my kind of artists

When I was younger, I would dream of owning branded fashion stuff. Of course, the kind of brand that my mere allowance could afford. Guccis and LVs unfortunately were not part of my list. Who in her right frame of mind anyway would covet these brands at age 14?

I still dream until now. The only difference is, the material possessions in my mind go beyond fashion. It’s not about owning the latest designer watch and bag. Currently, I’m obsessed in having world class Philippine-made home decors. I bet you will too once you get acquainted with the works of the artists that I’ve been eyeing for quite sometime now.

Applause, applause… here we go…

In my imaginary world, I’m spending a lazy weekend lounging in my Kenneth Cobonpue chair. This 41 year old award winning furniture designer is known for combining traditional material with innovative production method and a modern aesthetic.

Photo courtesy of wikipedia.com

Photo courtesy of via.fr

He uses a vast array of native, natural material in his work including palm, seagrass, bamboo, hemp and rattan. He hailed from Cebu (south of Manila, Philippines’ capital). Years ago, he left the country to study at Pratt Institute for Industrial Design in New York. Words are not enough to describe this guy’s design ability. Just visit his site and you’ll know what I mean.

Photo courtesy of metropolismag.com

Going back to my imaginary world, while still seated at THE CHAIR on that same weekend, I started admiring the furnishings in my house. I was suddenly drawn to the gleaming object on top of my table console. For a moment, I was mesmerized by the sculpted glass by Ramon Orlina. The works of this artist has graced several prestigious institutions having been in the business for more than 3 decades.

Photo courtesy of flickr.com

It’s even astonishing to know that he was self-taught, no predecessor nor mentor.

Photo courtesy of masterpieceauction.com.sg

And just like Kenneth Cobonpue, he is also a world class talent with various awards tucked under his belt.

Photo courtesy of orlina.com

Ok guys, I need to get back to reality so I can start working my way in owning the works of these Filipino greats.

-r-

The Seat of Power -- on display.

Pardon me for the long absence. It’s been hectic for the past weeks doing all sorts of things. Hey, I need to prioritize my life right? Anyway, aside from that, I can’t find the perfect material to blog about. What’s important is I’m back and that’s all that matters now.

I’m a big fan of cable news. During the recent US Presidential election, the White House was featured over and over again. There’s always a sense of awe and wonder on the activities being held there. I then started thinking of our very own Malacañang Palace. Then it struck me, I haven’t even been there! Oh my… tsk..tsk. I need to do something about this. How embarrassing to be a tourist in your own country.

I then had this bright idea of visiting the Presidential Museum in Malacañang Palace (the closest I can get). The Presidential Museum was built in 1921 during the American colonial era. The building was designed by Ralph Harrington Doane in elegant revivalist Renaissance style.

I initially noticed that in some writings, it says Malacañan (without the ‘g’) while in others Malacañang. I was told that ‘Malacañan’ in Spanish means the fisherman’ place because it is situated beside the Pasig River. When it was originally built, it served as the Executive Building (Malacañan). Later on, it was used as well as the official residence of the President of the Philippines thus (Malacañang with the ‘g’) was used to refer to the abode.

Filipinos in general are not museum goers. My appreciation for art and history was fueled to the nth power after I got married. Inside the museum, you can find the use of narra wood in abundance (our national tree – an expensive hard wood used mainly for furnitures). This table alone needs atleast 20 men just to nudge one corner. Notice the chandelier, you can find quite a number inside the museum and they were purchased either in Austria or Czech Republic (mental note to myself for my future abode – narra (check), chandelier (check)!).

Found this spectactular narra sculpture. The one who made this deserved a standing ovation from everyone.

I met as well General Taft of the Taft Avenue fame. Of course now, he can only be found at the commemorative plate!

For the non-Filipinos, this is our flag. For my countrymen, did you notice something peculiar in the photo below? Well, it’s upside down! This flag was seen this way during the Japanese occupation. The red was on top (instead of the usual blue) because it was war.

Did you know that the Independence Day was originally celebrated in July 4 (same as the Fil-American Friendship Day).

It was then re-set to June 12 in commemoration of the 1^st Independence Day during Aguinaldo’s time in the late 19^th century. That was the first time that the Philippine flag, the one that we are currently using was raised and waved proudly.

More historical facts coming your way. When Martial Law was declared in 1971 (years before I was born -- I’m not that old you see, just a year wiser), Marcos declared it on national tv sitting on this chair.

There was a room full of state gifts. From jewelries, books, paintings, ceramics. What caught my eye was this mountain climbing contraption given to President Gloria Macapagal 2 years ago by the first Filipino who climbed the top of Mt. Everest. For a moment, I was transported to my imaginary world where I am as famous as these people and have the opportunity to present the Chief Executive a state gift. Hmmm.. what will it be?

Now we go to my favorite room, the Main Hall. It was once the location of eight guest bedrooms during the American era. It was then renovated and served as the site for State Dinners and Citizens’ Assemblies during the Marcos administration. Today, the hall serves as the core of the museum housing the Gallery of President of the Philippines. The gallery featured personal memorabilia of the 14 Heads of State. Aside from the gallery, this hall contains thousands of books which belonged to former President Marcos. Wow, I wish I have this kind of library as well. The unique thing about this whole collection of books, you can even touch and open the pages. I think, If I did just that, it might take me 5 years to devour the entire contents!

President Magsaysay (1953-1957) had a unique showcase of business attire. Instead of the Barong Tagalog or suit, he is being represented by this peasant attire because during his term, he was known as the President of the Masses / common people. Too bad, his tenure was cut short when he died in a plane crash.

Last but not the least, I know.. I know.. you want to ask me something about the shoes right? Not mine I’m sure but that of First Lady Imelda Marcos. Well, I thought I’ll have a chance to try atleast 100 of her vast 3000+ collection. Well, only 2 were displayed! Yes, T-W-O! What a shame no? These two pairs were even normal pumps made locally (Marikina). Hay, hay..

So guys, I suggest make time to be here. Remember, you need a week to make your reservation. You can’t just show your face and expect royal treatment. It’s for security reason . Definitely, this is worth your time.

-r-

The truth about the Filipino broadcast journalists.

Today, I would like to introduce the three award-winning Filipino broadcast journalists who have been making waves in the international stage for quite some time.

I took up BS Development Communication with Broadcasting as Major at a prestigious State University in my home country. For the longest time, I was in awe..well, more of star-strucked whenever I watched the news. I remember channel surfing from one news channel after another just to get a glimpse of my favorite anchors. The fascination never waned although I pursued a slightly different career path.

Yesterday, I was reading the latest edition of TIME magazine and in the Inbox Section (where they share comments from readers), one particular letter sender pointed out that the recently published TIME 100 issue should have included as well the media personalities that covered the events that helped shaped the world. I had my ‘aha’ moment and decided to talk about it in this blog.

The top personality on my list is Rico Hizon of BBC. This guy had come a long way and started his career in GMA 7 (one of the top 2 local channels in the country today). He then moved to CNBC and later on to BBC where he currently anchors the Business News of Asia Business Report & World Business Report based in Singapore. His gentle demeanor, smiling face and matter-of-fact news reporting are quite endearing to the viewers. I learned as well that he’s one of the 'evangelists' of Philippine arts in the Lion City. Way to go!’

Photo courtesy of inquirer.net

Next on my list is Elaine Quijano of CNN. A graduate of University of Illinois and is CNN’s correspondent to the White House. She covers the most powerful head of state and his administration domestically and internationally. Her deep knowledge on state affairs really comes out whenever she’s on air.

Photo courtesy of reportercaps.com

Lastly, there’s Veronica Pedrosa of Al Jazeera. She’s the principal news anchor based in Kuala Lumpur (one of the four international hubs of this growing news network). I witnessed her move from CNN to her current station. Like Rico Hizon, she started her career in the local channel QABS-CBN (one of the top 2). She’s difficult to miss when she’s on air because her conviction and the way she delivers the news are very much apparent on screen.

Photo courtesy of daylife.com

There are so much more talented broadcast journalists in the Philippines who are highly credible and values integrity above all else in bringing the news to the public. I hope that some of them will follow the footsteps of these three and make the country proud.

-r-

One church at a time...

A few weeks ago, I’ve talked about the UNESCO Heritage Sites in the Philippines. This week, I’ve revisited one of them, the San Agustin Church, the oldest Baroque church in the country built in 1570 and located inside the walled city of Intramuros in Manila.

The church is the first earthquake proof structure made of stone and has survived seven major earthquakes that shook the country.

My initial intention was actually to show the site to my hubby. Being a European, he has a strong inclination towards anything historical in nature. I, on the other hand prefers just admiring the beauty of a certain place. It was just recently that I began to dig deeper into the evolution of things. My hubby asked me already several times if I didn’t study history in school. I told him I did, of course. Well, what can I do? During those days I prefer music and physical education classes! Ooppss… I hope my previous history instructors don’t read this. I will be such a disappointment to them.

After having sumptuous paella lunch at the nearby Ilustrado, we then headed to the Church. I was all perky and active when we started exploring the church. The architecture is simply amazing, beyond words. Having visited several baroque and renaissance churches in Europe, I am proud to say that we have here one of the best.

Beside the church, a monastery was converted to a repository for religious artifacts and art treasures. You can literally spend the day there going through each and every relic. I knew that I’ve been here when I was a student. I just didn’t pay close attention to the details as I’ve already confessed earlier that my passion lies somewhere else.

Anyway, I was glad that I did this tour again when I am more mature and more culturally receptive. The afternoon spent there was well worth it and besides, I need to burn the carbo from that paella lunch.

-r-