CCP Tribute to National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera set on April 23

Press Anouncement:

THE Cultural Center of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts lead the nations to pay homage to the late National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera in a necrological tribute slated on April 23, 2022.

The necrological tributes will start with Arrival of Honors at 8:30am at the CCP Front Lawn, followed by the program at 9am at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater). State funeral follows at 12nn, at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. 

National Artist for Literature Lumbera passed away on September 28, 2021, at the age of 89. 

He was conferred the Order of the National Artists, the highest national recognition given to Filipino individuals, for his significant contributions and achievements in Philippine literature, in 2006. 

Acknowledged as one of the pillars in contemporary literature in the Philippines, Lumbera introduced to Tagalog literature the Bagay poetry, a landmark aesthetic tendency that changed the vernacular poetic tradition.

Most of CCP’s landmark productions are those touched by National Artist Lumbera’s genius, working as librettist in various theatrical works which premiered in the center’s theaters and became the standards of excellence in performing arts. Some notable works were Tales of Manuvu, Rama Hari, and Noli Me Tangere, which were performed by CCP resident companies Ballet Manila and Tanghalang Pilipino, as well as Hibik at Himagsik nina Victoria Laktaw.

His greatest literary works included: Likhang Dila, Likhang Diwa (1993); Balaybay, Mga Tulang Lunot at Manibalang (2002); Sa Sariling Bayan, Apat na Dulang May Musika (2004), Agunyas sa Hacienda Luisita, and Pakikiramay (2004).

  

A poet, librettist and academician, he founded and was part of different literary organizations such as Pambansang Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas (Panulat), Philippine Comparative Literature Association, Pamana ng Panitikan ng Pilipinas, Panulat para sa Kaunlaran ng Sambayanan (PAKSA), Kalipunan para sa Literatura ng Pilipinas, Philippine Studies Association, Cultural Research Association of the Philippines, Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino, and the Concerned Artists of the Philippines. 

He received several accolades, most notably the Carlos Palanca Award for Literature in 1975, the Magsaysay Award in 1993, the Philippine Centennial Literary Prize for Drama in 1998, and the CCP Centennial Honors for the Arts in 1999. He also won several from Manila Critics Circle and National Book Awards. 

The public is invited to pay tribute to the great literary master, following health and safety guidelines. For those attending the necrological tribute, kindly read the CCP protocols for Alert Level 1: https://bit.ly/ccpnewnormalprotocol. 

CINEMALAYA Announces 2019 Jury Members, NETPAC Jurors

WHO will take home the coveted awards in this year's edition of Cinemalaya?

These tough decisions lie at the hands of those who constitute the jury of this year’s Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, slated on August 2 to 11, 2019, at the CCP venues and August 7 to 13, at selected Ayala Malls and Vista Malls.

Leading the jury who will be judging the main competition entries is Dr. Andreas Ungerböck.  Born in 1960 in Thomasberg, Austria, Dr. Ungerböck has a degree in theatre, film and journalism studies at the University of Vienna, with doctorate thesis on the films of Rainer Werner Fassbinder.

In 1997, he directed a short documentary about Hong Kong cinema before the handover, which was aired on German-French Arte Channel.  He has curated several retrospectives of Asian Cinema including Hong Kong in Motion (1990, 1991, 1995), Taipei Stories (1996), Korean Cinema (1998), Cinema Asia (2003), China Now (2004), Asia 3D (2013).  From 1994 to 2002, he was the catalogue editor for the Viennale Film Festival.

A freelance journalist since 1987, he was connected to selected publications such as 2006 Spike Lee (Co-editor), 2009 Ang Lee (Co-editor), 2012 Real America (Co-editor), Josef Hader, Filme und mehr (2017).  Currently, he is the co-publisher of ray, Austria’s second largest film magazine which deals with mainstream cinema and strongly focuses on arthouse movies, TV series, DVD and blu-ray releases, film books and soundtracks.  It is a part of Austria’s film culture and thus deals extensively with Austrian film politics, subsidy system and festival landscape.

Joining him on the jury panel is Korean director PARK Kiyong.  After graduating from the Korean Academy of Film Arts (KAFA) in 1987, director Park has worked on various film projects as producer and director.  Films he produced include “To the Starry Island,” directed by PARK Kwang-su in 1993, which was the first Korean co-production with Channel Four TV, a European company; and “Cinema on the Road,” directed by JANG Sun-woo in 1995, the Korean episode for BFI's The Century of Cinema series.  In 2000, he also produced “JANG Sun-woo Variations,” a documentary about a controversial Korean director JANG Sun-Woo by a prominent British film critic Tony Rayns.

His films as a writer and director are: “Motel Cactus (1997)” and “Camels (2001),” which have won numerous awards including the New Currents Award at the Busan International Film Festival and the Grand Award at the Fribourg International Film Festival. His other films include: “Tears of Mokpo” (2019); “Noli Timere” (an official film of the 2018 Winter Paralympic Games); “Old Love” (2017), among others.

Another member of the jury is Filipino director Keith Sicat.  He is the man behind notable cinematic works such as “Rigodon,” “Woman of the Ruins,” and “Himala Ngayon,” a documentary on the making of the Nora Aunor classic film directed by National Artist for Cinema Ishmael Bernal.  His latest directorial work is “Alimuom,” a sci-fi film which won 3rd Best Picture at the ToFarm Film Festival and garnered two FAMAS Nominations.

Working professionally as a documentary TV editor and producer in New York City early in his career, director Sicat branched out to feature length documentaries and narrative feature films.  Working in animation, he was the story consult for the first computer generated animated feature film “RPG: Metanoia” and headed the development team for the first Tagalog language Japanese anime co-production “Barangay 143” with TV Asahi.

Filipino director Dwein Baltazar joins the board.  Stylist-turned-filmmaker Baltazar began her career in 2008, styling for independent films.  In 2012, she made her directorial debut in “Mamay Umeng,” which was produced through a film grant from Cinema One Originals and took home the Best Picture at the 14th Jeonju International Film Festival.  She also directed two of the most celebrated films in 2018 - “Gusto Kita with All My Hypothalamus,” and “Oda Sa Wala,” both have won awards here and abroad.  This year, Baltazar made waves in the digital platform with her 7-episode mini-series “Past, Present, Perfect.”  Baltazar is currently writing her fourth film, to be produced by Black Sheep.

Completing the jury is Filipino director Mes de Guzman.  His film “Sa Kanto ng Ulap at Lupa (Of Skies and Earth)” won the Best Picture and Best Director at the Cinemanila 2011, while his film “Diablo” bagged the Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Asian Film (NETPAC Award) at the Cinemalaya 2012.  His latest Cinemalaya entry was “Ang Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha,” starring actress Sharon Cuneta, in 2017.

His other films included: “Nora Aunor’s Ang Kwento ni Mabuti,” “Sitio,” and “The Road to Kalimugtong,” bagged the Altadis New Director’s Prize at the 2006 San Sebastian International Film Festival (Spain), two Best Picture awards from the Golden Screen Awards and the Festival De Cine De Los Pueblos Del Sur in Venezuela, South America. His short film “Batang Trapo” won the L’Etoile (Golden Star) Grand Prize for Short Film at the Festival International Du Film de Marrakech in Morocco, as well as Best Short Film at the Gawad Urian Awards, 1st Prize and Best Short Film for Children at the Gawad CCP for Film and Video and the Ishmael Bernal Award for Young Cinema, Cinemanila International Film Festival.

Film advocate Indu Shrikent, filmmakers Kan Lume and Jerrold Tarog will be the NETPAC Jury members.

Ms. Shrikent will be the chairperson of the NETPAC jury.  Born in 1948 in New Delhi, India, she started her film journey in 1993 when she joined Cinemaya, The Asian Film Quarterly, a journal devoted to Asian cinema, where she became the deputy editor.  For over two decades Indu has written articles on films, filmmakers and film festivals.

A founding members of the NETPAC Indian chapter, Indu Shrikent promoted Asian cinema extensively in India by organizing film appreciation courses, screenplay workshops, and holding film weeks, culminating with the launch of the Cinefan Festival on Asian Cinema in New Delhi in 1999.  She was co-director of the Cinefan Film Festival since its inception in 1999 and contributed to the steady growth of the festival in both the number of films as well as audience.  In 2012 she became the Festival Director of Osian’s-Cinefan Film Festival of Asian and Arab Cinema.

Indu started the Hello Cinema film club in 2013 to promote meaningful cinema.  She was invited as director programmes for organizing the 19th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) in 2014.  Presently, Indu is working in Osianama Film Archive and Research Center.  Her area of research is Asian Cinema.

Kan Lumé is a multi-award winning filmmaker who received his degree in film and television from Bond University in Australia, with a double major in Film.  Besides being one of the most prolific filmmakers in Singapore, he has taught film in prestigious film schools such as NYU Tisch Asia, School of Audio Engineering, Singapore Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic and Makassar SEA Screen Academy.  He is an associate artist at Substation Home of the Arts, and has received commissions for his work from the Embassy of Germany in Singapore, The National Gallery of Singapore and the Asian Film Archive.

His debut feature film "The Art of Flirting" won Best ASEAN Feature at Malaysian Video Awards 2005.  His second film "Solos" bagged the Best Newcomer Award at Torino GLBT Film Festival.  His third film "Dreams from the Third World" received the MovieMax Award at Cinema Digital Seoul 2008.  "Liberta" picked up Special Mention at Cinema Digital Seoul 2012 and the NETPAC Award at Tripoli Film Festival 2013.  "The Naked DJ" earned Kan his second NETPAC award for Best Asian Film at Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival 2014.  His latest film "If This Is My Story" received Best Actor at Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival 2018.

Director Jerrold Tarog, meanwhile, was the man behind the box office hit “Heneral Luna” and its sequel “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral.”  His films for Cinemalaya include “Mangatyanan” (2009), the short film “Faculty” (2010), and “Sana Dati” (2013).  He is currently working on the superhero film “Darna,” produced by Star Cinema.

CCP International Choral Competition Winners Announced

THE 4^th edition of the Andrea O. Veneracion (AOV) International Choral Festival on July 18-21, 2019 and the 1^stAsia Choral Grand Prix (ACGP) on July 21, 2019 held its joint Closing and Awarding Ceremonies with the announcement of the winners at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo on July 21, 2019 at 9:30 PM.

The competition winners were announced by Mark Anthony Carpio, the Asian member of the jury.  The Andrea O. Veneracion International Choral Festival winners are as follows:  Mixed Choir Category – 1^stPrize: FEU Chorale, Karl Angelo Tangco,conductor; 2^nd Prize: TIP Choral Society, Cyro Bon Cloui Moral, conductor; 3^rd Prize: Chorus Vocales Philippines, Renier Aguilar, conductor.  Equal Voices Category – 1^stPrize: Don Bosco Makati-Boscorale, Alvin B. Paulin, conductor; 2^ndPrize: Miriam College High School Glee Club, Anthony Go Villanueva,conductor; 3^rd Prize: St. Paul College Pasig High School Chorale, Shiela Marie B. Fetalvero,conductor.  Folk Song Category – 1^st Prize: TIP Choral Society, Cyro Bon Cloui Moral, conductor;2^nd Prize: FEU Chorale, Karl Angelo Tangco,conductor; 3^rd Prize: Chor Pueri et Puellae Cantores Plocences (Poland), Anna Bramska,conductor. 

Besides certificates and cash prizes for the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd prize winning choirs, the first prize winners of each category were awarded a trophy - a CCP commissioned sculpture inspired by the sound of a conch shell and a bird song  made of stoneware clay by CCP by 13 Artists Awardee for the year 2000, Katti Sta. Ana.

The University of the Philippines Los Baños Choral Ensemble (UPLBCE) was proclaimed winner of the 1^st Asia Choral Grand Prix.  The only Filipino choir among six competing choirs, the UPLBCE represented the 2017 winner of the Andrea O. Veneracion International Choral Festival.  The UPLBCE bested five other choirs from Indonesia: the St. Louis High School Choir from Surabaya and the Vocalista Harmonic Choir ISI from Yogyakarta representing the 2017 and 2018 winners of the Singapore International Choral Festival, respectively; the E Deum Voice from  Medan and the Paduan Suara Mahasiswa Universitas Padjadjaran from Bandung representing the 2017 and 2018 winners of the Bali International Choir Festival, respectively; and the Brawijaya University Student Choir from Malang representing the other 2017 winner of the Andrea O. Veneracion International Choral Festival.

The UPLBCE was awarded a cash prize of US$6,000, a certificate and a trophy - a CCP newly commissioned   sculpture by multimedia artist Toym Imao made of pounded brass and carved wood entitled “Kilapsaw”, representing a vessel in which sound is produced.

The jury, representing five continents were composed of Jason Max Ferdinand from the USA, Digna Guerra from Cuba, Werner Pfaff from Germany, David Squire from New Zealand and Mark Anthony Carpio from the Philippines. 

The Asia Choral Grand Prix (ACGP) is a competition of the two top 2017 and 2018 winners of the Andrea O. Veneracion Festival, the Bali International Choir Festival and the Singapore International Choral Festival.  The ACGP is the fruition of two years of preparation which started with meetings initiated by the Cultural Center of the Philippines with the organizers of the two Festivals as early as July 2017.  Present during the Closing and Awarding Ceremonies were the Directors of the said Festivals, including the Artistic Director of the new ACGP festival member the Malaysian Choral Eisteddfod who was introduced to the audience.

The FEU Chorale and the Don Bosco Makati – Boscorale were the two choir winners chosen by the jury to represent the Andrea O. Veneracion International Choral in the 2^nd Asia Choral Grand Prix to be held in Bali, Indonesia in 2021.  The biennial Andrea O. Veneracion International Choral Festival held in cooperation with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, was organized in 2013.  The AOV International Choral Festival and the Asia Choral Grand Prix were supported by the Tourism Promotions Board.                               

                                                                                                            

Catch the 2nd Weekend of GUADALUPE: THE MUSICAL

It all began with an apparition. The story developed into a musical which turned out to be a hit. How can it not with a skeptical bishop, a brutal overlord, a dying man brought back from the brink of death included in the mix of curious characters? So people talked about the show after watchingg , spread the word, and convinced their friends to watch the amazing story of Our Lady of Guadalupe. 

This Patron Saint of the Philippines and the Americas has been immortalized in this all-new musical which premiered last September 28, 2018 at the Meralco Theater. Lucky for those who missed the first and second weekend, the show runs until October 14. You still have a chance to watch the show this last weekend, Friday through Sunday at 8:00 pm, with Saturday and Sunday matinées at 3:00 pm.

Directed by Baby Barredo and produced by Julie Borromeo, theater legends both, the highly anticipated GUADALUPE: THE MUSICAL is based on the mysterious, world-changing events that occurred in 1531 in New Spain, or present-day Mexico. The all-original English-language musical, which was created by award-winning artists Joel Trinidad (book and lyrics) and Ejay Yatco (music), is a sweeping theatrical epic that uses history as a backdrop for a uniquely inspiring tale that will appeal to theater-lovers everywhere—regardless of their religious beliefs. Joining the creative team are the aforementioned Julie Borromeo and Rose Borromeo (choreography) Mio Infante (scenic design), John Batalla (lights), Rards Corpus of Soundcheck (sound design), and Celia Diaz-Laurel (costumes), all top professionals of their respective fields.

The World Premiere of GUADALUPE: THE MUSICAL is sponsored by the Friends of Punlaan.  In his triumphant return to the stage, Victor “Cocoy” Laurel plays the central role of Juan Diego, the humble Aztec mat-weaver who claims to see an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Sharing the stage with Mr. Laurel are theater stalwarts Lorenz Martinez, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez, Onyl Torres, and Miguel Vasquez, with Noel Rayos, Kyla Rivera, and the aforementioned Joel Trinidad covering various major roles. Joining them all are talented up-and-comers Arman Ferrer, Chaye Mogg, and Kuya Manzano; all part of a cast of more than thirty actors, singers, and dancers.

Guadalupe: The Musical is brought to you by Meralco and its official media partners CNN Philippines, BusinessWorld, The Manila Times, and Malaya Business Insights.

Buy your tickets at Ticketworl.com.ph or call 8919999.

Ballet Ph Presents Don Quixote Starting Feb 9 at Pintxos

Press Announcement:

Ballet Philippines takes your theater experience to the next level with Don Quixote Ballet, Pintxos y Vino, a pre-show wine and pintxos bar on select evening performances of Don Quixote. Everyone is invited to come and experience ballet and Spanish culture in one incredible night.

“Pintxos” is a Basque take on “pinchos,” or small finger foods that are “pierced” together with a cocktail stick. It is usually, but not necessarily, served with bread. Pintxos are laid out on a bar counter, where one can take cold pintxos right off the bar, or have hot pintxos heated by the barman.

To partake in this experience, simply add P500 in addition to your ballet ticket. This entitles you to Spanish wine and delectable tapas at the Main Theater Mezzanine prior to watching the ballet on the following shows:

· February 9, 2018 (Friday): Bar opens from 6:30pm to 8:00pm; Performance starts at 8:00pm

· February 7 (Saturday), 17 (Saturday), and 18 (Sunday), 2018: Bar opens from 5:30pm to 7:00pm; Performance starts at 7:00pm

This is the perfect pre-performance cocktail, especially for those celebrating the Valentine season.

Slots are limited! Buy your tickets only at Ballet Philippines. Call (2) 551-1003.

Holistic Lifestyle at Horizon Terraces in Tagaytay Highlands

Busy city life has always been synonymous to a hectic day at work and being stuck within the confines of the urban jungle. Eventually, one yearns for an escape.

Tagaytay Highlands proudly adds to its extensive portfolio of themed residences another development first – Horizon Terraces. Tagged as its most refreshing take on holistic living, this 3.2 hectare community is comprised of a residential mix of Asian-contemporary garden villas and suites terraced-designed to present postcard sceneries of the Taal Lake and Volcano, Mt. Makiling, Midlands Golf Course, and its own central park.

A first of its kind in Tagaytay Highlands, the Garden Villas is a three-bedroom unit townhouse that seamlessly fuses both the form and function of an ideal home for close-knit families. Each unit has a generous floor space of 136 to 168 square meters – made of expansive living areas and a terrace leading to breathtaking vistas of the Taal Lake and Volcano and Midlands Golf Course. Private gardens and direct access to the central park complete every member of the family’s moments of zen.

The Garden Suites is the perfect urban escape for every family. This five-storey low density residential condominium features one and two-bedroom units of 43 to 68 square meters. Each Garden Suite unit features large panel windows to maximize natural lighting and well ventilation and a balcony to enjoy panoramic nature views– Mt Makiling, Midlands Golf Course, and Taal Lake.

Inspired by the radiance of nature that surrounds it, Horizon Terraces promises a holistic indulgence through the community’s very own central park. Over 70% of the development is dedicated to open spaces and lush gardens while therapeutic walkways, private nooks, and a jogging path weave through the entire area that include two interconnecting swimming pools and a playground.

Each unit purchase at Horizon Terraces is bundled with membership rights at the Midlands Golf Club, being only a few meters away, along with exclusive access to a collection of world-class amenities and recreational activities at The Country Club. The Club offers new outdoor activities such as the Aerial Walk, Sporting Arrow, and Pedal Go Kart Racing and other sports facilities for swimming, bowling, and badminton. Tagaytay Highlands is also home to well-known specialty restaurants that have been well-loved by members and residents through the years – the Highlander Steakhouse, Highlands China Palace, and a wide variety of gastronomical outlets at the Gourmet Avenue.   

Horizon Terraces is the latest testament to Tagaytay Highlands’ vision of providing an exceptional mountain resort lifestyle.

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Tagaytay Highlands is the premier mountain resort development of the SM Group in Tagaytay. Nestled among the highest elevations of the city, it is a leisure destination that speaks of exclusivity and luxury, where stunning nature views and a breezy, cool climate come together to redefine relaxation. For inquiries about owning a Highlands home, call +632 5052422 and +63917 5150158 or visit www.tagaytayhighlands.com

See the World in Children's Eyes This Christmas

Celebrate the season of giving with "See the World", a joint Christmas initiative of AirAsia and World Vision, is an awareness and fundraising effort for the benefit of Filipino children.

“See the World” aims to raise at least one million pesos to provide sponsorship program for many children as direct recipients across the country.  For every AirAsia seats booked or sold in the Philippines from 1 to 31 December 2017, five pesos will be automatically donated to World Vision’s child sponsorship program.

AirAsia Regional Chief Operating Officer Pete Chareonwongsak said, “The collaboration between AirAsia and World Vision represents another step forward in our commitment to the philosophy that no corporation can live apart from the community it serves. As a truly Filipino airline, we will always extend a helping hand to the communities we serve.”

“AirAsia as a global brand is honored to partner with an international relief, development and advocacy organization as we both share the same commitment and passion in helping communities especially children see the wonders of the world through sponsorship programs in education.”

World Vision Philippines National Director Rommel Fuerte, meanwhile, said, “As we celebrate the 60^th anniversary of World Vision here in the Philippines, we are very thankful to have this milestone partnership with AirAsia Philippines. With this significant initiative, we can ensure that every peso that will be donated to World Vision will help a lot of underprivileged Filipino children attain their dreams.”

“Christmas in the Philippines is very much celebrated and being involved in this exciting project is truly a gift that enables us to reach out and help as many children as we can.”

Aside from fundraising efforts, “See the World” will feature inspiring stories of children from impoverished communities around the country whose lives have changed and caused other children and communities to aspire for better living conditions.

“See the World” was officially launched November 18 at Hotel H2O with World Vision Philippines ambassadors led by Asia’s Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista, singer and rapper Quest and radio DJ and host Gelli Victor.

World Vision ambassador Christian Bautista said, “Working with World Vision in the Philippines is really a joy for me. Yes, I am able to touch the lives of these children when we reach out to them. But they don’t know how their smiles are able to change me as a person. And with the wonderful ‘See the World’ collaboration of AirAsia and World Vision, each one can have that chance to touch each other's hearts and celebrate Christmas in a different way.”   

For his part, Quest, also an ambassador for World Vision said, “I don’t feel any burden being a child sponsor. In fact, it makes me feel wonderful being able to help. And through this ‘See the World’ campaign of AirAsia and World Vision in the Philippines, it will be easier for anyone to help.”

AirAsia Philippines will run a web series online and available in AirAsiaPhilippines facebook starting November 20.

Keep updated and find out more about “See the World” through #AirAsiaWorldVision and #SeeTheWorld hashtags.

AirAsia Philippines is a member of the AirAsia Group, voted the World’s Best Low Cost Carrier for nine consecutive years running. AAP operates a fleet of 17 aircraft with domestic and international flights out of hubs in Manila, Cebu, and Kalibo.  The airline operates several flights to/from Manila, Davao, Cebu, Kalibo, Caticlan (Boracay), Tacloban, Tagbilaran (Bohol), Puerto Princesa (Palawan), Clark, and Iloilo in the Philippines with international flights to/from Shanghai, Taipei, Incheon (Seoul), Hong Kong, Macau, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Guangzhou, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Singapore.

The AirAsia “See the World” Christmas project is also brought to you by AirAsia BIG Loyalty Programme.

About AirAsia BIG Loyalty Programme

Introducing AirAsia’s all-new Freedom Flyer Programme, powered by BIG Loyalty.

You can now earn BIG Points faster and enjoy better rewards than ever before, only from flying with AirAsia. Download the BIG Loyalty mobile app to discover your new membership status today!