CCP pays tribute to Pitoy Moreno

The Cultural Center of the Philippines and Gawad Kalinga present "Ginintuang Moreno: A Tribute to J. Moreno," on October 26 and 27 at 8 p.m. at the CCP Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo. The event honors the work and achievements of Jose "Pitoy" Moreno, also known as the Fashion Czar of Asia.

The tribute to Moreno will feature pieces from his collections over the years. Moreno, who has dressed many Philippine First Ladies, international royalty and celebrities, is famous for his superb craftsmanship, beadwork and hand painting. He is one of the earliest exponents of the Maria Clara and is known for his trademark terno. He is renowned for his use of Philippine traditional material in his contemporary designs.

Moreno is credited for bringing Philippine fashion to the world. His collections have circled the globe and garnered worldwide publicity in international fashion magazines such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Holiday, Le Figaro, and Women’s Wear Daily Wear.

The program will feature the Philippine Ballet Theater and selected CCP resident companies, guest artists and fashion models who have worked with Moreno. Floy Quintos will direct the multi-media production which will also feature choreography by Tony Fabella and Ariel Lozada, set design by Gino Gonzales, lighting design by Monino Duque and technical direction by Gerry Fernandez.

Imelda Cojuangco is the honorary chairman of the committee overseeing the project. "Ginintuang Moreno: A Tribute to J. Moreno" is being held with support from the CCP Arts for the People Program, a cultural development program that seeks to make the arts accessible to underprivileged communities all over the country. The event will also contribute to Gawad Kalinga projects. Gawad Kalinga builds communities by providing housing and other infrastructure, values education and community health care in depressed areas in Metro Manila and in the regions.

CCP president Nestor O. Jardin said that the objectives of the Arts for the People Program parallel those of the Gawad Kalinga Foundation. "We will do Arts for the People projects in Gawad Kalinga communities. I believe that it’s not enough to build infrastructure for the community, we also need to build structures that will unite and give it soul. This is what art and culture can do. It will help instill pride in the community and will make it more cohesive and productive."

The CCP tribute to Moreno recognizes Philippine fashion and design not only as an industry but as an art form. CCP chairperson Emily A. Abrera said, "This project recognizes that art emanates from the different aspects of everyday life. It allows us to get away from the four walls of a building and a museum that seems to suggest that art is material and only hung on walls, displayed and exhibited for aesthetic purposes or simply to be regarded and treasured. Art exists around us and can have a use in everyday life."

For more information, call CCP Marketing at 832-1125 local 1800 to 1806.