Whether she's locked in a house on a reality series, or playing a perky tour guide on a remake of a Korean telenovela, Kim Chiu stays true to herself.
Pretty young thing
By Walter Ang
July-August 2008 issue (Maiden issue)
You Magazine
Kimberly Chiu sits curled up in her chair, slightly groggy from having just woken up from a nap. The poor girl is exhausted from a full day of traversing the city, going from one engagement to another. The life of an up-and-coming young star certainly requires more stamina than most people assume.
This 18 year old's claim to fame began when she joined a reality TV show where contestants are mandated to stay inside a house filled with surveillance cameras and microphones. After spending an entire summer inside that famed house with other teenagers and avoiding eviction from her housemates, Kim emerged the winner with more than 600,000 audience votes (more than 40% of the total votes).
Since then, Kim has decided to, as we say around here, "enter showbiz." An ensemble teenybopper movie was soon under her belt and this led to a solo starrer with her love team partner Gerald Anderson. A popular tandem with audiences, the pair was also tapped to do a telenovela that was also shown also in Taiwan.
Busy The craft and discipline of working in the field of acting promptly kicks in as Kim straightens her back, switches on some source of internal energy, and perks right up.
Her days are, as she explains, "Very busy with tapings and pictorials. There really is no time to rest." She talks about the long hours involved in working as a talent in the broadcast industry. "Sometimes we wrap early in the morning and I only have a few hours of sleep before I need to get to my next call time."
She says all of this with a big grin and quickly adds, "But it's fun!" For a teenager who auditioned for a TV show just for the heck of it, Kim points out, "I had no idea I would be thrust into this kind of world. I was just an ordinary girl who wanted to go to college after high school," she says.
Determined Despite her hectic and sometimes erratic schedule, education is still a priority. She makes sure to stay enrolled in a distance learning program and shares her dreams for the future. "I want to take up something related to business because," as she matter-of-factly puts it, "I don't know anything at all about running a business. I want to learn."
Given the chance, she wants to eventually put up a restaurant or a grocery store. "I like looking at nice food," she shares. Ultimately, it is a keen practicality that informs her choice, "I want a business that will be stable and we Filipinos love to eat."
In the meantime, her calendar is currently filled with taping for an upcoming Filipino television series adapted from a Koreanovela. Preparations included studying the original Korean show ("It was a must for us to watch it because some of the scenes we are going to do will be replicas of the original.") and refreshing herself in foreign languages for certain scenes that are crucial to the exposition of her role.
"I will be playing a character who is proficient in Cebuano, Chinese, and Tagalog," she explains. These are languages she's familiar with, having grown up in Cebu City. "But at home, my family speaks Fujian Chinese and I'm not so used to Mandarin Chinese."
Fun You can tell that beneath all her cheer and girly demeanor, Kim is one determined individual. "My character starts out as a tour guide and, of course, her spiels have to look natural," she says. Kim then recounts how she worked hard to memorize "all those lines," and gives out a congratulatory laugh for herself.
In fact, Kim punctuates most of her sentences with a smile or a laugh. She admits to gravitating towards humor and fun because, well, that's what she's like in real life, too. "That's why I like my role's personality. She's bubbly and fun."
This natural ebullience and laid back attitude permeates how she views life as well, "I like living in the moment. What will happen, will happen," she announces. No complicated living for this jeans-shirt-and-sandals girl, thank you. "Sure, I dress up and use make-up, but I don't really like going out. I prefer staying at home where it's quiet and I get to watch TV, eat and sleep."
Confidence When she does get a chance to go out, however, she is partial to wearing clothes that have "shocking colors, because I want to be seen. I don't like pale or dark colors for my outfits." This loud, outgoin bent ? this love of the limelight, even ? wasn't too apparent when she was growing up, "Even though I'd join all these school projects where we had to perform, I only really joined for the extra credit," she admits. "But when I finally went into showbiz, my family and friends were surprised!"
Having been able to surprise so many people and entertain so many Filipinos through national television and movies may have satiated her need to "shock." She is, after all, starting to become a lady. "I want to look elegant. I have a favorite pair of silver earrings that is for every day use," she says. "Just don't make me wear necklaces!" she laughs.
Kim wears a kooky mix of confidence and charm that seems to suit her very well in this very public life that she now leads. She appreciates the fact that she's become a role model to young girls and understands the need to "be wholesome, where you don't show or exhibit any behavior that is ugly." She's not too worried, though. "I don't control what I do, whatever personality I `project' to the public, that's really who I am."
Julius Babao's art collection
Julius Babao's art collection
By Walter Ang
June 23, 2008
Philippine Daily Inquirer
The façade of newscaster Julius Babao's home is austere. However, its plain walls, clean lines, and lack of embellishments belie a cornucopia of colors and shapes that adorn the interior. There is an almost acute sense of horror vacuii upon entering the home as every available square inch of wall space is filled with paintings of varying sizes in every imaginable technique and medium.
The eye-level painting nearest the door by Welbart shows dramatic red curtains oh-so-slightly parted in the middle, revealing the faces of two harlequins in a deep, furtive kiss. High above everything else, with a sole wall dedicated to it, is one of Babao's favorites, Elmer Borlongan's "Bus stop" depicting several would-be passengers in various poses of sleepiness.
These two pieces are an apt prelude for every visitor: yes, there's a lot going on here, this is just the holding area, and you've only seen the tip of the iceberg. A kinetic bust (a sculpture with moving parts) by Gabby Barredo stares at the door, beckoning new arrivals to stay and digest the eclectic exhibit curated by Babao in his home-cum-gallery.
Passion
If there is anyone to "blame" for his obvious passion for visual arts, it is Onib Olmedo. Although Babao wanted to take up fine arts in college, he never thought he would one day be collecting art. But back in the mid-90s, he passed by one of Olmedo's pieces at a mall-based gallery and was smitten.
"It was beautiful. I got goosebumps," he recalls. "I had no idea who the painter was. They told me he was dead already." He was still a starting reporter and blanched at the price, but the love affair had already been sparked. "I told myself that someday, I would buy one of his paintings."
A few years later, he acquired his first Olmedo painting on installment. It wasn't long till he'd amassed a collection that includes the works of Ang Kiukok, Mauro "Malang" Santos, Arturo Luz, Benedicto "Bencab" Cabrera, Jose Goya, Gus Albor, Lydia Cruz, Mark Justiniani, Froilan Calayag, Pedro Garcia, Emmanuel Garibay, Ronald Ventura, Bernardo Pacquing, Jerson Samson, Alfredo Esquillo, and Manuel Ocampo, among others.
Enthusiasm
If an "accomplice" to this stockpiling has to be named, it is Dr. Joven Cuanang, proprietor of Boston gallery (home of the Saling Pusa arts group of Borlongan, Garibay and Justiniani) and Pinto Art Gallery. "He is my adviser and mentor when it comes to art," says Babao.
His deep affinity to the visual arts has also resulted in friendships with the artists he deals with. Malang, Bencab and Ang Kiukok were his wedding godfathers. "I have more friends in the art world than in the media," he says.
Babao is clearly immersed in the art world and waxes enthusiastic about the current state of the Philippine art scene. "So many people are buying art now. Some artists have waiting lists of over 60 buyers each. Imagine how many years they would have to keep on painting to fill the demand!"
He cautions, however, that those who buy art solely for potential financial gains should reassess their objectives. "Investment should be secondary. What is important is that you like what you buy," he says.
Compassion
This July, Babao is mixing all these elements of passion, art, friendship and investments into a palette of noble enterprise. He has parlayed his connections into donating paintings for a fund raising auction where all proceeds will go into building an entire village for Gawad Kalinga in Bagong Silang, Caloocan.
Gawad Kalinga is a movement for nation-building that aims to transform poverty stricken areas with the goal of building 700,000 homes in seven years (2003-2010). Babao's wife Christine sponsored one home last year for a GK village for her birthday and encouraged him to do the same.
He has upped the ante and decided to sponsor an entire village. "We'll be building 25-30 houses and we'll be calling it Art 40 Village," says Babao. The number 40 is holds sentimental value. "I'm turning 40 this year and this is actually my birthday project."
"When I broached the idea to my artist friends a few months ago, I had an overwhelming positive response," says Babao. To date, close to a hundred artists have signed up and he's still getting calls from artists who wish to join the undertaking. The auction will be held on July 20 at Pinto Art Gallery, Antipolo where Babao had his wedding reception.
After the houses are built, Babao plans to invite all the involved artists to paint murals on the facades of the house to inject public art into the community. "Art is not just for appreciation," he says. "I have a lot of passion for it and I want to use it to help those who need it."
For details, call 722-9205. Visit art40.multiply.com to preview paintings up for auction.
Also published online:
http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view/20080623-144190/Julius-Babaos-art-collection
By Walter Ang
June 23, 2008
Philippine Daily Inquirer
The eye-level painting nearest the door by Welbart shows dramatic red curtains oh-so-slightly parted in the middle, revealing the faces of two harlequins in a deep, furtive kiss. High above everything else, with a sole wall dedicated to it, is one of Babao's favorites, Elmer Borlongan's "Bus stop" depicting several would-be passengers in various poses of sleepiness.
These two pieces are an apt prelude for every visitor: yes, there's a lot going on here, this is just the holding area, and you've only seen the tip of the iceberg. A kinetic bust (a sculpture with moving parts) by Gabby Barredo stares at the door, beckoning new arrivals to stay and digest the eclectic exhibit curated by Babao in his home-cum-gallery.
Passion
If there is anyone to "blame" for his obvious passion for visual arts, it is Onib Olmedo. Although Babao wanted to take up fine arts in college, he never thought he would one day be collecting art. But back in the mid-90s, he passed by one of Olmedo's pieces at a mall-based gallery and was smitten.
"It was beautiful. I got goosebumps," he recalls. "I had no idea who the painter was. They told me he was dead already." He was still a starting reporter and blanched at the price, but the love affair had already been sparked. "I told myself that someday, I would buy one of his paintings."
A few years later, he acquired his first Olmedo painting on installment. It wasn't long till he'd amassed a collection that includes the works of Ang Kiukok, Mauro "Malang" Santos, Arturo Luz, Benedicto "Bencab" Cabrera, Jose Goya, Gus Albor, Lydia Cruz, Mark Justiniani, Froilan Calayag, Pedro Garcia, Emmanuel Garibay, Ronald Ventura, Bernardo Pacquing, Jerson Samson, Alfredo Esquillo, and Manuel Ocampo, among others.
Enthusiasm
If an "accomplice" to this stockpiling has to be named, it is Dr. Joven Cuanang, proprietor of Boston gallery (home of the Saling Pusa arts group of Borlongan, Garibay and Justiniani) and Pinto Art Gallery. "He is my adviser and mentor when it comes to art," says Babao.
His deep affinity to the visual arts has also resulted in friendships with the artists he deals with. Malang, Bencab and Ang Kiukok were his wedding godfathers. "I have more friends in the art world than in the media," he says.
Babao is clearly immersed in the art world and waxes enthusiastic about the current state of the Philippine art scene. "So many people are buying art now. Some artists have waiting lists of over 60 buyers each. Imagine how many years they would have to keep on painting to fill the demand!"
He cautions, however, that those who buy art solely for potential financial gains should reassess their objectives. "Investment should be secondary. What is important is that you like what you buy," he says.
Compassion
This July, Babao is mixing all these elements of passion, art, friendship and investments into a palette of noble enterprise. He has parlayed his connections into donating paintings for a fund raising auction where all proceeds will go into building an entire village for Gawad Kalinga in Bagong Silang, Caloocan.
Gawad Kalinga is a movement for nation-building that aims to transform poverty stricken areas with the goal of building 700,000 homes in seven years (2003-2010). Babao's wife Christine sponsored one home last year for a GK village for her birthday and encouraged him to do the same.
He has upped the ante and decided to sponsor an entire village. "We'll be building 25-30 houses and we'll be calling it Art 40 Village," says Babao. The number 40 is holds sentimental value. "I'm turning 40 this year and this is actually my birthday project."
"When I broached the idea to my artist friends a few months ago, I had an overwhelming positive response," says Babao. To date, close to a hundred artists have signed up and he's still getting calls from artists who wish to join the undertaking. The auction will be held on July 20 at Pinto Art Gallery, Antipolo where Babao had his wedding reception.
After the houses are built, Babao plans to invite all the involved artists to paint murals on the facades of the house to inject public art into the community. "Art is not just for appreciation," he says. "I have a lot of passion for it and I want to use it to help those who need it."
For details, call 722-9205. Visit art40.multiply.com to preview paintings up for auction.
Also published online:
http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view/20080623-144190/Julius-Babaos-art-collection
Photo exhibit of Bohol churches' ceiling murals at Ayala Museum
Blessed images on ceiling
By Walter Ang
June 23, 2008
Philippine Daily Inquirer
A flurry of white shingles suspended in mid-air leads visitors' eyes skyward and onward to Ayala Musuem's photo exhibit on the ceiling murals of Bohol churches. "Kisame: Visions of Heaven on Earth" aims to generate greater awareness of the historical and aesthetic significance of these large-scale murals and ceiling paintings.
Kisame is part of the Filipino Heritage Festival's many activities for this year's Filipino Heritage Month (which is held annually in May). "With the corrosion caused by bat droppings, rain water on roof ruts, and subsequent repair and repainting of corroded ceilings, these treasures are in great danger," warns festival director Bambi Harper. "It is high time for Filipinos to have a good look at these living museums, our mementos of the Catholic faith that blossomed through ages."
Out of twenty or so Spanish-era-built churches under the care of the Diocese of Tagbilaran and Diocese of Talibon, twelve boast of painted ceilings in various stages of preservation including those in the parishes of Alburquerque, Baclayon, Cortes, Dauis, Dimiao, Lila, Loay, Loboc, Loon, Maribojoc, Panglao and Tubigon.
Presumably commissioned by the first Filipino Bishop of Cebu, Monsignor Juan Gorordo in the 1920s, several young painters were responsible for these enduring works of art. Two featured artists in this exhibit are Canuto Avila and Raymundo Francia, considered Cebu's Michelangelo.
Francia is credited with painting an estimated 80 percent of Bohol's churches and, despite the lack of formal training, developed a paint mixture that has retained its original brilliance and color through the passage of almost a century.
"This exhibit highlights the church's use of art for the enlightenment of the faithful. Artists worked lovingly, but arduously, to bequeath us these treasures. We must strive in equal measure to show future generations of Filipinos the richness of our church heritage," museum director Maritoni Ortigas says.
Aside from exposure to the elements, circumstances in the past such as whitewashing of ceilings have already erased a number of these sacred visual art works. To address the need to document the extant oeuvre, the ceiling murals were photographed by Atty. Paquito "Jojo" Ochoa, Jr.
Selected shots of whole paintings and close-ups of details were then printed on panels that comprise the display curated by Fr. Milan Ted Torralba, executive secretary of the Permanent Committee for the Cultural Heritage of the Church-Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines. The different images in the display "symbolize the various themes that highlight aspects of divine realities," he says.
Kisame has actually undergone a first incarnation last year. "Back then, it was titled Kisame: Touching Heaven. With the support of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, we mounted it at St. Peter the Apostle Parish, in Loboc, Bohol," Fr Torralba says.
Afterwards, the exhibit pilgrimaged to different parishes of the Diocese of Tagbilaran. "Some of its parts, now separated from the main body of the exhibit, were installed in a number of parishes," he says. An agreement was eventually established between the festival organizers and Ayala Museum to remount Kisame on a more substantial scale.
Regardless of scale, "a bare ceiling is a reflective of minimalism, or even nihilism. Ceilings with ornaments, ceilings with murals, ceilings with fresco and secco paintings become a medium of different human aspirations," he says. "The artists' images give forms to the longings of the human soul to be able to share, not only in the divinity of the Godhead, but to be immortal, to be eternal, to be like God?in Heaven."
Kisame runs until July 20, 2008. For details, call Ayala Museum at 757-7117 to 21 ext. 28 or Filipino Heritage Office at 892-5865.
Also published online:
http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view/20080623-144187/Blessed-images-on-ceiling
By Walter Ang
June 23, 2008
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Kisame is part of the Filipino Heritage Festival's many activities for this year's Filipino Heritage Month (which is held annually in May). "With the corrosion caused by bat droppings, rain water on roof ruts, and subsequent repair and repainting of corroded ceilings, these treasures are in great danger," warns festival director Bambi Harper. "It is high time for Filipinos to have a good look at these living museums, our mementos of the Catholic faith that blossomed through ages."
Out of twenty or so Spanish-era-built churches under the care of the Diocese of Tagbilaran and Diocese of Talibon, twelve boast of painted ceilings in various stages of preservation including those in the parishes of Alburquerque, Baclayon, Cortes, Dauis, Dimiao, Lila, Loay, Loboc, Loon, Maribojoc, Panglao and Tubigon.
Presumably commissioned by the first Filipino Bishop of Cebu, Monsignor Juan Gorordo in the 1920s, several young painters were responsible for these enduring works of art. Two featured artists in this exhibit are Canuto Avila and Raymundo Francia, considered Cebu's Michelangelo.
Francia is credited with painting an estimated 80 percent of Bohol's churches and, despite the lack of formal training, developed a paint mixture that has retained its original brilliance and color through the passage of almost a century.
"This exhibit highlights the church's use of art for the enlightenment of the faithful. Artists worked lovingly, but arduously, to bequeath us these treasures. We must strive in equal measure to show future generations of Filipinos the richness of our church heritage," museum director Maritoni Ortigas says.
Aside from exposure to the elements, circumstances in the past such as whitewashing of ceilings have already erased a number of these sacred visual art works. To address the need to document the extant oeuvre, the ceiling murals were photographed by Atty. Paquito "Jojo" Ochoa, Jr.
Selected shots of whole paintings and close-ups of details were then printed on panels that comprise the display curated by Fr. Milan Ted Torralba, executive secretary of the Permanent Committee for the Cultural Heritage of the Church-Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines. The different images in the display "symbolize the various themes that highlight aspects of divine realities," he says.
Kisame has actually undergone a first incarnation last year. "Back then, it was titled Kisame: Touching Heaven. With the support of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, we mounted it at St. Peter the Apostle Parish, in Loboc, Bohol," Fr Torralba says.
Afterwards, the exhibit pilgrimaged to different parishes of the Diocese of Tagbilaran. "Some of its parts, now separated from the main body of the exhibit, were installed in a number of parishes," he says. An agreement was eventually established between the festival organizers and Ayala Museum to remount Kisame on a more substantial scale.
Regardless of scale, "a bare ceiling is a reflective of minimalism, or even nihilism. Ceilings with ornaments, ceilings with murals, ceilings with fresco and secco paintings become a medium of different human aspirations," he says. "The artists' images give forms to the longings of the human soul to be able to share, not only in the divinity of the Godhead, but to be immortal, to be eternal, to be like God?in Heaven."
Kisame runs until July 20, 2008. For details, call Ayala Museum at 757-7117 to 21 ext. 28 or Filipino Heritage Office at 892-5865.
Also published online:
http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view/20080623-144187/Blessed-images-on-ceiling
Stirring up contemporary dance: Wifi Body Contemporary Dance Festival 3
Stirring up contemporary dance
By Walter Ang
June 9, 2008
Philippine Daily Inquirer
It is befitting that Wifi Body Festival 3, an independent contemporary dance festival to be held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, will take place during the week of Independence Day. This year's main showcase performance revolves around the theme "dance in revolution, revolution in dance," and is a wink and nudge at (but also a respectful bow and salute to) the state of contemporary dance in the country.
Festival director Myra Beltran talks of how, about a decade ago, "independent dance practice in the Philippines necessarily had to be contemporary in approach and aesthetic," and how it "broke away from the regular conceptions and conventions of `formal' dance, that is, classical ballet."
"This growing movement of independent dance, this `revolution' is what this festival celebrates," she says. "This movement has grown through different solo artists and dance groups scattered all over the country. The name of the festival signifies our unity, how we are all connected `wirelessly.'"
Presented by the World Dance Alliance-Philippine Choreographers' Network, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts with support from the Ayala Corporation, the name of the festival also aims to engage the public, especially younger audiences weaned in a digital age. "In this increasingly virtual world, the human body is becoming negated," she says. "Wifi Body will allow everyone to `access' contemporary dance."
Rebellion
As if to truly immerse audiences in the realm of rebellion, two major performances will be situated away from the "traditional" proscenium stage. The "Blackbox Intiative" will feature pieces created for the CCP's intimate studio theater while "Dance-on-site" serves as a venue for choreographers to create pieces specifically for unique spaces in and around the cultural center.
Beltran points out that "Dance changes according to the space or environment you're in. These alternative spaces allow performers to concentrate on the essence of what their piece aims to convey, it allows the audience to share in this experience, and ultimately, it forces everyone to concentrate on the essence of humanity. Both dancers and audiences are enabled to share more of themselves."
UP Dance Company, Chameleon Dance Theatre, Kahayag Community Dance and Theater Company (of South Cotabato) and Dance=Pull (of Bacolod) are the groups who will present in Blackbox while Dance-on-site will showcase pieces to be performed at the main theater's loading dock, main theater lobby and the gift shop at the little theater lobby.
"These places are really `not practical,' out-of-the way and dimly lit. But these are where little stories and transformative experiences can occur," says Beltran.
No boundaries
Meanwhile, the festival's themes are distilled into its main showcase aptly titled, "IndepenDance." It will feature the piece "Indios Bravos" choreographed by Dwight Rodrigazo and performed by Airdance.
"Indios Bravos is a commentary on turn-of-the-century Filipino expatriates who fought for Philippine independence and their connection to present day Filipinos working abroad. Both are united in their struggle, hardships and the glory they bring to the country," explains Beltran. Also featured in IndepenDance will be the work of Ava Villanueva, first prize winner of last year's New Choreographers Competiton.
Further pushing the notion of connectivity between dancers sans borders, the festival will also play host to international dance artists. "They're here to celebrate our independence with us," says Beltran. "For IndepenDance, we'll have Japanese dancer Shigemi Kitamura and Madrid dance group Provisional Danza led by artistic director Carmen Werner and Alejandro Morata."
In addition, Rosita Boisseau, French journalist and dance critic for Le Monde and Telerama, will conduct a seminar on Dance Journalism, touching on topics such as history and evolution of roles and genres in contemporary dance as well as music as an integral part of dance.
Supporting the festival are foreign cultural entities such as the Japan Foundation Manila, Instituto Cervantes Manila, Embajada de España en Filipinas, Ministerio de Cultura-Gobierno de España, and Alliance Française de Manille. "Dance is a universal language," says Beltran. "It really has no barriers."
Homegrown
Even with the foreign participation, the festival is fully aware of its role as the breeding ground of up-and-coming regional choreographers and dancers through its New Choreographers Competition. "The competition has fourteen finalists with contestants from Bacolod, Koronadal City, South Cotabato and General Santos City," says Beltran. "The winner will be recommended to compete at the Yokohama Competition with the support and endorsement of the Japan Foundation Manila."
The competition is exclusively for the solo and duet form. "The solo or duet form most conveys a choreographer's artistic vision, in compact form. The solo can be a channel for engagement, and the duet can inspire us to see how intimately we connect with each other," says Beltran.
"We also want to give opportunities to young talents from various independent groups and school-based groups, so there will be an Emerging Talent Showcase for them," says Beltran. Contemporary Dance Workshops will also be conducted where "anyone of any age, size or shape can join."
To provide a voice for contemporary dance artists, students and teachers, a forum titled "Plenary: Towards a Philippine Contemporary Dance Network" will be held where "Everyone is invited to exchange ideas and map out the next steps in truly creating a national contemporary dance network for a new generation of artists."
For schedules and details, visit www.geocities.com/wifibody. Tickets available at CCP Box Office (832-3704) and all Ticketworld outlets (891-9999).
Also published online:
2008 gets ready for the 4th Virgin Labfest
Take 4 for Virgin Labfest
By Walter Ang
June 9, 2008
Philippine Daily Inquirer
"The Virgin Labfest is a venue for playwrights, directors and actors to bring to life `untried, untested, unpublished and unstaged' one-act plays," explains festival founder Rody Vera. Now on its fourth year, this annual showcase of emerging playwrights has grown organically and now includes a workshop component for high school students who wish to learn more about the craft of playwriting and even a contest for owners of blogs (web logs or online journals).
Kicking off on June 25 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the labfest is presented by the Writers Bloc, an independent organization of established and aspiring playwrights headed by Vera, and the CCP's resident theater group Tanghalang Pilipino.
Following the convention of past labfests, "this year, there will be five sets of one-act trilogies where each set deals with a central topic or unifying theme ranging from comedies to political commentaries and gender issues to ghost stories," says Vera.
Heavyweights
In the set "Katotohanan, Katarungan, Kapatiran," first time labfest entrant National Artist for Literature F. Sionil Jose's "Dong-ao" serves as a sequel of sorts to the author's series of novels Pretenders, Tree and Mass. "Dong-ao is a traditional Ilokano funeral ceremony where relatives and friends pay tribute to the deceased. In this short play, Pepe Samson, the lead character in Jose's novel Mass is already dead. Different characters from the three novels visit the wake and speak their mind," Vera explains.
Given that Jose's three novels had already been adapted to for the stage, he will be sharing his thoughts in a forum titled "From Page to Stage; The Novelist in Front of the Footlights."
Noted director and playwright Floy Quintos will also be a first time entrant to the labfest with his "Ang Kalungkutan ng mga Reyna" included in the set "Pagkagahaman. Panlilinlang. Pananampalataya." His play is about "a lady president who wants to be queen and her conversations with hairdresser," says Vera.
Name blind
This year's inclusion of experienced and veteran writers has provided an air of prestige for the other up-and-coming playwrights. "They are honored and excited to be included in the same festival with Jose and Quintos," says Vera. Names, however, are never part of Vera's selection process when he shortlists which plays will be included in the labfest.
This color-blind (or name-blind, in this instance) method has resulted in the inclusion of two foreign playwrights in this year's festival. Japanese Hasehiroichi's "Amoy ng Langit," a ghost story, and Malaysian Koh Jun Eiow's "Ang Dalawa Niyang Libing."
Koh's play is about a Chinese businessman living in Malaysia who converts to Islam in order to fit in but does not actually practice it. "The play tackles the travails of a family caught in between two faiths and a government unable to address the problem that has turned into a national issue," says Vera. "It's a composite of real people because this actually happens in Malaysia. In fact, because it's such a delicate issue, I don't know if it will ever be produced there."
Also for kids
The festival also has one set of plays especially for children. "These were plays commissioned by the Philippine Board on Books for Young People based on published children's stories," explains Vera. The set "Mga premyadong kuwentong pambata," will feature Niel de Mesa's adaptation of "Terengati" by Victoria Añonuevo, Argel Tuazon's adaptation of "Bru-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha, Bru-hi-hi-hi-hi-hi" by Ma. Corazon Remigio, and Job Pagsibigan's adaptation of "Uuwi na Ang Nanay Kong si Darna" by Edgar Samar.
To provide audiences the best chance of catching the shows (given the wide variety and number of productions), each of the five sets is scheduled to be staged four times.
Attendees to the first weekend performances will have a chance to win prizes. "All active bloggers need to do is write a blog (web log or online journal) review about a specific set and post it in their blogs within 48 hours after watching," says Dennis Marasigan, Tanghalang Pilipino's Artistic Director. Winners will be chosen for each set of Labfest plays and receive prizes consisting of gift certificates and other merchandise.
In addition to the main performances, full length plays will be featured in a series of staged readings. The readings will include excerpts from "Savage Stage," an anthology of nine plays spearheaded by Ma-Yi Theater Company?the well lauded Filipino theater company based in New York City led by executive director Jorge Ortoll and artistic director Ralph Peña.
In line with its objective to train young writers and to discover new talents and works, this year's festival has a new component called the Labfest Lab.
"We'll have ten slots for high school students who are interested in theater and playwriting to be mentored throughout the festival by a member of the Writer's Bloc. They will be given complimentary tickets to all the Labfest performances and will have workshops sessions on playwriting with director and playwright Niel de Mesa," Vera says. "At the end of the festival, the students are expected to write short, five or ten minute plays." The Labfest Lab will culminate in a staged reading of their works.
For details on the Virgin Labfest, call 832-1125 loc. 1600 or 832-3661. For details on how to apply for a slot in Labfest Lab, please call Nikki Torres at 832-1125 loc. 1607 or 832-2314 or email drama_ccp@yahoo.com.
Also published online:
http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view/20080609-141529/Take-4-for-Virgin-Labfest
By Walter Ang
June 9, 2008
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Kicking off on June 25 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the labfest is presented by the Writers Bloc, an independent organization of established and aspiring playwrights headed by Vera, and the CCP's resident theater group Tanghalang Pilipino.
Following the convention of past labfests, "this year, there will be five sets of one-act trilogies where each set deals with a central topic or unifying theme ranging from comedies to political commentaries and gender issues to ghost stories," says Vera.
Heavyweights
In the set "Katotohanan, Katarungan, Kapatiran," first time labfest entrant National Artist for Literature F. Sionil Jose's "Dong-ao" serves as a sequel of sorts to the author's series of novels Pretenders, Tree and Mass. "Dong-ao is a traditional Ilokano funeral ceremony where relatives and friends pay tribute to the deceased. In this short play, Pepe Samson, the lead character in Jose's novel Mass is already dead. Different characters from the three novels visit the wake and speak their mind," Vera explains.
Given that Jose's three novels had already been adapted to for the stage, he will be sharing his thoughts in a forum titled "From Page to Stage; The Novelist in Front of the Footlights."
Noted director and playwright Floy Quintos will also be a first time entrant to the labfest with his "Ang Kalungkutan ng mga Reyna" included in the set "Pagkagahaman. Panlilinlang. Pananampalataya." His play is about "a lady president who wants to be queen and her conversations with hairdresser," says Vera.
Name blind
This year's inclusion of experienced and veteran writers has provided an air of prestige for the other up-and-coming playwrights. "They are honored and excited to be included in the same festival with Jose and Quintos," says Vera. Names, however, are never part of Vera's selection process when he shortlists which plays will be included in the labfest.
This color-blind (or name-blind, in this instance) method has resulted in the inclusion of two foreign playwrights in this year's festival. Japanese Hasehiroichi's "Amoy ng Langit," a ghost story, and Malaysian Koh Jun Eiow's "Ang Dalawa Niyang Libing."
Koh's play is about a Chinese businessman living in Malaysia who converts to Islam in order to fit in but does not actually practice it. "The play tackles the travails of a family caught in between two faiths and a government unable to address the problem that has turned into a national issue," says Vera. "It's a composite of real people because this actually happens in Malaysia. In fact, because it's such a delicate issue, I don't know if it will ever be produced there."
Also for kids
The festival also has one set of plays especially for children. "These were plays commissioned by the Philippine Board on Books for Young People based on published children's stories," explains Vera. The set "Mga premyadong kuwentong pambata," will feature Niel de Mesa's adaptation of "Terengati" by Victoria Añonuevo, Argel Tuazon's adaptation of "Bru-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha, Bru-hi-hi-hi-hi-hi" by Ma. Corazon Remigio, and Job Pagsibigan's adaptation of "Uuwi na Ang Nanay Kong si Darna" by Edgar Samar.
To provide audiences the best chance of catching the shows (given the wide variety and number of productions), each of the five sets is scheduled to be staged four times.
Attendees to the first weekend performances will have a chance to win prizes. "All active bloggers need to do is write a blog (web log or online journal) review about a specific set and post it in their blogs within 48 hours after watching," says Dennis Marasigan, Tanghalang Pilipino's Artistic Director. Winners will be chosen for each set of Labfest plays and receive prizes consisting of gift certificates and other merchandise.
In addition to the main performances, full length plays will be featured in a series of staged readings. The readings will include excerpts from "Savage Stage," an anthology of nine plays spearheaded by Ma-Yi Theater Company?the well lauded Filipino theater company based in New York City led by executive director Jorge Ortoll and artistic director Ralph Peña.
In line with its objective to train young writers and to discover new talents and works, this year's festival has a new component called the Labfest Lab.
"We'll have ten slots for high school students who are interested in theater and playwriting to be mentored throughout the festival by a member of the Writer's Bloc. They will be given complimentary tickets to all the Labfest performances and will have workshops sessions on playwriting with director and playwright Niel de Mesa," Vera says. "At the end of the festival, the students are expected to write short, five or ten minute plays." The Labfest Lab will culminate in a staged reading of their works.
For details on the Virgin Labfest, call 832-1125 loc. 1600 or 832-3661. For details on how to apply for a slot in Labfest Lab, please call Nikki Torres at 832-1125 loc. 1607 or 832-2314 or email drama_ccp@yahoo.com.
Also published online:
http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view/20080609-141529/Take-4-for-Virgin-Labfest
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