Catriona Gray for National Arts Month 2022
YOU can’t quarantine the artist,” declares theater stalwart Dr. Felimon B. Blanco, “because they will always find ways to be creative during the pandemic.” As Robin Williams’ John Keating said in Dead Poets Society (1989): “Medicine, law, business, engineering—these are noble pursuits and necessary to pursue life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love—these are what we stay alive for.”
And, in what mental state would we be if not for the artists who helped us endure the lockdowns?
‘SINING NG PAG-ASA’
BY virtue of Proclamation Number 683 signed in 1991, February is designated as National Arts Month (NAM) as spearheaded by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
This year’s theme, ”Sining ng Pag-asa,” brings hope that life continues in the new normal even with new challenges. “Although the platforms have differed, the message of the seven arts have remained to be steadfast. The arts are the beacon of hope, being the best manifestation of our culture and traditions amid the pandemic.
We continue to say, ‘Padayon,’ moving forward toward a brighter direction,” Oscar Casaysay, the new NCCA executive director, said during the virtual launch.
The heads of the seven arts committees (Cinema’s Dr. Rolando B. Tolentino, Literary Arts’ Dr. Julieta C. Mallari; Music’s Felipe de Leon Jr., Visual Arts’ Geraldine B. Araneta; Dance’s Dr. Shirley Halili-cruz; Architecture and Allied Arts’ Zenaida Galingan; and Dramatic Arts’ Dr. Blanco) will be conducting webinars, virtual shows and performances. The schedule of activities are found on the committees’ respective Facebook pages as well as the NCCA’S.
“I have always believed in the healing power of the arts. The NAM, being the NCCA’S biggest flagship program, is an essential platform to cultivate appreciation for the arts and bring out a deep sense of respect for our cultures and traditions,” says NCCA chairman Arsenio “Nick” Lizaso.
CAT AT THE MET
AT the virtual presscon, NAM ambassadors Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and P-pop sensation SB19 were on hand “to empower the younger generation to appreciate our Filipino heritage and identity.”
For her birthday in early January, Catriona released a fashion film especially shot at the newly refurbished Metropolitan Theater of Manila. The video, which shows our fourth Miss Universe channeling glamorous, world-class Filipina women, also serves as the first salvo for the arts month, which officially opens on February 4.
As an “Opera Enchantress,” she echoed the likes of Filipina soprano singer Jovita Fuentes, our National Artist for Music (1976) in a “Sentenarya” couture piece by Neric Beltran and Rocaille earrings by Earl Gariando. As a “Classic Thespian,” she gave a nod to Sarsuela Queen Honorata “Atang” de la Rama, our National Artist for Theater and Music (1987), wearing a “Gintong Kabalyero” couture terno and ostrich feather fan by Adam Pereyra in collaboration with Arwin Meriales, and porcelain hair pieces by Mirth & Yift.
The Met was once home to ballet recitals by the Manila Moderne Ballet. As a “Prima Ballerina,” Cat wore a silk taffeta dress by Alrey Rosano and a headpiece by Miel Avena. When it was restored in 1978, society doyenne Conchita “Conching” Chuidian Sunico was appointed as its executive director. She was also a Carnival Queen, as Miss Philippines 1935, who Cat also paid tribute to in a “Dikya” ensemble by Neric Beltran, corset by Candice Arboleda, and earrings pinned on the headpiece by Kat Ong.
“So excited to create a vision with an amazing group of creatives within the iconic Metropolitan Theater. As my second [going on third year] as [NCCA official] Ambassador of Arts and Culture, I always get excited at the thought of presenting an aspect of Philippine culture and arts in a creative and modern way,” Cat wrote on her Facebook. “Paying tribute to the Met in which so many Filipino artists and performers made a mark for [the] Philippine performing arts.”
photographer: @ANDREABELDUA
creative director: @VINCE_UY
makeup artist: @JELLYEUGENIO
hairstylist: @PAULNEBRESHAIR
director of photography: @REENZGEE
lighting crew: @JEBAGULTO, @NOT.DISI
stylist: @DANAEVERNISSE
assisted by: @JUSTINEBENITEZ
BTS /gaffer: JIE EXCONDE
executive producer: @LIZALVAREZ.PH,
@JAYSONSARMIENTO
producer: @NCCAOFFICIAL
location: METROPOLITAN THEATER OF MANILA