Archive - Arts & Culture

There are two things that unite Filipinos: a Manny Pacquiao fight and Miss Universe. The latest Catriona Gray victory is the proof. Getting the crown since Pia Wurtzbach in 2015 had become the national obsession, more than getting back the Balangiga bells.

Aliw Awards recognized writer Pablo A. Tariman’s “contribution to the performing arts as music writer and concert impresario” in ceremonies held last Dec. 13 at the Manila Hotel Pavilion.

While the sangkabekihan is now Cat-crazy, let me be the first to suggest that beauty contests, whether male or female, should be elevated to a sporting event.

On pianist Cecile Licad’s sixth and second to the last appearance in a grueling tour of Manila, Iloilo, Nueva Ecija, Baguio and finally Roxas City, Prof. Ben Tapang of the University of the Philippines Baguio and Guacamole Productions introduced her as the “sublime goddess of music” who needed no introduction.

The Thirteen Artists Award 2018 has been bestowed by the Cultural Center of the Philippines to a new batch, namely Zeus Bascon (b. 1987), Bea Camacho (b. 1983), Cian Dayrit (b.1989), Janos Delacruz (b. 1986), Doktor Karayom (b. 1990), Carlo Gabuco (b. 1981), Dina Gadia (b. 1986), Guerrero Z. Habulan (b.1980), Eisa Jocson (b. 1986), Raffy T. Napay (b. 1986), Archie Oclos (b. 1989), Lynryd Paras (b. 1982), and Shireen Seno (b. 1984).

Among the varied cultural fare welcoming this most wonderful time of the year, one short opera stands out—Gian Carlo’s “Amahl and the Night Visitors.”

Subtitled “Desire. Agony. Rapture.,” the coming concert “Opera Gala Manila” has all the big and grand things associated with the art form that comes with singing, orchestras, theaters and emotions. Imagine the exciting prospect of Manila’s great voices singing Wagner’s “The Ride of the Valkyries” with a full orchestra.

Visiting Spanish veteran journalist Alfonso Armada cautioned journalists against too much dependence on technology to the point of becoming blind to the complexities and vibrancy of the situation on the ground and failing in their duty of informing the public of the truth.

Khaled Hosseini’s Sea Prayer is all of 547 words. In 43 unnumbered illustrated pages.

The common thread of Luz B. Maranan’s three books in Bookmark’s children’s series on contemporary Filipino heroes is the subjects’ deeply felt love for the country and its people.

The coincidence is uncanny. In the early 70s, piano prodigy Cecile Licad entered Curtis Institute in Philadelphia at age 11. In 2017, cello prodigy Damodar Das Castillo passed the audition at Mozarteum in Vienna at age ten.

You can never have enough cookbooks. This latest one by Edelwisa Roman Gonzaga, a pastor’s wife, is a worthy addition to your collection for it compiles recipes and foodways that are in grave danger of being totally forgotten.