Events: Past, current, coming Opera Belles, welcome!

Envoy, the latest in VIP Communications Ventures’ family of magazines, is the first devoted exclusively to foreign affairs and diplomacy. Envoy, which fills a long-existing void, will have a formal launch soon. Rodolfo V. Romero is President, CEO of VIP Communications Ventures, Inc.

“The Life and Art of Lee Aguinaldo”, published by Vibal Foundation for Ateneo Art Gallery, was launched at the Leong Hall of Ateneo U. The invitation reads: “Lee Aguinaldo was a towering figure in the Philippine art scene, for his work as well as his controversial public image. Though known for his abstraction, he refused to restrict his art and flouted traditional notions of originality by appropriating other artists and imagery. The book brings out his full range.” Co-authors are Ma. Victoria T. Herrera, Clarissa Chikiamco and Cid Reyes.

Literary symposium

The Bienvenido N. Santos Creative Writing Center and the De la Salle U. Department of Literature will hold a symposium on Bienvenido N. Santos’ to mark his centenary on March 22 at the Yuchengco Seminar Rooms of DLSU.

The Galerie Hans Brumann held “Words and Windows” featuring the paintings of Jinky Reynoso accompanied by the poems of Emily Dickinson. The show ended March 8.

Alliance Francaise de Manille’s current “Vintage Vitalis” is an exhibit of Macario Vitalis’ works curated by Ofelia Gelvezon-Tequi and Claude Tayag. The show ends March 31.

“Transitions/Transcendence”, featuring the works of Toro, a businessman, and of Ignatius Yeo, a mortgage consultant, closes March 25 at the ALCCCO building, Ortigas Avenue.

“Drawing Demos” by Pancho Piano is showing at the same venue through March 16 and 17.

Sansó Moderno

Galerie Joaquin will hold “Sanso Moderno” from today, March 16 to March 30.

The invitation reads: “In the recent past, internationally awarded and renowned artist Juvenal Sansó has found fresh inspiration in new places and locations resulting in an astonishing set of artworks whether these be landscapes of breath-taking colors or abstracts with a myriad array of patterns, simply amazing new forms, new colors, new compositions.

“With over 60 years in a stellar career, only Sansó can outdo himself. With three medals in three countries, he has done a plethora of works repeatedly proving his boundless creativity, energy and talent. In Sansó Moderno, the artist is at his best, overflowing with passion for his art.”

Brothers in Art 3

Photos and etchings by Dutch brothers Alex and Hans Van Hagen will be exhibited by FILA under the title “Brothers in Art 3” at Peninsula Manila from March 25 to April 1.

Perro Berde Magazine

First Secretary Antonio Garcia Roger writes: “The Spanish Embassy is pleased to send you the Fil-Spanish cultural magazine Perro Berde which promotes the tradition of publishing in Spanish. With the title, which combines a Spanish word with another in the vernacular, the publication seeks to transmit the crossbreeding and cultural dialogue born out of the project, aside from highlighting the peculiarity of Philippine writing in Spanish.”

The magazine contains an interview of Sansó by Instituto Cervantes director Jose R. Rodriguez, poems, narratives and essays in Spanish, English and Pilipino by both Spanish and Filipino writers.

Formed by the Philippine Opera Company, the Opera Belles is a trio that sings pop with operatic artistry and refinement. Its songs have rhythmic changes and a classical touch that create a new, unique sound.

Opera belles Allison Tanner, Lara Maigue and Jam Valdes, who combine beauty with talent recently launched their CD under Sony Music.

Requiem for ‘Dom’

Dominador Ocampo Reyes, husband of Nelly Reyes, passed away recently. A government lawyer for over 45 years, he had a major role in the passage of the Science Act and the organization of the National Development Board which later became the Department of Science and Technology. He received grants, scholarships and fellowships from Washington, DC, Queen Elizabeth House Oxford and Sussex U, both in UK. He had extensive experience in public administration and public relations, and was Tourism Undersecretary.