The main building of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) remains closed due to its ongoing rehabilitation, but its opera programming continues with the presentation of the Italian composer Gaetano Donizetti’s “Don Pasquale” as part of its 39th concert season. For its seventh concert, to be staged on March 8 at Samsung Performing Arts...
New takes on commemorating Edsa People Power Revolt ‘86
Has the memory of a united people who stopped tanks on a historic highway to oust the dictator faded into the recesses of the collective consciousness? Many Filipinos think not, although the annual commemoration of the 1986 Edsa People Power Revolt has largely been marked by rallies of dwindling numbers. On its 38th anniversary, various...
Concert with Hajji & Co., book launch to mark a golden anniversary
Hajji Alejandro, the legendary “kilabot ng kolehiyala” who set many a convent-school girl’s heart a-flutter, topbills the concert “Happy Days are Here Again” on Feb. 2 at the GSIS Theater on JW Diokno Boulevard, Pasay City. The concert, which also features Miguel Aguila, Laarni Lozada and Gino Padilla, along with the Axis Dancers as well...
What it’s like in the WOMB
“It’s a struggle!” When one said that in the ‘70s and ‘80s, they would most certainly have been referring to any of the multifront resistance groups against Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s dictatorship, martial law, and the assassination of the opposition leader and former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. Today, when spoken by some members of the...
To nourish a legacy of criticism and scholarship in the academe
In this age where power continuously redefines and reinvents itself, the response of an enlightened academe is clear: to critique, interrogate, and resist. It was in September when the secretariat started planning for the 3rd Edel Garcellano Conference on Literary and Cultural Studies at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) in Santa Mesa, Manila....
‘Balagtasan’ and ‘kundiman’ finals highlight National Poetry Day rites
The Quezon City government is leading rites to mark this year’s National Poetry Day (Pambansang Araw ng Pagtula) on Nov. 22, the birthday of eminent Filipino poet and “King of Balagtasan” Jose Corazon de Jesus, popularly known as Huseng Batute. Huseng Batute’s legacy of patriotism through poetry continues with activities organized by the Quezon City...
Forum on women’s movement against gender-based violence
Stories of local and global practices in the movement against violence against women and gender-based violence will be shared by three resource persons in the first Maureen C. Pagaduan Memorial Public Forum Series on Nov. 18, Saturday, 1-4 p.m., at the University of the Philippines’ College of Social Work and Community Development in Diliman, Quezon...
Filipino peace-builder is among recipients of 2023 Ramon Magsaysay Award
Champions of holistic health care, food sovereignty and environment conservation, education for all, and women in peace-building are the recipients of the 2023 Ramon Magsaysay Award. They are Dr. Ravi Kannan R. of India, Eugenio Lemos of Timor Leste, Korvi Rakshand of Bangladesh, and Miriam Coronel-Ferrer of the Philippines. Following the global online announcement made...
Ramon Magsaysay Award marks 65 years of honoring ‘greatness of spirit’ in Asia
The year 2023 marks the 65th anniversary of the Ramon Magsaysay Award, Asia’s premier prize and highest honor. To commemorate this milestone year, the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF) is mounting events and programs as part of an 18-month celebration. The Award, named after the globally respected President Ramon Magsaysay of the Philippines, was established...
Tourism chief cites world’s 1st green travel mart for authentic ecotourism
The world’s first green travel mart to be held in the Philippines is firmly on track with Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco citing it as a clear path in transforming “tourism with sustainability as a bedrock” principle. Frasco has affirmed the vital support of the Department of Tourism (DOT) for the International Ecotourism Travel Mart (IETM)...