, Cherry Malvar, George Gonzales and Nex Agustin

Roger, an overseas worker for ten years is forced to return home and drive his father's taxi after the latter suffered a stroke. At the wheel, he gets re-oriented to the country he once knew and learns how time has indeed changed.

RELAX, WATCH A MOVIE. TANGKILIKIN ANG PELIKULANG PILIPINO!
Read More »

YCC Awarding on March 8

The Film Desk of the Young Critics Circle invites you to the 17th Annual Circle Citations for Distinguished Achievement in Film for 2006 on March 8, 2007, Thursday, 2:00p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Faculty Center Conference Hall, University of the Philippines, Diliman.

“Inang Yaya” directed by Pablo Biglang-Awa and Veronica Velasco makes a clean sweep of the Young Critics Circle honors for all categories, namely, Best Film of the Year given to the directors; Best Screenplay; Best Cinematography and Visual Design; Best Editing; Best Sound and Aural Orchestration and Best Performance for lead actress Maricel Soriano.

Established in 1990, Young Critics Circle is the critics group with members coming from various disciplines. Through the years, they have become attentive observers of Philippine cinema constantly bringing into the analysis of film an interdisciplinary approach.

The awarding will be followed by Sine Sipat: Recasting Roles and Images – Stars, Awards and Criticism where the Young Critics Circle Film Desk and the winners will have a dialogue with the audience.

The event is open to the public. For queries, you may email yccfilmdesk@ yahoo.com.
Read More »

Museum Foundation of the Philippines' Activities This March

Our Activities this March

1. March 7, 9, 12 9am to 4 pm
Encarnador Workshop with Tats Manahan

The Lopez Memorial Museum and the Museum Foundation of the Philippines, Inc will hold a 3-Saturday whole-day demonstration and workshop on the said technique at the National Museum. Included in the workshop is a short introduction on the work of the encarnador, background on history of decorative arts in the Philippines vis-à-vis Spain and Italy, and the encarnador technique translated into decoration for objects d'art. Writer-director Tats Manahan will facilitate the workshop.

Venue: 4th fl, Tambunting Hall, Museum of the Filipino People, Finance Road, Manila
Cost: P5000, inclusive of materials

2. March 10, 2007, Saturday, 10:00 am to 12:00 nn
Stories on Philippine Art: Uncovering the National Art Gallery

Museum Foundation of the Philippines and the Lopez Memorial Museum invite you to the third in our lecture series Stories on Philippine Art: Uncovering the National Art Gallery. Curator Patrick D. Flores will give us a private viewing and on-site lecture of the National Art Gallery which was closed since 2001. We will see seven galleries, including the "Hall of Masters" which exhibits two monumental masterpieces of the 19th century, namely Luna's Spoliarium and Hidalgo's La Tragedia del Gobernador Fernando de Bustamante y Bustillos

Meeting point: Lobby of the main building of the National Museum (the bldg with a gate across the Museum of the FIlpino People). Registration starts at 9:30am.

Cost: P150 for members and P300 for non-members

3. March 24, 2007, Saturday, 11:30 am
A Culinary Affair with Pia Lim-Castillo at Le Soufflé, Rockwell

Pia Lim-Castillo discusses the intricacies of the Filipino meal and how the land and seas as well as the history of colonization have affected our foodways from what it was before to what it is now. Despite the changes in foodways and habits, the underlying social importance of the meal will always be there. The luncheon menu will be prepared by Chef Jessie Sincioco.

Venue: Le Soufflé, Amorsolo West Bldg., Residential Drive, Rockwell Center.

(Fee to be announced)

For more information or reservations, please call the Museum Foundation at 404.2685/ 722.9073 and look for Elvie, Flor or Patricia.

You can download the March 2007 reservervation for in pdf or zipped pdf.

For more Museum Foundation events and activities please visit our website at http://museumfoundationph.org/news/

Museum Foundation of the Philippines, Inc.
G/F National Museum of the Filipino People
Valencia Circle, Rizal Park, Manila 1004 Philippines
Telefax: (63-2) 404-2685
www.museumfoundationph.org
Read More »

Writing and Commitment: Mga Berso ng Paglaya

The Amado V. Hernandez Resource Center (AVHRC) would like to invite you to a day of poetry, discussion and gathering with detained poet and peasant organizer Axel Pinpin at the Camp Vicente Lim in Laguna on March 7, 2007. This is in line with our on-going campaign for the release of writer-political activists, Axel Pinpin and Angie Ipong.

Pinpin was a Fellow in 1999 for Poetry in Filipino at the University of the Philippines Institute for Creative Writing and has published a poetry collection, Tugmaang Walang Tugma. He was abducted by elements of the Philippine National Police with four other peasant organizers on April 28, 2006, in Tagaytay City , Cavite . Collectively known as the Tagaytay 5, they were all hidden by their abductors for three days after the arrest. The five were accused of plotting to destabilize the national government. They suffered physical and mental torture while under detention. Pinpin is a consultant and research and information officer of the peasant organization Kalipunan ng mga Magsasaka sa Kabite (Kamagsasaka- Ka). He served as a science research specialist in the Department of Science and Technology from 1996 to 2000.

Those who would like to share the day with us are enjoined to gather at the UP Diliman Faculty Center Walk on March 7, 2007 at 6:30am. Please bring P200.00 for transportation expenses and are encouraged to bring your own food and poems. Please confirm your attendance on or before March 5, 2007.

For more information, please contact the AVHRC at 412-0909.

JENNIFER PADILLA
Executive Director
Amado V. Hernandez Resource Center
Read More »

Sunday, February 25, 2007

2007 GSIS Painting Competition

THE 2007 GSIS PAINTING COMPETITION
Sa Bansang Pilipinas,Kagandaha'y Likas

The Government Service Insurance System invites all interested Filipino students and artists to join the 2007 GSIS Painting Competition. This event, in cooperation with the Art Association of the Philippines, is also in line with the celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the GSIS and the National Heritage Month.

This year, the theme is Sa Bansang Pilipinas, Kagandaha'y Likas which focuses on the beauty of Philippine environment and its natural resources. The Philippines is also particularly known for its natural heritage such as the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, the Banaue Rice Terraces,Pagsanjan Falls, Hundred Islands, Tabon Cave, Underground River, Tubathaha reefs and the limestone cliffs of Palawan and other landscapes and seascapes. Through this competition, we hope to gather interpretations and renditions of beauty as seen by our artists.

Please read the rules and regulations carefully. The GSIS shall be strict in its implementation. Entries could be disqualified for technical reasons.

1. The theme of the competition is Sa Bansang Pilipinas, Kagandaha'y Likas.

2. The competition is open to all Filipino students and artists. They should be 18 years old and above.

3. Participants in the student category must present their current school ID and a photocopy of his/her ID upon registration with a certification from Head/Chairman of their School. Participants in the professional category must present one (1) valid ID upon registration.

4. Participants must attached one (1) 1 x 1 ID picture.

5. Only one entry per participant will be accepted.

6. There is no participation fee.

7. Application forms are available in all GSIS offices (Headquarters, District Offices and Field Offices) and Art Association of the Philippines Office (AAP), c/o Kanlungan Ng Sining, Rizal Park, Manila, starting February 26, 2007.

8. Required size is 3 feet x 4 feet (horizontal or vertical) with 10 kilos allowable maximum weight.

9. The medium acceptable is only oil on canvas, acrylic or watercolor in any style (representational). The entry must hang on a wall to qualify. Appropriate frames and/ or equivalent devices should be placed (ready for hanging).

10. All entries must be dated not earlier than 2007, must be his/her original work, and must not have been exhibited before or revised or awarded a prize in another contest.

11. Submission of artwork entries will be on Saturday, April 28, 2007 from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm. Entries submitted before or after the stated date and time shall not be accepted.

12. All participants must be responsible for their entries. GSIS shall not undertake any pick-up or transportation of any artwork to or from any point of origin. Wet paintings will not be accepted.

13. All entries must be properly labeled at the back, indicating:
Artist ( Name, Address, and Contact Numbers ) Title of the work, Medium, Size, Year and Price.

14 5 x 7 colored photo of the work must be submitted with the same information (as stated in # 13) written at the back.

15. All entries must be signed. But signature will be covered with a masking tape during the judging.

16. The GSIS Museum reserves the right to use the name and photo of the artist and his/her entry for free in any broadcast, or print medium. The artist also grants GSIS the right to exhibit the entries as deemed fit. Due to limited space, not all entries will be exhibited. The GSIS reserves the right to decide which of the entries will be displayed during the competition exhibition.

17 Judges may decide not to award prizes if the entries do not meet certain artistic and competition requirements. All decisions of the board of judges SHALL BE FINAL.

18 Announcement and awarding of grand finalists will be on Friday, May 25, 2007 at 6:00 pm at the GSIS Theater.

19 Cash Awards for the grand finalists shall be:

Professional Category
1st Prize - P 300,000.00
2nd Prize- 200,000.00
3rd Prize- 100,000.00
Five (5) Juror’s Choices- P 25,000 each

Student Category
1st Prize- P 150,000.00
2nd Prize- 120,000.00
3rd Prize- 100,000.00
Five (5) Juror’s Choices- P 20,000 each

All prizes are subject to 20% tax per government ruling.

20 All Prize Winning Entries will automatically become properties of the GSIS and be included in the GSIS Art Collections. The Jurors' Choices will remain properties of the artists.

21 All none winning entries will be offered for sale to the general public subject to a 30% commission for the Art Association of the Philippines to support their programs and projects.

22 All possible care will be taken for the entries submitted. However, the GSIS Museum assumes no responsibility for any loss or damage to the entries before, and/or after the competition.

23 All none winning entries must be retrieved by the participants or their designated representatives starting June 15 until July 31, 2007 only. Unclaimed artworks after this date will become properties of the GSIS.

24 Officers of Art Association of the Philippines (AAP) are not allowed to participate in the said competition.

A project of the Government Service Insurance System through the Administration Group and the GSIS Museum of Art in cooperation with the Art Association of the Philippines. For inquiries, please contact: Ms. Leslie / Ms Mayet at 891-6161 local 4859 or email Mr. Ryan Palad at ravpalad@gsis.gov.ph. Public Relations Facilities Department PRFD Office, GSIS Building, Financial Center, Reclamation Area Roxas Blvd. Pasay City. Or AAP Office/ Gallery Km. 0, Kanlungan ng Sining, Rizal Park, Manila, Philippines Tel. No. 3030907 or email Mr. Fidel M. Sarmiento at aapfidel@yahoo.com
Read More »

Digicine with Raymond Red

WHAT: DigiCine - a digital cinematography class by award winning
filmmaker Raymond Red, featuring the launch of new Canon HDV cameras
XH A1 and XH G1. (see attached invitation)

WHEN: 6 March 2007, Tuesday, 10:00am - 4:00pm

WHERE: Gateway Cineplex Cinema 4, Araneta Center, QC
(earlybird parking is available at Araneta Coliseum parking area
fronting Shopwise)

Tickets available at P1,500 for professionals and P750 for students

Jump into a new level of HDV precision as Canon launches two new 3-CCD
camcorders, XH A1 and XH G1, which provide a full line of
professional, high quality, cost-effective HDV solutions, suitable for
all types of cinematic and broadcasting needs.

These new models feature key technologies such as Canon's
revolutionary DIGIC DV II imaging processor, three 1/3" 1.67-megapixel
(1440 x 1080 pixels) CCDs. A 20x zoom lens with Super Range Optical
Image Stabilizer, Instant AF System and many other professional
functions in a compact body – allowing users the dual benefits of
shooting mobility and total image control.

Award winning director and filmmaker Raymond Red, the first and
currently the only Filipino to win the prestigious Palme D'Or Award at
the Cannes International Film Festival 2000 for his short film "Anino"
(Shadows), will discuss the current technology of DV, HDV, and HD, and
explore techniques in both camera work and lighting approaches.

Special discounts on Canon products will also be available during the
event.

For more information, email info@ccborder. com or contact Mitzi
Borromeo at 0917-800-6489. Tickets are also available at Gateway
Cineplex ticket booths.

Digicine is being brought to you by Gateway Cineplex and Canon, in
cooperation with the Philippine Star, Max's Restaurant, and Unitel
Productions.

"Low-cost HD is now a practical reality whose methodology is evolving
before our eyes. Perhaps the price of the ticket for this unique ride
is that we all become, like it or not, digital video wonks."
– D.W. Leitner, Associate Producer / Camera Operator
Read More »

Manila Bulletin’s Picture Perfect Photo Challenge

2007 Picture Perfect Photo Challenge
FEBRUARY TO MARCH

THEME: RED and GREEN
DEADLINE OF SUBMISSION: March 23
PUBLICATION DATE: March 27

APRIL TO MAY

THEME: My Summer Vacation
DEADLINE OF SUBMISSION: May 25
PUBLICATION DATE: May 29

JUNE TO JULY
THEME: Independence Day 2007
DATE OF SUBMISSION: July 27
PUBLICATION DATE: July 31

(Other themes to be announced soon)

Mechanics:

• Open to all photograph-loving individuals (hobbyists, snap shooters, amateurs,
professionals)
• All entries must be in 8"x10," full color prints on FujiColor Crystal Archive Paper (photos
taken using either digital or conventional cameras).
• Each entry must be accompanied by an information sheet (refer to PICTURE PERFECT
section which comes out every Tuesday or can be downloaded at www.yklcolor.com).
Photocopy of registration form is only allowed if two or more entries are sent).
• Participants can send as many entries as possible.
• The entry should not be entered in any other competition.
• All entries sent (prints only) are considered as property of the contest organizers.
• Winning entries may also be posted online right after the judging at www.yklcolor. com.
• Non-winning entries will have the chance to be chosen as "Photo of the Week."
• Winners can win more than once during the promo period.
• Winners will receive an official call from Manila Bulletin and shall be given specific
instructions on how to claim the prize.

SPECIAL PRIZE PACKAGE

FIRST PRIZE

• P15,000.00 Cash
• FUJIFILM Digital Camera
• 1 year – YKL Privilege Card
• SM Gift Certificates
• Free Photo-Seminar at the FPPF
• Kingston photo accessory

SECOND PRIZE

• P10,000.00 Cash
• FUJIFILM Digital Camera
• 1 year – YKL Privilege Card
• SM Gift Certificates
• Free Photo-Seminar at the FPPF
• Kingston photo accessory

2 CONSOLATION PRIZES

• P5,000.00 Cash for each WINNER
• PIVI Mobile Digital Printer
• SM Gift Certificates
• 1 year – YKL Privilege Card
• Free Photo-Seminar at the FPPF
• Kingston photo accessory

Send entries to:

MB-FUJIFILM Photo Challenge
c/o Ronald G. Jayme
Manila Bulletin Publishing Corp.
Muralla cor Recoletos Street
Intramuros, Manila

Tel. Nos. 527-8121 local 384
E-mail: ronald_jayme@yahoo.com / picture05perfect@yahoo.com
Read More »

Ballet Philippines' Neo-Filipino: Espana Extension

Hola Amigos y Amigas,

Before you make your plans for the coming weekend, pencil in Ballet Philippines' Neo-Filipino: Espana Extension on March 2 (8pm) and 3 (3pm & 8pm) at the CCP Main Theater.

We intend to end our 37th Season with the unforgettable performances of:

The Guitar Friends Ensemble: Antonio O. Cojuangco, Ma-an Hontiveros, Maestro Jose Valdez, Greg Yu, Vince Abella, Tabo Derecho, Anthony Nadal, Jady Vitug, Dr. Diony Cruz, and Richie Griner;
Angel Gomez;
Emma Estrada & the Centro Flamenco Dancers;
Our very own Ballet Philippines Dancers;
With Production Design by Tats Manahan, Choreographies by Bam Damian, Alden Lugnasin, Rose Borromeo, Emma Estrada, and guest choreographer David Russo,
... It will be a show you must not miss!

Get your tickets now from all TicketWorld outlets, the CCP Box Office, the Ballet Philippines Office (Tel: 551-0221; 551-1003; or 832-6011) or make your reservations through me by text messaging.

Ballet Philippines' Neo-Filipino: Espana Extension ... DON'T MISS IT!
Read More »

This Week @ Cinekatipunan

THIS WEEK AT CINEKATIPUNAN
26 February – 3 March 2007

The personal and political interweave in this week's
CineKatipunan programme. Cultural workers alliance
ARREST GLORIA delivers the opening salvo for the 2007
election season with a program on the Artists Vote
Against Electoral Fraud and Violence on February 26
and 28. Watch artists as they "vote [with] poetry,
music, and other works for genuinely clean and
peaceful elections this year and beyond [and] against
all who have benefited from the vicious cycle of
electoral fraud and violence".

The ARREST Gloria! Program will be conducted back to
back with a screening of The Fourth World War on
Monday, February 26 (to be presented by Tom Tulathon),
while Ruelo Lozendo, Luis Quirino, Tad Ermitano, and
Rox Lee will close the month with the finale to the
SINEKALYE series.

CineKatipunan also welcomes Women's Month this March
with an early documentary on the lives of Filipina
workers by Ditsi Carolino and a film on the life of
the late visual artist Pacita Abad by Milo Sogueco on
March 1 and 2, respectively. March 2, visiting
Canadian producer Barry Lazar will also personally
present the film Chez Shwartz by Garry Beitel and will
be available for interaction with the audience. Young
Filipina film-makers Tey Clamor, Sol Garcia,Tanya
Jamon, Dohna Sarmiento, Joy Domingo, Ging Flores,
Rianne Hill Soriano, and Vivian Limpin will present
their debut works in this Saturday's First Films
programme.

26 February (Monday):
Big Noise: THE FOURTH WORLD WAR (Presented by
TomTulathon) ?To be Followed by ARREST Program

5pm Screening of THE FOURTH WORLD WAR
6pm - 9:30pm Poetry and Music by Bobby Balingit, Lourd
de Veyra, Jess Santiago, Vim Nadera, Kilometer 64
Poetry Group, Datu's Tribe, Agaw Agimat, Anak ni Aling
Juana, Republika de Lata, and Tolongues Death Squad

The Fourth World War
From the front-lines of conflicts in Mexico,
Argentina, South Africa, Palestine, Korea, 'the North'
from Seattle to Genova, and the 'War on Terror' in New
York, Afghanistan, and Iraq. It is the story of men
and women around the world who resist being
annihilated in this war. ??While our airwaves are
crowded with talk of a new world war, narrated by
generals and filmed from the noses of bombs, the human
story of this global conflict remains untold. " The
Fourth World War" brings together the images and
voices of the war on the ground. It is a story of a
war without end and of those who resist. The product
of over two years of filming on the inside of
movements on five continents, " The Fourth World War"
is a film that would have been unimaginable at any
other moment in history. Directed by the makers of
"This Is What Democracy Looks Like" and "Zapatista",
produced through a global network of independent media
and activist groups, it is a truly global film from
our global movement.

Independetnt publisher Chaithawat (Tom) Tulathon is an
Asian Public Intellectuals (API) fellow from Thailanf
and editorial staff of Fah-Diew-Kan (Same Sky) and a
member of the independent Labor Center Thai Labour
Solidarity Committee. He has been in the Philippines
since July 2006 for a research project on labor
contractualization.

27 February (Tuesday): SINEKALYE 4 program
X FOR 4
SHAMAN by Ruelo Lozendo
TRUE BLUE by Luis Quirino
HULIKOTEKAN by Tad Ermitaño
LIZARD by Rox Lee

28 February (Wednesday):
Tudla Productions: BANTA NG BAYAN?To be followed by
ARREST Program?
5:30pm Screening of BANTA NG BAYAN a film by TUDLA
?6pm - 9:30pm Poetry and Music by Cynthia Alexander,
Bayang Barrios, Dr. Bien Lumbera, Vivian LImpin,
Peryodiko, Rockbato, Gapos, Traumaligno, and The
Brockas ??1 March (Thursday)
Ditsi Carolino: MULA PABRIKA HANGGANG FUKUOKA

Mula Pabrika Hanggang Fukuoka ?A trilogy on the plight
of Filipina workers. Elsa works long hours in a
garment sweatshop, spends the night at the picketline
and barely squeezes family time in between. Veng is an
independent filmmaker who tries her luck as "TNT" in
Tokyo. By day, she goes around photographing and
filming. By night, she is a karaoke bar hostess. In
Fukuoka, three Pinays give meaning to the term
"Japayuki." Emily, Marlene and Kay who are all married
to Japanese nationals reveal their stories as
entertainers in Fukuoka's red light district.

2 March (Friday)
Milo Sogueco: GROOVY: THE COLORS OF PACITA ABAD
Garry Beitel: CHEZ SCHWARTZ (to be presented by
Visiting Canadian Producer Barry Lazar) ?
Chez Scwartz

Chez Schwartz takes us inside a year in the life of
Schwartz's Deli – the 75-year-old landmark on
Montreal's historic Main. Filmed through changing
seasons, Chez Schwartz is an evocative, cinematic
portrait of a small spunky deli known worldwide
equally for its atmosphere and smoked meat.Through
observational vignettes, we come to know the men of
Schwartz's: the waiters and busboys, meat cutters and
grill men who have become fixtures of the deli – some
for as long as 40 years. Most are immigrants from
Portugal, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and Asia.
While they serve generously stacked sandwiches, fries,
pickles and cherry colas to an array of local and
international patrons, we discover how a legendary
institution transforms their lives. We also meet
another group of men: the panhandlers who have
stationed themselves at the front entrance for the
past 15 years and earn their livelihood from the
deli's patrons. ??As these stories interweave, we
become immersed in the restaurant's culture and daily
rituals. Lush and sensual cinematography follows the
daily preparation and consumption of spiced smoked
meat and condiments. Our camera moves between
privileged revelations of character and simple
gastronomy as we capture the magic of a classic 'hole
in the wall' packed with atmosphere and dynamism.
??Garry Beitel is a Montreal based documentary
filmmaker. His probing portraits of individuals and
communities have been broadcast on Canadian television
for over 20 years, winning national and international
awards. He works primarily in Canada – both in English
and French - but has also made films in West Africa,
South America and Mexico. His acclaimed Bonjour!
Shalom! won three Gémeaux awards including Best Quebec
Documentary (1991). Garry has an MA in Film and
Communications from McGill University where he has
been a Faculty Lecturer (since 1988) teaching courses
on Documentary Film and Cultural Studies.


3 March (Saturday): FIRST FILMS programme ?First works
by young film-makers Tey Clamor, Sol Garcia,Tanya
Jamon, Dohna Sarmiento, Joy Domingo, Ging Flores,
Rianne Hill Soriano, and Vivian Limpin

Among the works to be shown in this program are:
Silig
A person decides to "end it all". What would be the
best way to do it? Silig searches for answers.
Vivian N. Limpin is a graduate of B.A. Malikhaing
Pagsulat sa Filipino (Creative Writing in Filipino)
from the University of the Philippines in 1995. She
has published poems, essays, short stories, feature
articles and scripts in various magazines, newspapers,
comics, and books for NGO's, written and translated
plays and vignettes for TROPA (Teatro, Pelikula, Arte)
and other production groups. She has also expanded her
poetry readings into performance poetry. She was a
Writing Fellow for Drama in the 22 nd UP National
Writers Workshop in 1994, and for Poetry in Filipino
in the 19th Cornelio Faigao Writers Workshop in 2002.
She was also a fellow in the 2002-2003 Rio Alma Poetry
Clinic, and has won a Don Carlos Palanca Memorial
Award for Literature for Poetry in Filipino in 1995.
Her first solo experimental animation film, "Silíg",
has been screened in different film and art events
locally and abroad, including the 10th Singapore
International Film Festival in 1997, Arkipelago
Filipino-American Film Festival in New York in 1998,
Kita Mo Fil-Am Indie Film Festival in San Francisco in
2000, and Blowin' Up a Spot Film Festival in Texas and
MadCat International Women's Film Festival in San
Francisco in 2005. It was produced by the NCCA, MFI,
Kodak Philippines, and PIA, 16 mm, 7.26 min, 1996.

Aninag
"Aninag" ("Light's Play") is Rianne Hill Soriano's
first film after graduating from the University of the
Philippines Film Institute. This 35mm short feature is
a film grant from the National Commission for Culture
and the Arts. In this film, Isabel journeys in a dream
world with her new mystical friends "Saya" (Happiness)
and "Pag-asa" (Hope) in an attempt to overcome her
isolation due to her blindness.

This short film plunges into the domain of a blind
girl and her struggle to overcome her fear and
depression. It promotes hope against the setback of
interests of the incapacitated, the frustrated, and
the depressed, who tend to lose hope because of the
tribulations that come into their lives. The film
provides particular appeal to the children audience.
Most of the film stocks came from Kodak Philippines
through the filmmaker's prize as Kodak Film Awardee
2003 of the University of the Philippines Film
Institute with her thesis film "Karsel" ("Prison").
"Aninag" competed at the New York International
Independent Film and Video Festival 2005 and the Louis
Vuitton Hawaii International Film Festival 2006. It
also won 3rd Place at the PBO (Philippine Box Office)
Digitales Film Contest, a film competition by Viva
Entertainment' s PBO cable channel. The film was also
exhibited at the New York Filipino Film Festival 2005,
Cinema Purgatoryo 2005, Pelikula at Lipunan Film
Festival 2005, and the Pi Omicron Independent Film
Festival 2005. It was also selected for the UNESCO
(United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural
Organization) Audio-Visual E-Platform and the
Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Market.

?About Mag:net Galleries and Cafe?Mag:net aims to be
at the forefront of Philippine contemporary art, be it
the visual arts, literature or?music. As a stable for
the more dynamic artists exhibiting today, it offers
unto the local scenesters and consequently the world
at large, their freshest works through its galleries
which are also lined with choice literary works of
some of the best writers of the century, the spill of
music from our local tunesmiths and sound artists
provide the aural stimulation. Mag:net extends this
further by being a venue for film screenings,
performances, readings, impromptus and of things yet
to come. ?

About Cinekatipunan? Mag:net Café's entire second floor
is transformed into a movie house Monday to Saturday
from 5:30 to 7:00 PM. Filmmakers, film students, and
film lovers are able to watch films uninterruptedly
for an hour and half, with talks and fora occasionally
preceding the screenings. Foreign films are shown on
Mondays, films on gender and human rights on Tuesdays,
experimental/ video art films on Wednesdays, critically
acclaimed films by emerging and established filmmakers
on Thursdays and Fridays and films by campus-based
filmmakers on Saturdays (which precedes Campusition
Nights, the Saturday gigs of campus-based bands).
??While the film screenings are free, viewers are
encouraged to make voluntary contributions for the
honoraria of the filmmakers. Cinekatipunan programs
precede Mag:net Café's nightly holding of Live
Performances by well-known and emerging bands and
musicians. For schedule of screenings:
www.magnet.com.ph.

Mag:net Gallery Katipunan
AGCOR Building
335 Katipunan
Avenue
Quezon City
Philippines
Tel/Fax : 929.3191
http://www.magnet.com.ph
Read More »

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Palanca Awards for Literature 2007

Palanca Awards for Literature now open to entries

The Carlos Palanca Foundation announces the opening of the 57th Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature. The country's premier literary awards will accept entries until the midnight of April 30, 2007.

The literary awards is open to all Filipino citizens and former Filipino citizens. The competition includes the following categories: Short Story, Short Story for Children, Essay, Poetry, One-act Play, and Full-length Play in Filipino and English divisions; Screenplay in Filipino division; and Short Story in Cebuano, Hiligaynon and Iluko regional languages.

This year's theme for the Kabataan Essay is "The Filipino Value I Would Like to Share with the World" for the English division; and "Ang Kaugaliang Pilipino na Nais Kong Ibahagi sa Mundo" for the Filipino division. This is a special category open to persons below 18 years old.

Established in 1950, one of the objectives of the Palanca Awards is to serve as an incentive for Filipino writers to craft their
outstanding literary works. It is noteworthy that more and more first-time entrants are winning in the contest.

National Artist for Literature Edith Tiempo noted that writers should take full advantage of the annual literary competition to hone their craft. "We are all privileged to have a good number of our writers and their best works being acclaimed and applauded; and we, readers and writers may well wonder about the enormity of literary expertise and craftsmanship and long earnest labor that must have gone into the performing of these chosen works."

Entries for the literary competition may be submitted in person, or sent by mail or courier service to Carlos Palanca Foundation, 6th Floor, CPJ Building., 105 C. Palanca Jr. St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Entries may also be submitted through e-mail in Rich Text Format or in Microsoft Word Document as an attachment, together with the author's resume, official entry form and original copy of the notarized authorization form.

Complete contest rules and official entry forms may be obtained from the Carlos Palanca Foundation office or via e-mail to cpawards@info. com.ph or palancaawards@ yahoo.com. For inquiries, please call 818-3681, local 31.
Read More »

3rd Part of Exhibit Series on Political Killings Slated at UP

The third part of Perspektiba, a series of exhibits on political killings by the artists’ group Tutok Karapatan (TutoK), has been scheduled for Feb. 20-March 8, 2007 at the Faculty Center Galleries and Hardin ng mga Diwata, University of the Philippines (UP) in Diliman, Quezon City.

TutoK had wrapped up early December its successful exhibit on the same theme, dubbed Perspektiba 1, at the Beato Angelico Gallery of the University of Santo Tomas. Persektiba 2, meanwhile, ran Jan. 9-23 at the Amrhein Gallery, St. Scholastica’s College.

Perspektiba 3 will open at 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 20. The opening will be held simultaneously with a launch of the national catalogue of SUNGDU-AN 3: Making The Local,
a project of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) National Committee on Visual Arts.

Perspektiba 3 is expected to be the biggest in the three-part series of exhibits – featuring works by Anting Anting, Antipas Delotavo, Benjie Torrado Cabrera, Benjo Elayda, Boy Dominguez, Claro Ramirez, Cos Zicarelli, Dennis Gonzales, Don Dalmacion, Don Salubayba, Ed Manalo, Iggy Rodriguez, Jason Montinola, Jason Moss, Jef Carnay, Jeho Bitancor, Jose Tence Ruiz, Jun Cruz Reyes, Leonard Aguinaldo, Lia Tayag Torralba, Lindslee, Lito Mondejar, Lynard Paras, Maan de Loyola, Mark Ramsel Salvatus III, Marlon Reyes, Mervy Pueblo, New World Disorder, Niño Tagaro, Pampanga Arts Guild, Tatong Recheta Torres, UGATLahi, Vivian Limpin, Wesley Valenzuela, Wire Tuazon, and Yko Umadhay III.

As part of Perspektiba 3, a forum and live action performances will be held on Feb. 27 and March 1, respectively.

The forum will be held 2:30-5:30 p.m. on Feb. 27 at the C.M. Recto Hall, with Dr. Alice Guillermo and Dr. Felipe M. de Leon, Jr. as speakers.

The live action, which will be held 2:30-5:30 p.m. on March 1, will feature performances by Jef Carnay, Jeho Bitancor, Noel Pama, UGATLahi, and Wire Tuazon.

TutoK was formed in late 2005 after an artists’ workshop in Quezon City on women, art and healing, as a response to what the participants described as the “deteriorating” human rights situation in the country.

Based on data from Karapatan (Alliance for the Advancement of People’s Rights), there have been more than 800 victims of extrajudicial killings from January 2001 – when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo assumed power through a popular revolt – to February 2006.

Meanwhile, Karapatan has recorded more than 200 cases of forced disappearances for the same period.


References:
Karen Ocampo Flores, TutoK Project Director (09189002682)
Mideo M. Cruz, Perspektiba Lead Curator (09278818515)
Read More »

HIMIG NG PAGLIKHA: Isang Theatre Gig ni Noel Cabangon


Noel Cabangon is a mindful musician, composer and singer, who writes songs inspired by his love for family, country, environment and God. This love is symbolized by Noel's three alter egos, Ela , Leon and Joel. Explore the life of a mother, an NGO volunteer, an environmentalist, a street child and an Infanta tragedy survivor as the Harlequin Theatre Guild performs Noel's songs towards the journey on finding the true meaning of life's song.

STUDENT PRICE: P250.00

HIMIG NG PAGLIKHA: Isang Theatre Gig ni Noel Cabangon
For ticket reservations contact 524-4611 loc. 702, 737 (Janeth) or 0917-8660269 (Ces) or you can e-mail us at
harlequintheatreguild@gmail.com

Read More »

METROPOLIS, Opening film at the SPeak Film Festival

METROPOLIS, with live score by Rubber Inc.
Opening Film
Sining, Pelikula at Kasaysayan (SPeaK) FIlm Festival
21 February 2007, 5pm
Faculty Center Conference Room, UP Diliman
Tickets: P50

The Goethe-Institute Manila joins the celebrations of 110 Years of Cinema in the Philippines by holding a special screening of the renowned 1927 film "Metropolis". The film, directed by Fritz Lang, opens the Sining, Pelikula at Kasaysayan (SPeaK) FIlm Festival, organized by the Mowelfund Film Institute in cooperation with the UNESCO "Memory of the World" Philippine Committee and the UP Department of Art Studies.

Incidentally, the festival will also serve as the launch for the Philippine chapter of the "Memory of the World" Committee, which recognizes and preserves the world's documentary heritage. In 2001, "Metropolis" became the very first film to be committed to UNESCO's "Memory of the World" Register.

The film is set in the year 2026, when the population is divided into two groups: the Thinkers, who enjoy and live in a futuristic city of splendor, and the Workers, who lead an archaic slave existence underground. Freder, son of the city's mastermind, sees the inhumane working conditions subjected to those living underground and abandons his privileged life to join the oppressed workers in a revolt. Widely considered the first science fiction film ever made, "Metropolis" is Fritz Lang's most popular and most celebrated film. It will be screened with a live score to be performed by electronic group Rubber Inc.

Paula Guevara
Program Department
Goethe-Institut Manila
4-5/F Adamson Centre
121 L.P. Leviste St.
Salcedo Village
1227 Makati City
Philippines
Tel 817 0978, 840 5723/4
Fax 817 0979
www.goethe.de/manila
Read More »

PELIKULETRAN 2007

"6 Films" will be shown at LETRAN "PELIKULETRAN 2007 HAS ARRIVED"

Communication Department of Colegio de San Juan de Letran will have
It's annual Pelikuletran where it showcases talents of Senior
Communication Arts students in making short films.

Six short films will be shown on February 26-March 01 at LETRAN
GROUNDS, MURALLA ST., INTRAMUROS, MANILA

See trailers and posters:
altacinema.livejournal.com/1621.html

"PANAKOBA"
Written and directed by Mike Canlas
Starring Fernando Magaling with a special participation of Cesar Montano

Ramwen specializes in terrorizing kids, and is known to be the best in
the business. Everything goes well until an Indian urban legend brings
him back to his own childhood fears, that will serve as his toughest
challenge yet.

"GATAS NG PUSA, KATAS NG KALIKASAN"
Written by Sheng Constantino
Directed by Dwein Baltazar
Starring Giselle Sanchez, Mark Christian Dumdum, Jonas Camposagrado,
Ephraim Lance Robles, Maria Katrina Oledan and Clee Nette Caddi

Three kids - Shapiro, Bulang and Marina get a first taste of stardom
when they were casted for a new cat milk commercial. During the shoot,
they get to see Eba Bituin in the flesh, the beautiful and glamorous
actress they all admire and start making up assumptions on how a star
should behave to achieve god-like status.

"ELLIPTICAL ROAD"
Written and directed by Ace York Mercado
Starring Perry Escaño, Choy Roldan, Janelle Dagaas, Rico Del Rosario,
Sheila Hollon, Andrea Gregorio, Ces Aldaba and Bernard Fulgencio

Joaquin Cervantes, a successful businessman lives a comfortable life
with his loving wife and son. Everything seems to be perfect but he
feels something is missing. At night, he would get strange dreams of
his past, leading him to a startling realization.

"SUTANA"
Written and directed by Arminda Linaja
Starring John Cundangan, Therese Carlos, Robert Diamson and Emmanuel
Geslani

A seminarian takes on a journey of temptation and sin as he is about
to take his vow. It's a test of faith between the divine and the
carnal, the righteous and the unjust, wherein he must summon his
strength to choose which life to lead.

"L"
Written and directed by Mads Santos
Starring PJ Lanot, Sandy Francisco, Bernard Catindig, Mark Padilla and
Brian Javier

Kiko is a young urban professional working at a small accounting firm.
He fancies Chloe, her boss' secretary but his reputation as the office
loser does not warrant a second look from her. What must he do to gain
respect and get the girl of his dreams?

"METRO"
Written and directed by Marvin Delgado
Starring James Lomahan, Hubert Posadas, Joana Pe, Canareen Tin,
Malone Daytiquez, Cherry Malvar, George Gonzales and Nex Agustin

Roger, an overseas worker for ten years is forced to return home and
drive his father's taxi after the latter suffered a stroke. At the
wheel, he gets re-oriented to the country he once knew and learns how
time has indeed changed.

RELAX, WATCH A MOVIE. TANGKILIKIN ANG PELIKULANG PILIPINO!

See trailers and posters:
altacinema.livejournal.com/1621.html
Read More »

Monday, February 19, 2007

Clay Art Workshops for Beginners

CLAY ART WORKSHOPS FOR BEGINNERS
with Aba Lluch Dalena

MARCH to MAY Schedule
(Children & Adults)

3 SATURDAY SESSIONS per batch (AM or PM)
Fees inclusive of materials and clay firing

SCHEDULE:

1st batch:March 3,10 & 17
Saturdays AM (Kamuning) / PM (Malolos)
2nd batch:April 14,21 & 28
Saturdays AM (Kamuning) / PM (Malolos)
3rd batch:May 5,12 & 19
Saturdays AM (Kamuning) / PM (Malolos)

TIME/VENUE/FEES:
8:30-11:30 AM SATURDAYS (KAMUNING,QC)
@ 74 A K-1st St. Kamuning Quezon City
Fee: Php4000

3-5 PM SATURDAYS (MALOLOS,BULACAN)
@ 169 Dahlia St. Alido Subdivision Malolos Bulacan
Fee: Php2000 (SPECIAL DISCOUNT!!!! )

TO ENROLL:
For AM (Kamuning): 09228765434 / 09166721384)

For PM (MALOLOS): 09272807641 /09228765433

TEXT NAME/AGE / BATCH number of preferred schedule.


OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Till Feb.28-
Daphne Aguilar/Aba Lluch Dalena paintings.
RED WASHES WHITER SHOW @ LIKHA-DIWA
Krus Na Ligas,UP CAMPUS,Diliman QC
Read More »

Saturday, February 17, 2007

Adobo Design Competition

The Adobo Design Competition is open to all students, enthusiasts and practitioners of graphic design, aged 18-35 years old, legal Philippine residents and who have completed at least one year of high school education.

The grand prize winners will receive summer scholarships to a graphic design course in the prestigious Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti (NABA) in Milan, Italy.

The theme, "The Filipino has what it takes. Creativity is the new Filipino currency.", is open to the following categories: Poster design, motion graphics, and new media. There is also a special category for Wearable graphics.

Entry fee is P350, and deadline for entries is March 1, 2007.

Visit the Adobo Design Competition website for details.

Dennis Rito
Photography I Graphic Design

+63918.9330160
http://dennisrito.blogspot.com/
Yahoo! messenger: dennis_rito
Google Talk: dsrito
Read More »

IMAHE NASYON opens on February 21

digital viva and pelipula present

IMAHE NASYON
showing Feb 21-27
indieSINE Robinson's Galleria

“Imagination is more important than Knowledge."
-Albert Einstein

IMAHE NASYON / 2006 / 130 mins / DV

“WHAT HAPPENED AFTER 1986?”

20 YEARS. 20 FILMS. 20 FILMMAKERS. 1 NATION.

IMAHE NASYON is a groundbreaking, conceptual omnibus film by 20 alternative filmmakers who were tasked to present their personal visions on national issues. It is underlined by a conceptual question asked by line producers Jon Red & Carol Bunuan Red:

“WHAT HAPPENED AFTER 1986?”

In 2006, IMAHE NASYON attempts to answer the question.

That question also became a thematic and uniting thread across the films, but each film is made of different cinematic genres that is representative of the filmmakerÂ’s style, stressing the concept that in spite of individual visions we share the same goal: to depict a truthful image of the nation.

The omnibus project was conceptualized by Jon and Carol in commemoration of Edsa 1, a political revolution that changed their generation forever. It is also a celebration of the struggle and growth of Philippine Independent Cinema which, in essence, is a cultural revolution only now gaining public acceptance.

A unique and common element in IMAHE NASYON is rising Indie actor PING MEDINA who is featured in all the 20 films. He represents the next generation who will play a crucial role in the direction of the nation and its image.

1986 - 2006. 20 years. 20 films. 20 filmmakers. 1 nation.

directed by: Poklong Anading, Emman Dela Cruz, Yeye Calderon, Neil Daza, Lav Diaz, Tad Ermitano, Mes de Guzman, Rox Lee, Topel Lee, Milo Paz, Robert Quebral, Ellen Ramos, Raymond Red, R.A. Rivera, Lyle Sacris, EJ Salcedo, Sig Sanchez, Dennis Empalmado, Ogi Sugatan, Paolo Villaluna

tuloy ang rebolusyon.. .
Read More »

Great Performance Series resumes with Tomescu, Kuznetsov

Romanian violin superstar Alexandru Tomescu, winner of several international violin competitions including the Paganini Competitions in Italy and the Marguerite Long-Jacques Thibaud Competition in Paris, will pay tribute to Filipino violin greats when he returns at the Philamlife Theater Saturday, February 24, 2007, 8 p.m. with pianist Mary Anne Espina.

The February 24 concert caps the Great Performance Series sponsored by the Philippine American Life Insurance Company and Manila Pavilion Hotel. The return engagement is dedicated to three distinguished Filipino violinists namely Ernesto Vallejo, Carmencita Lozada and Redentor Romero.

Tomescu and Espina will also be heard at the Nueva Ecija Convention Center in Palayan City under the auspices of Governor Tomas Joson III and in Bacolod City on Thursday, March 1, 2007, 6:30 p.m. at the Governor’s Hall, Provincial Capitol, Bacolod City on the occasion of the National Arts Fair initiated by the Negros Cultural Foundation and the National Commission on Culture and the Arts.

The Great Performance Series resumes May 7, 2007 with the Philippine debut of Russian pianist Sergey Kuznetsov, prizewinner of the Cleveland International Piano Competition (USA), the Alicia de Larrocha Competition (Spain) and the Concours Geza Andam (Zurich), among others.

Kuznetsov’s May 7 program includes Beethoven’s Sonata No. 27 in E Minor, Op. 90, Tchaikovsky’s Scherzo Humoristic and “Meditation” Op. 72, No. 5, Ravel’s Gaspard de la nuit, Scriabin’s Sonata No. 3 in F Sharp Minor, Op. 23 and Chopin’s Sonata No. 3 in B Minor, Op. 58.

For inquiries on Manila and Bacolod concerts of violinist Alexandru Tomescu and pianist Sergey Kuznetsov, please call tel. 9007023 or cell 09065104270 or email musicnewsservice@ yahoo.com.
Read More »

CINEMUSIKA! Forum on Musical Scoring for Film

Meet your favorite musicians, Cynthia Alexander, Bob Aves and Carol Bello!
Music can make -or break- a film. As one of its vital components, it is important to know how musical scoring can best be utilized. Any filmmaker should at least have some background knowledge in music, in order to communicate effectively with one's musical scorer.

Cinemusika is a forum brought to you by the pioneering class of Film 183- Music in Film. It brings together filmmakers and musicians in a discussion on different topics on the interactions of music and film.

Prof. Roland Tolentino will be giving a critical overview of musical scoring in the Philippines. Notable musician Cynthia Alexander will be talking about the creative process in composition in "Translating Images into Music". Musician Bob Aves will be talking about the recording process in "Creating the Music". The class adviser Carol Bello will be discussing "Current Trends & Prospects in Musical Design and Scoring for Film".

Meet your favorite musicians and learn more on the art of musical scoring in this music-filled day at the CMC Auditorium, UP Diliman, Feb 23, 2007, 1-4pm.
Read More »

Sinehan Indie Summer Production Workshop for Media Students

This if for students who are incoming third or fourth year and would
like to have first hand experience of making short documentaries and
features so as to prepare them for their production classes in school.

Will also be good for students who recently graduated and would like
to experience actual indie movie production to add to their resume
before they apply for jobs in the network or in film companies.

SINEHAN INDIE SUMMER PRODUCTION WORKSHOP FOR MEDIA STUDENTS

BACKGROUND:

Grupong Sinehan and Indie Movie Maker Cris Pablo, with the intention
sharing the knowledge and craftsmanship in independent moviemaking to
students and teachers, will offer scholarship workshop slots to the
Sinehan Summer Indie Production Workshop this April to May, 2007.

From the full workshop fee of P7,000.00, a big bulk of the fees will
be waived (provided the student or teacher qualifies), and only One
Thousand Seven Hundred Pesos will be paid by the participants.

MECHANICS:
1. You must be enrolled in a communication arts or fine arts course in
your school, majoring in any of the following: film, audio-visual,
broadcast communications;
2. You must be an incoming third or fourth year student;
3. You must present your id or include a Xerox copy of your school
identification;
4. You must acquire the following:
4.1 filled up application form which you may download at the PINOY
INDIE CINEMA YAHOO GROUP PAGE
4.2 Fifty (50) active emails of your classmates whom we will invite to
the PINOY INDIE CINEMA YAHOO EMAIL GROUP
4.3 your face picture of any size (2"x2" or 3r)
4.4 a short essay or write up (English or Tagalog) as to why we should
accept you to the workshop
submit to Grupong Sinehan Production Room at 21-B, Kamias Road,
Diliman, Quezon City not later than Saturday, March 10, 2007;
5. You must wait for an invitation to attend the diagnostic interview
sometime between March 12 to 16;
6. You will be notified between March 26 to 30 if you qualify to the
workshop; and,
7. You will pay only One Thousand Seven Hundred Pesos (P1,700.00) upon
submission of your application (afterall, the workshop is actually
almost free).

WORKSHOP DETAILS:

12 SESSIONS
3 HOURS per SESSION
VENUE (Quezon City) To be announced

Coverage:

1. Concept making, Scriptwriting, Pre-production Planning, Casting,
Indie Production, Post

Output:
1. One short documentary on video production;
2. One short film/video;
3. Volunteer work in a major full length digital video movie project; and,
4. Participation in the final project: "Estu" or "Titser" a full
length digital movie to be produced and directed by Cris Pablo, which
is a collection of shorts as recital project by the workshop participants.
Read More »

Membership Meeting of Artists Welfare Foundation

ATTEND THE MEETING AND JOIN NOW!

The ARTISTS WELFARE FOUNDATION is inviting artists from all fields to attend its regular Membership Meeting on Saturday, 17 February, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m., at the CCP Bulwagang Ama.do Hernandez, Upper Basement, Tanghalang Pambansa, CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City.

The Artists Welfare Foundation is an organization currently in the process of incorporation as a non-stock, non-profit corporation whose primary purpose is to extend, provide, or grant financial, legal, medical and hostpitalization privileges or benefits and/or similar assistance, support and/or advice to Filipino artists who may be disabled or incapacitated by reason of age or physical or mental infirmity to earn, support or maintein his subsitence, health or basic life need.

Interim officers of the foundation are Grace Nono Aves (Chair), Ronnie Lazaro (President), F.D. Nicolas Pichay (Vice-President) , Dennis Marasigan (Secretary), Madeleine Nicolas (Treasurer), Clotilde Lucero (Auditor), and Rolando T. Inocencio (Board Member). Members include National Artist F. Sionil Jose, CCP Artistic Director Fernando C. Josef, UST Conservatory of Music Dean Raul Sunico, Edna Vida and Nonoy Froilan, Sid Gomez Hildawa, Jose Victor Torres, Joonee Gamboa, Rustica Carpio, Frank Rivera, Arthur Casanova, Rica Arevalo, and Reuben Laurente.

Prospective members are required to pay a one-time membership fee of P1,000.00. The interim officers of the foundation will be willing to accept fees during the meeting.

For inquiries, please contact DENNIS N. MARASIGAN through mobile phone 0916-591-8815 or 832-1125 loc. 1620, or email dennisnmarasigan@yahoo.com.
Read More »

Alonday, Borlongan, Garibay, Justiniani, Leaño & Santos III @

The Silangan Foundation for the Arts, Culture and Ecology together
with the Pinto Art Gallery and the Boston Gallery present a group art
exhibition featuring the works of artists Salvador Alonday, Elmer
Borlongan, Emmanuel Garibay, Mark Justiniani, Antonio Leaño and Jose Santos III at the Art Center, SM Megamall from February 23 to March 11, 2007. The show opens on February 23, Friday at 6pm.

The exhibition brings together for the first time the works of these
six contemporary Filipino artists, each having attained renown in
their fields both in the country and abroad. Alonday is former member
of the Hulo group and an erstwhile professor at the Institute of Fine
Arts of the Philippine Women's University. Borlongan, Garibay,
Justiniani, Leano and Santos were members of the artist collective
Salingpusa in the 1990s.

Alonday's figurative works in resin and cement reflect his pervasive
interest in mythic subjects as metaphors of the body-soul and the
struggles of life in its various stages of growth and enlightenment.
Borlongan's large oils on canvas works are commentaries on the
resilience of the Filipino despite misfortune that besets their lives
and bodies. Garibay works with a more robust brushwork to reveal and
expose the complex relations of church, state and people in an
ideological struggle for hearts and minds. Justiniani's poetic
paintings tackle themes such as the diasporic life, solitude and
memory. Leano presents an installation which extends his current
philosophy of artistic work. Finally Santos shows his recent series
of large-scale canvases. His labyrinthine compositions touch base
with everyday realities expressed in unworldly imagery.

This event also serves as the launching activity for the recently
incorporated Foundation, a non-stock, non-profit organization
involved in the humanistic study, preservation and promotion of
Philippine contemporary art. Proceeds from the show will be used for
the establishment of the Silangan Philippine Contemporary Art Museum
in Antipolo City. For inquiries, please call Andy Estella at 7229205.
Read More »

Monday, February 12, 2007

YCC bares winners of film awards

THE Film Desk of the Young Critics Circle formally announces the winners of its annual film awards. “Inang Yaya” directed by Pablo Biglang-Awa and Veronica Velasco makes a clean sweep of the YCC honors for all categories, namely, Best Film of the Year given to the directors; Best Screenplay; Best Cinematography and Visual Design; Best Editing; Best Sound and Aural Orchestration and Best Performance for lead actress Maricel Soriano.

From the past year’s total local film output of 49 regular releases and more productions including digitals that had multiple screenings in any public venue that a paying audience has had access, “Inang Yaya” produced by Unitel Pictures emerged as the sole nominee and ultimate winner for most of the categories for the YCC film awards.

Only two other films managed to figure in YCC roll of honor this year by scoring nominations: “Kubrador” (MLR Films) with nods for Best Cinematography and Visual Design and Best Editing and “Kaleldo” (Centerstage) with Cherry Pie Picache in the roster for Best Performance. Nominated as well for Best Performance is the entire acting ensemble of “Inang Yaya.”

Awarding is on Thursday afternoon of March 8 at 2 p.m. at the Faculty Center Conference Hall in UP Diliman.

Established in 1990, YCC is the critics group with members coming from various disciplines. Through the years, they have become attentive observers of Philippine cinema constantly bringing into the analysis of film an interdisciplinary approach.

The organization departs from many conventions of other award-giving bodies both here and abroad in bestowing cinematic honors. For instance, the award for Best Film of the Year is reserved for the director such that no separate prize for direction is needed. The Best Performance award is most coveted as it is conferred on a screen performer whether male or female, adult or child, individual or as part of an ensemble, in leading or supporting role. To uphold a more dynamic and encompassing way of looking at films, technical honors refer to fusion of outstanding efforts in fields otherwise deemed apart. In this case, the Best Cinematography and Visual Design recognition covers both camerawork and art direction. Similarly, Best Sound and Aural Orchestration encompasses not just sound engineering per se but musical score as well.

The following is the roundup of complete winners and nominees for this year’s YCC film awards officially billed as the 17th Annual Circle Citations for Distinguished Achievement in Film for 2006:

Best Film of the Year
Winner: Inang Yaya directed by Pablo Biglang-Awa and Veronica Velasco (Unitel Pictures; Tony Gloria, Producer; Wyngard Tracy and Maricel Soriano, Executive Producers; Jun Reyes and Tito Velasco, Co-Executive Producers; Noemi Peji, Line Producer)
No Other Nominee

Best Screenplay
Winner: Inang Yaya (Unitel) – Veronica Velasco
No Other Nominee

Best Achievement in Cinematography and Visual Design
Winner: Inang Yaya (Unitel) – Gary Gardoce, Director of Photography; Norman Regalado, Production Designer
Nominee: Kubrador (MLR Films) – Roberto Yñiguez, Director of Photography; Leo Abaya, Production Designer

Best Achievement in Film Editing
Winner: Inang Yaya (Unitel) – Randy Gabriel
Nominee: Kubrador (MLR Films) – Jay Halili

Best Achievement in Sound and Aural Orchestration
Winner: Inang Yaya (Unitel) – Mark Locsin and Angie Reyes, Sound Engineers; Nonong Buencamino, Musical Director
No Other Nominee

Best Performance by Male or Female, Adult or Child, Individual or Ensemble in Leading or Supporting Role
Winner: Maricel Soriano in Inang Yaya (Unitel)
Nominees:
Cherry Pie Picache in Kaleldo (Centerstage)
Entire Cast of Inang Yaya (Unitel)

Young Critics Circle
Film Desk
17th Annual Circle Citations for Distinguished Achievement in Film for 2006
Read More »

Evil Twin Bill @ NCCA

Resident NCCA (National Commission for Culture and the Arts) film
scholar/historian Teddy Co plays movie-mix-master- DJ on February 13,
Tuesday at the NCCA in Intramuros by programming a potent, evil twin
bill of the celebrated hidden classic TERROR IS A MAN, directed by
legendary national artist filmmaker Gerardo de Leon, and the more
recent internationally- acclaimed feature SA ILALIM NG COGON, directed
by Rico Maria Ilarde. TERROR screens at 1PM, while COGON follows at
3PM. Admission is FREE.

Gerardo de Leon, affectionately referred to as "Manong Gerry" within
the industry, is the only director in the Philippines to have won
the FAMAS Award for Best Director three consecutive times: in 1960,
1961 and 1962. He is also the most-awarded director in the history
of the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences: 7 awards.
Despite dabbling in the cinematographic field of the "genre film," de
Leon is renowned for creating some of the most finely-crafted
Filipino films of his or of any era. A lasting testament to his
legacy is that a number of his films have been extensively
distributed and released on video around the world.

SA ILALIM NG COGON, meanwhile, is the very first Filipino film in
history to win Best Picture at an international fantastic film
festival (2005 Buenos Aires Rojo Sangre, Argentina). It competes
again this March in South America in the capital of Uruguay, the city
of Montevideo: http://arte7.com.uyPagMontevideoFantastico.htm

Expatriate Filipino film critic Noel Vera wrote about both features
on this international website:
http://movies.monstersandcritics.com/features/article_1154377.php

While at the NCCA, take a magical mystery tour through Cannes Film
Festival-winning filmmaker Raymond Red's splendid
exhibit/installation KAMERA OBSCURA. Enjoy all the attractions
during NCCA's Philippine Arts Festival!

The NCCA is located at 633 NCCA Building, General Luna Street,
Intramuros, Manila, very close to the San Agustin Church.
Trunklines: (632) 527-2192 / (632) 527-2202 / (632) 527-2210 / (632)
527-2195-97 / (632) 527-2217-19. Website: http://www.ncca.gov.ph/
Read More »

TutoK RE-VIEW: PASANG-MASID opens @ CCP on Feb 15

TutoK RE-VIEW: PASANG-MASID
opens at Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP)
on February 15, 2007

On National Arts Month 2007, the Cultural Center of the Philippines presents the TutoK Karapatan Project RE-VIEW: Pasang-Masid A site-specific exhibit utilizing cultural diggings, collections and collaborations, with the CCP itself as venue and resource for a visual scrutiny of the intricate workings of culture, power and politics. This scrutiny takes place as a passing review of archival materials and works from the CCP collection, works and appropriations from past exhibits, and progresses towards various interventions by contemporary artists as a way of reclaiming and asserting community initiatives in art practice.

This project is curated by Noel Soler Cuizon and Karen Ocampo Flores, with Patrick Flores as project consultant and writer. Featured as collaborating artists are Noell El Farol, Ruel Caasi, Alwin Reamillo, Lyra Abueg Garcellano, UGAT Lahi, Elvert dela Cruz Bañares, Lotsu Manes, Kirby Roxas and Mervy Pueblo in cooperation with various artists who were asked to contribute clothes and boxes for Yard, an installation/ durational live art project conceptualized by Noell El Farol.

The exhibit takes place from February 15 to April 1 at the fourth floor spaces of the CCP: Bulwagang Juan Luna (Small Gallery), Pasilyo Victorio Edades (Fourth Floor Hallway) and the Atriums. Opening is at 6:00 p.m. to be preceded by a KURO Satellite Meeting from 2:30-5:00 at the MKP Multipurpose Hall also at the fourth floor.

KURO forums are discussions organized by partner local communities dealing with science and technology issues affecting the artistic community and the larger
socio-cultural sphere. In partnership with TutoK, this forum is titled "Art, Technology, Advocacy and Society: Issues and Concerns" and will feature Mideo M. Cruz and Al-Nezzar Buday Ali.

Tutok Karapatan or TutoK is an initiative of visual artists which aims to offer diverse perspectives on the subject of human rights and facilitate its discussion among various audiences. Since November 2006, the project has presented “Publikhaan: Making Human Rights Issues Public, a public arts festival organized by the Neo-Angono Artists Collective in Angono, Rizal; Dos Por Dos at the Boston Gallery; and the traveling exhibit “Perspektiba at the University of Santo Tomas and St. Scholastica’s College. TutoK will also have another National Arts Month event with the presentation of Perspektiba 3 from February 20 to March 1 at the UP Faculty Center Galleries and Hardin ng Mga Diwata grounds in cooperation with the UP Department of Art Studies.

For inquiries about “RE-VIEW: Pasang Masid. please contact CCP at Tel. 832-3702.
Read More »

Saturday, February 10, 2007

UPTC's Curtain Call Play Festival 2007

The UP Theater Council (UPTC) presents Curtain Call Play Festival 2007.

The festival aspires to establish a network between university and college-based theater organizations and encourage young talented individuals to let their knowledge in theater take shape through a competition.

The theater organizations that will be competing on the Curtain Call Play Festival 2007 are from the following schools:

St. Paul Manila,
Far Eastern University,
San Beda College,
La Consolacion Manila,
Polytechnic University of the Philippines
and Adamson University.

The UPTC's Curtain Call Play Festival 2007 will be held on February 21- 23, 2007 (Wed-Fri), 7PM at the Dalisay Aldaba Recital Hall, UP Theater, UP Diliman.

Tickets are priced at P80 for UP students and P150 for Non-UP/Professionals.

For inquiries on the UP Theater Council's Curtain Call Play Festival 2007, contact Hazel Mapanoo at 09273929881.
Read More »

Friday, February 09, 2007

Basilia ng Malolos opens in UP Diliman’s Guerrero Theater

UP Playwright Theater stages Nicanor Tiongson's sarswela, "Basilia ng Malolos" at the Guerrero Theater in UP Diliman. The play is directed by Jose Estrella, with movements by Dexter Santos.

The sarswela is inspired by the story of the 20 women, led by Basilia Tantoco,played by of Malolos, Bulacan who, on Dec. 12, 1888, presented Governor-General Valeriano Weyler with a letter asking permission to open a night school,where women could learn Spanish under Teodoro Sandiko.

Upon Spanish priest, Fr. Felipe Garcia's strong objections, however, the governor-general turned down the petition. But, the defiant women fought on and soon won their cause. The incident inspired Dr. Jose Rizal to write his famous letter "To the Women of Malolos" who, he wrote, "have set an example to those who long to have their eyes opened and be delivered from servitude…We now dare to face adversity, because we have you for our allies…No longer does the Filipina stand with her head bowed, nor does she spend her time on her knees,because she is quickened by hope in the future…"

As early as 1792, American Mary Wollstonecraft wrote about the feminist philosophy in the book, "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman." For their part,the Philippine Revolution's progressive fairer sex formed "Asociacion Feminista Filipina" in 1906, the first women's organization in the country. So, who says
feminism is just a late 20th century concept?

Nicanor Tiongson's Basilia ng Malolos
at UP Diliman's Guerrero Theater
CAST

Jenny Jamora, who trained in London's prestigious RADA, plays Basilia Tantoco. Fresh from the Cebu-run of Repertory Philippines' "The Boor", the Aliw-nominated actress ("The Blue Room") is delighted to work for UP Playwright Theater, boosting a rich resume of theatrical work ("Stop Kiss", "The Sound of Music", Andrew Lloyd Weber's "Aspects of Love", "The Vagina Monologues") as well as the recent music video of Sugarfree's "Kung Ayaw Mo Na Sa Akin". This will be Jenny's first foray into tagalog play, having been trained with classical theater in RADA, and appearing in English plays for New Voice, Repertory and Actor's Actor.

Neil Ryan Sese has recently appeared in well received movies ("Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros" and "Matthew, Mark, Luke, John"), TV telenovelas (GMA's "Encantadia" and Mahiwagang Baul") and commercials. But it's in theater where he reigns supreme appearing in plays with Tanghalang Pilipino. Neil is fastly becoming a familiar face in mainstream cinema and television.

Rito Asilo appears in his 3rd Jose Rizal role - previously in National Artist Lucresia Kasilag's "Mga Bagong Bayani (Sa Ibayong Dagat)" then in Musical Theater Philippines' "Sino Ka Ba, Jose Rizal" (taking over Ogie Alcasid's role). Asilo has been appearing as lead in bigger than life roles: Jose Rizal, Emilio Aguinaldo in "Tsinoy", Padre Pio in "Life of Padre Pio", Nene Pimentel
in "Pag-ibig sa Bayan" and Jesus Christ in the long-running Ryan Cayabyab musical, "Magnificat". He starred and directed New Voice plays like "Cabaret" (where he was Aliw-nominated for direction), "Aspects of Love", "Stones in His Pockets", "Sacrilege", "The Vagina Monologues" and recently, the SRO-play "The Good Body" at the Music Museum. Rito is set to direct the New Voice Company's run of Sondheim's "Into The Woods" soon.

Joining Jamora, Sese, and Asilo in the cast are Dr. Belen Calingacion (UP Dean), Felix Rivera, Lex Marcos, Diana Alferez, Beaver Flores, Natasia Garrucha, Judith Javier, Chinchin Fernando and Adel de Monteverde.

"Basilia ng Malolos" runs at the Guerrero Theater in UP Diliman from Feb. 14 to March 4 Wednesdays to Sundays at 7 p.m., with 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday matinees.

For more information on Nicanor Tiongson's Basilia ng Malolos at UP Diliman's Guerrero Theater, call Joanne Quiros at 926-1349 or 0927 827-4610.
Read More »

Best of Filipino Films 2006

Best Filipino Films of 2006
Mental Pornography

Year 2006 is yet a continuum of the glorious independent cinema which
proliferated last 2005. The unprecendented success of Ang Pagdadalaga
ni Maximo Oliveros has kept the dice rolling, with a lot of good
movies produced (indepently produced, correction) last year. Sad to
say, these independent, low-budget but quality films have still shared
a little audience.

As a yearender, I have compiled a list of six best movies of 2006.
Indie flicks have dominated my list, but I'm not saying that all
mainstream flicks are purely blah. In fact, I have commended a
MetroManila Film Festival entry which surpassed my expectations. By
the way, the list is just a product of my opinion so if you have any
disagreements, don't be afraid to tell me, but that will not make me
change the movies in my list. Enjoy!

KUBRADOR
Directed by Jeffrey Jetturian
w/ Gina Pareno

Set in the slums, "Kubrador" follows the life of Amy (Gina Pareno) as
she traverses along the labyrinth of houses and narrow pathways,
collecting her neighbors' bets for the next draw of jueteng, an
illegal numbers game here in the Philippines. The storytelling is
fresh, veering us away the usual preachy way of discussing jueteng. It
neither romanticizes nor understates the role of jueteng in the
Philippine environment but it simply projects to our minds its nature.
The camera movements are very notable, dizzyingly metaphorical. The
story structure is also one of a kind, though disorienting at first,
but actually whimsical at second observation. My best picture for 2006

COMPOUND
Directed by Will Fredo
w/ John Arcilla, Jake Macapagal

Probably one of the most psychotic local films I've ever seen for a
long time, "Compound" directs our senses to a location wherein we
could magnify the vast society we are interacting with. Brutal and
honest, we will find ourselves guessing what will happen next,
surmising that it's another cliche, just to get knocked out and
discover a totally different story. Note the superb acting of John
Arcilla as the almost insane Virgilio, and Jake Macapagal, the
homosexual tenant in the compound. Showing at Robinson's Galleria Feb.
7 to 13 2007.

KASAL KASALI KASALO
Directed by Jose Javier Reyes
w/ Judy Ann Santos, Ryan Agoncillo, Gina Pareno

Jose Javier Reyes' redeemed himself this time, treating a simple old
story of married life with a different twist. Whatever that twist is,
I still can't figure it until this time. Maybe it's the superbly
written script (very witty!) , or the magnificent acting spiels of
Judy Ann Santos as Angie and Gina Pareno as her mother. I need not
look down on other casts because they are all good nonetheless.
There's nothing really different about the film, but there is
something in it which will made you recall that it's a very good film.
Whatever the magic ingredient is, maybe it's magical just for being
magical's sake. The only mainstream flick of 2006 which I can
recommend, this is also a redeeming product of Star Cinema since its
release of Dekada '70 last 2002. Extended showing in selected theater.

TODO TODO TEROS
Directed by: John Torres
w/ Bughaw, Earl Drilon, Olga Aliseichyk, Regiben Romana

Todo Todo Teros made me utter, "What does it suppose to mean?!?" a
couple of times while it is being projected in the screen, but a
puzzle solver's perspective would properly connect each single piece
to a very well-made story. Perfectly experimental, the whole film was
shot even before the script was written. The idea of terrorism
reverberates around the film's premise, as the concept connects with
family, love, country, self and art.

DONSOL
Directed by: Adolfo Alix Jr.
w/ Angel Aquino, Sid Lucero

Breathtaking. One word for Donsol's cinematography. I even have to
question myself a number of times how could a digital camera be able
to capture excellently such magical images of blue skies, tourist
spots and underwater environments alongside with the swimming
butandings (whalesharks) . The sceneries incredibly wonderfully
juxtapose to a developing love story between Teresa (Angel Aquino), a
breast cancer survivor, and Daniel (Sid Lucero) a Butanding
Interaction Officer.

SQUATTERPUNK (ISKWATERPANGK)
Directed by: Khavn dela Cruz

Let's travel back to the silent era. Make sure you have your beers and
two-hour supply of cigarettes with you as you follow the life of a boy
in the urban squatter's area, with The Brockas as the live
accompanying music. Yup, it is a silent film and it's a challenge to
bring back the style once again. Imagine yourself watching a two-hour
music video. But despite the band's enigmatic and loud music drowning
the film is a very ironic message which will stab your heart.

Check this out Best Filipino Films of 2006 by David Corpuz

http://demented-online.blogspot.com/2007/01/best-filipino-films-of-2006.html
Read More »

Thursday, February 08, 2007

ROME & JULIET opens Feb 14 @ Indie Sine Robinsons Galleria

A Very Sexy, Provocative and Daring Indie Movie on Valentine's Day

ROME & JULIET
opens February 14 at
Indie Sine Robinsons Galleria

With its aim to introduce groundbreaking movies, Cinema One Originals
proudly presents the screening of the critically acclaimed digital
film Rome & Juliet starting February 14 at the Indie Sine Theater of
Robinsons Galleria Movieworld at Ortigas Center.

Starring Mylene Dizon and Andrea del Rosario, and directed by Connie
S.A. Macatuno, the story follows the romantic journey and soul mating
of two straight women who plunge in forbidden love. The film
confronts issues concerning taboo affairs and sexual norms.

When a conservative pre-school teacher (Andrea del Rosario) hires a
liberated wedding planner (Mylene Dizon) for her nuptials, they
become close and develop a romance that becomes a huge scandal after
the groom and their families discover their affair. Together, they
face the trials of their unconventional relationship.

The plot which revolves around facing one's self and detouring from
the norms in the name of love, is in itself very stimulating, added
by the mixture of sexiness and realism in the movie. It masterfully
blends everyday dialogues with passionate and sexually-charged love
scenes (several frontal exposures from Dizon and del Rosario are to
be expected, even Rafael Rosell was daring) between couples and
unlikely pairing that will shock and fuel the viewers inner desires.

Viewers, jurors and critics perceived Rome & Juliet as the most
commercially viable digital film among the seven final entries in the
Cinema One Originals Digital Film Festival last 2006.

The film also got positive reviews from columnists and critics for
its bravery and setting itself to be a medium exploring the hidden
and unpredictable emotions that define our nature as humans. Mario
Bautista noted in his Freehand column in People's Journal that
the "love scenes between Mylene and Andrea have much commercial
appeal and they're wonderfully integrated in the story."

Rome & Juliet was also selected to have an exhibition at the New York
International Independent Film and Video Festival. The selection
panel has given them excellent reviews for the movie's very good
image quality, solid story and believable performances.

Rome and Juliet also stars Miko Palanca, Lui Villaruz, Joshua
Deocareza, Glydel Mercado, CJ Mercado and featuring Ms. Tessie Tomas.

Experience this daring and thought-provoking film when it opens on
Valentine's Day February 14 in theater exclusively at Robinsons
Galleria Movieworld. Rome & Juliet is produced by Creative Programs
Inc. (CPI) thru the Cinema One Originals digital movie project.
Read More »

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

Scriptwriting Workshops for Television and Film with Jose Javier Reyes

Director/writer JOSE JAVIER REYES will launch the first two of a series of scriptwriting workshops in his newly formed media training center named IMAGINE NATION. This center is dedicated to the training of aspiring and professional writers and media practitioners in various fields of filmmaking and broadcasting.

For its initial course offerings, IMAGINE NATION will offer the following workshops:

1. Basic Television Writing : (12 Sessions = 10 lecture sessions + 2 viewing sessions )

An introduction to television writing inclusive of format development, gapping, structure formation and professional
presentation.

2. Basic Film Writing: (12 sessions = 10 lecture sessions + 2 viewing sessions )

Introductory course in film writing including development of concept, presentation of story line, sequence treatment
and rudiments of formal and professional screenwriting formats.

Both courses will be handled by Direk Joey Reyes.

Schedule of sessions will be determined on the general availability of selected participants. Workshops will be held from 7:00 - 9:00 PM on weekdays or 10:00AM - 12:00 PM on Saturdays at the Imagine Nation office at the JGS Building, 30 Scout Tuazon Street, Diliman Quezon City.

Interested participants must submit:

1. Biodata

2. 2 ID size photos

3. A sample of their creative writing not exceeding 2 pages in prose or script form.

Final list of accepted participants will be further screened through a personal interview with Direk Joey at an appointed time and date.

Fee is P6,000.00 for the sessions. A maximum of 15 participants will be accepted per workshop module.

For more details, please call 412.1469 between 10AM t 5PM. Look for Jeremy Santiago.
Read More »

Marc & Joaquin Misa @ Mag:net Cafe's Cinekatipunan

San-Pits Productions would like to invite you to SA
KABILANG DAKO-- an independent docu-experimental
digital film exhibit featuring two inspired works by
cousins Marc Misa and Joaquin Misa on Thursday, Feb.
8, 2007 6:00 pm at Mag:net Café’s Cinekatipunan. The
featured short films are:

LARO SA QUIAPO

Laro Sa Quiapo is a glimpse into a day in the life of
urban poor children who have made Quiapo their
playground. Quiapo is associated with the Black
Nazarene, amulet and herbal medicine vendors, fortune
tellers, and cheap DVD’s in the Muslim quarter. Nick
Joaquin once called it the armpit of Manila , for
indeed, the filth and stench of the streets of Quiapo
make it a harsh environment in which to grow up. Some
children, however, have managed to claim this piece of
earth to have something like childhood.

Directed by Joaquin Misa
Edited by Marc Misa
Running Time: 20 minutes

EYE CANDY POETRY

Eye Candy Poetry is the beat of the city. These
experimental short films are created with the muddled
dispositions and inspirations that roam the streets of
Manila and its people. With several different rivers
of undertones, each image or segment is free to be
interpreted by the viewer according to whatever he or
she experiences it to be. Using a particular recipe of
camera techniques and playful editing, Eye Candy
Poetry manifests a flavor of its own and utilizes this
taste to fascinate, haunt, or even pleasure the visual
palette of the audience. Eye Candy Poetry is a
continuous endeavor that will always evolve according
to the tides of experience and thought.

Created by Marc Misa and Adelle Victoria.
Directed by Marc Misa
Produced by Marc Misa
Edited by Marc Misa
Running Time: 30 minutes

Marc Misa is a 25 year-old painter who studied Visual
Communications at the College of Fine Arts, UP
Diliman. Marc has done two music videos: "How do you
Heal a Broken Heart"and "Eve II" along with three
short films: "The Legend of Kage", "Jesus Saves" and
"Ang Mysterio ng nawawalang Bote ng Gin". He was
second Assistant Director to National Artist Eddie
Romero in the film "Faces of Love" and acted in Ned
Trespeces’ “Trabaho” (2005)

With a background in improvisational theater and
performance art Marc is an active participant in the
monthly spoken word events, "Open Spoken" and
"Wordplay".

THIS EVENT IS FREE OF CHARGE

For questions or comments about Cinekatipunan write to
sinag_haraya@yahoo.com. Cinekatipunan programs precede
Mag:net Café's nightly holding of Live Performances by
well-known and emerging bands and musicians. Mag:net
Café is located in AGCOR Building, 335 Katipunan
Avenue (fronting Miriam and Ateneo) in Quezon City.
For more inquiries please call 9293191 or email
magnetcafekatips@yahoo.com.ph or visit
www.magnet.com.ph.
Read More »

Director’s Cut of Twilight Dancers premieres

The long wait is over! Philippine audiences now have the chance to watch the Director’s Cut of Mel Chionglo’s much talked about film, Twilight Dancers, as the UP Film Institute holds its premiere on Thursday, 8 February 2007, at 7 p.m. as a rare pre-Valentine event.

The international full version that has been the toast overseas from Toronto to Chicago to Palm Springs will be shown exclusively for the only premier state university cinema strictly for adults. The Centerstage production stars Cherry Pie Picache, Allen Dizon, Lauren Novero and Tyron Perez.

In the tradition of Macho Dancers (1989), Sibak (1994) and Burlesk King (1999), Twilight Dancers is director Mel’s latest plunge to the terra incognita of male strippers.

Twilight Dancers
A Centerstage Production

A cruel twist of fate brings together a macho dancer at a peak of his trade, another one past his prime and a third who has left the profession to be the bodyguard of a corrupt businesswoman whose hunger for boy toys is matched only by her ruthlessness.

Official Selection—2006 Toronto IFF; Official Selection—2006 Chicago IFF;
Official Selection—2007 Palm Springs IFF
Direction: Mel Chionglo. Screenplay: Ricardo Lee. Cast: Tyron Perez, Cherry Pie Picache, Allen Dizon, Lauren Novero, Joel Lamangan, William Martinez, Arnell Ignacio, Ana Capri.

2006 107 minutes 35mm color

To always get screening alerts, join UP Film Institute e-group: upfilminstitute@yahoogroups.com

University of the Philippines Film Institute
(Member, CILECT/Internationa l Association of Film and Television Schools )
Plaridel Hall, Ylanan Road , UP Diliman, Quezon City
Tel: 9818500 (UP Trunkline) local 2669, 2670; 9206863 (Telefax)
Cine Adarna, Magsaysay and Osmena Avenues, UP Diliman, Quezon City
Tel: 9818500 (UP Trunkline) local 4286, 4289; 9262722 (Telefax)
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Sinulog Festival 2007 Video Documentary Competition Finalists

Here's the 10 finalists in the
Sinulog Festival 2007
Video Documentary
Competition

Here's the complete list:
* Clee Villasor's "Ritmo Sa Ritual"
* Ruel Antipuesto's "Sinulog Festival Queen"
* Bernard Villamor's "Believe"
* Christian Linaban's "The Sinulog in Cebu"
* Michael Ian Sosmena's "Los Ninos de Sinulog"
* Laarni Diane Cabanada's "Mga Mananagat"
* Jerrold Tarog's "Rhythm in Unison"
* Charles Bryan Larino's "Pagmata"
* Franz Arrogante's "The Candlemaker"
* Franco V. Alido's "Rhythm in Unison"

Awards/Prizes to be given:
Sinulog Festival 2007
Video Documentary Competition
Pph 30,000.00 & Trophy - Grand Prize
Pph 20,000.00 & Trophy - Second Prize
Pph 10,000.00 & Trophy - Third Prize
Pph 1,000.00 each to the seven (7) other finalists

Announcements of winners and awarding will be on February 11, 2007, Sunday,1PM (10 finalists documentaries will be shown from 12Noon), at the Entertainment Hall (Basement Food Plaza) of SM-Cebu.

See you there!
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Monday, February 05, 2007

Raya Martin's Independencia project wins @ 2007 Cinemart Awards

Raya Martin's "Independencia" project in development wins at 2007
Cinemart Awards at Rotterdam Film Festival

Rotterdam- This year's winner of the 2007 Prince Claus Fund Grant of
€15,000 is INDEPENDENCIA, from Filipino director Raya Martin, produced
by Arleen Cuevas. The story follows a mother and son at the turn of
the 20th century who run off to the mountains following the onset of
American rule in the Philippines.
"The jury has opted for what was clearly one of the most original
ideas amongst the 2007 CineMart selection," said the Prince Claus Fund
jury in a joint statement Thursday. "This powerful and original
project embodies a daring cinematographic voice with clear political
undertone, where the unfolding narrative seems to emerge from images
and sound rather than the established convention of storytelling. "

The winners this year for Arte France's two grants of €10,000 in
support of financing the development of the projects are: A RATIONAL
SOLUTION by Jörgen Bergmark, which will be produced by Helena
Danielsson from Hepp Film; and PIEDS NUS SUR LES LIMACES by Fabienne
Berthaud, which will be produced by Nicolas Blanc for AGAT FILMS &
Cie. The film revolves around two women and a man who share an
isolated life in the French countryside.

Raya Martin
Raya Martin's first feature,"A Short Film about the Indio Nacional"
premiered in Rotterdam Film Festival last year. His second
feature,"Autohystor ia" is having its world premiere at Rotterdam this
year, and also includes 2 short films. Filipino filmmakers have a
strong presence in Rotterdam, with directors such as Lav Diaz, Khavn,
John Torres, Mes de Guzman and Jeffrey Jeturian screening their films
at the festival.

Awards history
As well as the positive outcomes from the various meetings, CineMart
also offers participants the opportunity to win direct financial
support.This comes in the form of the Prince Claus Fund Film Grant
(one award of €15,000) and the Arte France Cinéma Awards (two prizes
of €10,000 each). Bianca Taal, co-manager of the CineMart along with
Marit van den Elshout, says, "The Awards are a great stamp of quality
and a boost for the projects chosen by the respective juries."

The Prince Claus Fund Film Grant is awarded by the Prince Claus Fund,
which also supports theatre and literature, focusing on initiatives
from the developing world. In its own words, the fund "aims at
increasing cultural awareness and promoting exchange between culture
and development. " Last year's award went to LASYA, by Anup Singh
(India).

The Arte France Cinéma Awards are conferred by the feature film
co-production department of the Franco-German broadcaster. Last year's
recipients were A MEXICAN STORY (Arturo Aristakisian, Mexico/Russia)
and HEI TIE DE RI ZI (Wang Bing, China). (SK & LF)
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