BULAWAN: Gold Jewelry from Camarines Norte

One event that I always look forward to yearly is Bulawan, the exhibition of handcrafted gold jewelry from Camarines Norte, Bicol, primarily because I am half Bicolana (my dad is from Daet, Camarines Norte) and secondly, I love handcrafted jewelry.

Going to Bulawan always reminds me of the jewelry collection of my grandmother and her sisters and the pieces that were handed down to me. As young as 7 years old, I was already familiar with the Bicol gold (24k and 18k) and trademark hadcrafted designs such as the alupihan (centipede), pinalay (rice grains), and tambourine and filigree (spanish-influenced designs).

I was reintroduced to these gold jewelry back in 2009 when the Provincial Government of Camarines Norte, through the Camarines Norte Investment Incentive Board (CNIIB) headed by then Honorable Governor Jesus O. Typoco, Jr., requested internationally-renowned sculptor and artist-designer Dr. Joaquin Gasgonia Palencia, a native of Daet, Camarines Norte, to design a series of elegant, one-of-a-kind jewellery that were executed by members of the CNJPAI for their national and international clientele.

Thus, the exhibition “Bulawan: the Gold of Camarines Norte” was born -- a showcase of 18k gold jewelry in natural motifs and unique cultural heritage of Camarines Norte, rendered through elegant and daring designs, and executed with high precision and faithfulness to the concept by their respective jewellers. The exhibit was held at the Ayala Museum from November 5 to 9 and was unveiled with a fashion show and a simple cocktail party.

The exhibit at the Ayala Museum paved the way for the invitation and participation of the Camarines Norte jewelry Producers Association, Inc. (CNJPAI) in the Hongkong International Jewellery Show last March 5-9, 2010 wherein the intricate and handcrafted jewelry products of the province were promoted not only at the Philippines but also in the international market.

In 2010, under the leadership of Governor Edgardo A. Tallado, the Bulawan returned and was on exhibit at the Yuchengco Museum from November 15 to December 4, showcasing a variety of jewelry collection classified from vintage, antique, traditional and modern designs thereby evoking "The Evolution of Camarines Norte Jewelry" and highlighting the gradual development in the design, craftmanship and quality of the jewelry items in Camarines Norte.

Long known for its rich deposits of gold, the province of Camarines Norte is becoming a major player in the Philippine jewelry industry through the efforts of the Provincial Government of Camarines Norte, and the Department of Trade and Industry-Camarines Norte Provincial Office (DTI-CNPO), who have been supporting the initiatives of local jewellers.

This time around, the Camarines Norte gold exhibit returns to Manila with "Bulawan: The Renaissance." The exhibit boasts of innovative designs that were culled from the recently concluded 2011 Jewelry Design Competition, as inspired by nature and other things the Bicol region is known for. It was formally opened last November 13 by Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno and the First Lady of Camarines Norte Josie Tallado (wife of Governor Edgardo Tallado), together with project chairman DTI-Camarines Norte Provincial Office Director Ernesto Pardo.

Also launch during the event is the official website of Bulawan at bulawanjewelry.com. You may also "like" their Facebook page and follow them on Twitter soon.

"Bulawan: The Renaissance" is on view at the Metropolitan Museum from November 13 to Dec. 13. Catch a glimpse of the breathtaking precious creations and while you are at it, buy a piece or two for your own collection.

Filed under EVENTS

Christmas Cheers

Right after Halloween, the streets of Makati literally lit up to reveal shiny stars to signal the onset of the holiday season. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! The air is now colder and is starting to "smell" like Christmas, too.

Stars shine along Ayala Avenue

To bring some holiday cheer to my work space, I bought this cute snowman that lights up in changing colors.

My personal Frosty perched atop my office computer

Heck, I also started my annual Starbucks planner quest...and my fill of Toffee Nut Latte, yum!

Coffee nights are here again!

Here's to a happy Christmas...let's spread peace, happiness and love, love, love. Mwah! :)

Filed under SIGHTS

Oktoberfest Manila 2011

Roll out the barrels! October signals the staging of many Oktoberfest celebrations across the country but the much awaited event is the 73rd Oktoberfest Manila. Presented by Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila and the German Club Manila, Oktoberfest Manila is happening on October 20 - 23, 2011 and it is the second time for Sofitel Manila to host this very famous event held annually in Germany.

The event will showcase the "Munich" style beer festival that will definitely bring on the beers, bratwursts and Bavarian spirit. The Oktoberfest in Manila is considered as the only authentic Bavarian festival in the Philippines, featuring a celebration of traditions, entertainment, and Bavarian food and beverage that displays classic German folk festivals.

To mark the 201st year of the Oktoberfest, Sofitel Manila houses the event in its spectacular Harbor Garden Tent with a breathtaking natural resort setting to take the Oktoberfest 2011 to greater heights. For a more wonderful celebration, The Bavarian Sound Express, well-known from previous Oktoberfests in Manila, will keep guests singing and dancing all night long.

The Oktoberfest Manila launch held previously let us experience the sights and flavors of the German celebration -- authentic Oktoberfest tables and benches that were especially made to provide a festive beer garden setting; ladies in dirndls and gents in lederhosen went around to add to the "Munich" inspired Oktoberfest celebration; Bavarian delights such as fresh roasted pork knuckles, roasted calf, laugen rolls, grilled sausages and mouth-watering pastries were also be served, paired with refreshing, ice cold beer free flowing for everyone.

At the Sofitel lobby, the Oktoberfest house offers souvenirs and premium items to commemorate the festivities. Shirts, mugs, stuff toys and giant heart cookies are for sale for kids and adults alike.

Oktoberfest 2011 will start from 6pm until midnight on October 20 to 22, and from 10:30am to 2pm on October 23, which is Family Day, where inflatable bouncing castles, magicians, face painters and other fun games will delight the young and old alike during Sunday Brunch. For guests celebrating the Oktoberfest, there are special overnight accommodation rates offered on these dates.

For ticket inquiries, please call the German Club Manila at (632) 817.3552 and 818.3552 or email at germanclub@germanclub.ph. For room reservations, please call (632) 551.5555 extensions1991 to 1994 or email at room.reservations@sofitelmanila.com. Moreover, Oktoberfest 2011 merchandise and goodies will be on sale at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila's grand lobby on October 10 to 23, 2011.

For more information about Oktoberfest 2011 at Sofitel Manila, please visit http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=100989193344083.

Filed under EVENTS

Shamcey's Tsunami Walk

I don't monitor every beauty pageant, whether local or international, except for the Miss Universe pageant due to a habit, or shall I say tradition, that was formed back in high school. For those who don't remember, the Miss Universe pageant happens every summer (here in the Philippines at least) on the merry month of May. Back in those days, my best friend and I would go to the CCP complex to do some running and biking from 6 to 8 am. We girls then hurry back to either my house or her house to watch the live telecast of Miss Universe together. Sometimes the pageant happens exactly on my bff's birthday so it was doubly fun. Now that she lives in another country, I still monitor the live telecast wherever I am and try to watch the replay in the evening.

2011 Miss Universe 3rd Runner-up Shamcey Supsup

On the day of the 2011 Ms. Universe pageant, I was attending a business conference. While listening to the top calibre speakers in the event, I was monitoring the Miss Universe pageant as it progress to various levels. Thank goodness for Twitter where almost everybody was twitting updates from the pageant happening in Brazil. Things started to get exciting as Shamcey was called the Top 16, then Top 10, then Top 5.

Everyone was so focused on Miss Philippines especially during the Q&A portion where Shamcey was asked this question by Vivica Fox, "Would you change your religious beliefs to marry the person that you love? Why or why not?" Shamcey answered, "If I had to change my religious beliefs, I will not marry the person that I love because the first person that I love is God, who created me. And I have my faith, my principles, and this is what makes me who I am. And if that person loves me, he should love my God too." without even batting an eyelash and without the need for an interpreter. Hello! English is a universal language and it has been the universal language for ages now -- so why can't the other contestants learn it before they start representing their countries in an international pageant? Please don't get me wrong, I'm just asking.

2011 Miss Universe winners (l-r) Miss Ukraine, 1st Runner-up;

Miss Philippines, 3rd Runner-up; Miss China, 4th Runner-up;

Miss Brazel, 2nd Runner-up; and Miss Angola, Miss Universe 2011.

Anyway, the point of this blog entry is the now famous "tsunami walk" of Shamcey Supsup. It was said that Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up was told by her Columbian trainer “O, Ms. Philippines you walk like a tsunami” as her hips sway when she does a catwalk. Bb. Pilipinas Universe and personality development instructor Abbygale Arenas de Leon affirmed that Shamcey's Tsunami Walk is a “unique catwalk skill,” a talent that, according to her, enables Shamcey to “detach” her hips from her body, creating a sort of wavy sway. Below is a video I borrowed from YouTube, showing Miss Universe third runner-up Shamcey Supsup's Tsunami Walk.

Video of Shamcey Supsup's Tsunami Walk

Congratulations to Shamcey for placing in the prestigious Miss Universe 2011 pageant. You made Philippines proud and you have inspired us Filipinas with your beauty, brains, wit and grace.

Photo from http://www.philippinenewsdaily.com

Video from http://www.youtube.com/user/ohmrey

Filed under SIGHTS

American Idol Live Tour in Manila

American Idol Season 10 finalists and winners are on tour and all of the 11 finalists are here in Manila, having arrived early this Saturday morning, just a few hours before the press conference at the Manila Hotel. It was a hot day and I braved traffic just so I can see them in person, among them grand winner Scotty McCreery, Filipina Thia Megia and my bet James Durbin (did any of you catch my twit about James?). Usually, only the top 10 go on tour but there are 11 talents due to a save by judges Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez.

Scotty McCreery and Thia Megia

Stefano Langone and Haley Reinhart

I arrived at the venue in the nick of time as they were being introduced one by one. As they answer questions from the press and guests, I felt that all of them are really passionate about music and that they all have worked really hard to get where they are today. Pia Toscano, for one, shared that she was rejected a lot of times in other auditions, including American Idol season 9 but that didn't stop her to improve and try again for season 10.

Jacob Lusk and Naima Adedapo

James Durbin and Casey Abrams

When asked about what advice they can give to young and aspiring singers and musicians, they were unanimous in saying not to ever give up and never let other people take away the dream. At which point rocker James Durbin bursts into a song, "Don't stop...believing..." with his trademark powerful voice.

Paul McDonald, Lauren Alaina and Pia Toscano

ON VIDEO: When asked about how she feels whenever she is being compared with another Filipino talent, Charice Pempengco, Thia smiled and was gracious in saying that,"...Charice and I are very different artists but she does inspire me." Sorry for the super short clip, was staring at James Durbin almost the whole time that this was the only video I took.

Video

Catch Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina, Haley Reinhart, James Durbin, Jacob Lusk, Casey Abrams, Stefano Langone, Paul McDonald, Pia Toscano, Naima Adedapo, and Thia Megia on various mall shows for some meet and greet:

After that, they take the stage for the first time in Asia for a two-night concert at the Smart Araneta COliseum on September 20 and 21, 8 pm. Expect a powercast show as the idols perform on one stage, covering a wide range of music genres -- country, pop, jazz and rock -- with duets and medley's of today's hits plus originals from their individual solo projects.

American Idol Live Tour 2011 press conference

I've been following American Idol since the time two Filipinas joined and placed in the widely watched singing talent show -- AI season 3 third placer Jasmine Trias and finalist Camille Velasco. Admittedly, I found the auditions fun and thrilling as I made fearless predictions on who will make the cut. Since then, more Filipinos took the chance to join and made it until semi-finals -- AI season 7 finalist Ramiele Malubay; season 8 gold ticket recipient Jenesis Samoranos who didn't make it through Hollywood week; season 10 semi-finalist Clint Jun Gamboa and finalist Thia Megia. If I missed some more from the other seasons, please let me know.

Filed under SHOWS

Justin Bieber in Manila

Gone were the days when a child’s life is simple…no video games, no high-tech gadgets and no singing idol to go head-over-heels with. Kids nowadays wish for the latest mobile phones, laptops or tablets and concert tickets to see the likes of Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber.

The Beliebers :)

If there was a Justin Bieber back when I was younger, I think my parents would disown me if I asked them to buy me a VIP ticket (LOL) and be one of the screaming fans lined up at the gates just to catch a glimpse of the YouTube singing sensation.

Concert poster

May 10 was the big night for Justin Bieber’s throves of fans at the SM MOA open concert grounds for the “Justin Bieber. My World Tour” in Manila, where a number of fans dressed up in the Bieber’s trademark color -- purple. The pop star may have felt a bit under the weather due to lack of rest from the Singapore leg, thus reports of a short concert and abrupt exit, less than 100% voice quality and performance, not to mention videos of minor mishaps with the press and fans. But no matter what, the Beliebers love him just the same.

Poreotics performed at the Justin Bieber concert.

Justin in action.

So what is it about the Bieber that made young girls and boys Beliebers? Is it the musical prowess, or the cute face, or the famous bowl cut hair he sported until February this year?

Justin wore hints of his signature color -- purple.

For the uninitiated (non-Beliebers), the 17-year old Canadian pop star was discovered via a video uploaded in YouTube back in 2008 by Scooter Braun who went into a joint venture with Usher to launch Justine’s career. His debut single, "One Time", released worldwide in 2009, peaked in the top ten in Canada and charted in the top thirty in several international markets. His debut release, My World, soon followed and was eventually certified platinum in the United States. Justine Bieber became the first artist to have seven songs from a debut album chart on the Billboard Hot 100 and soon, he started getting nominated by award giving bodies and brought home quite a number of trophies.

Justin Bieber

I just hope Justin will be able to handle fame well and strive to be a good role model for the young generation, despite some bad publicity. I also hope his star does not fizzle out early like those that came before him.

Thanks to STUDIyo for the concert photos. (http://studiyo.wordpress.com; http://facebook.com/studiyo.photo).

Oh, My! Time for MYOH 2011

Havaianas became a trendsetter when they took the Philippines by storm and made wearing flip-flops, as an alternative to casual footwear, stylish. They were trendsetting again by being the first brand to offer customized flip-flops through the Make Your Own Havaianas (MYOH) event year after year!

I've always wanted to go to the Make Your Own Havaianas (MYOH) event each year but unfortunately, am always out of town for work or vacation. This year, I will be able to attend because much to my delight, I am just here in Manila for the MYOH 2011 this May 12 - 16 at the Rockwell Tent. The theme for MYOH 2011 is Travel in Personalized Style and Havaianas will present new designs inspired by the fashion capitals of the world! Take a peek and pick from among the new pins below.

To all MYOH fanatics, remember the dates and then its READY, SET and GO! Time to review the color wheel and envision the pins that will go with your color choices. Let's see who will come up with the most gorgeous, creative, and even outrageous flip-flops in town.

Photos from: http://myoh.havaianasphilippines.com/

Immerse in Arts and Culture this Summer 2

Ayala Museum announced its line-up for May 2011 so take this chance to immerse yourselves in some art and culture in the remaining days of summer.

KM 0 Side by Side: Photo and Video Projects in Public Spaces - this partnership of the Embassy of France in the Philippines brings to the heart of Makati compelling images by Charles Fréger, Jake Versoza and Raya Martin, plus pictures from the Niépce Museum in France, one of the oldest museums devoted to photography and its history. This exhibition, from May 5 - 12, 6:30 - 8:00 pm at the Ayala Museum Plaza, is in line with the KM 0 public art display in Quezon City Memorial Circle.

Curator's Talk with François Cheval - the director of Niépce Museum will address the way western photographers paid attention to face and bodies in 19th century photography on May 5, 5:00 pm, at the Ground Floor Gallery.


Unwetter/Thunderstorm: Panel Discussion - on May 9, 3:00 pm at the Ground Floor Gallery, prominent environmentalists and climatology experts discuss the aspects and implications of climate change and how we all can play a part in nature's recovery.

This preceeds the opening of the Unwetter/Thunderstorm Audio-Visual Exhibition, opening on May 10, that will feature multimedia works by 12 international artists, all commenting on climate change.


Revolution Revisited Tour - this popular exhibit featuring photographs of the EDSA revolution by Kim Komenich travels to Trinoma Mall for the first half of May and will transfer to Market! Market! before the month ends. Visit Ayala Museum's website (http://www.ayalamuseum.org/) for the full schedule of the exhibit tour.


st'ART Summer Art Workshops for Children - Beginning May 3, kids will surely enjoy the various art activities lined up on all Tuesdays and Thursdays of May. Visit Ayala Museum's website for the full schedule.


Presidential Propaganda and Political Imagery as Explained by Manuel L. Quezon III - on May 14, 3 pm, at the Ground Floor Lobby, the renowned political columnist and "explainer" will hold a lecture on the generations of official Presidential portraits and how its political imagery prove fascinating snapshots of the country's national evolution. It is the first of a 4-part lecture series with Quezon. Visit Ayala Museum's website for the full schedule.


The Colina Serrano Quartet Live in Manila - presented together with the Spanish Embassy in Manila, the Colina Serrano Quartet offers a unique journey into sound, combining jazz with various Latin American rhythms. Admission is free with limited seating.


The Diorama Experience - view 60 dioramas at the 2/F Gallery depicting turning points in Philippine history.

Pioneers of Philippine Art - enjoy one hundred years of art through the works of Luna, Amorsolo and Zobel at the 3/F Gallery.

Crossroads of Civilization - have a look back at our precolonial and colonial history at the 4/F Gallery.

Shop

The book Philippine Ancestral Gold is now available at the museum shop. It is a publication of the Gold of Ancestors: Pre-Colonial Treasures in the Philippines.


From May 3 to June 12, the Ayala Museum is open from Tuesdays to Sundays, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Ayala Museum is located at Makati Avenue corner De la Rosa Street, Greenbelt Park, Makati City, beside Greenbelt 4. For inquiries, please call (632) 757-7117 to 21 local 24 or 35 or email at museum_inquiry@ayalamuseum.org.