Project Must See: Museums in Metro Manila, Philippines

I have been living in the city for as long as I could remember, and in Manila alone there are so many places I haven't been to or explored. Travel and discovery, I believe, are innate qualities of my being. I may be an introvert, perhaps even bordering to becoming a social hermit, but the opportunity to explore hole-in-the-wall establishments, cultural hubs and art exhibitions always excites me. Through exposure you learn and get insights. And most importantly, you gain inspiration, even from those that most would consider as mundane. Creativity and inspiration are ideas that always seem to be beyond one's grasp but at times, especially when our minds are clouded. Through selective conditioning and unrealistic expectations, we fail to see any sort of redeeming beauty in the "ugliest" of places. 

To travel and explore the community you live in is a path one navigates to discover your own history, and discovering your place and the part you play in your community. Metro Manila is the center of commerce; the most populous city in the Philippines. One can be disheartened and discouraged to explore the city because of the impending traffic, noise and air pollution combined. However, as Carlos Celdran, an artist and cultural activist, puts it in is TED Talks, " If you can't find beauty and poetry in Manila, you'll never find it anywhere."

Watch Carlos Celdran TEDx here: 

With this in mind, I am planning my  "walk this way" of Manila. Here are my pitstops for the month of August: 

1.  Revisiting Vargas Museum

Where: Roxas Avenue, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City  

Operating hours: Tuesday to Saturday, closed on most holidays, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Museum fee: Php 20.00 for UP students, alumni, faculty and employees, PhP 30.00 for everyone else; entrance is free every Wednesday for UP students, alumni, faculty and employees.

2. Ayala Museum 

Where: Makati Avenue corner De La Rosa Street, Greenbelt Park, Makati City 
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Museum fee: P225 for adults, P125 for students, senior citizens, and Makati residents

3. Yuchengco Museum 

Where: RCBC Plaza corner Ayala and Senator Gil Puyat Avenues, Makati

Operating hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Museum fee: P100 for adults; P50 for students; P25 for children and senior citizens

4. Revisiting National Museum 

Where: Padre Burgos Drive, Manila, Philippines 

Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Museum fee: P150 for adults; P120 for senior citizens; P50 for students; free admissions on Sundays

5. Metropolitan Museum 

Where: BSP Complex, Roxas Blvd, Malate, Manila

Operating hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Gold and Pottery Galleries, Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Museum fee: P100 for adults and children above three years old; P80 for senior citizens

Let us explore the what Manila has to offer! 

Keeping it real.- PJV 

Draw to Experience

Lotus Inspired Necklace 

It was not until a client asked me to show sketches of her entourage jewelry did I start drawing again. I do remember, however that I once regularly did sketching, and enjoyed charcoal drawing in primary school. But I stopped when one of my peers unkindly commented that what I drew was not my work. After that incident, I never really went back to drawing or sketching. In that moment, I doubted myself and thought that I was never good enough. Childhood experiences really do play a part in who and what you think of yourself. For some reason I grew up having very low esteem, with the need to please people. It was hard for me to make friends and much harder to communicate what I really felt. A part of that is still there; the insecurities of not being worthy still haunt in some days. Today, I try hard to be in control and achieve perfection, but at the same time trying to rebel from expectations. 

Larkspur and the Lotus

Somehow my art and the chance to wake up everyday and do my thing helps in the process. I sketch and draw regularly now. This process helps me conceptualize and put a structure to my ideas, which most of the time are rambles and circuits of images in my mind. It calms me. Its a form of meditation and most importantly a form of gratitude. 

Larkspur Inspired Necklace

Nowadays cameras make it so easy to feel that we've captured what's important in the world. But to really appreciate what's around us, we might need to learn a weirder, less technologically-advanced skill: drawing. To the modern-day person, when something looks interesting or beautiful, it's a natural impulse to take a picture in order to preserve it. This means that we're likely to reach for our phones or cameras. But this becomes a problem when we fail to truly look at the world and its true beauty, and get lost in the act of "capturing" the moment. The act of drawing forces us to study the world in a way that we would never consider when we take a photograph. 

Roses and Thorns

Say for example that two people take a walk together, one is a sketcher and the other one with no interest of the kind. There will surely be a great difference in how the two individuals perceive the things that they are both seeing. The one who has no interest in sketching will look at a tree and surmise that it's a tree, and will think no more about it. However, the sketcher will be able to view the sunlight and how it bounces of the tree, and the feeling of experiencing that will remain in memory as well. The sketcher will remember how the sunshine makes the leaves glimmer and the shadows that are cast, in other words, the minute details of beauty. The sketcher will see the emerald glow of the leaves and the contrast of the  bow and branches emerging from the veil of leaves. Then come the patterns of the bark and the twisting roots, which the sketcher will notice as all the colors blend themselves in perfect harmony. We draw not because we want to be great artist, but we should draw to be able to see, think, and feel, beyond what our gadgets cannot provide. Is this not worth seeing? Yet if you're not a sketcher, you will let pass the beauty of the world around us, and be reminded of it simply in photographs, not knowing, and feeling, what you've truly missed . All you'll remember is that you went such-and-such into the world and simply took photos of it, post it somewhere and think nothing more of it. 

So anyway, I am planning to take up some basic drawing, maybe painting but most definitely a workshop on sculpture. I enjoy theory but I prefer theory in practice more. I have been eyeing on joining art classes at ARTALYER Workshops and Studio. I will keep you updated on this! Most of all, I would love to draw beside Nikki Ocean in her Art by Sea  Workshops. Lastly, since we are in the subject of drawing, here's another interesting read from William Kemp. 

Keeping it real.-PJV

Why See Art? Commercial Art Gallery vs. Museum

JONAS ESLAO - Apex Predator (June 6 - 27, 2015), BLANC GALLERY 

Experiencing artwork in person gives us a sense of the true magnitude of a creation made with skill and dedication. Generally there are two places that people can visit to view actual art, a museum or a commercial art gallery. But what are the main differences between an art gallery and a museum? Generally an art gallery is a privately owned business and their business is funded by the sale of art objects.

JONAS ESLAO - Apex Predator (June 6 - 27, 2015), BLANC GALLERY

Jonas Eslao
O.C.S. (Operation Clean Slate)
24 x 48 inches
Acrylic on Canvas
2015
BLANC GALLERY

Thus its primary purpose is to sell the pieces on display. Art galleries do not maintain a permanent collection, they rotate their pieces to display works by one or several artists at a time. Commercial galleries generally do not charge admission to encourage more visitors to view their works in hopes of making a sale.

JULIUS REDILLAS - Fable (June 6 - 27, 2015), BLANC GALLERY

JULIUS REDILLAS - Fable (June 6 - 27, 2015), BLANC GALLERY

Museums on the other hand are geared towards displaying artwork for public viewing and consumption. Their mandate covers an array of services focused on providing society a means to access works of art and to educate people. Art museums are tasked with collecting, preserving, and protecting art for future generations. The government often funds them, though its not uncommon for the museum to receive donations from private donors, foundations and companies. In short, they are tasked with acquisition of historical and cultural treasures.

Don Dalmacio
PERSPECTIVES BELOW SEA LEVEL
60 x 48 inches
Acrylic on Canvas
2015 
BLANC GALLERY

So why go to an art gallery or to a museum? Firstly, the gallery is a place where an artist is usually present when their creations are on display. This allows for an exchange ideas and a chance to build a community with art dealers, patrons, and even other aspiring artists. There is a vast different between actually experiencing art and getting to discuss with an artist in person, as opposed to just looking at photographs on social media or a website. If you are looking to view art with the intent of purchasing, then the art gallery is the best place for you to look.

Don Dalmacio
STILL-LIFE PAINTING IN THE AGE OF SYNTHETIC PLANTS
60 x 96 inches
Acrylic on Canvas
2015
BLANC GALLERY

We can easily view art on books, magazines, or websites, so why go to a museum? As opposed to an art gallery, people can’t purchase the collections on display. A museum is a place of reverence and reflection, and people most often go there for personal reasons. Going to the museum is an activity of leisure, a place where one can choose to calm or stir the soul. A museum is a place for explorers and experience seekers. It is a place where educators can facilitate learning, for the tourist to view iconic pieces of a culture or nation, or for the photographer to learn more about his craft while using art as his or her subjects. Most importantly, a museum is a place where one can “recharge” themselves, being a place to ‘get away from it all”. A visit to a museum is spiritual; where one isn’t bombarded by commercialism or artificial sensations. It’s the equivalent of visiting a place of natural wonder, only that a supreme being isn’t the author of creation, but other human beings, much like us.

Photography by Carlo Cayabyab

Keeping it real.- PJV 

Why Independent Brands Are More Expensive

For years, there has been a steady decline of prices for the major retail brands. Basically the main reason why independently made products are more expensive than retail stores comes down to the chain of supply. Here is a video that explains why: “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” (credits to their show for their intelligent and insightful commentary).

And here’s why our brand is priced slightly higher than most retail items. Most of the revenue goes to funding the hopes and dreams of aspiring women artisans from poor communities.  While we are not claiming to be “better” or morally correct, we believe that helping change the lives of others should start at the grassroots level. Our way of doing that is not producing in volume, but creating pieces made with love and a dedication to skill, in a setting infinitely different from a factory setting; in that our women artisans can do their work from home allowing them to maintain other jobs and take care of their families.

Basically, for those who don’t understand Tagalog, this is the gist of the video:

“In the third Tapat Dapat Update, Champion features the story of PJ Valenciano, the founder and owner of Palamuti, an artisan accessories shop which produces world-class handmade accessories available online. PJ’s mission goes beyond creating unique statement pieces; she also uplifts women from urban poor communities by training them and providing them employment opportunities."

Make a difference with every purchase. 

Shop Handmade at PALAMUTISHOP.COM

Keeping it real.- PJV

Creativity Among the Young

The importance of creativity, especially in children has been greatly undermined, sadly by one of the institutions that has been a cornerstone of modern society: the education system. Public schooling has only been around since the 19^th century to suit the needs of a newly industrialized world. And mostly, this has been the case ever since.

Carmela with Zoe, Palamuti Style Advocate

In school there is a hierarchy amongst the subjects being taught. On top of the pyramid are those considered important for work, namely mathematics and science. While no one disputes the importance of these subjects, there is a danger of undermining creativity when we belittle or dismiss arts and literature.  The truth is that school prepares us for a future that no one is truly certain of. People have a great capacity for innovation. Everyone has talents that need to be nurtured and developed. The school system as it is now, puts little value in matters such as these, and that needs to change.

Minor Mythologies, Carmela Isabel Evangelista

Take for example the case of Gillian Barbara Lynne DBE, most known for the choreography for the popular Broadway musicals “Cats” and “Phantom of the Opera” . At an early age, Lynne had been underperforming at school. She was fidgety, inattentive, and always moving around. Today, she would have easily been diagnosed with ADHD. Nevertheless her mother took her to a doctor. As the story goes, the doctor performed all the perfunctory methods of analysis on Gillian, and after that, asked to speak to her mother in private. But before leaving the room, the doctor turned on the radio. He then asked Gillian’s mother to observe her daughter. Almost immediately Gillian was dancing to the music. “Mrs. Lynne your daughter’s not sick,” the doctor said “She’s a dancer.”  They enrolled Gillian to a dancing school, and the rest is history.

The Philippine High School forthe Arts is one such place for young children, with an affinity for the arts, to develop their talent. Last February, one of my clients, Dr. Annie Evangelista invited me to the book launch of her daughter at Art Circle Gallery in Shangri-La entitled "Layag", which accounts and symbolizes the journey of a ship. Her daughter was one of the authors of the books.

 Carmela Evangelista signing a copy of her book, a collection of short stories,
 Minor Mythologies.
"A book of plays, Martina Herras’ “Alimuom at iba pang mga pamamaalam”, is about a ship’s leave-taking, the goodbyes, the people left behind; Carmela Isabel Evangelista’s “Minor Mythologies” is a book of speculative fiction about the ship’s out-of-this-world adventures, the odd twists and turns it has to deal with to survive, the occasional storm, across the open seas. And, as all ships return to its home shore, Catherine Regina Borlaza’s “Likely” is a book of poetry dealing with coming home, the return." 

Carmela with Novie, Palamuti Apprentice

Little did I know that Carmela, the daughter of my client, was only in her teens. At 16, she has a gift for words nurtured not only by her school. Parenting played such an important part in recognizing her gifts and giving her an opportunity to pursue it from an early stage. I believe Carmela was equipped to have a great start. Whether she continues her writing or not in the future, the fact that her parents recognized her artistic side and attended a school that hones these talents gives her affirmation that her creativity and love for literature is as important as other subjects in schools like mathematics and science. 

Keeping it real.- PJV

Pay Per Doll Art Exhibit by Paola Germar

Pay Per Doll Art Exhibit by Paola Germar, Kaida Gallery 

When I visited Paola Germar’s art exhibit last March, entitled “Pay Per Doll”, I had flashbacks of one of Disney’s 1929 classic animated shorts “The Skeleton Dance” and the artistic genre Dance of Death, also called Danse Macabre. Her work is, to me, is a contemporary art manifestation of the universality of death. The Dance of Death unites all.  Much like the medieval art movement, “The Danse Macabre”, “Pay Per Doll” consists of the personification of the dead, a cold dose of reality that we all will someday dance to the closing symphony of life.

Pay Per Doll Art Exhibit by Paola Germar, Kaida Gallery 

Works such as these were created to remind us of the fragility of life. As a member of a clan that traditionally became doctors, Paola was probably exposed to this stark reality at a very young age. However, in contrast to the usual dark and somber colors used by past artists in their depiction of the final dance, Paola attacks the genre with a bright palette of colors. Another feature of Paola’s exhibit is that viewers can interact with her creations by dressing up the skeletons with various articles of “clothing”.

Pay Per Doll Art Exhibit by Paola Germar, Kaida Gallery 

Today, the life expectancy of the average human being far exceeds our counterparts’ from four hundred years ago. The hash tag #yolo, “You Only Live Once” is a powerful four word statement. We, as a society, have come to the point where we know for a fact, and have come to accept, that death will come for us at any time.

Pay Per Doll Art Exhibit by Paola Germar, Kaida Gallery 

As historians put it, we now live in an age of cynicism  “Modern” society has existed for more about 2000 years, but it is only in the 1980’s, more specifically during the cold war, that we have attained the ability to destroy all of humanity through weapons of mass destruction. Literally, we can end it all anytime we want.

Pay Per Doll Art Exhibit by Paola Germar, Kaida Gallery 

So what matters most in life is not to look forward to the final chapter, it is to enjoy the ride while we are here to enjoy it. As we should view it, the dance of the dead has been inverted to become the dance of life. We all know the inevitable. We all know what comes at the end. Why not enjoy the ride in an explosion of color, laughter, and happiness while we can?

"Pay Per Doll"
A Solo Exhibition by Paola Germar
March 2015

A pleasing sight for the eyes of many whose interest is focused on the brandished appearance of females, and these prying eyes are hypocritical in a sense that they feast on fanciful costumes that are made up to tease the senses. Stitched up sequins and cinched up waists provide much space for imagination. 

The degradation of a woman in society has created a new value on herself as a person. This self-imposed object only doubles in value when she flashes any patch of skin. 

The skin of women is paper thin. It is carefully crafted and cut into whatever shape it needs to be. Artificial, attractive, and altruistic, everything a woman may be. Both prim and proper yet sexy and spirited, a double standard that keeps women self-destructive.

The glitz or glamour masks a woman's identity with flashing lights and glowing faces. This is the innocence of a woman covered by money and desire. 

Read more about the Art Exhibit by Paola Germar 

Manila Bulletin Feature 

Their Lovely Bones by Sol Vanzi 

Keeping it real.- PJV