ALICE REYES RECREATES CINDERELLA ANEW IN CELEBRATING BALLET PHILIPPINES’ 50TH SEASON

PRESS RELEASE

Holidays at the theater make for unforgettable experiences with Ballet Philippines during this Golden Season, as the company presents the ever-popular rags-to-riches tale of Cinderella.

 

Photo by Jojo Mamangun

This production sees nothing less than a nonpareil collaboration of three National Artists: Choreography and direction by National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes with the musical score of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky specially arranged by National Artist for Music Francisco Feliciano, and set and costume design by National Artist, the late Salvador Bernal, audiences will be enthralled as pumpkins turn into an exquisite carriage and glass slippers find their way back to the rightful princess. This ballet will be mounted by none other than Nonoy Froilan, Ballet Philippines’ premier danseur for three decades, who has essayed leading roles in classical and contemporary ballet and has partnered with world-renowned prima ballerinas such as Margot Fonteyn and Yoko Morishita.

Reyes takes the fairy tale written in 1812 by the German Grimm brothers Jacob and Wilhel and recreates it anew while remaining true to the story’s essence: that there is might and strength in kindness, great power in forgiveness, and that one must never give up on their dreams.

Guest artists Liza de la Fuente, a trailblazer in dance for the last 25 years and Founding Member of the Association of Ballet Academies, Philippines and Australian-based Novy Bereber, one of the country’s leading choreographers of his generation, will both be playing the Widow Brunhilda.

Another guest artist, Mario Esperanza will be taking on the role of Prime Minister. Bereber and Esperanza have graced the CCP Main Stage as former Ballet Philippines company members.

Two matinee shows will be narrated by Liliane “Tats” Rejante Manahan, a surface decorator/restorer for wall paintings involved in advocacy work for built heritage preservation as Chairperson of the Heritage Conservation Society and representative of the International Council on Monuments and Sites on National Commission for Culture and the Arts’ National Commission on Monuments and Sites. She became a director, writer, and producer from the mid 70’s up to the late 80’s, and currently, she is a contributor to the Philippine Daily Inquirer and other publications. Her involvement in dance history serves as proof of her unwavering support for dance and the arts.

Lead dancers Denise Parungao and Jemima Reyes who danced Odile/Odette in Ballet Philippines’ 50^th Season opening production Swan Lake will be taking on roles of the Ugly Stepsisters, demanding highly awkward dancing and comedic interpretations, with guest artist de la Fuente as their mother Brunhilda. Just as striking are Victor Maguad and Eugene Obille who both had just played Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake this August 2019 will now tackle the roles of Griselda and Prunella with Bereber as Brunhilda. Choreographer Alice Reyes shares, “Originally, I stayed away from casting male dancers in these roles as that was done so successfully by Frederick Ashton for the Sadler Wells Ballet—and I wanted to feature the comedic talents of our company members then—Edna Vida, Malu Rivera, and Hazel Sabas. Today, we have such a strong array of male and female dancers with incredible talent and tremendous technical skills.” She adds, “Why not take this opportunity to challenge the dancers—both female and male, to take on roles that demand so much more than the usual roles they have already done, with a completely different set of acting skills that can only deepen their own artistry.”

Alice Reyes first choreographed and directed Cinderella in 1981 for Ballet Philippines with lead dancers Maricar Drilon, Gina Mariano, Cecile Sicangco, Nonoy Froilan, Robert Medina, and Brando Miranda. Her vision back then was to simply mount the most enchanting show for her very own children and the ballet audience. Today, Reyes wears multiple hats as National Artist, Ballet Philippines’ co-founder, Artistic Director, and Choreographer, while continuing to inspire this generation’s dancers to become the grandest versions of themselves. Just on the heels of Ballet Philippines’ successful and sold-out performances of Swan Lake and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, audiences are undoubtedly on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting Reyes’ new take on the favorite children’s fairytale, Cinderella, the third offering in the company’s 50^th Season.

Ballet Philippines’ Cinderella show dates and schedules:

Ballet Philippines’ Cinderella runs from December 6 – 15, 2019 at the CCP Main Theater. Show dates and schedules are as follows:

December 6, 2019 | 8:00 PM

December 7, 2019 | 2:00 PM & 6:00 PM

December 8, 2019 | 2:00 PM

December 14, 2019 | 2:00 PM & 6:00 PM

December 15, 2019 | 2:00 PM

Get your tickets exclusively at TicketWorld (891-9999), CCP Box Office (832-3704), or Ballet Philippines Box Office (551-1003) or online at https://bit.ly/33DsBkx as well as in all Ticketworld outlets.

Enjoy 15% savings when you use your RCBC Credit Card to purchase tickets in any TicketWorld Outlet or CCP Box Office.

You can also enjoy 15% savings when you use your Rustan’s Frequent Shopper Program (FSP) Card and Rustan’s Beauty Addict Card to purchase tickets in any TicketWorld outlet or CCP Box Office.

Avail of real 0% interest when you subscribe to Ballet Philippines’ Golden Season Tickets using your BPI Credit Card with a minimum spend of P3,000 (Gold Mastercard, Blue Mastercard, Petron Mastercard, Corporate Mastercard, Skymiles Platinum Mastercard, Skymiles Mastercard, Amore Visa Platinum, Visa Signature). This is valid for three- and six-month installment plans until December 31, 2019. 

All Intellicare members are also entitled to 15% off on ticket purchases.

This production is made beyond possible by Ballet Philippines’ 50 Years, 50 friends such as Okada Manila, Calma Properties, Inc., City of Dreams, United Graphic Expression Corporation, Digital-Out-Of-Home, GRAB, Ayala Land, Bizu Catering Studio, NYXSYS Philippines, Intellicare, Globaltronics, Sanitary Care Products Asia Inc., SM Development Corporation, Century Pacific Food, Inc., Bridges, Zonta Club of Alabang, San Miguel Corporation, and other esteemed partners.

Ballet Philippines, the country’s preeminent dance company, is celebrating 50 years of dance excellence. Don’t miss the celebration! Get your Golden Ticket by subscribing to Ballet Philippines this season at http://ballet.ph/subscribe. You can also call 551-1003, 09566379432 (Globe) and 09212921282 (Smart) to subscribe. Choose, reserve, and get the best seats before anyone else!

For more information, connect to Ballet Philippines online:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/balletphilippines

Instagram: @balletphilippines

YouTube: balletphhttp://www.ballet.ph

Ani 40: Katutubo, CCP Literary Journal book launching

Press release

THE Ani 40: Katutubo was launched on October 26, 2018 at the Silangan Hall of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City. The book launching was free and open to the public. The literary journal features 130 writers of different cultures in the Philippines with their 189 works. Through the Intertextual Division, the CCP is one with the celebration of the National Indigenous People’s Month.

The special section entitled “Antolohiyang Marawi” is a collection of works written by Marawi people. The authors shared their experiences during the Marawi Siege last May 23, 2017. Ani 40 also features the artwork of the student Jalicareza R. Jamail that depicts a mother embracing her son. The editor for the special section is a professor from Marawi State University, Almayrah Abbas Tiburon, who also wrote about her pregnancy during the crisis.

The works are written in some of the major languages in the Philippines such as Filipino, Meranaw, Ilokano, Akeanon, Bikol, Bikol-Naga, Chavacano, and Kinaray-a. The Ani 40 features the writers: Asral M. Abbas, Lylee Norah M. AbdelGafur, Lualhati Abreu, Tilde Acuña, Raquel Alawi, Rebekah Marohombsar Alawi, Caroline Albarando, Noramera D. Al-Habib, Aliah Ali, Vijae Orquia Alquisola, Mark Angeles, Marvin Davila Aquino, Lorna Arejola-Billanes, Abdulazis C. Arumpac, Markus Aserit, Maxine Awingan, Lingling Bacgalang, Mohamad Abdul Hamid A. Bantog, Amroding Tauter Baraiman, Romel M. Barrera, Rind Bawing, Jonel Baybay, Jade M. Baylon, Darren Bendanillo, April Mae M. Berza, Rommel Fabros Bonus, Botong Panday, Niles Jordan Breis, Dalomabi Lao Bula, Regine Cabato, RR Cagalingan, Jose Kervin Cesar B. Calabias, Annabelle M. Calleja, Mary Deane Camua, Ernesto Villaluz Carandang II, F. Jordan Carnice, Bojer B. Capati, Dexter B. Cayanes, Jeline Cayangen, Jose Jason L. Chancoco, Fernando Chávez, Melchor F. Cichon, Andrew Bonifacio L. Clete, Christopher Concha, Clariza Cassandra C. Concordia, Nur-Saleha D. Dadayan, Juliet Damgas, Lawdenmarc Decamora, Jalilah A. Diator, Divina Didican, Norhanie S. Domato-Macarao, Mary Louise Dumas, Norberto C. Ebuen, Francis Murillo Emralino, Raihana Barodi  Emran, Dennis Espada, Lesley Joy Masayon Estrella, James M. Fajarito, Jenny Rose Carbolledo Gacusan, Early Sol Gadong, Luis P. Gatmaitan, JC Gloria, Christine F. Godinez-Ortega, Genaro R. Gojo  Cruz, Judith Sulang Icnad, Omarjan Ibrahim Jahuran, Sharifa Sittie Zehanie Mante Jali, Ansherina May D. Jazul, Jeric F. Jimenez, Nat Pardo Labang, Jonalyn Buduan Labrador, Gexter O. Lacambra, Junley Lorenzana Lazaga, Al Joseph Academia Lumen, Ailannie D. Macagaan, Francis C. Macansantos, Noraisah L. Macasimbar, Aslainee T. Macatanong, Christine Marie Lim Magpile, Juliet Malidom, Shur C. Mangilaya, Salamoden M. Mangondaya, Noahlyn Maranan, Jann Dainver L. Maravilla, Cai Mariano, Francisco Arias Monteseña, Mark Dave Nacuray, Vim Nadera, Queen Tashneem U. Nouraldien, Wilhelmina S. Orozco, Pejay Amandy Padrigon, Hedaya D. Pangandag, Jean Pasigon, Ruffaida A. Pendatun, Aldrin P. Pentero, Honesto M. Pesimo, Jr., Morino Pizarro, Allan Popa, Ibrahim Pundato, MJ Rafal, Mohammad Abedin Rasuman, Raymund P. Reyes, Frank Rivera, Marlon Agbayani Rodrigo, Glen Sales, Princess Ann Bajar Sales, David Michael M. San Juan, E. San Juan, Jr., Louie Jon Sanchez, Jahara Abellera Solaiman, John Patrick F. Solano, T.S. Sungkit, Jr., Ariel Sotelo Tabag, Joey A. Tabula, Mubarak M. Tahir, Rem Tanauan, John Iremil Teodoro, Almayrah Abbas Tiburon, Christian Tordecillas, Angela Labiga Torred, Ronald Tumbaga, Nash Tysmans, Jhajha Umpar, Oswald A. Valente, Arnold Matencio Valledor, Marites Viesca, Sheryll V. Villa, Camilo Mendoza Villanueva, Jr., Henry Viray, and Sittie Johairah M. Yusoph.

Herminio S. Beltran, Jr. is the Editor-in-Chief while Louise Adrianne O. Lopez is the Managing Editor, and Kimberly Ann Nicole V. Lim as the Layout Artist and Art Director. The digital vector art featured on the cover is the GAMABA (Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan) awardee Yabing Masalon Dulo from the B’laan community is the work of Marthin Anthony Millado. Used as the dividers for the book are the visual artworks of Luce Domini F. Melegrito (student of Philippine High School for the Arts), Jalicareza R. Jamail (student from Marawi), at Juan Franco Sabado (artist based in Baguio) and of the Drawing Room.

SIGNS OF LIFE ART EXHIBIT

PRESS RELEASE

August 16, 2018

SIGNS OF LIFE BY FROILAN CALAYAG AT CCP

FROILAN Calayag’s Signs of Life exhibition is ongoing until September 9, 2018 at the Pasilyo Guillermo Tolentino (3F Hallway Gallery) of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The exhibition is presented by CCP with support from West Gallery.

Signs of Life is an exhibition that offers a threefold manifest.

The first is the fictional account of a boy who finds a large rock. Upon closer inspection, it becomes a head, and forms a figure. Moving even closer, it transforms into a planet carrying life. The rocks become the frames of the story of these life-forms that contain heroes, villains and adventures.

The second is the narrative of the man who pursued the field of art, but has been decidedly missing from the center of it. He persists, same as before, and yet does not often come out to the surface. Froilan Calayag is but one of many painters that first made a mark in the student art competition circuit, and then in commercial galleries in the first two decades of the millennium. Signs of Life is his twelfth solo exhibition in eleven years.

Exhibit photo by Sheryl Cumpio

The third is the idea of painting within the confusing and multifaceted context of Philippine contemporary art.

In the end, the manifest, whatever can be read from it, is merely an accounting of the adventures taken on the ship. History will tell us which of these stories will find importance to those in the future.

Exhibit viewing hours are from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm (and until 10pm on days with evening performances at the CCP Main Theater). For more information, contact the CCP Visual Arts and Museum Division at (632) 832-1125 local 1504/1505 and 832-3702, mobile 0917-6033809, email (ccp.exhibits@gmail.com), or visit   www.culturalcenter.gov.ph.

TIRADA PUBLIC PROGRAMS AT CCP

Press release

THE Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Association of Pinoyprintmakers will conduct upcoming public programs in line with the Tirada exhibition. The roundtable discussions, which involve the intricacies and technologies in the production of fine art prints, are open to the public.

On June 30 (Saturday, 2-4pm) Printmaking as a moment in modernism and contemporary art will be held together with visual artists Ivi Avellana-Cosio, Fil Delacruz, Jess Flores, Raul Isidro, Rhoda Recto, and moderated by Virgilio Aviado. At 4-6pm, Printmaking as a distinct form will take place with artists Joey Cobcobo, Hershey Malinis, and Jun-Jun Sta. Ana, moderated by Angelo Magno.

Come July 7 (Saturday, 2-4pm), Printmaking's potency and potential will be discussed together with visual artists Ambie Abaño, Jose Santos Ardivilla, and Imelda Cajipe-Endaya. The event will be moderated by Patrick D. Flores.

The exhibition TIRADA: 50 Years of Philippine Printmaking 1968-2018 is on view at the CCP Buwagang Juan Luna (Main Gallery), Pasilyo Guillermo Tolentino (3F Hallway Gallery) and Pasilyo Vicente Manansala (2F Hallway Gallery) until 15 July 2018.

CCP WELCOMES MARGIE MORAN AS ITS NEW CHAIRPERSON

PRESS RELEASE

May 18, 2018

CCP WELCOMES MARGIE MORAN AS ITS NEW CHAIRPERSON

THE Cultural Center of the Philippines welcomes its new chairperson, Margarita “Margie” Moran-Floirendo, succeeding advertising maven Emily Abrera. She was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte as a member of the CCP Board of Trustees in January, 2018 and was elected as CCP Chairman during the board meeting held in April.

Ms. Moran-Floirendo was the president of Ballet Philippines, a resident company of the CCP. During her time, she spearheaded successful fund-raising campaigns such as the Art Auction and Ballet Barbie, and special galas including Stella Abrera's debut performance in the Philippines, through Giselle, in 2015, and ballet dancer Connor Walsh in 2011, and Joseph Gatti's Philippine debut performance for Don Quixote, among others.

With a soft heart for ballet dancers, the former BP president has supported the dancers' campaigns to international ballet competitions (IBC), including the successful campaign of Candice Adea (with her partner JM Cordero and coached by Victor Ursabia) in the USA IBC, Helsinki IBC, Seoul IBC and Boston IBC. She was also able to help raise the salaries of the dancers.

Through her efforts, the Ballet Philippines was able to establish branches of BP Dance School in SM Aura in Taguig, Greenhills Theater Mall in San Juan, and Victoria Sports in Quezon City. With her support, the CCP resident ballet company went to perform in various countries including US, Canada, China, Middle East, South Korea, Indonesia and Cambodia, as well as various cities and regions in the country.

Notable for her social and civic works in promoting peace and livelihood in Mindanao, the new chairperson has been an advocate of Philippine arts and culture, starting with her stint at the Southern Philippines Foundation for the Arts, Culture and Ecology.

Ms. Moran-Floirendo hosted “Margie on Mindanao” on ANC and produced the multi-awarded film “Bagong Buwan.” In 2009, she hosted “The Red Carpet,” a cultural show of the CCP which aired on Net 25. She published two books, “Mindanao, A Portrait” and “Mindanao in the Mend.”

She also made her mark for winning the second Miss Universe crown for the Philippines in 1973, four years after Gloria Diaz won the crown in 1969. Two years after her reign as Miss Universe, she finished her business administration degree at the Maryknoll College (now Miriam College) and Boston University, and her masters degree at the University of London, awarded through the School of Oriental and African Studies. She moved on to work in various companies including the Pearl Farm Beach Resort in Samal Island, Davao del Norte.

CCP AND BENCH TEAM UP TO PRESERVE THE PHILIPPINE TERNO

 Press release

INSPIRED by the successful turn-out of last year’s Fashioning the Terno mentoring program for regional designers, the CCP and Bench team up once again to undertake a second phase for 2018 entitled TERNOCON, a terno making convention and contest for regional designers culminating with a Fashion and Cultural Showcase at the CCP on November 11, 2018.

TERNOCON aims to encourage the use of the terno as a popular form of formal dress; to connect the knowledge and skills from Fashioning The Terno – Phase 1 to a contemporary application in terno making; and to inspire and motivate regional designers to create ternos that are at par with the construction skills of senior fashion designers.  A total of thirty (30) regional designers were chosen from the 2017 phase 1 participants who come from 17 provinces/local communities nationwide.  Each finalist must design, create and execute one cocktail balintawak terno and one formal terno.  A preparatory workshop is slated from May 8-10, 2018 at the CCP Main Theater Lobby.  The 30 finalists will be mentored by some of the county’s top professional designers to include Inno Sotto, JC Buendia, Cary Santiago, and Len Cabili.

The CCP Cultural Exchange Department (CED) and Bench jointly implemented the 2017 Mentoring Program held in the cities of Vigan, Bacolod and General Santos from July, August and December.  The program was successfully finished by 43 local designers, artists, educators and cultural workers involved in theater, dance, and heritage conservation from 24 provinces/communities nationwide.  Lead facilitator and instructor Gino Gonzales enthused on the stimulating outcome of the regional workshops. “There is a lot of real talent and genuine enthusiasm in the regions, so it’s very encouraging to go the extra mile for the participants.  Our goal is to propagate the use of the terno and give the participants a unique opportunity to shine on a national level.”

The contest proper will be held at the CCP Main Theater stage on November 11, 2018 which will also include a cultural performance by some of the country’s most prominent artists and performing groups.  It will also showcase new couture ternos by three preeminent fashion designers. A select team of experts will judge the entries based on adherence to tradition and competition guidelines; craftsmanship/execution of design; creativity; and wearability/functionality.  The winners will receive cash prizes and citations.

For more information, contact the CCP Cultural Exchange at tel. no. 832-1125 local 1708 and 1709 or email atccp.ced2014@gmail.com

9th PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL LITERARY FESTIVAL AT THE CCP

PRESS RELEASE 

April 13, 2018

9th PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL LITERARY FESTIVAL AT THE CCP

THE Cultural Center of the Philippines and the National Book Development Board present the 9th Philippine International Literary Festival on April 19 to 20, 2018. 

With the theme "(Author)ities," the festival coincides with Buwan ng Panitikan (National Literature Month), a month-long celebration that aims to promote, develop and preserve the Philippine literary heritage.

This year, London-based Filipino writer Elaine Castillo, who will launch her book "America Is Not In The Heart" during the two-day festival, will grace the event, along with fellow writers Glenn Diaz, Kristine Ong Muslim, Kristian Sendon Cordero, Liza Magtoto, Rody Vera, Genevieve Asenjo, MJ Cagumbay Tumamac, and Clarissa Militante. 

Book designers Karl Castro, Ige Ramos and R. Jordan Santos, along with graphic lit creators Manix Abrera, Mervin Malonzo, Elbert Or, and Carlo Vergara will give insights on numerous opportunities, trends, and challenges in the industry during the event. 

Other sessions will tackle relevant discourses on comics, cross-media projects, literacy and reading programs, fiction writing, self-publishing, among others. 

This year, NBDB partners with various organizations such as Film Development Council of the Philippines, Game Developers Association of the Philippines, Department of Education Bureau of Learning Resources and Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino for various activities including film screenings of local films, workshops on book-to-game adaptation, session on developing books and resources for the blind, and discussion about translation. 

Ateneo de Naga University Press will present 75 new titles. There will also be tabletop game demonstrations based on Filipino folklores and literature. 

Everyone is encouraged to join the translation contest of poems by Angela Manalang-Gloria on April 19. 

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts will hold the awarding ceremony of Bayan/Han 2018, a short film competition featuring local literature. 

All activities are free and open to the public. The talks and sessions will be held in various venues in CCP. Film screening will be held at the Little Theater and Dream Theater, while the book fair will be at the Main Theater Lobby and Little Theater Lobby. 

For more information, email litfest@nbdb.gov.ph, or call (632) 929-3887 loc. 804.

Performatura 2017

Couple of years ago, I was introduced to performing literature. We know literature is mostly written but it can also be used as a performance like poetry and storytelling. With this, CCP organized Performatura, the only festival dedicated to performing literature in the country.

Festival director Vim Nadera(middle) in costume during media launch.

For two years, I already have a fascination with performing literature and it also introduced me to new entertaining crafts in performing literature. Besides flip top rap battles which can be considered a contemporary Balagtasan, I was also introduced to Spoken Word acts, better known as Hugot monologues which were popularized by Juan Miguel Severo and The Ampalaya Monologues by Theater in Alternative Platforms.

But the real highlight of Performatura is Francisco Balagtas’s 229^th birthday. For the first time in CCP, Performatura will integrate popular culture like cosplaying in Balagtasan themed as FrancisCosplay and there will be events in Pandacan, Manila where most streets are named after Balagtas’ characters in Florante At Laura.

Excerpt from an Ampalaya Monologue by Berna Manipon. Performatura 2017 launch. #performatura2017 #ampalayamonologues

A post shared by Mark Vincent Nuñez (@marktemplar) on Mar 7, 2017 at 10:03pm PST

Another highlight of the festival is the poetry reading at the former Sev’s Café and for this festival only, Sev’s Café will be revived. There will also be an open mic for those who want their poems or poetic dictions be showcased.

The festival is free to public. The only admission is to donate a book. This is part of the advocacy of CCP for Aklatang Bayan. CCP aims to provide books for public libraries. One book entitles to one admission.

Go to http://culturalcenter.gov.ph/single-tickets/view-event/?id=85275509 for schedule, and for more updates at CCP, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S.blogs on Facebook. Performatura is held every two years. Here is a short video excerpt of Performatura 2015 featuring a modern topic in Balagtasan.

CCP Complex Light Up For The Holiday Season

Traffic during holiday season is really stressful because most are having their Christmas rush. The stretch along Roxas Boulevard is no exception. CCP once again continues to spread the holiday spirit through their annual display of San Fernando lanterns.

The Philippine Xmas lanterns are usually star-shaped with decorations that represents the Star Of Bethlehem. What makes the lanterns of San Fernando, Pampanga unique is the craftsmanship and the light display.

What makes this year unique was the Christmas Tree located at the corner of Roxas Boulevard and Vito Cruz on the South bound side near the park area. Not only that, only LED lights are used for this big tree so it is also environment-friendly.

Because Philippines has the longest Christmas celebration in the world, it is just fitting that carols were sung and played by the Phil.Madrigal Singers and the Phil. Philharmonic Orchestra. In promotion of CCP activities, they also showcased excerpts from Ballet Philippines' Peter Pan and Phil. Ballet Theater's The Nutcracker.

The San Fernando Lanterns and the big Christmas Tree lights up every night until January 6. For more CCP updates, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

Looking Forward to CCP in 2016

Last year, I got to attend my first CCP press conference for 2015. Now, here something to look forward to for 2016.

2016 kicks off starting with Metro Manila Concert Orchestra on January 8. This Philippine musicale excellence will feature a mother-daughter tandem of pianist Cristine Coyiuto and flutist Caitlin. On the 12th, CCP once again partners with Ayala Cinema for Tosca, another Metropolitan Opera HD presentation.

In February, CCP opens it's halls once again for the annual multi-arts festival Pasinaya 12 from February 6 to 7. Also a multi-arts festival Manila Fringe from February 10-28. As part of their 46th Season line up, Ballet Phlippines will present Opera: A Rebirth in Arabesque on February 13 to 14.

CCP once again will host another international production with Sister Act, a musical adaptation of the 1992 movie of the same name. On March 18, PPO Concert VII will feature soprano Rachelle Gerodias and baritone Byeong Park with Maestro Ochanine with the PPO and the Philippine Madrigal Singers.

Watch out for more updates for CCP events especially the lighting up of the Lantern display this month. Follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

Performatura 2015

Heard of performing literature? Traditionally, it is the same thing with songwriting. Our very own Balagtasan is also a performing literature. If you didn't notice, the modern version is the rap battles. Little did anyone know that our very own's Gloc 9's raps is also considered art.

We should continue this heritage of ours since we are very rich with performing literature. In order to preserve our heritage, the Cultural Center of the Philippines launches the Performatura 2015. Performatura is a mash-up or amalgamated that combines the words perform and oratora (oration).

Performatura aims to orient this generation of this literature before it gets lost in history and textbooks. During the launch, I got to witness how entertaining Balagtasan can be when you tackle today's issues and interests.

I also got to see traditional Asian ventriloquist act that can still be useful for teaching young children. Performatura not only does this for show but also leads workshops. Not only that, there will be dialogues with authors like F. Sionil Jose and Lourd De Veyra.

The best part of this event is that it's free. You need only to donate a book per day and you get to attend all events within the day. The capacity may vary depending on which venue. To be assured of admission, you can reserve seats online at http://performatura.culturalcenter.gov.ph/ . The site is user-friendly just like booking a seat for a movie. They can still accept walk-ins if the seats are still vacant 15 minutes before schedule but it is only very limited.

The book donations will proceed to public libraries in Manila as part of CCP's campaign not to provide reading materials but to encourage reading. There will also be viewing of full/short length movies and performances by various artists.

Unlike the Pasinaya, this is festival has a more specific genre but it is just as fun. For the schedule of events, description and featured personality, just go to the website I linked above and register for booking. Time to book my seats for the event. For more updates, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

Check out my teaser for the event at this Youtube video.

Nick Joaquin's Mga Ama Mga Anak by Tanghalang Pilipino

I first heard about Nick Joaquin when I played a part in an excerpt from his play, Portrait of An Artist As A Filipino for a class act. Tanghalang Pilipino, the resident theater guild of the Cultural Center of The Philippines, will do another work of Joaquin, Mga Ama Mga Anak.

The production gathers cast of old and new talents for this play. Usually, Joaquin stories are originally in English but it was no conflict when it is translated to Tagalog for theater purposes. The cast includes Robert Arevalo, Celeste Legaspi, Jackie Lou Blanco, Spanky Manikan, Nanding Josef, Cris Villongco and more from TP.

Mga Ama Mga Anak opens this month at CCP Little Theater. More details soon. Visit and like the L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

PRESS STATEMENT OF THE CULTURAL CENTER OF THE PHILIPPINES

Due to numerous emails, text messages and other letters sent to various officers of the CCP, and to the artists themselves, with an increasing number of threats to persons and property,  the members of the Board of the Cultural Center of the Philippines have decided to close down the Main Gallery where the Kulo Exhibit is on display.  This decision was made amidst controversy and deliberation by the Board as to what steps are necessary to avoid future similar incidents.

In the light of the foregoing developments and recent experience,  the CCP management has reviewed its policies and are now taking steps to enable its officers and staff  to make more informed decisions in the future.  
 

The  CCP shall continue to act as catalyst for free expression of  Filipino artists.  It thanks all those who have, in one way or another, contributed to the dialogue about art, and the different ways it affects society today. 

Backgrounder:

KULO' opened  on June 17  at the CCP Main Gallery,  a compilation of work by 32 artists, meant to be part of the Center's celebration of the 150th anniversary of Jose Rizal. Because all the participating artists had a common educational background, all having studied at the  UST, they felt it fitting that the theme of Jose Rizal also reflect the heritage and culture represented by the 400-year old university. 

Each artist participated with one installation. It was curated by J. Pacena II.

In keeping with previous practice to evaluate merits of art works on the basis of established parameters,  the CCP Visual Arts Division,  headed by Karen Ocampo-Flores,  approved the  proposal to exhibit on the basis of an evaluation of their proposal as well as the background qualifications of the participating artists. 

 
Publicity on the exhibit only happened after a major network covered it in the news. Particular focus had been put on one specific art work,  "Politeismo." By Mideo Cruz.  Politeismo has been exhibited since 2002 in such venues as the  Ateneo de Manila, UP Vargas Musueum and Kulay Diwa Galleries. 

Threats  to security became most alarming on Aug. 4 when Security reported that a couple had vandalized the art works and attempted to set fire to the exhibit but had been unsuccessful.  Subsequent hate mails and  threats to members of the Board intensified following this incident. 

Following serious discussion,  the Board members agreed on the common objective, to nurture freedom of artistic expression, while recognizing the responsibilities that go with it.

Refer to

Raul Sunico, President

Emily Abrera, Chairman

Visual Arts Division (Tel: 832-1125 loc. 1504-1505)

Public Relations and Linkages Division (Tel: 832-1125 loc. 1113-1117, Email: ccp.publicrelations@gmail.com