9 living treasures awarded at GAMABA ceremony
FOR the first time in the history of the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA), nine awardees were honored in a single conferment this year, marking the highest number of recipients in a single year. The event was held at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila early in May. The nine awardees of the National Living Treasures award are: dallot ritual singer-poet Adelita Romualdo Bagcal from Banna, Ilocos Norte; T’boli chanter ofepics Rosie Godwino Sula from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato; Manobo embroidery and beadwork artisan Abina Tawide Coguit from La Paz, Agusan del Sur; Sama master of traditionaldance Sakinur-ain Mugong Delasas from Bongao, Tawi-Tawi; T’boli kemas brasscaster Bundos Bansil Fara from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato; Higaonon mat weaver Marife Ravidas Ganahon from Malaybalay, Bukidnon; Ga’dang embroiderer Amparo Balansi Mabanag from Paracelis, Mountain Province; Mandaya weaver of ikat textiles Samporonia Pagsac Madanlo from Caraga, Davao Oriental; and T’boli master weaver of t’nalak Barbra Kibed Ofong from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.
Drag musical sequel to premiere in June
THE sequel to Maxie The Musical will be staged in time for Pride Month in June. Titled Dalaga na si Maxie Oliveros: A Drag Musical Extravaganza, the show will mark the return of a Filipino pop culture queer icon, running from June 13 to 22 at Illumination Studio, Makati City. Set five years after the first installment from 2013, it follows Maxie Oliveros as she navigates love, identity, and resilience in a world that’s still catching up to her radiance. Both musicals build on the legacy of Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros, the 2005 award-winning film that first introduced Maxie to the world. Tickets are now on sale, priced at P2,500 each. An early bird discount of P200 is available only until May 18.
Two painters exhibited at ArtistSpace
THE exhibit The Nova Amorsolos presents works by two artists who are likened by some to Fernando Amorsolo. Alfred Galura and Rommel Tingzon, in their first two-man exhibition together. Their works are on view until May 21 at the ArtistSpace, located at Ground Level, Ayala Museum Annex, Makati Avenue corner De La Rosa Street, Makati City.
Group show at Imahica Art Gallery
ON display this month at the Imahica Art Gallery is Timeless Strokes, a group exhibition containing pieces from the 1970s onwards. It showcases early and influential works by some of the Philippines’ most respected contemporary artists, with the goal to give a rare glimpse into the evolution of the local art scene. Participating artists include Pandy Aviado, Imelda Cajipe Endaya, Fil Delacruz, Julie Lluch, Cid Reyes, Nestor Olarte Vinluan, Phyllis Zaballero, and many more.The exhibit runs until May 31 at the Imahica Art Gallery, Wack-Wack, Mandaluyong City.
The M talk on preserving Pitoy Moreno gowns
DESIGNER Rajo Laurel will be hosting an intimate conversation on reviving the iconic bridal gowns of Jose “Pitoy” Moreno for a new generation. Titled “Love Letters: Preserving and Repurposing J. Moreno Gowns,” the session will offer a glimpse into the collaborative process behind the revival, featuring heartfelt stories from two brides, Ella Pangilinan-Miranda and Yanna Laurel-Sigueon Reyna, whose mothers’ cherished gowns were restored and reimagined by Laurel. The talk will take place on May 31, at 2 p.m., at the second-floor foyer of the Metropolitan Museum of Manila in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
The Manila Hotel holds May flower exhibit
THE Art Gallery of The Manila Hotel is presenting the exhibit Flowers of May this month, featuring the works of Manuel Baldemor. The exhibit pays homage to the Flores de Mayo festival, a celebration of beauty, devotion, and renewal. Coming from his previous, more solemn Kuwaresma series, the works in Flowers of May showcase Mr. Baldemor’s take on joyful floral expressions of spirit and color. It is on view at the hotel’s Art Gallery until May 31. Admission is free.
Ballet Manila stagesSwan Lake with San Francisco superstars
BALLET MANILA is continuing the celebration of its 30th Anniversary with the restaging of the beloved classic, Swan Lake, featuring a roster of ballet stars from San Francisco Ballet. On May 30, 8 p.m., May 31, 5 p.m., and June 1, 5 p.m., the production will be led by San Francisco’s first soloist Katherine Barkman in the dual roles of Odette (White Swan) and Odile (Black Swan). She was a former mentee of Lisa Macuja Elizalde and principal dancer of Ballet Manila. Dancing alongside Barkman will be Esteban Hernandez, principal dancer of the San Francisco Ballet, taking on the character of Prince Siegfried. Meanwhile, the 1 p.m. shows on May 31 and June 1 will star Ballet Manila principal dancer Abigail Oliveiro and San Francisco Ballet soloist Nathaniel Remez. All performances will be staged at the Aliw Theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City. For tickets, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.
Virgin Labfest unveils scripts for 20th year
THE Virgin Labfest (VLF) has unveiled the 12 new scripts for untried, untested, and unstaged one-act play festival, to be staged this year from June 11 to 29. The new plays to be staged in this year’s edition of the festival, titled VLFXX: HINOG, are: TBT: Takbo, Batang Tondo by Yoj; Ang Bata Kag Ang Nilaga by Liane Carlo Suelan; Polar Coordinates by Ade Valenzona; Minating ni Mariah Ang Manto ng Mommy ni Mama Mary by Eljay Castro; Unang Araw by Ivan Villacorta Gentolizo; Presidential Suite #2 by Siege Malvar; Mga Magindara sa Siyudad by Chris Joseph Junio; Ang Problema sa Trolley by Imuthis; The Late Mr. Real by Rolin Migyuel Obina; Anniversary by Nelsito Gomez; Mommy G by Jobert Grey Landeza; and Don’t Meow for Me, Catriona by Ryan Machado. The three plays from last year’s edition that will be brought back this year are Jhudiel Clare Sosa’s Identite, Joshua Lim So’s Pagkapit sa Hangin, and Elise Santos’ Sa Babaeng Lahat.
