The soul of a nation

The controversy surrounding the Cultural Center of the Philippines regarding the so-called “blasphemous” exhibit has spawned debates on artistic freedom and what should be considered art. Enraged legislators are ready to cut off funding for the CCP amid calls for the resignation of all the CCP officials. Liberal artists say we’re just too narrow-minded  but the fact is, we are. After all, the Philippines is an extremely conservative Catholic country. Just look at the RH bill issue. Many of us grew up under a strict Catholic atmosphere with our parents, especially our mothers, described as “Catolica cerrada.” Many pre-war parents and baby boomers went to segregated Catholic-run schools where boys were separated from the girls.

While many of us believe that art is art for art’s sake, there are also many  artists included  who have expressed their disapproval of the kind of art that showed disrespect for God and our faith. One thing is certain, freedom of expression has to be tempered with responsibility and absent that, then anyone who can wield a paintbrush and conjure up bizarre and provocative art installations (with used condoms) can likewise claim to be an artist.

Had the same form of art been displayed to revered Islamic symbols, like a representation of the prophet Muhammad adorned with Mickey Mouse ears or condoms wrapped around a mosque, we would have Muslim Filipinos enraged, too, like what happened when a Danish publication depicted Muhammad in editorial cartoons sometime in 2005. This prompted dire threats from Osama bin Laden himself.

In any case, the silver lining in this controversy is the attention being focused on the CCP and the state of disrepair it is in. The CCP leadership said they will review policies  but perhaps they should prioritize the improvement of the CCP building that has become so run down. Last month we watched “The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber” compliments of our friend Francis Lumen who brought in the show to the country. It was such a wonderful production, but what was clearly out of tune was the humid and hot atmosphere at the CCP. The air conditioning units are older than Mahoma. The CCP formally started in 1969 and I am told by one of the old-timers that the aircons have not been replaced at all with continuous breakdowns happening.

For sure, we can find wealthy corporations or individuals who are prepared to help preserve the CCP. No matter what people may say about it, the Cultural Center is a well-designed theatre by National Artist for Architecture Lindy Locsin, and certainly in a good location right in the heart of Manila. If the government cannot afford its upkeep, perhaps it’s time to consider privatization and let the government just share in the revenues. Businessmen like Manny Pangilinan can definitely make a go at it and help produce more shows to showcase Filipino talent. PLDT and Ayala together with San Miguel and Tessie Sy’s SMDC can probably spearhead efforts to develop artists who have been complaining about neglect and lack of support from government. In Italy, government has tapped the private sector to preserve cultural icons like the Colosseum and the La Scala opera house whose repair and upkeep is being funded by Diego Della Valle, head of the luxury leather goods company Tod’s.

They say that the soul of a nation is reflected in its culture. The CCP embodies truth, beauty and goodness  the very same things that help define us as Filipinos. It should take the lead in preserving our soul as a nation and instill in all of us a sense of pride in our culture.

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The sudden resignation of Tourism Secretary Bertie Lim came as a surprise to many but those in the know say that President Noynoy was already disappointed with Bertie as far back as six months ago. The President apparently lost confidence in Lim who was one of those alluded to as one of P-Noy’s “headaches.” Insiders tell us that President Noy has allegedly been ignoring Bertie’s phone calls  a very Cojuangco trait. Those who are familiar with the Cojuangcos say that when they lose confidence in you, they start to ignore you.

Lim was strongly recommended by the Makati Business Club. But in fairness to Bertie, I have always known him to be a serious and hardworking guy. It was pure bad luck that the Luneta bus hostage-taking crisis happened shortly after he was appointed Tourism Secretary, which started him off on the wrong foot. Shortly after, this was followed by the flak created by the “Pilipinas Kay Ganda” logo that was allegedly plagiarized from Poland’s “Polska” tourism campaign. The plagiarism charges were later denied by Yolly Ong of Campaigns and Grey who said they only submitted the logo as a study.

This is the first major resignation in the Cabinet of President Noy, with the official line that Lim was tired and just wanted to spend more time with his family. At least he was given a graceful exit  unlike in the previous administration where appointees can get the rug pulled from under their feet (like what happened to our former Ambassador to Washington, Albert del Rosario, who was unceremoniously recalled home without observance of proper diplomatic protocol).

Next to OFW remittances, tourism has the enormous potential of contributing to the economy. It has often been said that if there’s one thing the Philippines can boastfully offer  it is our many diverse tourist attractions. Aside from that, tourism also plays a big role in spreading the economic benefits to so many people. We cannot afford to drop the ball on this vital industry.

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