3rd Bagasbas Beach International Eco Arts Festival

The summation of “Art + Environment + Sustainability”, which was the festival’s theme, installed the 3rd Bagasbas Beach International Eco Arts Festival at the Bagasbas Beach, Daet, Camarines Norte last May 30 to June 6, 2010.

Through the initiated efforts of various artists who graced the event, this year’s festival aimed to provide creative learning through four media for the Daet community. The first medium was the installation art, where found items from host communities and bamboo are used to create sculptural installations along the Bagasbas Beach in Daet, Camarines Norte, one of certain actions that might embellish the place’s title as the 60th Surfing and Kite Surfing Destination in the World. Video presentations listed as second. This was where artists showed their video works in spaces in and around the town of Daet. Third on the dossier is the public furniture design for the campus of the Our Lady of Lourdes College. Finally, the final media were economic upliftment seminars where communities will take part in economic enhancement programs from the business community and government technical institutions.

This year’s festival also hoped to provide communities an approach to uplift their lives through a connection with internationally significant artists, and to help them realize that solutions to economic and environmental problems can be met by community cooperation and harnessing simple creativity.

Some of the national and international artists who attended the event were Filipino artist Irma Lacorte who taught her host community Brgy. Mangcamagong in Basud how to make ‘puso’, which she used to create her artwork “Taub-Hubas” that illustrated the changes of the tide, from low to high tide; Artist Chung Ho Chak, from Hongkong-China, who epitomized the simple yet colorful life of the people in his host community, Daet and the Our Lady of Lourdes College, through his “Heart” artwork; and, Norwegian artist Stuart Frost who was amazed with the abundance of natural materials that can be found in Daet, and believed that the people of Daet can generate renewable energy from the wind from simply using bamboo and other indigenous materials - “generate power in places where there is no access”.

The project is supported by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Our Lady of Lourdes College Foundation.

For more information on the event, contact the Our Lady of Lourdes College Foundation at (6354) 721-1368, (63917) 464-4034, email bbieaf@yahoo.com or visit http://www.bbieaf.org/.

LBHS Staged Flower and ‘Garden Wedding’ Show

As a way to recognize the popularity of garden weddings and receptions in the Philippines, the Los Baños Horticulture Society (LBHS), formerly Los Baños Orchid Society, held its summer show last April 23 to May 2, 2010 at the Senior’s Social Garden in University of Los Banos, Laguna.

With this year’s theme “Garden Wedding”, the event was filled with creative displays of numerous flora that are ideal for garden wedding setups. Invited speakers also talked about how to use plants and garden accessories — seeds, seedlings, flowering plants, garden bells, and lamps — as wedding giveaways.

VS Orchids, Vic’s Orchids & Ornamentals, Valesol, Flower Box, Gintong Talulut, Exotica, Varunee Garden, Robelle Garden, Malvarosa, Earth Keepers, DAP, Tony Pajaro, Mabuhay Orchids and Genesis participated in the landscape exhibit and showcased their arrangements in the center hall.

Among the special guest include Mr. Vic Chin who gave a talk on “Wedding Cake Decoration Using Fresh Flowers”, Dr. Monina Siar, noted specialist on Hoya, Mussaenda and other ornamental plants; and Mr. Danny Tiu, author of Grammatophyllum of the Philippines, which was recently published by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD). The book was on sale during the garden show.

Like previous garden shows organized by the LBHS, seedlings, fruit crops, exotic fruit trees, foliage plants, flowering plants, and orchids were available and sold to guests and participants throughout the event.

For more information about the event, contact the Los Baños Horticulture Society at (63920) 577-6552 or visit their website at http://losbanosorchidsociety.org/

Nomination Open for Dr. Jose P. Rizal Awards for Excellence

The Manila Times, through the Dr. Jose P. Rizal Awards for Excellence, seeks to recognize and honor outstanding Chinese-Filipinos who have excelled in various fields of discipline and made great contributions to the Filipino society.

It is for this reason that The Manila Times decided to institutionalize an annual system of recognition of distinguished Chinese-Filipinos. Now in its fifth year, the Tsinoy Awards continue to celebrate the best in the Tsinoy community which has become a pillar of the society.

Nomination for the Awards shall be open to all Filipino citizen of Chinese descent, have received Chinese education, at the minimum, should be able to understand Chinese language, and have observed/practiced or still observes or practices some Chinese tradition

The nominee must be engaged in the following fields of endeavor: Art, Literature and Culture, Business and Entrepreneurship, Community Service, Education, Journalism, Management and Finance, Medicine, Public Service, Science and Technology, Sports and professionals. He or she shall have demonstrated outstanding leadership in his field of endeavor and made outstanding contribution to mainstream society.

Any individual, private or public entity or organization may submit nominations. Nomination forms may be obtained at www.manilatimes.net. Forms must be submitted or mailed to The Manila Times, 371 A. Bonifacio Drive, Port Area, Manila.

Deadline for the submission of entries is on April 16, 2010.

For more information, contact The Manila Times at (632) 524 5664 up to 67, fax (632) 301 9552 or visit their website at http://www.manilatimes.net.

World’s Best Ballroom Dancers Face-Off at 3rd Philippine StarBall

The country’s biggest, grandest and most anticipated ballroom dance competition is set to take center stage once again at the 3^rd Philippine StarBall to be held on February 13, 2010 at the Rizal Ballroom of Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City.

Organized by the Council of United Professional Dance Teachers of the Philippines (CUPDTP), the event aims to bring the best in the world of ballroom dancing to the Filipino audience. The event is spearheaded by organizing committee chairman Michaela “Pinky” Puno, wife of Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno, who personally invited the top competitors she saw at the Blackpool Festival and the Internationals competition in London.

Top professional and amateur ballroom dancers from around the world will show their skills in what is to be the most celebrated dance competition in this part of the globe. About 80 international, high caliber dancers will participate in this year’s Philippine StarBall. They will be coming from all over the world—USA, Italy, Denmark, Russia, Lithuania, Slovenia, Poland, Australia, Germany, Serbia, England, Bulgaria, Croatia, Latvia, Canada, Norway, Moldova, Azerbaijan, Austria, as well as our Asian countries—Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Japan.

This event, recognized by the Games and Amusement Board, is supported by the Department of Tourism and First Gentleman’s Foundation. The 3^rd Philippine StarBall is for the benefit of Kythe Foundation, which helps children with cancer.

For more information, contact the Philippine StarBall Secretariat. Ms.Marissa Manese at (632)812-8464, email Ms. Pinky Puno mpuno@aol.com, michaela.puno@gmail.com or Mr. Jose "Jojo" Cariño, CUPDTP President at jojocarino@gmail.com or visit the official website at http://www.philippinestarball.com/

CCP Sets Stage for First Philippine Guitar Fest

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and The Guitar Friends will hold the First Philippine International Guitar Festival 2010 from January 28 to 31 at the CCP in Pasay City. With the objective of promoting the Classical Guitar, the festival offers exciting musical performances by outstanding guitarists from the Philippines and abroad.

Maestro Jose Valdez, who is considered to be one of the best guitar teachers in the country, is the director of the Festival. Maestro Valdez, who has 35 years of teaching experience, is a lecturer and professor at the University of the Philippines, Philippine Women’s University, St. Scholastica’s College, Philippine National University, La Concordia College and St. Paul University. He is a pioneer of all major guitar courses in most schools in the Philippines. The CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Arts ranks him as one of the pioneers of classical guitar in the country.

Among those performing in the Festival are Mr. Steve Lin, Mr. Michael Dadap, Mr. Jose Valdez, Mr. Perfecto de Castro, Mr. Sixto Roxas, Mr. Kasilag Guitar Trio, Tabs, UP Guitar Orchestra, Fundacion Centro Flamenco and the winners of the National Music Competitions for Young Artists 2009 Guitar Category. More artists and groups, including the Manila Symphony Orchestra, are expected to be added to the list of performers in the Festival. One of the highlights of the Festival will be the concert by a Spanish guitar soloist to be brought in by Instituto Cervantes.

Mr. Steve Lin is a renowned international artist who has concertized throughout the US, Italy, the Philippines and Taiwan. An award winning guitarist and a recording artist, Mr. Lin teaches guitar at the San Jose State University and Northern California School of Music. He has a master’s degree from Yale School of Music and is completing his doctorate at the New England Conservatory under Eliot Fiske.

Mr. Michael Dadap has been artistic/music director and conductor of The Children’s Orchestra Society since 1984. He studied at UP, the Mannes College of Music and the Juilliard School. As a conductor, he has conducted and collaborated with some of the world’s most renowned concert artists. As an accomplished classical guitarist, he made his Carnegie Hall debut in 1974 and has since performed in numerous concerts internationally.

Mr. Sixto “Butch” Roxas is a highly respected guitarist currently helping reestablish as well as playing for the UST Jazz Orchestra together with conductor/saxophonist Mr. Tots Tolentino. He studied at the famed Berklee College of Music in Boston and took guitar courses in various institutions abroad such as the Schola Cantorum in Paris and in Barcelona, Spain with Maestro Josep Henriquez under a grant from the Agencia Española. He is a faculty member of the UST Conservatory of Music.

Mr. Perfecto de Castro is hailed as one of the best Filipino guitarists. A graduate of PWU School of Music, he studied with Maestro Jose Valdez. The Laudarra, or the Ten String Classical Guitar, is Castro’s instrument of choice. He has collaborated with composers all over the world to add to the repertoire of the Ten String Guitar. He is a founding member of the Kasilag Guitar Quartet.

Fundacion Centro Flamenco is an organization dedicated to the promotion of the art of flamenco music and dance.

The Guitar Friends, which is spearheading the Festival, is composed of guitar aficionados of varying levels of expertise in guitar performance brought together by their love for guitar and their association with Maestro Jose Valdez, the Festival director. The Guitar Friends support the Guitar Immersion Program of Maestro Valdez and conducts activities such as campus concerts and master classes.

The 1st Philippine International Guitar Festival 2010 will offer master classes and lectures on topics such as “Building a Performing Career,” “Flamenco,” “A Guitarist’s Pain,” “Jazz Improvisation,” “Ensemble Playing” and “Musicality, Intelligence and Technique.” The Festival will also feature booths and displays by guitar makers and manufacturers.

The 1st Philippine International Guitar Festival 2010 is sponsored by CCP, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), SMART Communications, Inc., and Rudolf Lietz, Inc.

For details, call (63917) 526-6377, (63920) 498-2720, (63915) 921-3440, e-mail philguitarfest@gmail.com or visit http://philguitarfest.blogspot.com.

Local, International Musicians Take Part in San Agustin International Music Festival

The finest musicians from here and abroad will once again grace the San Agustin International Music Festival, the premiere musical event in Intramuros, Manila, scheduled on November 25 to 27, 2009 at the San Agustin Church.

Now on its eleventh edition, guests will be treated to the majestic sound of the 18th-century pipe organ, the country’s biggest Filipino-Spanish baroque organ which was restored in 1998 and premiered in the inaugural San Agustin music fest in 1999.

Taking center stage in this year’s concert are Spanish lady organist Ana Aguado Rojo and Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra principal clarinetist Ariel Sta. Ana who will both perform in the three evening concerts.

According to San Agustin Museum director Fr. Pedro Galende, this year’s concert series is doubly special because it marks the festival’s 10^th anniversary and the first time to feature a lady organist.

The concert opens on November 25 with Ms. Rojo’s rendition of rare 16^th-century Spanish organ pieces, Mr. Sta. Ana’s Concerto No. 3 by Carl Stamitz, and the world-renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers under choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio interpreting classical well-loved choral works.

Ms. Rojo and Mr. Sta. Ana return on November 26 with mostly Baroque organ and clarinet music, to be followed by the award-winning Kilyawan Boys Choir, singing under the baton of Mark Anthony Carpio.

The Festival draws to a close on November 27 with a powerhouse performance of Beethoven’s regal Ninth Symphony (Ode to Joy) by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under Maestro Ruggero Barbieri. Featured soloists are soprano Rachelle Gerodias, New York-based Filipino baritone Andrew Fernando, Italian tenor Gian Luca Pasolini and Italian alto Simona Forni. Joining the Philippine Madrigal Singers, are other Madz et. al choirs - Coro de Sta. Cecilia, Coro Animo, College of the Immaculate Conception Chorale, and Maryknoll Sanctuary Choir.

The 11th San Agustin International Music Festival is sponsored by the Embassy of Spain, Agencia Española Cooperación Internaciónal para el Desarollo, Instituto Cervantes, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Embassy of the Republic of Italy in the Philippines, DZFE 98.7 The Master’s Touch, Traders Hotel Manila, Philippine Italian Association, L’Incontro Ristorante Italiano, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Department of Tourism, and the Friends of San Agustín Museum.

For more information about the event, contact San Agustin Museum at (632) 526-6793 to 94 or 527-4060 to 61, or email samuseum@zpdee.net.

Philippines Celebrated International Year of Natural Fibers with International Arts and Crafts Expo

In celebration of the United Nation’s Declaration of 2009 as the International Year of Natural Fibers, the Philippines hosted the 2nd Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) Handicraft Promotion and Development Associations (AHPADA) International Arts and Crafts Expo last October 26 - 28, 2009 at the Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City.

Organized by the Department of Agriculture, the event carried the theme, “Weaves of the World”, which aims to showcase the natural fibers of the world. Through this year’s theme, the event aims to focus more on the advancing interest in the fiber arts, its resources, services, and its crafts.

Eighteen countries showcased the arts and crafts of their country through creative displays in their respective pavilions. Participating countries include China, India, Japan, Korea, Nepal, Nigeria, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Maldives, Mongolia., Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Australia, India, France, Sweden, United Kingdom, and United States of America.

Aside from the exhibit of natural fiber products, the event was highlighted with a fashion show of ethnic designs and motifs, and presentations of traditional dances and music and arts. Special sessions were held during the event which dealt with the creation of a competitive business environment for the industry, market opportunities on natural fibers, global trends, and the revival of the ethnic Philippine textile industry.

The 2nd AHPADA International Arts and Crafts Expo is co-organized by the Philippine Tourism Authority, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Foreign Affairs, Duty Free Philippines, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

The event is sponsored by Ambiance by Pido (Official Event Stylist), XFM 92.3, Fiber Industry Development Authority, Cebu Pacific, Manila Bulletin, Business Mirror and PLDT-SME Nation.

For more information about the event, contact the AHPADA Secretariat at (632) 392-7550, 832-0996, fax (632) 834-2994, email: aphadaexpo@yahoo.com, or visit the event website at http://www.ahpadaexpo.com/

11th Cinemanila International Film Festival Showcases Local and International Film Masterpieces

Local and international films enthusiasts took part in celebrating the best of Philippine and world cinema at the 11^th Cinemanila International Film Festival which began last October 15 and will run until October 25, 2009 at Bonifacio Global City and Market! Market! Cinemas in Taguig City.

Around 100 international and local films will be screened in a span of 10 days – from the current toasts of the local indie scene to the award-winners and favorites at prestigious festivals such as Cannes, Berlin, Rotterdam, Sundance, and Pusan. The festival will also feature workshops, seminars and master classes.

For its opening film, Cinemanila 2009 showcased Director Brillante Mendoza’s latest work, Lola (Grandmother). Director Mendoza’s latest work, Lola, was preceded by his film Kinatay (The Execution of P), which earned him the prestigious Best Director Award at the 62^nd Cannes Film Festival last May 2009. Lola is slated as the Philippine surprise entry in the 66^th Venice Film Festival, (Main Competition) which counts acclaimed filmmaker Ang Lee as Chairman of this year’ jury.

Closing the curtain for this year’s festival is the much-anticipated Himpapawid (Manila Skies) from award-winning independent filmmaker Director Raymond Red.

For this year, Cinemanila introduced a brand new component that will give credit to Philippine Machinima or “machine-animation” or “machine-cinema. The 2009 Cinemanila Machinima Film Festival aims to unearth machinimators and machinima talents in the region and to recognize this growing film making movement. The Machinima Film Festival will be held on October 20, 2009

The 2009 Cinemanila is presented by the City of Taguig, Cinemanila International Film Festival Foundation, Bonifacio Global City, and sponsored by Business World, Manila Bulletin, Solid Video Corporation, TWBA\Santiago Mangada Puno, Chana, Microdata Systems and Mangement, Inc., ClicktheCity.com, Philippine Entertainment Portal, Web Philippines, Inc., The Philippine Star, Spot.ph, UR105.9 Underground Radio, 99.5RT, Mellow 947, and World Cinema Fund.

For more info, contact Cinemanila Secretariat at (632) 392-7935, email cinemanila@gmail.com or visit their website at www.cinemanila.org.

Three New Shows Co-locate at 50th Manila F.A.M.E. International

On its 50th edition, Asia’s Best Design Destination, the Manila Furnishings and Apparel Manufacturers Exchange International (Manila F.A.M.E.) will be held October 15-18, 2009 in two venues— SMX Convention Center and World Trade Center— offering three new shows that put the spotlight on Filipino creativity with its design and quality-driven products that meet global standards.

Ever growing and ever expanding, the bi-annual trade show for home and lifestyle products has always been at the forefront of innovation. Attuned to the international market trends as well as consumer demands, the show continues to evolve in order to meet these demands and open doors to more local manufacturers further strengthening the Philippines’ position as a source of high-quality products and services.

“This Golden Edition of Manila F.A.M.E. International is extra special. It opens in two venues to accommodate [our growing number of] exhibitors and to answer the clamor of our buyers asking for more of the unique and new products from the Philippines,” said Ms. Thelma Dumpit-Murillo, Over-all Project Director of Manila F.A.M.E. and Deputy Executive Director of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry. Aside from holding the 50th Manila F.A.M.E. in two separate venues, three new shows have been created within the said event.

Fashion revolution at FashioNation
Philippine fashion has grown by leaps and bounds over the last decade with young designers armed with fresh ideas and diverse design aesthetic leading the revolution.

Manila F.A.M.E., in its bid to invigorate and fortify the fashion industry, is launching a new show. Dubbed FashioNation, the show will house manufacturers of garments, textile, footwear, and fashion complements such as accessories and bags all export products with exceptional design and craftsmanship.

Also among the highlights of FashioNation include the daily fashion shows that will feature, among others, designer collections and eco-chic apparel. See new collections of established as well as up-and-coming local fashion designers that have wowed international design communities worldwide in the show’s Designer Lane.

Students of fashion schools and colleges will have a chance to show off their talents as well in a design competition with a theme, “The Green Scene: Eco-Pinoy Fashion.” The contest requires a modern yet timeless interpretation of the Philippines— it’s culture, heritage, and people— using recycled, natural, and indigenous materials.

Art and Soul at ART:MNL
ART:MNL is the first-ever venue to internationally showcase the artworks of Filipino contemporary artists. Leading art galleries as well as renowned and emerging artists come together to make available masterful pieces to interested local and foreign buyers.

Aside from this stimulating visual display, the show will also hold seminars and workshops that aim to expand participants’ knowledge on the arts, cultivate an eye for beauty, gather information on art conservation, and serve as a venue to meet the masters. Chosen artists will also get the chance to participate in a close door nude sketching session; their masterpieces put up for sale afterwards.

ART:MNL is a preview to the Philippine International Art Fair 2010. The show is done in collaboration with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), Committee on Visual Arts of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Metropolitan Museum of the Philippines, National Museum, Intellectual Property Office, Bonafide Art Galleries Association, Contemporary Art Philippines, and Art Association of the Philippines.

Go Natural at the Philippine Health and Wellness Show
Wellness has been among almost everyone’s priority list, and Manila F.A.M.E. answers this demand for the body’s well being with the Philippine Health and Wellness Show which offers natural, herbal, and organic personal care products. Lemon grass essences and massage oils, VCO-based soaps and balms, and soy-based aromatherapy candles are only some of the all-natural, eco-lifestyle products offered in the show. Also featured are spa services, alternative healing modalities, centers for specialized healthcare, and retirement destinations.

For more information on Manila F.A.M.E. International, visit www.manilafame.com, or contact Manila F.A.M.E. Secretariat at (632) 833-1258, 831-1265 or email manilafame@citem.com.ph.

MANILART gathers artists for 1st Phil. Int’l. Art Fair

The Bonafide Art Galleries Organization (BAGO) in cooperation with the National Commission on Culture and Arts (NCCA) presented the first Philippine International Art Fair, MANILART09, on July 16-19 of 2009 at the NBC tent, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

MANILART09 proudly consisted of 500 artworks with 40 galleries all in one roof. Local, regional and international galleries participated and prestigious museums were well-represented. Daily talks and forums relating to the visual arts were conducted by experts in their field. A world class Art Fair Catalogue was also published in cooperation with Manila Contemporary Art magazine containing the profiles of the MAILART09 participants.

The exclusive preview night was held on July 16 from 6PM to 11PM which eventually opened its doors to the public charging a reasonable admission ticket price of PHP200, from July 17 to 19 from 11AM to 8PM. (students and senior citizens with valid IDs can get 50-percent discount.). The affair brought together the Philippine Art and serves as prelude to the art fair proper. 

The association of privately-owned galleries collectively known as BAGO is grateful to the NCCA through its Committee on galleries headed by Lyn Yusi as they initiated the project and approved the grant. This art fair is a truly historical event as it serves as the impetus for us (gallery owners) to unite with the main objective of showcasing to the whole world how advancxed we are in terms of visual arts, project director and gallery owner Jonathan Sy said.

He added, “Art is one of the best opportunities for Filipinos to feel proud of their countrymen’s creativity, at the same time it is an avenue for us to gain respect and appreciation from foreigners.”

For inquiries and other details, call 531-6231, Email: info@manilart.com or visit www.manilart.com.

UP Centennial Artists Held “Festival” Exhibit

The distinguished University of the Philippines (UP) Centennial Artists group held a painting exhibition at the Trade Hall of the Gateway Mall at the Araneta Center in Quezon City last April 23 to June 5, 2009.

Entitled “Festival”, the exhibit had for its theme the various festivities all over the country, given the Filipinos’ innate love for celebrations, and showcased the works of several outstanding UP alumni painters.

“Festival” is their first exhibition 2009 and fourth in a series since the UP Centennial Artists were formed as a group in June 2008, during the year-long celebration of the University of the Philippines’ one hundredth year anniversary. The series began with highly successful “100 Years/100 Nudes” in August, followed by a multi-themed exhibit in November, and climaxed with a “Mother and Child” exhibition last December 18, 2008 at the Trade Hall of the Gateway Mall.

The continuing series is organized by UP Centennial Artist Romy Carlos as a project of the UP Alumni Association in cooperation with fellow-UP alumnus, Mr. Jorge Araneta, proprietor of the Araneta Center in Quezon City.

Participating artists were: National Artist Jose Joya, Jess Abrera, Mar Bongalon, Angel Cacnio, Ferdie Cacnio, Michael Cacnio, Alfred Capiral, Romy Carlos, Carlos Castro, Cris Cruz, Denis Dasco, Raul Dayao, Neil Doloricon, Bert Duldulao, Tessie Duldulao, Nonoy Gamboa, Ding Hidalgo, Pete Jimenez, Aileen Lanuza, Herman Lazo, Bing Changco-Libatique, Manolo Lozada, Romi Mananquil, Norlito Miemban, Gig De Pio, Symkin De Pio, Vincent De Pio, Myrna Reyes, Tito Roy, Jonahmar Salvosa, Pyt Santos, Lenore Raquel-Santos, Nanding Sena, Randy Solon, Boy Valino, Ana Vergel and Rick De Villa.

For more information about the event, contact the UP Alumni Association at (632) 929-8327, 920-6868, 920-6871, email upalum@yahoo.com.ph, info@upalumni.ph or visit their website at http://www.upalumni.ph/.

RP Celebrates International Dance Day thru Dance Xchange

Philippine dance troupes, together with international dance groups, celebrated the International Dance Day with seminars, workshops, and cultural presentations during the Dance Xchange: 1st Philippine International Dance Workshop and Festival held last April 28 – May 1, 2009 in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.

Organized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the annual national dance congress aims to provide a venue for interaction and to facilitate learning among dancers, directors, choreographers as well as t tourism and cultural officers. The event is designed to provide new ideas and inspiration to encourage creativity of dance educators, directors, and choreographers.

Dance Xchange is also intended to showcase the unique dances of each country to promote cultural understanding and to strengthen network among dance organizations and diplomatic relations of the participating countries.

International delegations included Universiti Malaysia Sarawak Dance Troupe, the Dance Academy of Kuching Malaysia, Persadaku Seni Dancers of Singapore, Spanish Dance Troupe, Chinese Dance Company, Beijing Dance Academy, Japanese Dancers, Aswara Dancers of Malaysia, Korea, and Macau Dancers.

Local performing groups also joined the celebration, which included the Philippine National Folkdance Company (Bayanihan) Leyte Dance Theater, Philippine National University Kislap ng Sining Dance Troupe, Lahing Batangan Dance Troupe, Sinukwan Performing Arts, Douglas Nierras Powerdance, Halili-Cruz Dance Company, ADS Performing Arts, University of San Carlos Dance Troupe, Helobung Community Dance Troupe, Inc., Bohol Punta Cruz Cultural Collective, Kahayag of South Cotabato, Professional Dance Teachers Association, Hwa Yi Ethnic Dance Troupe, Jambangan Dance Troupe, Sinanduloy Dance Troupe, and MEV Dance Troupe.

For more information about the event, contact the NCCA-Public Affairs and Information Office (PAIO) at (632) 527-5529, 527-2192 loc. 508, 612 to 615, email at ncca.paio@gmail.com, public_affairs@ncca.gov.ph or visit their website www.ncca.gov.ph

Anime Fans Dressed up for 2nd Philippine Cosplay Convention

The young and young at heart showed off their love for anime by dressing up like their favorite characters during the 2^nd Philippine Cosplay Convention (PCC) held last March 28, 2009 at the Midtown Grand Atrium in Robinsons' Place Manila.

Organized by Cosplay.ph and Hobbiworx, the event gathered some of the best coplayers in the country to show off their creative style and interact with cosplay (costume roleplay) enthusiasts as well. A special awards cermony was held to honor and recognize the talented cosplayers behind award-winning costumes, which bagged laurels from previous events. Nominees were chosen based on the feedback of their peers and winners were chosen through text and online voting. The 2008 Cosplay Contest of the Year awardees are:

• Best Male: Mr. Robert Torio (Iron Man)
• Best Female: Chai Domingo (Lili Rochefort from Tekken 6)
• Best Child: Alexa Alegria (Alchemist from Ragnarok Online)
• Best Crossplay: Marky Ilano (Dark Magician Girl from Yu-gi-oh!)
• Best Mecha/Monster: Abraham Cruz (Poring King from Ragnarok Online)

A cosplay competition was held showcasing costumes depicting different characters from anime series, comics, movies, even historical figures. The winners for the 2nd PCC Cosplay Competition are:

• Best Male: Jacob Gil (Omnimon X of Digimon)
• Best Female: Jemelyn Canlas (Yuuko Ichihara from xxxHolic / Tsubasa Chronicles)
• Best Kids: Vien Testa (Robocop) and Vincent Testa (T-800 from Terminator 3)
• Best Robot/Mecha: AC Hernandez (Warmachine from Ironman)
• Best Performance: Belldandy Grimarez (Voltron)
• Best Craftsmanship: Mark David Cerezo (Marcus Fenix from Gears of War)
• Best Historical: Selwyn Alojipan (Guardia Civil Sarhento from Noli Me Tangere)
• Best Group: Lame Cosplayers

Individual winners of the 2nd PCC Cosplay Competitiion received Php. 5,000.00 worth of gift certificates and prizes while group cosplayers received Php.10,000.00 worth of gift certificates and prizes courtesy of the event sponsors. Winners of the 2008 Cosplay Contest of the Year were given a hand-crafted medallion and Php. 1,000.00 worth of gift certificates and prizes.

The 2^nd Philippine Cosplay Competition is in partnership with Midtown Grand Atrium – Robinsons' Place Manila, TV5, Toys R Us, Jack TV, Playground Magazine, RJ Underground Radio 105.9, Wish Washable Haircolor Spray, Wasabi Toys, LazerXtreme, and 2Rats.

RP Furniture Makers Took Center Stage at Manila Now 2009

Despite the global economic downturn, the Philippine furniture industry showed that they can keep up with the times and continue to penetrate the global market during the Manila Now 2009: Philippine International Furniture Show held last March 5-8, 2009 at the SMX Convention Center, Seashell Drive, Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.

Organized by the Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines (CFIP), and managed by Global-Link Exhibitions Specialist Inc., the event gathered over 50 exhibitors from the furniture and manufacturing industry that showcased their ingenuity and creativity using imported and indigenous materials. The event aims to serve as a venue for local furniture manufacturers to introduce and offer their unique creations to the local and global market.

The event also hopes to produce more global stars like Kenneth Cobonpue, whose designs are featured in international magazines, and Clayton Tugonon, a craftsman whose work has gained rave reviews in Japan, Slovak Republic and Singapore.

Vice President Noli ‘Kabayan’ De Castro graced the opening ceremony of Manila Now 2009. Vice President De Castro lauded the participants for their craftsmanship in turning ordinary materials like cogon grass and driftwood to useful and world-class furniture. The first two days were open to trade visitors. It was opened to public from March 7-8.

Manila Now 2009 also served as a venue for this year’s Likhang Pilipino Awards. The winners of the Likhang Pilipino Awards 2009 are:

• Best in Furniture Design - Passad
• Best in Furnishing Design - Asia Embroideries
• Best in Furnishing Design - Kalikasan Crafts
  
• Bagong Sibol Award – Evolve Designs
  
• Best in Visual Merchandising - Azcor

The Manila Now 2009: Philippine International Furniture Show is sponsored by Metrobank Foundation Inc., MADE, Furniture Shanghai, Manila Bulletin, Business World, The Philippine Star, The Philippine Daily Inquirer, AREA, SMX Convention Center, Centrex, Uratex Philippines, Inc., JIMAC, Inc., Chase Technologies Corp., Agility Logistics, Coltrans, Global POS, Makati-Shangri-La Manila, Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Century Park Hotel Manila, The Heritage Hotel Manila, and Bayview Park Hotel Manila.

Manila Now 2010 is scheduled on March 3-7, 2010 at the SMX Convention Center. For more information about the event, contact CFIP at (632) 631-2834, 632-9007, 631-2977, fax (632) 637-2743, email info@cfip.ph, or visit the event website at www.manilanow.ph.

NCCA Concludes National Arts Month on a High Note

February was filled with a wide array of performances, exhibits, and activities, as the country celebrated the National Arts Month – Philippine International Arts Festival (NAM-PIAF).

Manila City Councilor Yul Servo (real name John Marvin Neito) was chosen as this year’s spokesperson for the NAM celebration due to his initiatives to help out-of-school youth, increase art awareness and appreciation, and authored Resolution 115, entitled “The Resolution Expressing Full Support for the Move of His Honor, Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, in the Restoration of the Metropolitan Theater in the City of Manila.”

All over the country, different arts and culture groups as well as local governments held events for the PIAF with funding and support from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). With the theme “Ani ng Sining,” the PIAF has evolved from Manila-centered activities to a truly national event, with key activities in all three major island groups, Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, involving hundreds of artists from different disciplines of arts and reaching thousands of people from all walks of life all over the world.

Activities include Pa(ng)labas, a fusion of architecture and film media exhibit; Walai-Vernacular Architecture of Mindanao, architectural drawing and photography exhibit of the vernacular houses of Mindanao culled from the Walai Pangampong project; Sinerehiyon, a showcase of nascent cinema from the regions; Sayaw Pinoy, a dance concert tour featuring local dance troupe from host cities and municipalities together with professional dance companies; Organik Muzik, a series of concerts showing the metamorphosis of elements of Philippine music from village roots to urban manifestations; Philippine Writers Festival; and Philippine Visual Arts Fest.

Ending the NAM celebration on a high note, the NCCA gathered together the Filipino artists and artistic groups that garnered gold in international arts festivals and competitions, and presented them with Ani ng Dangal awards, held last February 28, 2009, at the Centennial Hall on Manila Hotel, in recognition of their exemplary performances. This is the first time that the Commission gave such award in the 18 years of celebrating NAM.

Awards presenters and special guests during the ceremony included Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Esperanza I. Cabral, National Artists F. Sionil Jose, Bienvenido Lumbera, and Eddie Romero, and Manila Heritage Official Gemma Cruz Araneta.

Here is the list of Ani ng Dangal Awardees:

Dance

• Philippine All Stars, 7th World Hip Hop Championships
• Halili-Cruz School of Ballet, 10th Asia Pacific Dance Competition
• Quezon City Ballet, 2007 Dance Excellence Festival
• Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company, 12th World Folk Dance Festival
• Janssen Knights, High School Musical: My School Rocks Competition
• Shirley Halili Cruz, most outstanding dance educator, 2008 Global Excellence Award
• Donna Miranda, jury prize winner, 2007 Yokohoma Dance Competition.

Music

• Catherine Loria, 2008 World Championships of the Performing Arts (WCOPA)
• Aria Clemente, 2007 WCOPA
• Vina Morales, First Ikon Asean Malaysia
• Reymond Sajor, WCOPA
• Las Piñas Boys Choir, 5th World Choir Games
• Kalawan Boys Choir, pop a capella category, 5th World Choir Games
• Philippine Normal University Chorale, 26th Festival Internacional de Musica de Cantonigros Himig Singers, mixed ensemble vocal category, First Asian Choir Games
• Philippine Madringal Singers, chorale singing, 2007 European Chorale Grand Prix
• University of the East Chorale, grand pix and gold in classical and pop categories, 2007 Busan Chorale Festival and Competition
• Novo Concertante, folklore category, 23rd Takarazuka International Chamber Chorale Contest
• Mapua Concert Singers, folklore and open mixed choir categories, 2007 A Voyage of Songs International Choral Festival (AVSICF)
• Sta. Teresita Parish Chorale, 2007 AVSICF
  Chiang Kai Shek College Youth Choir, open equal voices and folklore categories, 2007 AVSICF
• Most Holy Redeemer Parish Master Chorale, open mixed choir category, 2007 AVSICF
• UP Singing Ambassadors, grand prize and gold in sacral music, folk music, and spiritual/gospel/jazz categories, 4th International Choir Festival in Mundus Cantat Sopot
• Coro de Sta. Cecilia, musica sacra a capella category, Asian Open, First Asian Choir Games
• Cebu Chamber Singers, winner of gold diplomas in the mixed chamber choirs and gospel and spiritual categories, Asian Open, in the First Asian Choir Games
• Lyceum of the Philippines Chorale, mixed youth choir and musica sacra a capella categories, Asian Open, First Choir Games
• Mandaue School for the Arts Children’s Choir, children’s choir, music of the religions, and folklore categories, Asian Championship, First Asian Choir Games
• Hail Mary the Queen Children’s Choir, gospel and spiritual category, Asian Choir Championship, First Asian Choir Games
• Vox Angeli Children’s Choir, children choir category, 2008 Hongkong International Youth and Children’s Choir Festival
• University of Northwestern Philippines Choral, folkloric category, 2008 Hong Kong International Youth and Children’s Choir Festival
• Kjwan Band, group category, First Ikon ASEAN
• KHP Koro Techniuv, First Folklore Festival Interfolk

Literature

• Miguel Syjuco, 2008 Man Asian Literary Award
• Michael Coroza, 2007 Philippine recipients of the Southeast Asian Write Award
• Elmer Ordoñez, Philippine recipients of the Southeast Asian Write Award

Film

• Melancholia directed by Lav Diaz, Best Film, Orrizonti Section, 65th Venice International Film FestivalFoster Child directed by Brillante Mendoza, Best Film, 29th Durban International Film Festival; special jury award, 4th Eurasia International Film Festival
• Tirador directed by Brillante Mendoza, Best Film, Best Director, and NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema) awards, 21st Singapore International Film Festival; caligari award, 58th Berlin International Film Festival; special jury award, 7th Marradekech International Film Festival
• Neo-lounge directed by Joanna Vasquez-Arong, Bst Documentary Film, 34th Brussels International Independent Film Festival
• Bulong by Joaquin Valdes, Best Short Narrative, 2nd New Beijing International Movie Week
• Brillante Mendoza, Best Director for the film Serbis, 6th International Pacific Meridian Film Festival; golden kinaree, 6th Bangkok International Film Festival
• Ricky Davao, Best Actor in a Supporting Role for the film Signos, UK International Filmmaker Film Festival
• Emilio Garcia, Best Actor for the movie, Selda, 49th Thessaloniki Film Festival
• Cherrie Pie Picache, Best Actress, 29th Durban International Film Festival
• Yul Servo, Outstanding Actor for Independent Film, 35th Brussels International Film Festival
• Sid Lucero, Best Actor, 49th Thessaloniki Film Festival
• Gina Pareño, Best Actress for the movie, Kubrador, 26th Amiens International Film Festival

Visual Arts

• Jose Fernandez Datuin, 2008 Sport and Art Contest
• Bernardo Matudan, 15th Annual World Children’s Picture Contest
• Remster Bautista, Young Artists Showcase 2007
• Imelda Cajipe Endaya, Irwin and Florenze Zlowe Memorial Award, 90th American Society of Contemporary Artists Annual Art Exhibition and Award
• Ross Capili, travel journalism-travel photograph category, 2008 PATA Grand Awards

Broadcast

• GMA Network, Inc., (Reporter’s Notebook), human interest category, 2008 New York Festivals International for TV Programming and Promotion
• Power to Unite Catholic Family Bible Group, Inc., (The Catholic Family Bible Quiz), innovative music video, 2008 New York Festivals International for TV Programming and Promotion