National Artists Ryan Cayabyab & Alice Reyes Holds Aditions For Rama Hari

The creative team behind the Filipino Rock Opera Ballet, RAMA, HARI is searching for new talents to complete the production’s cast of Singers.

A Filipino modern rock opera ballet, RAMA, HARI is an acclaimed collaboration among five National Artists – Alice Reyes for direction and choreography, Ryan Cayabyab for music, Salvador Bernal for production design, Bienvenido Lumbera for the libretto, and English translations by Rolando Tinio. An adaptation of the Sanskrit epic poem Ramayana, this masterpiece features renowned singers in the Filipino music industry and incorporates traditional theatre, song, and dance devices found and shared among Asian nations.  

National Artist BenCab Recieves Honoris Causa

National Artist for Visual Arts Benedicto "BenCab" Cabrera was conferred the honorary degree Doctor of Humanities, Honoris Causa by the University of the Cordilleras (UC) during its 72nd Commencement Exercises  held last August 24, 2018 in recognition of his contributions in the field of culture and arts.

In his speech, Cabrera recalled being introduced to the region's rich culture in the 60's describing it as "truly original." He also noted the aesthetic qualities of the region's artworks which are presently showcased at the BenCab Museum.

"As residents of these mountains and valleys, it is important that we acknowledge and respect this shared heritage [and] making sure that our environment is protected is equally important," Cabrera said.

BenCab also underscored the importance of taking care of the environment which is among the advocacies of the BenCab Art Foundation.

FASHIONISTA: Freeway x National Artist Collectors' Series Lucio San Pedro for Fall 2013

Freeway is honored to launch the National Artist Collector’s Series for Fall 2013 to celebrate Lucio San Pedro's 100th Birth Centennial. He is the 9th National Artist to be honored by Freeway which includes his kababayan Botong Franciso, fellow musician Levi Celerio, and  F. Sionil Jose to name a few.

In the launch held at The Row Glorietta, his works is remembered with performaces by his grandaugther, the San Perdo Angono Children's Music Choir, and even the host for that night Rachel Alejandro sang his works like "Sa Ugoy ng Duyan" , "Piliin Mo Ang Pilipinas", among others. It was also the awarding of the Freeway Art Contest wherein as among the hundreds of entries, two were chosen to be featured for their line which supports young and budding Filipino artists.

FASHIONISTA: Freeway x Botong Francisco

National Artist Collectors’ Series Holiday 2012

This year’s holiday collection of National Artist Collectors' Series celebrates Philippine’s greatest muralist of all time,   Carlos “Botong” V. Francisco , who comes from  the artist town of  Angono, Rizal.  This most anticipated collaboration collection also marks the 100th Grand Anniversary of Botong’s life who was born in 1912.

From canvass to fabric, Freeway immortalizes Botong Francisco’s paintings in to a wearable art.  See the 25 piece collection that comes in vibrant holiday colors, befitting the color palette of Botong Francisco’s paintings online.

FASHIONISTA: Freeway Levi Celerio Collection

Fashion and Art were proven to be a fated tandem ever since FREEWAY introduced its National Artist Collectors’ Series in 2009.  This innovative brand continues to collaborate with our National Artists to fuel the strong commitment of reintroducing the Philippines Arts & Culture to the younger generation, thus making Fashionalism hip and relevant.

This Fall, Freeway has officially gone galactic with one of the most loved form of art and the universal language of mankind, Music.  Freeway is excited to feature its first National Artist for Music in the Series, Levi Celerio.

Surpizingly, I share the same birth date with the musical prodigy which I also admire for his songs have made a mark in my mind and ours as well. I am very happy that clothing brands like Freeway recognizes the great contribution of national artists and have them made into clothing which also relives their works.

Blah Blah Blog RAINY DAYS: To Zoo or Not To Zoo?

TO ZOO OR NOT TO ZOO... That is the question.

Another trendsetter this week was the Infamous condition of the Manila Zoo posted in a post by Propinoy.net. The post showed the very poor condition of the animals with their nutrition and also their health and also untreated wounds. It is really a sad to see the animals at this conditions, especially it was my first zoo experience in my life. And I have been to several other zoos like Avilon and Malabon which takes good care of the animals. Though I prefer seeing animals in the wild but zoos can be a source of a sanctuary for animals that needs special care and not primarily for entertainment.