Bulawan, Camarines Norte's Finest

Bulawan, Camarines Norte's Finest -- the annual exhibit of finely handcrafted gold jewelry from Camarines Norte, Bicol, usually held in Manila every November/December -- is here by special invitation to be part of the 75th Anniversary of GSIS.  The jewelry exhibit, which is currently located at the GSIS Museum of Art in Pasay City, opened last May 21 and will be on display until June 2, 2012.

Organized by the city government of Camarines Norte and the Camarines Norte DTI through its provincial director Ernesto Pardo, the opening was led by Camarines Norte governor Edgardo Tallado,  DTI regional director Engr. Jocelyn Los Baños Blanco and GSIS president and general manager Robert Vergara.

Ribbon-cutting ceremony (l-r): Jocelyn Blanco, DTI regional director,
Robert Vergara, GSIS president and  Camarines Norte governor Edgardo Tallado

Gov. Tallado with Camarines Norte DTI provincial director Ernesto Pardo 

The exhibit features original creations from past Bulawan events held at the Ayala Museum, Yuchengco Museum and most recently at the Metropolitan Museum.  There is also a selling area where you can buy pure gold or silver jewelries handcrafted by Bicolanos.

Bulawan will return to Manila before the end of the year with new jewelry designs to marvel at, so watch out for updates from this blog.




Filed under EVENTS

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

UST sa BSP: An Exhibit

Being a UST Fine Arts graduate, this news is something close to my heart and I would like to share this with you. As UST celebrates its 400th year this 2011, this is another one of my Alma Mater's special events highlighting the Thomasian talents.

The Metropolitan Museum of Manila presents UST sa BSP: Selections from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Collection of Thomasian Alumni Artists at the Upper Galleries.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, since its existence as the Central Bank of the Philippines, has collected paintings. The first accessions of major works by contemporary artists were made in 1971. In the 1980s, the scope of the collection was expanded “to the origins of Philippine paintings,” resulting, in the words of art critic Emmanuel S. Torres, “in the most encyclopedic public collection of visual arts.”

In the course of this mindful collecting and conserving of Philippine visual arts, paintings by mentors and students from the University of Santo Tomas joined the inventory of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Art Collection. Through time, these teachers and pupils have achieved admirably in their chosen art forms, and three of them, notably, have been conferred the rank of National Artist: Ang Kiukok, Victorio Edades and J. Elizalde Navarro. Many other Thomasians have become leading lights in the field of visual arts.

Selected works from some of these Thomasian artists are on view in UST SA BSP, an exhibition organized and realized as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’s gesture of partaking in the celebration of the quadricentennial of the University of Santo Tomas this year.

UST sa BSP: Selections from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Collection of Thomasian Alumni Artists runs until September 30, 2011. For details, please call 523-0613 or 523-7855, or email info@metmuseum.ph.

The Metropolitan Museum of Manila is located at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Manila. Museum hours are from 9am – 6pm, Monday to Saturday; closed on Sundays, first Mondays of the month and on holidays.

For inquiries about this press release, please call Fralynn Manalo at 523-0613, 521-1517, or email fralynnmanalo@metmuseum.ph.

Filed under SHOWS

Ninoy Remembered in Photos

The Filipino is worth dying for. That's one phrase that will always remind me of Ninoy, the late senator Benigno S. Aquino, Sr. and his death on August 21, 1983 -- the death that sparked courage and hope in the hearts of millions of Filipinos enough to overcome a political regime through the 1986 EDSA People's Revolution (People Power).

I was but a young girl of 9 back then with no inkling whatsoever of the political and social climate in the country and of why a respectable looking man, on his way home to Manila, was shot and left dead on the tarmac. I was young then but the image of Ninoy, his body being dragged by a soldier, is vividly etched on my mind.

Now, that phrase poses a question in my mind: are we still worth dying for? Am not going to play scholarly here and try to answer that question but instead share what I saw and learned at the recently concluded 'Ninoy, My Hero' photo exhibit at the Atrium of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

I was fortunate to have gotten a chance to visit the exhibit that was staged to celebrate Ninoy's life and commemorate his martyrdom. The overall feel of the exhibit is that of heroism and love for fellowmen and country. The colors yellow and black dominate the Atrium and the phrase "The Filipino is worth dying for" is prominently displayed all around.

The third floor Atrium showcased different artist interpretations of Ninoy and his assassination while the second floor was occupied by larger than life images showing the various facets of Ninoy's life, both personal and professional. All these, in an effort to refresh the memory of the older generation while attempting to educate the younger generation and hopefully make Ninoy relevant to this day and beyond.

Ninoy may have been part of the distant past but the youth should know and understand what he stood for and lived by because that part of the past was what made this present and will eventually shape the future.

Filed under EVENTS

Hans Brumann Rizal-Inspired Creations

Tanghalang Pilipino is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year and they opened the season with “Noli Me Tangere: The Musical” as a tribute to the national hero Jose Rizal's 150th birth anniversary. Click here to read post about the theatre production and the gala event.

Showcased are specially designed Rizal and Noli Me Tangere-inspired jewelries by renowned jeweler Hans Brumann, who donated four charm bracelets, which he crafted himself, for a fund-raising silent auction for the benefit of Tanghalang Pilipino. These bracelets are made of a combination of pearls and either silver or 14k gold chains with charms inspired by Jose Rizal's famous novel. Click here to view close-ups of the bracelets.

Hans Brumann charm bracelets for auction

If you’d like to bid for any of the charm bracelets, visit the online auction or visit the exhibit at the CCP to fill out a form. Winners of the Jewelry Auction will be announced on August 27, 2011 at 7:00 pm at the CCP Little Theater Lobby. Winners will be informed via e-mail and letter in advance by Tanghalang Pilipino and are requested to claim their bracelets on the night of the official announcement.

Going back to the subject of this blog entry, I wanted to share with you some of the exquisite jewelries on display, some of which were inspired by the women in Rizal’s life, both real and fictional. While these are not part of the auction, interested parties can also purchase these items.

(l-r) Consuelo and Gertrude necklaces

Consuelo is 18k white gold/yellow gold pendant with 1 fresh water pearl, sapphire, carabao horn, 45 diamonds 0.49 ct. on 18k yellow gold 60 cm chain. Gertrude, on the other hand, is 18k white gold pendant with 1 fresh water pearl, carabao horn, 29 diamonds 0.26 ct. on 18k white gold 60 cm chain.

(l-r) Crisostomo & Maria Clara necklace and ring

Crisostomo & Maria Clara is 18k white gold pendant with 2 South Sea Pearls, 9 tsavorites, 1 keshi pearl, 6 amethyst, 56 diamonds 0.54 ct. on black cord with matching ring made of 18k white gold with 1 South Sea Pearl, keshi pearl, kamagong wood and 6 diamonds 0.09 ct.

(l-r) Crisostomo & Maria Clara necklace and earrings

Crisostomo & Maria Clara is 18k white gold/yellow gold pendant with 2 South Sea Pearls, mother of pearl, sapphire, carabao horn, 17 diamonds 0.21 ct. on 18k white gold 60 cm chain with matching earrings made of 18k white gold/yellow gold with 2 South Sea Pearls, mother of pearl, 48 sapphire and 10 diamonds 0.05 ct.

(l-r) Leonor necklace, earrings and ring

Leonor is 18k white gold/rose gold neckpiece with 1 South Sea Pearl, 1 keshi pearl, 15 amethyst, 3 ruby, 10 sapphire and 120 tsavorite, with matching earrings of 18k rose gold with 2 South Sea Pearls, 2 fresh water pearls, horn and 8 diamonds 0.25 ct, and matching ring of 18k rose gold with 1 South Sea Pearl, 1 Tahiti pearl, horn and 5 diamonds 0.15 ct.

(l-r) Retablo necklace and earrings

Retablo is 18k white gold pendant with 2 fresh water pearls, horn, narra, and 133 diamonds 1.45 ct on 18k white gold 50 cm chain with matching earrings made of 18k white gold with 2 South Sea Pearls, narra wood, and 78 diamonds 0.41 ct.

And my two favorites among the collection:

Josephine necklace (wish I took a clearer photo)

Josephine is 18k white gold/yellow gold pendant with 1 baroque South Sea Pearl, horn and 70 diamonds on 18k white gold 60 cm chain.

Teodora neckpiece

Teodora is18k white gold neckpiece with carabao horn and 142 diamonds 1.72 ct.

The jewelry exhibit can be viewed, together with costumes designed by National Artist Salvador Bernal, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Little Theater Lobby, until August 28, Tuesday to Sunday, from 11:00am to 9:00pm.

Ayala Museum's June Offerings

School opening is just around the corner so for students and "students of life," take this opportunity to add to your knowledge about history and culture with Ayala Museum's June line-up of activities.

A Family for Democracy - this exhibit recalls, admires, empathizes and appreciates Ninoy and Cory Aquino and their family's quest for freedom and democracy that the country now cherishes. Exhibit ongoing until August 7 at the 2/F Glass Lane.

Revolution Revisited Tour - this popular exhibit featuring photographs of the EDSA revolution by Kim Komenich is now on its fifth stopover for its nationwide tour. Catch it at Market! Market! Bonifacio Global City until June 12. Visit Ayala Museum's website (http://www.ayalamuseum.org/) for the full schedule of the exhibit tour.

El Guernica: Deconstrucción - A pool of works by 51 Filipino and Spanish contemporary artists collectively holds a dialogue with Pablo Picasso's painting, Guernica. Opens on June 7 at the G/F Gallery, this is in partnership with the Embassy of Spain, supported by Instituto de Turismo de España, Indra Sistemas, and Mapfre Insular Corp.

Eric Legnini Trio Live in Manila - As a trio, this jazz band from France has a superb musical relationship -- holding down a solid beat, developing intricate rhythms and performing effective and inventive solos. Happening on June 16, 8 pm, at the G/F Lobby, it is presented by Alliance Française de Manille and the French Embassy. Admission is free.

Design Talks: Jason Magbanua - Now more than a decade into the industry, the caliber Magbanua has set for wedding videography has garnered him widespread acclaim in and out of the country, and a demand of at least 100 productions per year. Hear his talk on June 18, 1:30 pm, at the G/F Lobby.

Rizal @ 150: Balik sa Bayan - An interactive outdoor installation, exhibited in partnership with Team Manila, comprised of around 50 cardboard balikbayan boxes with text and imagery about Jose Rizal and his journey, rekindling messages on nationhood and heroism. Opens on June 25 at the Museum Plaza.

History Comes Alive! Mukhang Pera: Banknotes and Nation with Dr. Ambeth R. Ocampo - Now on its 2nd year, this lecture series presents history with a combination of wit and rigorous research, making speaker Dr. Ambeth Ocampo the most popular and widely-read historian in the country today. In this installment on June 25, 3 pm, at the G/F Lobby, he will discuss the not-so-hidden stories told by the faces of the Philippine Pesos banknotes.

Everywhere We Shoot! - this exhibit featuring creative portraits from one of Manila's most dynamic photography studios will be open until June 17 at the 3/F Glass lane.

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.

Ayala Muesum is open from Tuesday to Friday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday to Sunday, 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.

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.