Vfort releases first album
AFTER WE came out with our “New Beast of Broadway” article, some readers asked us how they could “cure” themselves of their heretofore unacknowledged colonial mentality. Since it’s been ingrained in us since childhood, the “cure” won’t be easy to effect, but admitting to the condition is a good first step.
Next, we should vow to spend an equal amount of time and money on our foreign and local media, product and entertainment exposure. In time, however, the ideal ratio should be 70-30, in favor of “local.” That would be a radical shift, since the present ratio is the opposite, and sometimes even 8020, in favor of “imported” productions and artists!
Key adjustment
The succeeding step after that is a key adjustment that may shock some people: Since colonial mentality believes that foreign is better than local, we should zero in on three “buzz words” that epitomize that selfdemeaning bias, and expunge them or minimize their use.
We should do this consciously and with great resolve, because they have acquired a seminal power that has endowed them with much more importance than they should possess.
The three buzz or no-no terms are “Hollywood,” “Broadway” and “World-class.”
The vaunted superiority and excellence of “Hollywood,” the American and international film industry’s “capital,” is implicitly believed in and even presumed to be gospel truth.
So, the mere suggestion that it be expunged or minimized may be greeted with livid disagreement and even derision. How dare we attempt to cut it down to size, when it’s been “proven” to be “true”?
Well, we’ve seen movies all over the world, and can state that great movies are by no means the exclusive prerogative of American filmmakers. Similarly memorable films have been made in Europe, Latin America and Asia, including some Filipino productions.
As for “World-class,” its spurious potency has increased of late, especially now that the world is “going global.” When we inveigh against it, we run the risk of being accused of discouraging Filipinos from making it big on the global level—which is not our intention.
Attitude
We are trying to deprive the term of its excessive power, because it reflects the attitude that Filipinos are A-OK only when they meet “international” standards and win the approval of foreigners. This is a spurious standard, because other nations and races are not intrinsically superior to our own.
That’s why we propose that, in place of “World-class,” we should popularize and extol “Proudly Pinoy.”
Our third and final caveat, against the so-called superiority of “Broadway” productions over their local counterparts, should concern and engage both Filipino artists and theatergoers alike, because foreign musical productions now outnumber local works three to one! Our preference should be the other way around, shouldn’t it? After all, this is our country, so we should be telling our stories—and singing our songs.
Factor
So, why are most musical productions here of the “Broadway” kind? Because, aside from the “colonial” factor, it’s easier to mount a show already tested and made a hit abroad, than to go through the arduous artistic challenge of writing, composing and mounting our very own homegrown musicals!
That’s the bottom line, so we urge our musical-theater artists to stop taking the line of greater convenience and least resistance, and live up to their roles as truly creative artists by creating our own works! THE NEW boy band, Vfort, is OPM’S own, pridefully bent on reviving what’s been missing in today’s music—depth, wit and timelessness across generations.
Its first album, “Vfort—the Love Band Project,” is paced by their carrier single, “Prinsesa,” and includes other gems like “The Coffee Song,” “Mananatili,” “Still” and “Dance.” Vfort’s members are Kerwin Caballero, Toff Guela and Visam Arenas.
Unsung heroes
The History channel features the unsung heroes of the Vietnam War with its premiere screeening from April 30 to May 2 at 9 p.m. of “Vietnam Lost Films.” War footage from private collections, museums, news organizations and the US government tells the gripping stories of 13 unsung heroes in the Golden Globe winner narrated by Michael C. Hall.
Tribute concert
The Department of Keyboard of the UP College of Music will hold a tribute concert on May 5 to mark the 85th birth anniversary of the late Professor Emeritus Regalado Jose. Performers are Jose’s formers students, like Aldovini Acosta, Mauricia Borromeo, Lorenzo Medel and Imelda Ongsiako. Admission is free.
Joy Virata joins ‘Caredivas’
After more than 80 performances, Peta’s hit musical, “Caredivas,” is being presented at Onstage Greenbelt in a partnership between Peta and Repertory Philippines on April 27-29, with Rep’s Joy Virata joining the cast as Adara and Sara, roles previously portrayed by Peta’s Cecilia Garucho. Call 725-6244 or 0917 576-5400.
‘Sarap to Heart’
Beginning today on GMA News TV, “Sarap to Heart,” hosted by Sam Oh and chef Sau del Rosario, gives viewers a chance to cook their favorite dishes and date their favorite celebrity.
Served three times daily, each telecast introduces a celebrity searcher to two searchees, and whoever pleases the celebrity’s palate wins!
At Super Bowl of China
Until April 30, enjoy unlimited servings of Yang Chow Fried Rice for only P50 per person when you dine at Super Bowl of China from 12 noon to 2 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Pair it with any of their 12 new regular-portion bestsellers and signature dishes good for two persons.
Craving Chinese food delivery? Dial the 737-8888 Super Delivery hotline.
Sun supports rural banks
Sun Business, the enterprise solution arm of Sun Cellular, extended its support to the recent Annual Management Conference of the Confederation of Central Luzon Rural Banks in Pampanga. Sun Business empowers rural-based enterprises through its Mobile Ticketing Service and Goldmine Solution. Visit www.sunbusiness.com.ph.
25th anniversary
Gourmet Farms in Silang, Cavite, marks its 25th anniversary today with a musical show topbilling Jose Mari Chan, Janet Basco and Sheila Valderrama at the Farms’ Al Fresco Garden. Proceeds will benefit Fr. Luis Candelaria’s St. Aloysius Gonzaga Foundation. Visit www.gourmetfarms.com.ph.
Movies on TV
May 1 on HBO at 9 p.m., “Iron Man 2.” May 2 at 10 p.m., “Hereafter.” May 3 at 8:30 p.m., “Bean.”
Best in alternative rock
Ed Kowalczyk performs with the alternative rock group, Vertical Horizon, tonight at Smart Araneta Coliseum. Vertical Horizon will also perform at the Waterfront Hotel & Casino in Cebu on April 29. Call 911-5558.
The day fashionistas ruled the ‘runway’
It was a different kind of runway—5km long—but, the fashion-forward set sashayed through it, the Starworld way!—at the recently concluded Fox International Channels (FIC) Fun Run 2012 at Bonifacio Global City.
There were three other categories representing each channel’s specific theme—the costume run for kids, the Star Movies 3K Blockbuster Category, and the 10K National Geographic Advocacy Run. About 3,500 participants joined the fun run and went home with prizes or giveaways.