In line with the thrust of Rustan’s in BEING TRULY FILIPINO, A Festival was held to feature merchandise from Mindanao. To launch the festival was a costume exhibit by Salvador Bernal and a beautiful dance number by the Philippine Ballet Theater.
A joint effort by Rustan’s headed by Mr. Bienvenido Tantoco Jr, President, and Mrs. Mita Rufino who heads and organizes Heritage Month every year.
[email_link]
Enjoy the rhythms of the salsa, rhumba, chacha, pachanga, mambo, and other latin beats as interpreted by Ballet Philippines. Featuring the Guitar Friends Ensemble and Salsa Manila. The sounds of South America take center stage as Ballet Philippines ends its 38th season with the sensual, flamboyant rhythms of the salsa, rhumba, bossa nova, reggae and Caribbean music. Envision images of hot, languid days at the beach and sultry nights embraced by passion and desire. All in all, this promises a scorching night.
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Thank you Tito Joey Soriano for making us a part of your worthwhile endeavor. It has been a long long time that we had gone to the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Mom used to take us as little girls to watch ballet almost every month and we remember having to dress up as it was a formal event. Me and my sister enjoyed it, then we realized that all this stopped. Suddenly the Cultural Center had been very quiet…..
We are grateful that Tito Joey had introduced us again to the Arts and we hope that he will continue to inspire many to patronize the arts and the Filipino talent. Latin Heat proved this and it was a beautiful and entertaining show. Perfect to start the summer too with all the dancing heat! It was our first time to see ballet mixed with Latin dance. I had asked Tito Joey to give me a copy of the beautiful speech he gave that evening – though he did not have it scripted, he was able to write it down all over for me because I want to share it with you. Do take time out to read it….
Mrs. Imelda Romualdez Marcos, brainchild of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, his excellency Ambassador Adnan Basaga of Turkey and his beautiful wife, Mrs. Oja Basaga, friends, ladies and gentlemen:
Before we go up to the main theater lobby for the latin night shindig, allow me first to thank the major sponsors this evening. The first is a commercial bank and thanks to Mrs. Frannie Aguinaldo Jacinto the Bank of the Philippine Islands is the major sponsor. The second is a private individual and thanks to Mrs. Marvi Cojuangco Yulo, her mother Mrs. Imelda Ongsiako Cojuangco is the second major sponsor.
You know ladies and gentlemen. One thing that really bothers me is when someone says to me: “You know, Joey, I really don’t support the arts. I would rather support programs that help the poor.” And that is all very noble, no question about it but it still baffles and frustrates me when I hear this remark because in truth, art in all its forms is the wealth of any nation. It is the life and blood of a people because it is part and parcel of their culture. It is what makes and identifies us.
Art is what touches our senses. It is what eases the mind and unstresses our body. It is what uplifts the spirit and moves the soul. It is what makes us human. And if majority of talented Filipino artists had the financial backing and monetary resources then the word “starving artist” would no longer exist in our country. Unfortunately, here in the Philippines as opposed to countries in the west and even those around Southeast Asia where the government and much of the private sector support the arts, in this country, art is considered a last priority. It is not a necessity but a luxury. And sad to say golf and tennis and shopping and coming out in the society pages of a newspaper is far more of a necessity than the sheer joy and quiet appreciation of art.
And I think that the Bank of the Philippine islands understands this problem wholeheartedly because they hone Filipino talent. They allow Filipino artists to spread their wings. To be acknowledge, admired and appreciated and they give them a future. And I also take my hat of to the Bank of the Philippine Island because they not only serve their customers and clients as a bank but they also serve the nation as well by allowing the Philippines to flourish and prosper. And I hope and pray that other banks and financial institutions and corporations will do the same with equal passion in the near future.
In the same manner, Mrs. Imelda Ongsiako Cojuangco has always been a patron of the arts. Ever since I can remember she has always been a chairperson, a director, a trustee of organizations that involved themselves with Filipino art and culture. Again I hope art and talent not only because of the prestige and adulation and socializing involved in attending the opening of an art exhibit or a gala premiere but because you honestly care as dependable citizens of our country.
To these two entities I express my deepest gratitude for their largesse and generosity just as I would like to thank each and everyone of you here tonight. You who have given one five, three, five, ten, fifteen thousand without batting an eyelash. And I know many of you have said “basta ikaw Joey, we will support you.” But it’s not I who you support. It is these ballet dancers, these talented performances whom you have given your blessings because you have allowed them to shine and you have embraced their talent. And because of your kindness you have made the Philippines, our country, a little better, a little richer, a little greater even just for tonight.
Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat. Mabuhay tayong mga Pilipino lalung-lalo na ang sining Pilipino na kusang nangangailangan ng tulong ninyo. Magandang-magandang gabi po.
Ballet Philippines Website: http://www.ballet.com.ph
Cultural Center of the Philippines website: http://www.culturalcenter.gov.ph/
[email_link]
IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK!
Walking Tour of Historic Intramuros
Almost four years running now, its the most popular tour in the selection and a definite must for beginners in Philippine History. Take a leisurely afternoon walk around a selection of Intramuros’ most stunning structures and take in a humorous analysis of Philippine art, culture, and society from Pre-Hispanic Manila until the present. Ironically irreverent yet informative.
Itinerary:
Fort Santiago (Deluxe Tour Only)
San Agustin Church and Museum
Father Blancos Garden
Casa Manila
Heart2Heart admires people that promote our very own country! Heart2Heart loves Carlos Celdran for contributing to the betterment of our society…. as he takes thousands of people all around Manila telling its history. The great thing about it is that not only do foreigners enjoy it, but because of the popularity of his tours, even Filipinos themselves are taking the tours. I don’t think we would ever have gone to these places if not for Carlos. He makes the tours so interesting that everyone enjoys listening.
He started the tour by telling us to sing the Philippine National Anthem, “Lupang Hinirang.” I thought he was joking, but we really did sing the whole anthem! I am so glad the kids were with us, Everyone learned so much. We were very impressed with San Agustin church. It was a first time for most of us and we would just hear about it through our friend, Father Galende, who runs the church. Beautiful!!! It was like we were in Europe! The museum is very well done and well maintained. Great work Father! 
What a beautiful church!! No one wonder there is a wedding every hour on the hour! 
Our next stop was right across the street from the church…… A beautiful old house which you hardly see anymore in Manila.
I wish there were many more people like Carlos…And the last thing he said to end the tour which was so meaningful and true was “If you want to change the look of Manila, you have to change the way you look at Manila!”
A MAN WHO IS TRYING TO CHANGE THE WAY YOU LOOK AT MANILA – ONE STEP AT A TIME.
TELEPHONE: (02)4844945 TEXT/CELL:(0920)9092021 OR EMAIL: CELDRANTOURS@HOTMAIL.COM
Information taken from Carlos’ website:
IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK!
Intramuros Regular Walking Tour
San Agustin, Casa Manila (2 hours)
Note: Tour has slightly mature content. Recommended for ages eight (8) above
Php600.00 adultsPhp250.00 students*
Additional fees:
Php50.00 – Casa Manila fee Php25.00 for students
Php80.00 –San Agustin museum fee Php50.00for students
Philippine schools only*
PRIVATE TOUR: Available upon request.
All Tours Begin and end at San Agustin Church.
Calles Gen Luna and RealManila 1002 Philippines(632) 5274060
And Have Lunch or Dinner at La Cocina De Tita Moningafter the tour.
IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK! Deluxe Tour
Includes San Agustin Museum, Fort Santiago, and Casa Manila (3 hours)
Note: Tour has slightly mature content. Recommended for ages eight (8) years above
Php700.00Php250.00 students*
Additional fees:Php50.00 – Fort Santiago feePhp25.00 for students
Php80.00 – San Agustin Museum feePhp50.00 for students
Php50.00 – Casa Manila feePhp25.00 for students
Philippine schools only*
PRIVATE TOUR: Available upon request.
All tours begin at Fort Santiago and end at Casa Manila
Santa Clara Street Intramuros(632) 5271572
Casa ManilaCalle Real del Palacio (Gen. Luna Street)Intramuros(632) 5274084
And Have Lunch or Dinner at La Cocina De Tita Moning after the tour.
THE NORTH BANK!
Walking Tour of Escolta and Quiapo and the North Side of the Pasig River
Rizal Avenue and the Escolta was Manila’s premier shopping district until the 1970’s when the rise of Makati Commercial Center and the construction of the LRT somewhat diminished their distinction. Now revitalized through efforts by the local government, the area has been cleaned up and rehabilitated as a pedestrian promenade. Most of its mid-20th century historic charm remains and its still the cheapest place in Manila to buy shoes, hardware, appliances, clothes, sex gadgets, jewelery, pearls, beauty queen tiaras, voodoo potions, flowers, handicrafts, videos, and electronics.
Itinerary:
Calvo Building and Escolta Museum Escolta StreetPlaza Santa Cruz Rizal AvenueEvangelista Street Market Quiapo Church Villalobos Street
Note: Recommended for all ages.Php500.00 adults Php250.00 students*
Additional fees:Php50.00 – Escolta Museum feePhilippine schools only*
PRIVATE TOUR: Available upon request.
All tours meet at the Polland Hopia Cafe in frontof the Pasig River Ferry ESCOLTA stop on Escolta St.Santa Cruz
LIVING LA VIDA IMELDA!
Architectural tour of the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex as seen through the life and aspirations of Imelda Romualdez Marcos
It’s a tour all about the Philippines in the 1970’s and the tumultous era of Martial Law, bell-bottom jeans, and Miss Universe. Its a little bit disco, a little bit New Society, and completely Imeldific. So come take a trippy trip through National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsins finest buildings as we analyze one of the most controversial periods in Philippine history as seen through the life and ambitions of the lady who defined it, Imelda Romualdez Marcos.
Itinerary:
The Cultural Center of the Philppines and Grounds
Note: Tour has slightly adult content. Recommended for ages 15 above.
Php650.00 adultsPhp350.00 students
PRIVATE TOUR: Available upon request.
All tours begin at the CCP Little Theatre Lobby.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines Roxas Boulevard corner P. Ocampo (Vito Cruz) Malate (632) 832 1125
ALL THE WAY DOWN TO CHINATOWN!
Historical Tour of Binondo and San Nicolas
Rediscover Chinatown! Let’s take an afternoon stroll and rediscover the charms of one of Manila’s oldest districts. We’ll ride a horse drawn coach and check out much of its remaining 19th century architecture. The tour will be capped by a visit to a Buddhist temple and a traditional chinese pastry shop. This is essentially a free tour. Donations of any amount will be accepted.
Itinerary:
Plaza Calderon dela Barca (Plaza Ruiz)Binondo Church Old San Nicolas Streets (Jaboneros, Sevilla, Madrid)The Kipuja Street Temple Ongpin Street
Walking and Calesa Ride through Binondo and San Nicolas
Note: Recommended for all ages.
Php250.00 for the one hour calesa (carriage) rideplus a donation of any amount.
PRIVATE TOUR: Available upon request.Php600.00Php250.00 students
All tours begin and end at Binondo Church. Binondo Church Quentin Paredes Street at Plaza Calderon de la Barca Binondo (632) 2424850
ROCK OUT!
Rediscover the Rock(The Overnight tour to the Island of Corregidor)
COST:Php 4,400.00 per person.
Child without bed: Php 3,300.00
Single occupancy for one room Php5,400.00And be sure to bring a little snack or drink to the sunset potluck cocktail too.
Contact: Kristine Castro 5268888 loc. 9502 or anyone from the Reservations Department of Sun Cruises for more information and current rates.
DO IT YOURSELF (DIY) TOUR:EVANGELISTA QUE LINDA!
Afternoon tea and window shopping throughthe flea markets of Evangelista Street in Bangkal, Makati
Places to visit:
Fat Michaels Restaurant Evangelista Street Apolinario Street Hison Street
Call/text Jude Mancuyas at Fat Michael’s Place for directions and to obtain a map of the neighborhood.Tel: 8431953 or 8442638Cell: 0917 4078528
Window shopping through the flea markets of one of Manila’s emerging neighborhoods of cool: Bangkal, Makati
ANYTIME EXCEPT SUNDAYS
Fat Michael’s is located at 1354 Gen Lacuna St. Bangkal Makati. (turn right at Makati Apartelle from southbound lane of South Super Hiway before the Magallanes Interchange).Call Fat Michael’s Place Tel.8442638 or 8431953 for directions to their restaurant and for the free map. Ask for Jude Mancuyas. I highly recommend their food. Simple slow fare. Not a greasy spoon at all.
OTHER TOUR COSTS:
PRIVATE STUDENT TOUR RATE:
Php250.00 per person(Minimum group of 25 pax)*Philippine schools only*
Note:Public school students and teachers go free for all regular tours.Please call to reserve though. The free slots are limited per tour.
ALL TOURS ARE IN ENGLISH*
Please note that itineraries may change at last minutes notice due to weather or accessibility. Please ALWAYS confirm your attendence.No email or text to confirm. No reservations.
website: http://celdrantours
Graphic design as a means of Communication
Date March 8, 2008 (Saturday)
Time 2 to 4 pm
Venue Lopez Memorial Museum G/F Benpres Bldg., Pasig
Fee P50 (students)
P100 (Museum Foundation members)
P150 (non-members)
Through typology, photography, illustration and other graphic elements, one communicates ideas and meanings visually. Known as graphic design, “it stands apart from more traditional arts like painting, printmaking and sculpture because its ubiquitous role it plays in mass media and technology.” To give an overview of the history of graphic design in the Philippines and the contemporary graphic design scene in the Phililppines, the Lopez Memorial Museum and the Museum Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. has invited Teammanila to give a talk.
Team Manila is a multi-disciplinary design studio based in the Philippines whose broadcast and print designs have won numerous awards from MTV Pilipinas, PDI among others. It was formed to educate the eyes and taste of the public through its output and work. Team Manila intends to make a lasting mark on visual culture and to contribute to the graphic design landscape, both locally and internationally.”
Some of Team Manila Design Studio’s works:
The Stories on Philippine Art lecture series aims to create more awareness of various personalities, art forms and practices in the country.
For more information and for reservations, please call 631 2417 or 404 2685 or e-mail us at pezseum@skyinet.net.
The Lopez Memorial Museum is at the ground floor, Benpres Building, Exchange Road corner Meralco Avenue, Pasig City.
[email_link]
AYALA MUSEUM’s ArtistSpace
Feb 28 – March 13 , 2008
Opening reception Feb 28, 6:00 – 8:30 pm
Sandra Fabie – Gfeller’s exhibit, onesecond is visual poetry in motion. The consistent visual vocabulary that the artist employs relays depth in figuration and vitality. Eye, ear, mind and heart blend with rhythm and harmony. Each scene that is depicted on the pictorial plane has a soulful sensuality that blurs and focuses in chorus. Gfeller captures that moment onto the canvas while encapsulating a lifetime of introspection. For inquiries, please email the artist at grata@gratapaintings.com.
Here is a self portrait made by Sandra, so lovely!
2005. Remembering Onib, A Self-Portrait . 30 x 24 inches
For more information, please visit her website: http://www.gratapaintings.com
[email_link]
A workshop with Mr. Ariel C. Atienza
Feb. 2, 9, 16 & 23, 2008, 9am-12nn
Fee: P2,500.00 (includes materials)
Contact Persons: Fanny San Pedro / Jane Pagkalinawan
Contact Details: 631 2417 / pezseum@skyinet.
In their creative processes, artists choose among the variety of art practices, media and styles. With technology as well as their own creativity, artists are enabled to cross boundaries. One boundary crossed is that of the popular and the seemingly inaccessible, and one form which does so is comics. To showcase this form, the Lopez Memorial Museum will hold a comics workshop called C2: Cartooning and
Comics on the four(4)Saturdays of February, beginning February 2.
Mr. Ariel Giovanni C. Atienza will facilitate the workshop. Fee of PhP 2,500.00 covers materials. Slots limited to 15 participants ages 13 and above. Reservations is a must.
Mr. Giovanni Atienza is a comic strip artist whose works appear in deviantArt. They also appear in Siglo: Passion. Mr. Atienza has contributed to Philippine News in San Francisco, CA, Fusion magazine, and LIVEtheLIFE magazine. He has given talks on comics in various seminars in Metro Manila since 2004. C2: Cartooning and Comics workshop complements the exhibitions Dime a Dozen and Blur which are
ongoing until April 2008.
The Lopez Memorial Museum is at the ground floor, Benpres Building, Exchange Road corner Meralco Avenue, Pasig City. Museum days and hours are Mondays to Saturdays, 8am-5pm, except Sundays and holidays. For more information please call tel. nos. 631 2417 or email at pezseum@skyinet.
Stories on Philippine Art: Filipiniana As Couture with Patis Tesoro
Date: 26 January 2008, Staurday
Time: 2-4 pm
Fees: Php 50.00 for students; PhP 100.00 for Museum Foundation
members; PhP 150.00 for non-Museum Foundation members
Contact persons: Fanny San Pedro (6312417) or Elvie Magpayo (4042685)
E-mail: pezseum@skyinet.
In the context of today’s globalized and wired world, success in asserting the indigenous in terms of materials used as well as the sensibility displayed in Philippine textiles continue to inspire.
One of the pioneers in such endeavors is Ms Patis Tesoro. Discovering that weaving of indigenous fabrics was in decline, Ms Tesoro sought to stem the tide by enhancing the fabrics’ competitiveness. Various blends and use of natural dyes provided relatively inexpensive alternatives, and Ms Tesoro’s innovative designs enabled people ot see Filipiniana in a new light. The talk jointly sponsored by the Lopez Memorial Museum and the Museum
Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. will be on January 26, Saturday, 2-4 pm, at the Lopez Memorial Museum.
Ms Patis Tesoro’s interpretation and adaptation of the Filipiniana to current fashion trends has earned for her a Parangal ng Bayan award from the Ateneo University, the Dakilang Pilipina award for Fashion from the Caloocan Jaycees, and th TOWNS award in 1992.
The Stories on Philippine Art lecture series aims to create more awareness of various personalities, art forms and practices in the country. For more information and for reservations, call 6312417 or 4042685 or email at pezseum@skyinet.
From Heart2Heart’s friend, Rem Zamora, Actor and Marketing Director of Repertory Philippines. Hope we can all support Philippine theater and talent.
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Repertory Philippines is proud to announce its shows for 2008! Five plays never before staged in the Philippines and one Shakespeare masterpiece make up the roster for next year.
| January 1-27, 2008 |
| Venue |
| OnStage |
| 2/F Greenbelt 1, Ayala Center, Makati City |
| Director |
| Baby Barredo |
| Synopsis | |||
| Based on Mitch Albom’s best selling book, TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE is a heart-warming play that perfectly combines comedy, drama and poignancy. In a challenging commitment of time and expense, busy sportswriter Mitch Albom makes weekly treks from Detroit to Boston so he could spend Tuesday mornings with his former professor Morrie Schwartz, who is dying of Lou Gehrig’s disease. It unfolds the story of how these visits changed Mitch’s outlook on life. It is a feast for the mind and the heart. | |||
| Cast | |||
| Morrie Schwartz | Jose Mari Avellana | ||
| Mitch Albom | Bart Guingona | ||
| February 1-17, 2008 |
| Venue |
| OnStage |
| 2/F Greenbelt 1, Ayala Center, Makati City |
| Director |
| Ana Bitong |
| Synopsis | ||
| “To be, or not to be: that is the question.” – Probably the most famous speech in the English language from Shakespeare’s greatest masterpiece. Prince Hamlet attempts to seek revenge on his Uncle Claudius for poisoning his father, King of Denmark, and ascending to the throne. Hamlet exceeds by far most other tragedies of revenge in picturing the mingled sordidness and glory of the human condition. This is the first time Repertory Philippines takes on this dark tale of indecision, revenge and retribution, deception, ambition, loyalty and fate. |
||
| February 29 – March 16, 2008 |
| Venue |
| OnStage |
| 2/F Greenbelt 1, Ayala Center, Makati City |
| Director |
| Miguel Faustman |
| Synopsis | |||
| A romantic comedy about two lonely neighbors in a Chicago apartment building. Throughout the play, Isabel Fox and Charles Norton contend with their own feelings and those of their parents (who have a budding romance of their own). All four characters use their knack for music and words as they nervously navigate the path of true love. Romance In D’ is about communication, exploring oneself and expressing feeling. | |||
| Cast | |||
| Isabel Fox | Ana Abad Santos – Bitong | ||
| Helen Norton | Pinky Marquez | ||
| Altar Boyz |
| April 4-27, 2008 |
| Venue |
| OnStage |
| 2/F Greenbelt 1, Ayala Center, Makati City |
| Director |
| Chari Arespacochaga |
| Synopsis | ||
| What if there was an openly Christian boy band? Winner of the 2005 Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off-Broadway Musical, ALTAR BOYZ is the smash hit musical-satire about a heavenly guy-group on the rise to stardom. The self-anointed apostles of pop–Matthew, Mark, Luke, Juan, and Abraham take the audience to church with catchy melodies, freaky moves, and product in their hair. Altar Boyz is destined to rock the masses of all denominations! A crowd pleaser, for sure: a harmless, non-stop good time, perfect for kids and teens and adults. | ||
I’d like to personally invite you to be a REP subscriber. It’s a theater year I’m really excited about and I’m counting on your support.
SO SUBSCRIBE NOW! SEASON TICKETS for REP’S 71st season (January
to April, 2008) are now available! It’s really worth it to get a season ticket for your self, plus they make great Christmas gifts as well. It’s so easy! Just fill out the form on the subscription page and your tickets will be mailed to you. I hope to hear from you soon and see you at the theater!
Rem Zamora
TICKET PRICES
|
Gold |
Silver |
Free Seating |
|
|
Subscription |
P1,800 |
P1,200 |
N/A |
|
Single ticket |
P550 |
P350 |
P250 |
Special packages for schools and corporations are available. Call 887-0710 for more information.
Gold Pass
First 4 Plays – P1,800.00
Silver Pass First 4 Plays – P1,200.00
INCOMING OFF SEASON SHOWS
| August 9 – December 18, 2008 |
| Venue |
| Insular Life Theater, Makati |
| Synopsis | ||
| Based on an ancient Chinese legend, Mulan tells the exploits of a real-life girl warrior. When her homeland and family are threatened by an invasion of bloodthirsty Huns, Mulan runs away to join the army in her father’s place. There she learns that her courage, intelligence, and determination offer her a way to bring honor to her family and herself and becomes one of China’s greatest heroes in the process | ||
| November 14 – December 21, 2008 |
| Venue |
| Insular Life Theater, Makati |
| Synopsis | ||
| An elaborate retelling of one of the most touching and enduring Christmas stories of all time. There are many adaptations of A Christmas Carol out there, but only one Broadway version! Based on the beloved Charles Dickens novel, A Christmas Carol, of course, tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a bad-tempered miser who learns the value of love and family after he is visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. The inspiring, delightful tale and the engaging music are sure to prove to be a family favorite. Its message that there’s good in everyone is a timeless moral of hope, perfect for the Christmas season’s commitment to peace, joy, hope, and love. | ||
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