MRT Art

My first post for September is not about how the 'ber' months signal the onset of the Christmas season but rather some interesting street scenes, will I will start featuring here in my blog.

I'm not sure exactly when these parts of the MRT Ortigas Station (fronting Robinson's Galleria) was transformed into walls of art but it was only a couple of weeks ago that I noticed it. It showed soldiers and tanks in mosaic/abstract form reminiscent of figures during the 1985 EDSA Revolution.

They are a pretty and refreshing sight in that section of the busy and polluted highway and definitely better than the old "MMDA Art" that previously sprouted over the vandalized parts of walls along EDSA. Should there be enough paint budget for the metro's beautification, painting the rest of the MRT pillars (maybe by volunteer artists) will make traversing the length of EDSA a less dreary experience. It is FREE to dream anyway. :)

Filed under SIGHTS

Rizal @150: RIZALizing the Future

This June 19 marks Jose Rizal's 150 birthday and as the Philippines' national hero, it is but fitting that tributes be done for him. One such tribute is the Yuchengco Museum's RIZALizing the Future exhibition which aims to make Rizal "young" and relevant to the new generation.

This can be found inside the elevator.

Most of us may know of Jose Rizal through the social studies and history classes in school; have seen him in monuments, stamps and currency; and have read his books Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo but having gone through the Rizal exhibit made me realize that I still have a lot to learn about him and his life.

Me with a Team Manila graphic art of our national hero in the background.

Yuchengco Museum Curator Jeannie Javelosa gathered bloggers and people from media for a guided tour to preview the exhibit the night before it officially opened. She shared with us the dynamics of being a curator -- how she and her group would think of what to showcase next in the museum, how and where to gather the items for exhibit (artifacts and paintings), and how to market it to attract audience.

Curator Jeannie Javelosa dishes out about the exhibit story-telling style.

A special guided tour pre-opening night.

Ms. Javelosa excitedly told us that Rizal family members have collaborated with the museum to bring to the public Rizaliana memorabilia never exhibited before while some paintings and sculptures were from famous Filipino artists. Notable objects on display include sketches by Jose Rizal, jewelry worn by Rizal's childhood sweetheart Leonor Rivera, art by Team Manila, and banknotes and coins bearing Rizal's image.

Rizal on old Philippine money.

An old photo of the Rizal (back row, second from left) among family and friends.

Leonor Rivera's locket necklace.

Team Manila merchandise depicting the modern Rizal.

Visitors are encouraged to walk and meditate around a floating garden (and even lie on the abaca rug under it) and ponder on excerpts from Rizal's letters, novels, and poems reflecting his values.

Ponder on Rizal's works and values.

Lie beneath the floating garden while listening and meditating.

The special exhibit also coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Yuchengco Group of Companies, highlighting YGC's root of inspiration: Rizal the Great Malayan, as seen through the naming of Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) and the Malayan Insurance. Yuchengco patriach Alfonso Yuchengco, is a great fan of Jose Rizal.

I wanted to post more photos from the exhibit but I'm afraid it would be a spoiler to what could be your wonderful learning experience. Curious much? Go and visit soon.

RIZALizing the Future is on view until October 29 at the Yuchengco Museum at the ground floor of RCBC Plaza, Ayala corner Sen. Gil Puyat Avenues, Makati City. Museum hours are Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm. For more information on the exhibit and to know about the schedule of other Rizal-related events, call (632) 889-1234 or visit www.yuchengcomuseum.org.

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.

A Touching Note From A Stranger

This day, exactly 3 years ago, I wrote in my old and now inactive Multiply blog about this heart warming note from a stranger. I just wanted to share this with you and hopefully inspire you as well.

This also reminded me that I should go back to painting and photography and update my deviantART page soon.

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As I was checking my deviantART site a few minutes ago for new deviations and messages, I found a very touching note from a gentleman from the United States, which made my day and I just want to share this with you. Made me reaffirm my belief that love between two people can last a lifetime and be as intense as the day they committed to each other.

The message was posted for one of my uploaded oil paintings. I painted it for one of my art classes back in college. I remember starting this artwork very inspired as I was in love at that time but I barely finished it as I encountered a minor bump in my previous relationship. It is my most favorite work and it still hangs on the walls at home.

A still life done in impressionist style, the painting has all the elements of a love in bloom -- roses, love card and heart pillow -- things that hint of a lady in love. But the title could also just pertain to the roses. Oil on 24" x 24" canvas

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The message from Joseph Thomas, a 62 year-old guy still very much in love with this wife:

“For some time now I have been e-mailing my wife a flower photograph every morning as a small way of saying "I love you."

This morning I sent her your beautiful flower. This makes you a part of a love story that began in 1965.”

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Am flattered and grateful that he made me and my art a part of their wonderful love story. I wish them more years to share in love and blessings.

To view the actual post, click here:

http://iamheartspeak.deviantart.com/art/Love-Blooms-74988777

Immerse in Arts and Culture this Summer

Another good way to spend summer is to visit places where you can learn from, such as a museum. Why not drop by the Ayala Museum one afternoon after a leisure stroll or a shopping spree in the Greenbelt area?

Here are what's in store for you at the Ayala Museum this month of April:


Looking In: Araceli Limcaco-Dans Retrospective - this retrospective exhibit, until May 1 at the G/F Gallery, 3/F Glasslane and Luna & Amorsolo Rooms, gathers a total of 185 portraits, still life paintings, drawings, prints as well as works in various media from the Philippine Women's University, Ateneo de Manila University, several private collections and the family's collection.

The exhibit will be accompanied by a lecture by the spotlighted artist and art educator hereself, Araceli Limcaco-Dans on April 30.


Revolution Revisited Tour - this popular exhibit featuring photographs of the EDSA revolution by Kim Komenich stops over at Glorietta 4 on its nationwide tour and will be there until April 18. Visit Ayala Museum website (http://www.ayalamuseum.org/) for the full schedule of the exhibit tour.


Design Talks: Everywhere We Shoot! - Design Talks is a lecture series that highlights pioneering Filipino creative professionals and this April 16 will feature the dynamic duo of Ryan Vergara and Garovs Garovillo, whose portfolio flaunts an inimitable style through photography, fashion, and graphic design.


L'arc en Ciel Atelier - a painting exhibit until April 26 at the 2/F ArtistSpace featuring the works of Carla Kim, Connie Quirino, Stella Kim and Alfred Galura.

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. Because Holy Week is just around the corner, please take note of Ayala Museum's holiday schedule. The museum will be closed on the following dates: April 21, Maundy Thursday; April 22, Good Friday; and April 23, Black Saturday. Museum operations will resume on April 24, Easter Sunday.

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.