Supreme picks

Watch â€˜Ekstra’

MANILA, Philippines - It’s surreal to hear Vilma Santos utter “balang araw sisikat din tayo,” but that she does in Jeffrey Jeturian’s Ekstra, this year’s Cinemalaya entry to first enjoy a commercial release. The film is the star for all seasons’ initial foray into indie and she does not disappoint, bringing new meaning to the phrase “There are no small parts, only small actors.” Vilma plays the role of Loida Malabanan, an extra in a soap opera, and the highlight of the film is not the surprising cameos of celebrities (Piolo Pascual! Marian Rivera! Cherry Pie Picache! Sir Chief! Pilar Pilapil!) but the premise of doing whatever it takes to reach one’s dreams, even at the price of exploitation. Definitely a film worth checking out, if only to see Vilma play a subservient role. And she won a Best Actress Award for that, mind you. Ekstra is now showing in major cinemas.

Buy a â€˜designer’ tote bag

The tote is now part of the hipster’s uniform, filled to the brim with his arsenal, from independent zines to toy cameras and obscure records. Kidding aside, it has become an easy way to lug one’s stuff around without committing to an actual bag. Tonight, Today x Future will play host to I’m Totally Going to That Tote Bag Party, a party cum bazaar selling totes from Boy Agimat, Brainiacs, Derek Tvmala, Garapata, Hefril, Morsels, Odile & Company, Salad Day, Randolf, and Wallflowerparty. These makers’ totes are casually slung by some of the hippest people in the city, and will be gathered in one epic night of commercial pursuits and aural pleasures. Music will be provided by DJ Siomai, Major Chi, Moki McFly, Popdays, and Tarsius. Sale begins at 5 p.m.

Be part of Venthrilla in Manila

Ventriloquism has scared more than it has amused, instilling in us a fear stemming from horror movies like Dead Silence. But we hope Venthrilla in Manila will change that, a two-day show of live puppet performances from three of the best Filipino ventriloquists: Ony Carcamo, Wanlu, and Ruther Urquia. The show focuses on Manila’s landmarks such as Luneta, Quiapo, Escolta, Intramuros, and the University Belt. The cast will relive Manila’s glory days as puppets and puppeteers reminisce about the good old times. Venthrilla will have its last two shows today at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute at the CCP.

Learn Lomography 101

These days, everyone’s a photographer. Unfortunately, not everyone is a good one, but Lomography 101 can help you improve your craft. Today, Erick Cusi and Minde Alberto are hosting free lomography lessons to teach any budding photographer the art of artistic lo-fi shots. Learn about colors, tones, and saturation, as well as tips and tricks to capturing that great photo. The event is sponsored by Lomography Embassy Manila, so expect the authorities in analogue photography to teach you srs skillz. The event starts at 2 p.m. at the Pismo Digital Lifestyle, Shangri-La Plaza. Entrance is free.

Shine bright with â€˜General Observations’

If you want to see art flash itself right in front of your face, Inksurge has got you covered. For their first solo exhibition, “General Observations,” the design studio has partnered with culture hothouse Heima to mount the brightest art we’ve seen in a while, quite literally. The Inksurge duo got their inspiration from a short stroll right outside the front door, the opposite of having to travel far and wide to get that lightbulb to dazzle you. According to Jois and Rex, “inspiration is everywhere. You just need to walk around and make General Observations.” The exhibit is at Pablo Fort, Unit C-11, South of Market Condominium, 9th corner 11th streets, Fort Global City, Taguig.

Go crazy with the Japandroids

We said it once and we’ll say it again. Now’s a great time for music in the Philippines. More and more indie bands are coming (the best news so far is Wicked’s confirmation for next year), and the next in line is Japandroids, the Canadian duo known for their debut album “Post-Nothing,” which was met with widespread acclaim. After the haunting and melancholic sound of The xx, it’s time for a roaring good night with Japandroids and their frenzied live performances on Monday. The concert promises much of the critically lauded songs, from Young Hearts Spark Fire from “Post-Nothing” to The House That Heaven Built from “Celebration Rock.” Expect a wild night of old and new favorites. Concert starts at 8 p.m. at the Hard Rock Cafe.