David Gómez-Ramírez mesmerizes at PPO season opener

Conductor David Gómez-Ramírez and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra 

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra opened its 38th season with flair as Spanish conductor David Gómez-Ramírez sets the tone for the season and also the standard for the rest the shortlisted conductors gunning for the position of PPO's Music Director/Principal Conductor

The concert had a mesmerizing start with Redentor Romero's Philippine Portraits handled deftly and reverently by Gómez.

He also led the orchestra to a very confident showing of Antonín Dvořák's Symphony No. 8 in G Major, Op. 88 bringing much needed optimism and cheer to an audience who had waited for more than two years for the resumption of the PPO's season. While the Dvořák symphony is an often played, repertoire staple, Gómez delivered a magnificent display of colors and textures that made this piece sound fresh and exciting.

By the time of the encore, Gómez both had the orchestra and the audience at the palm of his hands via a masterful rendition of the Intermedio from La Boda de Luis Alonso by Gerónimo Giménez.

The only blemish in what might have been a flawless outing was the performance of Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Major, Op. 102 by Dmitri Shostakovich with Clement Acevedo as the piano soloist. At times, the orchestra was not in sync with Acevedo despite the pianist opting for a more relaxed and less frantic pace with this concerto. The orchestra's unfamiliarity with this piece was apparent by how tentative they were, lacking the cheekiness and playfulness that this defines this concerto. Thankfully, the sublime second movement showcased what a capable pianist Acevedo is which was also evident with his encore, a nostalgic take on Evocación from Iberia Book 1 by Isaac Albéniz.

Despite the misstep with the concerto, the PPO still had a promising start to the season. Display materials at the venue also made it known that the PPO's final two concerts of the season will be conducted by Beverly Shangkuan-Cheng on March 17, 2023 and Associate Conductor Herminigildo Ranera on April 28, 2023.

Italian Film Festival Manila brings Italian movies back to cinemas

Italian films make a comeback in cinemas with the Italian Film Festival Manila happening on September 29-October 2, 2022 at the Venice Grand Canal Mall.

Organized by Cineforum Bresson and the Philippine Italian Association, in partnership with the Venice Grand Canal Mall and the Film Development Council of the Philippines, the festival offers a selection of 7 contemporary films, to be introduced by festival director Antonio Termenini, shown for free, on a first come, first served basis, at the Cineplex of the Venice Grand Canal Mall. Aside from the film screenings, the festival program will also include talks by industry professionals 

Here is the line up for the Italian Film Festival Manila.

3/19 (2021)

Director: Silvio Soldini

Cast: Kasia Smutniak, Francesco Colella, Caterina Forza

The life of Camilla, a successful lawyer, is turned upside down by a car accident which fatally wounded a boy and for which she feels responsible. With the support of Bruno, the mortician who identified the deceased, Camilla tries to rediscover herself.

America Latina (2021)

Directors: Damiano D’Innocenzo, Fabio D’Innocenzo

Cast: Elio Germano, Astrid Casali, Sara Ciocca

Massimo is a dentist from Latina, happily married with two daughters. One day he goes down to the cellar and finds a girl tied up and gagged, begging for help.

L'Arminuta/The Return (2021)

Director: Giuseppe Bonito

Cast: Aurora Barulli, Carlotta De Leonardis, Fabrizio Ferracane, Sofia Fiore

August, 1975. A thirteen-year-old girl is taken away from what she thought was her family and returned to the home where she rightfully belongs. Having lost the ease of her previous life she has to learn how to live in a small and austere home with five brothers.

A Chiara (2021)

Director: Jonas Carpignano

Cast: Swamy Rotolo, Pio Amato, Koudous Seihon, Susanna Amato

Chiara Guerrasio is a bright young girl with a strong personality who is very much loved by her father. When he leaves for a long business trip hidden truths about her family emerge which impact the balance in her life.

Lasciarsi un giorno a Roma/Breaking Up in Rome (2021)

Director: Edoardo Leo

Cast: Claudia Gerini, Marta Nieto, Edoardo Leo, Stefano Fresi

There is nothing more complex than dealing with a breakup after ten years of living together. One needs to find the right ways and words ... and it may require the advice of a columnist to learn how to proceed. But what happens if this request for advice ends up with the person one is breaking up with?

Una notte da dottore/Doctor on Call (2021)

Director: Guido Chiesa

Cast: Diego Abatantuono, Frank Matano, Alessandro Betti

After a night of daring (mis)adventures. Pierfrancesco, a doctor making house calls on the night shift, and Mario, a pizza delivery rider, learn to support each other and improve their respective lives.

Il silenzio grande/The Great Silence (2021)

Director: Alessandro Gassmann

Cast: Massimiliano Gallo, Margherita Buy, Marina Confalone

In Naples in the 1960s, Mrs. Primic decides to sell the family villa with the consent of almost all the heirs. The only one who objects is Valerio who feels like a stranger among his loved ones. A story dense with misunderstandings, conflicts and confrontations within this dysfunctional family, that discovers that “existing” is not necessarily the same as “being alive”.

Here is the screening schedule of the Italian Film Festival Manila.

September 29, 2022

7:30 PM America Latina

September 30, 2022

5:30 PM Il silenzio grande

8:00 PM Una notte da dottore

October 1, 2022

5:30 PM A chiara

8:00 PM 3/19

October 2, 2022

2:30 PM L'arminuta

5:30 PM Lasciarsi un giorno a Roma

The Italian Film Festival Manila is organized by Cineforum Bresson, with the support of the Direzione Generale per il Cinema e l’Audiovisivo, and the financial support of the Embassy of Italy to the Philippines; locally organized by The Philippine Italian Association, in partnership with the Venice Grand Canal Mall, the Film Development Council of the Philippines, the MINT College, the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, Ateneo Association of European Studies Students, and UP Euro-Filipino Understanding and Relations Organization; in media partnership with Art+ magazine, The Philippine Business and News, and two students’ magazines: TheLaSallian and The Laurel Standard.

Pacific Alliance Movie Nights debuts at the Shang

The newest foreign language film festival in town, the Pacific Alliance Movie Nights, presented by the Embassies of Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Singapore in partnership with Shangri-Plaza and the Film Development Council of the Philippines is set to debut on September 21-25, 2022 at the Shang's Red Carpet Cinema.

A total of seven films from the Pacific Alliance member states Chile, Colombia, and Mexico and from its first associate state Singapore comprise the inaugural Pacific Alliance Movie Nights. The Pacific Alliance is a Latin American economic bloc established in 2011 by Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru that mainly aims to reduce trade barriers among member states. In 2021, Singapore became the Associated State of the Pacific Alliance. Mexico holds the Presidency Pro-democracy this year. The Philippines is one of its observer states.

Leading the lineup are the Mexican films Arráncame la vida (Tear this Heart Out) by Roberto Sneider and Cuando los hijos regresan (The Kids are Back) by Hugo Lara.

Colombia's entries to the festival are Rafael Martínez Moreno's film El Piedra (The Stone) and Carlos Arturo Ramírez's documentary Chiribiquete. The films Calzones Rotos (Family Secrets) by Arnaldo Valsecchi and Mis hermanos sueñan despiertos (My Brothers Dream Awake) by Claudia Huaiquimilla are Chile's offerings.

Lastly, the JC Santos starrer, Motel Acacia by Bradley Liew will be shown as Singapore's entry to the festival.

All films will be screened in their original language with English subtitles. Entrance is free on a first come, first served basis.

Here is the lineup and more information about the films at the Pacific Alliance Movie Nights.

Arráncame la vida/Tear This Heart Out (2008)

Director: Roberto Sneider

Cast: Ana Claudia Talancón, Daniel Giménez Cacho, José María de Tavira

A young girl recounts her girlhood and eventual marriage to a general of the Mexican revolution. by one of the most outstanding writers of the new feminist Mexican literature, it is at once a haunting novel of one woman’s life and a powerful account of post-revolutionary Mexico from a female perspective.

Calzones Rotos/Family Secrets (2018)

Director: Arnaldo Valsecchi

Cast Gloria Münchmeyer, Catalina Guerra, Patricio Contreras, Julio Jung, Jorge D'Elia

The imminent death of a matriarch forces her whole family to reunite. From her dying confession, other hidden episodes will come to light. Each of the family members will face what they would prefer remained buried. Nobody is free of killing for love.

Chiribiquete (2017)

Director: Carlos Arturo Ramírez

The documentary follows a group of scientists exploring the extraordinary biodiversity and archaeological treasures of the Chiribiquete National Park in Colombia. Located at the heart of the Colombian Amazon, this impressive place was recently declared Natural and Cultural World Heritage Site by UNESCO, making it the largest protected tropical rainforest in the world. The documentary also presents the challenges of conservation before and after the peace process that ended 50 years of conflict in Colombia.

Cuando los hijos regresan/The Kids are Back (2017)

Director: Hugo Lara

Cast: Fernando Luján, Carmen Maura, Cecilia Suárez, Irene Azuela, Erick Elías, Esmeralda Pimentel, Francisco de la Reguera, Takato Yonemoto

A retired couple will have to defend their home against an unpredicted menace: Their kids moving back.

Mis hermanos sueñan despiertos/My Brothers Dream Awake (2021)

Director: Claudia Huaiquimilla

Cast: Iván Cáceres, César Herrera, Paulina García, Andrew Bargsted, Julia Lübbert, Sebastián Ayala, René Miranda, Luz Jiménez, Ariel Mateluna, Claudio Arredondo, Belén Herrera

Ángel and his brother Franco have been locked up in a juvenile detention centre for a year. Despite the hostility of the place, they form bonds with others inmates and daydream about the future

Motel Acacia (2019)

Director: Bradley Liew

Cast: JC Santos Jan Bijvoet Nicholas Saputra Agot Isidro Vithaya Pansringarm Bront Palarae Talia Zucker Will Jaymes Perry Dizon Brian Sy Angel Aquino

In the cold west, Motel Acacia is tasked with exterminating immigrants by the government through a BED, haunted with the spirit of a Filipino tree demon, that eats men and impregnates women. A young Filipino man, JC, is groomed by his tyrannical caucasian Father to take over the business.

El Piedra/The Stone (2018)

Director: Rafael Martínez Moreno

Cast: Manuel Alvarez, Isaac Martínez, Anibal Gonzalez, Mirla Aaron, Hugo Urruchurto

A washed-up boxer who gets paid to lose fights tries to straighten out his life after he meets a street kid who claims to be his son.

Here is the screening schedule of the Pacific Alliance Movie Nights.

September 21, 2022

7:30 PM Arráncame la vida

September 22, 2022

2:30 PM Calzones Rotos

4:45 PM Chiribiquete

6:45 PM Motel Acacia

September 23, 2022

3:00 PM Mis hermanos sueñan despiertos

5:00 PM El Piedra

7:30 PM Cuando los hijos regresan

September 24, 2022

1:00 PM Chiribiquete

3:00 PM Arráncame la vida

5:20 PM Calzones Rotos

7:30 PM Motel Acacia

September 25, 2022

1:30 PM Mis hermanos sueñan despiertos

3:45 PM Cuando los hijos regresan

5:40 PM El Piedra

7:30 PM Arráncame la vida

The Pacific Alliance Movie Nights is presented by the Embassies of Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Singapore in the Philippines, in partnership with Shangri-La Plaza and the Film Development Council of the Philippines.

PPO's 38th concert season features music director/principal conductor hopefuls

After a couple of years of online and outreach performances, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra finally announced the return of their concert season, entitled Metamorphosis, to be held this September 2022-April 2023 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo and also at the Manila Metropolitan Theater.

The PPO's 38th Concert season will also feature five of the shortlisted conductors who are up in the running to be the orchestra's next Principal Conductor/Music Director.

David Gómez-Ramírez

Opening the season on September 16 is Spanish conductor David Gómez-Ramírez. Last seen with the PPO as guest conductor back in 2018, he has worked with many professional orchestras around the world. He has been chief conductor of the Sagunto Symphony Orchestra, and guest conductor in important orchestras as València, Seville, Madrid, Oviedo and outside of Spain, in France, Portugal, United Kingdom, Mexico, Russia, Romania, Italy, and Vietnam.

Grzegorz Nowak

On October 7, the PPO welcomes Grzegorz Nowak, for the second concert of the season. Nowak, the permanent Associate Conductor of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London, UK, was also the Music Director of the Polish National Opera, Warsaw, Poland from 2017-2020 and other orchestras in Poland, Germany, Switzerland, and the USA. He has conducted orchestral music recorded in over 80 CDs that have received awards and 5-star ratings.

Noam Zur

Noam Zur leads the orchestra as they perform at the Manila Metropolitan Theater stage on November 11. Since 2017, he was the principal conductor and artistic director of the State Symphony Orchestra of Salta, Argentina. He has over 20 years of professional and conducting experience during which he developed an expansive repertoire in opera, ballet and symphony. He is also a composer and arranger, having recorded his own works in Funkhausorchester des WDR Köln in August 2016 which he conducted as well.

Mark Anthony Carpio

Philippine Madrigal Singers choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio conducts the PPO on December 16, which will be the last to be held at the CCP before the major rehabilitation of the main building starting in January 2023. Personally handpicked by National Artist for Music Andrea O. Veneracion to succeed her as choirmaster of the Madz, Carpio is one of the most respected figures in choral music and a sought after choral clinician who has given extensive and in-depth workshops all nationally and internationally.

Shizuo Kuwahara

Japanese-American Maestro Shizuo Kuwahara conducts the PPO January 27, 2023. Kuwahara is the First Prize winner of the prestigious Georg Solti International Conductors’ Competition in Frankfurt, Germany and Principal Guest Conductor of The Mariinsky Theatre, Russia. Kuwahara has led performances throughout Europe, North and South America, and Asia. He was also an Assistant and Cover Conductor with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony and Orchestra de Paris.

Haoran Li

On February 24, 2023, the PPO will be under the baton of Haoran Li. He was Assistant Conductor of China Philharmonic Orchestra from 2019-2020 and the National Center for the Performing Arts Beijing, China in 2018.

The conductors and programs for the March 17 and April 28, 2023 concerts have yet to be announced.

The September, October, and December concerts will be held at the CCP while the November and performances in 2023 will be at the Manila Metropolitan Theater.

Pianist Clement Acevedo joins PPO 38th concert season opener

Pianist Clement Acevedo joins conductor David Gómez-Ramírez at the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra's 38th Concert Season opener this September 16, 2022 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines' Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater).

Program for the evening includes Redentor Romero's Philippine Portraits, Dmitri Shostakovich's Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Major, Op. 102 with Acevedo as the featured pianist, and Antonín Dvořák's Symphony No. 8 in G Major, Op. 88.

Clement Acevedo

Clement Acevedo is an award winning pianist who has performed in prestigious competitions such as the Heida Hermanns International Piano Competition in Westport, Connecticut, and the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA), where he entered semifinalists in both 2004 and 2009. He won the Amati Award at the 2003 Amati Music Festival in Catskills, New York. Also, he has won in concerto contests hosted by the Manila Chamber Orchestra Foundation (MCO), James Madison University (JMU), and the UP College of Music, as well as the Rachmaninoff Piano Competition.

He performed with the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Herminigildo Ranera, the James Madison University Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Robert McCashin, and the Metro Manila Concert Orchestra under the baton of composer/conductor Josefino Chino Toledo at the Merkin Hall in New York City, the Taichung National Theater in Taiwan, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

He has recently accepted the position of Assistant Professor at the UP College of Music and Dance, to teach beginning the Academic Year 2022-23.

Tenor Rogelio Peñaverde, Jr. headlines fundraising concert

The Friends for Cultural Concerns of the Philippines presents classical crossover artist Rogelio Peñaverde, Jr. as he pays tribute to the 2022 National Artists in Minamahal Kita: The Art of Filipino Love Songs, happening this September 15, 2022, 6:30 PM at the Main Theater Lobby of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Now based in New York, Peñaverde comes home and brings his concept to fruition in Minamahal Kita as he performs Filipino love songs ranging from the classical up to the contemporary.

Directed by Manolet Garcia, the concert will also feature guest artists namely soprano Athena Macatangay, cellist Giuseppe Diestro, baritone Kris Gonzales, guitarist Lance Capitan, pianist Madeline Jane Banta, soprano Myramae T. Meneses and pianist Nathan Gemina.

Tenor Rogelio Peñaverde, Jr.

Originating from the Philippines, Peñaverde flew to the US to study at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City for a Master’s Degree in Voice. After graduation, has appeared in several productions like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Così fan tutte (Ferrando) with the Martina Arroyo Foundation, Leopold Mozart's Missa Solemnis in C at the Saint Patrick’s Cathedral of New York, and in the Off-Broadway run of Figaro 90210 (Basel) by Ragman Ventures.

When the pandemic shut down all live performances, Peñaverde turned to songwriting eventually coming up with 12 compositions collectively called the Pearl Drive Project in 2021. This led him to perform, as his alter ego Ilustrado, at Pete’s Candy Store in Brooklyn and also at the iconic Mercury Lounge in New York.

Proceeds from the concert will go towards the FCCP's 26 scholars. Speaking of scholars, here are some words from Madeline Jane Banta and Nathan Gemina, guest pianists at the concert, both of whom have been FCCP Scholars.

Harpist/pianist Madeline Jane Banta 

In a nutshell, how has FCCP contributed to your journey as an artist?

Jane: I definitely consider The Friends for Cultural Concerns of the Philippines (FCCP), through Martin Lopez, as part of the circle of friends who helped me. I value and appreciate their generous financial contribution to my studies and living expenses abroad. But more than that, they’re friends too because they gave me moral support. They were present, always ready to answer my questions and listen to my stories, and provide some connection to home. Without letting me feel the pressure, they encouraged me when I had doubts, and this inspired me to work hard and do well. The best part of it is that their support did not stop when I returned to Manila in 2017. They have continued to be a partner in my career as harpist and pianist, connecting me to people, providing performance opportunities where I can share what I have learned in all these years of learning about music, and encouraging me to branch out and keep learning about the world outside music.

Nathan: The FCCP has been a monument in my journey as an artist. While I was a music student in UST, I was blessed through their scholarship program. I have also been given meaningful opportunities by the FCCP in showcasing my talents as a pianist.

As their scholar, it felt as if they have put a certain degree of trust in me as an artist in upholding my artistic excellence and values. That trust has propelled me time and time again to live up to a high standard of excellence in my craft.

Pianist Nathan Gemina

Any message for the FCCP and also for potential future scholars?

Jane: I am glad that FCCP and I share the same mission of sharing music and the arts (yes, harp music too) to fellow Filipinos. Performing and joining FCCP events is meaningful to me because I would like to be able to help other scholars fulfill their dreams, so that they could in turn also give back to the community. Education in culture and the arts is important because through this, we celebrate our humanness. It is this that unites us, despite all our differences and other boundaries that may separate us.

Nathan: It is from the bottom of my heart that I thank the FCCP for being a pillar in my journey as an artist. They have valued me greatly as an artist and person. I am blessed to have experienced both the organisational and personal relations that the FCCP has so professionally and kindly exuded. May God abundantly bless the FCCP's endeavours!

I continually believe in their support for current and future Filipino artists. What they are doing will make an impact in the next-generation artists' hopes and dreams. To the future scholars - you are the key in shaping the world and our nation's culture. May you dream big dreams and believe that God has made you with the purpose of making an impact to the people around you with your skillful hands, voices, and ideas.

For tickets, inquiries, and more information, visit the Friends for Cultural Concerns of the Philippines' Facebook page or call call Angie Godoy at +63927-2292128.

CCP's 53rd Anniversary Gala celebrates the return of Filipino musicals

The Cultural Center of the Philippines celebrates its 53rd Anniversary with Musikal II, a one-night musical extravaganza happening on September 10, 2022, 8:00 PM at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater).

A sequel to 2014's Musikal from the CCP's 45th Anniversary celebrations, Musikal II celebrates Filipino musicals through song performances from productions staged from 2015 up to the present namely Eto Na! Musikal nAPO!, Kanser the Musical, Felix Starro, Ang Larawan, LapuLapu, ang Datu ng Mactan, Guadalupe, Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko, F(r)iction, Changing Partners, Ang Huling El Bimbo the Musical, Binondo, A Tsinoy Musical, Dekada ‘70, A Game of Trolls, Mabining Mandirigma A Steampunk Musical, Aurelio Sedisyoso A Rock Sarswela, The Quest for the Adarna, Ding Ang Bato, Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady, Himala, Isang Musikal, and Daluyong ng Diwa.

Performing onstage are some of Philippine theater's best including Bituin Escalante, Bayang Barrios, Arman Ferrer, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez, Carla Guevara Laforteza, Sandino Martin, Reb Atadero, Delphine Buencamino, Topper Fabregas, Upeng Fernandez, Vic Robinson, Ricci Chan, and Juliene Mendoza.

The show will also herald the start of the CCP's two year rehabilitation wherein the Main Building will be closed starting January 2023.

The creative and production team are led by director Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and musical directors/arrangers Ejay Yatco and Vince De Jesus. Rounding up the team are choreographers Daniel Cabrera and PJ Rebullida, lights designer John Batalla, sound engineer Aji Manalo, set designer Ricardo Eric Cruz, technical director Dong Calingacion, and stage manager Ed Murillo.

The program will also feature two new songs composed by Vince de Jesus entitled Muling Gisingin and Nandito Pa Rin Ako. The all star cast will perform the world premiere of these songs specially commissioned for Musikal II.

Musikal II is an invitational event but certain sections of the theater are open to the public for free. Tickets for the public will be released at the CCP Main Ramp two hours before the performance on a first-come, first-served basis. The show will be shown streamed, live online at the CCP's Facebook page.

Mexican film festival returns at the Shang

After three years, the Shangri-La Plaza and the Embassy of Mexico in the Philippines bring back Cine México, a showcase of contemporary Mexican cinema, this September 7-11, 2022 at the Shang's Red Carpet.

The film festival features six Mexican films from the past decade namely La Promesa (The Promise), Ella es Ramona (She is Ramona), 90 días para el 2 de julio (90 Days to Election Day), Fuego Adentro (Fire Within), El Mar entre las Casas (The Sea between the Houses), and Después de Lucia (After Lucia). All films will be screened in the original Spanish language and with English subtitles. Admission is free on a first-come, first-served basis.

Here is the Cine México 2022 film line up with additional information.

90 días para el 2 de julio/90 Days to Election Day (2021)

Director: Rafael Martínez García

Cast: Luis Arrieta, Danae Reynaud, Armando Espitia, Martha Claudia Moreno, Greta Cervantes

Luis, a young 20 year old man must remain hidden in a house while the presidential elections pass. This is what Andrés, his boyfriend and presidential candidate of a very conservative party, asked him.

Después de Lucia/After Lucia (2012)

Director: Michael Franco

Cast: Tessa Ia, Hernán Mendoza, Gonzalo Vega Sisto, Paloma Cervantez, Tamara Yazbek Bernal, Juan Carlos Barranco, José María Torre, Paco Rueda, Diego Canales, Carmen Beato, Marco Treviño, Mónica del Carmen, Humberto Busto

After the death of her mother Lucía, teenage Alejandra and her dad Roberto have just moved from Puerto Vallarta to Mexico D.F. She is new at school, he has a new job. Starting over is sometimes complicated when you have left so much behind.

Ella es Ramona/She is Ramona (2015)

Director: Hugo Rodríguez

Cast: Andrea Ortega Lee, Daniel Giménez Cacho, María Rojo, Julio Bekhor, Leticia Huijara, Lila Avilés, Juan Carlos Colombo, Patricia Garza, Johanna Murillo, Alenka Rios, Darío T. Pie, Lilia Ortega (Doña Pinoles), Gabriela Murray, Alessandra Pozzo, Enrique Arreola, Ricardo Palacios, Jimena Guerra, Paulo Galindo

Ramona is fat woman with too much weight and barely any luck. She recalls a childhood filled with moral abuse by her mother, sister and friends, calling her silly offensive names referencing her overweight. When she became an adult, things didn’t really get any better. She’s fired for being fat, she wants a liposuction but the doctor informs her she’s not a candidate due to her overweight, and all her universe seems to be collapsing after a series of unfortunate events. But everything will soon get better thanks to some magical beetles she finds in a Tarot café.

Fuego Adentro/Fire Within (2020)

Director: Jesús Mario Lozano

Cast: Hugo Catalán, Armando Espitia, Luisa Pardo

A lonely and repentant man hides in a lost town until his younger brother finds him to bring him news of his beloved Marta. However, this unexpected visit will discover not only a past he did not know but his implacable destiny.

El Mar entre las Casas/The Sea between the Houses (2020)

Director: Juan Pablo García Diego

Cast: Aram Oyarzabal, Maria Fernanda López, Guillermo Duque de Estrada, Julián López, Mary Carmen Olvera Trejo, Alondra Amador, Felipe Evans Amador, Josefina López Cortés, Imanol Lecona, Mariana Hernández Pineda, Jesús Clemente Olvera, Feliciano González, César Villalba, José Rafael Ortega, Enrique Sánchez, Román González “Chispita”, Pablo Márquez Cervantes, Leobardo Tinixcatl, Daniel Moreno

Jose is a biologist who suddenly needs to return to his hometown because his mother has passed away. She left him a large inheritance with a very important message: He must accomplish the expectations she had for him in life. Jose falls in love with Estela, his teenage neighbor, whose father has serious money problems and is also terribly sick.

La Promesa/The Promise (2018)

Director: Óscar Blancarte

Cast: Rafael Inclán, Lumi Cavazos, Alessio Valentini, Alejandro Cardenas, Mario Zaragoza, Víctor Huggo Martin, Mónica Dionne, Alonso Echánove, Jorge Celaya, Eva Moral, Yosi Lugo, Marisol Chiquete, Alberto Lomnitz, Valentina Nallino, María Elena Quiñones

A boy in a small rural mexican town founds joy through books thanks to his teacher.

Here is the schedule for Cine México 2022.

September 7, 2022

7:30 PM La Promesa

September 8, 2022

3:00 PM La Promesa

5:15 PM Ella es Ramona

7:10 PM Después de Lucia

September 9, 2022

3:00 PM El Mar entre las Casas

5:00 PM 90 días para el 2 de julio

7:00 PM Fuego Adentro

September 10, 2022

1:00 PM 90 días para el 2 de julio

3:00 PM La Promesa

5:15 PM Después de Lucia

7:30 PM Ella es Ramona

September 11, 2022

1:30 PM Fuego Adentro

3:15 PM El Mar entre las Casas

5:05 PM La Promesa

7:20 PM 90 días para el 2 de julio

Special Concert Series 2022 at the new CCP Black Box Theater

In what seems like ages ago, soprano Stefanie Quintin, trombone player Ricson Poonin, and guitarist Ivar Fojas were announced to headline the Cultural Center of the Philippines' Special Concert Series scheduled for the latter half of 2020. Inevitably, the concert series became one of the countless cancellations caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Two years later, the trio's respective performances will finally see the light of day with the return of the Special Concert Series 2022. The series will be among the first concerts to be staged at CCP's new Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (Black Box Theater).

Soprano Stefanie Quintin 

Kicking off the series on September 7, 2022, 7:30 PM is soprano Stefanie Quintin whose vast repertoire includes music from the Renaissance up to the present day. She has premiered and performed works by such composers as National Artist for Music Dr. Ramon P. Santos and the American composer Eli Marshall.

She has given solo performances at the Asia Europe New Music Festival in Vietnam, the Yilan International Arts Festival in Taiwan, the soundSCAPE Festival in Italy, the Baroque Festival in Singapore, and the International Bamboo Organ Festival in the United States (Philippines). Aside from the Trovillo-Graham Award for Voice and the Rey Paguio Scholarship, Quintin also won the Delphic Lyra Award for Traditional Music at the Third International Junior Delphic Games, and the PGMA Presidential Award for Culture and the Arts.

Stefanie will also conduct an online voice masterclass on September 8, 2022, 2:00-5:00 PM via ZOOM. Interested participants for the masterclass can call the CCP Artist Training Division at 8832-1125 loc. 1605 or email artist.training@culturalcenter.gov.ph.

The second concert of the series sees trombonist Ricson Poonin take to the stage on October 20, 2022 while guitarist Ivar Fojas wraps things up on November 11, 2022. All performances begin at 7:30 PM to be held at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez. Both Poonin and Fojas will also conduct their respective masterclasses with exact dates to be announced soon.

All live performances and events held at the CCP still adhere to health and safety protocols that can be viewed at https://bit.ly/staysafeatCCP