It all began in 1960 when Fe Sala Villarica formed a group called the “Arts of Cebu” with fellow artists to “stimulate the art consciousness of Cebuanos.” There were seven of them and each member represented a particular art discipline: Fidel Araneta (sculpture), Mollyboy Briones (literature), Gloria Escaño (drama), Jose Mercado (architecture), Pilar Sala (music), Carmelo Tamayo (painting) and Fe Sala Villarica (dance).
In 1990, it was incorporated into a foundation, the Arts Council of Cebu Foundation Inc. (Room 221, 2nd floor, Krizia Building, F. Gonzales Cmpd., Gorordo Avenue, http://artscouncilcebu.org/, phone 233-0452). Its present officers are: Petite Garcia (President), Maxwell Espina (V.P. Internal Affairs), Vivina Chiu-Yrastorza (V.P. External Affairs), Mariter Klepp (Secretary) and Elvira Luym (Treasurer).
In an earlier dinner with Ms. Villarica and Dr. Yrastorza (Chairperson 50th Anniversary Celebration) at the Alliance Francaise de Cebu meeting, your favorite food columnist had a lively discussion with these two ladies about the arts and I conceded that my knowledge about the arts is very limited. It all began in U.P. Diliman as a student in Humanities; my grade was 3.0 ra gyud intawon. I found it very difficult to understand music, architecture, sculpture and the like as an impoverished student. I did have some interest in Literature: Edgar Allan Poe (The Cask of Amontillado), Yukio Mishima (The Sound of Waves) and Vladimir Nabokov (ahem, Lolita!).
Last July 3, 2010, the venue of the 50th year celebration launching was the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel and over 300 guests participated in the “strictly formal” event. When the appetizer, the Sake-cured Salmon with Apple Compote, Potato Pancake, Organic Sprouts and Goat Cheese Dressing was served, I ask myself which aspect of the “arts” I have the most interest…well, gastronomy gyud! Even Wikipedia agrees because “Gastronomy studies various cultural components with food as its central axis…thus it is related to the Fine Arts.”
The soup was very refreshing with very earthy flavors: Forest Mushroom Soup with Parmesan, Sun-dried tomatoes and Basil oil. The buffet tables were then opened and guests had their choices of Ratatouille, Grilled Mol Mol Fillet with Olives, Capers, Basil and Pernod Cream Sauce, Medallions of Pork Picatta with Tomato Basil Coulis, (Chicken) Coq Au Vin and Herb Marinated Roast Beef.
I began my work as, excuse me, an artist tasting the nuances of each dish (one dish, a bit salty) and one bite of the Coq au Vin triggered memories of another dinner also held at the Marco Polo Plaza when GM Hans Hauri invited French Chef Marc Aubry who prepared the best Coq au Vin I have ever tasted.
After the dessert, Warm Chocolate Nut Pudding with Mango Coulis, Caramelized Pineapple Mille Feuille and Coconut Ice Cream, I remember that the Arts Council of Cebu has a scholarship program to support the training of music, fine arts students, including those enrolled in film. The latter is my second passion, but lately I have realized that it is no longer just a film collection but a kind of addiction since it is very difficult to have a week pass by without a friendly visit to the Muslim traders.
Highlight of the celebration was the Ballet Masterpieces with Ms. Lisa Macuja Elizalde and Ballet Manila, sponsored by the MSY Holdings Corp. There were 8 performances, namely: Pas d’ Action from La Bayadere, Reve, M.A.Z.N., The Fairy Doll, Widmung, Le Corsaire, Rebel and Bongga Ka ‘Day. Like food, we have individual preferences (sometimes ridiculous!) and this “uncultured” columnist has two favorites: REVE (fusion of classic ballet and modern music of the Metallica with two male dancers) and the REBEL (breathtaking repertoire of Ms. Lisa Macuja Elizalde). The Arts Council of Cebu invites all artists, art enthusiasts and art patrons to be a member; you pay P5, 000.00, lifetime member na ka!