Supreme picks
Relive history with ‘Oro, Plata, Mata’
MANILA, Philippines - It’s interesting to note that the Philippines is the last country to have a national film archive, considering that our cinema is one of the oldest in Asia. Because of our lack of a governing body, only 3,000 out of 8,000 existing films have been preserved. But tides have changed, starting with the restoration of Himala. This time, the attention has turned to Oro, Mata, Plata, the masterpiece directed by Peque Gallaga. The film is a stark depiction of the downward spiral faced by two haciendero families at the height of World War II in the province. The arduous task of restoration was headed by ABS-CBN Film Archive and Central Digital Lab, comprising a 16-man team and 1,700 hours. The re-mastered HD version will be playing in select cinemas beginning this week. This may be your most aesthetic, if not best, depiction of Philippine history, so make sure you get to be part of the action.
Do it for the Manila Fame
Andy Warhol once said everyone will get to be famous for 15 minutes, but Manila Fame has one week, and will have it twice a year. The first for 2013 will open next Wednesday and last until Sunday, and will feature the best local products in the design world: from furniture, furnishings, home accents to apparel and textile, and fashion accessories. The exhibitors are part of the who’s who in the design circles, from Cary Santiago and Josie Natori, to Rajo Laurel, Rags2Riches, and SC Vizcarra. Expect a lot of local products with a global appeal, thanks to creative directors Kenneth Cobonpue and Budji Layug. Manila Fame happens at the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia.
Party with Motion City Soundtrack in Manila
The band behind pop punk favorites The Future Freaks Me Out and This Is For Real will be hitting the stage tonight at the SM City North EDSA Sky Dome, showing every Filipino how good music is done. Motion City Soundtrack began in 1997 and since then, they have been making music “too diverse to fit into just one particular genre,†alternatively being labeled as pop punk, indie rock, and punk revival, with Elvis Costello and Jimmy Eat World as influences. Whatever the genre, the music makes one nostalgic for those ‘90s teen movies, the ones starring Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze, Jr. Their latest album “Go†is described as more mature than their previous albums, touching on death and self-discovery. “Go†also focuses on melodic beats instead of wild numbers, making this album worth checking out. Catch the performance tonight at 8 p.m.
Grind to Grimes in Manila
Alternative acts are steadily invading Manila, and Grimes is the next musician to prove that there’s more to music than crap pop. Grimes, the brains behind the orgasmic Oblivion, is coming to Hard Rock Café on Thursday, and will be performing her songs, branded as “indietronica.†Her music is hard to describe, being a mix of electronica and industrial, and The Guardian once said that “by sounding a little like everything you’ve ever heard, the whole sounds like nothing you’ve ever heard.†In spite of that, The New York Times has called her latest album “Visions†one of the most impressive albums of 2012. Grimes pulls from a lot of influences, from Enya to Björk, and from unusual sources such as filmmakers Lars von Trier and David Lynch. Her ethereal vocals are a perfect match to her piano and synthesizer, turning your Thursday night into a trippy affair. Show starts at 9 p.m.
Audition for ‘Maxie The Musical’
If you think you can act, head on over to PETA this weekend to audition for Maxie The Musical: Ang Pagdadalaga Ni Maximo Oliveros, the stage adaptation of the eponymous film by Auraeus Solito. The film is one of Cinemalaya’s mainstream successes, eventually gaining nominations and awards in festivals in Singapore, Toronto, Quebec, Spain, Berlin, and the US. A lot is expected from the adaptation, especially for the role of Maxie, the effeminate and adorable young boy who falls in love with a cop and must choose between him and his wayward family. The role was portrayed in the film by Nathan Lopez, who was so convincing that the audience forgets he is completely heterosexual. If you think you have what it takes to play Maxie, interested applicants must look 13-15, have androgynous looks, dancing skills, and a strong soprano voice. Those who plan to audition must prepare a pop song. Other roles are open. Check out PETA’s Facebook page for more details.
See future filmmakers at the Haute Auteur Awards Night
The Haute Auteur silent video competition is officially over, with UP Cineastes’ Studio announcing the winners tonight. The submissions were screened at Plaridel Hall in UP and the Greenbelt 3 Lobby, and the awards night will feature the 10 finalists, with the top five to be accompanied with live scoring by Anton and the Salvadors, Radioactive Sago Project, Tarsius, Archaster and Taken By Cars. Extrapolation, The Strangeness, Ivan Theory and People’s Future will also be performing. Expect to see the best in music from established artists and films from soon-to-be acclaimed directors. Artworks by Bernard Gatus, Rob Cham, Jamie Cabatit, Vaughn Pinpin, Vin Quilop, and Aldy Aguirre will be exhibited and sold. Party starts at 7:30 p.m. at Freedom Bar, Anonas, Quezon City.
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