Masaya sa Pasinaya 2019

I kicked off the month of hearts with art.

After church last Sunday, February 3, I headed to the Cultural Center of the Philippines. It was the last day of Pasinaya 2019, an arts and artists festival that CCP stages yearl. It gathers all performing artists, visual artists and literary arts for showcases and presentations.

The eldest, Nico, who beatboxes for ConChords, was scheduled to perform at 4pm. Arriving early, I looked around and met friends in the industry. And I was not even inside the CCP yet! I was outside the building, at the complex where there is a "tiangge" or flea market picking out accessories when I bumped into writer friends I have not seen in a while, NGO people and cultural workers I had workshops with, and teachers from DepED who brought their students to watch the shows.

Moving up to enter the building at the front entrance, I saw the fountain alive and spurting. A good, strong crowd was lined up the lobby. I am often at CCP for shows and the annual National Children’s Book Day celebration but this Pasinaya was the first for me. And this was the first time I saw CCP filled with people, young and old, from all walks of life. For 50 Php, you could watch and see, experience art all you can!

Congrats, CCP! I look forward to attending next year's Pasinaya.

Happy HeARTS Month! 

CCP’s Thirteen Artists

A few weeks back, the fambam was in the Cultural Center of the Philippines to support the eldest’s music career. We were there, the three of us plus girlfriend and sister, to watch and cheer for the eldest and his acappella group compete in the 2018 Akapela Open International. Long story short, the group won the grand prize and it’s been a juggling act for each member, balancing academics and acappella guesting commitments.

On the side, our youngest was fortunate to catch the Thirteen Artists Exhibit before competition hours. She was immersed and impressed at the art works on display, and so was my husband. Here are three reasons why.

1. With art, you can be brave. The CCP’s thirteen artists courageously communicated their beliefs,  philosophy, and yes, political leanings. Theirs are a statement to what is wrong that needs to be right; a documentation to years of struggle; an eye opener to culture and religious beliefs that has crucified the country in poverty; an expression of escape; and a way to communicate big ideas that media could not and would not articulate. It is a well curated exhibit!

2. While the message and media used by the artists encompass universal truths, some “isms” that cannot be taken for granted especially in this political climate, their works are neither high nor low. Indeed, art must be for all!

3. The art works were all engaging. Goodbye to passivity. 

If you are in the area, go visit the CCP! Feed your soul. Wake up and disturb yourself!

Qualifying The Unqualified

This blog's traffic stats are in an all time high. Thanks to Cory and Carlo. It is the Carlo J. Caparas post that got the most comments though and I don't remember getting strong reactions to my posts until the National Artist hullabaloo came along.

While I found some replies very uncouth and lacking of finesse, I left the comments for democracy. I believe in freedom of expression. Besides, I've learned from a previous life that control will only make a beast out of a man. I dare not make the same mistake again.

So, in the spirit of freedom and democracy I stand by my belief that Carlo J. Caparas is undeserving of the National Artist award. Due process was not observed on his selection. Caparas has earned merits for his work and his contributions to Philippine pop culture is recognized by his peers in the industry. Yet, Caparas did not go through a screening process that was fair and square.

Gcina Mhlope -Becker: South African Storyteller In Manila

From my inbox today --

You or your teachers may be interested in attending any of the following sessions with visiting South African storyteller, writer, stage actress, motivational speaker Gcina Mhlope -Becker whose folktale books have been adopted in South African schools:

Tuesday, 7 July, 2- 4 pm, CCP Silid Pambansang Alagad ng Sining (Forum with her on Child Education and Storytelling. I am moderating the forum)

Wednesday, 8 July, 10 am (invitational performance)

Thursday, 9 July , 10 am *

Friday, July 10, 3 pm*

Friday, 10 July, 8 pm (invitational gala)

Saturday, 11 July, 8 to 11:30, Museo Pambata, Storytelling Workshop*

Note: the asterisked events have an admission fee of Php 300