MAKANA Set To Do Encore Performance This Weekend!

Seeing the visuals, I already knew this was going to be good. Folks who missed seeing "MAKARA" will have the chance to do so as they do an encore run this coming June 6 and 7 at the Proscenium Theater at Rockwell Center in Makati. 

Described by theater goers as mysterious, haunting and emotionally charged,  you get to see it for only 2 days, and get yourself captivated by this Studio A produced stage production. They've been quite successful even if they've done things by word of mouth, but it needs to be seen by all so you could experience how it feels in their world, that does deserve this repeat. It is immersive, filled with mystery, and drama. You'll be asking yourself some really good questions after the curtains close. 

Fair warning, there are only a few tickets left over at StudioAShows.com. Go get them before they're gone! 

Go watch MAKANA on the weekend! 

PSID-Ahlen Institute Inc. Mounts PHUSION Exhibit

The Philippine School of Interior Design - Ahlen Institute Inc. just gave us a glimpse of this year's theme PHusion made by the class of 2023. In the past, they had a lot of these displayed at the Greenfield Tower's 5th Floor. Since it was the pandemic, they had a smaller number of spaces designed. Though there was certainly no shortage in talent, I loved what I saw during this batch. 

 PHusion is all about culture and how it influences design. With these spaces catering to Filipino and individuals from different countries, they were able to meld this together. Though just like the other times, it's in the "details" and the designer's interpretation of what they understand from the culture of the other country they are doing. I was assisted by Nicole and shown around the different displays this year.

FILIPINO x EGYPTIAN

 They call this space PER ANK which means Key of Life.

Their two countries were at opposite sides of the world, but they particularly thought of color as common ground to bring this together. The brown sand dune hues, the wood, the several pieces of furniture, the native baskets on the ceiling (as light treatments), the Malakas-Maganda figures etched on the cement wall, the pillars with Egyptian hieroglyphs (as accent wall) plus the Baybayin writings they customized was impressive to see. They knew one could overwhelm the other design and they were careful not to do that. This was certainly a good start.

FILIPINO x SOUTH AFRICA

They call this BAHAY UBUNTU. A term I'm quite familiar with because I'm a Computer Engineer, it's about compassion for others.

South Africa must be a little hard to put into design, but they've managed to concentrate on things that are common with the Philippines. The wood elements are present, they showed the glass table top that remained transparent to show the various wood underneath. What impressed me the most was the Nipa hut style on the ceiling, but it was made of a different material that can withstand years of abuse. It was efficient, virtually pleasing to the eyes, and the prints represented the South African flair.

 

FILIPINO x AMERICAN

 

This time, they used light to define two spaces. The couple they depicted here spend much time in the kitchen which is why the space had the large counter. This is also old 1930's themed which had more gold and geometric elements. The bar with the capiz window treatment and the iconic Kutsara Tinidor on the wall probably gives that Filipino touch. I get why they named it FILLENIUM.

 

FILIPINO x NICARAGUAN

One thing we have in common with Nicaragua is the tropics, which is why they used plants as part of the design in this space. It's a bath, vanity and closet, where you can take refuge and relax after a stressful day.

They didn't overwork the theme, they did it very simple. The natural elements like the weaving on the wall and ceiling plus a 70's style wall blocks has that Filipino stamp. It's very well executed, and didn't have to get too busy in the eyes to interpret their theme RELAJARSE.

FILIPINO x BRAZILIAN

This is called A DIVERSAO. Since the Philippines and Brazil enjoy tropical weather, that's where they have the theme combined. The wall on the shelves are from the Brazilian sunsets, also the curved lines which are common in Brazilian homes. They also had coconut on the face of the cabinets plus the solihiya weaving on the ceiling to make sure there's still Filipino in it. The design of the floor is also an interpretation of Brazilian black and white patterns.  They used it to separate the space between the play area and lounge.

 

 FILIPINO x FRENCH

This space was designed to mix the Filipino and French elements, but had more than what they bargained for. Think of it as a French space with a more worldly view because they also included the vibes of a well traveled individual who takes different pieces from different places and take them home.

I like the balcony, the wall treatments, and the carvings which are innately Filipino. They made it a tad lighter to see, not clunky and max which most Filipino spaces depict. They also had parts likened to "Bahay na Bato". The various things they placed on shelves were shabby chic, floral, to simply get the feel of the French homes with centuries worth of art. I like the artwork and chairs the most.

 

FILIPINO x SCANDINAVIAN

The designers of this space called LAGOM had one problem, it was to mix a more max design culture in the Philippines to the one minimalist style from Scandinavian countries. I loved that wall in the back that transitions into shelves on one side then disappears when you look at it from the other side. The light in the center also was a good choice, the shadows land on the different pieces of furniture and give it a more warm glow. They also had wood, employ a concentric design to have less corners from different views.

FILIPINO x BRITISH

One side of this had Chesterfield sofas which was apt for those who wouldn't want their suits get creases, a classic in every British space. I liked how they used wood mainly which was done to have that Filipino touch. The face of the cupboards and cabinets was also customized with a regional Lumban Barong Tagalog strip which made a statement, it is possible to mix the west and the East. I like how this was done, perfect for the Bachelor client they depicted who wanted this and all the natural elements he wanted from the Philippines.

FILIPINO x ITALIAN

This space reminds me of the bougie Gotti family (though not maximalist). There were gold elements on the recessed wall, fabulous light installation and also the curved arches on the lavatory with a twin waterfall faucets. It was fresh looking, light and airy despite having some big pieces on the wall and different spaces. The wall was a light pink, it didn't clash with the space despite it having a more ethnic design on the center. They did good.

FILIPINO x AUSTRALIAN

This was one impressive space. The work area with a Boomerang shaped table, the recessed wall shaped like the mountains in the outback, the beach dotted artwork (made by one of the members to depict the Great Barrier Reef), that's some of the items that are extremely OZ. The hammock, a place to take rest after a stressful day, with rhum in hand via the cart, it is like a vacation in the Philippines. I can see they used wood pretty much everywhere, which is something common with us too. The abaca fiber on top, plus how the spaces were separated was a good idea. It's a serious place for business, but comforting after that. 

FILIPINO x JAPANESE

This bedroom is a personal favorite. You can see why.

The capiz wall, the arches, the floor, they all depict the rising sun. It's an element both Japan and the Philippines share, which is why they wanted the 8 rays in the sun also included. They also mixed the home grown farmer hat salakot and bangasa which is mostly seen in Japanese festivals.  They also did night and day (sun and moon), as seen on the floors. The bamboo, the circular patterns, even the Kenneth Cobunpue chair in red just fit right in. With so many elements, it didn't look cluttered at all. Excellent work, they named it Pearl of the Orient Meets Prosperity.

FILIPINO x PERSIAN

Designed for a Filipino Iranian family, this wreaks blue royal homes in Iran with woodwork and intricate details from both countries. They have a space made for recreation, bonding on the floor because that's how they do it. They also have sliding doors for the television, as most want it kept. Look at the details on the green built-ins which they wanted to do because of extreme need for storage especially in Persian homes.  

If you want to see the exhibit, it's at the Greenfield Tower's 5th Floor. Thank you so much to the nice people we met from the 2023 Batch of PSID. Thank you also to the Batch Adviser IDr. Nicanor Jardenil whom we talked to later that morning. You guys did good this year!

Japanese Condo Living in Taft: Kizuna Heights

I've been recommending a lot of places to live in and sometimes it just is getting a little expensive to do because instead of just plainly recommending it, I'd mostly be contemplating to do investments instead LOL. Why? Because sometimes you get the nitty gritty details that are just too attractive to pass on. Case in point is Kizuna Heights, an urban residential mecca right in the heart of the university belt.

As the name suggests, it's a Japanese inspired condominium project that's situated in Taft Avenue. This place is very near De La Salle University, College of St. Benilde, UP Manila, Letran, Adamson, so it's pretty good for families with students in tow. It's a great place tor receive your next course or do graduate studies if you're looking for opportunities like that. It's also near business establishments, churches, banks, and the cultural district of Manila.     

Ms. Teresa Tumbaga the property Division Head says "Living here is like taking part in Manila's rich history, you get to visit parks, iconic places because of its close proximity to Kizuna Heights. The address is highly sought after, and we are giving the chance to live in an urban metropolis, and have a life that they deserve at this address."
 

If you're looking for investments, you know where to go! Visit their official website vistaresidences.com.ph/properties/kizuna and their social channels to get more information.

Liza Soberano to do YT Series "Liza In Korea"

Dubbed as one of the prettiest faces in the world, Liza Soberano is set to do a new YouTube series called "Liza in Korea". If you've been following her recent appearances in Korean shows, she's always said how much she adored Korean drama, artists, idols and KPOP music too.   

The series premiere will happen on September 13th at 8PM and the consecutive Wednesdays thereafter in this 15 episode cultural and experiential tour of the land of the morning calm. This will of course be extra sweet because we'll all be seeing it through the eyes of Liza. Also in the show will be several businesses and individuals who's stories will also inspire more people through the digital production.

She will also be doing the actual narration, so you will feel like you're traveling with her and experiencing the things she's just beginning to discover. Liza will also share her experiences about entrepreneurship (with Lacimer) and talk about how it could be a viable way to improve lives in our home soil, which is pretty new to see coming from the beautiful actress.  

The first few episodes will be very exciting as she talks to top Korean content creators, the media, big networks, even a trip to world famous Lotteworld, even learn from top Korean choreographers so Liza can do a few KPOP dance numbers on the YouTube series.

To get you more excited, here's a teaser from the show!

For those who want to see the series when it comes out, go and subscribe via the PHH TV YouTube channel here. You may opt to see it on IG via the Lacimer official account which you can find here. If you're excited about what Liza Soberano is doing in Korea, this certainly will get you acquainted with what she's been up to these past few months. I'm sure just like me, you really miss her!

This is produced by JJ Global Group in Korea.

Saving Dying Dialects: Lessons from HULAGWAY

I took the lovely trip to Cinema 76 at Anonas in Quezon City to see Director Alvin Yapan's latest work called HULAGWAY: Dokyumentaryo ng mga Wika at Kulturang Filipino (A documentary of Filipino Language and Culture) a few days ago. Dr. Yapan was tapped by the National Commitee on Language amd Translation under the offices of NCCA (The National Comission for the Culture and the Arts) to direct this film. 

Hulagway means "a portrait" and this film lengthily has taken a look at the person, how one lives, how they communicate with their peers or the community. There are also a lot of metaphorical representation of their struggles, even if they're literally not working with a script, the conversations was molded off how language was used as a tool to enrich lives with stories, songs and poems deeply rooted in culture. 

 

Needless to say, he's a genius when it comes to really complex artsy topics like these and interpreting it for cinema must have been a tall task. His treatment in telling this one is like a documentary. He anchors it with two characters Consuelo (played by Sue Prado) and Robert (which is played by Kalil Almonte). They took the long hard trek to far flung communities in the eastern side of Isabela (up north) and islands off Palawan. 

Imagine, they started this in 2018 and had to work together with only 15 other crew carrying with them loads of equipment to capture unadulterated views, communities and the few men and women who still have a grasp of the dying languages Dupaninan Agta and Tandulanen Tagbanua. This is officially the most difficult film Alvin Yapan has ever made, he made mention of this during the talk we had after the screening. Initially, they had planned to include 6/7 of them (dialects/languages) but the material was too precious to cut off the block. It was also a little too tedious as it involved time consuming research, with little information from various universities (mostly from outside the country) who have conducted studies about them in previous years, they roughed the process of filming and took on talking to the few descendants left who still have a grasp of the language. My favorite scene was the boat traversing a line of mangroves in Palawan, they talked about that on the video.

 

Here's the press conference in two parts where they explained the film and the cause of saving the dialects from these two regions.

During the latter part of the press conference I asked about what concrete plans they have about saving the dying dialect, and they replied that this is just the first step, to become aware, educated, and acknowledge that there is something precious to save. 

The plan is to also have this film be viewed by educational institutions to not just prove its existence, but to formulate a way to find ways to have people teach these dialects and pass on to the next generation. To not lose their identity as IP, and celebrate their uniqueness, their differences, which makes them cool. If this sparks efforts to do so not just from the government, but the citizens of this country, then this film made its mark. Make sure to coordinate with NCCA if you want your school to be part of the film's tour in the coming months. There's more languages/dialects to save in the country, and telling their story is essential.

Make sure to watch it. It'll be life changing!

Birthday Cheers for Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda!

I've been watching her for years on ABSCBN, and in different shows. She's a very good broadcast journalist. Her work in the Senate and Congress formulating laws that help different sectors like education, the environment, women , youth, history and culture has always been there, consistent and has been lauded by many.

Til now, she's been steadfastly moving to generate jobs for indigenous folks, mothers and artisans in her lone district of Antique and in many places across the country, some of which have also weathered the pandemic and changed the lives of many in her own little ways. She's a leader, Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda. She's also celebrating her birthday today.

 

 

Happy happy birthday Deputy Seaker Loren Legarda! Cheers to more years of serving the people in this blessed country of ours!

DAYAW Starts Their 11th Season: "Kakaibang Sigla"

Just got off the DAYAW event hosted by ANC and NCCA. This is their 11th season and talks about culture and people. Since we're just finished watching the Olympics, the documentaries will delve on movement and indigenous sports, energy, competitiveness, dance, music. Present during the occasion was NCCA Vice Head on Cultural Community Pablito Gonzales, Nadia Trinidad and Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda who's been championing the cause on environment and culture for years now.


Pablito Gonzales says "Fellow cultural workers, good afternoon. We believe Filipinos are all indigenous in some respect. Though we come from different backgrounds, our diversity are our unifying forces. We all come from different sectors, but we are united in culture and heritage which is Dayaw. With the excellent production of ANC, we look forward to this brand new season of the show. NCCA supports discussion, programs like these are information vessels for local and international audiences. As an IP advocate for almost two decades now, I'm impressed because even in the time of pandemic, our IP's are struggling selling products. Many have stopped, but they need a way to continue."

Nick Lizaso of NCCA says "We showcased sustainable practices of our indeginous people. We will learn enchanting movement and dances, to inspire our viewers for culture and heritage preservation. Let's invite more Filipinos to watch more seasons of Dayaw."

Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda says "This is "Kakaibang Sigla", a vital energy. Thank you to our partners in NCCA and ANC, despite all odds, we were able to record a lot up to 18 months inside the pandemic. You are all staunch partners in documenting of our schools of living tradition, of going to places that are not usually covered by media outlets. You are competent, professional, dedicated and passionate. I've been in television for 30 years, without our small team, we could have not done it alone. When Dayaw started, it was a passion project. Our manlilikha ng bayan awardees are national living treasures, some of them have passed, but we were able to document their lives and archived it on ANC. Rituals, traditions, knowledge, don't belong in schools in far flung areas and we were able to document that including dying crafts and indigenous skills. We are working on making them sustainable, connecting with DOLE, DTI, NCCA and building weaving centers, dyeing centers, Dayaw is and was a passion project. It has not remained one, it's a legacy project now. I wanted to ensure that all of these are correctly archived in ANC and NCCA. To each and every member of my team in ANC, I'm glad they have remained engaged and what passion have in legislation, and not stop documenting, economic livelihood for indigenous people. Shooting season 11 wasn't easy but we're glad we were able to do it before the pandemic started. We were shooting action sequences, a little different from the usual but we were able to do it. I have so many episodes to go back to, like Wang-od our oldest Mambabatok, and make sure our Kalinga community specifically Budbud tribe be treated fairly. Hopefully, for them not to be poor. We are showcasing them as traditional artists. Ordinary people, people who use social media, you may share information we do there for education. We will be uploading our Dayaw episodes and seasons on YouTube and perhaps do captions, Europeans, Americans, Southeast Asian nations. Thank you for being with us. I will file in October as a Senator, I will continue to help my province Panay and I will share my knowledge, God willing, next year."

Watch Dayaw on ANC, the ABSCBN News Channel at 6PM on Thursdays and replayed different times during the week thereafter. 

NCCA To Hold SUDI Awards This August

The SUDI Awards will be happening soon. This is NCCA's way of recognizing Filipinos who have outstanding contributions in musical works, creators and artistic exellence.

Noel Ferrer says "The SUDI Awards started back in 2018, later adapted by today's chairman and comittee. The SUDI Technical working group was formed to further push its cause which includes Bayang Barrios, Twinky Lagdameo, Mr. C., Dr. Felipe De Leon Jr. and more. This is multi sectoral. Everyone is part of the creative aspect, this is part of the Filipino music that we enjoy today. The NCCA Awards is a product of creative interaction with other stakeholders. The SUDI Technical working group was formed for this, mabuhay ang musikang Filipino."

Dr. Felipe De Leon Jr. says "We had the technical working group and the NCCA to select from a roster of nominees. It's not just Manila but regional personalities, educators, groups, made dossier for them and then given to the jury. The contribution should be huge, something that moved a lot of artists. We based everything on research, we see how they contributed, their being as an institution, from different genre and chose who have influenced. If they have a huge understanding of their music and given inspiration to others. It should be long term impact."

Ryan Cayabyab says "Choosing awardees are easy, they do standout. The idea is to have one per year, but because of the multitude of people who contribute to the music industry, we see how huge their impact is. The jury will choose in the end, it's going to be difficult in the future years."

Mark Carpio of the Philippine Madrigal Singers says "When the pandemic started, we took a break. People are expecting from us and Filipinos need something that uplifts things, then we received this award during this time. NCCA told us then, we are honored and felt happy that we are being recognized. Maraming salamat po!"

Award winning pianist and PPO's Raul Sunico says "Thank you to the Jury. When I was informed about this, I asked about SUDI awards, and learning about it I have come to appreciate the recognition. We don't perform for awards really, to make music, to make people happy and to make an impact for others. Thank you for recognizing us and our efforts."

Professor Carmencita Arambulo says "I have been teaching music for a few decades now. When I got the notice, I was surprised about NCCA's SUDI awards. I haven't been working for awards really, I have been teaching musical greats, teachers, performers, when I hear how they have done well, I already am happy. They are my affirmation. I will continue to do this, thank you NCCA and jurors. I will still teach the youth so they become excellent in their craft, their character become great, so they become better citizens. These days I have done it online, I have found it actually effective. We need to have great teachers so we get really good youngsters. When they get recognized here and abroad, my heart is full because that is my mission as a teacher. Thank you!"

Tiffany Gabuya of DZFE says "I should begin by saying that, we thought it wasn't really for us. When we read it, we couldn't bellieve it. We have luminaries that received this and getting it, we were just so grateful. Our contribution to music, usually are from Broadcasting. If I'm going to run this station, we are not going to change things, we didn't join any awards since I took over the station. I think, I'm happy to be part of the first batch. The people of heritage, for several decades, we're special and we're going to treasure that. We are thankful for the NCCA for the award, even if we don't get one in the next years, you have acknowledged us today."

Noel Cabangon says "Getting this gives me comfort. I am happy to give what we have for the industry and other artists, I am thankful for receiving this."

Chino Toledo says "Getting the email I got a little surprised. I saw the other awardees, and it wasn't a joke. The head of comittee was Ryan Cayabyab and saw the list seeing everyone I knew. This shows focus on years of making music, we're not stopping there. We don't make them for awards but being recognized made us feel someone is looking at it, someone is hearing it."

Gloc 9 says "When I see email, I don't usually read it. When they told me, I was super happy that it came from NCCA. I know how meticulous they are in choosing people, this just proves how we can make our own waves to be able for other people to see our work. This trophy will be really memorable for me."

By the way, Leo Abaya made and designed the awards for SUDI Awards, but he passed a few months ago. I'm so glad artistic excellence is being recongnized especially in a country that has been known for talent like us. Make sure you see the actual awards night in two parts on August 21 and 28 at 7PM on the NCCA Official YouTube channel. It'll be something good for the soul.

Share Your Wanderlust

Mountain Climbing, a good activity in the alps!

Winter, Spring, Summer of Fall, if I were to choose between these seasons, I’d gladly choose Winter. The perks of modern day traveling these days are literally out of this world. Your wanderlust can take you to places of your dreams, landmarks that may have once be considered impossible for people to go to, but now is accessible for a fraction of the cost much like vacation rentals in breckenridge. These days, it’s not just the island adventures that count, you can make your vacations comfortable in ski resorts, the cold chilly places where you could do alpine activities the whole year round with your friends and family. People dream of snow, rushing down mountain slopes, ice karting, fat biking, zip lines, dog sledding and more. It’s something that people in the equator have never even seen, so if they wish for a chance in climate, a change of scenery, then this would be a good place to start.

In TV shows, we often see locals also do ice diving, wild adventures in cold zero temperatures that even adrenaline junkies would completely enjoy. Hiking up the mountains with snow shoes, small workouts that can even make you healthy, I would have that - and some time for dog sledding so we could enjoy the crystal white landscapes that would make my ski holiday the perfect one.

To relax the mood, I’d rather sit, chill with a glass of champagne and see the view. It gives us that relaxing mood that puts our mind at ease, so we can rest from the hustle and the bustle of everyday life. We could spend a little more on indoor stuff, a luxurious refuge like pools, a few minutes in the sauna (which also helps for health btw!) and steam rooms so we could tone down, feel better. It’s like a reset button, takes our mind off of things then face reality later on, ready to work even more so we could achieve our dreams. We all owe that to ourselves of course!

We also would be able to play, build a snowman, remember when we were kids where we thought everyone else lived in an igloo? I’d like to experience that too. These days, hotels do custom travel packages that can do exactly that, the more posh ones build temperature controlled structures so you can see the skies above, which makes more stars visible - pitch black scenes would look like black velvet backdrafts with shiny diamonds here and there.

To get there I'd prefer a direct flight, if not maybe short transfers. I'd like to stay in a hotel that looks like a chalet, or perhaps a smaller, more compact place where I have access to everything. I also want those small ski areas that are easy to get around, a very family-friendly accommodation. I have friends who also have minor kids, it would be great to have childcare options. We also want lift pass and equipment offers so the kids won't be bored while we're there to stay. Maybe they also need free access to nursery slopes, it's not going to be easy seeing them mixing around with the adults, it would be dangerous if they didn't have professional instructors or adult supervision.

It would be also great to experience the local culture, if not to live with the locals, perhaps a visit to the town or market would do. It’s practical to get to know these places first so you get a grasp of what the country identity is like, I think that is interesting. You’ll also understand their ways and apply the good ones when you learn something new, bring it back home and tell their stories. I think it makes you grow as a person, as a citizen of the world.

Oh and let’s not forget about the food. It’s not just hot cocoa and marshmallows when the temperature drops. This is the time when you have to let the guns out, make hearty warm meals like baked pastas, meat stews and pies. I distinctly remember my family preparing their best versions of Mac and Cheese, take the strides preparing the ingredients and make use of the slow cooker and do Lasagna with tons of cheese (which I prefer over anything else). I also dig the hot southern spiced fried chicken and cornbread, the beef stew, the chicken pot pie, meatloaf, deep dish pizza, spaghetti and meatballs our Mom used to make. I can make a mean steak done medium, mozzarella stuffed pork chops, lobster cheddar soup and warm buttery mashed potatoes that I put a drop or two of truffle oil just to make things better. What’s there not to love with winter?

There are a ton of destinations out there that have snow - I’m going to one of them this coming October and making preparations as early as now. In a nutshell, I have to make plans to meet people, see how they live, know their history, experience the touristy stuff, then the less touristy ones, plus the ones where you discover that the world is huge. You may not end up traveling in each of the countries in your bucket list, but do the ones that would make you happy. Our happiness stems from experiencing these all with our friends and family. I am happy to have gone to a few and live to tell the others at home about it. Even with sharing of stories you get to let them understand that nothing is impossible and you are proof of it.

That’s just the start. Thanks to you, they too will have wanderlust!