FOR THE CONTINUED EXTENSIVE PROMOTION OF PHILIPPINE ARTS AND CULTURE

It has been more than a year of online publishing and promotions. I thank all who have trusted, those who have subscribed, those who have linked up, and most of all, those who continuously support, encourage and inspire. May we all continue in this collaborative effort for the continued extensive promotion of Philippine Arts and Culture.

Keep up the creative spirit. May we all have a productive new year.


joey martinez

NAKED SERIES 6

Naked Series 6
Kalye Lakandula Art Gallery
Angeles City, Pampanga
29 December 2007- 29 January 2008

XMAS SHOW

Xmas Show
19 December 2007 – 3 January 2008
Curated by Nilo Ilarde

To open this Wednesday, 19 December at Mag:net Katipunan is the much awaited Mag:net Annual Xmas Show. Participated in by some 70 artists the show is curated by Nilo Ilarde and will run till 3 January. Participating artists are the following: RONALD ACHACOSO, ALEX AGUILAR, DAPHNE AGUILAR, AUGUSTO ALBOR, JUAN ALCAZAREN, POKLONG ANADING, BATOSANG ARAUT, FELIX BACOLOR, ARGIE BANDOY, REB BELLEZA, PABLO BIGLANG-AWA, RINGO BUNOAN, BENJIE CABANGIS, BEA CAMACHO, NORBERTO CARATING, ENG CHAN, MARIANO CHING, LENA COBANGBANG, AL CRUZ, PARDO DE LEON, BEMBOL DE LA CRUZ, RANELLE DIAL, NEIL DOLORICON, ROCK DRILON, JED ESCUETA, CARLO GERNALE, JOSE GUILLERMO, NILO ILARDE, PETE JIMENEZ, ROBERT LANGENEGGER, ROMEO LEE, LEA LIM, NIKKI LUNA, DINDO MARTINEZ, POW MARTINEZ, RIA MUNOZ, JONATHAN OLAZO, JAYSON OLIVERIA, GINA OSTERLOH, BERNARDO PACQUING, GARY ROSS PASTRANA, JUCAR RAQUEPO, RAUL RODRIGUEZ, PEWEE ROLDAN, DON SALUBAYBA, HUBERT SAN JUAN, POPO SAN PASCUAL, YASMIN SISON, JACK SOTTO, CESARE SYJUCO, GARARDO TAN, WIRE TUAZON, TREK VALDISNO, ROMA VALLES, ROY VENERACION, CRIS VILLANUEVA, PANCHO VILLANUEVA, ALVIN VILLARUEL, NESTOR VINLUAN, JUNYEE, MM YU, ALFRED YUSON and REGGIE YUSON

PANAGBENGA 2008 LAUNCHED

BAGUIO CITY- The 13th version of the Baguio Flower Festival or Panagbenga 2008 was launched last Monday at the city hall lobby with city officials and employees in attendance, and with the theme; “Celebrating 13 years of Caring.”

The program moved on with the presence of Baguio’s top solon Mauricio Domogan while Mayor Reinaldo Bautista, Jr. declared the official launching of the flower festival.

The Saint Louis University Glee Club rendered the invocation and a presentation for the program while a press conference followed at the city hall multi-purpose hall after the ceremonies.

Queries and information as to the proceedings for the flowerfest were then addressed by the city officials, headed by the congressman.

In a letter from the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. (BFFI) Executive Committee which was officially mandated to head Panagbenga 2008, traditional and innovative activities shall run from Feb. 1 to March 2 next year, bannering a “One City, One Panagbenga endeavor.”

Expected to be implemented during Panagbenga 2008 are traditional flower-inspired activities; the “Let a Thousand Flowers Bloom” painting contest, opening parade, drum and lyre competitions, market encounter, grand floral parade, float parade, and “Session Road in Bloom,” in prime places within the city.

Activities such as the Pony boys day, Mr. Panagbenga, barangay roadside and parks landscaping and beautification contest, golf tournament, marathon and other sports events are also expected during the flowerfest.

Innovative and novel activities are still being planned, the letter from the executive committee states further.

Assurance from the BFFI executive committee was also given, that as Panagbenga is a “community-based, private-sector led and government supported event,” “concepts and standards of the festival as originally conceptualized, with ultimate purpose of providing wholesome and outstanding events and activities,” will be “appreciated by both the residents and visitors of the city of Baguio and Benguet.”

The executive committee and committees for the different activities, as created in an earlier administrative order are composed of government officials, representatives from national line agencies, the academe, professional groups, business people, non-government agencies, flower growers, sports enthusiasts, and members of the media.

Panagbenga, started as a flower-inspired, flower-themed festival 13 years ago to boost the tourism industry during February, considered then to be a lull month between yuletide celebrations and busy, crowded holy week and summer vacation rush.- juliegfianza

Panagbenga 2008 Launched By: Julie Fianza
Email: baguiocity.com@gmail.com
Posted: December 01, 2007 05:14:18 AM GMT(+8) www.baguiocity.com

'BIN-I'

KALEIDOSCOPE

KEBAITAN

The “KEBAITAN” participating artists are: in Angeles City, Long Melo, Jun Cruz, Robert Odejar, Elgee Dizon, Oliver Gozun. Patrick Galang and Nick Reyes; in Mabalacat – Ysagani Ybarra and Paul Del Mundo; in Bacolor – Allan Jimenez, Metro Manila – Erickson Mercado and Derrick Macutay; in Bulacan – Buddy Ching, Roen Capule, Cryz Rebutiaco; and in Baguio City – May Ann Licudine.

December 15 – 23, 2007

SEW TO SPEAK

Waling Waling Gorospe
Finale Art File, LaO Center, Makati City
December 14, 2007 to January 6, 2008

Sew to Speak

Opening at Finale Art File on Dec. 14 is Waling Gorospe's "Sew to Speak." A homage to the humble implements of a dressmaker-safety pin, thimble, buttons, spools of threads and needles-the exhibit conveys the simplicity, honesty and loveliness of objects that work necessites: tools of creation. Against a field of stark color which, in some instances, haloes the objects as if sacred and inviolable, they are pushed, quite squarely, into viewer's attention-casting slivers of elongated and meaningful shadows. The works embody what the German poet Rilke refers to as "Thingness," asserting the clarity and urgency of world our eyes sew into visibility.

POWER PLAYS

POWER PLAYS: TAGISAN NG LAKAS

The year 2007 is considered by many as a landmark year for the Philippines. Not only are we celebrating the centennial of the founding of the first Philippine Assembly, the precursor of our present-day Congress; we have just gone through another national election the results of which will have far-reaching impact on out country.

Tanghalang Pilipino’s 21st Theater Season comprises plays that delve into issues of power and power relations. PILIPINAS CIRCA 1907 examines political conflict and family relations through a pair-of star-crossed lovers amidst the period prior to the 1907 national elections, a time when America was more than just in the hear. MULAN is a musical retelling of the Chinese tale where wars are fought not just by men but between Gods, fit for children of all ages. EJ attempts to delve into what makes heroes and the sacrifices they make as it re-imagines the lives of two contemporary martyrs – Edgar Jopson and Evelio Javier. KUDETA is a wickedly funny play about a coup that topples a country’s President and how he manages to thwart his enemies with all the weapons in his disposal.

THREE DAYS OF DARKNESS

Filmless Films presents
THREE DAYS OF DARKNESS
This is not a film by Khavn

WHEN: December 12 (Wednesday) to December 24, 2007
WHERE: Robinson’s Galleria, Ermita, and Bacolod

SYNOPSIS:
Kimberly (Katya Santos), Michiko (Gwen Garci), and Isabel (Precious Adona) are trapped inside their house when the apocalyptic prophecy happens. Khavn draws on the Book of Revelation for one of the most frightening phenomenon prophesied to happen. Three girls are trapped in their home as the Three Days of Darkness descend on the Earth and they must cope and try tofend off the demons that have come to take them. A chilling vision of God's Wrath or of people imposing God's Wrath on one another, the film frightens with its questions as much as it does with its sounds and visuals.

Cast: Katya Santos, Gwen Garci, Precious Adona, Bugz Daigo
Director: Khavn De La Cruz
Editor: Lawrence S. Ang
Sound Designer: Corrine De San Jose
Cinematographer: Albert Banzon
Production Design: Jeck Cogama
Sound Recordist: Mark Locsin
Story: Khavn De La Cruz
Screenplay: Alfred Aloysius Adlawan
Subtitle Translation: Lei Acosta
Production Manager: CJ Bolatano
Assistant Director: Vives Anunciation
Music: Khavn De La Cruz
Music Engineering: Arvie Bartolome
Producer: Chits Jimenez, Khavn De La Cruz
Production Company: Filmless Films

Running time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

THE SATURDAY GROUP ART BOOK

THE SATURDAY GROUP ART BOOK
Book Launch and Art Exhibit

15 December 2007
5:00 p.m.
3rd Level, Shangri-la Plaza Mall
EDSA corner Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City

SELEBRASYON

PAEA’S CHILDREN BIENNIAL EXHIBIT
December 9, 2007 to January 6, 2008


Children’s Biennial Exhibit

The Children’s Biennial Exhibit is a special project which has been observed and celebrated as a sign of support of the Cultural Center of the Philippines to PAEA in its espousal of art education. It is a collaboration of two parties in the interest of art. From this union sprang the confidence found in every child whose work has been witnessed by many in the halls of CCP. Over the years, numerous schools have joined hands in establishing this project. This year, we join forces with the DepEd of Manila to be able to summon the artistic abilities within every child of our public and private schools.

Exhibit Theme:

This year’s theme is “Selebrasyon”. Filipinos are known for its affinity for merrymaking. They love vibrant colors as they are lovers of multicolor fiestas. They believe that life is a celebration. If it is a traditional celebration such as a town fiesta, most Filipino homes will celebrate it almost to the fullest just to achieve its traditional festive mood. Banderitas, banda, handaan and even street dancing are common sights of the times. Most families will endure expenses but to miss out on this is unacceptable. If it’s the month of flowers, expect the Filipinos to come up with their local beauties parading in their equally fabulous gowns in their beautifully flower-decorated carrrozas and arcos.

There is so much to celebrate in this charming country, the breaking of a new year, the numerous religious practices, the affairs of the hearts, family reunions and even foreign customs and traditions have been embraced by many of our countrymen’s lives. It has become fashionable for them to celebrate each event with colors, fun, merrymaking and passion.

Every school child is aware of this as his birth is also a celebration within the family, what is the meaning of is “Selebrasyon” to this child is the theme of this year’s Biennial Exhibit.

AVENUE Q

WORLD FESTIVAL OF SACRED MUSIC – LOS ANGELES

The Foundation for World Arts and UCLA Center for Intercultural Performance is inviting participants (artists, presenters) to the 4th World Festival of Sacred Music in Los Angeles (WFSM- LA) from Sept 20-Oct 4, 2008. WFSM- LA is the largest and most diverse festival in LA with 40 events of music and movement in venues all across the city. The 15-day Festival will share music and movement in places large and small, sacred and secular, public and private -crossing neighborhoods, cultural, religious, and ideological boundaries.

Community Meetings are scheduled in December 2007 where fellow artists, presenters and interested parties will learn about the guidelines for the Application process. Attendance at one of such meetings is strongly encouraged.

Application due: January 4, 2008
Apply Online: www.festivalofsacredmusic.org
RSVP: Call 310-825-0507 or email info@festivalofsacredmusic.org
Mon, Dec 3 (6-8pm) UCLA Glorya Kaufman Hall
Wed, Dec 5 (6-8pm) Japanese American Cultural & Community Center
Thurs, Dec 6 (6-8pm) St. James Presbyterian Church
The World Festival of Sacred Music-Los Angeles is a project of Foundation for World Arts and UCLA Center for Intercultural Performance. The 2008 WFSM-LA is funded in part by The James Irvine Foundation, The Annenberg Foundation, Ford Foundation, Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles County Arts Commission.

WORKSHOP WITH MEXICAN DIRECTOR GUSTAVO LOZA

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), in cooperation with the Embassy of Mexico (Philippines) and Mowelfund Film Institute (MFI) with support from the President’s Social Fund (PSF), is inviting aspiring film artists who have made two or more films to join an intensive 4-day workshop on filmmaking under Mexican director Gustavo Loza from December 18 to 21, 2007 at Mowelfund Plaza.

The film workshop will be tackling all the processes in creating a movie – from the origin of an idea, its transformation into a film script, its projection on the big screen and other processes involved when directing a film. Considered as one of the exciting new directors in Mexico, Loza has several films to his credit. Opening his workshop will be his latest film, “Al otro lado” (To The Other Side), about the interspersed lives of three children – a Mexican, Moroccan and Cuban – whose fathers have left them to venture in other lands.

Applicants are required to register and submit their CV’s at the Mowelfund Film Institute, # 66 Rosario Drive corner Ilang-Ilang Street, Cubao, Quezon City. Interviews may be conducted when necessary.

For futher inquiries, please call Gie Ceñidoza at telephone numbers: 727-1915 or 727-1961 local 122, direct line 410-1467 and 410-4545.

3rd FEU ARTS AND ENVIRONMENT EXHIBIT 2008

The Far Eastern University is inviting organizations to join the 3rd FEU Arts and Environment Week exhibit in February 2008.

The exhibit aims to creatively promote positive action for the environment. The exhibit is part of FEU's celebration for the National Arts Month and is also a pre-Earth Day event for the institution. Aside from eco-groups such as Green Peace and Haribon, FEU has partnered with organizations promoting wellness. FEU offers a free exhibit booth (1.5 X 2 meters) to exhibit participants.

Contact John Paul Lakan Olivares at email address lakan70@hotmail. com or call/text at 0919-352-6698.

2008 MACAO INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DANCE FESTIVAL

The Macao Education and Youth Affairs Bureau (DSEJ) of the Macao Special Administrative Region government invites young dance groups/teams from all countries to its biennial International Youth Dance Festival.

The dance festival has become one of the most outstanding international events in Macao, which provides a platform for participants around the world to perform diversified dances, cultivate friendship and develop cultural exchanges.

Application

Deadline for application
All dance groups should express their interest and complete the application and relevant materials, including a brief introduction about the dance group, as well as the description of each of the performances (indoor and outdoor), the respective photos (including negatives or electronic files) and videotape/VCD/DVD. All the above information should be sent to DSEJ by post (Avenida de D. João IV, n.os 7-9, 1.° andar, Macau) or by email (idfestival@dsej.gov.mo) by 31 December, 2007. All the required forms are available at http://www.dsej.gov.mo.

SelectionIn order to achieve a diversified performance, DSEJ reserves the right to select the appropriate groups to participate in the Festival.

Age limit for dancers
Age limit for all dancers is between 15 and 29 years old.

Confirmation Letter
Under normal circumstances, the Confirmation Letter will be sent out from 3 March, 2008.

Duration
The Festival will be hosted in Macao between 4 and 11 July, 2008.
- Date of arrival: 3 July, 2008 (Thursday)
- Date of departure: 12 July, 2008 (Saturday)

Supports from the Organizers

TransportationAll dance groups are responsible for their transportation arrangement and expenses to and from Macao. During the Festival, DSEJ will provide local transportation for official activities.

LodgingDSEJ will provide the necessary lodging (on a double or triple room basis) for up to a maximum of 25 persons from each dance group (from 3 to 12 July, 2008 - 9 nights in total).

BoardDuring the 9 days of the Festival, each participant of the non-local dance groups will receive a daily meal allowance of MOP200.00 (around USD25.00) from DSEJ (the arrival day and departure day is counted as one day).

InsuranceAll participating dance groups are required to arrange the travel medical insurance for their members during their stay in Macao. DSEJ will be responsible for the accident medical insurance which only covers the activities held by the Bureau.

City tour
All dance groups of the Festival will be provided a complimentary city tour by DSEJ.

Performances

DancesEach dance group is required to prepare 3 dances, including:1.1 A dance that is suitable for indoor performance, which lasts for 8 to 10 minutes;1.2 A dance that is suitable for night-time outdoor performance, which lasts for 8 to 10 minutes; 1.3 A dance that is suitable for day-time outdoor performance (parade), which is not more than 3 minutes.

ParadeDSEJ will host a Dance Parade during the Festival; dancers from different countries/regions shall wear national/regional or performance costumes in the Parade.

Artistic Performance Workshops
To facilitate participants to experience and share different cultures, arts and personal expertises from different groups or dancers, DSEJ will provide venues to non-local dance groups to organise “Artistic performance workshops” during the Dance Festival. Interested dance groups please provide information pertaining to the workshop in the application form.
Duration of each workshop: 1.5 to 2 hours
Participants: All Festival participants

Scenery and props
Participating dance groups should provide themselves with all the scenery and props for their performances (including workshops).

Rules to be observed
The participating dance groups should:
5.1 Follow the scheduled performance; any addition/cancellation or change is not encouraged.
5.2 Arrive one hour prior to the beginning of each event, and be punctual for all rehearsals arranged by DSEJ; please report to the officers of DSEJ upon arrival.
5.3 Observe all the arrangements and instructions given by the escort representatives of DSEJ or other officers of Festival;
5.4 Be present at official promotional events when requested by DSEJ;
5.5 Be punctual for all activities. Late arrival or early leave is not encouraged;
5.6 Avoid holding or participating in any public political or religious activities during the Festival;
5.7 Assist and cooperate with DSEJ to organise the Festival successfully.

For further inquiries, contact
E-Mail: idfestival@dsej.gov.mo
Telephone: (853) 3972 622, (853) 3972 623
Contact Person: Ms. HONG Wai Man, Ms. Vicky LEI Hoi Weng
Fax: (853) 2896 0115
Mailing address: Avenida de D. João IV, n.os 7-9, 1.° andar, Macau

Application forms can be downloaded from the DSEJ web site: http://www.dsej.gov.mo

HILO, THE JIHADIST, ATBP.

HILO
Directed By: JP V. Carpio
Synopsis:
Originally conceptualized as a short film shot in 2004 and completed nearly three years later as a full length, the film charts the various emotional courses during a dinner between Emerson, a university professor, and Jenny, a university student.

The film also features the full length feature debuts of Jenny Logico and Emerson Sanchez.

THE JIHADIST
Directed By: Gutierrez Mangansakan II
Synopsis:

The Jihadist is an autobiographical documentary on the filmmaker’s struggle as an artist amid the backdrop of the Moro revolution. His search for his rightful place in the memory of his homeland yields questions that require him to confront his identity as a Moro and come to terms with his homosexuality.

THE SINGH FAMILY HOME VIDEOS
Directed By: Emmanuel A. Dela Cruz
Synopsis:
A documentary work in progress, "The Singh Family Home Videos" charts an intimate look at the family life of the filmmaker's neighbors, a Punjabi Indian family who has assimilated into the Filipino culture and community. Is nationality a matter of origin? Is identity a matter of choice? Or is your "home" a matter of where you are or where you'll be?

A fictional narrative feature based on this work, tentatively called "1434456" is slated to be produced in 2008 by the inependent film group, ufo Pictures("Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros," "Sarong Banggi" and "Endo") and is vying for a Cinemalaya subsidy.

VOICE, TILTED SCREENS
Directed By: John Torres

Synopsis:

Voice, Tilted Screens is, at once, a meditation. It is a meta-film that unravels a journey, a chronicle of stories through foreign regions. It is a probing letter from outside circles, an honest account of illegitimate views from uneven terrain, and a narrative-driven exploration of the nooks and peripheries of the body, geography, and weather. As the journey progresses, the film increasingly traverses the countries of revelation, film, and heart to where all journeys are meant to end with.

SIMULA
Directed By: Ruelo Lozendo
Synopsis: A worm enters a man’s ear and lives inside his body. As the worm’s metamorphosis unfolds, the man experiences his own transformation.

BINYAG

PUTOT

HOY, BOYET, TINATAWAG KA NA; . . .

PASSAGES

Passages

You are invited to the opening of Erwin Leano’s “Passages”, an exhibit of Leano’s recent works in oil on canvas at Art Informal, December 10, at 6:30 p.m.

The works bring forth the artist’s sere demeanor, culminating into one tranquil moment. The perfectly minimal compositions open up endless possibilities for the viewer.

STANDING UP

STANDING UP follows the lives of the young Afghan men training to become part of the first line of defense in the War Against Terror. The film also follows the lives of the Coalition soldiers charged with helping ready them for that crucial task.

Situated at the Kabul Military Training Center 'Standing Up' provides an exclusive window into one of the most important tasks in the stabilization of Afghanistan and the wider region.




The documentary-maker Waise Azimi embedded at Camp Alamo, the Coalition partner-base to the Kabul Military Training Center and spent four months working alongside the young men of Battalion 55 of the Afghan National Army and US and Canadian soldiers from the Combat Arms and Collective Exercise Training sections of Training Assistance Group V. Extensive access allowed Azimi a unique look into one of the most underreported and important stories in the War Against Terror, the story of those who are Standing Up to be the first line of defense.



Director's Statement
How did I get here? I guess it began because I really didn't know much about the Afghan National Army. I just knew that as long there wasn't one to speak of, Americans, Canadians, Englishmen and Italians and a whole host of other young men would keep on living out the best years of their youth from the weapons hatch of an APC or under the unforgiving sun of Pasthun-land Afghanistan. I had no idea that during my time with Batt. 55 the insurgency in the South - after many years of being on slow burn, would get kicked up several dozen notches and lead to the deaths of scores Afghans and bunches of Coalition and NATO soldiers. I realized that these young men I was with were being trained up for a hot war and right out the gates many of them would be in a fight for their lives and most people back in the States or in Europe couldn't put a face to a statistic and I sort of realized how I got here.

There's a lot riding out here. These young men are big part of what's going to make or break this country, keep it from becoming another terror pressure-cooker. Here, at the Kabul Military Training Center I got an unprecedented opportunity to see the backbone of a country being built up from nothing and this is their story, the story of 1st Company of the Afghan National Army's Battalion 55 and the Canadian and US soldiers who are helping them stand up to the challenges set before them.

PORTRAITS OF CHINA MEN

Charlie Co
“Portraits of China Men”
Galleria Duemila
December 8-31, 2007

Galleria Duemila will be exhibiting the recent works of Filipino artist, Charlie Co, this December 8th, 2007, titled, “Portraits of China Men“. The exhibit will run until the end of the month.

Born in Negros, Bacolod, in 1960, he co-founded a group called “The Black Artists of Asia” who became known for their politically and socially motivated artworks: which still is evident in his recent work. He uses art to provoke, to inspire, to make one reflect upon current issues. His art is political, capturing the sentiment with a surrealist’s hand, since the 1980s, which were politically turbulent times. He paints it as he sees it, as he experiences it. The result is a dramatic portrayal of the time, the issues, without being dated, instead becoming timeless.

Co has exhibited not only in the Philippines, but internationally. He has been featured in articles and acclaimed by critics. His art has always been intrinsically Filipino, but now it has evolved into a global being.

This exhibit is the result of Charlie Co’s stay in China earlier this year. He sees China through the eyes of a Chinoy, or Chinese-Filipino. It is interesting to see the result of this profound experience, the canvases are bursting with color and what seems like playful imagery, yet the stories behind them are quite serious.

In “Minister of Health” for instance — he shows a Chinese man wearing a gas mask and wearing a coat peppered with skulls. He plays with irony, without a bit of sarcastic humor-that the Health Minister, despite his position in the government, whose concern is health and yet wears a gas mask, shows that pollution is a tough problem to solve as it is being experienced now in China.

He depicts his Chinamen all wearing bowler hats and western clothing- as now China is being recognized as a world powerplayer, much as the Western super powers are. There is the shift now back to the East from the West, and Charlie Co takes this and records this time on his canvasses. He is a global artist, as well as being a Filipino one. He tackles issues and ideas through his paintings, perhaps with a bit of irony and humor, digging deeper into the psyche of societies, of government, pushing boundaries and removing our blinders. He shows us what sometimes our minds refuse to see…and he does it with color and bold strokes, showing us reality through surrealism.

“I try to record the political time with my art, painting global political landscapes, but I have not even scratched the surface.”- Charlie Co

For exhibition inquiries, please call (63) 831-9990 and (63) 833-9815, or email duemila@mydestiny.net or visit www.galleriaduemila.com. Galleria Duemila is located at 210 Loring St. Pasay City, Philippines. The gallery is open everyday except Sundays and holidays.

MULA SA PUTIK

Mula Sa Putik

I believe that the personality of the artist develops
and asserts itself through the struggles it has to go through
when pitted against other personalities.
- Henri Matisse


Anyone bitten by the creative bug will attest that it is something that one can not suppress. Call it an addiction, obsession, passion or even a way of life. However hard one may try to repress or choose to ignore it, the artist in you will surface and demand that its presence be felt in one way or another. It is the very mold in which you cast your essence.

Having gone through a number of uncertainties and misgivings Anna Varona has slowly but surely charted her path to this point in her life, where her artistry and continuing quest for self-expression are used as instruments to lay bare her identity and independence. Mula Sa Putik is a visual and tactile testament to this.

In this exhibition, Varona's creations highlight the equilibrium of volume and mass in relation to the space that it occupies. Each sculptural piece is touched with alluring grace and the composition of taste. One is absorbed by the subtle rhythm of the surfaces and the sensual quality of the forms she has created. Her works are allegorical combinations of antipodal sensibilities… lithe but firm, poignant yet witty, spirited but tangible.

Yet, one must not only be drawn by the aesthetic value of Varona's works. With each sculpture, she shares a part of her journey with us. Her voice of wisdom and experience is felt and translated.

Salaming Bulag, an 18" x 14 ½" x 12" stoneware incites one to question oneself, to realize who we truly are… behind the veneer of responsibilities of day to day living. This recognition holds the promise of empowerment. Si Felicia… Ang Martir is another piece that exemplifies the balance of figuration and substance. Inspired by the said martyr, Varona ably depicts the notion of freedom and acquiescence. In order to be free from the burden of hurt and anguish, one must accede to it as part and parcel of growth. Only then can true liberation happen, enabling one to begin anew.

Mula Sa Putik artworks depict one's innate ability to rise above conflict or hardship. Despite the difficulties, there is peace with acceptance and beauty in this realization.

Akin to the clay she has imaginatively shaped and fired to corporeal completion, Anna Varona has been strengthened, tempered and glazed by life's wondrous kiln.

MULA SA PUTIK
08 December 2007
The Boston Gallery

-- Marika B. Constantino

SA NGALAN NG TUBO, ATBP.

SHORTS
Part One

SA NGALAN NG TUBO
Directed By: a film by Tudla Productions

Synopsis:

A video documentary that chronicles what happened on November 16, 2004 when seven people died at the picketlines of the Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac. Millworkers and farm workers of the sugar refinery and plantation owned by the Cojuangcos, one of the wealthiest landed families in the Philippines, went on strike. Their demands were met with a volley of gunfire from military and police. Beginning with the history and background of the land issue, the film builds the tension gradually, leading up to the actual footage of the Hacienda Luisita incident, when even the filmmaker holding the camera had to run for his life.

THE THRESHOLD
Directed By: Mikhail Red

Synopsis:

Seeking the threshold, the wanderer endures a dark journey into the limits of the human mind where fears and anxieties are represented by a series of rooms he must go through.

A FILM ON THE HUMAN CONDITION

"I wanted to make a film about the essence of the human mind and soul, the core of being, where every emotion is explored. The film deals about the human condition, how we are trapped and detained within the complex cells within ourselves."- Mikhail Red

LUNES NG HAPIS
Directed By: Nick Olanka

Synopsis:
Virgie and Ismael are lovers in the midst of a military offensive in Sta. Filomena, a town in Southern Luzon suspected of being overrun by rebels. Virgie is a teacher of a local elementary school and Ismael is a captain of the troop assigned to infiltrate the rebels. Every Monday they meet and make love passionately and violently. One day, Virgie's student Tikoy asks her to help find his missing father, Mang Lino, a rumoured rebel sympathizer. Events unfold and point to Ismael as being responsible for Mang Lino's disappearance, because of this Virgie is overwhelmed by guilt. The next Monday, as they make love Virgie chooses between her love for Ismael and her love for her community.

ANG BAYAN KONG PAYAPA
Directed By: Elvert De La Cruz Bañares

Synopsis:

This is the state of our nation cycle.

RED SAGA
Directed By: Gabriela Krista Dalena

Synopsis:

Children of the Land faithfully guard the last harvest from thieves. This poetic film offers a glimpse into the passion and pain of the people's protracted war in the countrysides.

BINGO
Directed By: Noriel M. Jarito

Synopsis:
Bingo reveals life’s monotony of rural existence. People embrace almost anything: dull, inspiring, tame, untamed, reputable, and even deceptive. Their horizon is bounded by beliefs which sometimes manage to mislead, mock, and misuse their fate. They surrender and never question the path they trace. Thus, they are lost. Submission is sweet, to do otherwise is bitter. Their incomprehension is at the maximum level that wrong becomes right, and what is right becomes wrong. To play “Bingo” inside a church is never questioned and is labeled licensed by some unprincipled Catholic Church leaders. Christianity is the largest religion and surely many of its followers are destitute enough to consider “Bingo” inside their church as a source of momentary abundance.

UNCONVENTIONAL WARFARE
Directed By: Anna Isabelle Matutina and Herbert Docena

Synopsis:
This documentary contextualizes the issue of US military presence in the country within the long and bitter history of conflict in the south. Countering the reductionist frame set by the narrative of the “global war against terror,” it examines the historical conditions that led to the emergence of the Moro separatist movement and the subsequent rise of the Abu Sayyaf. It dissects the government’s contradictory attempts to downplay its threat while at the same time justifying escalating military operations in the region.

Against this backdrop, the documentary then probes allegations of US military involvement in the war.