Ballet Philippines' Masterworks

So after an artsy fartsy afternoon at the National Art Gallery, SKP and I headed to Silahis Art Gallery in Intramuros (I did tell you he is obsessed) to check out more artworks. We then went home for a quick dinner and change outfit for are you ready for this... Ballet Philippines' gala performance of Masterworks at the Cultural Center of the Philippines hahaha. Grabe, I think I had a cultural overdose if there's such a thing :p

I was really excited because it was my first time to watch and Masterworks is where they perform their best of the best. This kick started their 40th season. I guess this was an important milestone for the company because gracing the gala was Ballet Philippines' founder Alice Reyes who flew in from the US. Manila Symphony Orchestra, UP Concert Chorus and Pianist Greg Zuniega provided music for Bach Concerto, Romeo and Juliet and Te Deum.

(SKP's thespian friend, NR, is a member of the UP Concert Chorus. She was kind enough to give us free Orchestra tickets. Thanks NR!)

SKP's favorite was the Igorot. I guess he likes indigenous stuff. It was okay but I liked Ensalada and Evacuation better. Ensalada because of the soundtrack (?), Ryan Cayabyab's Limang Dipang Tao. SKP told me the voices are all Mr C's. Wow! Evacuation on the other hand was rich in stunts or I don't know what the ballet equivalent is. This performance to me was a celebration of the flexibility of the human form. I wanted to give a standing ovation to the two performers but I got shy so clap na lang. Out of all the numbers, I bet everyone loved Swimming the Ilog Pasig especially the costume, hehe loko lang.

What I like about Ballet Philippines is their commitment to preserving the Pinoy culture and heritage through their dances. Sana, they would also do Singkil or a Maguindanaoan dance soon if they have not done so already :) and oh yes, their Artistic Director, Paul Morales is...cute! :p

A Day at the Museum

SALAAM!

I am no art connoiseur but lately, I have been exposed to the artsy fartsy world thanks to SKP's obsession with H.R. Ocampo and Sanso's works. He decided to be an art collecter a couple of months ago and he already has two sketches by H.R. Ocampo and a painting by Sanso. These things do not cost cheap. Put together, these three is close to the vicinity of a car downpayment. That is why, currently, he cannot afford to get another one so he satisfies his visual urge by going to galleries. Last Saturday, our destination was the National Museum. At the reception area, we asked where the paintings are and to our surprise, the lady receptionist told us to go to the National Art Gallery building right across the street. (Sushal! I bet not that many people know there's a National Art Gallery)

At the entrance of the National Art Gallery building are two massive metal casts of Manuel Quezon and Sergio Osmena both created by National Artist Guillermo Tolentino. Right before the entrance door is a historical landmark of the Constitutional Convention because back in the day, this used to be the Legislative Building. At the lobby, be sure to look up so you won't miss Impy Pilapil's glass chandeliers, her ode to my favorite local delicacy, pastillas.

As you open the two huge doors after the lobby, you will begin to understand why this area is called the Grand Hall of Masters. The massive Spoliarium and other notable works by 19th century painters Juan Luna and my favorite Felix Resureccion Hidalgo are showcased here. These guys brought honor to the country by making waves during the 1884 Madrid Exposition. Of course, other critics say, it was no big deal because there were tons of other artists who brought home awards at that exposition but still...

There are six more rooms, I think, I lost count but my other favorite apart from the Grand Hall is the Hall of National Artists that has representative work from each of the fourteen National Artists for Visual Arts. You will really be awed by the sheer artistry and talent evident in the works and as my friends would say, lumelevel and mga itoh :p As a Moro, I am specially proud of Abdulmari Imao's works unfortunately I wasn't able to take photos :)

The visit to the National Art Gallery was a visual feast, and for only PHP 70 entrance, you cannot really go wrong.