'SONG OF NEGROS' Book Now Out

The newly re-opened Ayala Museum hosted its first event  on April 24,  2022 with the well-attended launch  of the book SONG OF NEGROS: MYTHS AND CULTURE IN THE PHILIPPINES.  The book contains fifteen beautifully illustrated myths, legends, and folktales from the island of Negros and explains the significance of these tales to the culture of the provinces in particular, and of the Philippines in general.  

Ms. Narz Lim introduced the main speaker, Dr Rene Samaniego.  “Mythology”, said Dr Samaniego, “is a projection of our unconscious, representing the totality of the human experience.  Depicted in myths are our life events:  our birth, death, illness, loss, and everything else that happens in between.” 

Dr. Samaniego is an eminent psychiatrist and psychotherapist who practices at Makati Medical Center and teaches at the Ateneo School of Medicine.

Dr. Victoria Hoffarth, the book’s author, adds, “The fantastical tales of our culture’s mythology can shape our world in ways that we don’t even realise.”  

In the book, she embarks on a journey to seek such tales from Negros, explaining the symbolic values as well as the underpinnings of these fifteen stories, given the collectivistic culture of the country.

Through these well-written accounts, Dr. Hoffarth shows how myths are intimately related to history and religion—from Christianity to Islam, from ancient Greece to Hollywood, from pre-Enlightenment Spain to modern, secular Europe.  

PH & China, An Exchange of Art and Culture

Tina Colayco, President of the Metropolitan Museum of Manila
and Mr. Deng Jun, Country Head of Bank of China Manila

Since 2002, Bank of China Manila has been working towards boosting bilateral cooperation in the economic, financial, and trade fields between China and the Philippines. From efforts like the SME Cross-Border Trade and Investment conference, where Filipino businesses were matched with Chinese investors, to the facilitation of two panda bond issuances, the bank has been steadfast in pursuing its mission of bridging the Philippine and Chinese markets. 

That mission goes beyond business, as Bank of China Manila extends its efforts to bridging people. "Our two countries have been friends for a long time. We share many similarities, but we also share many differences. Through this exchange of cultures, we hope to enhance the understanding between the peoples of Philippines and China," said Mr. Deng Jun, Country Head of Bank of China Manila. 

HISTORIA, CULINARIA, Y CULTURA: A Celebration of Philippine Independence Day Through Food, Fashion & Culture

Experience a celebration of Philippine Independence Day like no other when HISTORIA, CULINARIA, Y CULTURA kicks off on June 8, 2019. The 2-day festival celebrates 121 years of Philippine Independence through a showcase of heritage food, fashion and culture in Taal Heritage Town, Taal, Batangas.

The Historia aspect aims to educate visitors on interesting and little known facts about Philippine significant segments in Philippine history, particularly on the aspects of art and architecture. There will be talks by experts on Philippine History Art and Architecture, and guided tours to historical places in Taal—especially the houses of illustrious Filipino families that have helped achieve Filipino nationhood.

Manila HipHop Festival Brings Rap Culture At Circuit Makati

It is undeniably a fact that we have now our own Hip Hop community and culture here in the Philippines, we used to just follow the influential American Hip Hop decades ago as we have loved their music. Now after so many years, we have now nurtured our own and even made our own hip hop and rap icons which are still popular today. In celebration for the music, the ApoDrop production brings the biggest names for a event that will bring music, fun, and culture together through the MNL Hip Hop Festival.

Happening at the Circuit Makati Concert Grounds, the concert will happen on November 30, 2018 from 2PM to 2AM. With 30 local Hip Hop artist on its roster, it is the biggest Hip Hop event in the country that will also deliver the message of Filipino culture  arts and environmentalism though lyrical poetry. There will also be 3 HipHop DJs  and 7 Side Activities that will happen in the event making sure that the fun never stops at the festival. 

ASEAN-Korea Flute Festival Triumphs with Back-to-Back Gala Concerts

The Philippine leg of the ASEAN-Korea Flute Festival concluded its week-long celebration with a gala concert at Carlos P. Romulo Theater, RCBC Building, Makati City on December 1, 2017 (Friday) and a public concert at Concert at the Park, Manila on December 2, 2017.

Capital G and CALYE - The Ultimate Pinoy Urban Lifestyle Center

Its great to see that our very own urban culture here in the Philippines which is unique and blends well with the love for country and culture. This is the newest revolution of Pinoy power that is conquering the streets and making trends today. I came across this cool store in Robinson Galeria which is also a dance studio in one. Coolness.

Capital G located at the Sports Loop features proudly Filipino urban apparel from shirts, pants, accessories, and even CDs of Pinoy Urban Artists which is are rare to find. Their designs bares the Filipino pride and creativity. And aside from this, they also have their dance studio CALYE just behind the store, where they conduct various classes. I got to know them because of their recital held in Area 05. 

Truly a one of a kind store that is true to the urban lifestyle and also a new way of saying "Buy Filipino" which supports local artists and also manufacturers. You can also order online via their  website www.capitalGshop.com and facebook at www.facebook.com/capitalgshop.