PPO WOWS ANTIQUEÑOS IN SAN JOSE AND PANDAN

"PPO WOWS ANTIQUEÑOS IN SAN JOSE AND PANDAN"

 IN spite of intermittent rains, the lively performance of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro Herminigildo Ranera uplifted the spirits of residents in the towns of San Jose de Buenavista and Pandan in Antique.  Held last June 30 and July 1, the PPO’s outreach concerts were undertaken through the efforts of Cultural Center of the Philippines president Arsenio "Nick" Lizaso.

 The PPO’s concerts in Antique were made possible with the support of Antique Congresswoman Legarda, who attended both concerts, Antique Provincial Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao, San Jose de Buenavista Municipal Mayor Elmer C. Untaran and Pandan Municipal Mayor Plaridel E. Sanchez VI. (Photo by Orly Daquipil)

50 YEARS OF PHILIPPINE FILM HISTORY AT THE CCP FOR CINEMALAYA’S 15TH

"50 YEARS OF PHILIPPINE FILM HISTORY AT THE CCP FOR CINEMALAYA’S 15TH"

 THE Cultural Center of the Philippines is proud to present an extensive exhibition on Philippine film history that will open on Saturday, 3 August, 3:30pm at the CCP Bulwagang Juan Luna (Main Gallery).  Titled Scenes Reclaimed: CCP 50 x Cinemalaya 15, the exhibition traces the historical participation of CCP in the development of Philippine cinema across its first 50 years of service, culminating in its establishment of the first nationwide independent film festival, Cinemalaya, currently also celebrating its 15th year anniversary.

 Scenes Reclaimed presents a rich array of artworks, artifacts, photographs, and videos representing crucial moments and issues throughout the history of the Philippine film in the context of the CCP. The exhibition begins with the Marcos years and the conjugal dictatorship’s use of cinema in creating their political and cultural mythology.  It then goes into the post-EDSA period of the CCP with its thrust to democratize, decentralize and Filipinize.  The third alcove of the gallery presents the various programs that served as the impetus for the rise in independent film production and regional cinema, leading into the Cinemalaya Festival.  The Cinemalaya section of the exhibition presents the 2019 competition films alongside a study of the annual Cinemalaya Film Congress.  The exhibition also includes a general timeline of the Philippine film industry, with a special focus on the National Artists for film, as well as the relationship between the Philippine film industry and Philippine politics.

 Scenes Reclaimed is curated by the team of Patrick F. Campos, Karl Castro, Tito Quiling, Jr., and Louise Jashil Sonido, with the CCP Visual Arts and Museum Division and the CCP Film, and New Media and Broadcast Division.

 Scenes Reclaimed may be viewed until September 24, 2019 at the CCP’s Bulwagang Juan Luna (Main Gallery).  Exhibit viewing hours during the Cinemalaya Film Festival (2-11 August) are from 9am to 9pm.  Regular viewing hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm.  Hours are extended until 10pm on days with evening performances at the CCP Main Theater.  For more information, contact the CCP Visual Arts and Museum Division, Production and Exhibition Department, at (632) 832-1125 loc. 1504/1505 and (632) 832-3702, mobile (0917) 6033809, email  ccp.exhibits@gmail.com or visit  www.culturalcenter.gov.ph.

NOEL COMIA, JR. PORTRAYS A GAY ROLE IN HIS NEW CINEMALAYA FILM (A VERY SPECIAL INTERVIEW)

noel: impressive

noel comia, jr. with blogger robert

noel with his dad

From the glass circle moving doors of the entrance of Promenade Mall in Greenhills, he saw him. He was wearing black leather jackets and a rather rugged pair of pants, walking side by side with his father.

He followed him, as he walked fast in a separate glass entrance door of the Promenade. He never noticed that someone was following him already. And as he and his dad looked around looking for someone, he called their attention.

His mom and elder sister soon appeared, and they became a complete family, together with a lone guest- out to bond and eat supper altogether.

A rather naive and gentle but unassuming boy, he smiled upon seeing his guest.

And the rest of the running minutes and clicks of time seemed to be just like ETERNITY.


*****   ****  *****  *****


Noel Comia, Jr., the lead star of the upcoming Cinemalaya film entry entitled Children of the River, was every inch an actor of distinction, style, poise, breeding and intensity. At a young age, he knew the proper ways and manners of creating such a good and lasting impression upon his guest, who was out to interview him at that time. He was never harsh, he was always gentle when he spoke, and in between, his boyish ways could be cutely felt.

"Shooting the film was masaya, it's so much fun, too", came Noel's first answer to a question. "It was a great shoot for six days, far from the pollution of Metro Manila. Because you see, Sir, one of the aims of our film Children of the River is to promote tourism in Qurino, Isabela. That's the place we shot the film for its entirety. And we did capture the very many beautiful places there.

"Maganda po talaga doon", Noel further continued to say. "There's a great river flowing, hills and mountains and fields. It's like heaven. It's so quiet and peaceful. We slept in an Inn or Hotel every shooting wrap. As much as we loved to camp, we couldn't because we had to sleep after every shoot in preparation for the next shooting day."

How would Noel describe the film Children of the River?

"It's a coming of age film", Noel answered. "You will be surprised about my character in this movie. When we had a press conference, na-reveal na doon 'yung character ko sa movie. I portray po a gay role in this film. And it's my first time to portray a role like that. It's a gay role but I did not act gay and there's a lot more surprise if you'll gonna watch the film.

"But basically, the film is also a family-oriented film", Noel quipped. "It talks about the sadness of life and the simple joys, too. And also, the main ingredient of the film is about what happens to the families of soldiers being left behind as they go to wars. What happens to the children like us when their soldier-father leaves them behind. What was the feeling, ganu'n po. That's why I can say by now, this film tackles the sensitivity of one boy and one family."

What can you say about your director in this film, in person of Maricel Cariaga?

"She's a very hands-on director", Noel was quick to answer. "And I would like to thank her very much because I learned much from her about becoming responsible for my role. She's a good director.

"I made so much research on my role here, Sir, because my director told me to research and study further about the feelings and the lives of gay people", he continued saying again. "I did many observations and investigations. Medyo 'yung role ko po kasi, hindi totally out na gay, eh. Medyo boy pa siya. So I really dug deeper a lot and I applied some techniques that I learned in Theater. I mixed it all up and how I wish by now, people will like the way I portrayed my role here. I dedicate my role here to all LGBT's of the Philippines."

But in real life, Noel is a very straight GUY. It's just that being an actor, you must be open to every kind of roles offered. It's your job. It's your dedication to the world of Arts that mattered the most.

"And I find it very challenging, too, Sir", Noel told to the interviewer. "I love challenges. Portraying a role that I could not relate to, yeah, it's hard. But the result was fulfilling."

According to some observers, in the film Children of the River, it's going to be Noel who will carry the film all throughout. Without much big cast support compared to his previous film at Cinemalaya which was Kiko Boksingero (wherein he won the Best Actor award a couple of years back) - and he got there the likes of Yul Servo and Yayo Aguila as support, now in this film, only Jay Manalo sounded familiar in the names of the cast and maybe, Rich Asuncion (the bell doesn't ring loud, though.)? The rest of the cast sounded so unfamiliar. If we are right? Excuse us, please. Haha. Sorry po.

"Not really, Sir, I have Rich Asuncion and other stars from channel 7 as my support here also", Noel contradicted. "And I guess po, pare-pareho lang kaming actors. I can't say that I'm just the only one who will carry the movie all throughout. Iba-iba po ang binigay naming galing at paghihirap sa movie na ito. I must not take the sole credit. It's like we're one big barkada in this movie. We worked as a team, Sir."

Oh, okey. Hihihihihi.


******  *****   *****  *****


A product of KIDS ACT PHILIPPINES, Noel considers Mr. Luigi G. Nacario and Eugene Belbis, both Acting teachers of Kids Act Philippines, as his original and very first mentors. 

"It's with them that I learned how to act because that's where I studied Theater Acting and also Music Theory", Noel revealed. "I also learned how to read musical notes because of them. Now I can benefit from reading musical notes whenever I perform in a musical play, a concert or a show. I also know how to compose songs, and I can sing, too, as much as I can dance."

What a talented boy, indeed. Aside from acting, dancing, singing, modelling- Noel can also play musical instruments. He could play the piano, the drums, the Ukelele, the Harmonica, the recorder, and the Melodica. Pretty fascinating, indeed.

"Whenever I have the spare hours, I would play the instruments", Noel revealed to a blogger. "But like any ordinary kids, I also spend so much time playing the Mobile Legend on my cellphone. Hahahaha!"


********   *******   *******

More on Noel Comia, Jr. on Swordshines10.Blogspot.Com before or after his film "Children of the River" gets to be shown at the coming Cinemalaya 15. For now, everybody's thrilled to see him again on the wide screen. With a rather surprising role that would further prove his versatility as an actor.

After "Children of the River", Noel's next films are: "Versus", directed by Ralston Jover, "Huling Gitarista", directed by Jason Orfalas and the international film of Raya Martin out to be shown at the Venice Film festival- "Death of Nintendo".

Surely, this boy soon turning to be a fine, young man will mesmerize us more. His career pattern is impeccable- almost like the career path of a Hollywood 'big-time' actor. But sad to say, Noel comes from the Philippines and not from Hollywood.

Yet still, he was able to create such a serious, convincing formula of a great actor-



FOREVER.




(as the words were written by robert manuguid silverio)

come, let's have wine with lance raymundo and 'el maestro' elwood perez....

They both belong to those upper middle class people, or the 'old rich' people, as you may say...

With acquired "Blood of Royalty", like that of the Monarchy people...

Acquired sophisticated ways, classy breeding, aristocratic manners and delicate tastes.

Surely, the elegance and the class fits them both to a "T".

Lance Raymundo and 'El Maestro' Elwood Perez.

The actor and the director.

In one film scene that matters much- that, of DRINKING WINE, in an artistic and cinematic way.

A scene from the film they are currently filming. 

Just look at the photos below and cherish.

"An exquisite degustation at Dr. Wine Manila, with gracious host Ms. Jacqueline Marzan Tolentino and Cinema advocate Ms. Karen Jane Salutan", as what 'El Maestro' Elwood Perez described the brief film shoot to a blogger.

Indeed, one scene in a film could never be the same again-

Just like FOREVER.





(WORDS by robert manuguid silverio)
Photos Courtesy of Lance Raymundo, Karen Jane Salutan and 'El Maestro' Elwood Perez
BLOGGER'S NOTE: Photos were not captioned for a "more dramatic effect".-*

NOEL COMIA, JR.: ACTOR PAR EXCELLENCE

Actors come in many sizes, shapes, forms... and ages.

You have no right to discriminate whether he's old or young. Because actors are actors. They do their jobs, imagine much and create new-found expressions and styles in the way they perform.

They go to further lengths and glory. They explore. They mature. They invent. They dream and they hope, too.

But there's one actor that's so delicate to touch at, so young to dream at, so fragile to look at.

A young actor worthy of high impressions and feelings, having proven much about himself and his God-given talents. In the years to come, we will wait and see him grow.

He became the Poster Boy of the very successful first run of "Noli Me Tangere, The Opera" this year. In which, he also acted there the precious role of Basilio. His performance was praised all-over the very high-end interiors of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. And that happened on the early part of the year 2019.

A lot of Cinemalaya fanatics already noticed him in the film "Kiko Boksingero", which was a film entry at the Cinemalaya film fest a few years back. And in that film, he won the Best Actor award at the Cinemalaya awards right after, besting the veterans.

He's a prominent young TV actor, too, having appeared in lots of TV drama shows and TV teleseryes. Recently, he taped an episode on the top-rating Maaalala Mo Kaya at ABS-CBN Channel 2.

He had done lots of theater projects, too. Too many to mention. And with that, he became an Hall of Famer at the Aliw Awards as Best Child Performer!

He could sing and dance, too. Remember him in "Your Face Sounds Familiar"?. Haha. He was so great there.

And now, this year, before 2019 ends, his star will be shining much brighter in a Cinemalaya film that's out to be shown at this year's Cinemalaya 15. 

Again, he's the lead actor, together with other three main lead stars and kids of the film.

The title of the film: "CHILDREN OF THE RIVER"

And his name:


NOEL COMIA, JR.



As in

FOREVER.





(as the words were written by robert manuguid silverio)

PAINTER POPOY CUSI'S "GRAINS OF LIFE" PAINTING EXHIBIT AT THE GERMAN CLUB PROVES HIS LOVE FOR THE GREAT PHILIPPINE COUNTRYSIDE....

One blogger has personally witnessed Master Watercolor Painter- in person of Rafael "Popoy" Cusi- the great energy, limitless spirit and great love for the countryside of this internationally-renowned Painter. The moment he sees a great scenery or a magnificent view, he would at once grab his painting brushes, his canvasses and all, and would start painting. His assistant would hurry-up all the other sfferent aizes of paint brushes, pail of water, and other mixtures/colors of paints- as Mr. Cusi's hand- like that of God's hands- would amazingly and easily move his hands and paint. The result: a painting of Life, captured in great colors, living, breathing, tantalizing...

Whenever Mr. Popoy Cusi would also visit a friend, in person of Mr. Armando Giron, in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija- he would capture the great rice fields and onion fields there. He would start to paint and paint, almost every day, every hour, every moment. His eyes would twinkle and his love for the Arts would glow in its most brilliant form.

Thus, only a month ago, Mr. Popoy Cusi held a one-man painting exhibit at the German Club. It was entitled "GRAINS OF LIFE". In that painting exhibit, Mr. Cusi showcased all his collections on his rice fields painting- most of them were inspired in his visits at Bongabon, Nueva Ecija.

The GRAINS OF LIFE exhibit of Popoy Cusi was very successful. It was attended by many German dignitaries, V.I.P.'s, people from the Arts & Culture and also from the Government, plus lots of Arts lovers.

"I guess, our countryside here in our own country is still one of my best favorites to paint and capture", Mr. Cusi told a blogger. "The Philippine scenery is still one of the best in the whole world. I have traveled all-over the word, and our grains of life is still incomparable."

Just look and cherish below the pictures taken at Mr. Popoy Cusi's painting exhibit entitled GRAINS OF LIFE. Indeed, there's still a lot of beautiful places to love and admire in our own Philippine countryside, as painted by Mr. Cusi.



(words by robert manuguid silverio)

PHOTOS WERE GRABBED AT MR. POPOY CUSI'S FB PAGE. SPECIAL THANKS TO MR. IVAN IRINCO AND MS. KAYE NUGUID.***
assitional note from the blogger: Actual painting exhibit photos were not captioned for a "more dramatic effect". Thank you.---rms***

 POPOY CUSI  AT WORK, AS HIS FRIEND IVAN IRINCO LOOKS ON

media person hilda ong holds a painting of popoy cusi

media person ms. hilda ong with painter popoy cusi

BLOGGER ROBERT WITH POPOY CUSI