Konsyerto tungkol sa Batas Militar

Magsasama-sama ang mga Pilipinong kompositor at musikero sa isang konsyerto ngayong katapusan ng Enero na pinamagatang #NeverForget, isang pagbabalik-tanaw sa tunay na naganap noong Batas Militar, sa panahon ng pamumuno ni dating Presidente Ferdinand Marcos.

“Naniniwala ako sa sinasabi ng manunulat na si Edmund Burke na ‘Those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it’” paliwanag ni Cooky Chua, mang-aawit ng grupong Tres Marias, Color It Red, at kasapi ng LAPIS. “Dapat masusi ang pag-aaral sa Batas Militar at gumawa tayo ng paraan para hindi na ito maulit pa.”

Ang League of Authors of Public Interest Songs o LAPIS ay isang organisasyon ng mga kompositor at musikero na nagtataguyod ng pampublikong interest ng mga Pilipino. Noong nakaraang taon, isang serye ng mga pagtatanghal ang inilunsad ng LAPIS para sa mga Lumad na biktima ng militarisasyon na ibinunga ng dayuhang pagmimina. Maglalabas din sila ng kauna-unahang public interest music album ngayong Marso.

“Marami akong kakilalang dumaan sa mga katakut-takot na karanasan noong panahong iyon. At marami din akong kaibigan na nilabanan ito sa iba’t ibang paraan na kaya nila,” ayon kay Chua. “Mahalagang maipaalam ito sa kabataan alang-alang sa kinabukasan ng ating bayan.”

Magtatanghal kasama nya ang mga kapwa LAPIS Board of Trustees na sina Gary Granada, Bayang Barrios, Chickoy Pura, at Lolita Carbon.

“Pinapahalagahan namin sa LAPIS ang pagkalap ng tamang impormasyon,” dagdag ni Chua. “Hangad naming lumawak pa ang abot ng tamang impormasyon tungkol sa Martial Law. Instrumento namin dito ang aming mga kantang dala-dala.”

“Ito ay sa pakikipagtulungan sa mga pamilya ng mga martir noong Batas Militar sa pangunguna ng Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation,” ayon kay Karl Ramirez, kompositor, musikero, at kasalukuyang Executive Director ng LAPIS. “Makasaysayan din ang ika-30 ng Enero dahil ito ay bahagi ng First Quarter Storm ng dekada 70, isang makasaysayang araw na dapat maipaunawa sa mga kabataan ang kabuluhan.”

“Dapat maintindihan nila bakit may pag-aaklas sa kabila ng matinding panunupil ng iilang maykapangyarihan noong panahong iyon” dagdag ni Ramirez. Kasama siya at iba pang myembro ng LAPIS sa mga magtatanghal sa pagbubukas ng konsyerto. “Adhikain ng LAPIS na maging instrumento ng pagbabago sa pamamagitan ng paglikha ng mga awiting nagsasalamin ng kalagayan at nagtutulak sa sambayanan na labanan ang katiwalian,” pagtatapos ni Ramirez.

“Tulungan nating malaman ng kabataan ang tunay na kalagayan noong Batas Militar at maging kritikal sa mga nangyayari sa paligid,” dagdag ni Chua. “Tutulong kami dyan, ‘yan ang tiyak! At sana kahit papaano’y tayo’y magtagumpay.”

Ang konsyertong #NeverForget Martial Law ay magaganap mismo sa loob ng Bantayog ng mga Bayani Center sa kanto ng EDSA at Quezon Avenue sa Enero 30. Magbubukas ang venue ng 5PM at magisimula ang tugtugan ng 7PM.

Ang tiket ay nagkakahalagang P50 at maaring ipagtanong sa www.bantayog.org/neverforgetconcert

For reference and contact information:

Karl Ramirez
Executive Director
League of Authors of Public Interest Songs (LAPIS)
Email: lapisphilippines@gmail.com
Web: lapismusic.wordpress.com
Cell: 0932-8906690

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Makabayan Rap, Francis M. Takes Centerstage in PETA's 3 Stars and a Sun

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Rap music has influenced elements of pop culture such as fashion, film, art, and literature since its emergence in the 1970’s. While critics are quick to point out the tendency of this genre to focus on violent and sexual themes, one modern-day artist, and a nationalist in his own way, has proven its potential to fuel patriotism and impact society. 

Enter the “Master Rapper”, “The Man from Manila” – the legendary Francis M.

YO!

Francis Michael Magalona or better known as Francis M. is rightfully credited as a pioneer and trailblazer who influenced a whole generation of artists with his music.

Francis M. broke the prevailing hip-hop scene and gave birth to “makabayang rap”, an insightful kind of music that proudly expressed one’s sense of nationalism.

While many rappers his age wrote about girls, money, fame, and mainly just about themselves, Francis M. was unafraid to produce intricate, socially nuanced songs that questioned the status quo. He used his songs as a platform to address various cultural and social problems, including apathy, political instability and poverty, among others.

In a time when rap music was a small part of the entertainment industry, he managed to get a fair share of mainstream attention with the release of his groundbreaking album ‘Yo!’. The album, which became a runaway success, included one of his most popular songs ‘Mga Kababayan’ and “Man From Manila”.

After ‘Yo!’, he released his confidently titled second album ‘Rap is FrancisM’, which featured the tracks ‘Mga Praning’, ‘Tayo’y Mga Pinoy’, ‘Halalan’, and other thought-provoking songs that he has become famous for. Since then, he has been regarded as an important voice and one of the greatest storytellers of his generation.

Known for his limitless musical range, he received superstar status when he added more firepower to his documentary realism by fusing it with rock music. The merging of rock and rap allowed him to collaborate with famous musicians from different genres – a feat that not everybody is gifted enough to accomplish.

Magalona maintained his eloquence while bouncing around from genre to genre, until his early demise in March 6, 2009.

He was fittingly recognized as a cultural icon who was unafraid to charter treacherous territories and conquer them. Hip-hop was his artistic retort to the harsh realities that people of power deliberately ignore. He may have passed on but in death, he and his songs became immortal. 

3 Stars and a Sun

Francis M’s music and legacy continue to provide a rich foundation of material for many artistic expressions. The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) closes its 48th Theater Season with the much-anticipated original musical ‘3 Stars and a Sun’, which features of Francis M’s music. 

Following the success of its smash hit musical ‘Rak of Aegis’, PETA molds ‘3 Stars and a Sun’ as another game-changer that would reach past the traditional play watching crowd and engage a new generation of theater viewers.

The seasoned company and the rapper share the vision and commitment to elevate the purpose of the performing arts from pure entertainment to a platform where serious issues deserving of attention are presented and addressed.

In time for the upcoming national elections, PETA experiments with the sci-fi subgenre dystopia to present a daring social commentary on Philippine politics and culture.

“Though the narrative will not tackle the elections per se, we still hope that the ideas embodied in the play can be both a source of inspiration and reflection on the historical and current ethos of the Filipino as we prepare for another national election,” shares PETA Artistic Director, Maribel Legarda.

‘3 Stars and a Sun’, brainchild of young writer Mixkaela Villalon and multi-awarded playwright Rody Vera, features a chilling plot: It is 2026, and the world has almost come to an end. Nuclear bombs have reduced countries to ashes and a huge portion of the Filipino population has been forced to enter The Stormdome, a fallout shelter made from durable steel. The Stormdome was closed down to protect its inhabitants from the ‘dangers of the outside world’ but also served as an icy prison for those who live in it.

The story unfolds in 2096, 70 years thereafter. The musical opens with Myke Salomon’s fresh arrangement of Francis M’s ‘Mga Kababayan’, and swiftly exposes the harsh realities inside The Stormdome. The dome is deteriorating and resources are hard to come by. Nourishment has been reduced to nutrition-deprived food packs. Education is limited and any trace of Filipino history and identity has been erased. The only thing that has remained the same is the extreme divide between the rich and poor evidenced by the two clashing sectors, Lumino and Diliman.

Due to the uninhabitable conditions in the Diliman scrapyard, a dissident group from the colony of scavengers known as Tropang Gising has threatened to spark a revolution and turn the system upside down. Vidame Inky, supreme leader of The Stormdome attempts to keep peace and order and deploys reprogrammed Protektanods to quash the Diliman rebels led by fiery leader Sol. In a desperate attempt to keep power within her reach, Vidame Inky grooms her son Chino to be the next leader of the Stormdome and puts him in-charge of mind-wiping workers.

Meanwhile Vidame Inky’s daughter, Diane has refused to be part of her mother’s politics. Instead her attention has been drawn to finding answers about the disparity of her charmed life in Lumino City and the people of Diliman. Despite Vidame Inky’s effort to control all the information inside the Dome, Mang Okik, the oldest resident of Diliman Sector seems to have the answers to many of Diane’s questions.

‘3 Stars and a Sun’ offers a dystopian look at what our future can come to if the problems of the present are left unresolved. The play aims to serve as a cautionary tale and a challenge to today’s youth to act together and act swiftly before it’s too late.

From left; Giannina Ocampo as Dianne, Carla Guevara-Laforteza as Congresswoman Inky Montevista and Paolo Valenciano as Chino

The talented cast is headed by Nicco Manalo and Gold Villar as the fiery gang leader Sol. Paolo Valenciano and Gio Gahol alternate as the smug slacker Chino, joined by Justine Peña and Giannina Ocampo as Diane. Che Ramos-Cosio and Carla Guevara Laforteza portrays the rogue Vidame Inky while Bodjie Pascua and Raffy Tejada share the role of Mang Okik. They are joined by a strong slew of young theater talents, Anna Luna, Jet Barrun, John Moran, Nar Cabico, Lee Villoria, EJ Pepito, Anj Heruela, Gab Pangilinan, Jef Flores, Norbs Portales, Jason Barcial, Raflesia Bravo, Yesh Burce, Lance Busa, Roi Calilong, Gimbey dela Cruz, Nica Santiago, and Ian Segarra.

‘3 Stars and a Sun’ has an equally gifted artistic team. The musical is headed by Nor Domingo as director, with exciting musical arrangements by Myke Salomon. It features production design by Gino Gonzales, lighting design by Shoko Matsumoto and Ian Torqueza, sound design by Teresa Barrozo and choreography by Delphine Buencamino.

The musical opens February 4 at The PETA Theater Center and ends on Francis M’s 7th death anniversary on March 6. Shows are Tuesdays to Sundays (Tue-Fri 8PM, Sat-Sun 3PM and 8PM). For tickets contact PETA (02) 725-6244, petatheater.com or TicketWorld (02) 891-9999, ticketworld.com.ph.

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Open Space at Nova Gallery

For the month of December, Nova Gallery will be featuring its year-ender group show entitled 

"OPEN SPACE" featuring 13 young and aspiring artists - whom of which have been making a buzz in the local pop-art scene. These artists are:

Mr. S
Pat Frades
Lougee
Miggy Crisostomo
Jeff Baligad
Jasper Albay
AADA
Tyang
Quatro
Rai Cruz
Dr Karayom
Humbly
Pejie

Exhibition opens Dec. 18th (SAT) at 5PM and will run till Jan 8, 2016.

About the Exhibition:

Most of the time we create a space inside our minds that involuntarily forms different worlds that drift us away from reality. Some people use this space to escape and to be free. Others visualize it as a playground where they can fulfill their dreams and fantasy. Focusing on the present is for the norm however each of us has our own ideal fantasies that open the windows of our mind. It rekindles our past and it remakes our future. Every fantasy emerges within us to be part of a different state.

“Open Space" is a group exhibition compose of fourteen artists namely Mr. S, Pat Frades, Jasper Albay, Jeff Baligad, Miggy Crisostomo, AADA, Lougee, Tyang, Rai Cruz, Quatro, Dr. Karayom, Blic, Yeng Cruz and Humbly. The artists developed their own fantasy with the use of different mediums such as oil, acrylic and watercolor. Each piece represents scenes from experiences and preferences that will connect through our audience. 

- Pat Frades

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Museum Networking Forum - Protect Your Buildings: Risk Management Principles and Technologies

Protect Your Buildings:

Risk Management Principles and Technologies

Presented by Ibrahim Mirmahmutoğullari

December 12, Saturday, 10 a.m.

This special presentation introduces museum professionals and heritage architects to the principles of and new technology preventing building hazards such as salt, corrosion, and mold. It is also an opportunity for attendees to learn more about the goods and services of Mirline, a Turkish brand of cutting-edge building technologies for museums and heritage sites.

About Ibrahim Mirmahmutoğullari 

To present this new technology is Mr. Ibrahim Mirmahmutoğullari, a mechanical engineer with over 30 years of experience in technology and research & development. He is also the chairman of parent company Mir Holdings (of which Mir Unique Solutions is a subsidiary) and the Suppliers and Manufacturers of Turkey.

This special talk is presented by Yuchengco Museum under its Museum Networking Forum series in partnership with the National Committee of Museums (NCOM) of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Alliance of Greater Manila Area Museums (AGMAM). The new program brings museum and heritage professionals and other stakeholders together to discuss best practices and learn more about new industry-specific products and services.

Talk is free of charge, but reservations are required.

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Mark Dawn Arcamo and Janelle Tang's Parallel Play at YSOBEL Art Gallery

In Parallel Play, Mark Dawn Arcamo and Janelle Tang, being more confident about each other's aesthetic decisions, allow themselves to be fully inspired by what is presented to them by their immediate environment--their four-year old daughter. In this exhibition, the artists engage in what childpyschologists would refer to as "parallel play," a common form of play wherein two toddlers can completely focus on the same activity without getting influenced by each other. For Arcamo and Tang, who had to work under the same roof most of the time, it is an effective creative process that they could maximize. It is the process that enables these domestic partners to get in touch with their imagined realities while they preserve the dinstinctiveness of their individual artistic identity.

By incorporating the natural creative development that their child goes through into their artistic production, art-making and parenting become highly compatible for Arcamo and Tang. Thus, Parallel Play effectively becomes a visual summation of their child-rearing responsbilities and creative exploration. Ultimately, their two-person exhibition is the conjunction of the multiple realities that Arcamo and Tang created in the process.

Parallel Play will be on view from November 28 – December 9, 2015 at YSOBEL Art Gallery, 2nd flr. Shops at Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

For more information you may call 09285071117/09332227952/ 5764758 or email mark.sancheztiongco@gmail.com.

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Sketches of the Spirit at the Dragon Gallery

Sketches of the Spirit 

November 13 – December 5, 2015

Sketches of the Spirit: Art and Healing by CAAI is a fundraising exhibit that features the works of more than 20 artists, including National Artists for Visual Arts Benedicto "BenCab" Cabrera, Arturo Luz, and J. Elizalde Navarro.

The featured artists include

Nunelucio Alvarado
Renz Baluyot
Hans Brumann
Benjie Cabangis
Alfredo Esquillo
Alee Garibay
Manny Garibay
Vivian Go
Pete Jimenez
Lei Lopez
Richard Montero
Jonathan Olazo
Grace Olores
Evangeline Pascual
Edu Perreras
Jemina Reyes
Frederick Sausa
Alan SyCip
Edwin Wilwayco
Armi Yam

Proceeds will fund the upcoming projects of the Ruben M. Tanseco – Center for Family Ministries (RMT-CeFaM) and the CeFaM Alumni Association, Inc. (CAAI).

About the Dragon Gallery

The Dragon Gallery at RCBC Plaza is an alternative exhibition space for art galleries, art associations, art schools, and artists. Located at the second floor of the Yuchengco Museum, the gallery is open Monday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For gallery information, email dragongallery@yuchengcomuseum.org.

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PETA opens its doors to theater hopefuls with Workshop Weekends 2

With four classes overflowing with students and professionals looking to take hold of creative pursuits, PETA opened its first of three Workshop Weekends cycles this July 25 at the PETA Theater Center studios.

Workshop Weekends is a series of theater workshops for students and adults. Specially designed for individuals with busy lifestyles, it features ten extensive sessions on the weekends, with three exciting courses to choose from: Theater Arts, Basic Acting, and Creative Musical Theater.

If you missed the first cycle, you need not worry. Workshop Weekends is back for its second cycle this October 10 to December 6. 

Each course incorporates PETA’s Integrated Theater Arts Approach, which combines five different disciplines in theater— creative drama, body movement and dance, creative sound and music, creative writing and visual arts —creating for a well-rounded course suited for theater enthusiasts as well as individuals looking for more creative ways of spending the weekends.

Theater Arts I

For ages 17 and up, immerse in an artistic experience that teaches the fundamental knowledge, skills, and attitudes in theater acting, dramatic improvisation, and theater production craft.

Basic Acting

For ages 18 and up, discover the disciplines of acting by learning the basic knowledge, skills, and attitude in becoming stage actors. Enhance your acting tools by exploring different acting styles and principles.

Creative Musical Theater

For ages 16 and up, explore the fine arts of musical theater by experiencing the elements of musical performance, composition, and production. Understand the harmonization of the different fields that make a successful musical production.

Enroll now and avail of special discounts! For more information on PETA and its workshops, contact us at 725 6244 or email us at petatheater@gmail.com. You may also contact Tina Sablayan at 0905 369 6003 PETA is located at No. 5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City.

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Kris Bernal and Liza Dino take on the role of the Modern Maria Clara

QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES -- 'Maria Clara', a name that often strikes a chord among Filipinos as she is the portrait of an ideal Filipina; graceful, beautiful, and compassionate. In the fast -paced and buzzing world of modernity and technology, do Filipinas still identify with Dr. Jose Rizal's quintessential Filipina icon?

The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) redefines the idea of Maria Clara with its restaging of Noli at Fili Dekada Dos Mil this coming September at the PETA Theater Center. A modern retelling of Rizal's greatest novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, Noli at Fili Dekada Dos Mil is produced by two theater greats, playwright, Nicanor Tiongson, and director, Soxie Topacio. The production introduces Clarissa, the beautiful damsel and paramour of the hero, Ibarra; the principled and strong-willed 'Maria Clara'. Two talented artists, Kris Bernal and Liza Dino-Seguerra, gear up for the role of Clarissa.

An exchange between these two young stars revealed their expectations, and challenges taking on the part of the dynamic Clarissa.

'I see Maria Clara as someone with values. I want to be able to show the audience that even if society is changing, the values that Maria Clara held on to before is still the same. She is a very loving daughter and she takes responsibility for her actions.', Kris explains when asked about her portrayal of Clarissa, to which Liza agrees with.

'I'd like to portray this Maria Clara as somebody who makes her choices, whether it's wrong or right; to take responsibility of those choices. I see her as a woman with principles. It takes such a strong person to give up and sacrifice the love of her life to protect her family.', Liza reflects and even teases the compelling character development of Clarissa as the production reaches a turning point towards the end where she finds her true strength.

Where both actors agree on the character and personality of Clarissa, they're also finding a few challenges in translating and relating to the modern Maria Clara.

'As an actor, I consider script analysis as a very important factor. I'd like to take on the journey of the character and honestly, I'm still looking for her [Clarissa]. I'm a very headstrong person and Clarissa may not be that. I'm still looking for the perfect balance between the character and myself.', Liza muses.

Comparing it to her experience in television and film, Kris admits that she is still getting used to the techniques of theatrical acting. 'There are so many things to adjust. Actions have to bigger and my voice has to be loud. Di ka rin pwede magkamali sa lines, dapat perfect, and you also have to know your cue unlike in TV where we can have several takes.'

Although there's still a long road ahead to achieving the character of the Modern Maria Clara, both artists are positive as they are supported by the cast and staff, and most especially, their director, Soxie Topacio.

'[Soxie Topacio] encourages me to find my vulnerability. He keeps telling me that my weakness is my strength. Every day is a learning experience', Liza describes how Soxie Topacio coaches her to find her inner Clarissa.

'I'm very thankful to PETA for giving me this opportunity. Sa dami ng pinagpipilian nila na mas experienced, they chose me to carry the role. Thankful din ako na kahit first time kong makatrabaho yung mga batikan sa teatro, they're very supportive. They let me ask questions and it really inspires me to see how they work. I'm enjoying it.', Kris expresses.

Joining these two artists are a powerful mix of young and experienced actors such as: Raul Alfonso, Jojo Atienza, Lucho Ayala, Rikki Benedicto, Renante Bustamante, Roi Calilong, Buddy Caramat, Mikou David, Eric Dela Cruz, Jess Evardone, Rhenwyn Gabalonzo, Gio Gahol, Neomi Gonzales, Joseph Madriaga, Richard Manabat, Nicole Manlulo, Michelle Ngu, Gie Onida, Kitsi Pagaspas, Jo-ann Pamintuan, Norbs Portales, Ian Segarra, Raffy Tejada, Marco Viana, and Jack Yabut. With the set design by Gino Gonzales, lighting by Jonjon Villareal, sound design by Dodjie Fernandez and Noel Cabangon, choreography by Dudz Terana, costume design by Arlene Crisostomo, and fight choreograhy by Jack Yabut, Noli at Fili Dekada Dos Mil promises to be scenic masterpiece that rivals a cinematic experience.

Catch it at the PETA Theater Center starting on September 10 to 13 and at the Springs Production Studios on September 18 to 27. Interested viewers may get their tickets at www.ticketworld.com.ph or 891 9999. For more information on Noli at Fili Dekada Dos Mil and the cast, contact PETA at 725 6244, 0905 353 6602, or visit www.petatheater.com.

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Amulets, Anting-Anting at Yuchengco Museum

Before the arrival of Spanish colonizers to our shores, early Filipinos believed that wearing powerful, mystical amulets or talismans would protect them from harm or even give them special powers. Called agimat and anting-anting, these mysterious objects have survived for centuries, thanks to the later inclusion of Christian iconography. Shrouded in myth, meaning, and symbolism and long kept secret from the rest of society, the stories aboutagimat and anting-anting are revealed in a special exhibit at Yuchengco Museum entitledPinoy Power Packs: Agimat, Anting-Anting , and the Stories They Tell, on view starting August 15.

Agimat and anting-anting illustrate our folk beliefs, spirituality, and view of the world: they are a fusion of a belief in nature and in a concept of God who is both animist and Christian. They can be seen as our way of seeking to approach God and hold the power of God within a medallion, handkerchief, or vest, creating a powerful divine connection that gives the wearer god-like qualities.

Pinoy Power Packs explores the animist symbols and icons found in agimat, from the all-encompassing Infinito Dios to the many forms the Infinito manifests. The exhibit also looks at how these iconsincorporate Christian imagery, such as the crucified Christ, the Virgin Mother, and the Santo Niño.

In addition, Pinoy Power Packs highlights our modern interest in our folk spirituality, as seen in nativist movements such as the Rizalistas and Lapiang Malaya (Freedom Society), and in films such as Nardong Putik. Visitors can watch videos of an artist shopping for agimat in the streets of Quiapo in Manila, or of a young healer and practitioner explaining the various motifs seen in agimat.

Pinoy Power Packs juxtaposes examples of talismans from the late 19th to the mid-20th centuries, along with colonial religious sculpture and contemporary art by National Artists for Visual Arts Ang Kiukok and Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera, the late Santiago Bose and Roberto Villanueva, and Leeroy New. Lenders to the exhibit curated by Floy Quintos include Romeo Allanigue, the Bose family, Jaime Laya, Richard and Sandra Lopez, Ramon Lucas, Lisa Ongpin Periquet, and Dennis Villegas.

In order to shed more light on these icons, related talks will be held. Pinoy Power Packs: Agimat, Anting-Anting, and the Stories They Tell is on view at Yuchengco Museum from August 15 to November 7, 2015. The museum is located at RCBC Plaza, corner Ayala and Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenues, Makati. Museum hours are Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call (632) 889-1234 or visit www.yuchengcomuseum.org.

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