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National Artist Virgilio Almario and Senator Loren Legarda have joined forces to launch an ambitious project promoting cultural heritage and history among writers and artists. This initiative is titled "Kislap-Diwa: 12 Pagtatagpo ng Gunita sa Pamánang Pambansa" (Insights: 12 Interactions of Memory on National Heritage). It aims to foster a deeper appreciation for Philippine culture and heritage. In collaboration with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP), the Office of Senator Legarda, the Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo (LIRA), and the Unyon ng Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL), the project brings together 12 poets and 12 artists to engage with and create works inspired by ancient Philippine heritage. On May 22, 2022, the 24 participants embarked on a day-long visit to the National Museum of Anthropology and History. Their visit began with an introductory lecture by Dr. Felipe M de Leon Jr., shedding light on...

In 2003, a new gallery, known as Renaissance, emerged in the Philippine art scene. Inspired by the classical period of European art, the gallery aimed to revive and promote Philippine modernism through the works of young contemporary artists. Over the past two decades, Renaissance Art Gallery has successfully nurtured and showcased talented Filipino artists who have significantly impacted the art community. To celebrate this remarkable achievement, Renaissance Art Gallery presents "RENAISSANCE XX," a month-long exhibition at the Art Center, SM Megamall, showcasing the recent works of artists who have previously exhibited in the gallery. Founded by Manuel and Agnes Romero, Renaissance Art Gallery entered the Philippine art scene in 2003. Drawing inspiration from the Renaissance period, known for its classical wisdom and intellectual pursuits, the Romeros sought to revive the classical version of Philippine modernism by promoting emerging Filipino modernist and contemporary art...

Ikinalulungkot po ng Pambansang Komisyon para sa Kultura at mga Sining (NCCA) na tinupok ng apoy ang Manila Central Post Office Building ngayong araw. Bilang isang natalagang Malahagang Yamang Pangkalinangan (Important Cultural Property), tunay ngang masasabi na isa ang gusaling ito sa mga pinakamaganda sa ating lungsod at isang mahalagang bahagi ng ating pambansang pamana. Kasama ang mga sangay pang-kultura at iba pang tanggapan ng pamahalaan, handa pong tumulong ang NCCA sa abot ng aming kakayahan hindi lamang sa pag-ayos ng nasirang gusali, kundi maging sa pagbabalik ng normal na operasyon ng Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost). Hinihiling din namin ang pakikiisa ng lahat sa mahalagang gawaing ito. Nawa ang pag-ayos ng mga nasira ay masimulan nang walang gaanong abala sa hanapbuhay at paglilingkod ng mga kawani ng PHLPost, na ating inaalaala dahil sa mga hamon na kanilang hinaharap ngayon.

The creative team behind the Filipino Rock Opera Ballet, Rama, Hari, comprising National Artists Ryan Cayabyab and Alice Reyes, is currently conducting auditions to complete the cast of singers for this renowned production. Auditionees aged 18 and above, with exceptional singing and dancing abilities and proficiency in the Filipino language, are invited to participate. The auditions are open to singers aged 18 and above who possess exceptional singing and dancing abilities and proficiency in the Filipino language. Interested candidates can access the audition form at https://forms.gle/KnGitzn3mAvvX8wx7 and are required to submit a curriculum vitae (CV), headshot, full-body photos, an unlisted YouTube video showcasing their vocal range by performing an OPM song (video title format: [Role] - [Last Name, First Name] - [Song]), and unlisted YouTube video clips displaying their dance skills (video title format: [Last Name, First Name] - Dance Video - Rama, Hari Audition). The deadline for o...

The Far Eastern University (FEU) Center for the Arts is delighted to announce the highly anticipated return of the FEU Bamboo Band (FBB) in their concert, "Let It Beatles." On Wednesday, May 24, at 6:00 PM in the historic FEU Auditorium, this event marks a significant milestone as it approaches its 75th anniversary in 2024. After a prolonged hiatus due to the pandemic, the FBB is back with a new cast of talented musicians who have prepared an exceptional repertoire of the legendary Beatles' greatest hits. "Let It Beatles" is an extraordinary musical celebration of The Beatles, one of the greatest bands in history. The concert will showcase the FBB's innovative arrangements of the iconic group's songs, breathing new life into their timeless melodies. Drawing upon their expertise with bamboo instruments, the FBB will captivate the audience with their virtuosity and create an unforgettable musical experience. The new cast of musicians comprises exceptionall...

Ephesus Teatron Group Inc. proudly announces its return to the music scene with a significant live musical concert called "Klasical." After being absent for over three years, the group is excited to showcase their first musical production on June 10, 2023, at the OnStage Theatre, Greenbelt 1, Makati. "Klasical" is a tribute to Philippine history and celebrates the 125th anniversary of Philippine Independence. The highly talented Sweet Samaniego, the performance director, produces the show. The featured artists include Marga Roco, Terence Guillermo, Onyl Torres, and Nazer Salcedo, while special guests include Pinky Marquez, Miguel Braganza, and the Gala Dance Company. The musical is a traditional classical Filipino music repertoire, updated with improved instruments, symphony, melody, harmony, orchestra, and vocal arrangements. The show aims to preserve the country's national culture by showcasing traditional Filipino songs with renewed vigor and appreciation acr...

After 14 years of promoting cross-cultural appreciation through music, Musica FEUROPA, Far Eastern University's annual choral competition and festival, will have its final run on May 27, 2023. What started with just four choirs from the City of Manila has now grown to an all-time high of 31 choirs from all over the Philippines, including universities, churches, companies, government, and other ensembles. Musica FEUROPA became one of the definitive choral competitions in the Philippines, with the key criterion that each choir has to sing two songs: one from any EU composer in any EU language and one from a Filipino composer in any Filipino language or dialect. Over the years, choirs have sung songs in different European languages and Filipino languages, exposing Filipino choirs and audiences to the works of European and Filipino composers. Tiffany Liong Gabuya, Station Manager of long-time media partner DZFE, said, "We have also seen how Musica FEUROPA fosters a spirit of patri...

Floy Quintos and Dexter M. Santos have created a theatrical masterpiece with The Reconciliation Dinner. This one-act play delves deep into the complexities of personal relationships and political differences, leaving the audience contemplating the sacrifices we make for our loved ones. From the moment the lights dimmed, and the first scene unfolded, the audience was transported into the intimate world of the Medinas and the Valderamas. The script, written by Quintos, is a tapestry of emotions, skillfully weaving together moments of tension, humor, and heartbreak. The dialogue crackles with authenticity, capturing the rawness of familial conflicts fueled by opposing political beliefs. Under the expert direction of Santos, the ensemble cast delivers outstanding performances that breathe life into the characters. Stella Cañete-Mendoza and Frances Makil-Ignacio shine as the matriarchs of the Medinas and the Valderamas, respectively. Their portrayal of the inner turmoil and the struggle to ...

Renowned fashion designer Edgar San Diego is preparing for an exciting solo fashion and art exhibit titled "HIBLA AT PINTA" in New York and Hawaii. Organized by the Philippine American Friendship Community, Inc. (PAFCOM) and the Philippine Consulate General of New York, the exhibit will showcase San Diego's exquisite paintings, artworks, and designs created using authentic Philippine materials and fabrics. This blog post explores the journey of Edgar San Diego, his passion for fashion and art, and his upcoming exhibits. With a successful career spanning over 40 years, Edgar San Diego's fascination with painting emerged when he skillfully incorporated delicate floral motifs into his stunning Filipiniana gowns. During the 1980s, hand-painting in fashion gained immense popularity, with other designers seeking San Diego's expertise to enhance their creations with his fine brushstrokes. However, as fashion trends evolved, hand-painting gradually gave way to other embel...

The Reconciliation Dinner is a one-act play written by Floy Quintos and directed by Dexter M. Santos. It explores the lives of two close families, the Medinas and the Valderamas, as they confront their differences against political turmoil in the Philippines. The play opens with an intimate dinner at the Medinas' home in 2016, where tensions flare up during a discussion about then-President Rodrigo Duterte's policies and leadership style. The two families agree to keep their political views separate and maintain their friendships despite their disagreements. Over the years, the families' opposing views become more pronounced, causing emotional damage to their relationships. As the most polarizing national elections in recent history approach, lines are drawn, and the families' political colors are made Facebook Official. But before they sever ties entirely, tragedy brings the Medinas and the Valderamas together again, leading to a reconciliation dinner. The Reconciliati...

Theater enthusiasts and those who appreciate thought-provoking performances are in for a treat as Dulaang Laboratoryo stages "Nawawalang Gabi, Ninakaw na Araw," a live performance adaptation of Joshua Lim So’s Palanca award-winning script "Araw-Araw, Gabi-Gabi." This play tells the story of two men, one in his mid-40s and a younger man in his early 20s, abducted by paramilitary units on trumped-up rebellion charges. They were imprisoned in a tiny windowless cell with a light bulb that was perpetually switched on and subjected to torture by their sadistic captors. The play asks how long they can hold on before they break themselves. Will they ever break free from this and live their everyday lives again? The cast comprises Janno Castillo as A and Johnny Maglinao as B, with a remarkable artistic team to support them. Banaue Miclat directs the performance, while Joshua Lim So is the playwright. Brian Arda serves as the dramaturg, with Cris Ramon as the production desig...

Kokuryo director Diokko Dionisio flanked by POV judges and UP Cinema members De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde has again emerged victorious in student filmmaking, with their student filmmakers taking home multiple awards at the University of the Philippines Cine Adarna. This time, they conquered the 19th Piling Obrang Vidyo (POV), an interschool film competition established in 2004 by the UP Film Institute-based student organization UP Cinema. One of the standout films of the event was "Kokuryo: The Untold Story of Bb. Undas 2019," by Diokko Manuel Dionisio, a Benildean filmmaker. The short film follows two best friends searching for someone they believe stole half of their winnings from a gay beauty pageant. It went on to win the Best Film, Best Narrative, Best Screenplay, and Best Production Design awards. Last year, CM Bautista's "Pig's Game," also from DLS-CSB, won the POV Jury Prize, Best Screenplay for Bautista and co-writer Tristan Aguilar, and Bes...