Embark on a journey into the mind of Jasper Castro, a Filipino contemporary artist who has bravely utilized her diagnosis of bipolar disorder as a transformative force in her artwork. Beginning her turbulent relationship with mental health as early as age 4, Castro’s path to her artistic awakening was laden with challenges.
“The Artist is Alive,” her latest art exhibit, is a testament to her strength and resilience. Far from reducing her creative spirit, her bipolar disorder has become an unpredictable muse. The exhibit is a multi-sensorial exploration of the bipolar experience, vibrating with the vivid creativity and insatiable curiosity that punctuate Castro’s own life.
Please note, some artworks may contain moderate swear words and sexual content, reflecting the complex and sometimes tumultuous ideas from which they were born. Yet, through her art, Castro affirms her femininity and strength, neither of which are diminished by her scars or illness.
Her artistic journey transcends her personal narrative to spotlight intersectional issues such as socio-economic class, employment opportunities, discrimination, and public healthcare, particularly within the mental health sector in a third-world country setting like the Philippines.
Join Jasper Castro as she boldly declares, “I am alive.”
“The Artist is Alive” will be exhibited from June 7 to 30 at the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Gallery in Manila. The opening reception on June 7th, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., will be followed by a guided tour. Don’t miss the special mental health event on June 17th at 10 a.m. Follow @jasperhannahart on Instagram for the latest updates on the exhibition.
The NCCA Gallery is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Mondays to Sundays. For further details, call (632) 8527 2192 loc. 309, or email gallery@ncca.gov.ph.
ART HOUSE, a dynamic multi-channel creative platform, breathes new life into Philippine art and culture. Championing a refreshing perspective, it weaves a colorful tapestry of mediums, collaborations, and partnerships that intricately link creativity to purposeful endeavors. Each unique exhibition, auction, or show that ART HOUSE curates intentionally serves to fuel conversations on topics like environmental preservation, sustainability, and nation-building. Through its diverse offerings that span retail, travel and developmental initiatives, ART HOUSE also endeavors to reach out to audiences beyond the walls of an art gallery or exhibition space.
This May, ART HOUSE pays homage to the life and works of Philippine National Artist and cubist painter, Vicente Manansala. The exhibit, aptly dubbed Alab, will run from May 25 to 28 at the North Court of Power Plant Mall. It will showcase the work of 15 trailblazing visual artists whose works pay tribute to the master and father of Transparent Cubism. Pieces on exhibit will include paintings, sculptures and objets d’art.
Anita Del RosarioEdgar DoctorJC IntalJoemarie Sanclair
The 26th of May, will mark an NFT auction, done in collaboration with Artifract, an Asian fine arts NFT pioneer. It will take place on the 38th Floor of Rockwell Center’s Manansala Building from 5PM-9PM. Digital artworks on the auction block will showcase rare, artist-proof, privately-owned artworks by Vincente Manansala that have never been put on exhibit or circulated commercially.
ART HOUSE Chief Executive Officer, Juan Carlos Pineda, explains, “Through these NFTs, collectors get a chance to own a piece of these private artworks that would otherwise not be accessible to the public.”
Pieces by MANANSALA selected for NFT minting provide an intimate look into the life and times of the master–as a friend, contemporary, grandfather, student, and finally, a prime mover of abstractionism and transparent cubism in the Philippine contemporary art scene.
Participation will require a Php 3,000 registration fee, which is consumable during the event. Every registration also serves as a single entry to the Artifract X Arthouse raffle, where winners get the chance to win an NFT tile complete with Giclee fine art print, and Certificate of Authentication.
Artifract X Art House Auction Night featuring Manansala NFTs happens on May 26 5PM at the 38th floor of the Manansala Building, Rockwell Drive, Rockwell Center. To find out more, follow our IG @thearthouse_ & FB @thearthouseph.
As the Virgin Labfest (VLF) turns 18, it celebrates this milestone with 12 new plays from both veteran and upcoming playwrights. From June 7 to 25, 2023, the festival will take place at its brand-new home, the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Blackbox Theater). With the theme “Hitik,” the 18th VLF promises to overflow with new and exciting collaborations between veteran and virgin directors, designers, and actors.
A Diverse Lineup of Plays
Following the theme “Hitik,” the festival is filled to the brim with new and exciting collaborations with veteran and virgin directors, designers and actors. VLF 18 opens the curtains with four thematic sets of new one-act plays – Adulting 101 (Set A), REBELasyon (Set B), Y.O.LO. (Set C) and Muwang (Set D). We also bring back one set of revisited plays (Hinog / Set E), and two sets of staged readings.
Set A: Adulting 101 features: “O” by Raymund Barcelon, to be directed by Missy Maramara; “Regine: The Fairy Gaymother” by Chuck D. Smith collaborating with director Mark Daniel Dalacat, and “10 To Midnight” by playwright Juliene Mendoza and director Sarah Facuri.
Set B: REBELasyon is composed of “Ang Awit ng Dalagang Marmol” by playwright Andrew Estacio and director Nazer Salcedo; “Dominador Gonzales: National Artist” by playwright Dingdong Novenario and director George De Jesus; and “Tuloy Ang Palabas” by playwright Layeta Bucoy and director Tuxqs Rutaquio.
Set C: Y.O.L.O. brings to the stage “Room 209” by playwright Zheg Arban to be directed by Delphine Buencamino; “Hukay” by playwright Ophalain Margaux Serrano and director Melvin Lee; and “Mga Halimaw Rin Kami” by playwright Jules Pamisa and director Tat Soriano.
Plays in Set D: Muwang are: “Hawaii, Here We Come!” by playwright Shenn Apilado, directed by Mark Mirando; “O’Donnell” by playwright Jerry O’Hara and director Issa Manalo Lopez; and “Ang Tuyom” by playwright Marjay Manalastas and director Gio Potes.
Three plays from the 2022 edition of the theater festival will be revisited in Set E: Hinog, comprised of “Nay May Dala Akong Pansit” by playwright Juan Ekis and director Karl Jingco; “Punks Not Dead” by playwright Andrew Bonifacio Clete and director Roobak Valle and “Fermata” by playwright Dustin Celestino and director Antonette Go-Yadao.
After three years, the staged readings make a comeback this year, featuring the back-to-basics reading performances of selected scripts from the VLF18 submissions. For Staged Reading Set 1, “My Lover’s Presscon” by playwright Ross Manicad and director Katreen Dela Cruz back-to-back with “Kamay Ng Orasan” by playwright Marc Noesis Marquez and director Eljay Castro Deldoc.
Set 2 of Staged Readings features “Sino Ang Pumatay Kay Mr. Masangkay?” by playwright U Z. Eliserio and director Rolando T. Inocencio, and “TBT: Takbo, Batang Tondo” from playwright Mikaella Yoj B. Sanchez and director Chic San Agustin.
More Than Just Plays
Aside from the Staged Readings, the festival will also host Theater Talks featuring speakers on topics of interest to theater actors, practitioners, and enthusiasts. Plus, a Playwrights’ Fair will be held, where both young and veteran playwrights will share their experiences and writing journeys. The Staged Readings, Theater Talks, and Playwrights’ Fair will take place at the VLF Lounge at the TIG Basement, and these events are free to the public.
The Dynamic Duo Behind the Scenes
Under the leadership of festival directors Tess Jamias and Marco Viaña, theater fans can expect brave new works that showcase Filipino sensibilities and creativity. Established in 2005, VLF is a collaborative project of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, The Writer’s Bloc, and Tanghalang Pilipino.
Join the Celebration
For tickets and other inquiries, contact the CCP Box Office at salesandpromotions@culturalcenter.gov.ph. Stay updated by following the official CCP, VLF, Writer’s Bloc, and Tanghalang Pilipino social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tiktok. Don’t miss the chance to be part of the exciting new chapter of the Virgin Labfest!
A Colorful Comeback: “RED” by John Logan Returns to Manila
The Necessary Theatre’s critically acclaimed and award-winning production of RED by John Logan is making a triumphant return to Manila this June 2023, a decade after its celebrated 2013 run.
A Bold Reimagining with Seasoned Stars
Helmed once again by Bart Guingona as both director and actor, the limited 10-show run from June 9 to 18, RED will take place at the PETA Theater Center, featuring the talents of some of the industry’s most promising theater designers. This production serves as a milestone for Bart Guingona, marking his 40th year in the entertainment industry as he reprises the iconic role of Mark Rothko. Joining him is award-winning theater, TV, and film actor JC Santos, who makes his long-awaited return to the stage as Ken after a three-year absence.
The Perfect Play for a Post-Pandemic Revival
As the artistic director of The Necessary Theatre, Guingona believes RED is the ideal choice for the company’s comeback following the pandemic hiatus. The 90-minute drama is an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of art and the challenges of its creation. With Rothko’s opening question, “What do you see?”, this restaging invites audiences to examine the play even more closely.
A Talented Team of Designers
The production boasts a stellar artistic team, including award-winning film and stage composer Teresa Barrozo handling sound design. Up-and-coming designers Gabo Tolentino and Mark Daniel Dalacat round out the team, with Tolentino taking charge of lighting design and Dalacat serving as the assistant director and production designer.
RED will run on June 9 and 16 at 8:00 PM, and June 10, 11, 17, and 18 at 3:30 PM and 8:00 PM at the PETA Theatre Center. For show buying inquiries, contact Ivy Baggao through mobile at 0915-467-6774, email or visit Ticket2me. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to witness Bart Guingona and JC Santos together on stage in this powerful production of RED.
The Philippines’ first and only organization of illustrators for Children, Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan (Ang INK), will open its annual exhibit titled “At Home” on Thursday, April 13, at Parola: UP Fine Arts Gallery in Quezon City. The exhibit opening will be followed by a public reception on Saturday, April 15.
Featuring 60 house-shaped art pieces in various digital and traditional media, the exhibit presents a behind-the-scenes look at the home life of Ang INK members or “Inkies”. The collection also showcases various interpretations of what “home” means to Inkies or what “home” could be like.
Viel Vidal’s “Safe Safe Space Space”Mickey Velarde’s “Shelter”May Tobias-Papa’s “Clingy”
“It is where the heart is, but sometimes, also where the ‘asar’ is,” say the Inkies. “Life at home is complex and nuanced. More than shelter, the home is witness to myriad activities, experiences, and memories.” Among the works are Viel Vidal’s “Safe Safe Space Space”, which spotlights a figure who appears to be dreaming while reclining comfortably with closed eyes. Mickey Velarde’s “Shelter” depicts several dogs of various breeds at play indoors. “Clingy” by May Tobias-Papa zooms in on a child enfolded by kisses of his parents.
Jomike Tejido’s “The Maker’s Space”Angela Taguiang’s “You Feel Like Home”Tiny Sison’s “Forever Home”
Jomike Tejido’s “The Maker’s Space” is a non-representational mixed media piece while Angela Taguiang’s “You Feel Like Home” is a conceptual portraiture piece rendered in an analogous palette. “Furever Home” by Tinay Sison features a multi-panel narrative highlighting vignettes from the life of a cheerful pet owner.
Kim Santiago’s “Salubong”Benedict Reyna’s “Batkivshina”Rex Aguilar’s “Growing Home”
Kim Santiago’s “Salubong” is a vibrantly coloured illustration that presents frisky pets welcoming their owner who has just come home. “Batkivshina” by Benedict Reyna shows a solitary figure in a steampunk-esque sleeping area who seems to be communing with spirits, while Rex Aguilar’s “Growing Home” is a multimedia collage with delicately cut-out trees.
Ian Reverente’s “Uwian Na”Liz Ranola’s “Home is Anywhere the Fam is”Patricia Ramos’ “After School Special”
Ian Reverente’s “Uwian Na”, a playful digital art depicting comic book references to a “Baston of Destiny”, “Blazing Tsinelas” and “Striking Walis Tambo”. Liz Ranola’s bold black, white and red rendering of “Home is Anywhere the Fam is” shows a cheerful family with pets, while Patricia Ramos’ “After School Special” focuses on a student who has just come home sharing a snack with her dog.
“After being away, a taste of home is delicious and a glimpse of home can be very precious,” they add. “We can welcome people into our home for some company or choose to shut the door if some solitude is in order. We can be ourselves, wear our rattiest clothes, make a mess, and just be ‘at home’.”
Mini Art Fair and Panel Discussions
Held in conjunction with the exhibit will be a series of panel discussions and a mini art fair offering books, artworks and craftproducts produced by Inkies.
The art fair also takes place on Saturday, April 15 at 12PM together with a panel discussion 1 to 3PM on “What makes a good picture book?” Moderated by Zeus Bascon, the discussion features publisher Frances Ng, librarian and storyteller Zarah Gagatiga; Adman, children’s book author and comics creator Russell Molina, and illustrator Fran Alvarez.
The panel discussion on “The Artist as Storyteller: How Illustrations Shape Stories” is set for 12NN on Friday, April 18. Moderated by Liza Flores and Rommel Joson, the discussion features “Ang Batang Papet” illustrator Angela Taguiang, “Tintin’s Birthday Party” illustrator Marcus Nada, “Tapak! Tapon! Tama!” illustrator CJ Reynaldo, and “Ang Unang Engkantada” illustrator Jap Mikel.
“Elsewhere: Philippine Children’s Illustration within the Global Landscape”, a panel discussion moderated by Isa Nazareno, will be held on Saturday, April 29. The discussion features writer and reading advocate, Xi Zuq; writer and children’s storybook development specialist, Al Santos; and illustrator Bianca Lesaca.
These are the questions that were explored in the touring exhibit of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, titled Woman: Thesis and Antithesis. Curated by Yuchengco Museum director Jeannie Javelosa, the exhibit featured artworks that highlight women as subject matter, and celebrated women artists amidst the evident gender divide in the field of visual arts in the Philippines. The exhibit was divided into two sections: the Women in Society collections displayed at the ground floor, and the Women Expressions exhibited at the third floor of Yuchengco Museum.
The Women in Society collection chronicled women’s various roles in society while stimulating the critical thinking of audiences of whether women are represented properly over time. Meanwhile, in the Women Expressions collection, arts have become an extension of women’s expressions on particular issues they face amidst the patriarchal society. Consisting of different feminist overtones, some artworks militantly advocate for shifts and changes in their roles as women and how they are perceived.
The exhibit is part of the CCP touring exhibit series and also marks its first collaboration with the Yuchengco Museum in Makati City.
“For the next three years, the CCP is going to be closed and we are delighted that we have friends just like the Yuchengco Museum with whom we can work so that the CCP can continue its activities in the performing arts, visual arts, literary arts, and the other elements of culture and the arts with which we deal,” said CCP chairperson Jaime C. Laya, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to CCP’s partner organizations in helping the 54-year-old institution continue its mission in the promotion and preservation of the Philippine arts and culture.
Yvonne Yuchengco, chairperson of the Yuchengco Museum, Inc, has been delighted to open its doors to CCP while its main building is undergoing rehabilitation. “The Yuchengco Museum is very happy to host this first of many succeeding exhibits, highlighting our culture, our country’s visual arts collection from the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The museum reached out to the CCP when it heard that it would be closed due to renovation. We have been working closely with the CCP team on how our collaboration can showcase the rich art pieces as some of them have been kept stored for some time,” shared chairperson Yuchengco.
The exhibit, in a way, raises the conversation on the prevailing issues on gender gaps among Filipino artists. “In the Philippines, we have 17 Filipino visual artists who were named and conferred the national artist awards, and all of them are male. While the other arts fields such as music, dance, theater, and film, have women national artists, visual arts have always been dominated by male artists. This showed that there has been a huge gender gap to be filled. We as a nation should do something with this gender gap. Woman: Thesis and Antithesis looks at this issue and hopes to start an enriching conversation on the gender divide,” shared CCP trustee Michelle Nikki Junia.
The exhibit runs until June 24, 2023, at the Yuchengco Museum located at the RCBC Plaza, corner Ayala Avenue and Senator Gil J. Puyat Avenue in Makati City. Visiting schedule is Monday to Sunday, from 10am to 6pm.
Entrance fee for adults is Php100, with discounted price of Php50 for students, seniors and PWDs. Free admission days are April 29, May 20, and June 24, when there are public programs.
On April 29, 3pm, there will be an open dialogue on the history of the CCP Visual Arts Collection, as written in the 2018 publication Cultural Cache, and its current status as the CCP 21AM Collection.
Art educators will converse on how the image of the woman is portrayed by artists across different periods in Philippine art history and in different mediums. Using the works featured in the exhibition, guests will discuss common themes and depictions in relation to gender representation in art. The forum will happen on May 20, 3pm.
Selected Thirteen Artists Awards women recipients, who foreground woman and womanhood as subject matter, gather on June 24, 3pm, to talk about generational differences in art-making and expressions of the feminine.
For more information on the exhibit, check out the official CCP and CCP Visual Arts and Museum Division Facebook accounts. Follow CCP social media accounts in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.
BRAVO! Filipino, a festival that celebrates local heritage and culture in the fields of arts, food, fashion, and style, was conceived by Ayala Chairman Emeritus Jaime Zobel de Ayala back in 2008. Believing that Filipinos have a wealth of untapped world-class talent, Bravo Filipino was formed to discover and honor emerging and seasoned artists within the country, garnering national support that will eventually aid their rise to international recognition.
This year, Ayala Malls is once again putting Pinoy talent at the forefront as BRAVO! Filipino makes a more resplendent and impactful comeback kickstarting with two must-see events: the Ternocon III Exhibit and a series of ballet shows featuring Cecile Licad with the American Ballet Theatre Studio Company.
“Filipinos are passionate, creative, innovative, resourceful. There are so many ways to describe local talent, and that’s why we initiated BRAVO! Filipino. It is an avenue to display our heritage and culture. It shows and communicates our history and our hopes, our present, and our future,” shares Ayala Malls President Christopher Maglanoc.
Rediscover what makes the country’s homegrown talents so exceptional. With the campaign launching in April, witness a truly BRAVO! Filipino moment at the country’s leading lifestyle mall.
An exhibit of the country’s national dress
View the winning and most iconic looks from Ternocon III on April 12 to 16 at Glorietta Activity Center, Glorietta Palm Drive Activity Center, Greenbelt Gallery, and the Ayala Museum Lobby. The event, which aims to showcase the Philippine national dress in contemporary society, headlines the works of all 13 contestants and the established designers that guided the finalists during the competition.
Find the works of all 13 contestants at Glorietta Activity Center, featuring Cheetah Rivera (Quezon City), Yssa Inumerable (Paranaque), Geom Hernandez (Batangas), and Dee Javier (Manila) from NCR; Amor Albano (Ilocos Norte), Glyn Alley Magtibay (Oriental Mindoro), Bon Hansen Reyes (Rizal), and Gabbie Sarenas (Rizal) from the larger region of Luzon; Bree Esplanada (Cebu), Karl Nadales (Iloilo), Al Rey Rosano (Negros Oriental), and Marc Carcillar (Iloilo) from Visayas; and Glady Rose Pantua (Zamboanga) from Mindanao.
Meanwhile, the works of designers Joey Samson and Hannah Adrias will be exhibited at the Glorietta Palm Drive Activity Center; while designer Dennis Lustico’s works will be at Greenbelt Gallery; and style-duo Chito Vijandre and Ricky Toledo’s works can be viewed at the Ayala Museum Lobby.
Showcasing world-class Pinoy talent
Internationally renowned institution American Ballet Theatre (ABT) Studio Company is once again taking the Philippine stage through a series of enthralling performances as part of a fundraising effort hosted by the Ayala Foundation, STEPS Dance Studio, and Ayala Malls. Considered one of the greatest dance companies in the world, ABT Studio Company strives to cultivate the growth of talented and enthusiastic individuals while expanding the reach of ballet to a broader audience. STEPS Dance Studio Founder Sofia Zobel Elizalde shared “We’re beyond grateful for ABT’s unwavering support in this noble cause. Art transcends beyond language and culture, and there are countless talented young individuals who deserve to refine their gifts. This show is a testament to our shared mission of nurturing and developing the next generation of artists.”
Returning to the Philippines to join the show is award-winning Filipina classical pianist, Cecile Licad. This will be her first live performance since the pandemic, making it a memorable experience not only for the audience but for the renowned artist as well, whom The New Yorker termed as “a pianist’s pianist”—a truly honorable title for the Filipino native. Also raising the Philippine flag are Filipino-American Prima Ballerina, ABT Jackie Onassis School Artistic Director, and ABT repetiteur Stella Abrera; and STEPS Dance Studio’s pride and one of ABT Studio Company dancers – Vince Pelegrin. “I’m ecstatic and proud to see one of my former students, Vince, up on the big stage as a performer of one of the most prestigious dance companies globally. He is a living manifestation of our company’s mission, and we’re excited to see where the future will take him.” mused Sofia Zobel Elizalde.
The gala show will commence at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Circuit Makati on April 20th. To foster a wider and more diverse community of art enthusiasts, this will be followed by public shows and first performance outside of Metro Manila at Ayala Center Cebu and Ayala Malls Abreeza on April 22nd and 23rd respectively. Select students from Cebu and Davao will also have the opportunity to participate in a Masterclass led by Stella Abrera and the Artistic Director of American Ballet Theatre Studio Company Sascha Radetsky.
This is just the beginning of Ayala Malls’ celebration of local talent. Expect more amazing experiences in collaboration with a new generation of Filipino innovators.
There is something cinema-like about how, as a seven-year-old kid, Nathaniel San Pedro was consistently competing and placing among the top three in on-the-spot painting contests. Nathaniel was a boy-wonder in terms of colors and composition. In high school, he was a member of the Young Artist Club of Saint Joseph’s College in Quezon City where he honed his creativity and painting skills even more. But there came a fork in the road and Nathaniel was nudged toward a different path. He shared, “My parents insisted that I take a course that is related to medicine or science. Being an obedient son, I took up a Bachelor of Science in psychology to appease my parents and graduated from Our Lady of Fatima University.” But the painter inside him was restless — like a bird poised and ready to take flight.
“When I started working in the corporate world as a recruitment specialist, I realized that drawing-painting is something innate. I looked at it as my never-ending passion,” he explains.
Now, the artist is back on his chosen path as Robinsons Land ARTablado presents Nathaniel San Pedro’s latest exhibition titled “Wanderers: Exhibition of Diverse Beauty of Philippine Birds,” on view from April 1 to 15 at the ARTablado space in Robinsons Galleria.
To get back into the groove, Nathaniel did the necessary work.
“For two years, I got serious in art and thoroughly studied painting,” he says. “I came to know the basics of painting, the process of paint application, the mixing of tonal values of paints, the combination of colors and right proportion of drawings. I took up an associate degree in fine arts at Global Knowledge in Boni, Mandaluyong City. I tried to study and enhance my painting skill even while working in the corporate world. After studying the basics in oil painting, the rest was self-taught by watching videos of oil painting on YouTube, reading books about drawing and painting, and even engaging in small talk with different artists. These things will help you hone and expand your skills.”
San Pedro had his first solo exhibition in 2020 which was about the passion and journey of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. The idea for his follow-up show began when he received a Christmas gift: a book titled Birds of the Philippines. He was awe-stricken by the variety and beauty of the winged creatures we have in our country. When he made trips to Bulacan and Pampanga to see and study religious images, he chanced upon even more birds.
Birds became a symbol for the artist, how beauty in this world is becoming truly fleeting because of how humans are destroying the environment. The splashes and colors in San Pedro’s paintings are emblematic of how birds and their habitat are slowly dying. According to the artist, his art serves a greater purpose: an eye-opener for people to start taking care of the world we live in and all the creatures we share it with.
“Yes, I believe that painting is a powerful tool to convey a message. I want to render the beauty of the Philippine local birds, especially the endangered ones. It goes hand in hand: when we see the beauty of birds in nature, we tend to appreciate and protect them, and we need to protect nature, including seas and trees, in order to conserve their habitat and food. By starting to appreciate birds, we are also starting to protect the whole part of nature-biodiversity.”
San Pedro has also started to involve himself in NGOs supporting local birds. He is currently supporting Wild Club Birds of the Philippines, sharing 10 percent of his earnings from exhibitions. The Wild Bird Club of the Philippines is the foremost birdwatching group in the country. Formed 20 ago, the club seeks to raise awareness about the Philippines’ avian biodiversity through birdwatching. To date, the club continues to work with various government agencies, LGUs and the private sector to promote birdwatching.
Peace, hope, harmony… These are the words that come to mind whenever San Pedro paints birds. “God created them and they are part of our nature. We need to do our part to take care of them.”
It is fitting that Nathaniel San Pedro is mounting his exhibition at Robinsons Land ARTablado, an exhibition venue that has allowed artists from all walks of life to exhibit their works, share them with a larger audience, and showcase their talents. ARTablado has allowed Filipino artists to soar.
“I believe that my second solo show is an answered prayer,” says Nathaniel. “I’ve been seeing ARTablado exhibitions from time to time. And since I’m also a constant follower on Instagram and Facebook, I see posts about their shows. So I prayed that one day I’ll also have my exhibit in ARTablado. Very accommodating kasi ang ARTablado, they give opportunities to new and aspiring artists like us. Without hesitation, the people involved gave me a slot to showcase my new work and style. And I know that ARTablado will reach not just the art collectors, but also people who are into arts as well as people who may not necessarily be into arts but appreciate skills and creativity.”
And as the ARTablado visitors and mall-goers gaze at the winged wanderers of Nathaniel San Pedro, may their imaginations and aspirations reach even greater heights.
While people seem to be familiar with the film’s most iconic line “Walang himala! Ang himala ay nasa puso ng tao” because of numerous funny memes circulating the social media, not everyone – especially the young generation – has seen the classic film Himala in its entirety, a regrettable situation that the Cultural Center of the Philippines hopes to address through the Cine Icons.
A Congressional Initiative project under Rep. Christopher de Venecia, the CCP’s newest film program under its Film, Broadcast, and New Media Division, aims to recognize and showcase the cinematic masterpieces of newly-minted National Artists for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee, Nora Aunor and Marilou Diaz-Abaya for greater awareness and appreciation of Philippine cinema among the Filipino public.
“Films have always played a significant role in shaping the cultural identity of the Philippines, capturing the country’s rich history, diverse traditions, and the Filipino way of life. They have been a medium of storytelling, educating, and entertaining audiences while providing a platform for artists to showcase their creativity.” said CCP president Margie Moran-Floirendo during the recent launch of the film program at the Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez.
The Cine Icons launch kicked off with the special screening of digitally remastered classic film Himala, a film written by Ricky Lee and starring Nora Aunor playing the titular role of Elsa, an orphan claiming to have visions of the Virgin Mary and abilities to heal people with a variety of ailments. As the film progresses, the rest of the residents of her isolated village find themselves questioning their own beliefs and values. As word of this phenomenon spreads, tourists, pilgrims, patients, and a documentary filmmaker all arrive on a quest to partake in the miracle.
ABS-CBN’s Sagip Pelikula facilitated the restoration of the award-winning movie, directed by National Artist Ishmael Bernal. The restoration project continuously makes Filipino cinematic classics accessible through various platforms for the viewing of today’s generation.
“Ang ABS-CBN Film Restoration ay 12 years na. Naug-umpisa iyan lahat nang ipalabas namin noong 2012 ang pelikulang Himala. Noong pinag-uusapan kung ano ang magandang umpisahan sa aming restoration project, walang ibang naging kasagutan kung hindi ang Himala dahil sa ganda ng pelikulang ito,” shared Sagip Pelikula head Leo Katigbak.
During the talkback after the film screening, students, fans, and film enthusiasts had a chance to engage in conversations with National Artist Lee who recounted behind-the-scenes stories and anecdotes on the filming of Himala.
“May inire-revise ako, like yung monologue doon sa ending. May natapos ako noon na monologue na nasa ospital na. Pero nung binasa ko iyon sa set, nakita yung mga na-shoot na, parang hindi na maganda, so nag-observe ako sa set, tiningnan ko ‘yung may mga sakit na extra, tas sabi ko kakausapin sila ni Elsa, parang hindi bagay ‘yung nasulat ko. So nag-revise ako sa set, ang natira na lang mula sa original draft ay ‘yung ‘walang himala,’ lahat nabago. Then, ibinigay kay Ate Guy ‘yung draft ng na-revise ko at sinabihan siya na one take lang kasi 3,000 extras, eight cameras, five crowd directors, hindi natin pwede ulitin lahat iyon pag nag-stampede na. So, one take lang. And the next day, one take nga lang ang nangyari,” shared National Artist Lee.
The award-winning scriptwriter generously shared his thoughts on Philippine cinema, producing films, and writing scripts. He also gave pieces of advice to aspiring writers.
“Ang masasabi ko sa young and struggling writers, hindi masama ang salitang struggling. I don’t think that you should ever stop struggling. Fifty years na akong nagsusulat, and I am still struggling. It never stops. Huwag niyo ring ambisyunin na maging Ricky Lee o Doy Del Mundo o Pete Lacaba kasi nag-iisa kami. Kung gagawa kayo ng kagaya namin, kami na ang kukunin. Xerox copies na kayo. Pero kung gagawa kayo ng kwento na galing sa boses at karanasan ninyo, kayo ‘yun at walang kapareho sa buong mundo. Pagbutihin lang ninyo at tiyak na papanoorin ‘yan ng tao,” advised National Artist Lee.
Cine Icons had a soft launch on February 17, 2023, at the PUP Theater, featuring National Artist Diaz-Abaya’s Brutal, also written by National Artist Lee. The event was made possible in partnership with the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).
Catch Cine Icons in Baguio City on March 29, 6pm, at the Balanghay ni Ikeng, located at Ili-Likha Artists’ Wateringhole, along Assumption Road. In collaboration with Montanosa Film Festival, Cinemarehiyon, and ABS CBN Film RestorATION, the new CCP film program will have a back-to-back screening of “Moral,” a film directed by National Artist Diaz-Abaya and written by National Artist Lee, and National Artist Kidlat Tahimik’s “Orbit 50: Letters to my Three Sons.” Join the post-screening talkback with the two living National Artists.
Follow the official CCP social media accounts in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tiktok for the screening schedule announcements and latest updates on the center’s shows and productions.
Papet Pasyon 2023, a kid-friendly puppet show on the Passion of Christ, will be held for at the historic Metropolitan Theater (MET) on Friday, March 31, 2023. Admission is free.
The hour-long production was written by the late Philippine National Artist for Theater Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio, also known as the Grand Dame of Southeast Asian Children’s Theater. It is directed by her daughter Prof. Amihan Bonifacio-Ramolete, former College of Arts and Letters Dean of the University of the Philippines Diliman.
First mounted at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) in 1985, it introduces the events in the life, suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ in a manner that can be easily understood by the young audience.
To make it children-friendly, it utilizes Pinoy-looking puppets specially designed by visual artists Bernadette Solina-Wolf and Maurice Carvajal and carved by globally-known local artisans from Paete, Laguna. Some of the original puppets are still being used to this day.
Papet Pasyon was first written when the late award-winning playwright and puppeteer missed her chance to watch a live Passion play in Germany. It has since become an act of devotion as well as an advocacy to foster the Filipino puppetry tradition.
“Puppetry is an effective instrument of storytelling,” visual artist and Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas senior puppeteer and puppet maker Carlito Camahalan Amalla stated.
Amalla, who has been with the organization for approximately 20 years under the tutelage of Lapeña-Bonifacio, likewise reiterated the important role of the art form in teaching Filipino art and heritage.
“As Filipinos, our culture is our soul. It fosters nation-building and unity among the community,” added the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Design Foundation educator.
Amalla likewise highlighted the diverse initiatives of Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas, a theater group which the award-winning playwright founded in 1977. They awaken the children to the wonders and richness of Philippine and Asian folktales and tradition through puppetry. Their outreach includes puppetry workshops and programs in different communities across the Philippines.
“Teaching puppetry helps foster critical thinking and encourage creative solutions among children,” he expounded. “It is also a form of therapy and healing.”
Produced by Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas, Papet Pasyon is free and open to the public. It is scheduled on Friday, March 31, 2023 with shows at 10 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 7 p.m.
It will likewise be available via livestream on Palm Sunday, April 2, 2023, 8 p.m. via Teatrong Mulat’s Facebook page.
The Metropolitan Theater is located in Plaza Lawton along Padre Burgos Avenue, Ermita Manila. To reserve tickets, visit The Metropolitan Theater Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/METphOfficial.
