Filipina Artists Mylene Quito, Raeche Dacanay and Valerie Teng have been invited to be part of a prestigious international art exhibition dubbed as “Infinite Horizons” which will be held from October 28 to November 20 in Palm Artspace, 188A Thao Nguyen Ecopark, Van Giang-Hung Yen, Vietnam. They will be joined by Trang Thanh Hien, Nguyen Thu Thuy, Nguyen My Nhoc, Ly Tran, Phan Thi Hong Sam. Quito and Teng both debuted their first solo art shows in ArtAblado, Robinsons Galleria.
“Infinite Horizons” is a collaborative art exhibit that celebrates the boundless potential of women from two countries, Philippines and Vietnam, to create a powerful narrative of empowerment through art.
A joint collaborative art show, “Infinite Horizons” will showcase the unique blends of colors, strokes and artistry of 8 female artists whose individual talents show the diverse and dynamic perspectives of women, uniting their voices to break barriers and redefine the limits of creativity, self-expression and strength. This Philippine-Vietnam Art Program also transcends cultural differences, illustrating the idea that the pursuit of dreams knows no bounds and the power of women, universal.
In more ways than one, the pandemic was a lifechanging and gamechanging experience for people all over the world. While some chose to barricade themselves at home, others saw it as an opportunity to try something new.
There were those who sewed fabric face masks or began experimenting in the kitchen—remember those trays of sushi bake and ube cheese pandesal that small enterprisers sold on social media?
Photo shows Participating artists from Ace of Art; Sa Gitna ng Kawalan by Box Populi; Events are Impersonal & Indifferent by Gary Montenegro; Fusion, Immersion, The Light Unto My Path by Shine Vitto
Unable to perform before audiences, hip-hop artist Jhomar “Jhoms” Lim founded a Facebook group that he dubbed Filipino Artists, Collectors and Enthusiasts (ACE) of Art. As a child growing up, he developed a sense for the visual arts as he participated in different art activities in school and in church. His interest later expanded to include the performing arts in college which led to his becoming a professional dancer and theater actor. Jhoms has continued to paint and focuses on realistic depictions of flora, fauna and food.
In the span of two years and with the help of the page’s admins and moderators, ACE has grown into a community with over 20,000 followers. In its aim to “bring people together through art by providing harmony and a sense of pride with every artist’s creation,” ACE of Art is holding a group exhibit at ARTablado at Robinsons Galleria until November 2.
The theme “Pagsibol: Tawag sa Pag-asa” was chosen to focus attention on the continued growth and development of Filipino artists despite the hardships brought about by the pandemic.
“With every endeavor, Ace of Art aims to present beautiful art collections from a mix of the group’s varied but unique-styled artists whom one can be proud of to present locally and internationally,” the group said in a statement.
The ongoing exhibit features paintings as well as sculptures and mixed media. Some of the featured talents include steampunk artist Ferdinand Sanchez who incorporates metal art into wood, resin, fiberglass as well as Paete’s traditional crafts. Instead of metal, he sometimes uses recycled materials like old toys and gadgets to accessorize his works.
JL Timbreza-Siao is a baker, carpenter, and web and graphic designer who combines her skills to produce her pieces. Riyadh-based Joseph Cabugos is an architect whose hobby is crafting miniature versions of the iconic jeepney, many of them made almost entirely of scrap material.
Shine Vitto was one of the “100 Female Artists of the World” featured on the billboard at Times Square in New York last July 2023, and is known for her hyperrealism portrait of an old woman smoking tobacco titled “Mensahe Patungo sa Lumikha” which garnered a million views and thousands of reactions on social media.
This is ACE of Art’s second ARTablado exhibit; the first was staged in ARTablado at Robinsons Antipolo. The group returns because, according to Jhoms, “the venue shines a light on the different artists who now have a chance for their innate talents to be recognized.”
The participating artists include: Box Populi, Rey Adolfo, Juvy Teope Mago-Abne, JL Timbreza-Siao, Eleanor Oberio, Alexander Balmaceda, Jessa Velonero, Phia Elizalde, Willet Esquilona, Joseph V. Cabugos, Angie Lazaro, Yana Orais, Yek Herrera, Vovoi Lim, Jully Lim, M. Sta. Maria, Maribel Cortez, Jhomar Lim, Sunnyfae Macaraeg, Anne Margaret Villanueva, Ferdinand Sanchez, Mark Villanueva, Gigi Manalastas, Konica Faustino, Nathaniel Umale, Bernadette de Leon, Shine Vitto, Don Verano, Row Bean Paz, Jonna Fe Adraque, Emmanuel dela Cruz (Ibonman), Art Wang Gonzales, Gary Montenegro, Ramon Cajipe and Ameer Catandihan.
Established in 2020, Robinsons Land ARTablado, a portmanteau of “art” and “entablado” is Robinsons Land’s very own stage in showcasing the Filipino ingenuity and creativity. This platform allows emerging and established artists to freely express themselves through art and paves the way to greater recognition of their talent and hard work. To date, ARTablado has mounted numerous exhibitions and hosted over 400 artists.
The anticipation is palpable, the excitement undeniable, and the heartbeat of Manila’s theater scene is quickening! Riding the wave of international accolades and roaring applause, GMG Productions, in association with GWB Entertainment, has announced that Cameron Mackintosh’s globally acclaimed production of Boublil & Schönberg’s “Miss Saigon” is coming straight from its phenomenal run at the Sydney Opera House to Manila’s The Theatre at Solaire this March 2024.
A String of Acclaimed Performances
Having made its stellar debut in London in May 2014, “Miss Saigon” has been setting benchmarks with record-breaking advance sales and critical acclaim. It collected a whopping 9 Whatsonstage Awards. It then opened on Broadway, followed by a hugely successful US Tour. The New Yorker called it “A Dynamite Broadway revival.” The UK’s The Daily Telegraph wrote, “This thrilling new production spills out beyond the theatre and speaks directly to the times we live in – magnificent performances.” The Daily Mail said, “The greatest musical of all time just got even better!” And now, Manila, a city with a profound bond with this legendary musical, gears up for this theatrical marvel in March 2024.
A Timeless Tale of Love and Sacrifice
Rooted in the heart-wrenching narrative of Puccini’s “Madame Butterfly,” “Miss Saigon” shifts the setting to the turmoil of 1970s Vietnam. Audiences are swept off their feet following the poignant saga of Kim, a resilient Vietnamese woman, as she navigates the chaos of Saigon during the Vietnam War, falls in love with an American G.I. named Chris, and embarks on an extraordinary three-year quest for reunion, all while harboring a heart-wrenching secret.
Her love story, punctuated by war’s chaos, heartache, and a glimmer of hope, sets the stage for an epic narrative that transcends time.
A Homecoming of Sorts: ‘Miss Saigon’ and the Philippines
Sir Cameron Mackintosh‘s delight is palpable, “I’m absolutely thrilled to be bringing my spectacular new production of Miss Saigon to Manila. Without a doubt, it is the best production of Saigon I have ever produced, with one of the most brilliant casts that have ever performed the show around the world. I can’t envisage another show of this scale being done in Manila for the foreseeable future.”
Indeed, Manila’s bond with “Miss Saigon” is profound, having paved the way for Filipino luminaries like Lea Salonga and Rachelle Ann Go.
The Filipino Connection: A Deep-Seated Bond
Carlos Candal, the dynamic CEO of GMG Productions, added that “Following the incredible success of Hamilton, and continuing with GMGP’s commitment to bringing the absolute pinnacle of musical entertainment to Manila, I could not be more excited to be presenting “Miss Saigon” at the Theater at Solaire. Filipinos have a deep connection with “Miss Saigon” because it has been the stage where countless Filipino artists have had their moment to shine.” “The production has given talents like Lea Salonga, Jon Jon Briones, Joanna Ampil, Rachelle Ann Go, and countless others a platform to showcase their extraordinary skills and passion, and we’re excited to welcome a new company of world-class performers to share the new staging of this phenomenal production.”
Torben Brookman, Director of GWB Entertainment, shares “After witnessing the Opening Night of this production in Sydney recently, audiences are in for an absolute treat with the best production of this incredible show that I’ve ever seen – the heat will be on in Manila! Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Boublil and Schönberg’s classic musical first premiered in London’s West End in 1989. The Tony® and Olivier award-winning musical has been seen by 38 million people worldwide, staged in 32 countries, in over 350 cities, and in 15 different languages for the past 34 years
Miss Saigon has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg with lyrics by Richard Maltby Jr. and Alain Boublil, adapted from original French lyrics by Alain Boublil, with additional lyrics by Michael Mahler. The new production is directed by Laurence Connor with musical staging by Bob Avian and additional choreography by Geoffrey Garratt. The production design is by Totie Driver and Matt Kinley based on an original concept by Adrian Vaux; costume design by Andreane Neofitou; lighting design by Bruno Poet; projections by Luke Halls; sound design by Mick Potter; and orchestrations by William David Brohn. Music supervision is by Alfonso Casado Trigo and Guy Simpson.
The Manila season is presented at The Theatre at Solaire by GMG Productions, with tickets on sale on November 6 only through TicketWorld. Theatre fans can also enjoy exclusive first access to the show with UnionBank of the Philippines as the show’s official sponsor and pre-sale partner or through the GMG Miss Saigon waitlist atwww.gmg-productions.com. Pre-sale period will run from October 23 to November 3.
Mark Your Calendars!
Witness Miss Saigon at The Theatre at Solaire in March 2024. With tickets going live on November 6 exclusively via TicketWorld, it’s time to set those reminders! Exclusive early-bird access? UnionBank of the Philippines, the show’s prestigious sponsor, has got you covered. And if the anticipation gets too much, hop onto the GMG Miss Saigon waitlist at www.gmg-productions.com, starting October 23. Stay tuned and follow @gmg.productions on social media. Don’t let the sun go down on this spectacular event!
As schoolchildren, we often sketched an idealized depiction of country life with square houses with thatched roofs surrounded by a rice field and several coconut trees. The sun was always shining or peeking behind perfectly placed mountains, and the family unit consisted of mom, dad and kids.
There’s a sense of that uncanny perfection in the oil paintings of three San Mateo-based artists featured in the ongoing ARTablado group exhibit at Robinsons Antipolo (upper ground floor, main mall).
Eliezer Dimaculangan, Gabz Mendiola and Joel Janer have been painting for years, participating in numerous group shows as well as having the spotlight trained on them in their respective solo shows.
Dimaculangan is a visual artist specializing in landscape paintings and is partial to a vibrant palette with a touch of the abstract. His paintings are a mix of the natural and the manmade—mountains, oceans and waterfalls, white doves and playful fish but also ancient stone archways, mossy stairs and glazed earthenware jugs.
Unlike Dimaculangan, Gabriel “Gabz” Mendiola prefers muted colors when he paints. A former ceramic artist and businessman, he returned to his first love, painting. Mendiola has since joined a number of group shows organized by the San Mateo Artists Guild where he got to meet art patrons and supporters.
His paintings share a distinct provincial vibe and often feature female protagonists: women washing clothes in a stream, and a couple of Madonna and Child paintings. Mendiola is open to experimenting as seen in the mother and child pieces where one pair is painted in a two-dimensional style while a second is more realistic and shows a young mother carrying a sleeping toddler who nuzzles serenely against her neck.
Joel Janer’s canvases are also light-filled and breezy but vastly different from his childhood spent in polluted and congested Metro Manila. His decision to focus on barrio life—a man astride a carabao with his wife and child walking a few meters ahead, rolling hills seen from a distance with texture provided by tiny bumps of paint—is perhaps a reaction to that upbringing.
Janer discovered his passion for the visual arts in a parish art workshop in Marikina, and has continued pursuing it to this day. His other pieces include vibrantly colored orchids on a wooden platter as well as a stylized vision of sword-shaped leaves.
“Visions of Sereni3: Dimaculangan x Janer x Mendiola” was curated “to convey a sense of nostalgic tranquility” with the three artists drawing inspiration from their own experiences and their reflections of their hometown. The exhibit will run until October 15. Established in 2020, Robinsons Land ARTablado, a portmanteau of “art” and “entablado” is Robinsons Land’s very own stage in showcasing the Filipino ingenuity and creativity. This platform allows emerging and established artists to freely express themselves through art and paves the way to greater recognition of their talent and hard work. To date, ARTablado has mounted numerous exhibitions and hosted over 400 artists.
Bonifacio Global City, the metro’s leading pioneer in retailtainment, is extending its latest spectacle, Wisdom of Da Vinci: An Immersive AI Experience, until the end of the year, adding shows until December 10.
The hour-long show, enrapturing the BGC community with excitement since August, highlights the genius of Leonardo da Vinci and other art masters in a way that combines art, science, and technology, resulting in a spectacular experience guaranteed to tickle one’s senses.
Now running until December 10, see the show in full at the 3rd Level of One Bonifacio High Street, 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Tickets are priced at P975 for adults and P780 for students, and may be purchased through https://bgcimmersive.com.
Wisdom of Da Vinci: An Immersive AI Experience is also open for exclusive group viewings and corporate bookings for parties of 50-60 guests. Book a slot today by directing inquiries to hello@bgcimmersive.com!
This showcase is co-presented by Metrobank, and made possible by Globe, Live PH, EastWest Ageas Insurance, Samsung,Media Display Solutions and TikTok.
Before I start this review, let me first confess: I am a snob and was completely against watching ‘Hamilton.’ My parents raised me on musical theater, and I grew up listening to the songs written by Stephen Sondheim, Kander and Ebb, Maury Yeston, Stephen Schwartz, and Rodgers & Hammerstein. These are just some of the greats and I’ve added a few more later on. And when it comes to music, rap and hip-hop was never really my thing. So, when I heard that ‘Hamilton’ was a rap-sung musical, it hurt my elitist, snobbish sensibilities. And the fact that it’s about American history bothered me even more: “What does that have to do about us?”
I got to see the show at the Theater in Solaire, and while I was preparing to hate it, after the second song, I was grasping the arm of my friend who was sitting beside me and exclaiming how good the show was. And it just started.
To my absolute surprise, and against all my snobbish and elitist expectations, I was blown away by the musicality of the show and how universal the story felt despite it being specific to the history of the United States. ‘Hamilton’ creator Lin-Manuel Miranda conceptualized a show that is steeped in American history (though further reading shows some artistic liberties were taking to tell a more cohesive, more dramatic story) but told in a way that spoke about issues now and applicable to any experience.
More than anything, seated at the back of the orchestra, my failing eyesight meant that I couldn’t see any of the actor’s faces. Instead, I relied on their movements, costume, and their singing and I have to say that it was completely comprehensible to me what was going on that stage. The play is completely sung/rapped through with very little (if any) dialogue to carry the story, so you really have to listen. But it has a beat and a rhythm that is so infused with modern sensibilities that it is fairly easy to follow, and the performances were so clear and enunciated so well that you heard everything.
Jason Arrow and Australian Hamilton Cast | Credit: Daniel Boud
And what a cast they have for this show. Each one was singing better than the other, infusing every note and syllable with emotion and energy. On one hand, you have Jason Arrow as Alexander Hamilton, rallying everyone’s attention in every scene but then you have the gorgeous voice of DeAundre’ Woods as Aaron Burr that steals each scene after (his ‘Wait for It’ is something to marvel). David Park’s dual role of Marquis de Lafayette in Act One and Thomas Jefferson in Act Two are so different in tone, energy, and even accent, I thought it was a different actor until it was pointed out by my friend. But the real scene stealers were Brent Hill as King George and Darnell Abrahams as George Washington. Abrahams’ ‘One Last Time’ was so powerful it almost turned into some gospel moment with Abrahams’ incredible voice that I almost lost myself.
Hamilton London
But as the show unfolded, it was the story of the Schuyler sisters that really sold the whole show for me. The one-two punch of Akina Edmonds and Rachel Ann Go as Angelica Schuyler and Eliza Schuyler-Hamilton are the true stars of this show. While Hamilton and Burr have one moment of warmth in the song ‘Dear Theodosia,’ the Schuyler sisters’ every song is filled with their longing and passion. The boys get to talk about politics and ambitions, but the women have to sing about their desires as something that is only secondary in this day and age of men. Edmonds and Go fuel that energy and when Rachel Ann Go sings her powerhouse number ‘Burn,’ she literally burns the house down.
The show is about Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of America and his participation in the building of the country as it declares its independence from Britain but it is also about the original American dream – about how immigrants fled to the United States to start anew and to build themselves up from nothing but their hardwork and their dreams. Hamilton wore his politics on his sleeves, and he was brash and arrogant but he had a mission and he pushed through and achieved great things despite all the barriers that came his way, many of which were people who were jealous of his determination to see things through. On the road to his legacy, he fell in love with his wife but put her and his family second to the nation that he was building. His undoing was his own human frailty, but the musical makes a case that his personal failings to his family should not overshadow the work he had accomplished in putting his country together.
The musical works in broad strokes. Intentions are stated through a song, a love story can be played out in a fantastic number, and the war is fought and won just within Act One. There’s rarely any time for nuance or intimacy. The play hits every important story point in a big number that is just so fitting for a story of this magnitude, and it works so well.
Hamilton Australia | Credit: Daniel Boud
Even the use of rap and hip-hop helps bridge the past with present day issues – the fact that Hamilton is “an immigrant” (newly arrived into the US from a small Caribbean island rather than being born in the USA) yet worked his way to the top; the class divide; the dirty business of politics; the messiness of love and marriage; and most importantly, taking a stand in political issues and not just waiting things out – the modern sensibilities of the play grounds the musical so that while everything is set and told within the context of American History, as Lin-Manuel Miranda wanted it to feel, it talks about the world we know now.
By choosing a multiracial cast to perform the parts of these white men and women from history opens up that history to anyone who believes in the same ideals. We might not be Americans, but the struggle between political lines are similar and the most important take away here is to take a stand, stop sitting on the fences, and as the song goes: “to take your shot.”
GMG Productions’ ‘Hamilton’ was an absolute thrill for me. It changed this musical snob’s mind. Not only did my perspective on the show changed (how could I have been so resistant, I loved the music of ‘Moana’ and ‘Encanto,’ why would I think any differently?) but I have been introduced to a show that is fully engaging, wonderfully staged, and very well performed. This is such a terrific cast that I didn’t go and listen to the original cast recording right away (despite how badly I wanted to revisit the songs). I knew for a fact that the Philippine touring cast was going to be better than the original cast recording.
I finally listened to it today to write this review and I was right. The cast performing in Solaire right now is way better than what’s on music streaming sites.
In a refreshing rendition of Severino Reyes’ classic zarzuela Walang Sugat, the witty and uproarious “Walang Aray” brings a whirlwind of laughter to the PETA Theater Center from October 6–22, 2023. As a quirky homage to the revered zarzuela, this Filipino original is nothing short of a delightful spectacle.
A Blend of Old and New
Witty and hilarious from start to finish, Walang Aray is a spoof and tribute to the iconic zarzuela. Blurring the lines between the past and present, Walang Aray navigates love, nationalism, and patriotism through catchy melodies, pop culture nods, and a cascade of clever jokes and punchlines. It’s a thrilling journey that ensures non-stop giggles and nods of recognition.
A Glorious Comeback
Originally gracing the stage in 2018 and 2019, “Walang Aray” enjoyed a staggering 41-show run, captivating both the young and young-at-heart. The play’s unique allure led to sold-out nights, affirming its stellar reputation in Manila’s theater scene.
Sweeping The Awards
This musical extravaganza clinched 21 accolades at the esteemed Gawad Buhay! Awards, the country’s premier recognition awards for the local theater scene. Among the crowning jewels are g Outstanding Book of a Musical, Outstanding Original Musical,Outstanding Original Score, Outstanding Musical Direction, Outstanding Ensemble Performance for a Musical, Outstanding Stage Direction for a Musical,Outstanding Choreography, Outstanding Sound Design, and Outstanding Set Design celebrating its unparalleled artistry in the local theater domain
Star-Crossed Love
The tale of lovers Tenyong and Julia, portrayed flawlessly by Gio Gahol, Marynor Madamesila, Shaira Opsimar, and Jon Abella, resonated deeply, fetching them top honors at the Gawad Buhay! Awards, which also earned them citations for the Female and Male Lead Performance in a Musical in the Gawad Buhay! Awards. Their performances, coupled with the dazzling PETA Ensemble, have left indelible marks on the hearts of countless theater enthusiasts.
The Luminous Ensemble
Witness stellar performances by Jarred Jaicten and Bene Manaois as Miguel, Kiki Baento as Monica, Carlon Matobato as Lucas, Norbs Portales and Csai Habla as Don Tadeo, Neomi Gonzales as Doña Juana, and John Moran as Padre Alfaro. Joining them are the equally memorable ensemble: Donn Boco, Gerard Dy, Yeyin Dela Cruz, Ada Tayao, and Ayla Garcia, who all shine in their multiple roles. Each artist brilliantly dons multiple avatars, ensuring every character shines brightly on stage.
Apart from the sharp comedy and contemporary reflections, the highlight of the show is the crisp chemistry of the PETA Ensemble, which has been the heart and soul of many PETA productions.
Joining them are the equally memorable ensemble: Donn Boco, Gerard Dy, Yeyin Dela Cruz, Ada Tayao, and Ayla Garcia, who all shine in their multiple roles.
Behind The Curtains
Walang Aray creative team includes award-winning playwright Rody Vera, together with young creatives including Vince Lim (composer, musical director, sound designer, and additional lyrics), Ian Segarra (director), Gio Gahol (choreographer), Julio Garcia (set designer), David Esguerra (lighting designer), Haps Constantino (sound designer), and JayLo Conanan (costume designer).
Produced by PETA, Indie.Go Media, and co-presented by Dunkin’, this is a show you won’t want to miss. Secure your tickets at TicketWorld.com.ph: tinyurl.com/WalangArayTickets. For group bookings and bulk ticket inquiries, reach out to Mitch Go at 0917-539-1112 or drop an email to petatheater@gmail.com. Stay updated by following PETA’s socials: @petatheater.
The 13th Likhang Habi Market Fair, organized by the HABI: Philippine Textile Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of endemic threads, textiles, and fabrics, is back for another exciting year. With the theme World of Woven Wonders, this highly anticipated event brings together more than 70 artisans, craftsmen, and designers for a three-day event on October 13 – 15, 2023 at the Palm Drive and Glorietta Activity Center, Glorietta Mall in Makati City.
The 13th edition of the annual fair promises to be bigger and better than ever before, with vendors of established as well as upcoming brands coming from NCR, the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Central Luzon, the Bicol Region, Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) Cagayan Valley, Ilocos, the Visayas, Zamboanga, Davao, the Caraga Region, Northern Mindanao and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Vendors will showcase handcrafted products ranging from exquisite textiles, fashionable shoes made from sustainable materials, limited edition bags, fashion accessories, contemporary home decor, and stunning jewelry pieces. This diverse array of products reflects the incredible craftsmanship and creativity that defines Philippine culture.
The Likhang Habi Fair serves as a fundraising event for the organization. Alongside grants from private and government entities, the proceeds from this event play a pivotal role in funding projects aimed at preserving, promoting, and propagating endemic threads and textiles. By creating sustainable connections with designers, distributors, and other market agents, the organization ensures that cultural arts and practices are preserved in the face of rapid globalization.
Adding to the vibrant atmosphere of Habi Fair will be captivating art installations by the renowned multimedia visual artist, Paul Jatayna. Attendees can expect to have a better appreciation for the detailed beauty and craftsmanship of endemic textiles through his unique creations that bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, echoing the core values of the fair.
One of the highlights of this year’s Habi Fair is the exhibit of submitted entries to the Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving and the Eloisa Hizon Gomez Abaca Weaving competitions. These competitions showcase the exceptional skills of local artisans and weavers who work with piña and abaca fabrics. The winning entries for both competitions will be announced on October 14 and 15, respectively. The Likhang Habi Market Fair 2023 is a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the vibrant culture of the Philippines while supporting local communities and artisans. Whether you are a textile enthusiast, a fashion lover, or simply curious about the rich heritage of the Philippines, the Habi Fair is an event not to be missed.
This year, the Likhang Habi Market Fair will feature the following exhibitors:
The Likhang Habi Market Fair is supported by the generous contributions of the Philippine Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Marubeni Philippines Corporation, Glorietta Mall Ayala Center, Union Bank of the Philippines, Holiday Inn & Suites, S&R, Emerging Power Inc., AY Foundation, Asia Brewery, and media partners DZRH, RPN DYKB-Bacolod.
For more information about the Likhang Habi Market Fair, visit the HABI: Philippine Textile Council website: www.habiphilippinetextilecouncil.com or their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram: @HABICouncil.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines, through its Visual Arts and Museum Division, presents “Bisita Planeta,” an interactive generative audio composition that can only be listened to in its contrapuntal entirety online, via the 21st Century Art Museum (21AM) website, starting September 21, 2023, running until 2024.
The exhibit is the second commissioned work for CCP’s 21AM, created by sound artist Tad Ermitaño who is a key figure in new media art in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Starting his practice in the late 1980s, he co-founded the media collective Children of Cathode Ray, along with Jing Garcia, Regiben Romana, Magyar Tuason, Blums Borres, and Peter Marquez. Children of Cathode Ray (CCR) was one of the first experimental sound art groups in the Philippines.
Ermitaño graduated from the Philippine Science High School in 1981, studied Zoology at the University of Hiroshima, and finished a philosophy degree from the University of the Philippines. He trained in video and film production at the Mowelfund Film Institute. His works incorporate artist-created circuits, computer programs, and physical machinery in performances and installations. Notable among his interactive installations are Quartet, (SG 2008); Gangsa (SG 2013); Twinning Machine (SG 2014); and Uwang, (Art Fair Philippines 2015).
Emerging as an artistic response to the inevitable intersection of the digital and the tangible, Bisita Planeta echoes its mission of multi-locality and its conceptual direction of enabling artistic explorations that probes art’s bordered categories, specifically in this work that combines music, sculpture, mechanical, and digital technologies, performance and interactivity.
From the excerpt of the exhibition text: at its essence, Bisita Planeta serves as an artistic venture delving into the intricate interplay between human interactions and the auditory landscapes that manifest across both physical and digital worlds.
This project encompasses a dual facet – physical and virtual. The physical dimension comprises four musical instrument artworks that transmit sounds to the internet. As the instruments send live audio over the internet to the Bisita Planeta website, each instrument is hosted at a physical location that is open to the public.
Playing different parts of a composition, the automated instruments are placed in the Bulwagang Roberto Chabet at the 3/F Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez (CCP Blackbox Theater), the Parola UP Fine Arts Gallery at UP Diliman, the Alitaptap Art Café at the Alitaptap Artists Community (AAC) in Amadeo, Cavite City, and the Linangan Art Residency in Alfonso, Cavite.
Anyone who is inclined to do so may visit, inspect and listen to the machine in situ. This mechanism adds aspects of pilgrimage and collection to the work, encouraging members of the audience to visit its distributed, far-flung machines as proof of having completed the set of possible visitations. This aspect of a physical pilgrimage is what the title refers to, the other half being the website, where all the parts played by all the instruments may be listened to simultaneously.
The virtual facet embodies a 3D game-like website, a portal where these sonic transmissions converge and resonate simultaneously. Visitors can explore the virtual worlds via their phones or laptops and discover information about the real-world locations of these sonic transmissions. The artist encourages the viewer to go on an “auditory pilgrimage,” tracing the sources of music while reflecting on how we experience social interactions online and/or offline.
Bisita Planeta juxtaposes the real world as perceived by our senses to the virtual world also presenting for the audience’s inspection and meditation some of the ways the two reflect and intersect. The title alludes to the fantasy/science-fiction trope of space-time wormholes/portals to other worlds and planets, while also referencing the Filipino practice of Visita Iglesia.
“The work is a metaphor and a robotic embodiment of the intersection of the real, physical, world, and the virtual environment to which so many of our social interactions have been moved since the recent pandemic forced us all to distance ourselves physically from one another,” said Ermitaño.
Visitors can participate in an unrepeatable experience, dependent on the space delimited by their bodies, and on the “now-line” of the present moment.
The 21st Century Art Museum (21AM) is a digital museum built to enable contemporary artists to engage in the structure itself and the repercussions of cyberspace on human life as Filipino. It is the CCP museum that seeks to enhance the intellectual, aesthetic, and community-building possibilities inherent in the consolidation of the CCP’s visual arts, ethnographic, ethnomusicological, scenographic articles from performative traditions, and other art-associated articles into a single collection that is provocative of contemporary artmaking.
This museum theorizes, enlivens, and sustains multiple contemporary art practices and trajectories, in particular relation to the perspective set, firstly, by the performative contexts of many artworks and instruments in its collection; and secondly, by the performance-driven activities of the CCP.
21AM acknowledges the fluidity of the boundaries between tangible and intangible heritage; and between objects and performance.
The move to digitally consolidate the Cultural Center of the Philippines Collection was part of its 50th anniversary in 2019, vis-à-vis a project in forming a single database for the visual arts and ethnographic collection. This was done through the introduction of a custom-built system that collects information on materials, processes, relative dates, provenance, among others; to record and catalog the collection, placing the highest importance in the work’s ‘process of making’ within the hierarchy of data.
The repository of the CCP 21st Century Art Museum (21AM) website, a continuing venture, hopes to contain information about and documentation of more than two thousand artworks and ethnographic objects from the collection. To activate engagement, the site has spaces for endeavors that utilizes cyberspace as an alternative venue for exhibition-making, education, discourse, and the archives.
Catch the Bisita Planeta exhibition at the 21am.culturalcenter.gov.ph/en/exhibits and at the four partner art spaces in the Bulwagang Roberto Chabet at the 3/F Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez (CCP Blackbox Theater), the Parola UP Fine Arts Gallery at UP Diliman, the Alitaptap Art Café in Amadeo, Cavite City, and the Linangan Art Residency in Alfonso, Cavite.
Follow the official CCP and CCP VAMD social media accounts in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Visit the CCP website for more information on the center’s shows and productions.
Someone once quipped that artistic practice can be compared to a laboratory: a place to experiment, analyze, discover. True, since artists and scientists are ever-restless lifelong learners, and that a collaborative procedure yields the most fruitful of results.
For Filipino artists from all walks of life, a gallery space has proven to be most welcoming when it comes to unbridled artistic expression and collaboration. Robinsons Land ARTablado has given a platform for these artists to follow their own muses and revel in the simple act of creation and interaction.
The members of the artist group behind the “Colab” exhibition, which is on view until Sept. 30 at the ARTablado space in Robinsons Antipolo, present their recent works while remaining connected to their creative roots.
“Matagal na rin kasi kaming hindi nakakapag-exhibit sa ARTablado,” says Ovidio Espiritu Jr. “The last time was in Robinsons Galleria years ago, kaya naisipan naming mag-organize muli.”
The selection process for participating artists was refreshingly organic. Rather than relying on rigid criteria, the group valued recommendations made by each member. This open-minded approach ensured a diverse array of artistic styles and voices, enabling each artist to showcase their current preoccupation. Having previously exhibited in various galleries across Makati, Quezon City and other places, the artists bring a wealth of experience and innovation to the table.
The artists’ return to ARTablado is not merely motivated by nostalgia but is rooted in their appreciation for the gallery’s unwavering support for both established and emerging talents. The venue itself exudes elegance and offers a visually captivating backdrop for their artwork. However, it’s not just the aesthetics that draw them back; it’s the extensive promotional efforts and post-exhibition assistance provided by ARTablado. The inclusive spirit extends to the audience as well.
Espiritu points out that should any last-minute issues arise, the ARTablado team is always ready to lend a helping hand.
“And most importantly, feel mo ’yung sincere, personal touch ng ARTablado team in dealing with everyone. It’s not just a business; there is a relationship. Very comfortable for us ’yung parang ang tagal ng magkakasama. Minsan may mga concerns along the way, pero madaling napag-uusapan, Very much appreciated naming lahat ang ARTablado.”
“Colab” features the works of Esang Bejasa Adame, Ismael Esber, Jhael Mataverde, Joanne Rebustillo, Lorielito Puserio, Orly Espiritu, Reynaldo J. De la Peña, Rodgie Gapayao, Viel Samaniego, Warlito Gabriel, Ovidio Espiritu Jr. and Ovidio Espiritu III.
Espiritu explains how each of these individuals embody the hard work and sacrifice needed in order to make a life out of art. Art flows through their veins, he says, and even on days when inspiration seems elusive, they return to their craft because it’s an intrinsic part of who they are. Their motivation is driven by the heart and a genuine love for art, not solely by financial gain or the anticipation of sales. They understand that, in the world of art, appreciation and recognition follow those who stay true to their passion. In their eyes, creating art is an expression of the soul, a labor of love that transcends the boundaries of commerce.
These artists are thankful that there is such a space that allows them to pursue their artistic passion. “Karamihan sa amin ay nakapag-exhibit na sa ARTablado, kaya muli kaming bumabalik upang mag-exhibit ulit dahil sa laking suporta ng ARTablado sa mga artists — lalo na sa mga baguhan. Napakaganda rin ng kanilang lugar at eleganteng pagmasdan.”
