CCP National Theatre Live screens Shakespeare's tragedy Othello

William Shakespeare is a major figure in the world of theater, yet his works are not regularly staged by local companies. There is the occasional Filipino adaptation of his works usually mounted by a University based theater group but they are few and far in between.

To remedy that, the CCP's National Theatre Live's presents a screening of Othello happening on March 26, 2024, 5:30 PM at the Greenbelt 3 Cinemas.

This production of Othello was filmed live from the Lyttleton stage of the National Theatre, is directed by Clint Dyer, and stars Giles Terera (Hamilton), Rosy McEwen (The Alienist), Paul Hilton (The Inheritance), and Tanya Franks (Chewing Gum).

More information about CCP National Theatre Live's Othello can be found at the reprinted press release below.

OTHELLO BRINGS HIS TRAGEDY TO PHILIPPINE SCREENS

Shakespeare’s most compelling and enduring tragedy, Othello, comes to Philippine cinema through the CCP’s National Theater Live on March 26, 2024, 5:30pm, at Greenbelt 3 Cinema 1.

A tragedy in five acts by English national poet William Shakespeare, Othello conveys the tragic romance between Desdemona and Othello. She is a bright, headstrong daughter of a senator, elevated by her status but stifled by its expectations. He is a refugee of slavery, having risen to the top of a white world, who finds that love across racial lines has a cost. Wed in secret, Desdemona and Othello crave a new life together.

The plot thickens when heroic black general Othello appoints Cassio as his chief lieutenant. Jealous of Othello’s success and envious of Cassio, Iago plots the general’s downfall by falsely implicating Desdemona and Cassio are engaged in a love affair. With the unwitting aid of Emilia, Iago’s wife, the disgruntled man carries out his devious plan.

Amidst the oppressive social barriers and meddling external forces, Othello and Desdemona find their future is not theirs to decide.

In this version of National Theater Live production, the classic tale of boundary-defying love comes alive through the stellar performance from actors Giles Terera (Hamilton), Rosy McEwen (The Alienist), Paul Hilton (The Inheritance), and Tanya Franks (Chewing Gum).

Filmed live on the Lyttleton stage of the National Theatre, the NTL staging was directed by Clint Dyer, deputy artistic director of the National Theatre. He was the first African American director to helm Othello in a prestigious UK theatre. Dyer then directed other acclaimed productions such as the “Death of England” series.

The new CCP film program aims to make the best of British theater accessible to Filipino cinema audiences at an affordable ticket price. For its pilot season, the CCP National Theatre Live features the Philippine premiere of nine world-class stage plays, produced by the UK’s National Theatre and filmed live in high definition from its London stages and other venues. First launched in June 2009, the National Theater Live is a groundbreaking project that offers unparalleled experience for theater lovers, magnified by the big screen. Each event also features behind-the-scenes interviews with the cast and creative teams, for better appreciation of international theater among theater enthusiasts, playwrights, artists, and the broader public.

Tickets to the screening are priced at Php 250 (regular), and Php 150 (students). Discounts are given to senior citizens for non-Makati residents and PWDs upon presentation of valid IDs. All senior citizens with Makati resident IDs shall be allowed free entry as mandated by local government regulations. Tickets are available at Ayala Malls Cinemas ticket booths and website (www.sureseats.com).

For more information, visit the CCP (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) and follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, X, and Instagram for the latest updates.

CCP receives multiple awards for its resiliency during pandemic and creative innovations

When the country bore the brunt of the pandemic in 2020, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) ensured to the public that it could still fulfill its mandate to promote and preserve the best of Filipino arts and culture. Back on March 13, 2020, the CCP complied with the decision of shutting down all its public venues and postponed all productions and events indefinitely due to the precautions the country had to make. However, despite these restrictions, CCP found their way to thrive through the online platforms. This was the start of the transition of online performances for the Center.

For years, the Center has embarked on digitizing its archives. It proved to be quite a pioneering and progressive project because it became a lifeline for the center’s artistic endeavors. As directed by the Philippine government, CCP functioned on a skeleton workforce, with restricted access for employees and cultural workers. With the theaters closed, the CCP couldn’t produce any shows; hence, limited livelihood for the artists.

The CCP Board of Trustees calibrated the response to the pandemic affecting the creative industry and implemented the Innovation Grants Program which provided financial support to seven art and culture organizations so they could create and produce new works in various art disciplines and distribute these new contents using online technology, blended, and hybrid technologies.

The new programming brought to “online stages” different shows such as virtual pocket concerts of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, dubbed Music for Healing: PPO in Quarantine, Virgin Labfest’s online edition using Zoom and Facebook Live, and Cinemalaya screening short films in competition in Vimeo.

“These interventions and responses proved that arts could not be curtailed. Even a pandemic can’t stop people from engaging in arts. In fact, art is what sustained them throughout the most challenging time in this era,” said CCP president ad interim Michelle Nikki Junia.

No matter what the obstacles, CCP remains committed to its mandate, and these efforts earned recognition from inaugural The Living Laurels Awards, organized by the Malaya Business Insights.

Living Laurels 2024 Pandemic Resilience Award

The CCP recently received The Pandemic Resilience Award for “its outstanding contributions to the lifestyle industry and reaffirms their steadfast dedication to excellence in lifestyle endeavors.” The award recognizes the organizations or individuals who adapted and thrived during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Despite the challenges we might face in the near future, whether it is pandemic, natural disasters, and man-made situations, including budget cuts, the CCP will continue to champion a thriving local creative industry that respects tradition, spurs innovation, increases social awareness, and enriches the Philippine national brand,” said Junia.

Living Laurels 2024
Arts Visionary & Local Artisan Showcase Award

The CCP also received The Arts Visionary and Local Artisan Showcase Award for one of its most-anticipated festivals, the Virgin Labfest. The award was given to organizations that promote emerging local artists and craftsmen who have created outstanding and notable pieces.

Twenty years since it was launched, the VLF serves as a laboratory and experimental stage for untried, unstaged, and untested one-act plays written by up-and-coming playwrights from different regions.

“From putting the spotlight on Filipino playwrights, VLF also becomes a safe space for directors, actors, stage managers, and technical crew who come together to bring ‘virgin’ one-act plays to audiences. From a one-week run, it grew to a three-week festival featuring 12 new plays and 3 revisited plays. Together with the Writers’ Bloc and CCP resident theater company Tanghalang Pilipino, we are proud of how far the VLF has come. Many of the playwrights who have been featured in VLF have become some of our country’s better-known playwrights, and award winners,” shared CCP artistic director Dennis N. Marasigan.

The Living Laurels Awards also recognized other organizations in different categories such as Digital Transformation Excellence Award, Sustainable Lifestyle Champion Award, Mental Health and Wellness Advocate, Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Award, Innovative Health and Fitness Solutions Award, Hybrid Work-Life Integration Awards, Creative Culinary Excellence Award, Jake Macasaet Legacy Award, Joy Delos Reyes Community Impact Award, Pocholo Romualdez Media Excellence Award, and Che Francisco PR Excellence Award.

Metrobank Foundation Inc.'s Partner in Empowerment,
Advocacy and Commitment to Excellence (PEACE) Awars

CCP also received recognition from the Metrobank Foundation Inc. for being a Partner in Empowerment, Advocacy and Commitment to Excellence (PEACE). This award is presented every five years to recognize partners that have collaborated impactfully with MBFI in its mission of uplifting the lives of the most vulnerable and underserved sectors in Philippine society.

“We dedicate these awards to the people who worked hard and diligently during the most turbulent time in recent years, and for the Filipino people who have supported the CCP through the years,” concluded Junia during one of the award ceremonies.

For updates on CCP’s events and productions, follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, X, Instagram and Tiktok. You can also watch CCP digital contents on the CCP YouTube Channel.

CCP Cine Icons celebrates 1st Anniversary with Flor Contemplacion Story special screening

Just like that, the CCP Cine Icons, a program of the Cultural Center of the Philippines' Film, Broadcast, and New Media Division-Production and Exhibition Department (FBNMD-PED) that aims to honor and popularize the life and works of the National Artists for Film like Ricky Lee, Nora Aunor, and Marilou Diaz-Abaya, is turning a year old already.

In celebration of the upcoming 1st anniversary and also National Women's Month, Cine Icons presents the special screening and talkback of The Flor Contemplacion Story on March 15, 2024 1:00 PM at the GSIS Theater.

First shown in cinemas back in 1995, The Flor Contemplacion Story stars National Artist Nora Aunor and also the late Jaclyn Jose, 2016 Cannes Film Festival Best Actress Winner. The film is directed by Joel Lamangan with screenplay by National Artist Ricky Lee and Bonifacio Ilagan.

More information about the CCP Cine Icons special screening of The Flor Contemplacion Story including how to reserve seats can be found at the press release reprinted below.

CCP CINE ICONS MARKS FIRST YEAR WITH ‘THE FLOR CONTEMPLACION STORY’

A special screening and talkback of The Flor Contemplacion Story marks the first anniversary of the CCP Cine Icons, slated on March 15, 1 pm, at the GSIS Theater in Pasay City.

Free and open to the public, this event is also CCP’s contribution to National Women’s Month, as part of its Gender and Development (GAD) commitment.

In partnership with the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and VIVA Films, the 1995 crime-thriller film follows the tragic tale of Flor Contemplacion, a domestic worker from the Philippines. Leaving her home to seek work in Singapore, Flor finds employment at a relatively pleasant household. However, her life takes a sharp turn when Flor is accused of killing fellow maid Delia Maga as well as the child in her care. Although evidence supports Flor's innocence, a trial finds her guilty, and she is sentenced to death.

Directed by Joel Lamangan, with the screenplay by National Artist Ricky Lee and Bonifacio Ilagan, starring National Artist Nora Aunor, The Flor Contemplacion Story operates on various personal, social, and political levels. Both controversial and critically acclaimed, it won Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay at the 1996 FAP Awards, among 18 other wins and 16 nominations.

For the past year, CCP Cine Icons has screened numerous films by newly-minted National Artists Ricky Lee, Nora Aunor, and Marilou Diaz-Abaya in different screening venues and partner schools nationwide. A special program of the CCP Film, Broadcast, and New Media Division-Production and Exhibition Department (FBNMD-PED), this program aims to honor and popularize the life and works of the featured National Artists.

The CCP Cine Icons is also part of CCP Lakbay Sine, an outreach program of the FBNMD-PED that brings different film projects to different regions, partner communities, organizations, and campuses primarily to popularize the works of Filipino filmmakers and encourage film appreciation among the youth and the general public.

Noranians, film enthusiasts, and interested audiences may secure their seats for the screening by reserving here: bit.ly/CCPCineIcons-TFCS-reg.

To get the latest updates on future film screenings from CCP Lakbay Sine, follow the official CCP and CCP Film, Broadcast, and New Media Division social media accounts on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Purple Power: CCP celebrates National Women's Month with facade lighting

CCP Main Building
Photo ©Rodel Valiente

The Cultural Center of the Philippines lights up the Tanghalang Pambasan (CCP Main Building), the Bamboo Pavilion at Liwasang Kalikhasan, and the Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez (CCP Blackbox Theater) in purple to celebrate the National Women’s Month this March.

Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez
Photo ©Rodel Valiente

Designed by Camille Balistoy and Jericho Pagana, executed by the Production Design and Technical Services Division under the Production and Exhibition Department, the façade lighting is the leading art institution’s way of recognizing the Filipino women’s contribution to nation-building and putting the spotlight on their accomplishments.

Liwasang Kalikasan
Photo ©Rodel Valiente

Through its various programs and projects, the CCP advocates women’s empowerment and gender equality.

CCP Cine Icons Feature: Ushering a New Generation of Artists through Timeless Filipino Films

Vilma Santos-Recto, Claudine Barretto, Ma-an Asuncion-Dagñalan,
and Dennis Marasigan with St. Paul University QC officials

In a nation that centers its social foundation on family, it is not surprising to see numerous films centered on family stories. Whether it is about complicated familial situations, the sacrifices that parents make for their children, and heart-warming moments among siblings, among others, one can find Filipino films that encapsulate shared social experiences and realities that enlighten, inspire, and transform generations of viewers.

One of the most iconic family-centered films in the Philippines is Anak, directed by Rory Quintos and written by National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee.

Recently, the Cultural Center of the Philippines held a special screening of this classic cinematic gem at St. Paul University, Quezon City as part of its CCP Lakbay Sine, an outreach program of the Film, Broadcast, and New Media Division - Production and Exhibition Department (FBNMD- PED), that brings different film projects to different regions, partner communities, organizations, and campuses primarily to popularize the works of Filipino filmmakers and encourage film appreciation among the youth and the general public.

Vilma Santos-Recto and Ricky Lee

For this CCP Lakbay Sine iteration, the CCP presented the Cine Icons, a special film project that aims to promote the cinematic works and lives of the National Artists.

In cooperation with ABS-CBN Sagip Pelikula, the special screening of the digitally-restored 2000 film was attended by high school students from different St. Paul campuses who expressed their appreciation for the classic film, especially in its maintained relevance in today’s society, more than two decades after it first premiered.

Starring award-winning actresses Vilma Santos and Claudine Barretto, Anak is a moving story about a mother who became an overseas contract worker dreaming of a better life for her children. Upon her return to the Philippines after the death of her husband, she has to endure the resentment and hatred of her children for leaving them.

“We did a lot of interviews sa mga nanay at mga anak. We made sure, kami ng co-writer ko and direk Rory, na wala kaming sisisihin – magulang man o sa anak. Hindi nila kasalanan na nasa lipunan sila kung saan kailangan nilang maghiwalay para mabuhay. We made sure na magiging totoo kami sa boses ng ina at sa anak. At wala kaming kakampihan.,” said the National Artist on their portrayal of the characters Josie and Carla.

When asked about the process behind shooting the emotional scenes during the talkback session, actress Santos-Recto shared: “When we do a scene, hindi namin sinasadya na magpaiyak. Palagay ko it is the story itself. As much as possible, gagawin namin na coming from the heart, hindi lang basta acting.”

The Star for All Seasons, who has initiated several programs in Batangas to help families of OFWs, also shared how being close to her family in real life helped her get into Josie’s character better. In her infamous confrontation scene with her co-star Claudine, which was shot in one take, her dialogue also reflected her personal struggles as a mother.

“Kapag nagsusulat kami, we try to be true to the characters, to the material. Nakikita ko na kapag na-imbibe ng actors ‘yung characters, yun na ‘yung character. And I think that’s because of the truthfulness of the character – hindi siya inaarte,” shared Lee.

As a screenwriter, Lee considers characters as the most important elements to consider when starting new projects. For him, characters are real people – the same people who watch his films and read his stories. “Kaya natin naa-appreciate ‘yung mga pelikula kasi nakikita natin na kapwa tao natin ‘yung nasa screen.”

With hundreds of budding artists watching, both Lee and Santos-Recto were more than happy to provide insights and encouragement to the young hopefuls who also dream of making it into the industry.

Ricky Lee speaks as Vilma Santos-Recto looks on

“Pursue your dreams. Try and try, lalo na if you have the passion. Love what you do and it will love you back,” enthused the veteran actress.

When asked for advice on how to deal with parents who discourage their children to pursue arts, the National Artist said: “Kailangang mag-persist ka. ‘Wag kang bibitaw, hawakan mo ‘yung pangarap mo.”

For its next screening, CCP Cine Icons will be premiering Joel Lamangan’s The Flor Contemplacion Story, written by Ricky Lee and starring National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor, on March 15.

To get the latest updates on CCP Lakbay Sine, follow the official CCP and CCP Film, Broadcast, and New Media Division social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Instituto Cervantes opens an exhibit on Nebrija, the grammarian who helped to preserve the Filipino vernacular languages

Did you know that Tagalog had its first grammar published before English did? The linguistic milestone can be greatly credited to the Spaniard known as Nebrija, who played a pivotal role in that development. On March 12, Instituto Cervantes will unveil at its Intramuros branch the exhibition Nebrija en Filipinas, dedicated to celebrating the cultural contributions of Spanish grammarian Elio Antonio de Nebrija (1444-1522). Nebrija's impactful legacy extends to languages like Tagalog and Cebuano, which possessed grammars ahead of many European languages.

Nebrija en Filipinas, tailored for Filipino audiences, is an adaptation of the Nebrija exhibition organized by the National Library of Spain in 2022, commemorating the 500th anniversary of Nebrija's death. Through informative panels and displays of books, the exhibition will highlight Nebrija’s cultural contributions and seek to contextualize them within the publication of the first grammars of the Philippine vernacular languages. These linguistic endeavours were directly shaped by Nebrija's teachings.

Grammatica Nebrissensis

Nebrija was a highly reputed scholar during the Renaissance period in Europe. His book Introductiones Latinae, a groundbreaking manual for teaching Latin, not only earned him recognition in Spain but also garnered international fame. He also wrote bilingual dictionaries in Latin-Spanish and a Gramática de la lengua castellana, published in 1492, which is recognized as the first grammar of modern European languages. It became the model for Spanish friars who attempted analyzing the grammars of the new world, both in America and the Philippines. These missionaries, who had learned Latin from Nebrija’s methods, applied the model, with its theoretical considerations and bilingual translations, in their description of these languages. As a result, Tagalog saw its first grammar book published in 1610 with Francisco Blancas de San José's Arte y reglas de la lengua tagala. It was followed by similar initiatives with other vernacular languages, among them the Arte de la lengua iloca, composed by the Agustinian Francisco López in 1627, and the Arte de la lengua bisaya de la provincia de Leyte, written by the jesuist Domingo Ezguerra in 1663.

Vocabulario de la lengua Bicol

Proud, intelligent, and audacious, Nebrija was a stalwart fighter for pure Latin and always wanted to go down in posterity with the nickname grammaticus (grammarian). When he presented a preview of what would later become his Grammar of the Castilian Language to Queen Isabel la Católica, the sovereign was initially surprised, unable to grasp the utility of a treatise teaching the rules of a language acquired naturally. However, Nebrija successfully persuaded her that languages benefit from both descriptive and normative grammars to prevent them from running amok. The paradoxes of fate have made his Castilian grammar his most renowned work today. Nevertheless, Nebrija deserves to be remembered for many other reasons.

Arte de la lengua bisaya de la provincia de Leyte

For Nebrija, the revival of Latin was an incentive for other scholarly pursuits. The voyages of the discoverers aroused his curiosity, leading to a fascination with cosmography and a desire to learn about developments from across the Atlantic. In these and other scholarly ventures, Nebrija revealed himself as a full-fledged humanist.

Tagalysmo Elucidado

Even after his death, Nebrija’s fame did not diminish. His grammars and lexicons were not only published in Spain but also gained recognition in France, Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands. The Latin manual he had written for his students in Salamanca attained exclusive authorization for teaching the discipline, a decree made by King Philip III in 1598. Nebrija's Latin grammar manual continued to be esteemed, annotated, and adapted based on location and circumstances until the 19th century.

Arte de la lengua bisaya-hiligayna de la Isla de Panay

The exhibit Nebrija en Filipinas, which will run from 12 March to 12 June, 2024, is organized by Instituto Cervantes in collaboration with Fundación Antonio Nebrija (Madrid), the Embassy of Spain and AECID, Biblioteca Nacional de España, and the University of Sto. Tomas (Manila). Nebrija en Filipinas is an adaptation of the original exhibit Nebrija, curated by Dr. Teresa Jiménez Calvente, with addition of panels focused on the Philippines composed by Marlon James Sales, of UP Diliman. The exhibit will have a second leg from August to October in the Miguel Benavides Library of UST.

For further information about the cultural program of Instituto Cervantes de Manila, please visit their website (https://manila.cervantes.es), or follow Instituto Cervantes on the following social media pages: (Facebook: InstitutoCervantesManila; Instagram: institutocervantesmanila).

Alice Reyes' Rama, Hari: Savoring a masterpiece

Going on its second and final week, constant reminders not to let the remaining performances of Alice Reyes' Rama, Hari pass by were not hard to miss. The primary reason is that it would be at least a decade until this epic rock opera ballet gets seen on stage again.

With this in mind, I made it a point to savor every moment viewing this production that boasts the collaborative works of five National Artists namely Alice Reyes (direction and choreography), National Artist for Dance; Ryan Cayabyab (music), National Artist for Music; Bienvenido Lumbera (libretto and lyrics), National Artist for Literature; Salvador Bernal (set and costume design), National Artist for Theater Design, and Rolando Tinio (English translation), National Artist for Theater and Literature.

I also made sure to catch the performance where the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth was led by Ryan Cayabyab himself, taking over conducting duties from his son Toma Cayabyab who had another conducting engagement on the same night

With the 2023 run still relatively fresh on my mind, I was now able to focus on the dancers a lot more considering that my attention was more on the singers and the music during my previous viewings.

The show this time around went smoother, tighter, more polished and it also looked like the dancers did savor the final week of performances. The usually reserved Ejay Arisola was able to express more now as Rama allowing him to keep pace with the ever expressive Katrene San Miguel.

Veterans John Ababon (King Dasaratha), Dan Dayo (Hanuman), and Sarah Alejandro (Kooni/Gintong Usa) delivered solid performances having already eased into their roles. This staging also gave Ricmar Bayoneta the spotlight as the antagonist Ravana.

On the other hand, Karla Santos (Kaikeyi) and Krislynne Buri (Soorpanakha), who were both new to me back in the previous staging, continued to make their mark as future leads in Alice Reyes Dance Philippines.

For two seasons now, Renzen Arboleda has positioned himself as one to watch, not just in ARDP, but also in the local dance scene as well. It was a delight to see yet another noteworthy outing from him as Lakshmana. This young man is destined to be one of the leading danseurs in the country, that is if a foreign company doesn't snag him first.

The dance numbers with the entire company on stage looked too crowded and at times a bit messy. But this owed more to the smaller size of the Samsung Performing Arts Theater stage compared to that of the Cultural Center of the Philippines' Main Theater Stage. The smaller stage also resulted in the reduced size of the Salvador Bernal sets. This just didn't have the wow factor compared to how grand the original scale was as seen at the CCP during the last Rama, Hari staging there back in 2012.

There is nothing left to be said with the singers that performed on this night. Arman Ferrer and Shiela Valderrama-Martinez as Rama and Sita were in their finest. Jonel Mojica (Ravana), Audie Gemora (King Dasaratha), Rafflesia Bravo (Soorpanakha/Kooni), Katrene Sunga (Kaikeyi/Gintong Usa), and Paw Castillo (Lakshmana/Hanuman) all sounded well rested and one just wished that they, along with the other singers did an original cast recording. But no recording was made for this run as far as I know. Thank goodness that I savored every moment of the dancing, singing, and the music to get me through for at least ten years until the next staging.

Instituto Cervantes Celebrates Women’s Month with the Film Series Espacio Femenino

This March 2024, Instituto Cervantes will showcase their annual film series Espacio Femenino, to honor the works and culture created by women for women. Screening will be at 2 PM on the following dates: March 7, 14, 16, 21, and 23 for the general audience and will take place at Instituto Cervantes Intramuros branch. Viewing is free for all with a first come first serve seating arrangement.

Espacio Femenino will present four feature films and three short films, which were directed by women to showcase their stories of recent years. The series will have both fiction and nonfiction films, and plays on the theme of disorderly imaginaries, all of which will highlight the characters of their authors in displaying quality Spanish cinema accomplished with a female signature.

On 7 March, Thursday, the film series officially starts with África 815 (2015), a creative documentary written, produced, and directed by Pilar Monsell using her father’s photographs and diaries. The documentary reconstructs the complex stories of her father during his military service in the Spanish colony of the Sahara in 1964. The archival work intricately pieced together the experiences of Manuel Monsell’s life through the perspective of the narrator in contrasting the myths of romantic love and the ideal family with the true desires and the need to find oneself. Pilar Monsell is a filmmaker, editor, scriptwriter, visual artist and researcher best known for her experimental cinema, film-performance or memory and archive film.

The film series will continue on 14 March, Thursday, with La mami (2019), written and directed by Laura Herrero Garvín to unfold the raw realities of escort ladies at the Barba Azul cabaret in Mexico City. This particular piece takes on a social, ethical and tremendously human portrait of the world of call girls. The film mainly follows Doña Olga, known as "Mami" --a former cabaret performer with more than 45 years in the business who now is in charge of the women’s restroom. Multiple stories come to life as the routine, struggles, and conversations of the cabaret girls take its place in the intimate space for women. La mami was awarded at multiple film festivals and was the winner of the Best Film at the Cinema Tropical Awards or the FIPRESCI award from film critics.

On 16 March, Saturday, three short films take the stage with Cortos en femenino: Oro rojo (2021), written and directed by Carme Gomila; Escamas (2020), co-written and directed by Katherina Harder, and Sorda (2021), written and directed by Nuria Muñoz Ortiz and Eva Libertad. Oro Rojo is an animated social commentary on the issues of environmental exploitation, racism, and capitalism through the lives of three Moroccan immigrant women working in the countryside of Huelva. Delving into the concept of intimate representations in self-discovery, Escamas follows the story of Alicia, a woman who had to undergo mastectomy due to breast cancer, and her neighbor, Lucia, a transsexual woman, as they find acceptance with the help of one another. The final segment of cortos en femenino, Sorda, is the first sign language film with a Goya award nomination that tells the story of a young couple, Angela and Darío, facing their new challenge of having a child as Angela also struggles to fight the war of being a deaf woman in a prejudiced society.

The fourth film will be on 21 March, Thursday, with the showing of Las cinéphilas (2017), the first feature length documentary in a trilogy about art and its meaning in the passage of time, written and directed by María Alvarez. It focuses on three retired women, living in Buenos Aires, Madrid, and Montevideo as they explore their passion for cinema. Las cinéphilas dismantles the stereotypes traditionally associated with a male-centered culture of cinema told through the eyes of the camera and the stories of these women.

Espacio Femenino will conclude the series on 23 March, Friday, with Viaje al cuarto de una madre (2018), an award-winning debut film that encompasses the relationship between a mother and daughter as they learn their own identity as women and as individuals. Leonor and her mother Estrella’s journey to self-discovery starts as their relationship falters when Leonor decides to leave their home. It reflects on the roots of family ties as everyday gestures and communication change their perspectives of their identity while they learn to live separately. Viaje al cuarto de una madre has won the Youth Award at the San Sebástian Festival and the Asecan Award for Best Film.

The film series, presented by Instituto Cervantes de Manila in collaboration with the Mostra Internacional de Films de Dones de Barcelona, and the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines, will be in Spanish with English subtitles. Entrance is free. For further information and updates on the film series, please visit Instituto Cervantes’ Facebook site (www.facebook.com/InstitutoCervantesManila) or log on into: https://cultura.cervantes.es/manila/en/espacio-femenino.-imaginarios-alborotados/167699

For further information about the cultural program of Instituto Cervantes de Manila, please visit their website (https://manila.cervantes.es), or follow Instituto Cervantes on the following social media pages: (Facebook: InstitutoCervantesManila; Instagram: institutocervantesmanila).

Asian Cultural Council holds benefit auction at Leon Gallery

From revered National Artists and icons of modern and contemporary art, to young and celebrated artists of their generation, the growing list of Filipino artists who have received the Asian Cultural Council fellowship grant continues.

This year, ACC Philippines Foundation Trustees led by Chairman Ernest Escaler and President Ma. Isabel Ongpin, carries on its commitment to raise funds through the Asian Cultural Council Auction.

The benefit event set on March 9, 2024 is curated and organized by ACC staunch partner Jaime Ponce De Leon and his team at Leon Gallery.

BENEFICIARY

Proceeds from the fundraisers go entirely to the ACC Philippine Fellowship Program that supports Filipino artists in their self-exploration and development through cultural exchange in the United States and/or intra-Asia. Since ACC’s founding in 1963, around 300 artists, art scholars and educators, art institutions and organizations have received fellowship grants across all art disciplines.

ACC FELLOWS

Leading the ACC alumni list are National Artists Jose Joya, Lucresia Kasilag, Lamberto Avellana, Alejandro Roces, Francisco Feliciano, Jose Maceda, Kidlat Tahimik, Ramon Santos and Alice Reyes. Among the ACC organization-recipients include the Asian Composer’s League, Ballet Philippines, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Museo Pambata, National Museum, Samba-Likhaan, UP Center for Ethnomusicology, and the Visayas Islands Visual Arts Exhibition and Conference (VIVA ExCon), to name a few.

2023 ACC GRANTEES

The following are the recipients of the ACC grant who will embark on their fellowships this year.

Japhet Mari Cabling

Japhet Mari Cabling is a choreographer and art educator.

The ACC fellowship will enable him to attend modern, contemporary dance classes and workshops and inquire on other contemporary practices in the United States.

Corinne de San Jose

Corinne De San Jose is a self-taught multi-disciplinary artist and multi-awarded sound designer. The ACC grant will enable her to research contemporary sound art, specifically sound art as site specific installations, as well as public art around New York City.

Maria Christina Muyco

Maria Christine Muyco is a composer, ethnomusicologist, and a full professor at the University of the Philippines College of Music.

The ACC grant will enable her to hold a series of workshops on a song cycle with Southeast Asian cultures and to workshop the songs with a chamber music ensemble in New York City.

Be one with the ACC mission and champion the cause for Filipino artists by supporting the benefit auction starting at 2:00 pm at Leon Gallery, Eurovilla 1 Rufino cor. Legazpi streets, Legazpi Village, Makati City.

Window by Roberto Chabet

León Gallery once again opens another art-filled year with its traditional annual partnership with The Asian Cultural Council to commemorate and celebrate the visionary artistry of Filipino talent.

"There is much to be grateful for and many milestones to remember with our first major auction of the year—the much-awaited Asian Cultural Council Auction of 2024," said León Gallery Director Jaime Ponce de Leon.

ACC Philippines Chairman Ernest L. Escaler remarks that León Gallery and the Asian Cultural Council have, for the past nine years, produced nothing short of a fruitful and wonderful partnership.

Ecce Homo or El Cristo de la Paciencia by Juan Luna

"Filled with gratitude for the year that was, we recommence with greater optimism to move forward building a legacy that espouses the transformative power of the arts. As we aim to actualize ACC's mission year after year, we seek the support of like-minded individuals and form alliances along the way to support our advocacy," said Escaler.

Escaler continued: "Foremost is our wonderful partnership with Jaime Ponce de Leon and Leon Gallery. Now in our 9th year of collaboration, we extend our deep admiration, respect, and sincere thanks to Jaime and his team for their dedication and tireless effort that makes our fundraising auction an anticipated and successful event."

Barcos de la Vela by Félix Resurrección Hidalgo 

In this opening salvo for 2024, ACC and Leon Gallery celebrate the birth anniversaries of three of the country's modernist stalwarts: Fernando Zóbel's 100th and the 110th of two of his closest friends, Anita Magsaysay-Ho, and Nena Saguil. Anita is represented by a rare rendition of the iconic "Planting Rice," while Saguil graces this sale with impeccable works representing her prolific career, starting with her beginnings at the Philippine Art Gallery to her artistry-defining experience as a painter of the École de Paris.

The works of Jose Joya and Roberto Chabet, two former ACC grantees who share the distinction of being the first Filipino recipients in their respective fields (Joya for the Visual Arts and Chabet for Museology, both in 1967), are also equally the centerpieces of this auction.

Of this magnificent full-circle moment, Ponce de Leon says: "The Asian Cultural Council Auction is always an occasion close to our hearts, not least of all because it brings to the forefront the abilities of our young Filipino artists. In the ACC's honor, works by Jose Joya, their first-ever grantee for the visual arts, are among the highlights, as are important pieces from another ACC grantee, Roberto Chabet."

Landscape in Bilbao by Juan Luna

The "sun and moon" of Filipino art, Juan Luna and Félix Resurrección Hidalgo, are also represented in this sale. Luna has three works that span important periods in his life: "Landscape in Bilbao," "Ecce Homo," and a lyrical work from his award-winning Roman period, titled "Idilio." The cherished troves of prominent Filipino collectors and stewards of the arts—Don Eugenio “Geny” Lopez, Romeo Jorge, and Assemblyman and Ambassador Pedro Conlu Hernaez are also featured.

A portion of the proceeds from this annual auction will help fund various ACC grants for Filipino and other Asian artists and arts-based practitioners.

Ponce de Leon eagerly invites everyone to participate in this landmark sale for the greater benefit of our fellow talented Filipino and Asian artists who have always wanted to spread their creative wings and transcend beyond their artistic horizons by venturing to uncharted shores. "On behalf of Team Leon Gallery, allow me to invite you once again to enjoy, experience, and join this new adventure in Philippine art."

Idilio by Juan Luna

Meanwhile, Escaler has only words of pure gratitude to everyone who has been a part of this incredible journey. "We also acknowledge the generous contribution of friends and patrons whose invaluable help and support through the years has been a source of encouragement and goodwill," says Escaler. "Let this new year inspire us all with a renewed sense of purpose as we make each day better for everyone."

To know more about the auction visit www.leon-gallery.com

To learn more about ACC Programs visit www.asianculturalcouncil.org

PPO announces Dariusz Machej as Don Pasquale

Dariusz Machej

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra lives up to its season moniker Switch as bass Dariusz Machej has been just announced as now taking over the titular role at the concert style performance of Gaetano Donizetti's Don Pasquale happening on March 8, 2024, 7:30 PM at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater.

The announcement of the new Don Pasquale also included the reveal of the ensemble comprising the chorus because which 19th century Italian opera does not include a chorus? Chorus members are Angelica Rose Martin Benipayo, Camille Maica Magallanes Juanitez, Charina Althea Balmores, Donna Klariz Baluyut, Chelsy Franchette Rosell, Jho-merita A. Chua-so, Nerissa Cabotaje De Juan, Maria Vicella C. Villasin, Gabriel Remoroza Ramos, Keanu Gregan R. Rebadeo. Joshua Angelo Fabros Mondares, Ruzzel Adrian Garcia Clemeno, Nelson Jr. L. Borongan, E C Raquiz Garcia, Paul Mark Raguin Gayanilo.

More info about Dariusz Machej can be found at the press release reprinted below.

BASS DARIUSZ MACHEJ IS DON PASQUALE

Seasoned classical singer Dariusz Machej brings to life Don Pasquale, the famous wealthy old bachelor character in Gaetano Donizetti’s most popular opera buffa, this on March 8, 2024, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati.

To address the dry spell of opera productions in the country, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the PPO present a concert-style performance of Donizetti’s Don Pasquale as part of the orchestra’s 39th concert season.

Don Pasquale tells the comedic story of an elderly bachelor, Don Pasquale, who decides to marry in order to disinherit his nephew, Ernesto. However, things take a humorous turn when his scheming plans are thwarted by a series of comical misunderstandings and mistaken identities. Filled with lively music and witty dialogue, Don Pasquale is a delightful opera known for its entertaining plot and memorable characters.

Under the baton of PPO music director and principal conductor Maestro Grzegorz Nowak, the PPO performs timeless masterpieces by the Italian composer, with Machej reprising the titular role of Don Pasquale in the Philippine premiere.

Machej first made his performing debut back in 1997, where he played the role of Don Magnifico in Rossini's La Cenerentola at the Warsaw Chamber Opera. He was trained under esteemed teachers such as Prof. Wlodzimierz Zalewski, Prof. Ryszard Karczykowski, and Prof. William Mateuzzi.

Over the years, he has performed in over 30 productions, in cooperation with the MET, Theater an der Wien, Israeli Opera Tel Aviv, Festspielhaus Baden-Baden, and National Centre for the Performing Arts Pekin. He also participated in various music festivals around Europe such as the Rossini Opera Festival (Pesaro) and Festival di Musica Sacra “Anima Mundi” (Pisa) which both was held in Italy.

The opera features renowned opera singers Dorota Sobieska (Norina) and Byeong-in Park (Dr. Malatesta), with Filipino up and coming opera stars Nomher Nival (Ernesto) and Zadkiel John Yarcia (Notary).

Chorus members include: Angelica Rose Martin Benipayo, Camille Maica Magallanes Juanitez, Charina Althea Balmores, Donna Klariz Baluyut, Chelsy Franchette Rosell, Jho-merita A. Chua-so, Nerissa Cabotaje De Juan, Maria Vicella C. Villasin, Gabriel Remoroza Ramos, Keanu Gregan R. Rebadeo. Joshua Angelo Fabros Mondares, Ruzzel Adrian Garcia Clemeno, Nelson Jr. L. Borongan, E C Raquiz Garcia, Paul Mark Raguin Gayanilo.

The chorus master will be Leo Angelo Malig Lanuza, with repetiteur Reynaldo Gendrano.

Tickets to PPO Concert VII: Don Pasquale are priced at Php3000 (Orchestra Center), Php2000 (Orchestra Side), Php2500 (Loge Center), Php1500 (Loge Side), and Php800 (Balcony 1). Tickets are available at the CCP Box Office at the Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez (CCP BLackbox Theater) and at TicketWorld.

The PPO concert season is made possible with partners SSI Group, Inc., TBWA\SMP, Ascott Bonifacio Global City, Lyf Malate Manila, 98.7 DZFE - The Master's Touch, Philippine Sports Commission and Pick and Click Flower Express. For more information, visit the CCP (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) and follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, X, and Instagram for the latest updates.