By Ibarra C. Mateo

Alessandro Milani, general manager of the Philippine-Italian Association (PIA), described the prominent Italian intellectual giant and artist Leonardo da Vinci as “one of the most interesting and most mysterious figures in history.”

To commemorate the 500^th death anniversary of Da Vinci, who died May 2, 1519 in France, the PIA and its sponsors are launching a raft of activities from Nov. 13 to 21, 2019 in various venues in Metro Manila.

Under the banner “Leonardo in Manila,” the focus of the series of events is the work of the renowned Italian artist Massimiliano Finazzer Flory. Since 2011, Flory has been investigating the life of Da Vinci and “the relevance of his genius to contemporary generations.”

“The versatile and interdisciplinary works of Leonardo brought him to render his investigations in different artistic forms: from theatre to cinema,” Milani told a small group of journalists and writers over Italian lunch.

The Philippine-Italian Association, the Embassy of Italy, and the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines are behind the Leonardo in Manila project, which includes a play, a full-length film and a short movie.

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) are collaborating with the PIA in mounting Leonardo in Manila.

The project also aims to spread knowledge about Da Vinci and “the relevance of his achievements in our contemporary world,” Milanni said.

     The Oman Air, Rustan’s, and Hotel Jen Manila by Shangri-La, and EastWest Bank are also pitching in to stage the project.

Highlights of Leonardo in Manila include a play entitled “Being Leonardo da Vinci, an impossible interview” by Flory will be staged on Nov. 21, 2019, 7 pm at the CCP Little Theater.

In this play, Flory collaborates with Filipino actor, director, and screenplay writer Carlito Casaje to bring Da Vinci “to life on the stage.”

Being Leonardo da Vinci is a one-act play, which uses theater to present the Italian genius’ true life, art history, and science. Through the format of an impossible interview, Flory “physically” becomes Leonardo.

Dressed in period costumes and wearing make-up which reconstructs Da Vinci’s face, he performs in Renaissance language original texts written by Da Vinci himself, such as the famous “Trattato di pittura” (Painting Treaties).

Flory’s Da Vinci answers questions about his childhood, his civil and military activities, and how to become a ‘good painter” (bono pittore), and talks about the relationship between painting and science, painting and sculpture, painting and music.

He comments on “The Last Supper” and the figures of the apostles, replies to his enemies’ attacks, prophesies man’s flying, and finally offers maxims and aphorisms to live by in our times. 

The play has toured in the US, Russia, Japan, France, Italy, and Switzerland.

A masterclass and short film screening of “Being Leonardo da Vinci, an impossible interview” will be held on Nov. 20, 2019 at the CCP Dream Theater at 2 pm. 

“The masterclass will deal with the topic of interdisciplinarity through the conjugation of art and science, memory and imagination, tradition and technology, theater and cinema,” a press announcement said.

For more information, contact the Philippine-Italian Association through e-mail (philippineitalianassociation@gmail.com) or telephone (+632) 8-815-1310. Interested parties for the masterclass may contact the CCP Arts Education Department via email (ccp.artist.training@gmail.com) or landline (+632) 8-832-1125 local 1604.

IMAGES COURTESY OF PIA

#LeonardoInManila

#Leonardo500

By Ibarra C. Mateo

The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, together with its partner organizations, rolls out the red carpet to welcome Filipinos and foreigners based in the Philippines for the Japan Fiesta 2019.

Japan Fiesta 2019 happens on Nov. 9 and 10, at the SMX Convention Center, SM Aura Premier in Taguig City.

Organizers said the Japan Fiesta 2019 “is the biggest event of its kind and expected to be the flagship event in Manila to promote friendship between Japan and the Philippines.”

Members of the Japan Fiesta Council, which is at the forefront of the event, are the following: Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, Japan National Tourism Organization Manila Office, the Japan Foundation, Manila, the Japanese Association, Manila, and Primer Media.

“Japan Fiesta 2019 is the ideal event for those who want to learn more about Japanese culture and get exclusive information on exploring Japan,” organizers said in an announcement.

“Organized not just for Filipinos but also for expats in the Philippines, the event will showcase the vibrant culture of Japan with the help of both Japanese and local exhibitors, and special guests that are excited to talk about the Land of the Rising Sun,” the announcement said.

“This event aims to foster a deeper mutual relationship between the peoples of Japan and the Philippines by experiencing “all the charms of Japan,” the announcement said.

Japan Fiesta 2019 features Japanese culture, tourism, and cuisine, among others, and aims to promote “the best of Japan to Filipinos.”

Artists and performers who are popular in the Philippines and Japan are expected to be featured in the event.

Japanese Cuisine

Showcasing Japanese cuisine is a major goal of the event. Ramen, kushikatsu, miso katsu, curry udon, seafood bowls, and meat dishes prepared by participating Japanese restaurants will surely attract a lot of attention.

e-Sports

If you are into e-sports, test your skills against other players or battle semi-pro Japanese athletes in the e-sports area of Japan Fiesta. Jump into the fun, fast-paced, competitive puzzle action of Puyo Puyo Champions. Feel the power of football with Winning Eleven 2019. Race on high-speed roads with the real driving simulator, Gran Turismo Sport.

Performances

Among the stage performances to look forward to at the Japan Fiesta 2019 are the following: 🤗

JR Kyushu – Get to know about Japan’s Kyushu region as well as its sightseeing spots, food, nature, and culture. (November 10 only)

Pikachu – Join Pikachu and Eevee as they dance and entertain the audience

MNL48 – Sister group of AKB48, Manila’s own MNL48 will be gracing the stage and performing some of their hit singles

For more details, visit: https://japanfiesta.ph/ and register to be get more updates.

IMAGES COURTESY OF THE EMBASSY OF JAPAN IN THE PHILIPPINES

The unprecedented online Philippine art marketplace featuring emerging and seasoned Filipino visual artists and their artworks has been launched.

The launch of FilipinoArt.ph (https://www.filipinoart.ph/) coincided with the physical exhibition “Sariling Sining: A Showcase of Contemporary Filipino Art,” which was held at the Art Circle Gallery, 3L Ayala Malls Circuit, Makati City, on Oct. 25 – 27, 2019.

FilipinoArt.ph, led by its CEO and Founder Yuri Stegeman, together with the six exhibiting artists Armenius Aralar of Binangonan, Rizal; August Punzal of Taytay, Rizal; Hermel Alejandre (guest artist) of Camarines Sur; Jose Ehric Egualada of Boracay Island, Aklan; Pamela Lei Bermudez of Las Pinas City, and Ryan D. Orig of Pandacan, Manila/Iloilo City, expressed their support to the new digital platform.

FilipinoArt.ph has been created to help Filipino artists to be seen by a wider audience and for art lovers to have easier access to art, an announcement about the launch said.

“People are diverse and so is art. By being accessible online, FilipinoArt.ph provides plenty of space to showcase this diversity and the Filipino’s exemplary artistry,” the announcement said.

One of the featured artists, Aklan-based Egualada said “Art in my region is extremely popular. Even though I live by the beaches of Boracay, I’ve been hoping that my art will be able to reach even the outskirts of Manila. My art pieces recreate a society centered on faith, nature, and people. It’s an honor and privilege to share my works with other people. Thanks to FilipinoArt.ph, I can make these things possible.”

“Of course, physically seeing an artwork in real life is and should be a different experience than seeing a representation online, but considering the benefits, it’s a very good alternative for perusing and buying such,” Stegeman said.

“I’m very happy that art fairs have become increasingly popular; it shows that art is important to Filipinos. But even in those fairs, they often showcase the more established artists whose artworks are quite inaccessible to many because of their prices,” he said.

“FilipinoArt.ph takes away those boundaries by showcasing a whole lot more artists and offer prices for every Juan. And if an original piece of art is still inaccessible because of the price, we also offer prints via our partner, No Blank Walls; it’s a less expensive way of getting beautiful art into your home, office, or personal space,” he said.

Developed by Internet solutions company Chanz Global, FilipinoArt.ph currently features curated contemporary artworks such as painting, drawings, and mixed media – sculptures and photographs will be available, too, in the coming months.

FilipinoArt.ph has been receiving hundreds of art submissions from all over the country.

About the Artists Supporting FilipinoArt.ph Launch-Exhibit
Armenius Aralar
Expressionist, Binangonan, Rizal
Armenius only realized this passion for arts at a later age. His art revolves around freedom and expression; he believes that everybody has their interpretations of everything, which includes his art.

August Punzal
Abstract Artist, Taytay, Rizal
A former banker at a top firm, August presents his art in the abstract form – with a twist of enthusiasm for what is life beyond his home country, such as in Egypt and elsewhere.

Hermel Alejandre (Guest Artist)
Cubist, Expressionist, Camarines Sur
Inspired by Spanish painter Pablo Picasso, Hermel is an artist born to fulfill one thing: to bring forth happiness in his audience. Strength, passion, and integrity are his main ideas to reflect on his art

Jose Ehric Egualada
Expressionist, Boracay Island, Aklan
Raised in a religious family along the beaches of Boracay Island, Ehric channels his creative flow into art pieces that recreate a society centered on God, nature, and people. He is also an art educator and critic.

Pamela Lei Bermudez
Expressionist, Las Pinas City, Manila
A graphic designer and painter, Pamela’s artworks are visual representations that pay tribute to some of the most respected occupations of Filipinos.

Ryan D. Orig
Portrait Artist, Pandacan, Manila/Iloilo City
Ryan’s works creatively portray the lives of our fellow Filipinos in the rural areas.

FilipinoArt.ph Launch-Exhibit had been made possible with the help of industry partners: online property portal PropertyAsia.ph; art and craft company The Craft Central; courier service company SNDT; high-quality photo printer No Blank Walls; Art Circle Gallery-Circuit, and Ayala Malls Circuit.

Artwork images from FilipinoArt.ph

By Ibarra C. Mateo

Repertory Philippines’ Creative Director Joy Virata compared the theater company’s children’s musical productions to a “gym for empathy.”

Quoting American playwright Lauren Gunderson, Virata said, in a Rep Facebook page post, that “theater is a space where we can build up the muscles of compassion, to practice listening, understanding, and engaging with people who also practice caring.”

In staging The Quest for the Adarna: An original children’s musical, Rep is providing kids “the gift of experiencing the wonders of theater.”

The new production “teaches kids unforgettable lessons about family, courage, forgiveness, and love, all wrapped in an entertaining stage production,” the Repertory said.

The Quest for the Adarna runs from Sept. 14, 2019 to Jan. 26, 2020 at Onstage Theater Greenbelt 1 in Makati.

With new twists, adventures, and songs, The Quest for the Adarna is breathing fresh energy and vibrant life to the old tale of Ibong Adarna, which has captivated generation upon generation of Filipino children.

The Repertory Philippines’ Adarna is in English language but promises to be a colorful tale. It is produced through the Repertory Theater for Young Audiences (RTYA).

“The play takes place in the peaceable and prosperous kingdom of Berbania, which is ruled by the beloved King Fernando and his equally loved wife, Queen Valeriana, the Repertory said in an announcement.

“They are blessed with three sons – all mighty warriors. The eldest and heir to the throne is the pompous Prince Pedro; the second son is the dashing Prince Diego; and, the youngest, the kind-hearted Prince Juan,” the statement said.

However, their idyllic life is shattered when King Fernando is struck by a mysterious sickness and can only be healed by the song of the mythical bird, Adarna.

Anyone wanting to capture the bird must travel to its home on Mount Tabor, a journey that is difficult and fraught with danger. After his first two brothers failed on their quest, Prince Juan bravely takes on the task to save his father.

“An enduring epic that remains one of our great cultural treasures, the Ibong Adarna story is reborn as an entertaining play with original music,” the announcement said.

Suitable for children of all ages, The Quest for the Adarna is an original RTYA production under Virata, who is assisted by co-directors Jamie Esteva Wilson and Naths Everett, with music by Rony Fortich and book and lyrics by Luna Griño-Inocian.

Cast members are Carla Guevara-Laforteza, Andrea Monique Alvarado, and Cara Barredo playing the role of the titular Adarna.

Joining them are Arion Sanchez, Jim Andrew Ferrer, Ade Valenzona as Prince Pedro; Vinni Todd, Luis Marcelo, Andres Borromeo, and Sean Nolasco as Prince Diego; and Leo John Guinid, Diego Aranda, and Neo Rivera as Prince Juan.

The Quest for the Adarna will showcase bright, colorful costumes, fun, child-friendly music, and not to mention its new English translation of a Filipino classic.

The Quest for the Adarna closes the Repertory season 2019.

For inquiries, please contact Repertory at 451-1474 or 0966-905-4013. Tickets maybe purchased tickets by calling Ticketworld at 891 9999, or through http://www.ticketworld.com.ph.

For updates and show schedules, log on to http://www.repertoryphilippines.ph, or like and follow repertoryphilippines on Facebook and Instagram.

By Ibarra C. Mateo

Joel Trinidad’s Upstart Productions’ staging of Stephen Sondheim’s Company opens on Sept. 13, 2019 at the the Globe Auditorium, Maybank Performing Arts Theater, BGC Arts Center in Taguig.

Directed by Topper Fabregas, the Upstart version of Company features OJ Mariano as Bobby, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo (Joanne), Michael Williams (Larry), Ariel Reonal (Peter), Nicky Triviño (Susan), Trinidad (Harry), Sweet Plantado (Sarah), Chino Veguillas (David), Jenny Bianca Lopez (Jenny), James Uy (Paul), and Cathy Azanza-Dy (Amy).

Using vignettes as a narrative technique, the stories of Bobby and his friends unfold into a dark romantic-comedy.

With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by George Furth, the audience is transported on the eve of Bobby’s 35th birthday in 1970s New York.

One description of the award-winning musical said: “On the night of his 35th birthday, Robert struggles to think of a wish to make as he blows out his birthday candles. The lone bachelor, surrounded by ‘those good and crazy people’ — his married friends — Bobby is uncertain whether he should simply be happy with his lot or whether he should wish for his own romantic partner. Over a series of dinner parties, first dates, and thoughtful conversations, Bobby attempts to understand the pros and cons of marriage from his diverse and frequently hilarious friends, and begins to make sense of his own persistent bachelorhood.”

It also said: “Company, Stephen Sondheim’s groundbreaking modern musical, is a mature, intelligent, and wildly funny look at relationships, vulnerability, and being alive.”

The Upstart production of Company comes after the group’s mounting of Monty Python’s Spamalot, which was well-received by the theater audience.

Company is running presently at London’s West End. It among Sondheim’s popular works such as Into the Woods, West Side Story, A Little Night Music, and Passion.

Since the show’s debut in 1970, the Company’s productions in Broadway and the West End have garnered praises and awards, including multiple Tony and Olivier Awards.

“Fabregas was very particular about finding new, unexplored performers, and held open auditions for all the parts,” a Company announcement said.

Trinidad was surprised by the number of those who auditioned, the announcement said.

Fabregas is joined by Rony Fortich, who is the former Hong Kong Disneyland musical director, and New York-based and Fordham University Theater Program Faculty Joey Mendoza handles the production design.

Following is what the artistic and cast members have to say about the Company:

Cathy Azanza-Dy: “No one captures the scars, the ache, and the beauty of friendship and love quite like Stephen Sondheim.”

Caisa Borromeo: “It’s timeless and relatable to anyone who has loved, has wanted love, or has been afraid of wanting love. It’s a big fat hug that will make you appreciate the people in your life more.”

Maronne Cruz: “The different characters and relationship dynamics in Company are helping me process my feelings about friendship, love, commitment, and marriage.”

Fabregas: “Company was the first show I ever saw on Broadway. There’s nothing like it.”

Fortich: “Company has, I think, some of the most beautiful lyrics from musical theater.”

Lauchengco-Yulo: “I don’t think you can say you have been challenged musically until you’ve tackled Sondheim.”

Lopez: “Company digs deep on love, friendship, and marriage. I just love how real it is. One of the best musicals by Sondheim.”

Mariano: “If Bobby is your spirit animal, Company is your therapy.”

Peña: “Company is timeless. It’s one of those pieces that every generation — of any age — needs to see.”

Plantado-Tiongson: “Company … real people … real emotions … A beautiful marriage of music and words.”

Reonal: “Company validates my belief in the age-old saying that ‘no man is an island’. Single or not, admit it: We all need company.”

Trinidad: “Company speaks to me like no other musical before or since. It’s funny, poignant, and unflinchingly honest.”

Triviño: “I love Company, It’s simple and deep.”

Uy: “First time I watched Company, I thought they were telling my story. Saw it a second time and I’m convinced they were.”

Veguillas: “Sondheim’s gift for expressing such complex feelings so simply has always amazed me. ‘Being Alive’ is one of my favorite songs from any musical.”

Williams: “Everyone is on a journey towards love and companionship. Company tells the story of that journey.”

The Company runs on all Fridays at 9 pm; Saturdays at 3 pm and 8 pm; and Sundays 3 pm and 8 pm, from Sept. 13 to 22, at the Globe Auditorium, Maybank Performing Arts Theater, BGC Arts Center.

By Ibarra C. Mateo

Vien King as Giorgio Bachetti

Karla Gutierrez, artistic director of the Philippine Opera Company (POC), announced in a media conference that Passion, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine, marks the 20th season of POC.

Described as “a romantic journey into and through the many shades and mysteries of love,” Gutierrez said Passion, the 1994 Tony Award winner for best musical, runs from Sept. 14 to 29, at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, in Makati.

Robbie Guevara is the director while Daniel Bartolome is the musical director and conductor of a 15-member orchestra.

In the same media conference, Guevara said Passion is an operetta, which will run for 110 minutes, without intermission “so as not to interrupt the build-up of emotions” from the audience.

Guevara said his version of Passion will be “Netflix-type, with fast-paced story-telling, with the chorus doing the transitioning.”

“We will humanize the soldiers, with less marching. They like to gossip. There are funny parts,” Guevara said.

Guevara was exuberant in saying that the POC Passion will have a 15-member orchestra, not commonly done in Passion productions, even abroad, “because some tend to cut some instruments out.”

Passion is Bartolome’s first foray in a Sondheim production and musical theater. The sweeping romantic score of Passion had been described by Sondheim as “one long rhapsody.”

Based on the 1981 film Passione d’Amore and after the novel Fosca by I.U. Tarchetti, Passion has been described also as “a haunting, intensely emotional one-act chamber opera that many consider to be Sondheim’s deepest and most powerful evening of musical theatre.”

Others have called it as a story of “terrifying relentlessness that can be found in people who have not learned how to love.”

The lead cast members of Passion are: Shiela Valderrama-Martinez (as Fosca), Vien King (Giorgio), and Jasmine Fitzgerald (Clara).

Valderrama-Martinez told the media conference that she had always wanted to play Fosca and that it is “one of her dream roles.”

“In my 25 years in performing, I’ve always been easily typecast as the ingénue or the princess,” she said.

Going against expectations that she would do the role of Clara, Valderrama-Martinez expressed her gratitude that she is being given the chance to play Fosca, a role which she described as veering away from those she had been associated with.

“There’s always gonna be an ugly side of a person and a beautiful side of a person and it’s up to the actor to show that. I hope I will show that. And besides, it’s not about the look. It’s about her story,” she said.

Gutierrez shared that Valderrama-Martinez is studying voice lessons under Tenor Arthur Espiritu in preparation for this role.

In the same interview, King said that he feels the pressure in playing Giorgio, his first major lead role. He, however, said that it is “a great opportunity” to be in the production.

King said the role of Giorgio will give him an avenue to work harder than before and to the best of his abilities. He said he wants to have his own version of Sondheim’s Giorgio.

The supporting cast members include: Lorenz Martinez (Doctor Tambourri), Raul Montesa (Colonel Ricci), and Noel Rayos (Lt. Torasso).

Composing the ensemble are: Jonel Mojica (Major Rizzolli), Lorenzo Mendoza (Pvt. Augenti), Jos Jalbuena (Ludovic), Timothy Racho (Sgt. Lombardi), Joshua Cheng (Lt. Barri), Vyen Villanueva (Fosca’s father) Lorraine Lisen (mistress), and Jasmin Salvo (Fosca’s mother).

Aside from Gutierrez, Guevara, and Bartolome, the other members of the artistic team are Jason and Jo Tecson (set designers), Shakira Villa Sykes (lighting director), Zenaida Gutierrez (costume designer), Myrene Santos (hair and make-up designer), Venger Marquez (vocal coach); Sunshine Domine (production manager).

Venger said Sondheim’s melodies are great. “But if you are a music major, you will see that his scores are faulty. That is the genius and secret of Sondheim,” he said.

Passion opened on Broadway in 1994 and won four Tony Awards: Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score, and Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical.

Major productions: London (1996), Germany (2011), Sweden (2016); Off-Broadway revival (2013), and London revival (2010).

Other productions include: St. Louis (1996), Sondheim Celebrity (2002), Minnesota Opera (2004), Netherlands (2004), Lincoln Center, New York (2005), Chicago (2007), Melbourne (2014), Paris (2016), Virginia (2018), and Italy (2019).

Passion runs as follows: Sept. 14, 20, 21, 27, and 28 at 8 pm and on Sept. 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29 at 3 pm. Venue is the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza.

For inquiries, call TicketWorld at 8919999 or Philippine Opera Company at 0917-6452946 for showbuying, sponsorship. and fundraising opportunities.

Follow Philippine Opera Company on Facebook and Instagram.

Ibarra C. Mateo

A socio-political play written by Federico Garcia Lorca, two months before he was murdered in June 1936 during the Spanish Civil War, tackling tyranny and oppression in a household, opens tonight the 44th season of Dulaang UP.

Directed by by Alexander Cortez, Lorca’s La Casa de Bernarda Alba was translated from the original Spanish into English by Daisy Lopez (The House of Bernarda Alba). The same play was translated into Filipino by Cortez as Ang Tahanan ni Bernarda Alba.

With themes that may resonate with many Filipinos today, Lorca’s play is peppered with socio-political commentaries on the lives of rural women in an Andalusian village, notably oppressive rules and constricting impositions.

The House of Bernarda Alba / Ang Tahanan ni Bernarda Alba centers on a family of three generations with Bernarda Alba as the head of the household.

As the drama unfolds, the audience will observe how Bernarda treats her mother, daughters, and servants as “mere puppets under her command.” Bernarda’s disposition emphasizes the larger themes of tyranny and oppression found throughout the play.

Also, Bernarda’s dealings with all the people in her household show the intricate relationship between the abused and the abuser.

The play centers on events inside the house of Bernarda Alba, a domineering matriarch who imposes an eight-year mourning period on her household after her second husband’s death. The long mourning period is dictated by her family’s religious traditions.

Bernarda has five daughters in their twenties and thirties, whom she asserts almost total control, forbidding them from entering any romantic relationship over the course of mourning.

This mourning period isolates the family and builds tension within the household as the daughters fight against each other on matter such as marriage, inheritance, and command, reflecting religious hypocrisy and all its trappings.

Veteran actors Frances Makil-Ignacio and Gigi Escalante alternate as Bernarda Alba. Other members of the cast are Stella Cañete Mendoza and Sheryl Ceasico (as Poncia), Rica Nepomuceno and Ronnie Martinez (as Maria Josefa), Liway Gabo and Opaline Santos (as Angustias), Iris Montesclaros and Gel Basa (as Magdelena), Camille Abaya and Mikaela Coruña (as Amelia), Sarina Sasaki (as Martirio), Pauline Maxine Ignacio and Mariella Laurel (as Adela), Jacqui Amper and Lei Ann Quinquilleria (as Servant), and Bea Racoma (as Prudencia).

Joining Cortez in the artistic team are Judy Ick (Dramaturgy), Gino Gonzales (Production Design), Meliton Roxas Jr. (Lights Designer), Jethro Joaquin (Sound), Katz Trangco (Music), JM Cabling (Movement), Jojit Lorenzo (Photography), and Steven Tansiongco (Graphics Designer).

The House of Bernarda Alba / Tahanan ni Bernarda Alba opens Dulaang UP’s 44th Theater Season dubbed as “Daluhong”. It runs from Sept. 6 to 29, 2019 at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, 2F Palma Hall, UP Diliman, Quezon City.

For inquiries, contact Nico Varona (0917 519 8879), send an email at dupmarketing@gmail.com, call the Dulaang UP Office (Tel.: 926- 1349 / 981-
8500 local 24-49).

DUP Images

By Ibarra C. Mateo

Playwright, scriptwriter, martial law activist, and human rights advocate Bonifacio P. Ilagan is the 2019 UP Gawad Plaridel awardee for transmedia category, the UP-College of Mass Communication (UP-CMC) announced on Sept. 4, 2019.

The UP-CMC, said in a statement, that Ilagan “has excelled and provided distinctive contributions in various media platforms, including film, television, theatre, among others.”

“For his 43 years of steadfast and outstanding recognitions, Ilagan has practiced critical, socially responsible, and morally upright service,” the statement said.

While among his more prominent works is Pagsambang Bayan, Ilagan had written for films and television.

His film credits include Migrante (2012), Sigwa (2010), Dukot (2009), and The Flor Contemplacion Story (1995).

His works for television include That’s My Job (a 2008 television series) and episodes of Maalaala Mo Kaya.

Box-office shattering actor Alden Richards had portrayed the role of Ilagan, together with Rocco Nacino, who acted as Jose Lacaba, also a Gawad Plaridel awardee, in a GMA Network special in September 2017 to commemorate the dark days of martial rule imposed in September 1972.

Ilagan, then a student activist, was arrested in 1974, tortured, and eventually released in 1976, only to find out that his sister Rizalina had disappeared and believed to have been abducted by the military.

Gawad Plaridel recipients are given a trophy, designed by National Artist Napoleon Abueva.

UP President Danilo Concepcion and UP Diliman Chancellor Michael Tan are to present Ilagan his Abueva trophy in a ceremony on Nov. 13, 2019, 2 pm, at the UP Film Center.

Ilagan is to deliver a lecture during the ceremony.

Established by the UP-CMC, the annual UP Gawad Plaridel recognizes Filipino media practitioners who have excelled in any of the media (print, radio, film, television, and transmedia) and “who have performed with the highest level of professional integrity in the interest of public service,” the statement said.

Past awardees are: Eugenia Duran-Apostol (2004, print), Vilma Santos (2005, film), Fidela “Tiya Dely” Magpayo (2006, radio), Cecilia “Cheche” L. Lazaro (2007, television), Pachico Seares (2008, community print), Kidlat Tahimik (2009, independent film), Eloisa “Lola Sela” Canlas (2011, radio), Florence “Rosa Rosal” Danon-Gayda (2012, television), Jose “Pete” Lacaba (2013, print), Nora “Nora Aunor” Villamayor (2014, transmedia), Ricardo “Ricky” Lee (2015, film), Francisca “Babes” Custodio (2016, radio), Tina Monzon-Palma (2017, television), and Jessica Soho (2018, journalism).

The award is named after Marcelo H. del Pilar (nom de plume, Plaridel), a mover of the Propaganda Movement and “whose stewardship of the reformist newspaper La Solidaridad gave voice to nationalist sentiments and libertarian ideas in the 1890s.”

“Like Plaridel, the recipient of the award must believe in a vision of a Philippine society that is egalitarian, participative, and progressive, and in media that is socially responsible, critical and vigilant, liberative, and transformative, and free and independent, UP-CMC said.

UP-CMC Image

Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra

Conductor Gerard Salonga

Soprano Andion Fernandez

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO), the national orchestra and a resident company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), unveiled its 37th season program and list of soloists and guest conductors for the 2019-2020 concert series.

PPO Music Director Yoshikazu Fukumura takes the helm in five concerts of the season while three will be led by guest conductors Michael Cousteau, Herminigildo Ranera, and Gerard Salonga.

The 37th PPO concert season is billed as “Gold Classical Music Treasures” and will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the CCP.

It will run from September 2019 to April 2020 at the CCP Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater).

The season opens on Sept. 13 with pianist Noriko Ogawa as soloist and Maestro Fukumura at the podium. Ogawa achieved renown when she earned success at the Leeds International Piano Competition.

According to the Telegraph, her “ravishingly poetic playing” (Telegraph) sets her apart from her contemporaries. She is known as a fine Debussy specialist and a professor at Guildhall School of Music and Drama. On the concert program are Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Don Giovanni Overture, Sergei Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto no.3 op.26 in C Major, and Antonin Dvorak’s Symphony no.7 op.70 in D minor.

On Oct. 25, French conductor Michael Cousteau takes over the baton to conduct a program offering Richard Wagner’s Tristan and Isolde: Prelude and Liebestod, Hector Berlioz’s Harold in Italy op.16, and Romeo and Juliet: Love Scene, and Franz Liszt’s Les Preludes. Cousteau is “an established international musician of unusual versatility, conducting operatic and symphonic repertoire ranging from the Baroque period to contemporary works.” Featured soloist for the evening is Rey Casey Concepcion on the viola.

On Nov. 15, Maestro Fukumura returns to the podium with the Sora Ensemble of Japan as the featured soloists of the evening. The group was formed by Hiromasa Iwasaki, the principal oboist of the Sapporo Symphony Orchestra in 2008. Along with the motto “Music at Anytime, Anywhere,” they have performed more than 100 concerts annually while travelling to different cities, towns and villages in Hokkaido and other parts of Japan, to bring the energetic live performances of chamber music, symphony, and other ensemble music to the people.

The concert repertoire consists of Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony no.9 op.70, Franz Joseph Haydn’s Sinfonia Concertante op. 84 in B-flat Major, and two works by Arturo Marquez, Danzon no.7 and Danzon no.8.

For its Christmas offering, the PPO performs on Dec. 20 with conductor Herminigildo Ranera. The PPO performs two works by Samuel Barber’s, Adagio for Strings and Die Natali op.36, Darius Milhaud’s Concerto for Percussion and Small Orchestra, and Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky’s Capriccio Italien op.45. Percussionist Aimee De la Cruz and soprano Alexa Kaufman are the soloists for the evening.

The bassoon heralds the New Year when Adolfo Mendoza is featured soloist in the fifth concert of the PPO season on Jan. 24, 2020. Maestro Fukumura conducts a program of Antonin Dvorak’s Serenade for String Orchestra op.22 in E Major, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Bassoon Concerto in B-flat Major, and Cesar Franck’s Symphony in D minor.

Gerard Salonga is the guest conductor for the PPO’s sixth season concert with soprano Andion Fernandez performing as soloist. Salonga is currently the music director of the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra. He is in his second season as assistant conductor of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. Fernandez is a soloist of the Deutsche Oper Berlin since 2001.

Slated on Valentine’s Day 2020, the concert offers Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky’s “Pathetique” Symphony no.6 op.74 in B minor, National Artist Lucio San Pedro’s Ang Buwan sa Kabundukan, Franz Schubert’s Erlkönig, Manuel de Falla’s Siete Canciones Populares Españolas.

On March 13, Japanese violinist Ryu Goto returns to Manila to perform again with the PPO. Goto has established himself as a significant icon in classical music, with a large and growing following in Asia, North America, and Europe.

Maestro Fukumura leads the PPO in a repertoire consisting of Zhou Tian’s Concerto for Orchestra, Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s Violin Concerto op.35 in D Major, and Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony no.5 op.67 in C minor.

The grand finale of the PPO concert season, on April 24, is an exciting collaboration with the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra. Ray Wang again plays the cello with the PPO under Maestro Fukumura. Wang currently serves as head of the Junior Music Department and he is a senior lecturer in strings at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.

The evening program will feature Carl Orff’s Entrata for Orchestra, Franz Joseph Haydn’s Cello Concerto no.2 in D Major, and Hector Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique op.14.

The PPO is the country’s leading orchestra and also recognized in the Asia-Pacific region. It was established on May 15, 1973 as the CCP Philharmonic Orchestra intended to perform at the center as one of its main resident performing groups and collaborate with renowned Filipino and foreign artists either as soloists or conductors.

The PPO promotes music appreciation, especially to Filipinos, through the CCP’s Office of the President Outreach Program headed by Arsenio Lizaso. Through this program, the PPO performs in schools, parishes, government agencies, and underserved communities not only in Metro Manila but also in other key cities.

Currently, the PPO is under the music direction of its principal conductor and music director Maestro Yoshikazu Fukumura. with Prof. Herminigildo Ranera as associate conductor and Dino Decena as concertmaster.

For ticket information, please call the CCP Box Office at 832-3704.

CCP-PPO Images

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