forVERA

just a simple and amateurish video for my friend's bday.
well, it's her special day
so "this" i consider a special dedication.

Happy Birthday Vera Leigh.

=)

plate number what?

found this in the corner of my unorganized "my docu" folders. i almost forget about this.

it was one of our charcoal plate under sir Munds class, when we have the whole time to get lost in light and space, and we find our hands in between the surface of an agitated paper, eventually noticing our dusty fingers.

i wish the original still exists. i'll ask my mother about it. i hope by talking to her i wont find out that it's already eaten by termites--- or (worse) got lost in the darkness, to forgetfulness.

i have a confession

I'm a huge fan of Himala, as much as I have a lunatic appreciation for wowowie.

Some of the factors that hook me up are the raucous and hysteria when willie or elsa appears to madlang people. Its amazing and scary at the same time! And of course, who can forget the scene of the stampede? (Which both of them have in common)

anyway, It was completely euphoric when just this morning, I got my hands on this book: Sa Puso ng Himala by Ricky Lee.

Thanks Mari Santiago, salamat at lubos kung malalaman ang kakayahan ng mga tao gumawa ng diyos, sumpa at higit sa lahat: himala.

give us us free!

Was supposed to go to Boracay this holy week. As going there isn’t that expensive anymore as my friends already booked their ticket via 2go and they only spent around Php -1800.00+ back and forth!* they already booked it since early February. So I said, yes! I will surely go with you guys!

But come March I still did not book a ticket. Its also because my payroll account under hsbc is locked for online payment which really sucks and I have to find a ticketing office for this matter. Since it’s still school days (plus I have a full time job). I cannot squeeze myself to find that gundam! wing ticketing office.

We have 3 days off from work for the Lenten season plus 2 days for the weekend. So that’s 5 days worth of awesome goodness! Can’t imagine staying bored in my room all through out so I called my best friend russ and need to discuss our gameplan.

I can imagine thousands of places to go for this holy week, but there’s only one place that is appealing in my mind: Puerto Galera. I know it’s my 4th year in a row, but it's sort of an annual ritual to go to that place where tempting beach and emotional landscape meet. And it’s just a bus and roro away from Manila. So russ and I decided to meet after my shift and take the early morn bus to Batangas.

I’m excited for him as it’s his first time to be in Puerto Galera.

We really had that lazy days by the beach. having wine and smoke, listening to jazz and samba. reading paper back novels. and then having a massage by the beach. it was quite relax and easy compared my previous years here in puerto when me and my other gay friends usually go for clubbing and boys hunting flirting. 

anyhow, so no work, no deadlines, no school papers. no stress. it's 5 days long of temporary bliss.

night time is when we start swimming and get amazed with the bioluminescence as  we wade, zoom and dance in the water. star like light emissions burst out from our limbs down to our fingertips; for a moment it's like being god, creating your own universe. 

as always, we wish Vera and Chai would be physically around. but it's like asking for the moon. nevertheless, in any part of the world, we usually have this virtual bonfire. for now, we were bound to keep on waiting, up until the next real one. somewhere, sometime.

*as of the date this article was written

On Tue, Mar 5, 2013 at 6:08 AM, liyo.denorte@gmail.com wrote:

it is very therapeutic for me to walk after hours. hours when

there are less crowd and the night is cold enough for me not

to be drenched in sweat.



i'm fond of leisurely walks specially when most people around

are already asleep, i think it was russ who told me one when

we are walking along escario in the middle of the night he

said if you remove all the walls, you can see thousands of

people lying down at that very certain time, from then on

every time i walk during those wee hours, it makes me feel

walking in a dreamy state.



2am is an ideal time for me, maybe because my work usually

ends that time and my wakefulness is on full swing but i just

like the idea of kinda having the whole city for myself and

not able see any trace of beat laden sidewalks from a long

day worth of human livelihood.



***



But hey, manila is a place for constant livelihood.

this place is meant for leaving ur fins, ur scales, ur beak

ur feathers and say hello for becoming a full pledge human



here human are meant to be a part of an orchestrated drama of

consumerism, advertising, giving, becoming, winning,

loosing, dreaming and waking up hopefully, to that dream.



but most of the people here need to or chose to be all wide

awake, and sometimes they all knocked up to extend they

forget about what they are dreaming of or do they still have

a dream to begin with. Just as a split second of katangahan

when u suddenly left ur keys inside ur room,

they all forgot and lost that dream .



All, all of those dreams were locked up.



in my almost 3 years here in manila, i learned that horror

long before i started to get curious and searched for a proof

that midnight cats can really talk---long before i learned to go

near the automatic swing door even not until the train or the

bus came to a complete stop. every one is on a hurry,

even though u just stand in there but u'll eventually carried by the wave of crowd

as the invisible hand of an omnipresent clock is ticking, that keep on

banging everybody's head so loud. but what makes the people

going is that manila offered so much, i mean A LOT



from lust, love, romance, promotion, degree, fame, anonymity,

sadness, indifference to nothingness.



manila now makes me think of the guy in paranormal romance

who admitted that he's fake but he redeemed himself by

defending the notion that he is not selling bogus apothecary

but what he is selling is "hope"





***



the fact that there's so much things to experience but so

little time makes me think of myself gearing from having a

leisurely walk into jogging then running until it appears

an image of me running and hopping on gigantic dominoes made

up of different endeavors, banal chores, interests and

affairs.



no time to stay on one domino for good deal of time, as the

other one is crashing by. exhibits and film festivals here

and there but there's no time for coffee and write blog about

it as i cannot focus on my assignment and i cannot give 100

percent on school as i will get too tired to work due to lack

of sleep and wasn't able to finish readings and i have to

finish my 300 pesos worth of meal in 10 mins as i might not

have enough time to flirt, to get hurt to be committed and to

love fully and romanticized for what happened on the weekend,

so i could talk and report that to chai over the phone but

certainly i will missed skype session with vera, and cannot

afford to go to taguig again to smoke weed with russ as i

will get late to work and messed up with my dAy to day

transactions with my clients and so on and on.



gone are the days i can savor my leisurely walk and enjoy

every drop of awesome goodness of life as there's not so much

time for it. if you want time, then you will get late and

miss a lot. so you have to stand up, squeeze urself out from

the crowd, and make sure u get the next trip. my question is

(as u guys always have these questions at the end):



kagustuhan ko ba to o ginusto?



that makes me tap myself at the back and resigned with the idea that

even if i'm exhausted with this fast paced crushed as u step dominoes,

it will eventually consolidate into one but for now i have to keep running at

all times and have to be awake, maski yung eyebags ko bumuboto sa galit,

So i can "fully" experience this ever so wonderful life? As in duh.



truly, life for me is “yeah?”, wonderful.

but all these times, i must tell you,

all i want is to walk again so i will realize what i am running for,

as the restless people in the streets need to sleep so they could remember

or to simply, keep their dreams that they have long forgotten.





Dear vera, chai and russ,

Mayng buntag



sail on,

liyo

it's been a long time, since i got home..

just came from my hometown in Madridejos Bantayan where i visited my mother and our youngest sibling, John Christopher. I was spoiled with fresh sea foods and good cooking by my mother. wasn't able to see my father as he's staying somewhere in Cebu and failed to give him my intended 1Q84 by Murakami gift for him.

oh well, will surely miss them and this place once again. 

now, here in Sta Fe, at sugar beach where I got the whole beach for myself. 

It's been a while since the last time. 

Now, lemme immerse myself on how it feels like to be a beach bum, once again ^_^

day night day night

Can barely remember when  i've watched this film,
 it was one of those films that Russ would recommend me to
watch while he would go to sleep since he has  already seen it.


  


I'm still haunted with the female suicide bomber's mantra.
And the way it hits me was in a form of implication
That no matter how careful you can get,
(less vices, e.g. living a healthy lifestyle, do safe sex, don't go out that much)
we will all die eventually in some ways we couldn't fully determine. 

 

(whispering) Everybody dies.
Some fall from a window and die.
Others die when an air conditioner
falls from a window and hits them.
Some people drive and hit something and die.
Some people get hit by a car and die.Some are knifed.
some are shot.|some are strangled.
some bleed to death|with bare hands and die.

Some people die when|a neighbor is smoking and sets off a fire.
some people just die from smoking. Some|die from lung cancer.
stomach cancer.Some die from heart attacks. strokes.
People get cirrhosis of the liver and die.Some freeze to death.|

some die from pneumonia.
Some die from heat stroke.|
some from getting bit by mosquitoes.
Some just die from throwing up.|
Some people get bit by dogs and die.
Some fall off a horse and get trampled.
Some are trampled to death|by other people.
Some get old and die.I'v made up my mind.

I have only|one death.
I want my death to be for you.

almost done

Giving appropriate justice & final ceremonies on the few remaining chapters, 

guess I'm gonna cry now ☹ 

#1Q84 #murakami #cbtl #UPtechHUB

what have you discovered lately?

Recollection 1081: Clear and Present Danger (Review)

The declaration of Martial law created a great impact in the Philippines. It happened forty years ago, when President Ferdinand Marcos issued Proclamation 1081 that leads to series of events that totally change the history of the lives of Filipinos.

The events that haunt artists on that era, who had experienced and live under the martial law, are depicted on the tell tale exhibit organized by PIGLAS. The exhibit presented these stories through visual art and literary works of the period.

The exhibit entitled Recollection 1081: Clear and Present Danger (Visual Dissent on Martial Rule), 1972 to 1981 will run from July 14, 2012 - September 30, 2012 inside Cultural Center Of The Philippines (CCP).

I think, one of the exhibit’s goals is to present these incidents from the past to the new generation. As these series of works from the artists, who have from one way or another experienced Martial Law under Marcos regime, portrayed us the spirit of time during that era. This exhibit is also necessary as it would instill history of the struggle and the revolutions that took place. The core values of the Filipino and the collective memories will be presented through this kind of exhibit for the coming years. As per Alice Guillermo:

“Art has always reflected society and the conditions in which people live, at the same time that it has contributed to the process of social and historical change. During the Marcos regime, an observed cultural phenomenon was the emergence development of protest art in various forms.”

It is from this method that that the past is revisited and the present day youth will be educated with their identity as a Filipino. In addition, the exhibit is not to criticize or denounce Martial Law, but merely to recall.

Antipas Delotavo’s "Itak Sa Puso ni Mang Juan"

Getting inside Bulwagang Juan Luna (Main Gallery), one will see rarely seen choice of works from private collections that are dated ranges from 70’s to 80’s and some recent digital works from selected artists. One of the work that one would barely missed is Antipas Delotavo’s "Itak Sa Puso ni Mang Juan", watercolor on paper, 1978, Alex Tee Collection which was really prominent in historical art books.

I’m quite amazed how the works of famous artists such as Bencab, Santi Bose and Ang Kiukok are present on the exhibit. One of the works that caught my attention is "For Hire", (A/P, intaglio, circa 1981, Artist's Collection) from Bencab which I just known that his full name is Benjie Torrado Cabrera. Then my personal favorite would be Ang Kiukok, "Scream II", (pen and ink on paper, 1983) and "Scream I" (oil on paper and collage, 1980, Private Collection). Was also awestruck by Santi Bose’s technique and symbolism on his works which i failed to take picture of.

Ang Kiukok's "Scream II"

One of my teachers in Art Studies, Prof. Brenda V. Fajardo, also had her work become part of the exhibit. It’s entitled Baraha ng Buhay ng mga Babae and she depicts the lives of the women during that time. Being asked how it is to be an artist during that time, she said it is quite a challenge for the artist to voice out their opinions and views during that time, especially if it’s against Marcos.

One of the notable artists present are: Nune Alvarrado, Jose Tence Ruiz, Charlie Co, Al Manrique, Anna Fer , Pablo Baens Santos, Edicio dela Torre, Onib Olmedo, Orlando Castillo, Virgilio Aviado, Renato Habulan, Phyllis Zaballero.

In addition to the works mounted  on the wall, there’s an installation art entitled, "Kinupot” by Edgar Tulusan Fernandez, (wood and fabric, 1978, Ateneo Art Gallery Collection) at the center of the gallery.

I do consider all the artists whose works are present on the exhibit as brave and who won’t compromise on showing their ideas to the public as they consider their artwork as an eye opener, or a simple statement on what is really happening. I would recommend this to the youth of the present who like me, weren’t born yet during that time. It is a guide and a reminder.

Indeed, even on this present day, revolutionary art is the one of vehicle or a form which political, social and cultural incidents could be viewed. Finally, this reunion of old artworks plays a vital role in supporting national identity by providing us a visual presentation of what had been, thus bringing us back to our roots. Here, the organizer collects artworks which clearly depict first hand stories of featured artists under the martial law and make these speak for itself.

Walang Kukurap

Based on what I've witnessed, this is a must see play.

Definitely a whole new level of experience on Philippine theater.

Good thing it's still on 'til Sep 30. If you're around manila, you can still catch this.

For details please visit: Tanghalang Pilipino's Walang Kukurap


p.s.
Sobrang namangha ako, saludo sa lahat ng bumubuo nitong dulang pantanghalang ito. taos puso po akong nagpapasalamat.

Neo-Filipino: Anting

I’m quite lucky to have a piece of contemporary ballet presented by CCP and Ballet Philippines.

It is a four part movement where narratives are depicted through interpretative dancing. It is quite impressive how magical traditions (in Filipino context, which could be either good or evil) were portrayed through a variety of plot, indigenous rituals and theatrical manner.

(a stolen shot, as it's not allowed to take pictures inside. it made sense as the whole performace is too beautiful to be captured by a camera)

Each part has original musical scoring in which different choreographers gave breathe to the graceful and skilled dancers.

post performance photo inside CCP taken by Russ Ligtas

For details, please click here: Neo-Filipino: Anting

Riel Hilario at the Art Awards 2012

One could say that one has seen and experienced something for the first time when one will completely loses oneself to place or a moment. Riel Hilario’s “Perro Amoroso” x “It was a paradisical state: The body was allowed to be a body” completely caught me off guard when I saw his installation pieces scattered inside portion of Ateneo de Manila Art Gallery for the Art Awards 2012. 

The first installation (Perro Amoroso) consists of a portrayal of a domesticated dog with a face of a woman, with other elements such as dismembered hand, a shoe, and another body which appears to be a headless canine. On his artist’s statement:

“Perro Amoroso is an attempt to portray a pet dog, if she were given a human persona (and a face).  In this case, my objective was to explore the relationship of projection that exists between pet and owner, and between canine with its territory, then bring these to a symbolic expression of a portrait.  In my presentation, the dog Frida becomes a being, almost human in sentience, who is watchful yet relaxed, assured of her place and her significance in the household.”

The second series of variable sized wooden sculptures entitled “It was a paradisical state: the body was allowed to be a body” coherently features odd looking hybrid creatures, with several bureaus which contain either a ball of dried grass or just left empty. A winged muse stands beside an almost leafless tree perched upon by birds with human faces. Perhaps it was a dream that took the artist to this premise or the snippet of dream molded and pieced together this idea for him to carve wooden sculptures which are both disarming and disorienting.

Getting the artist’s visual cues from the two creatures with written texts on their bellies: Locus Amoenus + Perdido Eden, Riel Hilario might be presenting a visual that expresses to oppose the ideal (place): Eden is the locale where Adam and Eve do not live within process of time and mortality, but here we feel that they are saying goodbye to it –with an urgency, like instant self-expulsion.

These images forwarded a particular position in these ever changing times, where traditional sculpture does not remain as it is. The idea of reality reflects reality is now submerged with subjective truth and personal interpretation. For that, it presents a new dimension of familiarizing of what is real and unreal, what is good and what is evil, bordering towards subconscious that originates from personal experiences, readings and historical exposure – ultimately giving us a different perspective as to how we could participate or react on these altered truths. 

This is now a tell tale of three dimensional pieces dug out from our collective memories; hence it surfaces our association with our individual beliefs and values, provoking our own judgment, and calls for evaluation of this enigma. By doing so, this becomes an impetus of a hush hush discourse inside our heads or may well be deliberated with friends around a coffee table. On the whole, the piece itself does not demand a tug of war between opinions but rather urges us to stand and remain within the uncertain, which does not necessarily entail any sort of redemption.

daddy, kelan ka ba uuwi?

(at green halo, cubaoX. photo taken by greys compuesto)

home bound

the non stop raining here in manila is killing my social life, 

my sunday, might be bound to interact with these again

halika, mey ibubulong ako sa yo:

blah blah blah

self declared holiday part 1/2

Consistency is the key. That’s what I always get from my boss to do something greater than what you’ve already achieved. I did well on my job, and I’m also trying to get well with my studies. But with extra curricular activities in between, there are times when you need to get off from that ideal pathway and run around the fields. It’s the time when everything I’ve piled up inevitably crumbles and then I say: come what may.

It started after series of exams and paper works on my 2nd month in the academe that I felt it’s taking its toll on me. Not to mention the work related stress i got from the office. So I said to myself, or the “myself” said to “I”, whatever the sequence is:

I need a break.

And this kind of break entails not going to work nor attend my classes. But there are times when you need to live a life that should be lived without those invincible strings attached. So here are exactly how i commence my self declared guilt ridden holiday and the culprits:

****************

Russ came here in manila for his national youth commission training and for that I made my Friday and the whole weekend clear of any appointment for the idea to be with him, my best friend, whom I’ve never seen for more than three months and couldn’t be certain when will I ever see him again. So in short, I need to see him and already filed a leave for that matter.

But he’s on a 2 week training program that he cannot get himself out of, so I have no other option but to use my leave credit set on that day (Friday) and good thing I got this invitation from a new found friend named Mari Santiago who invited me for Cinemalaya opening in CCP. Where we watched Babae Sa Breakwater as a tribute to the recent passing of Mario O'Hara 

from left to right: jose estves, aj rollon, richard sorriano legaspi, sir Ricky Lee, Sigfried Barros-Sanchez, claire agbayani, benjie razon, timo magalang, Mari M. Santiago and yours truly

Still, Russ cannot be reached the day after so my Saturday night was spent with Mari and her nephew at conspiracy. Was supposed to attend an artist talk at the nearby café but I was too late and too tired to attend so I skip to the beer and talk session instead which we were joined by a psychic, named Bong. But the highlight of that night is when I unexpectedly saw my school crush who happens to be part of a band playing that night. And he plays the electronic guitar. That’s like 1000 pogi points for me. They play this electronic/ instrumental /progressive genre that made me stand up and dance at their back, as we stayed outside. It was 7th heaven for me, how much more if we had the chance to talk and all. But I think he’s straight and he already has a girlfriend. But what I felt is otherwise.

*********

On Sunday. I watched Intoy Syokoy sa Kalye Marino. on my own

self declared holiday part 2/2

Was suppose to meet with Markus, but I think he is with his ex bf so I spent a weekday with Angelo (and I call him angelito as he reminds me of JM de Guzman of Angelito and Intoy syokoy) the way he likes me made me like him. But I still think of my school crush and sometimes, I still think of Markus.

Two things that make Angelo a winner is his ala indie film face, and his voice. He’s part of a chorale in one of the school here in manila. While we were cuddling, I asked him to sing for me and he did. I forgot the title but it sounds like and he sings the like of boyz2men

Was already late for work when he has to go, I was too tired to get off from bed and was too lazy to prepare for work. So declared it as my personal holiday.

***

July 25, 2012

Wednesday

Finally Russ came out from his NYC related programs and he is heading at my place, and with his bf, Lem. We had breakfast and then we went to Trinoma where we had this weird tasting jelly beans bean boozed. Good thing, upon scoring some tickets for the Dark Knight Rises, we went to Gelatissimo for some ice cream to take advantage of their buy 1 and get 1 free scoop promo. As usual, I go for pistachio flavor(ite) ice cream =)

We then went to CCP to meet Mark, Denisa Reyes and her nephew, Steffano. When we got in, we were just on time for the Cinemalaya Shorts B and was blown by the first entry: Ang Paghihintay sa Bulong of which I voted for the best short film category.

Then we went to Oarhouse within Malate and had a lengthy talk with other film enthusiasts and made it to the last people who closed the bar.

Russ is flying back to Cebu the next day. I also need to wake myself up and remind myself to go back to the right pathway. Enough running around the fields, for now.

trying to figure out Leandro Locsin's aesthetic principle

                             photo taken by Lemuel De Leon at CCP

isang liham

kinakailangan pa ba ng
bigkis ng sining at agham

upang maintindihan ang
iyong mga nakatagong liham

na wari'y sumasalaysay
sa himig ng yung pagkukunwari

kung saan tumitimbang
ang mga sari saring

aspeto ng kaunlaran at kasukdulan
sa kwentong tila walang patutunguhan

isang liham na di matapos tapos
di maipasok sa bote at

di maitapon
sa dagat ng katiyakan

i really hate it when i got some strange stalker at my back..

Markus

Well, it’s the moment when you caught him looking at you. Or was it him caught you looking at him. Either way, our eyes had that spanking yet silent greeting: hey there.

I wonder who’s with him in the crowded club on a Saturday night and found out he’s with other two companions and they seems having a lot of fun. While here I am, on the bartender’s bench, taking refuge with my drink and the music. It’s those nights when you itched to go out and just fuck the hell of a week worth of stress caused by daily livelihood. A toast for the weekend.

I might not be overly blessed financially but I am blessed with good PR. So going alone in the club is not a big deal for me, I usually come out with a newly met companion. And it’s easy for me that way, an easy ticket to be singled out.

So I thought looking at him looking at me, is a go signal. So we had this casual toast and cheered. We introduced ourselves then had this chit chat between sipping drinks. Eventually he introduced me to his best friend and his best friend’s sister.

Um ok, so lets party.

We had fun and were dead tired after the dawn. Then we end up going to his best friend’s place where we stayed overnight. We cook dinner, had karaoke and watched TV. The usual domestic kind of life which I totally miss.

There was no perfect moment but there was some romantic tension between me and Markus. While we were alone, he said he likes me and yeah, obviously, i also told him that i like him. we also had this stolen kiss moment. But I noticed he and his best friend are quite too “close” more than a best of friends could be. Well, me and my core friends Russ, Vera and Chai do hugged and all. But we don’t cuddle that much and do those sleazy stuff. So now I question: Are they just “best friends”?

****

Apparently, I found out that he lied. Or let say he lied 50% but still it’s a lie. He admitted that his best friend is actually his ex. That they have some issues in the past and they decided to call it quits but for some circumstances his ex is still with him. So i told him he should have told me in the first place so I know my position and know how I should act. But he then explained I might get turned off or something to that effect. And he doesn’t have any intention for me to get into trouble. His ex and his sister were actually fond of me. They were fun to be with as well. but I can’t imagine if I’ll see them again, should I just play it cool? And act as if there’s nothing to be aware of.

At this time, i don’t know how to react and what should I feel. No question, I’m a bit confused. oh, let me change that. I’m totally confused.

hintay

ibulong mo
ang pangalan ko
sa mga libo libong
nawawalang spiritu

himayin ang mga daing
nitong mga paa
kung saan saan na
nakarating
upang masulyap ang tamis
ng yung pagtingin

hinihintay
inaasam asam
ang muling pagtagpo
ng ating mga braso
ng ating mga anino

sabik sa haplos ng yung pagsisinungaling
mga ilusyon na nagpapaliyab
sa aking mga mata
mga ala-ala o haka-haka
na minsan,
tayong dalawa ay nag-iisa
isang saglit ng kahapong
inanod na ng limot
o di kaya,
di mo nais makita

uncovering manansala

The Arts and Sciences Mural

(Vicente Manansala)

The mural which is located inside the Lobby of AS Building in UP Diliman couldn't be missed by any passerby as it totally consume the whole portion of the wall that could span of 14 meters long and 2 meters wide. It consist of a human figure in the center, juxtaposed with several turbulent figures of different objects such as a clump of dark clouds with lightning, a pair of carabao, an abacus and a test tube. All these are situated on the left. While on the right side, one can see a compass (for drafting), a study of human form (madonna and child), an hour glass, a lamp, a violin, some dead woods, a hall or a portion of a building and a mushroom cloud. These are all painted on this huge wall in a particular order that could give a sense of balance or unification towards the central figure which is the full anatomy of a human figure, in between two shrubs (of sampaguita), that looks like it is thinking or in the midst of contemplation , which I must also add, on the upper left portion of it is a weighing scale where the human heart and a human brain is weighted equal by the human eye.

Assessing the primary figures and the central theme of this mural, makes me think of the human interaction with different kind of immediate resources and the multilevel discipline in the fields of art and sciences. Every objects are metaphors that could lead us into it's own visual queues such as the madonna and child could pertain to fine arts, violin is to music, the hall and the drafting compass is to architecture or say, theater. And for sciences, test tube could be for chemistry or biology, the abacus is for mathematical calculations and so on. All these interrelated to the man's ability to acquire knowledge while inside the academe.

Moreover, the whole piece reminds me of Salvador Dali's surrealist paintings where the concept of time and space melted into a dimension that employs extensive symbolism. Each object has its own subject matter which the artist uses to portray this scholastic idea and yes, an ulterior purpose of this artwork why it was painted inside the AS Lobby. It's like passing by a tombstone and there it is written the name of the deceased, and if by chance you can remember or identify that person, then a train of thoughts or random memories would sprout in a snap of a finger. So as this mural presented itself for the human eyes to see, for the human heart to feel and for the human brain to think. An artwork that serves as an emblem for the the whole building itself. A caption. A prologue of a story. A reminder. The sole purpose of art.

MDM B.... NIYAAN IS RUSS LIGTAS

If only I could fly to Cebu to experience this. Even here in Manila, it's very rare for anyone to see an intimate performance art like this. I have witnessed and experience some of the artist's past performances and I could consider myself lucky to be imbued with his cathartic narratives. For those who can and for those who don't need to fly, then i encourage you to land on this:

MDM B.... NIYAAN IS RUSS LIGTAS | Show Dates and Details

Show dates:
July 11 - Handuraw Events Cafe, Gorordo Ave., Lahug
July 12 - Alternative Contemporary Art Studio, D. Jakosalem St.
July 13 - Bantawan Sugbu Theater, 91 Visitacion St.
July 14 -Cafe Elysa, Zamora St. Pari-an District

Door fees: Php150/regular | Php100/student
Limited seating capacity | reservations suggested
For reservations| inquiries contact: Ms K 09178592930
For updates|information log on to www.russligtas.com or www.facebook.com/russ.ligtas.art or follow Russ at www.twitter.com/readruss

sedated

one of my subjects for this semester is Art Criticism. I'm quite intrigued with this class as i was able to learn a different kind of "seeing".

we have this first assignment of making an art statement and a formal analysis of a certain work and we were given the liberty to choose one of our previous works.

so i chose this sketch i that have from several years ago and i come up with these two different perspective of narrating it.

 sedated (2005)

ink on paper

Formal Analysis

It’s a drawing of a lady with closed eyes. It used ink on paper as its main medium. Black ink against white paper. Original size is 4” x 12”. Actual lines and implied lines are drawn to create the primary form which mostly in curvilinear and free flowing however uses a lot of crosshatching for shading. Since a ballpoint pen was used, most lines are thin and delicate yet for contours; it uses thick and dark outlines. The technique is more of surrealism rather than naturalism as the artist contorted the image of a woman with big eyes, thick lashes, long neck and swirly hair, which is still very dynamic yet very relaxed and organic against on a two dimensional art form.

In terms of design, it’s very asymmetrical and having an inclination to informal balance. It is completely non proportional and the emphasis is more of the leaning position of the head which gives a diagonal orientation. The elongated neckline was pulled by a huge swirl (which has so much weight on the entire artwork) which occupies so much of the space on the lower right side giving the upper left side more unused space or emptiness. Since it only uses ink, the color and shading is monochromatic. With the light falling from upper right to lower left, that gives contrast and shadows on the form, which provides more volume to the different parts of the woman’s body that envelopes the whole portrait.

Its main components are the upper torso, the elongated neck and the head. A portrait of an individual who has an outlandish hairstyle, with this imagery, it has no association with any historical event, allegory nor mythology. Its most distinctive feature is the outline on the facial features, the position of the shoulders and the hairstyle. Because of the minimalist approach to material and technique there’s no variation than can be depicted as this has a solid representation of a lady in nude.

All these added: the characteristics of the line, the color and orientation; it gives a unified and stable yet arbitrary composition in the midst of asymmetrical scheme, of which, one could look into a relaxed and very meditative image.

Artist Statement

My drawing attempts to portray the idea of a person’s need to be calm. To be totally removed from the chaos and confusion of everyday life.

Having the interest for zen philosophy, minimalist music and monochromatic art forms, I have used ink and paper as the main medium for this work. Where there’s not much color and visual noise reflected, using only the stroke of the pen to convey a certain state of being. With an inclination for surrealist movement to attain a dream like ambiance, in which the viewer could reflect one’s desire to attain a certain level of meditation or self reflection.

My goal is to retrieve that certain moment when you are at ease with the universe, it could because of my early childhood years when I grew up in an island, always caught up with scenes that are visually paralyzing such as watching sunset while taking my tea by the shore. Those visual inputs are retained and later transmitted in a form of a nude lady on her solitary moment which is going through a passage of nothingness.

All these being said, I consider drawing as an activity that let us escape or to unclothe ourselves with the things that bothers us like anxiety, stress and frustration. It’s about embracing the moment and to be in complete surrender.

phew!

Was totally in scherzo these past few weeks. Day after day, I’m anxious about the requirements and the underpinnings of enrollment itself that needs to be done on a very limited time. Let alone the physical constraints as I still need to work full time.

I couldn’t just imagine the hell I’ve been through from accomplishing my pre registration forms to proudly waving my form 5 with a certification from the Registrar’s office that it’s fully paid. the feeling of “oh this is new!” specially my introduction with CRS which you can see your student profile and the available courses and its description online. It made my stay in UP Cebu as if it was a time of the Dark Ages. Then was able to understand and literally experience “UP ikot”. The tiresome pilgrimage of going from one hall to another. From Vinzon’s hall to Public Health, to College of fine arts then the OUR and vice versa (specially if something went wrong or something lacking)

the blanket of exhaustion finally took off when I’m on my 2nd week. As I already know my room numbers and I find my hidden gardens where I can just have my brewed coffee and smoke. I kinda like Mondays and Saturdays in UPDIL. It’s very nice and quite. Compared to the days in between when it’s full of either the blabber mouths or the disturbing geeks, of which, sometimes, I could also be temporarily transformed into one of them. I think I’m very much of a person who camouflage with my environment. Because of that I also found new friends.

My first friend is Marriane. She’s a transferee from Ateneo. We become friends because of her unusual boots. She’s like a modern character on one of Kafka’s book so mabe that's why i become fond of her at first glance. And she smokes as well (she prefers Winston lights which Francis also smoke and he’s also from Ateneo). She’s fun and has an inclination to be a lesbian. i was even mystified with her female crush and able to come up with a slogan: "Donna Go, Please don't go" But she confirm she’s bisexual (as everyone else is) she also got cheeky girl friends whom I would love to kid around while I grab them by the hair. It’s so fun! It’s just that I couldn’t remember all their names.

Vis-à-vis

Since I met Bryan, I usually spend my weekends in Antipolo. It reminds me of Busay in Cebu. Where you can see the city below. But compared to Busay, Antipolo is already becoming of an urban area than an escape from city living. Fortunately, Bryan’s place is located in a cul-de-sac of a certain subdivision up there. So they have this veranda where you can see a view of the nearby mountains and the “remaining” trees. Together with his friends and their “mommy” we spend the whole day drinking coffee or brandy. Playing cards, talk, sing, smoke and if the moment permit it, Bryan and I do some cuddling. That went on since we first met, on May 19.

Tomorrow is Bryan’s bday. And we had a very bad fight last night. So I’m declaring sort of a cold war against him. We are supposed to be together in Antipolo but I decided to get loose of any relationship responsibilities and took flight on my own. So I went to Shang Cinema as it’s having the last day of French Film Festival for this year.

It’s been almost a month since the last time I rode the MRT. I only take the train during weekends when it’s my day off from work. So I’m itching again to wander around the metropolitan--- ‘cause every time I’m inside a train, I’m always caught up with the idea: ”today, there’s something gonna happen”

I really thought I wouldn’t able to catch even a single entry for this film festival as my weekend was already plotted. But for some reasons, the Art Universe is not willing for me to give up my annual traditions. Was constantly present since French film festival intertwined with my interest with foreign films. It was as long as I’ve known Cine Europa

Last year, most films are starred by Sandrine Bonnaire, while this year, it’s the director Olivier Assayas which films are featured through out the festival. Was planning to see his (L’eau Froide, 1994) and (Irma Vep, 1996) but I cannot afford to be absent from my classes and from my work. So I was presented with this take it or leave it film: Roses à Crédit

Strange enough, it’s the least of my choice for this year’s runner ups. But the film was at first sweet, then eventually it became provocative, and intense yet in the end, it was so melancholic.

It was an anticipated tragedy coated with mellifluous romanticism and presented beautifully by the main character Marjoline (Léa Seydoux)

For me, the plot is not that interesting. A woman who becomes enslave with the material world is very cliché. But what I was impressed of is with the film’s style and technique, the supporting characters, their dialogue and the acting. It’s like a run of the mill break fast meal consisting of bacon and egg but it was served visually and emotionally striking.

After watching it, I decided, that film made up my French film festival experience for this year. I didn’t line up for an hour, for another entry, scheduled that day and came back face to face with my own drama while being tickled and choked with my own solitude while wandering within the entrails of rain drenched lonesome city.

Fallacio(us)

Just don’t give me any false alarm
And I won’t panic
I won’t run to you to save me
Nor will I scream your name to see me.

Don’t give me set of expectations
And I would be fine on my own
I would be sitting down
Calm, in this side of comfort

But you’ve give it all away
Dropping incendiary bombs on me
steamy and explosive
you’ve consumed me
On that night
Behind those chained curtains
Of the darkened room
All drenched with fluids

Still, you’ve manage to charred me to the bones
No saving moans
Sweet, sweet jesus
We held hands and we managed
To go to hell and chant
Things of tomorrows

You blurted out pebbles of gold
That turns out to be ashes