unSAULicited

The basic education sector currently faces a myriad of challenges: from the COVID-19 Pandemic, low international test results, unstable internet connection to the succession of typhoons that disrupted distance and online learning.  In line the Department of Education’s mission to improve the quality of basic education through “Sulong EduKalidad”, the Knowledge Channel Foundation and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts has completed eighty (80) video lessons with corresponding session guides on the use of local stories, culture and contexts as basis for learning beginning reading in Grade 1 under animated series “WIkaharian”. Just as important as helping children learn to read, the video series means to instill among the young learners’ awareness, appreciation and pride of Filipino traditions, beliefs, and values. This collaborative project with the title, “Culture Appreciation through Videos in Beginning Reading” has been supported by Antique Representative Cong....

I can only imagine how hectic meetings production companies undergo these days. Although virtual meetings don't require us to go out of our houses, the ease of having marathon meetings could lead to having faster burnout. But maybe not for a project such as The Manila Heritage Concert.  Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila, National Parks Development Committee, Intramuros Administration, Nayong Pilipino Foundation, National Museum of the Philippines, and Museo Pambata has teamed up with big names such as Yeng Constantino, Raymund Marasigan, Ebe Dancel, Gary Valenciano, Armi Millare, Blaster Silonga, and of course, Nicole Laurel Asensio, to give homage to Manila with the songs of Hotdog. For this grand event, Nicole Laurel Asension will be singing Panalangin at Jones Bridge. I have been there myself to witness its grandeur and even casual photos capture its majesty and the magic of the transition of day into night. Put in the mix a professional team and elegance in ...

Needless to say, everyone's December is a little bit darker this year. We've expereinced multiple losses in different aspects of our lives but yet we continue to breathe. There are some who have gone to survival mode and but all of us are taking our own journeys in being able to thrive better again.  No matter how recent the last tragedy that you encountered in the past months, it is but human to continue to yearn for a brighter finish this year. In our family, I remember my cousin saying "Quota na tayo this year!" And even if we still get another unexpected surprise, we know we'd want to make the best out of our Christmas and New Year celebrations. It is that fragile mix of yearning and commisserating that is encapsulated wonderfully in a manner only Nicole Laurel Asensio could produce. It starts with the reality of where we are right now, sprinkled with melancholic yet descriptive imagery. A little bit further and it hits you in the heart and eventually, yo...

Precious Pages Corp. (PPC) is hosting the first-ever PRECIOUS PAGES BOOKFEST on December 4–6, 2020 as part of its continuing efforts to produce and publish stories for all Filipinos. Also, PPC recognizes that despite the presence of so many types of entertainment and other distractions, Filipinos still enjoy the experience of reading.  When asked why PPC chose to call the event a bookfest, founder Segundo Matias, Jr. said that it’s because this event is not just about selling books, more importantly, Precious Pages Bookfest is also about promoting reading, specifically reading progressive and impactful books. Discounts, Webinars, and Workshops During the bookfest, PPC will offer discounts on all its available books. At the same time, there will be free online webinars and workshops featuring some of the bestselling authors and writers under PPC’s various brands. Two webinars, “Pagsulat ng Tungkol sa Coronavirus” and “Pagsasalaysay ng mga Kuwentong-bayan,” will be presented by ...

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) is ready to open to doors of its virtual theater, welcoming the first online edition of the PETA Laboratory! Dubbed K.E.-POP: Kalinangan Performers Overcoming a Pandemic, this year’s PETA Lab offers a wide array of new and old works relevant to the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. The online streaming festival features a total of six shows streaming via www.ktx.ph from November 27-29, December 4-6, 2020.  PETA Artistic Director and PETA Laboratory Director Maribel Legarda describes PETA Lab 2020 as a tribute to the artist’s capacity to be creative and resilient despite COVID-19. “It’s going to be a mixed bag of things,” she says, “We hope that these explorations will be very interesting for our audiences, especially in these times of isolation and disconnection.” PETA Lab 2020 is offering two sets of new works with three productions in each set: PETA Lab Set A brings audiences Maskian, a dance piec...

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – Philippine Educational Theater Association’s hit original Filipino musical, Vincent De Jesus’ and Liza Magtoto’s Care Divas is streaming for the first time from Nov 27-29-Dec 4-6, 2020. The show, together with two other musicals, six new works and a PETA documentary will be available for limited pay-per-view via www.ktx.ph.  Hilarious and heartwarming, Care Divas is gut-wrenching and bittersweet story about five gay overseas Filipino workers based in Israel who work as caregivers in the morning and transform into glamorous drag queens at night. First premiered in 2011, the musical dominated the PHILSTAGE Gawad Buhay! Awards that year, bagging seven trophies including Outstanding Ensemble Performance, Outstanding Musical Production, Outstanding Stage Direction(Maribel Legarda), Outstanding Original Libretto (Liza Magtoto and Vincent de Jesus), and Outstanding Musical Direction(Vincent de Jesus). The streaming cast includes the original Divas: Melvi...

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), led by its chairman Arsenio “Nick” J. Lizaso, executive director Al Ryan S. Alejandre, deputy executive director Marichu G. Tellano, and Supervising Officer for Administration Bernan Joseph R. Corpuz, announces the Call for Nominations for the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA).  Tasked with the administration and implementation of the award is the NCCA, the highest policy-making and coordinating body for culture and the arts of the State. The NCCA, through the GAMABA Executive Council, conducts the search for the finest traditional artists of the lands, adopts programs that ensure the transfer of their skills to others, and undertakes measures to promote a genuine appreciation of and still pride among our people about the genius of the Manlilikha ng Bayan. Presently, there are 16 National Living Treasures awardees that reflect the diverse heritage and cultural traditions that transcend their beginning to become part of ...

By special request!  Watch the uplifiting concert online via the Santuario de San Antonio Parish Youtube Channel and Facebook page from Oct. 25, 8pm - Nov. 8, 11pm. Enjoy an hour of listening pleasure from featured artists Rachelle Gerodias-Park and Byeong In Park. This special viewing is for the benefit of St. Clare of Assisi Parish, Malabon-Navotas and Santuario de San Antonio Parish’s Outreach Programs. For donations, you may deposit to SSAP Foundation Inc. BPI 0291-0395-96 Paypal: http://tinyurl.com/paypalssap For further details, send a message to ssap_info@yahoo.com.

We've all had our fair share of losses during this time of change. Some more serious than others, but we have all entered the new era with proportionate pieces of memories past.  Imagine this: A drunken night from seems to be decades ago set to lighthearted big band notes. Such is Poblacion as sung by Nicole Laurel Asensio and Chito Miranda. Descriptive lyrics usher in classic visuals. It is a tune that you could play to revisit and reimagine your wilder side without losing that much-needed relaxation that we all need. It's always a pleasure to hear about the creative process of wonderous music, and learning about Poblacion was well worth every second. What started out as lyrics being repeated to guitar strums developed into a quirky narrative that adapted naturally to notes created by selected orchestra music. The creation also evolved with wishing for stars to be part of the project. Nicole shot for them and got for what she wanted. Even if it initially appeared that ...

On October 7, 2007, 15 artist-leaders incorporated and registered the Artists Welfare Project Inc. (AWPI) at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).  The SEC registration paved the way to legally and formally assist Filipino artists deal with a number of issues they face, notably rights and welfare concerns. They 15 artist-leaders were Fernando Josef. Nick Pichay. Grace Nono Aves. Glecy Atienza. Ronnie Lazaro, Raul Sunico, Dennis Marasigan, Madeleine Nicolas, Sid Gomez Hildawa, Clotilde Lucero, Rica Arevalo, Rafael Froilan, Jose Victor Torres, Ricardo Eric Cruz, and Rebecca Jose. Board members were Jun Lozada, Emily Abrera and Nes Jardin. The action to legally and formally organize artists was a direct response to the stark reality that thousands of Filipino freelance artists are working without a legal employer-employee relation framework. This precarious situation was not helpful when they need assistance on financial and health issues, for example. Then, there were ...

QUEZON CITY, Philippines—Having successfully conducted two batches of online workshops within the last four months, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) remains steadfast in strengthening its digital platform to bring theater education and appreciation closer to as many Filipinos as possible. Aimed at providing an avenue for learning and creative expression to professionals of diverse backgrounds from various regions all over the country, Stream 3 of Let’s Get Creative Plus (LGC Plus) is tailored to meet the demands of adults who are looking for professional and personal artistic development in between their busy work-from-home schedules.  Launching this October, and for the final time this 2020, LGC Plus Stream 3 will be conducted exclusively on weekends. Participants can expect to be immersed in a one-of-a-kind learning experience during the workshops’ five 3-hours sessions conducted on Zoom. With an emphasis on practical and on-hand activities guided by PETA’s...

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) is ready to make another milestone as the company launches its first-ever online arts festival FESTIVAL OF WINDOWS 2020: LOCKED BUT LINKED, which proudly showcases creative works and unafraid expressions about Filipino’s stories of triumph and survival.  Despite the devastating effect on the performing arts of the pandemic, PETA remains steadfast in its mission to create meaningful art. PETA began its pivot to the online space after the sudden closure of its show Under My Skin, and cancellation of its annual Summer Workshops. The company began with its online workshop series, Let’s Get Creative, before branching out to other activities like live music jams, live streams, webinars, and weekly streamings of its Storytelling Sundays series, which aims to celebrate our culture and heritage of storytelling while teaching children Filipino values through literature. PETA Executive Director Beng...

Every October, St. Francis of Assisi – founder of the Franciscan Order, holds an annual Francisfest.  And for this year, Francisfest will be having an 8-day online concert entitled: “Build My Church on a Song” featuring two world-class Asian opera singers – Rachelle Gerodias, the country's premier soprano, and her husband, Byeong In Park, South Korea’s well-renowned baritone – with a special message of hope from Jose Mari Chan. The concert will premiere on the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, October 4, Sunday, 8:00 pm and will run until October 11, Sunday, 11:00 pm. It can be viewed through the Santuario de San Antonio Parish YouTube channel and Facebook page. For this year’s celebration, the theme will be “Come Build My Church”. As St. Francis heeded the call of the Lord to build His Church, we too can respond to this call by reaching out to various communities. As a gift to commemorate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines this coming 2021, the major be...

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) led by its chairman Arsenio J. Lizaso, executive director Al Ryan S. Alejandre, deputy executive director Marichu G. Tellano, and supervising officer for administration Bernan Joseph R. Corpuz, in partnership with the City Government of Manila led by Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso through its Department of Engineering and Public Works, unveil the “Masigasig na Maynila” mural located at the Manila City Hall – Intramuros underpass on August 24, 2020 as part of the city’s Ang Bagong Maynila Program.  “Ang Bagong Maynila Program” of the City Government of Manila aims to redevelop the Manila City Hall – Intramuros Underpass and part of the redesigning standards based on the modernity is by showcasing a mural art at the longer facade and intended for the community, by the community. Through the mural art, the project intends to improve the current condition of the underpass, showcase the rich history and cultural heritag...

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) open the nomination for the Order of the National Artists. Jointly administered by the NCCA and CCP and conferred by the President of the Philippines, the Order of National Artists is the highest national recognition given to Filipino individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of Philippine Arts. The Order of National Artist aims to recognize Filipino artists who have made significant contributions to the cultural heritage of the country; Filipino artistic accomplishment at its highest level and to promote creative expression as significant to the development of a national cultural identity; and Filipino artists who have dedicated their lives to their works to forge new paths and directions for future generations of Filipino artists. The nominees shall only be nominated under one category where the artist has made his/her most substantial contribution ...

Who can resist a song from Nicole Laurel Asensio?  For those who are not so familiar with this incredibly talented singer, now is the best time to discover her rich music offerings. This is not a surprise for someone whose heritage has overflowing talent in the arts. Rather than being overrun by two raging rivers of talent, she rose above the waters and found her distinct place in an ocean of artists. As a young girl, she got into musical theater and caught the eye (and ear) composer Claude-Michel Schönberg himself! She continued to be part of the theater in the following years. I remember being in awe of her portrayal of Mimi in 9Works Theatrical's production of Rent. That was 2010, in the same year, she continued to gain prominence being the voice of the statement-making all-female rock band General Luna. A few years later, she pursued a solo career and continued to widen her range as she writes, produces, and records her unique music. In just a few days, we'll be allowed...

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), led by its chairman Arsenio “Nick” J. Lizaso, executive director Al Ryan S. Alejandre, deputy executive director Marichu G. Tellano, and Supervising Officer for Administration Bernan Joseph R. Corpuz, announces the Call for Nominations for the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA). Tasked with the administration and implementation of the award is the NCCA, the highest policy-making and coordinating body for culture and the arts of the State. The NCCA, through the GAMABA Executive Council, conducts the search for the finest traditional artists of the lands, adopts programs that ensure the transfer of their skills to others, and undertakes measures to promote a genuine appreciation of and still pride among our people about the genius of the Manlilikha ng Bayan. Presently, there are 16 National Living Treasures awardees that reflect the diverse heritage and cultural traditions that transcend their beginning to become part of our...

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), led by its chairman Arsenio “Nick” J. Lizaso, executive director Al Ryan S. Alejandre, deputy executive director Marichu G. Tellano, and Supervising Officer for Administration Bernan Joseph R. Corpuz, is now accepting project proposals for the 2021 Competitive Grants Program to be submitted on or before September 30, 2020. Section 12.a.4 of Republic Act 7356 authorizes the Commission to give grants to artists and cultural groups which contribute significantly to the Filipino’s cultural legacy as means to extend artistic achievement. Further, Section 13.h of the same law mandates the Commission to administer the National Endowment Fund for Culture and the Arts and give grants for the development, protection, preservation and dissemination of Philippine culture and arts. The NCCA Competitive Grants Program is anchored on the Commission’s vision of A Filipino people with a strong sense of nationhood and deep respect for cultural d...

Left to right: Flow-G in RSLW Down Here-White, Angelica Yap in RSLW Logo Love 2-Black, Sachzna Laparan in RSLW Lean on Me-White and Jomar Lovena in RSLW Staple-Black. ESTABLISHED JUNE 2020 – LGBT PRIDE MONTH AMID COVID Unusual times call for innovation. And for multifaceted celebrity-businessman RS Francisco (award-winning actor, creative, revolutionary entrepreneur, philanthropist), the extra time brought by the unexpected (and unfortunate) pandemic gave way for him to fully develop his dream line of fun and colorful apparel, while adding a functional twist to keep us safe/protected from the virus. A deliberate act that was partly aimed to promote public service in Pride month, RS’ passion for fashion meets his passion for mankind with a continuous pledge of 50% FROM RS LUXXE WEAR SALES TO CHARITABLE PURSUITS in response to COVID-19. Be @ the FRONTROW of style >> Let RS LUXXE WEAR Rock your New Normal! Boy group Chicser (from left to right) Owy Posadas in RSLW S...

QUEZON CITY, Philippines⁠—Driven by its advocacy for education based on the principles of theater, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) continues to reinvent its workshop curricula to cater to the needs of not just individual artists and enthusiasts, but also of organizations and institutions. With the success of the recently concluded Creative Pedagogy classes, a newly crafted course aimed at helping educators cope with the demands of blended learning, the creation of new online workshop courses, on top of the expansion of current ones, has proven to be a step in the right direction. This August, Stream 2 of Let’s Get Creative Plus offers a lineup of courses in varied topics. This month will see the return of the Acting for Stage and Acting for Screen classes, the online version of the highly requested Creative Musical Theater class, as well as two new introductory courses: Introduction to Writing for Performance and Introduction to Visual Arts. Taught by PETA’s fine...

Take a break from long months of watching movies while stuck on your couch: Time to strap in and watch your favorite movies at Drive-In Manila! With local cinemas closed for four months now due to coronavirus restrictions, our usual destination for weekend entertainment has been sorely missed. GMG Productions has found a way to go back to the theatres while maintaining social distancing with Drive-In Manila -- the first-ever independent pop up drive-in cinema in the Philippines. ( https://web.facebook.com/ watch/?v=342605847129723 ) ( https://www.instagram.com/p/ CDSh3UHn2cf/ )                         The pop-up cinema will be cruising across the metro and the country to bring Filipinos a nostalgic, safe, and socially distanced movie-going experience. Watch out as Drive-In Manila comes to a location near you! Reimagining the iconic entertainment format to present a safe and worry-free entertainment, the set up naturally enf...

So Olay Philippines just posted this on their Social Media accounts: The caption is this: Can you guess who they are?​ Two of Asia's newest heartthrobs will soon join the Olay PH family to celebrate BRIGHT and RADIANT skin with the NEW Olay Body Wash with Niacinamide. ​ #OlayBodyGlow #DontLeaveYourBodyBehind Let's break it down. So there's the Olay Bodyscience logo. BL is capitalized And that silhouette is familiar! BRIGHT is also capitalized in the caption. I think we all know who they are going to be! But I'm waiting for the official announcement of Olay Philippines just to be safe. I don't want to spread fake news. But this has got me researching. What products will be endorsed? So I checked online shopping, and I saw these: The words bright are here, so I might have found the right product. And Niacinamide stands out here, so I just had to search online what it is. Olay Philippines gives an explanation on their website here:  https://o...

QUEZON CITY, Philippines—PETA (Philippine Educational Theater Association) continues to cultivate its online platform this month of July. The success of Let’s Get Creative Plus, the company’s paid and exclusive online workshop program has proven that the virtual platform is not a hindrance for theater enthusiasts in seeking opportunities where their love for the arts can intersect with learning. The class is open to children ages 7-10 years old and will be conducted via Zoom. Classes will be daily from July 19-23, with each session running for 2 hours. With a limited number of ten to twelve (10-12) students per class, the kids are sure to undergo a fun learning experience facilitated by PETA Artist-Teachers. Having mastered the online workshop form has pushed the company into searching for avenues where learning through theater can be broadened and brought to new audiences. PETA will be bringing the Filipino theater experience to children all over the world. With a program mainl...