Fixated with the Café Scene

Posted on November 9, 2014 by heavenliner

cafe scene: my fave eac painting

Without clicking a single brain cell, my automatic response was the “Café Scene”. This was when I was asked which among the Emilio Aguilar Cruz (EAC) paintings featured in the newly launched Dimasalang Artists Collection was my favorite. The Dimasalang exhibit is a newly launched exhibition of gorgeous paintings by 6 artists at the National Museum of the Philippines.

photo grabbed from national museum of the phiilippines fb page

In fact, before this painting made it inside the museum of all museums of the Philippines, a lot of people actually owns a mini-copy of it tucked inside their wallet. This is because a couple of years ago this painting was chosen by Mastercard to be one of their credit cards’ cool designs. Here’s a link when I wrote about this: A Painting In My Wallet.

pautang!

To even prove my point that I indeed is a fan of this painting, the cover of my 2011 journal which I brought on my second trip to Australia was the photo of this magnificent painting.

my 2011 journal. this notebook kept me sane during a long train ride from sydney to gold coast.

Maybe the reason why I love this painting is because it captured the feeling of people who loves to celebrate food with friends and family. I guess, it can basically represent my being a social person.

Sosyal kasi ako. Kaya layk ko ‘yan. (saying this in pa-sosyal tone)

My National Museum

Posted on November 7, 2014 by heavenliner

Silly as it may seem, this blog can be a testimony that I truly adore going to museums. This is especially true during my out-of-the-country journeys and adventures. My trips abroad would usually have at least a day spent at a museum. Me and my friends would usually call it “the cultural day” segment of the adventure. This is the time when I would further immerse myself to the abundant culture, beautiful art and rich history of those far away cities.

What is so strange and striking is that I actually have not gone to the very national museum whom I consider my own. The very museum that features my nation’s culture, my nation’s art and my nation’s history. The very museum that does not need an airline ticket to visit but just a 10-minute taxi ride from my place of stay.

super like!

the old session hall of the senate of the philippines is now the national museum…

proud of my museum!

Thankfully, this strange and striking irony has been resolved. This is because I have been to the National Museum of the Philippines Thursday night to attend an art exhibit. The one of three domains of the museum that I particularly have been to that night was the main and the grandest domain, the National Art Gallery. The other two components (The Philippine Planetarium and The Museum of the Filipino People) of The National Museum are housed in an equally splendid buildings.

Being inside the building of the National Art Gallery already evokes some exquisite emotion. I was like being transported through a time capsule to the grand and auspicious era of the Philippines. The feeling was like being inside a gorgeous art piece, breathing with it and being part of it.

i love this shot! that man is f. sionil jose the national artist for literature. he is on his way to dimasalang exhibit...

i love this shot!
the hallway leading to the dimasalang exhibit. that man is f. sionil jose the national artist for literature.

Before and after the program formalities of the beautiful art exhibit I attended (housed in one of the glorious galleries of the building), I and my colleagues got the chance to view the other galleries of the museum. Museum directors graciously opened all galleries in all floors of the whole museum that night for all event attendees of the art exhibit to see and appreciate! The night time ambiance with impressive lighting mood inside the museum galleries further add up to the already massive emotions I was already feeling.

Aside from the penetratingly dramatic Spoliarium painting by Juan Luna and the massive yet gentle looking Diwata sculpture by Guillermo Tolentino, I will not be posting any photo of the art pieces on display. It is because I want you to go there and experience the same emotion I had.

a super huge painting! spoliarium by juan luna

a super huge oil on canvass painting! spoliarium by juan luna

diwata by guillermo tolentino

I never knew how rich, magnificent and stunning the Filipino-made art pieces were until last night. Those precious works of art were so beautifully intense it felt like those were interpolating divine messages directly towards me.

The visit to my National Museum was an outstanding buffet that fed my soul to the brim. It was no doubt an invigorating assault to my senses!

The National Art Gallery of the National Museum of the Philippines is open Tuesdays to Sundays, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Its free admission on Sundays.

Grabe, parang wala ako sa Maynila!

Feeling Charmed by The Way He Looks

Posted on September 3, 2014 by heavenliner

From my own personal observations and from what I have seen so far, pink movies usually have tragic or sad endings. It usually has too much or prolonged erotic scenes, it is fully packed with emotional wallop and it’s either too heavy or too flamboyant in terms of plot and characters. Everything seems too extreme making gay movies too cinematic.

Glad to note that all of these observations about a gay movie are not present in the Brazilian feature length film entitled The Way He Looks (original title: Hoje Eu Quero Voltar Sozinho) directed by Daniel Ribeiro.

About two or three years ago, I saw on YouTube the short film version of this movie where it was adapted and directed by the same director. That is why when YouTube recommended on its page the full length movie’s trailer I initially got confused. I was telling myself I already saw that adorable film but the images of the movie and the appearances of the characters seem to have changed. I thought the teaser was a continuation of the short film version and that the characters have grown a bit. Out of curiosity, I searched for the film online. I only realized that the director did a re-make of the short film into a new full length movie after I have clicked and searched YouTube.

Luckily for me but unfortunately for filmmaker Ribeiro, the full length version is available on YouTube. This enabled me to watch and appreciate the beauty and excellence of the film. Everything about this movie (both the short and the full-length versions) though simply expressed and executed, seem so brilliant – the light, lovable and innocent quality of the storyline, the captivating fineness of the actors, the distinction of the editing and production design and of course the cleverness of the director.

Even the endearing soundtrack is so merit-worthy. I am now so in love with the song ‘There’s Too Much Love’ by Belle & Sebastian. My favorite scene in the film includes the playing of this song! For me it was not the light kissing scene that is the most tender and most charming part of the movie. Rather it was when Gabriel was teaching the blind Leo how to dance while ‘There’s Too Much Love’ tune is playing.

Another appealing and impressive things about the movie is that it is not just about young gay romance. It is also about delightful family relationship, super friendship, boosting of self-worth and the quest for independence.

This movie deserves to be released commercially here in the Philippines. And if it does, expect me to be queuing at the box office and I would definitely be the first person in line.

Libre ko kayo pag pinalabas yan dito sa ‘Pinas.

Superlative Aesthetics of Barber’s Tales

Posted on August 22, 2014 by heavenliner

barber’s tales movie poster

All elements of a good movie seem to be present in the film Barber’s Tales written and directed by Jun Lana. Everything in the movie though simple in its attack seems mesmeric. It is so good the viewers at the end of the film could not control from clapping their hands.

It is a quiet movie yet its overall effect encompasses viewers’ expectations of a well-made film: honest-to-goodness directing and storytelling; unpredictable twists and characters; so-true-to-the-character acting performances; skillful use of the Filipino language; unobtrusive and discreet use of music that mixes naturally with the sound of the environment; and, lastly the brilliant use of old and faded colors.

I know there have been heaps of positive reviews and blog posts written about Barber’s Tales highlighting on how good the story is, how cohesive the direction and cinematography was or how impressive the actors were. Thus with this post, let me honor one aspect of the film that seems to have been slightly neglected. The production design.

Being a person who grew up in the era on when the story wheeled on, this element of the film truly delighted me. Thus, for me, Chito Sumera, the production designer of the movie is one of the movie’s superstars.

The movie’s production design brought me back to my pre-school years in Pasay. I agreed with all the 70’s period props and costumes featured in the movie. From the prostitutes’ usage of pink plastic rolers (curler tubes) on their hair, the presence of old transistor radio inside the barbershop, the usage of hoary kulambo (mosquito net), the presence of time-consuming ginanchillo (crochet fabric) on top of the rickety-looking tocador (a dresser) and even the old magazine with Margie Moran on its cover were all genuinely amazing to see. These well-researched props made me further feel the critical sensory-emotional values of the film.

when i was still a kid, i always thought that those batya (laundry tubs) were giant tansan (bottle caps)

I actually whispered to Nengkoy while the movie was running if she noticed and still recalls those reliable tin metal batya (laundry tub) which the main character and her best friend were using in one of the beautiful scenes.

These key design elements further elevated the film to be closer to what is the truth and what has existed in the past, thus, making the story so real.

The Barber’s Tales is still showing in few selected cinemas in the metro. For its ‘true’ aesthetics, this film is definitely a must watch movie.

Hanep!

Nora, Bona and the Masa

Posted on July 15, 2014 by heavenliner

Though all things seem to have settled down and it has been considered a wrinkle in time, Nora Aunor the greatest actress on the face of Philippine cinema must nevertheless be thankful that she was not bestowed the recognition of National Artist.

Reason?

She should be thankful for not being conferred by a President who doesn’t seem to know anything about sining (art). I have yet to read or learn in the news that the present Philippine president supports Philippine art.

She should be thankful for being nominated by her fellow potent Philippine artists but only to be scratched by a non-worthy President because this made a lot of people especially today’s generation to be interested and curious about how magnificent her body of work has been.

She should be thankful because her not being declared a National Artist pushed me to watch one of her greatest works entitled Bona.

the prolific nora in bona

Bona, directed by the equally genius Lino Brocka, remains significant and substantial in today’s time. The story and characters still remains to exist in today’s Filipino realm. It is unlike other films made in the past that when viewed now would already look silly and stupid. It remains germaine and relevant up to this day.

Some would say that Bona (the movie) would have been a better film if it explained why Bona (the character) had so much obsession and bizarre infatuation towards Gardo (a bit player and struggling movie actor). For me, this impenetrable and baffling element made Bona a great work of art. It is like conveying that feelings of passion, adoration and reverence need not be explained for it is simply unexplainable.

Bona, the movie is so relevant! Simply look on how we, the masa (ordinary middling populace) adore and revere today’s movie stars. Can you imagine today’s glamorous movie stars being so filthy rich when in fact they did not even finished high school or college?

Furthermore, like Bona, we are so unexplainably awestruck by the charm of these movie actors and actresses, majority of us even had the bizarre obsession of voting for them during election to occupy crucial seats in government offices. Only to be duped and hoodwinked later on by these very celebrities (slash now-government-executives), similar to that of Gardo towards Bona in the movie.

Surprisingly, even though the movie is already 15 years old, it still depicts the poverty and destitution that an ordinary masa endures to experience and suffer from. It felt like this unglamorous movie was just done yesterday! It is so unfortunate that the country’s presidents in the past and the present (the one who refused to name Nora a National Artist) seem not have done enough to alleviate these adversities.

Now that the President has gone over with the condemnation by the Philippine art community because of his dim-witted decision of not declaring Nora a National Artist, he should find time to watch Bona the movie. He would definitely get enlightened and learn a lot about Nora, Bona and the masa.

Pans kasi ni kristeta…

A Museum On My Mobile Phone

Posted on June 21, 2014 by heavenliner

the first piece of art that appeared on my device

“It feels like having a new mobile phone every day!”

This is what I generally feel every time I am surprised by the daily changes that happens to my phone’s wallpaper. Thanks to the mobile app Muzei (a Russian word meaning museum). Every day my phone home screen is automatically refreshed with works of art.

I really love the app’s classy concept. It’s so simple yet so unique. It’s the coolest way if you happen to be dealing with mobile-phone-homescreen-fatigue.

I am so happy and amazed by this clever app, I even bragged and announced this app to my co-workers during one of my lectures. This well done app can also optionally educate you. If you wish to know about the description of the featured art piece you simply click on the title. Then you will be directed to a wiki entry on the internet for the information.

refreshing!

winner!

he was a popular russian opera singer…

I have always believed that pieces of great works of art are the food for the people’s soul. Thus, this awesome app simply does that for me. Besides, you don’t want your “ulam” (viand) to be the same “ulam” every day. Right?

This is easily the best wallpaper you can put on your device!

Hayli rekomended!

A Painting In Corregidor

Posted on May 13, 2014 by heavenliner

the guns… one of the popular fixtures in corregidor

About two weeks ago while having a quiet weekend breakfast with Nengkoy, I learned that my family have close affiliation to that of the historic Island of Corregidor. During this peaceful breakfast, Nengkoy told me that her mother (Lola Teray) actually lived and inhabited the island of Corregidor for a considerable amount of time.

Nengkoy told me that Lola Teray (though was born in Naic, Cavite) lived with the rest of her family in Corregidor when the island was still under the control of the Americans. In fact, Nengkoy’s eldest sister (Aunt Lydia, who is now based in Canada) was born there. She also told me that Lola Teray and the rest of her family was living at the Bottomside of the island where Barrio San Jose was located.

Three Sundays ago, I got the pleasant chance to again visit Corregidor. It has again been an enlightening tour and visit. I learned from the tour guide that since the island was controlled by the Americans, Filipinos born in Corregidor in the past are given the option of either being an American or a Filipino citizen. How cool is that!

The competent tour guide however raised that at present the island is no longer inhabited by anyone and is already preserved because it has been declared a National Shrine. Thus, there is no longer called a newly born Corregidor-ian.

But what truly moved and startled me was when I saw a rather small framed painting hanged on the wall of the Pacific War Museum (the last stop of the tour before heading back to Manila). Surprisingly, the prolific piece of art which I never noticed during my first visit was actually painted by no less than my late Uncle Dante. The younger brother of Nengkoy. This further confirmed that indeed, somewhere in the marrow of my bones can be found my affiliation to the Island of Corregidor.

a street in early corregidor by dante romasanta

Painted in 1960, the painting depicts the life of ordinary citizens of Corregidor and the usual dealings of the locals with the Americans prior to the horrific World War II. It’s a representation of a social drama which imbibes a superlative story telling skill through the usage of oil pigments and genius strokes of the brush.

At first sight the painting may seem chaotic. But at a longer glance, it actually presents a mantra of noisy energy contained by discipline, freedom and order that is miraculously held together. This I suppose is the glory of this painting.

super proud!

I thought I would surprise Nengkoy about this immense discovery during that breakfast. So when I told her about my finding Uncle Dante’s painting, she simply told me that she has known about it all along. And that she has long been immensely proud by this artistic feat achieved by his beloved brother.

Super prawd pamangkin hir!!!

Lawiswis Kawayan at Sagano Bamboo Forest

Posted on April 20, 2014 by heavenliner

Since Japan has such an excellent train and subway system, it is always such a breeze to go around. That is why while staying in Osaka, I and my family decided to go to nearby Kyoto for a third visit.

breathtaking

love love love,,,

Many bloggers and world travel enthusiasts voted this place as one of the fifty places that a person should go to before dying. I could not agree more! I am actually honored and humbled and slightly freaked out when I was given this beautiful opportunity to be in such a breathtaking place.

The Sagano Bamboo Forest in Arashimaya, Kyoto is one breathtaking spot in this planet. A sense of serene tranquility permeates from this lush bamboo scenery. While traversing the narrow path, it felt like Mother Nature was giving my whole delicious body a warm comfortable hug.

my family from afar, posing for some photo opp

love it!

The enchanting sound of the bamboos swaying back and forth against the light wind is something to behold. It was like listening to an angel singing while feeding someone else’s soul. I was not surprised to know that as per amazingplaceonearth.com, this enchanting music-like-resonance is a must-be-preserved sound in Japan as declared by the Japanese government.

It was such a wonder to behold!

Pangkat kawayan ang peg ko dito!

Las Vegas Highlights: Part 1 (Le Reve/The Dream)

Posted on April 3, 2014 by heavenliner

the dream poster and the nightmare… LOL!

Never in my wildest desire or fantasy that I would be spending a holiday in Las Vegas. Maybe it’s because I dream small and simple. And besides I no longer dream for humongous miracles because at this point in my life I learn to make my own. That is why when awesome blessings come along like my tremendous trip to Vegas, I am just but thankful and overwhelmed.

What is so ironic is that the theme of the magical theatre experience me and my friends had was about “dreams”. It is entitled Le Reve (English translation: The Dream) shown at the fabulous Wynn Hotel & Casino. The spectacular show that mixed the elements of water, air and fire as well as intermingled elements of strength and beauty was indeed a feast for the senses. Performers literally were swimming on air and dancing on water.

a feast for the senses…

I was blown away from the moment we walked into the round theatre. Yeah, the stage is in the middle – ala coliseum – that is why there is no bad seat in the house.

Bizarre air-suspension stunts, crazy high-dives and water ballet, incredible contortionists and acrobatics, fanciful synchronized swimming, a tenderly romantic yet passionate story… all wrapped into a dreamy set. I was lost in thought because it felt like I was in an actual dream! I was totally mesmerized!

spectacular!

hair-raising stunts!

As much as I would not want to correlate the show’s theme and title to that of my travel in Las Vegas, I guess it is inevitable. This show for me does not signify a dream being fulfilled but instead an immense sign and symbol that a lovely dreamy-like life is ahead.

Ispektakyular!

A Rare Black Dude at the J. Paul Getty Museum

Posted on March 24, 2014 by heavenliner

Every time I am in a country for the first time, I always try my best to visit a museum. When me and Karen (one of my super travel buddies) are together on an out-of-the-country-adventure we would call it “the cultural day”. Since it’s the day to appreciate high culture – some pieces of art of outstanding quality or historical importance – which in some ways feed our soul, we would somehow dress up a notch higher than the usual.

Of course my first-time visit to Los Angeles, California was no different from my other first-time visits to other countries. It is because I and my super travel friends had a cultural day. We went to the one of the most visited museums in USA, the renowned and reputed J. Paul Getty Museum.

j. paul getty museum, los angeles, california

karen & joesel going up the hill via tram on a “cultural day”

some fashion posing on a cultural day at the getty

feeding our soul with some fine art at the getty
(count how many bellies are there in this photo)

As I feed my soul from the captivating pieces of art, the one piece that moved me more than any other is the 1758 black stone sculpture entitled “Bust of a Man” made by an English dude named Francis Harwood.

Apart from the innate beauty of the bust, it struck me how unusual it was to see a sculpted figure of a gorgeous black man at that point of Western art history. It would definitely be rare to see a man of African descent depicted as a person during the time it was sculpted because black Africans then (as I understand) were considered objects of slavery.

I stood next to this man for quite a long time and instinctively absorb what it transmits and evokes.

me and the rare black dude

bust of a man by francis harwood

What moved me is that the depicted features of the face conveys adversities, past terrors and destitutions. But the neck and the massive muscle features of the chest sends messages of poise, strength and self-reliance. While the strong jaw and up-turned head conveys conviction, audacity and nobility with an almost squire and patrician bearing. A valiant vision perhaps of numerous centuries that it would take before equality would turn from wish to reality.

O di ba… ang itim pero dramatik…

Nengkoy

ruminations & travesties of the favorite yet naughty son of Nengkoy

Category Archives: art