Supreme agenda
Watch the International Silent Film Festival
MANILA, Philippines - No, the movies are not on mute. They’re called silent movies because they’re… silent.The Shang Cineplex is back to host another round of cultural films, this time for the 8th International Silent Film Festival. This year, they have seven films from Germany, Italy, Spain, USA, France, Japan, and the Philippines (yes, we have them). Out of the lineup, we recommend Spain’s Curro Vargas (1923), about a man who migrates to the US to be rich so he can court the woman he loves; and Japan’s Chuji Tabi Nikki (A Diary of Chuji’s Travels, 1927), about a friendly yakuza who is running from the law. Of course, our own Ang Tigmo Sa Aking Pagpauli (Riddles of My Homecoming, 2013) is also worth seeing. It’s about the lumad group in Mindanao, and their belief that a man’s soul will journey after life. One young man returns to connect the pieces of his life, and runs into a cult leader, a hermaphrodite shaman, and miracles set against corruption. What makes the festival fun is that the films will be accompanied by live music from rock band Glass Cherry Breakers, spoken word and jazz group Radioactive Sago Project, DJ Caliph8, and experimental indie electronic duo Kaapin. It’ll be a curious combination hearing old school films and fresh (and even electronic music), so this is a festival worth seeing. The International Silent Film Festival will be held this weekend, with screenings at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Admission is free, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Shop at the MaArte Artisan Fair
You’re probably tired of going to the same bazaars with the same stores and the same wares, but when you consider that the MaArte Artisan Fair is a project of the Museum Foundation of the Philippines, that should make you reconsider. Of course, they will be selling products made by Filipino artisans (like any other bazaar), but expect them to be works of art. Fortunately, the products won’t cost you a painting from a master. Some products to look forward to are pottery from 11-year-old Angelo Espiritu, knickknacks from Liliana Manahan (who was called a rising Asian talent and whose works were featured in the prestigious Maison et Objet Asia), handpainted throwpillows from Art of Gold, sustainable wood shot servers from MARSSE, vegan soap and smokeless candles from Fae Candles, and socially-responsible bags made from buri and ticos grass by Abre. The fair happens this weekend at Rockwell Tent.
See mindboggling art from 75 artists in one show
The art world was shocked when artist, CCP’s founding museum director, and CCP 13 Artists Award founder Roberto Chabet passed away last year. Aside from being a staunch supporter of the arts, he was also known as the father of Philippine conceptual art. During his heyday, he constructed unusual works using everyday materials, which paved the way for the thought-provoking pieces we see today. As tribute, artists Nilo Ilarde and Ringo Bunoan will curate “What does it all matter, as long as the wounds fit the arrows?”, a show with over 75 artists who were mentored by the great artist. Like Chabet, their artworks will resist explanation, and will focus on being “messy, disordered, and conflicting.” The artists are from different age groups and schools of thought, which will make the exhibit even more confusing and exciting. Some notable artists included are Poklong Anading, Alfredo Aquilizan, Mariano Ching, Lena Cobangbang, Ernest Concepcion, Louie Cordero, Patricia Eustaquio, Robert Langenegger, Romeo Lee, Norberto Roldan, Soler and Mona Santos, and MM Yu. You know you’re well-loved when 75 of your brightest students come together to exhibit in your honor. “What does it all matter, as long as the wounds fit the arrows?” will open today at the Bulwagang Juan Luna. They will then be moved to the third and fourth floor galleries.
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