CCP gives tribute to Huseng Batute, the first king of the Balagtasan

The performers of Pagbabalik-Tanaw sa Unang Hari ng Balagtasan

The poetry, lyrics, and verses of Jose Corazon de Jesus, aka Huseng Batute were celebrated in Pagbabalik-Tanaw sa Unang Hari ng Balagtasan, a fitting tribute by the Cultural Center of the Philippines at the building’s intimate 220 seater black box theater named after the renowned writer and poet.

Batute championed the Filipino language through his daily columns in written in the local language in verse published in newspapers that were in still Spanish and then eventually in English. Prolific that he was, his works numbered in the thousands and a select handful of his poems and songs that he wrote the lyrics for were recited and performed during the tribute that was hosted by Vim Nadera and Louise Lopez.

Daloy Dance Company

The poem Pakpak that served as an invocation was given life through a fusion of the spoken word, theater, and contemporary dance via the Daloy Dance Company.

Lou Veloso, Anthony Falcon and POC's Nazer Salcedo

Lou Veloso with Anthony Falcon showed the relevance of Aking Bayan across generations with Nazer Salcedo of the Philippine Opera Company (POC) echoing these sentiments with the song Madaling Araw.

Ronnie Lazaro

Ronnie Lazaro championed the laborer with his impassioned take on Manggagawa.

Ony Carcamo with Nonoy

Isang Punong Kahoy, the last poem that Batute wrote, was delivered by ventriloquist Ony Carcamo with Nonoy. I think that this poem which is a reflection on mortality wasn’t a good match with the humor infused ventriloquist act.

POC's Kevin Guiman

The era when the kundiman reigned supreme was relived with the Philippine Opera Company’s Kevin Guiman singing of Pakiusap.

A re-enactment of Bulaklak ng Lahing Kalinis-linisan

A well-received portion of the tribute was the bridging of the traditional and the modern with mambabalagtas from Bulacan namely Jerryco Tanig and Melandro Pascual, rappers Beware and Negatibo, Karl Ivan Dan Orit, and POC’s Cris Go re-enacting portions of Bulaklak ng Lahing Kalinis-linisan, which is actually the first ever Balagtasan held back in April 6, 1924 between Jose Corazon de Jesus and Florentino Collantes.

The Makatas' Lester Abueg and Jose delos Reyes in an 'impromptu' balagtasan

The Makatas’ Lester Abueg and Jose delos Reyes showed how the balagtasan can work with millennial sensibilities when the two dueled with words whether one should cling to a former flame or find a spark with someone new.

Karla Gutierrez and John Arcilla

Huseng Batute’s love for his mother and for his motherland was made evident with his Ang Pamana, tearfully recited by John Arcilla that segued into Bayan Ko sang by the POC’s Karla Gutierrez, Cris Go, Kevin Guiman, Rein Pineda, and Nazer Salcedo before being joined by the rest of the performers. When Arcilla sang the verse that was a late addition to the song, it made me realize that it had been ages since I last heard him sing live. It is high time that people get reminded that there is a lot more to John Arcilla than just his expletive laden performance in Heneral Luna.

POC's Kevin Guiman, Rein Pineda, Cris Go, and Nazer Salcedo

A delightful Arimunding-munding and Dalagang Pilipina was the finale performed by the Philippine Opera Company’s Cris Go, Kevin Guiman, Rein Pineda, and Nazer Salcedo.

In between the performances, some esteemed personalities gave anecdotes, trivia, insights, messages and tributes to Batute including CCP President Arsenio “Nick” J. Lizaso, who is actually Batute’s nephew, Dr. Eliseo dela Cruz who represented Bulacan Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado, educator Dr. Benilda Santos, and Pastor Ruel Garcia who represented Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque.

Huseng Batute's photos and memorabilia

I couldn’t remember a time when the Tanghalang Huseng Batute was filled with the words of the man whom the space was named after. I admit that literary Filipino is not that easy to listen to as some words and phrases may need to be heard for a second time or more to fully understand the meaning. But there’s an undeniable sense of musicality in the words and the deft crafting of the verses makes the senses tingle once they’re heard.

Huseng Batute's typewriter

Too bad that despite the sheer number of his output during his short life, Batute’s works remain out of print. I wish that the audience were handed copies of the poems that were performed. I could’ve savored the words and study the works in detail even long after the tribute has wrapped up.

More love and less politics in Binondo, a Tsinoy Musical

The Philippine theater scene has been experiencing a golden age in recent years with numerous productions happening for most of the year. But a Filipino musical featuring original material is a rarity as most produced are usually adaptations from other sources or of the jukebox kind.

Carla Guevara-Laforteza and Sheila Valderrama-Martinez as Lily

But then comes along an ambitious undertaking by SYNERGY88 Digital, Rebecca Chuaunsu Film Production (RCFP), and Fullhouse Asia Production Studios, Inc. with Binondo, a Tsinoy Musical, an original musical happening on June 29-July 8, 2018 at the Theatre at Solaire.

Binondo, a Tsinoy Musical is directed by Joel Lamangan with libretto by Ricky Lee with Gershom Chua and Eljay Deldoc from the original story by Rebecca Chuaunsu and music by Von de Guzman.

Arman Ferrer and David Ezra as Ah Tiong

It tells the story of a love triangle among Filipina Lily, mainland Chinese Ah Tiong, and local Chinese Carlos spanning two decades and two countries from pre-Martial Law Manila and Cultural Revolution era Beijing up to the present. Despite the increasing tension between our two countries, the musical will focus more on the love story and the search for one’s identity as it highlights the cultures and traditions of both and will downplay the politics instead.

Renowned names from film, television, and stage make up the cast of Binondo, a Tsinoy Musical led by Shiela Valderrama-Martinez and Carla Guevara-Laforteza alternating the role of Lily, Arman Ferrer and David Ezra as Ah Tiong, Floyd Tena and Noel Rayos as Carlos.

Floyd Tena and Noel Rayos as Carlos and the rest of the cast

Other cast members include Yela Laurel (Jasmine), Ashlee Factor (Ruby), Ima Castro (Mrs. Dela Rosa), Ana Feleo and Jennifer Villegas (Lourdes), Kay Balajadia and Jennifer Villegas (Mrs. Chua), Dondi Ong (Mr. Chua), Russell Magno (Mr. Zhang), Elizabeth Chua (Mrs. Zhang), Jim Pebanco, Lorenz Martinez. Khalil Kaimo, Ellrica Laguardia, Rhapsody & Tuesday Vargas (Chorus), Jonel Mojica (Ge Lao), and Philip Deles and Ivana Billanueva (Swing).

Rounding up the cast as part of the ensemble are Carlos Derriada, Cheeno Macaraig, Claire Borja, Daniel Cruz, Dusty Suarez, Janine Tolentino, Joseph Billeza, Joseph Puducay, Julia Chua, Paul Clark, Precious Sementilla, Rence Aviles, Randy Rey, Romcel Brinquiz, Roy Sotero, Ryan Caraan, VJ Cortel, Xander Pineda, and Zyruz Imperial.

The chorus of Binondo, a Tsinoy Musical

The rest of the artistic team includes choreographer Douglas Nierras, lights designer Joey Nombres, and production designer/technical director Otto Hernandez.

The cast and creative team of Binondo, a Tsinoy Musical

Binondo, a Tsinoy Musical performances are on June 29, 2018 at 8:00 PM; June 30, 2018 and July 1, 2018 at 3:00 and 8:00 PM; July 6, 2018 at 8:00 PM; July 7 and 8, 2018 at 3:00 and 8:00 PM at the Theatre at Solaire.

Taking a film road trip to Georgia

Honorary Consul of Georgia
Thelmo Cunanan, Jr.

One can have a glimpse of one’s country and culture through film and that is what exactly I’ve had in regards to Georgia at the 4th Georgian Film Roadshow presented by the Film Development Council of the Philippines and the Honorary Consulate of Georgia in the Philippines.

Three feature length films, each preceded by a different short film, were screened for a whole day at the FDCP's Cinematheque in Manila with the evening screening of The Guardian/Bolo Gaseirneba presented by the Thelmo Cunanan, Jr., the Honorary Consul of Georgia in the Philippines.

Prior to the screening of the film, Cunanan gave the audience a brief introduction to Georgia, a former Soviet State in the Caucasus region that is right smack between Europe and Asia. He mentioned that this country, despite its small size, is rich in culture especially in the fields of film, music, and dance.

I admit that my only knowledge of Georgian culture consists of Sukhishvili - Georgian National Ballet and the country’s folk dances characterized by intense machismo and athleticism. So I anticipated my first ever taste of Georgian cinema.

Screened first was the short feature As If There was a Sea/Titkos ak iyo zghva by Levan Sikharulidze. This 13 minute film focuses on a young couple living in isolation right beside a railroad track. It is unknown what made these two seek this place with only a huge factory looming in the background and a constant stream of noisy trains passing by. But they seek to break the monotony of their existence by attempting to bring the sea to them. In such a bleak landscape, the seemingly simple payoff felt grander than it is.

The Guardian/Bolo Gaseirneba

The main feature of the evening, The Guardian/Bolo Gaseirneba, directed by Zaza Urushadze, tells the story of Gogliko (Misha Meshki) who returns to a life of freedom after 16 years in jail. But his attempt to find his place hits the wall when he realizes that his country has changed a lot over the years. With most of his friends already dead due to the civil war, he decides to take care of Luka (Tazo Tskhakaia), the teenage son of his friend Gio who was also a casualty in the said conflict.

In his quest to be a father figure, Gogliko concerns himself with Luka's daily life and it is through this that the contrast between the two was evident. Gogliko is childlike and has a happy go lucky attitude which is odd since those who usually served jail sentences are portrayed as scarred and hardened. On the other hand, Luka is a model student and is popular among his peers.

Goglinko later finds out that the Luka's object of affection, Tika (Tina Dalakishvili) is the daughter of a parliament member who is responsible for Gio's death. And this spurs him to ensure that the young couple's love remains untainted by the past that he has spent 16 years in jail for.

Gogliko's actions regarding Luka and Tika's relationship felt like the old guard paving the way for the future generation to move forward not encumbered by the bloody conflict that happened years ago. This made me more curious to know more about the history of Georgia especially before and after the dissolution of the Soviet Union which I think is key in appreciating this film more.

Boscorale extends dominance of Musica FEUROPA with 7th win

Boscorale, Musica FEUROPA 10 Champion

Boscorale extends its dominating streak, winning the Musica FEUROPA 10 choral competition that was held at the FEU Auditorium.

Conducted by Alvin Paulin, the choir is now 7 out of 7, winning every time that they’ve entered this annual competition jointly presented by the Far Eastern University and the Delegation of theEuropean Union to the Philippines. Ever since the High School Category was included in Musica FEUROPA 3 in 2011, Boscorale has always come out on top in that category except in Musica FEUROPA 5 in 2013 when they opted not to compete. And now, they've made history for being the first champions that competed with both High School and Open Categories.

Boscorale’s win nets the choir the cash prize of P100,000 aside from having another Musica FEUROPA championship trophy to add to their expanding collection. They’ve bested 5 other choirs in the finals that were made up of the top 3 qualifiers from the semifinals of the High School and Open Categories which is part of the new mechanics introduced this year.

Philippine Normal University Chorale, 1^st Runner Up

The Philippine Normal University Chorale emerged as the 1^st Runner Up bagging the P30,000 cash prize and a trophy, while the Minstrels of Hope rounded up the podium with a 2^nd Runner Up finish bringing home P20,000 and a trophy. The three choirs that made it into the finals went home with P10,000 consolation prizes are Himig Roseña, Technological Institute of the Philippines Choral Society, and St. Scholastica’s Academy Marikina High School Glee Club.

Minstrels of Hope, 2^nd Runner Up

Showing the swagger that I think has been their signature already, the boys (and a girl to my surprise) of Boscorale delivered a commanding performance of Hinbarra by Michael McGlynn, the required European Union piece and Tangguyob ni Gideon by Eudenice Palaruan, the required Filipino piece. Their second piece climaxed to such an epic finish, a tapestry of richly layered and textured vocals. A slight stumble at the end was not enough to hurt the otherwise extremely strong showing of the overwhelming favorites.

Tutti performance featuring all 6 finalist choirs

I had a few words with Alvin Paulin during the post-competition reception and he said that he was initially scared when he first learned that the finals will have both categories competing against each other. He said that high school choirs do not have the same vocal texture, and level of musicality and maturity compared to that of choirs that are made up of adult members. He also added that their winning record in Musica FEUROPA has served as a motivation for the choir to work harder. But the new rule has definitely made this win a lot harder than in previous years. As for the lone girl member that sparked my curiosity, Paulin informed me that her inclusion to the group was made possible by the Senior High School level in Don Bosco finally open to female students.

Winning conductors Boscorale’s Alvin Paulin, Minstrel of Hope’s Anthony Villanueva,

and Philippine Normal University Chorale’s Luzviminda Modelo

with the Musica FEUROPA organizers and adjudicators

As another Musica FEUROPA ends, I now look forward to the 11^th edition and the start of the competition’s 2^nd decade. Will Boscorale finally be elevated to the Hall of Fame, thus giving the other choirs a fighting chance of winning the title? How much will Brexit and the impending ineligibility of British works affect the competition? And a lingering question of mine has always been, when will I hear a piece in Estonian? Why do I keep on asking when answers could be known in future Musica FEUROPAs. Until then, let’s keep the choral music and singing going.

Philippine printmaking celebrates 50 years with Tirada exhibit at the CCP

The Cultural Center of the Philippines joins in the celebration of 50 Years of Philippine Printmaking with the recently opened exhibit Tirada commemorating the founding in 1968 of the Printmakers Association of the Philippines that has recently morphed into Association of Pinoyprintmakers.

Benjamin Cabrera beside his work Heroes Hall, Heroes All

Raul Isidro beside his work Kites

As seen in The Strike of Print, an essay by exhibit curator Patrick Flores found in the exhibit’s accompanying brochure, tirada is a term among printmakers that signifies a strike: to pull off or pull out a piece of work in a series of multiples. It also means labor or effort, a decisive action.

Virgilio Aviado beside his works The Boxer, The Cruncher, and Dutch Interior

Rodolfo Samonte beside his work Curvation No. 9

It is written in it that the exhibit is built around a range of concerns: the aesthetic integrity and intelligence of the work of the print and the status of the printmaker as an artist; the validity of appropriation within the artistic system of the print; the capacity of the print of respond to socio-political reality; the self-consciousness of the print as a medium; the place of the print in art history; and the processes by which the print plays out in the ecology of the popular. The essay has further details of each concern.

Jun-Jun Sta. Ana beside his work

Yas Doctor beside her work 

A walkthrough for the press was recently and I was able to see not just the works but also hear some of the artists like Ambie Abaño, Virgilio Aviado, Mars Bugaoan, Benjamin Cabrera, Joey Cobcobo, Yas Doctor, Raul Isidro, Henrielle Pagkaliwangan, Rhoda Recto, Rodolfo Samonte, and Jun-Jun Sta. Ana give context and insight about their respective works.

Henrielle Pagkaliwangan beside her works Umaga, Dapithapon, and Gabi

Joey Cobcobo beside his work
Purong Utos 1-10

And in the 50 years of Philippine printmaking, there had been countless artists across generations, including National Artists for Visual Arts like Bencab, Ang Kiukok, Jose Joya, Cesar Legaspi, Arturo Luz, and Vicente Manansala, who have dabbled into this art form as evidenced by the over 300 works from more than 100 artists that are included in this exhibit.

Rhoda Recto beside her work Up the Cold North

Mars Bugaoan beside his work

I admit that I was overwhelmed by the numerous terms regarding printmaking like aquatint, collagraph, drypoint, lithograph, mezzotint, monotype, serigraph, etc. and barely had any idea what most of them mean. But prints remain to be an accessible and great and affordable way for an art enthusiast to begin a collection.

Ambie Abaño beside her work Soliman

The exhibit Tirada is located at the Bulwagang Juan Luna (CCP Main Gallery), Pasilyo Vicente Manansala and Pasilyo Guillermo Tolentino (2^nd & 3^rd floor hallway galleries) of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The exhibit will be on view until July 15, 2018. Viewing hours are from 10:00 AM-6:00 PM but extends up to 10:00 PM whenever there are evening performances at the CCP Main Theater.

PETA's Rak of Aegis returns for 6th run, welcomes new faces

After taking a breather to give way to the Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) 50^th anniversary celebrations, the hit musical Rak of Aegis returns for another run starting on June 20 up to September 2, 2018 at the PETA Theater Center.

Remus Villanueva as Kenny

This newest run, the musical’s 6^th since debuting back in January 2014, welcomes nine new cast members who were chosen through Hu Got Talent: The Search for the Next Rakstar, a combination of open auditions and a talent competition that kicked off late March. From almost a hundred video entries, the Top 50 were chosen and they went through a day of workshop-auditions and the remaining hopefuls were trimmed down to the Top 20.

Kent Pontivedra as Tolits

The nine Rak hopefuls who made the final cut are World Championship of the Performing Arts medalists Shaira Opsimar and Princess Vire bagging the role of Aileen, Tawag ng Tanghalan contender Kent Pontivedra as Tolits, theater artist and teacher Remus Villanueva as Kenny, Ateneo Blue Repertory RENT’s Adrian Lindayag as Jewel.

Rounding up the newest members of the cast as part of the ensemble are 5thGen band leader Marielle Mamaclay, TV actor Gil “Chamyto” Aguedan, Sandbox Collective Himala’s Matel Patayon, and Madison Events performer Crystal Paras.

Tender moments between two pairs of Tolits and Aileen:
Jerald Napoles and Princess Vire and Shaira Opsimar and Pepe Herrera

It is interesting to note that Crystal has seen the Rak of Aegis more than a dozen times, Matel was once an intern selling souvenir programs at the lobby during a previous run while Marielle was supposed to be part of the original cast but had to drop out. On the other hand, it is unbelievable to realize that both Remus and Kent have made it to the cast without ever seeing the musical before.

Another new addition to the cast, who didn’t have to go through the whole Hu Got Talent process is Palanca award-winning writer, veteran theater artist and director Rody Vera playing the role of Fernan.

The three Aileens: Princess Vire, Kim Molina, and Shaira Opsimar

These new faces join the returning cast starting with Kim Molina, Isay Alvarez-Seña, Sweet Plantado-Tiongson, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez, Carla Guevara-Laforteza, Robert Seña, OJ Mariano, Renz Verano, Lorenz Martinez, Jerald Napoles, Pepe Herrera, Joshua Bulot, Myke Salomon, Poppert Bernadas, Vince Lim, Neomi Gonzales, Kakai Bautista, Joann Co, Gie Onida, Juliene Mendoza, Ron Alfonso, Phi Palmos, Jimmy Marquez, Roi Calilong, Gimbey dela Cruz, Gio Gahol, Carlon Matobato, John Moran, Gab Pangilinan, Paeng Sudayan, Abi Sulit, Teetin Villanueva and Gold Villar-Lim.

The cast of Rak of Aegis Season 6

The artistic team of Rak of Aegis is composed of director Maribel Legarda, playwright Liza Magtoto, musical director/arranger/vocal director Myke Salomon, choreographer Gio Gahol, set designer Mio Infante, lights designer Jonjon Villareal, costume designer Carlo Villafuerte Pagunaling, shoe designer Maco Custodio, and accessory designer Jo-ann Pamintuan.

Maribel Legarda revealed that after this run’s 77 scheduled performances, PETA will be focusing to bring this production to various parts of the country and possibly abroad. She also mentioned that the set, that has actual water (with floating trash to boot), is prepared for mobility and go on tour. She admitted that there had been offers to bring Rak of Aegis to the silver screen but remained mum as to how close that is to fruition.

Barangay Venizia is ready to Rak

Rak of Aegis will have evening shows at 8:00 PM from Wednesdays up to Sundays and matinee shows at 3:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays starting this June 20 until September 2, 2018.

Europeans and Pinoys collaborate in Europinoy concert

Another music treat from Viva Europa 2018 comes via Europinoy, a celebration of the heritage and friendship between the Philippines and Europe happening this May 30, 2018, 7:30 PM at the Ruins, Poblacion in Makati.

This event features guitarist Alex Alcaraz from Spain, violinist Jeanette Kamphuis from Sweden, and percussionists Stefan Löwenstein from Austria and Jean Paul Zialcita from the Philippines.

It will also feature a spoken word performance by Michellan Alagao (Philippines) and DJ’s Butta B (Philippines) and Michael Rattinger (Austria).

Admission is free and there will be a Don Papa Rum open bar (until supplies last).

The Europinoy concert is a collaboration between the European Union in the Philippines, the Austrian Embassy Manila, the Instituto Cervantes de Manila, and the Embassy of Sweden in Manila. The event is also supported by Z Hostel Philippines, Don Papa Rum and Lomography Philippines.