Category: Arts & Culture

Hamilton’s Grand Asian Debut: Manila’s Theatrical Revolution Begins

Last night’s exuberant crowd bore witness to the official curtain rise of the Tony, Grammy, Olivier, and Pulitzer Prize winning musical HAMILTON in Manila, preceding its grand opening on Thursday, 21 September. As the city’s theater enthusiasts gathered at The Theatre at Solaire, the air was electric with expectation.

Embracing the Pinoy Spirit

The international tour company couldn’t help but be captivated by the Filipinos’ undying zeal. This fervor has been simmering since the musical’s Manila season announcement back in March. Michael Cassel, the force behind HAMILTON’S international tour, remarked, “Good things come to those who wait, and I know Hamilton’s Filipino fans have been waiting patiently for this moment to arrive. The Manila audiences responded with such warmth, enthusiasm and generosity – we couldn’t be more thrilled and we are ecstatic to bring the revolution to Asia for the very first time.”

From West to East and Beyond

The groundbreaking tour of HAMILTON isn’t just stopping at Manila. It graces The Theatre at Solaire till November, post which there’s no extension. But fans across the globe can rejoice! It’s all set to make waves in Abu Dhabi come January 2024, with more cities to be added to the list.

Eager to be part of this theatrical spectacle? Book your tickets for the Manila and Abu Dhabi shows right away at hamiltonmusical.com/international-tour.

A Legacy of Brilliance

Debuting on Broadway in 2015, HAMILTON has been nothing short of sensational. Garnering accolades like the Tony®, Grammy®, Olivier Awards, and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, it’s set a new bar in theater. An artful mix of hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, this musical reimagines the tale of Alexander Hamilton, a key figure in American history.

The Geniuses Behind the Magic

Spearheaded by the genius of Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wears the hats of lyricist, composer, and writer, the production is a collaborative masterpiece. Supported by director Thomas Kail, choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical maestro Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is adapted from Ron Chernow’s renowned biography. Notably, this creative team previously united for the 2008 Tony Award-winning Best Musical ‘In the Heights’.

Hamilton Brisbane

Crafting the Aesthetic

The visual and auditory delights of HAMILTON are the fruit of meticulous craftsmanship. David Korins takes charge of scenic design, with Paul Tazewell curating the costumes. Lighting wonders are by Howell Binkley, and the auditory experience is fine-tuned by Nevin Steinberg. Charles G. LaPointe perfects the cast’s appearance with impeccable hair and wig design.

Tour and Producers

The world tour of HAMILTON is the collective effort of Jeffrey Seller, Sander Jacobs, Jill Furman, The Public Theater, and Michael Cassel. Its Manila leg owes its grandeur to the collaboration between the Michael Cassel Group and GMG Productions.

For the latest scoops and updates on HAMILTON, bookmark hamiltonmusical.com/international-tour. Alternatively, join the community on Instagram or Facebook.

September 18, 2023
ARTablado Presents Olondrizism

The paintings on display at the ongoing exhibit at ARTablado in Robinsons Galleria are by an artist with a strong faith in a higher power. In fact, when asked who her favorite artist is, Marie Claire Olondriz chose God. “He’s the ultimate artist who created everything… matter, space, time, the entire universe.”

In the years that she has spent honing her painting style, she has come up with canvases awash in color and light. Some of them are of Marian images like Our Lady of Aranzazu and Our Lady Star of the Sea but there are also her floral paintings including a beautiful one of a magnolia flower in full bloom. Another theme is the Madonna and Child although the artist opts to leave their faces blank, inscrutable.

Unlike other painters who utilize both portrait and landscape, Marie Claire’s canvases are all vertical—even one that features a tiny cottage at the bottom of the frame, bluish mountains in the distance.

“I’ve been passionate about art since I was a child. I believe that art is in everything not just in drawing, but in how we do things every day. It’s how we dress, show love, talk, smile, and our dreams. It’s there in what we believe in and how we write. Even in small stuff like arranging things, cooking, and the words we use. Art is all around us,” Marie Claire said.

When she was younger, she would grab a sketch pad and her pencils and draw whatever caught her eye—sketching and coloring based on how she felt.

It taught her to be unafraid of color, of adhering too closely to what colors can be used for certain objects. “Sometimes, if someone asked me to draw something, I’d do it their way,” she said.

Marie Claire came up with her style of painting when she was confined in the hospital. She started out scribbling in her sketch pad which led to continuous circles that initially seemed directionless.

“Later, I expanded this to my paintings, using contrasting colors against the backdrop to create a textured look. What I enjoy is the sense of playfulness these scribbles bring to my art,” she said. “Amidst the sea of realist styles in my art group, mine feels unique. That’s why I began calling it ‘olondrizism,’ after my own name. It reflects my heart and soul when doing art.”

When the time came to pick a title for her ARTablado exhibit, she chose “Obra ni Maria Clara.”

Coming up with new paintings for the exhibit, however, took a while as she struggled with tennis elbow as well as carpal tunnel syndrome, the latter afflicting both hands.

“On top of that, fibromyalgia would give me pain every single day,” she recounted.

She took a break for a while and entertained thoughts she might not be able to meet the deadline. “Instead of having an operation, I tried therapy and kept trusting in God, believing He’d bless this exhibit somehow. I couldn’t let the doctors operate on my hands [because] that would mean no painting for over a month, or maybe even no more painting at all. But I held onto my faith, and after going through therapy and taking some rest, I managed to finish all the paintings I needed for the upcoming exhibit. It’s all thanks to God.”

The exhibit that runs until September 15 will highlight Marie Claire’s take on “the beauty of everyday life, of common things we seldom appreciate.”

The artist is grateful to Roseann Villegas, Corporate Public Relations Director of Robinsons Land Corporation for approaching her after spotting a painting Marie Claire had made for a group show. “It was like a dream come true. I felt overwhelmed. I thanked God because I knew deep down that this was a gift from Him.”

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.

September 1, 2023
ARTablado Presents Dream Line by Arturo Arsega, Jr.

The line drawings of artist Arturo Arsega, Jr. call to mind art class projects where one had to draw faces and figures without lifting the pen or brush from the paper. The end result may look deceptively simple but getting there takes practice and a lot of trial and error.

Arsega makes it look easy even if the journey he took to get to where he is now was not exactly a walk in the park. By his own admission, he wandered into the art scene just three years ago after working for close to a decade in the Middle East.

“I worked as a sales representative in Saudi Arabia until our company closed down. I returned to the Philippines where I got sick and had to be hospitalized and operated on. Sobrang down ako,” Arsega narrated.

Few people know about this chapter in his life. It was during this low point that he turned his attention to the arts. “My only concession to my health predicament then was the time I spent drawing on my own.”

Arsega had long been interested in drawing. As a child of seven, he would draw on whatever he could get his hands on including cartons and paper packaging. Drawing comics was his way of expressing his creativity and letting his imagination run free. The images he would draw often consisted of human faces showing a range of emotions—ecstatic, despondent, frightened, and expectant.

He would return and focus on this decades later after experimenting with landscapes and abstract art. Arsega counts Vincent Van Gogh as a major inspiration not just because of the works of art he would go on to create and belatedly earn recognition for, but also because of his troubled journey as an artist.

His favorite artwork? Spoliarium by Juan Luna.

Arsega’s line drawings may not be as detailed or belabored like Van Gogh’s and Luna’s but he has made them his own. With the addition of a few strokes of paint or a background in a watercolor-like wash, he has come up with his own distinct style.

“My style is a combination of continuous line art emotions and abstract art. I find that I’m able to connect with viewers with this type of artwork,” he said.

Despite no formal training whatsoever, Arsega was able to find his style that resonates with viewers. He said he researched on how best to showcase his talent. In 2020, with the help of an online gallery, he was able to sell his first artwork. It signaled his entry into the art scene.

Since then, Arsega has gone on to hold a solo exhibit with his second solo show opening at ARTablado, Robinsons Galleria this August 16 – 31. He chose to title it “Dream Line” because this has been his dream since he was a kid. “All the lines I drew as a child have led me to this moment, a moment I only used to dream about.”

Visitors will get to see Arsega’s line drawings as well as some of the new artistic styles he has been experimenting on.

“I’m very thankful for being given the chance to exhibit my work at ARTablado, and become a part of their family especially since I’m a fairly new artist,” he said.

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 300 artists.

August 16, 2023
DF Art Agency at Art Moments Jakarta 2023

DF Art Agency is proud to announce its participation as the sole exhibitor from the Philippines in this year’s Art Moments Jakarta, one of the most important art events in Southeast Asia. The event will be held from August 18 to 20 in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Demi Padua_Jestress_48 x 36 inches_2023

The annual international art fair is set to feature 25 galleries from 8 countries for this year’s edition. DF Art Agency’s inclusion in this prestigious event underscores its commitment to promoting and celebrating the unique artistic vision of the Philippines on a global stage.

DF Art Agency is thrilled to showcase a collection of works by Filipino contemporary visual artists including Anna Bautista, Cedrick Dela Paz, Demi Padua, Ian Anderson, Liliana Manahan, Marrie Saplad, Pongbayog, Sean Go, Yanna Guillermo and Taichi Kondo. Each artist brings their distinctive voice and perspective to the forefront, contributing to the rich cultural mosaic of Philippine contemporary art.

Sean Go_Disco Bolt Dragon_24 x 24 inches_acrylic, leather, spray paing and grease pencil on canvas_2023

“I’m excited to be a part of Art Moments Jakarta,” says Filipino pop artist Sean Go. “By participating in global platforms, we are able to foster cross-cultural exchange and enhance the appreciation of Philippine creativity.”

Sean Go is known for his cheeky pop art style that takes inspiration from childhood icons and playfully infuses them with modern pop culture.

Anna Bautista_Of One’s Fruits and their Labor_2023_36 x 48 inches_ acrylic on canvas

“Visitors to Art Moments Jakarta are invited to explore DF Art Agency’s booth to experience firsthand the captivating works that reflect the agency’s commitment to artistic excellence,” says Derek Flores, founder of DF Art Agency. “Our exhibit serves as a testament to the burgeoning creativity within the Philippines and the dynamic role that DF Art Agency plays in nurturing and showcasing these talents.”

For more information about DF Art Agency and its participation in Art Moments Jakarta, please visit https://www.df-artagency.com/ or contact [contact information].

August 16, 2023
Exhibit of feathered fauna also touches on biodiversity

Fresh from a double exhibit held in Los Banos a few months ago, artist Karla Sajona is holding a solo exhibit—her second—at ARTablado in Robinsons Galleria. “Plumage” is a collection of striking and brightly colored paintings of flora and fauna, particularly indigenous and endemic species.

Sajona who is also a visual arts educator creates these intricate pieces, many of which feature pairs of birds preening among leaves and flowers. To further draw attention to these winged creatures, she frames them by painting squares in contrasting colors. She uses assorted media including watercolors, gouache, acrylic paints and colored pencils.

The results are festive and gem-like but there is a deeper reason why she has latched on to this type of fauna. Sajona wants to drive appreciation and interest in local bird life but she also wants Filipinos to become more aware of the need for conservation. In fact, some of the species included in the exhibit have been declared as endangered or near-threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Her paintings and drawings serve as vehicles in educating viewers about the significance to biodiversity. “These are things we often take for granted but if we observe them closely, one cannot un-see the array of lines, patterns, colors and iridescence they radiate,” she said.

With careful strokes and a studied use of color, the artist is able to bring to life some of her favorite feathered friends including sunbirds, hornbills, kingfishers and roosters. There is even a drawing of a peacock and a peahen clad in what appear to be embroidered collars and jeweled neckpieces.

Her introduction to art came at an early age as she was born into a family of artists where both direct and distant relatives earned their keep as painters and crafters.

“As a child, I used to draw princesses, houses, cartoon characters but as I grew older, I leaned toward botanical subjects, landscapes and portraits, and began experimenting with mediums like watercolor, colored pencils and charcoal.”

She finds inspiration in the works of Van Gogh, Monet and Degas—particularly the latter’s ballet dancer series. Among our local artists, she said she honed her technique by studying the works of National Artist Carlos “Botong” Francisco and Vicente Manansala.

Many of Botong’s large-scale paintings have a fantastical, mythical quality and consists of several vignettes while Manansala’s work hews to the idyllic and pastoral.

“My aunt, who also happens to be a painter, was the first one to inspire me to pursue a career in painting. By reading about the lives of Filipino painters, I slowly learned and applied their painting techniques in my own obras. I’ve been practicing my painting style since I was in high school in the ‘90s,” Sajona said.

She’s grateful for the chance to reach a much wider audience with her “Plumage” exhibit at ARTablado which runs from Aug.1 to Aug. 15. “ARTablado offers great opportunities to artists who wish to make a name in society. Having my second solo show here will be a huge breakthrough in my career. The exhibit offers a wide range of lively and vibrant feasts of avian wildlife. If you’re a nature enthusiast, this is the perfect event to visit!”

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 300 artists.

August 4, 2023
Aileen Lanuza and Kaayo Mindanao Artisans Weave The Threads Of Our Histories In Latest Solo Exhibition

This August, contemporary visual artist Aileen Lanuza unveils flourishing tapestries in her latest collection, entitled “A Symphony of Roots”. This solo exhibition will have its opening reception on August 9, Wednesday, 5 pm at Galerie Stephanie, located on the 4th floor of Shangri-la Plaza East Wing, Mandaluyong City.

The resplendent tune of shared memories once whispered in the shade of grand narratives resonates in the works of Lanuza, a reminder of the bonds that transcend time and place. For the artist, they are stories we continue to tell and live today—and such is how the story of the Filipina is vested in the Maria Clara.

Working closely with Mindanaoan artisans of Kaayo, a collective dedicated to telling our woven stories, Lanuza hearkens back to our roots, using indigenous weaves from tribes across the region in her compositions. Founded in 2016 by mother-daughter Mary Ann “Baby” Montemayor and Margarita Nograles, clothing line Kaayo brings Mindanaoan weaving heritage to the world, collaborating with women from the T’boli, B’laan, Mandaya, Bagobo Tagabawa, Tagakaolo, and Ata Manobo tribes to raise awareness of, preserve, and reimagine their individual weaving methods and traditions.

Each thread, each brushstroke traces a strand of a long and rich history, woven into symphonic tapestries. Each creation carries the weight of ages past, a tale of triumph and struggle, that echoes through time.

“I share the same passion as Kaayo has, in maintaining our roots and bringing forth our custom indigenous weaves that are inherently Filipino,” Lanuza shares. “It is important for me in my works to highlight the best of what we are, maintaining our identity and always, bearing the power to be who we are.”

Strong, grounded, proud, and unshakeable, these are the women that Lanuza portrays in her works while continuing to embrace the ever-evolving cadence of the world we now live in.

Relating her experiences as a modern Filipina, Lanuza delineates a heritage that is not just a relic of the past, but whose tune we always carry, resounding in everything we do and constantly redefining who we are and can be. Her signature floral compositions follow the movement, form, and eloquence of the Maria Clara, capturing its timelessness, its quiet intensity, and the enduring flourish of its beauty. As she composes this symphony of roots, the pieces interweave destinies of those who hear its call.

Aileen Lanuza (b. 1981) entered the University of the Philippines Diliman to study fine arts majoring in visual communication. Come 2008, she held her first one-man show and has been part of auctions and publications the same year. A prolific artist, Lanuza has shown works in different countries around Asia and North America. Her style has consistently focused on women and the female experience; from realistic Filipinianas and pop art homages, to impressionistic self-portraits and enigmatic figures, she invites her audience to contemplate the emotion and context of her subjects. Depicting both tenderness and strength in one picture is what makes Lanuza one of the most sought-after Filipino contemporary artists today.

“A Symphony of Roots” will be on view from August 9 – 27, 2023. Galerie Stephanie is located on the 4th floor of Shangri-la Plaza East Wing, Mandaluyong City. For more information, you may call (63 2) 7940-5726 or email inquiry.galeriestephanie@gmail.com.

August 1, 2023
What lies on the horizon for Arte Bauan and Arte Likha in ARTablado show

If you peer into the horizon, what do you see? You see light blossoming from an imaginary line. You see all the tomorrows just waiting to be born. You see possibilities. You see hope.

For the members of the two art groups — Arte Bauan and Arte Likha — the horizon symbolizes the boundless human spirit and that unyielding desire for exploration, as well as the breathtaking beauty and incredible diversity of the world around us.

In terms of art, what can be seen on the horizon are the youth, according to artist and Arte Bauan Founding President, YelCast.

There is a need for more experienced art group members to be mentors to those who are next in line. “Igalang at irespeto ang mga artist na nauna.Suportahan ang mga kasabayang nagpipinta.Tulungan at gabayan ang nagsisimula pa lang magpahid ng pintura.Patuloy na ibahagi ang passion at i-serve ito sa mga tao at sa bayan para mas maging meaningful ang buhay nating bilang artist.”

Both young and experienced artists define what is to see beyond the vistas of art in “Horizon,” on view until July 31 at the Robinsons Land ARTablado art space, on the third level of Robinsons Galleria. “Horizon” is the first time that both Batangas-based groups are mounting a joint exhibition in Metro Manila. The experienced hands in Arte Bauan have taken the young up-and-comers in Arte Likha under their wing, so to speak. The participating artists include: Yelcast, Cheyzer Manalo, Sarah Jane Tumambing, Doy Kastilyo Jerwind Magnaye, Ada Panopio, Marigonz, Ruby Bagsit, Marck Ogbac, Dhennis Sigua, MJ Cuasay, Joy Bagay, Kier Insigne, Temyong and Windsor Magnaye.

“We’ve created Arte Likha kasi bawat isa sa amin ay ramdam na maraming bata na gustong maging artist pero kailangan pang i-guide in terms of skills,puso at professionalism. So, parang training ground ito sa mga gustong maging professional artists. Gusto din naming ma-sustain ang mga art projects at advocacy namin. Saka naniniwala talaga kami na ang nasa kabataang artists ang pag-asa ng sining ng bayan.”

Art Bauan — forged by friendship and passion for art, founded by members who share an affinity for art talks and food tripping — was established in 2018 by Yelcast One of the most rewarding and meaningful projects of Arte Bauan is the founding of its young art group, Arte Likha, in 2020. Arte Bauan initiated this during the pandemic, gathering young artists in Bauan and nearby municipalities who wholeheartedly share the same passion ideas and artistic value as the members of Arte Bauan. Through its Arte Bauan Calendar Project (“Sa Pagsikat ng Bagong Umaga”), Arte Bauan has provided Arte Likha members with free art materials and exposed them to art exhibits, campaigns and conventions.

Arte Bauan and Arte Likha chose ARTablado as the venue for their exhibition because they believe in ARTablado’s core principles and advocacy: to support Filipino artists from all walks of life. “Magandang ang pangarap ng ARTablado para sa art scene ng Pilipinas. Kaya para sa amin, mahalaga na i-connect namin ang aming grupo sa ARTablado na may puro at magandang adhikain para sa sining ng Pilipinas. Bakit kami bumalik sa ARTablado para mag-show? Actually, hindi kami bumalik kasi palagi kaming nasa ARTablado. Naghanda lamang kami para maisabay namin sa exhibit ang mga inaakay namin sa mundo ng sining.”

The people behind Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) believe in the ingenuity and artistry of Filipinos. RLC has allocated spaces in Robinsons Galleria (Ortigas) and Robinsons Antipolo to hold exhibitions for art practitioners who deserve to showcase their hard work, grit and perseverance. ARTablado’s impact has been instantaneous for members of the art community who have been pining for a platform where every artist — young or old, established or up-and-coming. A much welcome development in the local art scene.

For the “Horizon” show, each of the artworks unveils a “narrative that encapsulates the essence of man’s quest for adventure.” Art, after all, is in itself a sort of quest. And artistic quests and advocacies often benefit from people and organizations with like minds and same intentions.

“Our goal is to showcase our art and our talent to a wider audience. So, we tried to find networks and avenues to connect to the world. (We got the help we need from) Kunst Filipino (2021 Banaag Presidential Awardee) and, very recently, Rotary Club of Hearts (Helping Empowerment through Arts and Sports). These are two organizations that are also into promoting art in the global arena. And with the help of these two groups, we were able to send Arte Bauan artists to Europe to showcase their skills.”

What lies on the horizon for members of Arte Bauan and Arte Likha? More paintings, much discussions about art, and the start of a journey from ARTablado and onto the world stage.

July 28, 2023
Aleron Shine Anew With ‘For Light, I Close My Eyes’

All-male choral ensemble Aleron serenades in a two-act music concert, dubbed “For Light, I Close My Eyes,” slated on July 30, 2023, 7pm, at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater), and August 5, 2023, 7pm, at Areté, Ateneo de Manila University, The Doreen Black Box.

Directed by Floy Quintos, the 2-act choral feature will explore the struggles and joys of love, loss, life, and death. With a mission to give voice to human experiences, Aleron will be performing classic and modern pieces such as Five Ways to Kill a Man (2008), The Bishop and the Pagan (1992), Excerpt from Urlicht (1894), Inganni dell’umanità (1705), The Singing Apes of Khao Yai (1991), and Ang Hamon ng Buhay (2023). This concert will feature a total of 11 choral pieces, with piano accompaniment by Clement Acevedo, D.M.A.

Aleron began its humble roots in Quezon City as a passion project amongst friends and alumni of the Ateneo de Manila High School Glee Club in 2006. Since then, the ensemble has evolved into a community of like-minded musicians and professionals from a myriad of fields, reaping top honors in international competitions like the First Prize at the 1st Andrea O. Veneracion International Choral Festival in Manila (2013), the Grand Prize at the 10th Busan International Choral Festival in Korea (2014), the Over- all Winner at the 31st Takarazuka International Chamber Chorus Competition in Japan (2015), the First Prize in the 10th Mainhausen International Choir Competition in Germany (2017) and two 1st Prizes in the 2nd Limburger Männerchor Festival in Germany (2019). Aleron is also named an Ani ng Dangal awardee by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

Leading Aleron is choral director and voice teacher Christopher Arceo. His notable stints in the choral field include singing for the San Francisco Choral Artists under Magen Salomon and the Grammy-award winning San Francisco Symphony Chorus under Ragnar Bohlin. Under his leadership, Aleron has presented concert programs that sought to be relevant through creative innovation. In 2017, Aleron was given the opportunity to present its program as the featured Filipino choir at the World Choral Symposium for Choral Music in Barcelona, Spain. In 2019, he was featured as the first non-European guest conductor at the Svenska Kyrkans Gosskörsförening, taking Aleron with him to this annual gathering of male choirs in Sweden.

Co-presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines, tickets are priced at Php1000 and can be purchased via the CCP Box Office and Ticketworld.

Visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) for more information. Follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tiktok for the latest updates.

July 27, 2023
MaArte at The Pen Goes Full Bloom to Keep Filipino Artistry and Craftsmanship Thriving

MaArte Fair, the much-awaited fundraising event by non-profit Museum Foundation of the Philippines Inc. (MFPI), is set to make its biggest comeback this coming August 4, 5 and 6. Happening at The Peninsula Manila, the elegant exhibit is the most extensive in the show’s history, gathering together over 100 artists and artisans in a sophisticated display of solidarity and commitment towards helping everyone in the community by celebrating local talents and creativity.

“We are so blessed to receive such a huge support from local artists and artisans,” shares Danny Jacinto, Museum Foundation of the Philippines, Inc.’s President. “Over the years, MaArte Fair has made a name for itself as a destination where collectors, connoisseurs, and fans of local culture can get their hands on rare and beautiful pieces of jewelry, apparel, accessories, and scents. Thankful as we are for this, we want everyone to know that MaArte Fair has so much more to offer. From exquisite delicacies to pottery, leather and—very skillfully made—furniture, this year’s three-day event will give attendees a better idea of just how big and great the local artist and artisan community is, and how their love for their craft translates to the quality of their work.”

Representatives from Museum Foundation of the Philippines, organizers of MaArte at The Pen. From left to right (standing) Trustee Miko Liwanag, Vice President Gemma Cruz Araneta, President Danny Jacinto, Treasurer Max Ventura, Trustee Ivan Man Dy, former Board member Atty. Reggie Dimacuha, Trustee Melvin Mangada, Trustee Blen Fernando. (Seated) Executive Director Tanya Pico, Executive Assistants Elvie Magpayo and Grace Amanon, member Board of Corporate Secretary Atty. Dominador Buhain, former Board member Phyllis Zaballero

With the theme “In Full Bloom”, MaArte Fair 2023 will occupy The Peninsula Manila’s Rigodon Ballroom, 5^th and 7^th floors. Yes, that’s a total of three floors dedicated to the exhibit! Those accompanying their friends and family to the event can relax and have a drink at The Mantuary, which is located at the iconic hotel’s Balagtas Function Room. The courtyard will also host serve as host to a mini exhibition of plants and flowers as well as Philippine-made motorcycles.

Those looking forward to this year’s MaArTea Talks can head over to the famous Salon de Ning and check out MaArte Fair’s Instagram account for schedules.

“Needless to say, we went all out this year. We did our best because we believe that the Filipino artistry and craftsmanship deserve nothing less. At the end of the day, we would like to remind everyone that MaArte Fair is a fundraiser, and every purchase you make not only helps the artist you’re buying from, but the community as a whole—because a portion of the profit goes into helping us fund our initiatives that are geared towards preservation of our identity as a nation,” ends Jacinto.

Board of Trustees of Museum Foundation of the Philippines. From left to right (standing): Museum Foundation Trustee Miko Liwanag, The Peninsula Manila Director of Brand Communications Mariano Garchitorena, Museum Foundation Executive Director Tanya Pico, President Danny Jacinto, Treasurer Max Ventura, Trustee Ivan Man Dy, former Board member Atty. Reggie Dimacuha, Trustee Melvin Mangada, Milo Bondoc (Seated) Museum Foundation Trustess Blen Fernando, Vice President Gemma Cruz Araneta, Corporate Secretary Atty. Dominador Buhain, former Board member Phyllis Zaballero

Some of the exhibitors to watch out for this year include: luxury handmade accessories brand by mother-daughter trio Becky, Amina and Rosanna Aranaz, Aranáz; proudly Filipino specialty clothing company,

Filip + Inna; Visayas-based fashion and home décor curator, Disenyo Del Sur, and; Shepard Life Goods, a family-run, life goods company dedicated to providing high-quality products that are both natural and sustainable.

Some of this year’s MaArte at The Pen exhibitors. From left to right (Standing) Filip + Inna Founder and Creative Director Lenora A. Cabili, The Peninsula Manila’s Grace Lim, Disenyo

Godel, a brand of chocolate whose main goal is to uplift the local chocolate industry. They do this by introducing modern solutions to every aspect of the supply chain–from farming to production, packaging, etc.

Life Goods Shepard is a Cebu-based family-run company dedicated to providing high-quality products that are both natural and sustainable. They offer personal care and home care products that are made from 90% locally and sustainably sourced ingredients.

Len Cabili, founder of Filip+Inna, showcases some of their latest works. Filip+Inna is famous for creating breathtakingly beautiful pieces using ancient techniques of weaving, embroidery, and beadwork from different indigenous groups of the Philippines.

F.A.B. (Fashion+Art+Business) Creatives joins this year’s MaArte at The Pen to help provide their young artists a venue to showcase their beautiful designs.

PiDo’s Garden Designs is known for growing a wide range of rare plant varieties like Monsteras, Philodendrons, and various types of Fortune Plants. Each one is groomed into showpieces that would surely provide any garden an instant facelift.

Disenyo Del Sur, a Cebu-based company that was founded out of the desire to connect, collaborate, co-create and communicate a sense of community among women in the South. The accessories and clothing they create are intended to help modern women integrate local arts craftsmanship into everyday life.

Through funds raised from MaArte Fair, the Museum Foundation has helped provide study grants to deserving individuals, fund shows and workshops that promote the Philippines’ native art and culture, and support projects of the National Museum and museums across the country. Most notably, the organization funded the restoration of Juan Luna’s world famous painting, La Bulaqueña, as well as major renovations done at the National Museum of Fine Arts and the National Museum of Natural History.

MaArte Fair at The Pen will be held from August 4 to 6, 2023. Admission is free. For more information, guests may follow Museum Foundation of the Philippines’ you may visit their Instagram at

MUSEUM FOUNDATION MAARTE FAIR or visit their website at museumfoundationph.org

#BeMaArte
#MuseumFoundation
#PenMoments

July 27, 2023
CCP, Andrea O. Veneracion Sing Phils. Foundation Welcome The Sing Phils. Youth Choir Batch 4

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), through its Cultural Exchange Department (CED) and the Andrea O. Veneracion Sing Philippines Foundation welcome the Sing Philippines Youth Choir (SPYC) Batch 4 composed of 39 choristers from 24 provinces and local communities nationwide.

From July 19 to 23, 2023, the SPYC batch 4 will be in Manila to undergo a week-long music camp under the mentorship of Philippine Madrigal Singers (MADz) choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio and other choral music experts. They will also have a special participation in the MADz concert as part of the AOV International Choral Festival on July 23 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati City.

First organized and launched in 2014, the first batch of SPYC was participated by fifty (50) choristers from 19 provinces across the country who underwent a professional week-long music camp under Carpio. The Sing Philippines movement brings to life National Artist Andrea O. Veneracion’s vision of a nation singing in harmony and united in songs. The second batch was organized in 2016 which added a new set of 50 singers from 26 provinces, the third batch in 2018 had 51 singers from 37 provinces/cities. In 2019, a tour group that was organized from the first 3 batches competed and won 2nd Prize and Gold Diploma for the Classical Mixed & Equal Category and Gold Diploma in the Ethnic Category in the 2022 Busan International Choral Festival and Competition.

Batch 4, which was organized during the pandemic last year, underwent virtual training and performance. This year, they will finally get the chance to make music together face-to-face. Some of them expressed their excitement for the music making together and what the camp will give them as artists and individuals:

Two things: the appreciation of the value and beauty of discipline, and the joy of creating beautiful pieces of art alongside people with whom I share the same aspirations that facilitate peace, love, and unity.

-Jeannard Ticong, tenor, Baguio City-

Art loses meaning when it does not connect with hearts and souls. This music camp will give me a better view and a richer understanding of this wonderful reality.

-Rene Derek Joseph Inapan, Cebu City, Bass-

The F2F Music Camp and Performance gives a significant privilege of sharing the beauty of actual vibrations. Beyond that, choral singing is honing deeper all the dimensions of man (physical, sociopolitical, emotional, spiritual) especially now that we are giving rebirth after the pandemic the unending quest of developing excellence through music making.

-Alshamir Bryan Arripudin, alto, Zamboanga City-

The daily music camp sessions of the SPYC Batch 4 will be held at the Prajna Hall of the Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple (FGSMT) in Manila. The FGSMT has been an active partner and supporter of CCP especially its outreach and cultural exchange programs. Last 2022, they also hosted the SPYC Tour group before they competed in Korea and the annual Kutitap, multi-arts camp for indigenous children.

To date, the SPYC has 213 singers from 56 local communities all over the country.

July 21, 2023