CULTURAL Center of the Philippines launches COSLAB: Costume Design and Construction Track for the Philippine Theater, a hybrid workshop on costume design, pattern-making, and construction of period costumes based on extant garments.
In partnership with SLIM’s Fashion and Arts School, the workshop opens on October 17 and 19, 10am to 12nn, with online lectures and discussions.
Asynchronous consultation online sessions run from October 24 to November 11, while in-person sessions will be on November 15 to 21, at Slim’s Fashion and Arts School, located at 4/F SLIMS Building, 2310 Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City, Philippines.
The short course is designed to address costume design and construction in the Philippine theater context, aiming to inspire and motivate emerging designers and technicians to pursue costume design and/or costume construction for the theater.
Gino Gonzales, an award-winning designer, author, and mentor, will facilitate the workshop.
An advocate of the Philippine terno, Gonzales will share his knowledge on the brief history of the period to provide them with an understanding of the context of how these dresses were worn and how they evolved throughout the century. Through this, designers will hopefully gain new perspective and appreciation on Filipiniana through participating in the making of traje de mestiza/terno patterns.
Propagating the proper construction of Filipiniana costumes in local theater productions, each participant is expected to produce a finish of the 1880s traje de mestiza, one (1) finished 1900s serpentine, and one (1) finished 1920s terno.
The workshop aims to improve the skills of the participants in crafting proper and appropriate national period dresses and address the deficiencies in design and technical skills amongst practitioners.
Aspiring and practicing Costume Designers and Clothing Technicians will be invited to attend the workshop, preferably with some experience in theater and/or performing arts.
Note that this workshop is open to limited slots only and registration is until October 13, 2022 only.
For more updates, follow the official social media accounts of the Cultural Center of the Philippines or visit https://bit.ly/ccpcoslab.
Top of the World is one of the original songs from the musical comedy with Mendes as the singing voice of Lyle, the croc with a heart of gold.
Espanto said he “had so much fun” shooting the video and invited fans to sing along, and go on top of the world too.
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is now showing in cinemas across the Philippines.
Check out the video below and avail of the original motion picture soundtrack now, also featuring the track “Heartbeat.”
Trailer Courtesy of Columbia Pictures
Based on the best-selling book series by Bernard Waber, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is a live-action / CGI musical comedy that brings this beloved character to a new, global audience.
When the Primm family (Constance Wu, Scoot McNairy, Winslow Fegley) moves to New York City, their young son Josh struggles to adapt to his new school and new friends. All of that changes when he discovers Lyle – a singing crocodile (Shawn Mendes) living in the attic of his new home. The two become fast friends, but when Lyle’s existence is threatened, the Primm’s must band together with Lyle’s charismatic owner, Hector P. Valenti (Javier Bardem), to show the world that family can come from the most unexpected places and there’s nothing wrong with a big singing crocodile with an even bigger personality.
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile features original songs performed by Shawn Mendes and written by the songwriting team behind The Greatest Showman, Benj Pasek & Justin Paul.
Lyle’s solo ballad, Top of the World, was written by Pasek, Paul and Joriah Kwamé. In the scene where the song was featured, Lyle shows Josh the wonders of New York City. “Even though Lyle has to sneak out in the middle of the night, because the world is afraid of him, he finds refuge on the top of a theater,” says Paul.
Photo Courtesy of Columbia Pictures
Suddenly, with Josh, Lyle has someone to experience everything that magical city has to offer – including how to eat at the best restaurants in New York for free (a trick taught to him by Hector P. Valenti). “He’s just taught Josh how to dumpster dive, they’re walking through the city, and music pours up through the grate from a Broadway show downstairs,” says Pasek. “It’s Lyle’s favorite song, and he can’t wait to share it with Josh and celebrate this moment of finding someone to share his life with.”
“There is a certain magic and comfort to nightlife in New York City, especially as an artist,” says Kwamé. “It was an absolute treat to put ourselves in the mind and heart of Lyle, who at this moment on that Broadway theater roof, knows that he belongs. I hope the song gives hope to people worldwide who are still looking for that safe space,” he concludes.
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #LyleLyleCrocodile
About Darren Espanto
DARREN ESPANTO is a Fil-Canadian artist, actor & influencer with over 10M+ social media followers. He first joined a competition at the age of 10, where he won the Masters Finals of the Pinoy Singing Sensation competition in Edmonton. He made his first TV appearance at the same age when he joined YTV’s reality television The Next Star in 2012; he became the youngest finalist in the history of the show to be included in the Top 6. However, he rose to prominence after joining the first season of The Voice Kids Philippines in 2014. He’s been a prominent performer on ASAP Natin ‘To, the country’s longest running musical variety show.
Espanto released his first full-length self-titled studio album, “Darren” in 2014. It debuted at number 1 on the PH charts of Apple’s iTunes store & is now a certified Double Platinum. He was handpicked by Disney to perform the rendition of “A Whole New World” as part of the Philippine promotion of the movie Aladdin in May 2019. In May 2021, Espanto released his latest single, “Tama Na”, which reased number 3 of Apple’s iTunes store PH in the first two hours of its release. In November 2021, Espanto represented the Philippines in the world renowned Expo 2020 Dubai along with December Avenue and has been seen in the movie, “The Hows of Us” alongside TV series like “Your Face Sounds Familiar.”
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Art reflects the times, and innovation is par for the course when it comes to “Forging Futures.” The theme alludes to the creation of new language–visual and technical– through a process that breaks down the form of the old, leaving the substance to take on a new shape, as in metal through a fiery forge. Art is its content, as well as medium, is redefined, expanded and renewed.
Now in its 14th year, ManilART is the longest-running visual arts fair in the Philippines, established in 2009 as an annual flagship project of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). ManilART pushes onward with this theme, set to take place on October 19-23 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Aura, Taguig.
There’s always something new to look forward to each year, and this year is groundbreaking for its featured exhibitions focusing on emerging artists, genres and forms, including the phygital and New Media.
Featured artists: from Impas to Orlina
ManilART ‘22 continues to introduce emerging talents: new artists joining the fray alongside established pioneers. The year’s line-up of masters to newcomers include the following:
The Annual Sculpture Review (ASR) will present the long-awaited debut of Anna Orlina, who carries on the family legacy of glassworking, infused with both the Orlina tradition and new techniques learned through study in three continents.
“Setting Sail” from Anna Orlina’s debut at the Annual Sculpture Review.
Gallery Nine will feature the multimedia power couple Maan Chua and Kublai Millan who are behind Balai Kalipay, a museum gallery with an advocacy for regional arts located in Malagos, Davao City as well as Mindanao Art. While Millan is an established visual artist, singer-songwriter Chua collaborates for the first time with her award-winning wearable art design.
Galerie du Soleil presents artistic visions from north and south with Danny Rayos del Sol and Jun Impas. Rayos del Sol, acclaimed for his ostrich egg sculptures, showcases intricate patterns from the Northern area of the Philippines carved on carabao skulls. Highlighting the Southern isles, Impas draws attention to day-to-day life in the indigenous community of the Manobo, who hold ancestral knowledge and identity that necessitates preservation.
“Pagbukod” by Jun Impas.
Artes Orientes features Iloilo-based mixed media artist Rudy Yu, who is best known for his attention to detail in utilizing acrylic, pen and ink, gouache, and pencil. This year, he exhibits eight of his artworks centering on his visions, impressions, aspirations, and passion for art through his ubiquitous genre of city and landscapes.
“Beloved Binondo” by Rudy Yu.
For Museo de Pacis, their forthcoming exhibition focuses on connectivity—building bridges through art. Some of their headliners for this year include Vincent Gonzales and Raynante Concepcion Carandang. Gonzales is the proponent of the art style tareptepism, the dynamic art of merging influences to convey fluidity through visual arts. Carandang is a Batangueño hyperrealistic artist who focuses on social milieus while executing his technical approach.
At Pugad ni Art, Manny Cabrera focuses on the topic of emotional connection amid the pandemic; his works focus on the seemingly mundane, but powerful experience of missed intimacy during this period of isolation. They also showcase Alfonso Dato’s signature style, drawing inspiration from tree bark to capture the drama of men and women, the remaining fiber of humanity.
At Historia Arts, we see the works of Eman Santos and Noel Bueza. Santos’s work is a nod to the fair’s theme, where he melds money symbols into works of art that depict women’s empowerment as an instrument to forge futures while attracting prosperity and abundance. Bueza focuses on his vision for the future with his Mother Nature series, going back to basics in a world too fast-paced for its own good; he sees beauty in simpler ways of living, and his art represents the calm and beauty of mother nature.
Dry Brush artists present works that focus on the relationship between nature and man-made creations; they bring to the fore a dreamlike atmosphere where technology is utilized for the best purposes; by incorporating nature with man-made creations, they envision its positive impacts on society.
“Oriental Place” by Almer Moneda.“Zosia (Flower Series)” by Julmard Vicente.
Bringing back phygital with Binance
Binance, the largest cryptocurrency platform, has partnered with ManilART to promote knowledge of New Media, particularly digital art in the form of NFTs. Talks and presentations are slated catered to different audiences on the New Media, but particularly one for artists on October 21 on “The Impact of NFTs on Filipino Artists.”
They are likewise supporting the debuting platform: NFT Manila which shall present select digital collections of galleries and artists. In 2021, ManilART had a first look at phygital artworks with last year’s “phygital” exhibition of Augmented-Reality facsimiles of artworks beside their physical pieces through Gallery Nine. This included the work of rising hyperrealist painter Ed Coronel, whose work, “Freedom,” recently garnered double first-place awards at the American Art Awards 2022. An expanded platform shall be introduced that carry paintings, sculptures and more media in NFT versions showcased in virtual galleries, with some Augmented Reality works capable of being interacted with.
Mindawon artists Kublai Millan, Jeff Bangot, and Victor Dumaguing will hold a workshop on Lukis Sulam while the largest cryptocurrency platform, Binance, will tackle NFTs at the talks and seminars held by ManilART on October 20 & 21.
Top artists showcasing NFTs this year include Romulo Galicano with “Geoengineering Against Faith” and Ramon Orlina’s “Orlina Mother and Child 2022 Edition”. Bell Sison’s “Astro” and “Porky Family” collection will be an interactive AR exhibit.
An Augmented Reality NFT based on Bell Sison’s “Astro” sculpture.
Open-invites to Mindanao art appreciation
Another educational content feature shall be a regional focus workshop with Mindawon artists Kublai Millan, Jeff Bangot and Victor Dumaguing.
On October 20 at 2:00 PM, Jeff Bangot is slated to talk about “Sculpting the Souls of Creative Mindanaon” through the Lunang Mentoring Program; Bangot is an artist and teacher by profession, and the program reflects his life’s calling to educate through artistic ways.
At 3:00 PM, Millan shall reveal the culmination of his passion project to a public audience for the first time.
Over the course of two days, mixed media artist Victor Dumaguing will teach and demonstrate lukis sulam, a leaf-motif embroidery technique hailing from the Sulu archipelago. On October 20 at 4:00 PM, Dumaguing shall introduce this distinctive style of textile embroidery from the province, composed of arrays of natural elements to produce an eye-catching totality through cloth. On October 21 at 10:30am, appreciation for Lukis Sulam continues through a workshop where applied techniques will be taught.
“The Blind Leading the Blinds” by Orley Ypon.
Forging futures beyond the fairgrounds
Satellite exhibitions affirm the national character of the fair by highlighting different regional shows concelebrating Museums and Galleries Month.
These upcoming shows include Balai Kalipay in Davao, Ap ‘Laya Gallery in Batangas, Tarlac Art at Tarlac, Pahiyas Art Gallery in Quezon, Angono Angkla Gallery in Rizal, BHL X in Bohol, and Pagsibol, the fifth National Watercolor Convention held at the GSIS Museo ng Sining at Pasay City.
This year’s participating galleries are 371 Art Space, AC 388, Annual Sculpture Review, Art For Space, Artes Orientes, AT Art Gallery, Dry Brush, Espacio Manila, Galerie Artes, Galerie Du Soleil, Galerie Francesca, Galerie Raphael, Galleria Nicolas, G9 Online, Gallery Nine, Historia Arts, M Gallery MNL, Museo de Pacis, Pugad ni Art, Renaissance Gallery, The Artologist, Village Art Gallery, and Ysobel Art Gallery.
ManilART 2022 will run from October 19-23, 2022, at the SMX Convention Center, 3rd Level, SM Aura Premier, Taguig City. Call (0977) 807 3369 or visit www.manilartfair.com for details.
WIDE International Strategic Experts Co. (WIDE International) aims to empower its marketing and brand awareness campaigns further this year. And one power move is jumping on the latest trends in pop culture by unveling its newest and first-ever Korean endorser, actress Park Eun-Bin for AROMAGICARE.
Founder and CEO, Ms. April Martin believes that having the K-Drama star can effectively attract potential customers and product enjoyers of different ages. “Since we’re committed to create a healthy and wealthy community, we think that tapping the ever talented and cheerful actress is a good move to present our brand to people from all walks of life,” she said.
Meanwhile, since her popularity here in the Philippines continues to rise, making Eun-Bin the first-ever Korean brand ambassador for AROMAGICARE is “The Extraordinary” partnership that they shouldn’t really miss this year.
Founder and President, Ms. Pauline Publico shares, “We would really love to have the adorable Park Eun-Bin on board. Making her the face of AROMAGICARE can positively give the brand its well-deserved boost in popularity because we really want to take things to the next level this 2022! We are lucky to have someone well-admired as her right now.”
Park Eun-Bin just had a stellar year after her amazing performance as the main lead star for the blockbuster hit Netflix drama series Extraordinary Attorney Woo, which of course, became one of the most-watched Korean series on the said streaming service this 2022. She starred as the titular Woo Young-woo, a young and genius lawyer with Autism Spectrum and easily captivated millions of hearts because of her acting talent and charm.
Although she’s been an actress for quite some time already and is part of successful shows like Hello, My Twenties!, Do You Like Brahms?, and The King’s Affection, being the “smart and extraordinary” Attorney Woo was indeed her breakout role that made her immensely popular on an international scale. She is set to receive the “Rising Star Award for TV” at the Asian Pacific Cinema and Television awards ceremony to take place on November 4 at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles.
Customers can also bet that her ideals are aligned with the principles of WIDE and AROMAGICARE, which is a 100% Filipino-owned prominent and reliable brand. Prepare as the actress happily endorses AROMAGICARE Therapy Oil in Classic, Strawberry, Barley Moringa Wheatgrass (BMW), and Coffee variants.
Aromagicare Therapy Oil, also known as ATO, conquers the health and wellness industry with its powerful and effective ingredients which include Turmeric, Moringa, Guava, Lemon, Stevia, Guyabano, Virgin Coconut Oil, Menthol Herb Arvensis, which provides the soothing aroma that makes the product stand out from its competitors.
The product is also proud of its easy-to-use application, called the Drop-Rub-Technique. This can be done by dropping a small amount of AROMAGICARE Therapy Oil in the palm of your hands. Then, rub the small drop of the product using your hands and after that, cover your nose and mouth with both hands and inhale the soothing aroma that AROMAGICARE Therapy Oil brings.
This handy and affordable therapy oil can be used against different external health problems such as tense muscles, joint pains, back pains, rheumatism, arthritis, muscle pain, cramps, minor sprain, stiff neck, nerve pain, headache, sinusitis, clogged nose, common colds, cough, sore throat, and even insect bites.
AROMAGICARE Therapy Oil is also effective against skin problems like itchiness, wounds, skin burns, and varicose veins. The soothing capabilities of this product also work to ease vertigo, fatigue, stress, dysmenorrhea, bad breath, gum problems, and toothache. It is a certified Premium Brand with Premium Quality, and is FDA Approved so you’re sure that it’s safe and effective.
The actress really can’t wait to be part of the WIDE family and be “The Extraordinary” this early!
To know more information, visit WIDE International’s official website: www.officialwideinternational.com/aromagicare and follow the official Facebook (wideinternational) and Instagram (@aromagicare_official).
So, what’s it all worth?— does the poisoned vine indeed breed finer wine? — is this thing we “love” even worth fighting for? Perhaps if it was so “bawal” then maybe it wasn’t borne out of love at all…
Bakit nga ba masarap kapag bawal?
It had been a little while since noted multi-talented Nicole Laurel got back in the recording cycle. She didn’t stop writing new songs. In fact, there are dozens in progress . For this upcoming single ‘BAWAL,’ she collaborated with a co-musician she had met nearly 9 years ago but never really had the opportunity to write with— guitarist/ multi-instrumentalist Gabe Dandan. During an impromptu jam, he put down the guitar and began playing keys. Nicole began humminhinstantaneous melody and lyrics— the initial songwriting for “Bawal” was done in about 30 minutes.
“This is one of the simplest lyrical expressions I have published, nothing poetic here, just a sentiment revolving around the quintessential question: “Bakit masarap kapag bawal?” It was one of those instances na halos sabay lumabas yung lyrics and melody, and halos tapos na yung song form in the first session. I was led into the song by the chord choices. The song is a simple, slow, soulful blend of sultriness and the melancholy of desiring something you can’t have,” Nicole noted.
The ‘Bawal’ team of the best musicians in today’s industry pooled their creative energies at Wildgrass studios for tracking.
Otep Concepcion (Drums), Rommel Dela Cruz (Bass), Nikko Rivera (Keys), Ted Amper (Cello), Lester Sorilla (Trumpet), Gabe Dandan (Producer, Guitar, Percussions, Backup Vocals), Mike Luis (Vocal arranger, Backup Vocals)
The world class post production team are mixing engineer Angee Rozul then mixed and mastered in Dolby Atmos by: Waxified Sound Production.
Gabe Dandan on writing with Nicole Laurel Asensio:
“I like working with Nicole because I am inclined towards improvisation-style writing, it brings out the best in my playing and musical choices, Nicole encourages that environment. Her brain is like a factory for making lyrics, the workflow and is seamless and that doesn’t always happen with everyone.”
On Producing the track with the “Nyors”
“That was pretty scary, I went early, not just to get good parking, but also to calm my nerves before the guys arrived. When they all arrived it went pretty smoothly, I knew what I wanted to do, but these guys are all really really good, so at first I didn’t feel like I was in the position to tell them what to do, in fact I didn’t have to say much just a little guiding but they’re the best so they just did their thing. It was a fun process. Post production was easy and efficient, Nicole is very honest, she makes sure to tell me what she wants while we’re still in the process and not when everything is already done and I appreciate that.”
“Bawal” will definitely take all of us along with the memories of countless chases, losses, painful lessons, maybes, possibilities and loves that could have been.
More songs are birthing from Nicole Laurel Asensio, but for now she just needed to publish at least one to ignite the process again. “Bawal” is the first of many to hit the studio. More can definitely be expected in 2023.
Nicole finally notes: “PUWEDE”
“The beautiful thing about songwriting is – technically, walang bawal… you can write about anything, anyone and everything… you can use any note, rhythm, topic, lyric that reflects your soul and sentiment… Marami ngang bawal, ngunit, sa paglikha… lahat pwede. This is why creativity proves to be my greatest purpose and escape all in one, theres no telling where the creative chase will lead, but one thing is for sure, the creative chase is never futile, and always “masarap.”
“One last listen… before I turn off the speakers. The room is quiet now…. Save for the crackling sound of chicharon. So, bakit nga ba masarap kapag bawal?”
BAWAL is Produced by: Gabe Dandan / Nicole Laurel Asensio Executive Produced by: Nicole Laurel Asensio Mix and Mastered in Dolby Atmos by Waxified Sound Production Distributed by: Warner Music Philippines Catch it on October 28 on all digital platforms!
The spooky season is here once again, and we all know that Halloween must not pass without getting ourselves some of that fear-induced adrenaline rush! So if you’re on the lookout for movies to get you spooked this month, then look no further. On this list, we’ve rounded up some of the most popular Pinoy horror movies that you might want to watch this Halloween!
Aurora
Aurora from director Yam Laranas tells the story of the islander Leana and her younger sister Rita. When a fatal shipwreck happens on the rocky shores of their island, the siblings try to look for missing bodies, until the dead comes looking for shelter instead. Watch Aurora on Netflix.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5tlmpF_Fco&t
Eerie
Directed by Mikhail Red, Eerie follows a guidance counselor at a Catholic school for girls, who slowly unravels the mystery behind a student’s death through the help of a spirit. Watch Eerie on Netflix.
Nightshift
Another Yam Laranas film, Nightshift is about a young woman whose first day working at the morgue turns into a nightmare, when the dead bodies start to show signs of resurrection. Watch Nightshift on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrnVV-cVrq0&t
Seklusyon
From director Erik Matti comes Seklusyon, a horror flick that revolves around a group of aspiring priests who are sent to a remote convent to live in seclusion. Soon, a child who can perform miracles arrives, but is her power really from God or something else?
Bliss
Jerrold Tarog’s Bliss is a psychological horror starring Iza Calzado. It follows the aging actress Jane who tries to direct her first film, but an accident during filming cripples her. As she stays home, surrounded by people whom she thinks might harm her, Jane’s sanity begins to crumble. Watch Bliss on Netflix.
Clarita
Based on real events, Roderick Cabrido’s Clarita is about the story of demonic possession that took place in the 1950s. After being apprehended by the police, a woman named Clarita soon showed signs of being attacked by an invisible attacker. Soon, the police call on a priest to exorcise her. Watch Clarita on Apple TV.
Feng Shui
Chito S. Roño’s 2004 film Feng Shui has truly become a Pinoy horror classic. It tells the story of a woman who brings home an antique bagua, which seems to bring her family good luck. But with every stroke of luck she receives, someone close to her dies. Watch Feng Shui on Netflix.
Sukob
Another Chito S. Roño classic, Sukob follows two couples who unknowingly commit the superstitious sukob, where one marries within the same year when an immediate relative died. Soon, the curse takes over their lives, killing the people around them one by one. Watch Sukob on Apple TV.
Kuwaresma
Erik Matti’s Kuwaresma features a dysfunctional family unit at the core of its horrors. A young man returns home to his strict father and submissive mother after the death of his twin sister. Soon, the ghost of his twin seems to haunt their home. Watch Kuwaresma on Netflix.
Banal
Peter Abanna’s Banal tells the story of a group of teenagers who decided to trek a sacred mountain during their summer break, but they are welcomed by a sinister force prowling the woods.
Prime Video Philippines announced today that it will launch the brand new heart-warming and healing K-drama May I Help You on October 19. Starring Lee Hye-ri (Reply 1988, My Roommate Is A Gumiho and Moonshine) and Lee Jun-young (D.P. and Let Me Be Your Knight). The new TV series follows the encounter of two butlers, one for the dead, Baek Dong-joo, and the other for the living, Kim Jib-sa, and takes the audience through how they deal with the life and death situation and at the same time are gradually drawn to each other.
May I Help You will be available exclusively on Prime Video in the Philippines with weekly episodes every Wednesday and Thursday.
Production information
● Director : Sim So-yeon (Here’s My Plan, Welcome 2 Life)
● Writer : Lee Sun-hye (Reply 1997)
● Genre : Drama, Romantic
● Episodes : 16 (every Wednesday and Thursday at 9:50pm KST/ 11:00 pm Philippine standard time)
● Synopsis : A funeral director who has a special ability that allows her to see and talk to the dead meets an employee at an errand running service “Ildangbaek,” which provides service for pretty much anything clients ask for as low as 100 Korean won. The two butlers, one for the dead and the other for the living, join hands and team up to carry out the wishes of the terrifying, warm-hearted, eccentric, heart-numbing dead people. They figure out that death and life are two sides of a coin, and that the requests of the dead are messages to the living.
Edgar “ChooxTV” Dumali, the nation’s largest gaming creator with nearly 30 million social followers, has joined Minana Esports, Ampverse Esports arm, as investor and brand ambassador.
This major deal comes as part of Ampverse’s growth strategy, following its commitment to invest more than P100 million to drive and accelerate the local gaming industry.
Alongside him, other notable gaming talents such as Eric Eruption, Hybebits, Lhea Bernadino, King Jasro, and Elanorm will also become brand ambassadors for Minana – totaling up to 55 million followers for all combined creators.
Streamer and content creator ChooxTV is known for his ingenious off-meta picks and wacky antics on his livestream and was named MVP of the Year in the 2021 Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Awards Gala.
“Excited akong mag-invest sa Minana dahil sa pagbibigay daan nito na magkaroon ng isang panibagong ‘youth lifestyle brand’ na magpapakita ng galing ng mga Pinoy,” Dumali said.
(I’m excited to invest in Minana as I really share their vision of creating a next generation youth lifestyle brand that celebrates the very best of Filipino talent.)
The newly formed Minana Esports are the current champions of the Philippine National Esports League in Mobile Legends. Prior to that, the team has won 11 straight championships and aims to be the most successful esports team.
In line with becoming the fastest-growing esports and Web3 company in Asia, Ampverse aims to build Minana into a leading Filipino youth lifestyle brand that spans entertainment, fashion, music, and lifestyle.
“We are incredibly proud to kick off Minana with a successful run and an official championship title under our belt. We will continue to build our success in competition, but at the same time create inspiration for the Filipino youth,” Minana Team Lead and Ampverse’s Regional Expansion Manager Julius “Banoobs” Mariano said.
A streamer with over 100,000 followers and named the “godfather of esports and gaming in the Philippines,” Mr. Mariano previously worked as country manager for Twitch, an Amazon-owned video live streaming service platform.
“Our vision is bigger than just competitive gaming, it’s about igniting the passion in every generation and building Minana as the leading youth culture hub for all gamers, creators, and anybody to fulfill their dreams,” Mariano added.
According to market analytics firm Straits Research, Asia-Pacific will command the largest esports market share, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 21.92% by 2030.
A collection of hand-drawn sketches numbering in the thousands, Vico started drawing these artworks over two decades ago as a young boy. Kept in his mother’s shoeboxes, these sketches remained largely unknown until recently when they found their home in the most fitting medium: as NFTs.
Held at the Swiss-French bistro, L’entrecote, Vico Cham’s Shoebox Sketches were finally brought to life as “phygital” artworks (physical artworks with a digital NFT counterpart) during the event.
The Discovery of The Shoebox Sketches
Even before Vico’s flourishing art career began, the young artist had always loved to sketch on scratch paper.
As it turns out, this collection of sketches that Vico has been quietly working on for the past few decades might be one of the most significant pieces of his career.
“Shoebox Sketches” now numbers in the thousands. According to his mother, Cathy Cham, he has been sketching an average of 20 sketches every day and continues to do so, amounting to an estimated 143,000 sketches during his lifetime. Of these 143,000, an estimated 8,000 have been located. Of these 8,000, over 500 have already been digitized and minted as phygital pieces as the first batch of the Shoebox Sketches. The goal of the Chams is to share as many of these sketches with the world.
These sketches offer a glimpse into how Vico’s evolved throughout the years but also illustrate how he’s been able to stay true to his style.
NFTs: The Perfect Home for Shoebox Sketches
The choice of digitally adapting these sketches into NFTs (non-fungible tokens) metaverse was a perfect fit.
For one, Vico’s sketches number in the thousands, retaining one cohesive style but with each image containing its own unique traits. No two are alike. In the NFT space, collections like these are a common sight. For example, apes with different facial features, and accessories make up a famous collection called BAYC.
The different traits of these drawings simulate rarity in the metaverse. The rarer an attribute, the more valuable a piece is perceived.
But there lies a few fundamental differences with Vico’s sketches. While most large NFT collections are generated by algorithms, the shoebox sketches are all hand-drawn.
Secondly, Vico’s works were never primarily intended for web3. Entire NFT projects have been mounted and funded by millions of dollars of funding, backed by hype and promotional machinery that would make the likes of Google blush. Rather, the sketches were meant as an outlet for Vico: as a way for him to pass the time in between his painting sessions and work (Vico is also an employee of Unilab Foundation). With nothing more than his pens, bond papers, and a whole lot of time, Vico was able to unwittingly create an art collection that would eventually become the NFT pieces they are today.
A Tale of Two Collections: Cleopatra Series
The Shoebox Sketches will be sold as phygital pieces — NFTs with a physical counterpart. Each purchase of a Shoebox Sketch NFT will also come with the physical sketch mounted on a 8 x 3 inch acrylic sandwich frame.
In addition to the sketches, another collection called the “Cleopatra Collection” will be sold as NFTs backed by physical paintings.
Exclusive Benefits for Vico Cham NFT Holders
As if getting limited edition NFTs with physical artwork wasn’t enough, All Vico Cham NFT holders will ALSO receive exclusive benefits such as airdrops/giveaways, exclusive content, and other fun stuff. So if you’re an avid collector of Vico Cham’s works, this is your chance to be able to win some amazing prizes from the artist!
Both collections will be listed on Rarible.com for the public on October 11.
