PHILSTAGE’s Gawad Buhay! Nominees Bared, CCP Awards Rites Set on February 18

Ballet Philippines’ productions of New Beginnings and Coppelia romped off with seven major nominations in the fourth quarter citations list released by the jury of the 2008 Gawad Buhay! The PHILSTAGE Awards for the Performing Arts. New Beginnings earned the jury’s nod for outstanding dance production, ensemble performance, choreography (Max Luna III and Alan Hineline), and set design (Gino Gonzales). Coppelia was cited for ensemble performance and set design (Mio Infante).

Tanghalang Pilipino’s Ang Mga Gerilya ng Powell Street earned citations for ensemble performance, male lead performance (Joe Gruta and Dido dela Paz) and featured performance (Mailes Kanapi).

Ballet Manila’s Tatlong Kuwento ni Lola Basyang was cited for costume design.

Gawad Buhay! is the first industry awards conferred for outstanding achievements in the performing arts by member-companies of the Philippine Legitimate Stage Artists Group, Inc. (PHILSTAGE). The PHILSTAGE Board of Directors is composed of Tanghalang Pilipino’s Fernando Josef, president; PETA's Melvin Lee, vice president; Ballet Philippines’ Sandy Hontiveros, secretary; Repertory Philippines Gidget Tolentino, treasurer; Actors Actors’ Leonardo Lim, Ballet Manila's Susan Macuja, Gantimpala Theater Foundation’s Tony Espejo, Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit’s Mitch Valdes, TRUMPET's Joel Reyes as Board Members, and PHILSTAGE Executive Director Elmar Beltran Ingles.

While PHILSTAGE administers the awards, the final recipients will be chosen by an independent Jury Panel selected by the PHILSTAGE Board of Directors from a roster of critics, performing artists, cultural researchers and scholars, and the general public.

The public is invited to watch the final awards rites to be held at the CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (Little Theater) at 7:30 p.m. on February 18, 2009. Invited to present the awards are the country’s foremost theater personalities.

Below is the complete list of nominees:

Outstanding Production of a Play: Ang Bayot, ang Meranao, at ang Habal-Habal sa Isang Nakababagot na Paghihintay sa Kanto ng Lanao del Norte (Tanghalang Pilipino/Virgin Labfest 4); Batang Rizal (PETA); Ellas Inocentes (Tanghalang Pilipino/Virgin Labfest 4); Golden Child (Tanghalang Pilipino); Hamlet (Repertory Philippines) ; Ang Kalungkutan ng Reyna (Tanghalang Pilipino/Virgin Labfest 4); Kudeta (Tanghalang Pilipino); and Three Sisters, A Noh Play (Tanghalang Pilipino/Virgin Labfest 4).

Outstanding Musical Production: Altar Boyz (Repertory Philippines) ; and Skin Deep (PETA).

Outstanding Dance Production: La Revolucion Filipina(Ballet Philippines) ; Latin Heat (Ballet Philippines) ; and New Beginnings (Ballet Philippines) .

Outstanding Stage Direction: Loy Arcenas (Golden Child); Chari Arrespacochaga (Altar Boyz); Nor Domingo (Skin Deep); Jose Estrella (Three Sisters), Floy Quintos (Ang Kalungkutan ng Reyna); Floy Quintos (Kudeta); Tuqxs Rutaquio (Ellas Inocentes), and Dudz Teraña (Batang Rizal).

Outstanding Original Choreography: Bam Damian (Latin Heat); Alan Hineline (New Beginnings); Agnes Locsin (La Revolucion Filipina); Alden Lugnasin (Latin Heat); Max Luna III (New Beginnings); and Jason Zamora (Altar Boyz)

Outstanding Original Play: Christine Bellen (Batang Rizal); Rogelio Braga (Ang Bayot, ang Meranao, at ang Habal-Habal sa Isang Nakababagot na Paghihintay sa Kanto ng Lanao del Norte),

Layeta Bucoy (Ellas Inocentes ); and Floy Quintos (Ang Kalungkutan ng Reytna)

Outstanding Ensemble Performance: Altar Boyz (Repertory Philippines) , Ang Bayot, ang Meranao, at ang Habal-Habal sa Isang Nakababagot na Paghihintay sa Kanto ng Lanao del Norte (Tanghalang Pilipino/Virgin Labfest 4); Ang Mge Gerilya ng Powell Street (Tanghalang Pilipino); Batang Rizal (PETA); Coppelia (Ballet Philippines) ; Ellas Inocentes (Tanghalang Pilipino/Virgin Labfest 4); Golden Child (Tanghalang Pilipino); Hamlet (Repertory Philippines) ; Kudeta (Tanghalang Pilipino); La Revolucion Filipina (Ballet Philippines) ; Latin Heat (Ballet Philippines) ; Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang (PETA); New Beginnings (Ballet Philippines) ; and

Skin Deep (PETA)

Outstanding Male Lead Performance in a Play: Arthur Acuna (Golden Child); Jose Mari Avellana (Tuesdays with Morrie); Dido de la Paz (Ang Mga Gerilya ng Powell Street); Joe Gruta (Ang Mga Gerilya ng Powell Street); Mario O'Hara (Kudeta); Joey Paras and Arnold Reyes (Ang Bayot, angMeranao, at ang Habal-Habal sa IsangNakababagot na Paghihintay sa Kanto ng Lanao del Norte); and Jonathan Tadioan (Pamantasang Hirang).

Outstanding Female Lead Performance in a Play: Lovely Balili (Ellas Inocentes); Liesl Batucan (Golden Child); Shamaine Centenera Buencamino (Ang Kalungkutan ng Reyna); Tina Chilip (Golden Child); Jenessa Roque (Ellas Inocentes); and Irma Adlawan Marasigan (Golden Child)

Outstanding Male Lead Performance in a Musical: Red Concepcion (Altar Boyz); Juliene Mendoza (EJ: Ang Pinagdaanang Buhay nina Evelio Javier at Edgar Jopson); Jett Pangan (EJ: Ang Pinagdaanang Buhay nina Evelio Javier at Edgar Jopson); and Robert Seña (Skin Deep)

Outstanding Female Lead Performance in a Musical: Isay Alvarez (Skin Deep); May Bayot (Skin Deep); and Gail Guanlao Billones (Skin Deep);

Outstanding Male Lead Performance in a Dance Production: Biag Gaongen (La Revolucion Filipina) ; and Biag Gaongen (Latin Heat)

Outstanding Female Lead Performance in a Dance Production: Lisa Macuja Elizalde (Le Corsaire)

Outstanding Featured Performance in a Dance Production: No citation

Outstanding Featured Performance in a Play: Riki Benedicto (Kudeta); Bong Cabrera (Kudeta); Willy Casero (Batang Rizal); Nor Domingo (Tosca); Mailes Kanapi (Ang Mga Gerilya ng Powell Street); Raffy Tejada (Tosca) and Cris Villonco (Hamlet);

Outstanding Featured Performance in a Dance Production: Camille Ordinario-Joson (Latin Heat)

Outstanding Original Libretto: Vincent De Jesus (Batang Rizal); and Vincent De Jesus (Skin Deep)

Outstanding Translation/ Adaptation: George de Jesus III (Kudeta); and Dennis Marasigan (Golden Child)

Outstanding Musical Direction: Vincent De Jesus (Batang Rizal); and Jojo Malferrari (Altar Boyz)

Outstanding Set Design: Loy Arcenas (Golden Child); Mel Bernardo (Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang); Gino Gonzales (New Beginnings); Mio Infante (Coppelia); Mio Infante (La Revolucion Filipina); Tuxqs Rutaquio (Kudeta)

Outstanding Costume Design: Ron Alfonso (Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang); Faust Peneyra (Hamlet); Gino Gonzales (Golden Child); Jonathan Janolo (Tatlong Kuwento ni Lola Basyang); and Victor Ursabia (La Revolucion Filipina)

Outstanding Lighting Design: Katsch Catoy (La Revolucion Filipina); Martin Esteva (Hamlet); Dennis Marasigan (Kudeta); and Barbi Tan-Tiongco (Golden Child)


Outstanding Sound Design: Janice Dee (Kudeta); Jethro Joaquin (EJ: Ang Pinagdaanang Buhay nina Evelio Javier at Edgar Jopson); Jethro Joaquin (Hamlet); Shima Takesi (Tosca); and

Gidget Tolentino (Altar Boyz); and J. Victor Villareal (Golden Child)

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NCCA Invites Students to Join Culture Page Writing Competition

The Culture Page Writing Competition is one of the activities lined-up for the 2009 Philippine International Arts Festival to celebrate the National Arts Month (NAM) in February 2009 organized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

With the goal of promoting Filipino arts and artists to all sectors of society especially to the grass roots level, NCCA reaches out to the youth sector by raising their consciousness and sensitivity to the beauty, diversity, and richness of our arts and culture hence, this competition is being launched to encourage schools, colleges, and universities to feature upcoming NAM events through essays, editorials, photos, photo essays, poems, and other articles relevant to the celebration of NAM.


GUIDELINES


1. Culture Page entries must come from a recognized school paper from any secondary or tertiary school, college, or university

2. There shall be two categories: Secondary and Tertiary.

3. The culture page may be written in English and/or Filipino.

4. The Culture Page may contain two or more articles on Philippine arts and culture in a section of the newsletter/school paper

5. The Culture Page must at least carry a backgrounder story on the National Arts Month (NAM) through Presidential Proclamation No. 683 in 1991, and as a flagship project of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA): On its 18th year in February 2009, it is taking off with the name Philippine International Arts Festival.

6. The page may include poetry, cartoon, features, essays, photos, innovative researches on the arts, traditions, heritage, habit, customs of the community, and other literary works. Application of culture to sensitize the community to the United Nations Millennium Development Goals and an outlet for diversity of their artistic expression is also encouraged.

7. Submission of entries is on February 12,2009. Entries must be in hardcopy (4 copies) and in CD format. Final judging of winners will be on Feb.25,2009.

8. A confirmation letter should be filled up and submitted in hard copy or emailed to NCCA through Mr. Rene Napeñas, Head of NCCA-Public Affairs and Information Office (PAIO) and/or Ms. Brenda G. Corpus, NAM Coordinator for Culture Page Competition till January 31, 2009 to show intent of participation. Email entries to ncca.paio@gmail.com and/or ncca.paio@yahoo.com. Snail mail:NCCA Bldg.633 Gen Luna St. Intramuros, Manila.

9. Prizes:

Tertiary Level:
Winner Luzon - Php 30,000
Winner Visayas - Php 30,000
Winner Mindanao - Php 30,000
Winner NCR - Php 30,000

Secondary Level
Winner Luzon - Php 20,000
Winner Visayas - Php 20,000
Winner Mindanao - Php 20,000
Winner NCR - Php 20,000


Cash prizes will be awarded to the school organ and/or editorial staff.

10. Announcement and awarding of winners will be on March 1,2009 as one at the Sining Gising program of NCCA aired every Sundays over NBN 4 from 4pm to 6pm. Winners will also be mentioned in Agung, the official newsletter of the NCCA.

11. Judging shall be based on the following:


1. Substance/Depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (40%)
2. Visual Appeal . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . (25%)
3. Creativity (Writing style) . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . (15%)
4. Originality . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (10%)
5. Correctness (language use) . . . . . . . . . . . (10%)
--------
Total . . . . (100%)

12. Judges’ decision is final.

For queries, please contact Mr. Rene Napeñas, head of PAIO, at 5272192.

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Join Text Tula for Arts Month 2009!

As part of the celebration of the National Arts Month-Philippine International Arts Festival 2009, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and Sining Gising TV program launch "Text Tula."

Text Tula invites all Filipinos to send a quatrain (four lines) in Filipino languages and dialects. Entries must be on the sub-theme "Sa Sining, Bida ang Pinoy sa Galing."

Five winners will be selected weekly who will receive P500 worth of load for mobile phones.

Entries can be submitted to the following numbers:
(for Smart/ Talk and Text) 0920-9514916 / 0928-3482991
(for Globe and Touch Mobile) 0926-6562210
(for Sun) 0923-3553719

Or email through sininggising@yahoo.com

Winners will be announced and posted weekly.

For queries, please contact Mr. Wilyan Maglente at 5272192.

For inquiries, please contact the Public Affairs and Information Division at (T) 527-5529, (F) 527-2191 local 612-615, or email at info@ncca.gov.ph.

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Free Lectures, Exhibit, Forum @ Philippine International Visual Arts Fest 2009

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) with Robinsons
Midtown Manila / FORUM Robinsons and De La Salle - College of Saint
Benilde present

The Philippine International Visual Arts Fest '09 (PIVAF'09)!

It will be a convergence of selected various Filipino and
International Artists from the different regions of the country. it
will feature the talents and performances of the artists and groups in
the visual arts (Painting, photography, sculpture, printmaking,
multimedia and installation) whose trainings, competitions and
creative expressions it has invested the past year or so.

For 18 years now, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts
(NCCA) has been organizing the National Arts Month (NAM) in the month
of February with a series of festivities and activities mounted
throughout the country celebrating Filipino artistry and promoting the
arts and the artists. For 2009, the celebration takes a leap by going
international under the name Philippine International Arts Festival
(PIAF).

All over the country, different arts and culture groups as well as
local governments will hold events for the PIAF with funding and
support from the NCCA. With the theme "Ani ng Sining,"� the PIAF has
evolved from Manila-centered activities to a truly national event with
key activities in all three major island groups, Luzon, Visayas,
Mindanao, involving hundreds of artists from different disciplines of
arts and reaching thousands of people from all walks of life and all
over the world.

In celebrating the National Arts Month this February 2009 - The
Philippine International Visual Arts Fest 2009 (PIVAF'09) features
selected artists (In random order) Aaron Bautista, Ambet Lugtu,
Salvador Ching, Patrick Chong , Anton Isip, Edillardo Paras, Nunelucio
Alvarado, Danilo Celum, Charlie Co, Dulz Cuna, Adeste Deguilmo, Kitty
Taniguchi, Dennis Ascalon, Gary Carabio, Wenceslao Cuevas Jr., Joe
Geraldo, Paulina Constancia-Lee, Nomar Miano, Ramon Porcare, Noel
Sagayap, Susanito Samate, Armando Toleza, Javy Villacin Jr., Al Nezzar
Ali, Errol Balcos, Rogelito Cayas Jr., Edwin Jumalon, Jun Porlares,
Kelly Ramos-Palaganas, Blugto Necosia Jr., Ambie Abaño, Pandy Aviado,
Joe Datuin, Raul Isidro, Ramon Orlina, Buds Convocar, Arnel Borja,
Jesus Genotiva, Jay Alonzo, Henry Bateman, Beth Parrocha-Doctolero,
Dopy Doplon, Tommy Hafalla, Luis Martin Harder, Rick Hernandez, Nap
Jamir, Amiel Lapuebla, Miguel Nacianceno, JP Sarmenta, George Tapan,
Lilen Uy, Romy Vitug, Egai Talusan Fernandez, Palmy Pe-Tudtud, Bada
Torralba, Manny Montelibano, Danny Pangan, Don Gurrea, Nemiranda,
Nonoy Francisco, Rosscapili, Yuan Mor' Ocampo, Valente Villanueva and
Sio Montera

PIVAF Schedule of Activities

ROBINSONS Midtown Manila
February 18, 2009
3:00 PM Opening Ceremonies of PIVAF 09, Robinsons Midtown, Manila
- Inspirations from NCCA Executive Director Cecile Guidote-Alvarez
- Inspirations from International Filipino Sculptor â€" Ramon Orlina
- Inspirations from the National Committee on Visual Arts Head
Edgar (Egai) Talusan Fernandez - and to present the NCVA Council Members
- Audio-Visual Presentation about PIVAF09
- Presentation of the PIVAF'09 Catalog by Egai Talusan Fernandez to
Cecile Guidote-Alvarez
- Presentation of Plaques to Lecturers
- Closing Remarks from Emily Abrera - Chairman of McCann-Erickson
Philippines and Chairman of the Cultural Center of the Philippines
- Cutting of Ribbon for the Exhibition
- Cocktails

February 19, 2009
10:00 AM - 8PM PIVAF 09 Exhibit, Robinsons Midtown, Manila

February 20, 2009
10:00 AM - 8PM PIVAF 09 Exhibit, Robinsons Midtown, Manila
2:00 PM Lecture : Role of Advertising & Media in the Improvement
of Philippine Visual Arts by Emily Abrera -- Chairman of
McCann-Erickson Philippines and Chairman of the Cultural Center of the
Philippines

February 21, 2009
10:00 AM - 8PM PIVAF 09 Exhibit, Robinsons Midtown, Manila
2:00 PM Lecture : Travel/ Fine Art Photography by George Tapan, a
well-known PATA Gold Awardee 1999- Travel and Fine Art Filipino
Photographer (Open Forum follows : Topic - The State of Photography in
the Philippines as an Art Form. Co-facilitated by NCVA council Ross
Capili with George Tapan)

February 22, 2009
10:00 AM - 8PM PIVAF 09 Exhibit, Robinsons Midtown, Manila
2:00 PM Lecture : Introduction to Preventive Art Conservation
Practical tips for handling, framing,
exhibition,
and storage of artworks by Lyn Yusiâ€" a
well-known Art Conservator and Professor at the University of the
Philippines

ROBINSONS FORUM
February 19, 2009
10:00 AM - 8PM PIVAF'09 Exhibit, Robinsons Forum, Pioneer Mandaluyong

February 20, 2009
10:00 AM - 8PM PIVAF'09 Exhibit, Robinsons Forum, Mandaluyong

February 19, 2009
10:00 AM - 8PM PIVAF'09 Exhibit, Robinsons Forum, Mandaluyong
2:00 PM Lecture : Photography as an Art Medium by Ross Capili, a
well-know Visual Artist and PATA Gold Awardee 2008 in Photo Travel
Journalism. NCVA council (Open Forum follows : Topic - The State of
Photography in the Philippines as an Art Form. Co facilitated by Edgar
(Egai) Talusan Fernandez - a well known and award winning Painter and
Photographer - NCVA Head)

February 22, 2009
10:00 AM - 8PM PIVAF'09 Exhibit, Robinsons Forum, Mandaluyong
2:00 PM Lecture : Photography for Everyone by Jay Alonzo, a
well-known Travel / Fine Art Photographer and lecturer

Note: Lecturer schedules from De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde
will be announced soon

Please sign up for free lectures! at
http://philippineartsfest.multiply.com/journal
(PIVAF'09 catalog will be raffled off to those who have listed their
names here and present during the lectures). Or please give your
contact numbers to Didith Ladao at one_workshop@ yahoo.com so that we
can reserve you a seat

The PIVAF'09 is organized and managed by Event Impact, Inc. a
non-profit organization appointed by the National Commission for
Culture and the Arts as a project of the National Committee on Visual Arts

Visit http://philippineartsfest.com/

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Alay 11 @ Boston Gallery

Alay 11 presents works of more than 40 artists at Boston Gallery

Philippine visual artists affiliated with Boston and Pinto Gallery will commemorate National Arts Month through Alay 11, which opens on 21 February 2009 at Boston Gallery in Cubao, Quezon City.

Alay is an annual group exhibition by artists who have exhibited at the Boston Gallery and Pinto Gallery. In past years, it has been a “year-ender” exhibition, capping the gallery's roster of shows. This year marks its eleventh-year anniversary as an art event.

More than 40 painters and sculptors will showcase their works in Alay 11. Among the artists are: John Paul Antido, Plet Bolipata, Pablo Capati, Marika Constantino, Ninel Constantino

Marina Cruz, Noel Soler Cuizon, Edrick Daniel, Joey de Castro, Dennis Fortozo , Dennis Gonzales, Guerrero Habulan, Riel Hilario, Mark Justiniani, Erwin Leaňo, Stephanie Lopez, Joy Mallari, Neil Manalo, Joven Mansit, Ferdinand Montemayor, Bon Mujeres, Leeroy New, Renato Ong, Andy Orencio, Jim Orencio, Vincent Padilla, Anthony Palomo, Mikel Parial, Elmer Roslin, Kirby Roxas, Tence Ruiz, Jaypee Samson, Jerson Samson, Julius Samson, Victor Santos, Pamela Yan Santos, Tammy Tan, CJ Taňedo, Rodel Tapaya, Tatong Torres, Anna Varona and Costantino Zicarelli.

According to gallery curator Ruel Caasi, last year's exhibition, Alay 10 promoted the establishment of the Silangan Contemporary Art Museum. The museum aims to maintain and preserve a collection of significant Philippine artworks from 1986 to 2010.

Alay 11 opens on the 21st of February (Saturday 6pm) at Boston Gallery, at #72 Lantana Street, Cubao, Quezon City. For inquiries, please contact the gallery at tel. no.7229205.

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The Water Dragon Gallery at RCBC Plaza

The Yuchengco Museum, dedicated to encouraging a greater appreciation of Filipino art and creativity, is offering a new space to enjoy and buy original works of art. Dubbed the “Water Dragon Gallery at RCBC Plaza,” the modern, split-level venue at the museum’s second floor also provides artists and designers the opportunity to stage their own exhibits and showcase and sell their art to a wider audience.

The Water Dragon Gallery is an extension service provided by the Yuchengco Museum , committed to providing gallery exposure to established and emerging local artists, offering affordable fine art to the public, and supporting independent curators, art organizations, and other art galleries.

The gallery will host a new artist every two weeks, with a series of solo, group, and thematic shows throughout the year. Visitors to the Water Dragon and the museum will enjoy a wide variety of original artwork available for sale—from photographs, prints, and paintings to jewelry, new media, and small sculptures. Whether long-time collectors or first-time buyers, guests will surely find the right piece to add interest, energy, and color to their home or office.

The Water Dragon Gallery features two simultaneous shows until February 26. The first is an exhibit of 27 prints by members of the Philippine Association of Printmakers. Featured artists are Ambie Abaño, Charito Bitanga, Benjie Cabangis, Noell El Farol, Gig de Pio, Raul Isidro, Ojeng Jocano, Mario Parial, Adi Baens Santos, and Ronald Ventura, among others. Nature-inspired jewelry and home decor by Davao-based designer Ann Tiukinhoy Pamintuan are also on exhibit.

The Water Dragon Gallery at RCBC Plaza is located at the second floor of the Yuchengco Museum at RCBC Plaza , Corner Ayala & Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenues in Makati . Gallery hours are Monday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For inquiries, call 889-1234 or e-mail thewaterdragon@yuchengcomuseum.org.

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2009 GSIS Painting Competition Call For Entries

THE 2009 GSIS PAINTING COMPETITION

The Government Service Insurance System in cooperation with the Art Association of the Philippines is inviting Filipino artists to join the 2009 GSIS Painting Competition. This year’s competition has an open theme. The artist is encouraged to explore his best in presenting and conceptualizing his artwork entry. It is through this competition that we hope to view and produce diverse interpretations of what’s inside an artist’s mind.

Please read all the mechanics, rules and regulations carefully. The GSIS shall be strict in the implementation of the guidelines set. Entries could be disqualified for technical reasons.

1. Official entry forms are available in all GSIS offices (Headquarters, Regional Offices and Satellite Offices) and Art Association of the Philippines Office (AAP), c/o Kanlungan Ng Sining, Rizal Park, Manila, starting February 16, 2009.

CATEGORIES & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

2. There will be two (2) categories for this year’s competition:

I. Representational (any style, realistic, stylized (distorted figure), representational cubism, etc)

II. Non-representationa l (abstract) i.e. purely non-representationa l, no-recognizable figures and objects.

3. The competition is open to all Filipino artists age 18 years old (by April 25, 2009) and above. Participants can submit one entry per category. Therefore, participant can submit one entry for representational and one entry for non-representationa l. There is no participation fee.

4. The theme is open.

5. Required size is 3 feet x 4 feet (horizontal or vertical excluding frame) with 10 kilos allowable maximum weight (including frame).

6. All entries must be ready for hanging (museum-wrap or box-type is allowed).

7. The medium acceptable is only oil on canvas, acrylic on canvas or watercolor. Entries using collage, decoupage, assemblage or use of non-pigment based materials like paper, board, plastic metal, etc. IS NOT allowed. The entry must hang on a wall to qualify. Appropriate support, and/or equivalent devices should be provided to ensure the proper hanging of the artwork (ready for hanging). [ For watercolor entries, any watercolor paper is allowed EXCEPT Illustration Board]

8. The entry must be dated not earlier than 2009, must be his/her original work, and must not have been exhibited before nor revised nor awarded a prize in another contest.

9. The entry MUST BE SIGNED but must be covered with masking tape prior to submission (to conceal artist’s identity). It must also be properly labeled at the back, indicating: Artist (Name, Address, and Contact Numbers) Title of the work, Medium, Size, Year and Price.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

10. 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.

11. Entry must be submitted at the GSIS Museum located at the GSIS Main Office, Financial Center, Reclamation Area, Pasay City (CCP Complex – Diosdado. Macapagal Ave) on APRIL 25, 2009 (SATURDAY) FROM 8:00 AM UNTIL 4:00 PM only.

12. Entry submitted before or after the stated date and time shall not be accepted. Mail forwarders coming from the provinces should be advised by the participants themselves that the entry will only be accepted on the said submission date. Participants from the provinces are also encouraged to group together so that bringing or shipping their entries to Pasay City will be cheaper.

13. During the submission, the entry must have the following:

A ] Completely filled-up and signed official entry form with one (1) 1 x 1 ID colored picture.

B ] Photocopy of ONE valid ID (for age verification) . The only acceptable IDs include: Current School ID, PRC License, Driver’s License, Official Company ID, copy of Passport, Postal ID, SSS ID, GSIS-E-card, Senior Citizen’s ID, Voter’s ID, NBI/Police Clearance, AAP Membership ID.

C ] 5” x 7” colored photo of the work with the following information written at the back: Artist (Name, Address, and Contact Numbers) Title of the work, Medium, Size, Year and Price.

D ] Notarized affidavit of the ENTRY FORM certifying originality of entry and subscription to the rules and regulations of the competition.

JUDGING, PRIZES AND AWARDING DATE

14. Announcement and awarding of winners will be on June 4, 2009 (Thursday) at 6:00 pm at the GSIS Theater, Pasay City.

15. Cash Awards for the winners shall be:

I. Representational
1st Prize - P 300,000.00
2nd Prize - 200,000.00
3rd Prize - 100,000.00
Five (5) Honorable Mention - P 50,000 each

II. Non-Representationa l (Abstract)
1st Prize - P 300,000.00
2nd Prize - 200,000.00
3rd Prize - 100,000.00
Five (5) Honorable Mention - P 50,000 each

ALL PRIZES ARE SUBJECT TO 20% TAX PER GOVERNMENT RULING.

16. All Prize Winning entries including Honorable Mentions, will automatically become properties of the GSIS and will be included in the GSIS Art Collection.

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.

OTHER PROVISIONS

18. 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. Likewise, the GSIS reserves the right to decide which of the entries will be included in the Catalogue of Entries.

19. During the exhibition proper, all none winning entries will be offered for sale to the general public subject to a 20% commission for the Art Association of the Philippines to support their programs and projects.

20. 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, DURING AND/OR AFTER THE COMPETITION.

21. ALL NONE WINNING ENTRIES MUST BE RETRIEVED BY THE PARTICIPANTS OR THEIR DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVES STARTING JULY 1 UNTIL AUGUST 15, 2009 ONLY. UNCLAIMED ARTWORKS AFTER THIS DATE WILL BE DISPOSED BY THE GSIS MUSEUM ACCORDINGLY.

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

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Jigger Cruz's Swing @ Blanc Art Space Makati

Swing
2 February 2009
Blanc Art Space Makati

Stimulated by the idea of repetitive motions, of the rollicking movement of back and forth and back and forth, Swing, Jigger Cruz’s first solo exhibition, revolves around geometric translations of rhythmic swaying gestures. The works, a scuffle of textures and forms that situate well within similar past works of Cruz, are born from his exercises of the composition of cyclical gesticulations.

Cruz paints an assemblage of recognizable objects and obscure shapes which interlace, envelope and unfurl within one another. Simultaneously tempered and fueled by scientific-based inspired titles, elements such as satellite disks, bicycle wheels, coiling striped horns and sprays of particles are within these shuffling vortexes of the nonsensical. The focus, aided by a fairly subdued palette, turns to configuration which leads the lingering visual experience into its stormy yet measured rocking. Yet like the childhood playground favorite the exhibition name alludes to, the paintings are fittingly done in a sport and spirit of frolic by which viewers’ roving eyes can take in coy pleasure.

- Clarissa Chikiamco

Swing will open on Monday, 6PM, February 2, 2009 at blanc makati. blanc is located at Crown Tower 107 H.V. dela Costa St. Salcedo Village, Makati City. For more information please call or sms 752-0032/0920- 9276436 , email info@blanc.ph or visit www.blanc.ph and www.blancartspace.multiply.com

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E.J. Cabangon @ Kaida Gallery

Kaida Gallery welcomes the Chinese New Year with
Lucky Me
E.J. Cabangon's 7th one-man exhibition
1 - 18 February 2009

Kaida Gallery marks the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations with Lucky Me, E.J. Cabangon's 7th one-man show of photorealistic oil-on-canvas paintings of Chinese feng-shui figurines.

Exquisitely rendered in fine detail and vivid colors, the paintings in the exhibition depict various figurines used to celebrate the Chinese New Year: figurines of dragons, foo dogs, the three wise men of ancient Chinese folklore, and animal signs of the Chinese lunar calendar. Captured in Cabangon's signature painting technique, where minute details are faithfully reproduced and captured as if on film, the two-dimensional figurines seem to take on a life on their own, animated by the artist's realistic execution of form.

The exhibition derives its title from a local brand of instant noodles popular among the masses. It is also a reference to the strong associations and aspirations for good luck attributed to feng shui. The phrase Lucky Me thus alludes to both the Filipino trait of perseverance and flexibility in hard and desperate times, and the popular adherence to world views or beliefs on how to change one's present status—feng shui being among the most popular forms in the country at present.

The show is a tribute to the power of traditional symbolism and beliefs in giving guidance and meaning for many people. The image of the dragon, for instance, is said to be a bearer of good luck, while the image of the three wise men (Fuk, Luk, and Sau) in Chinese folklore manifestations of longevity, prosperity, and power.

“Life can sometimes be confusing, chaotic, or deranged, so we tend to have faith in something that is visible to our senses even if an individual doesn't fully understand it,” the artist says in a statement.

Cabangon also infuses contemporary Filipino humor into his images of traditional Chinese symbols. The artist entitles his paintings of foo dogs, popularly believed to serve as symbolic guardians on one's property from bad spirits, as Bantay and Ang Jowa ni Bantay, making use of a common Filipino name for male pet dogs and local slang term for spouse or partner. Such intentional renaming of images brings traditional Chinese images closer to popular Filipino culture.

Lucky Me opens on February 1 (Sunday), 6 p.m., at Kaida Gallery, located at the 2nd Floor, GFO Building, 122 Kamuning Road, Quezon City, Philippines 1102. The show runs until the 18th of February 2009. For inquiries, please call (632) 4144777 or write info@kaidagallery.com.

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Art Beyond Appearances @ Vargas Museum

ART BEYOND APPEARANCES - Caring for Amorsolo's Legacy

An exhibit of scientific studies on the works of Fernando Amorsolo based on results from an ongoing project titled: Art Beyond Apperances - Physics Looks into Art.

A project of the UP Vargas Museum, UP National Institute of Physics, and the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute.

4 February, Wednesday, 6 pm
Kawilihan Gallery
Vargas Museum

The exhibition Art Beyond Appearances: Caring for Amorsolo’s Legacy opens on 4 February, Wednesday at 6 pm, to culminate the two-year long collaboration between three units of the University of the Philippines Diliman – the Jorge B. Vargas Museum , the National Institute of Physics, and the Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering. It aims to promote an interdisciplinary approach to understand and care for our country’s tangible cultural assets through the expertise of individuals from the arts and sciences.

Focusing on the works of Fernando Amorsolo, the first National Artist, and his contemporaries from the Vargas Museum collection, the exhibit presents the integration of physics and electronics engineering to develop non-invasive tools and techniques in analyzing oil on canvas paintings. It will feature visual and scientific analysis of artworks with interactive components to explain optical measurements and digital archiving of the painters’ signature techniques such as color palette and surface texture. The project also looks into preventive conservation concepts and will be demonstrated with the installation of wireless temperature and relative humidity sensors throughout the gallery.

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The Best of GAWAD CCP Documentaries For The Past 20 Years

Part One: The Docus - 6 & 7 Feb
Part Two: Animation & Experimental - 13 & 14 Feb
Part Three: Short Features - 27 & 28 Feb

Part One: DOCUMENTARY
Venue: CCP Tanghalang Manuel Conde

Free Admission!

6 February (Fri)
1:00PM
SIGAW NI LONGINUS by Milo A. Paz (Gawad 12, 2nd Prize)
PAK U ERAP by Jose Milos Curameng (Gawad 16, 1st Prize)
BEHIND THE SECOND FRONT by Ron Magbulos Papag, Bidette Libres Agno &
Erlyn Ruth Alcantara (Gawad 16, Honorable Mention)

4:00PM
TAMARAW QUEST by Milo A. Paz (Gawad 18, 1st Prize)
HE NEVER WROTE 30 by Ron Magbulos Papag (Gawad 18, Honorable Mention)

7:00PM
MINSAN LANG SILA BATA by Ditsi Carolino (Gawad 10, 1st Prize)
HOW LOVELY IS YOUR DWELLING PLACE by Lawrence Cordero (Gawad 15,
Honorable Mention)
MULA SA 3RD AVENUE HANGGANG DULO by EJ Mijares (Gawad 18, 1st Prize)

7 February (Sat)
1:00PM
APARATISTA by Jun Sabayton (Gawad 15, 2nd Prize)
MGA BANGKANG PAPEL SA SWIMMING POOL NG KUMUKULONG ARNIBAL by Ramon
Bautista (Gawad 18, Honorable Mention)
SYOKOY by Rey Defante Gibraltar (Gawad 19, 3rd Prize)

4:00PM
MEDALAWNA by Michael Christian Cardoz & Lorena Flor Dating (Gawad 19,
1st Prize)
WALAI by Adjani Arumpac (Gawad 19, 2nd Prize)
PORTRAIT: REDISCOVERING A FILIPINO CLASSIC by Butch Nolasco (Gawad 19,
2nd Prize)

7:00PM
KUNG BALATAN ANG BAWANG by Jewel Maranan (Gawad 20, 1st Prize)
ANG PASKO NI INTOY by Charena Theresa Escala & Emerald Hidalgo (Gawad
20, 2nd Prize)

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Gantimpala Theater Graces CCP's Pasinaya 2009

Gantimpala Theater, returns to its original home at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute, as it graces the CCP's Pasinaya 2009, on February 1, the start of the annual February Arts Month celebration.

The company, known then as Bulwagang Gantimpala, was one of the CCP's resident theater companies. During its ten-year reign in Batute, they presented and produced original, untried and untested Filipino plays and many consider these efforts of the company as instrumental to the growth of contemporary Philippine dramaturgy.

On the occasion of the Pasinaya spearheaded by the CCP, Gantimpala Theater presents excerpts of J.. Dennis Teodosio's Sleeping Beauty, with music composed by Jesse Lucas, under the direction of Tony S. Espejo.

Giving life to the fairy tale characters are Aiza Marquez (Princess Anabella); Noel Rayos (Prince Reginald); Gary Lim (Narrator) and Kakai Bautista (Lucinda).

The Gantimpala Theater Sleeping Beauty performances are scheduled at 2:00p.m. and 2:40p.m., Tanghalang Huseng Batute. Admission is for free.

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