VERDE Creatives Starts "Equality Champions: Magandang Laban" Pride Month Exhibit

I dread the commercialization of holidays, and June as Pride Month is no exception. Just like them, I feel it should be celebrated everyday. It should be celebrated, but not forget the reason why it is being done. There have been countless lives that have fought for the rights of the LGBTQIA+ sector, and that still is being done to this day. With the non passage of the SOGIE Equality bill alone in the Philippines, there has been progress, but still, a long way to go.

Verde Creatives thought of bringing organizations together to start putting a face on the LGBTQIA+ cause. It's high time to get people see their valiant efforts and set an example on why they now need to be seen. After 25 years of having the SOGIE Bill in the congress and senate, it still hasn't been passed. What's funny is that their call is only for EQUALITY. The same right that every Juan and Juana enjoys, and even compromised on a lot of the sections of the bill. Seeing it be discussed every year is tiring, and these individuals are now presenting themselves, simply to note that there are real people behind the cause. 

Ms. Bemz of Verde Creatives says "We are being left behind and we have a long path ahead. In this photo campaign, we have several of our peers and allies including Senator Loren Legarda, Representative Geraldine Roman, Lenlen Alonte, Kababaihan Partylist Kate Coseteng and more. This includes various LGBT associations to join us in this campaign. We are putting these brave faces to make sure we involve ourselves in a very worthy cause."

Vashti of the Society of Trans Women in the Philippines (STRAP) says "I'm excited for this campaign as it showcases our experience, including Ms. Bemz and Verde Creatives, to support bills in congress so we can claim our rights. It should not stop our cause, including the SOGIE bill."

Ang Ladlad Partylist lead Dexter Macaldo adds "Equality champions in images brings stories of strength, of who you are, showing your beauty and individuality. This is to strengthen the LGBT voice, to bring change. This collaboration hopes to inspire others to also show their truth, in a more accepting society. Thank you Verde Creatives and other organizations for being here."

Ms. Maria Barbie Arcache of 1LGBT Pilipinas says "I would like to congratulate this event, it's something really amazing. I've known you for decades and in my life, I didn't think it's just pageants, but there's more to that. You can share that beauty in your heart, in 2 and a half decades, I've done pageants and now that I'm retired, I still want to share that advocacy. We cannot be stagnant, we need to fill that space and find your purpose in this world. We are here to move and shake the world, in the aspects of human rights. It's about time we show our faces. I am proud to be part of this campaign, we are all proud to be human and masterpieces of God."

Here's the press conference on video:

Here's a showcase of the photos they unveiled that evening:

 

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This is just the start of even more things they plan to do to push for the great causes they want to support. They'll be front, center, and putting their own faces to fight for the rights of LGBTQIA+ folks, to make sure there will be no stopping til equality happens, and their rights be given. 

This event was held at the Dark Roast Coffeehouse in Maginhawa. A great ally for the cause.

IKEA: This Is How We Live Photo Exhibit and US and OUR PLANET Book Launch

Saw vloggers Mike and Nelly at the IKEA event

 

 

 

 

 

             

I visited the largest IKEA store in the world at the Mall of Asia grounds a few days ago, and I'm glad I was able to spend a few hours scouring for stuff that I would need in my home. Aside from that, I was there for a very important reason... it was the day where they were opening up a section of their establishment that they would dedicate for the Filipino family. See, IKEA held a photo contest a few months ago (This is How We Live Photo Contest), and the winners stand a chance to win IKEA furniture, plus a studio shoot. They also got to have their entries displayed in different IKEA collateral throughout the year . Needless to say, it was very interesting to see them all in the flesh! Their stories are all inspiring and during the pandemic, it has made them think about what matters most, which is family, friends, and the place they call home. 

Winners of the photo contest, which you'll see in the IKEA exhibit

Here's our video coverage of the event and a little tour of IKEA in the Philippines

 

US and OUR PLANET is a book by Phaidon which they worked with IKEA. It tells the story of different people who live in sustainable homes, in hopes to inspire you and families that it can be done. You may visit the "This Is How We Live" photo exhibit at the Ground Level of IKEA very near the Marina entrance (front left entrance). Admission is free so go visit the biggest IKEA in the world today!

Oh and before I forget, the rumors are true... those IKEA Meatballs are delish! Don't leave the store without ordering it!

Rodolfo Gan Does “Prism II” Solo Exhibit

I am familiar with the style because I used to experiment with architectural shapes and elements when I made art in High School and College. I didn't really do well and concentrated on pressing keys for work but have always become fascinated with this medium for a long time, but here's a bit of good news for people who live and breathe this style. You are in for a treat because the world-renowned Rodolfo Gan has just started doing his second solo art exhibition called Prism 2 at the Upstairs Gallery of Finale Art File, La Fuerza Compound, Makati City.

It is a collection of 11 paintings that is done in cubism and geometrism. Known for his Airbrush method, his square abstract paintings show mostly these geometric lines and forms. He quirps "I am inspired by masters like Fernando Zobel (saw one in Seda Hotel), Lee Aguinaldo, and Roberto Chabet who is considered the father of conceptual art in the country." He graduated from the University of Sto. Tomas with a degree in Fine Arts, major in Advertising. Oftenly, they use bold colors but Gan’s works are unique as he stays in earth tones. Chabet encouraged and inspired Gan to be an artist. In the 70's, Gan won local and national art competitions and got his work exhibited at the Cultural Center of the Philippines where he had his first solo exhibit via the Luz Gallery in 72. He was dubbed as one of the CCP's Thirteen Artists and took part in exhibitions here and abroad, including the 7th Paris Biennale and the ASEAN collection exhibitions in Israel, Jakarta and Hong Kong. The family’s printing business though still was the priority for Gan. After a long hiatus, he came back with Prism in 2014.

He adds "My paintings have always been made to challenge the person looking at it, to look at them the way he or she chooses to.” So make sure you do visit his exhibit until February 11, 2019 at the Upstairs Gallery of Finale Art File, La Fuerza Compound in Makati City.