Liam Neeson is back again as a protective father for "Run All Night"

In Warner Bros. Pictures' new heartstopping thriller “Run All Night,” Liam Neeson stars as mob hitman Jimmy Conlon, who, over the course of just one night, must face off with his former mob boss in order to protect his son.

“I loved how the story is full of action while it also examines the fractured relationships between two men who are like brothers, and a father trying to make amends with his son for things that happened years ago. It was complex and rich, with thrills and spills, and a lot of ‘what ifs,’” says Neeson.

“What would have happened if Jimmy had taken this course instead of that course? But that’s the story of all our lives, isn’t it?”

Neeson once again teams up with director Jaume Collet-Serra (“Unknown,” “Non-Stop”), whom he describes as “like a brother,” and who the actor says, “sees action movies as symphonies.”

Collet-Serra reveals he immediately envisioned Neeson in the role of Jimmy. “It was a no-brainer. Not only does Liam have great range, but he has sons, and I knew he’d connect to the story on a whole other level.”

Neeson admits that the script hit a deeper chord with him, having sons who are at the age of discerning their own paths in life. “I can’t imagine losing their love or trust and I can relate to being willing to do anything—no matter what it takes—to get that back.”

Blood may be thicker than water but mafia ties outlast everything. Jimmy knows where the bodies are buried, because he put them there. But his secrets have cost him.

Neeson says of his character, “Jimmy’s part of a group that has a very unique set of morals and a code of ethics that they rigidly stand by. Loyalty is everything. And that’s his great conflict—and also what gets him into trouble. When push comes to shove, who does he choose?”

Collet-Serra points out, “Liam has obviously played a father before, but I think the difference with this character is that it’s not just about protecting or saving, it’s about earning back the title. For anybody who’s a father I would imagine losing that can be heartbreaking and you would do anything to reverse the situation.”

“Jimmy’s a remnant of a period that’s long gone, struggling to survive in a modern world that has no room for him anymore,” Neeson describes. “He gave everything up for his job and all he has left are his regrets. The closest thing he has to family now is his boss, Shawn. That’s who he goes to when he needs help, like money to pay the heating bill. That’s who has his back.”

“Jimmy carries a heavy burden, this loyalty to a crime family that is more like his family than his own, by his own choice. It’s a very honorable thing to try to keep that darkness away from his son. So he’s really caught in a bind,” says Collet-Serra. “Day one, first take, Liam brought all that to the character. That’s been my experience with him, on all the movies we’ve worked on. He’s a damn good actor and it’s always a pleasure.”

Trained to kill as a covert operations solider in the military, Jimmy came back home and when things didn’t work out, he fell back on what he knew how to do well.

Neeson offers, “Seeing what he’s seen and doing what he’s done, he could do what other people couldn’t do, so he took care of their dirty work. It’s been a few years now and he may be down, but he’s not out. He’s been involved in life-and-death issues, not just in Vietnam but in the concrete jungle of New York, so at the end of the day, he knows what to do to stay alive. He’s a survivor.”
In “Run All Night,” Brooklyn mobster and prolific hit man Jimmy Conlon (Neeson), once known as The Gravedigger, has seen better days. Lately, it seems Jimmy’s only solace can be found at the bottom of a whiskey glass.

But when Jimmy’s estranged son, Mike (Joel Kinnaman), becomes a target, Jimmy must make a choice between the crime family he chose and the real family he abandoned long ago. With Mike on the run, Jimmy’s only penance for his past mistakes may be to keep his son from the same fate Jimmy is certain he’ll face himself…at the wrong end of a gun. Now, with nowhere safe to turn, Jimmy just has one night to figure out exactly where his loyalties lie and to see if he can finally make things right.

Opening across the Philippines on Thursday, March 12, “Run All Night” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Ideal Vision Center offers matching sunglasses for you and your partner this summer

As summer approaches, couples are now avidly planning their next summer getaway. And they’re in for a treat once they see Ideal Vision Center’s (IVC) stylish collection of matching sunglasses.

“It's time to beat the heat in style with matching sunglasses,” says Dr. Joy Go, AVP for IVC Marketing. “With complementary glasses, you and your partner won’t only look good; you’ll also protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.”

According to IVC—a leading expert in eye care—UV rays, glare, and eye fatigue are challenges that eyes encounter on a daily basis. Wearing glasses, Dr. Go emphasizes, can greatly help in protecting your eyes and reducing chances of eyestrain.

With IVC’s collection of matching shades, you can rest assured that you and your partner will look stylish while keeping your ophthalmological health in check throughout the hottest months of the year.

Looking for adventure?
If you’re planning on spending time outdoors, you’ll need shades that can keep up with you. Sunglasses from Diesel and Police are designed with brown and amber tints. These shades will protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, so your mind can focus on adventure.

Want to see something spectacular?
To appreciate historic sites or marvelous views, IVC recommends green or grey tints from Chopard and Givenchy because they reduce brightness without distorting colors. Dr. Go adds, “These shades are color-neutral, so you can see and appreciate the environment in its natural state.”

Take a ride
If you’re planning a road trip, you’ll need shades that are optimized for driving! Mirrored, flash or polarized sunglasses reduce glare to protect you from eyestrain. This lets you keep your eyes on the road, while letting you appreciate the scenery.
That said, Furla and Police are well known for these types of sunglasses

 

Health and style: the perfect pair
According to Dr. Joy, the perfect pair of sunglasses does not compromise style for functionality or vice versa. She describes, “Your eyewear needs to be geared for both.”

With Total Quality Vision Care at its core, IVC strives to provide its customers with premium eyewear products that are anchored on health and style. Dr. Joy concludes, “With all the sun you’ll be seeing this summer, you and your loved one will need protection from high-quality eye wear. And IVC helps you do this in matching styles.”

Catch legendary group Crosby, Stills & Nash at the Smart Araneta Coliseum

Catch rock’s legendary group perform its greatest hits when Crosby, Stills & Nash (CSN) visits Manila for an evening of soft-rock songs and beautiful harmonies during a concert on March 16, 8 pm, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

The historic one-night musical event from Ovation Productions, dubbed “An Evening With Crosby, Stills & Nash,” is part of the legendary American trio’s 2015 Asian tour that also includes several key cities in Japan as well as Singapore.

It is expected to draw a huge turnout of rock fans, mostly Baby Boomers lured by the sound of the legendary act considered as rock’s first super group and widely credited for some of the most enduring songs and wonderful harmonies of the 1970s.

Concert-goers shall experience an exciting blast from the past as the powerhouse folk rock group presentsits fabulous collection of close, high harmonies and soft rock songs, such as “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes,” “Marrakesh Express,” “Woodstock,” “Our House,” “Teach Your Children,” “Long Time Gone” and “Carry On.”

Other classic hits in its song list include “Just A Song Before I Go,” “Wooden Ships,” “Almost Cut My Hair” and “Love The One You’re With.”

Composed of David Crosby (vocals, guitar), Stephen Stills (vocals, guitar, keyboards) and Graham Nash (vocals, guitar), Crosby, Stills & Nash brought harmony to the forefront of popular music with its unique three-part vocal blend that turned out hit songs that sold millions of albums and were imitated throughout the 1970s.

Moreover, with its emphasis on singing and songwriting above all else, it contributed to the evolution of the singer-songwriter movement during that era.

Born out of famous groups that placed a premium on harmony, Crosby, Stills & Nash boasted impressive individual credentials before its three members came together in 1969: Crosby sang and played rhythm guitar with The Byrds, Stills was a mainstay of Buffalo Springfield, while Nash provided the high harmonies that helped make pop sensation of The Hollies.

Stills and Crosby began writing songs together in 1968 after Buffalo Springfield broke up (The Byrds already split up a year earlier) until they were joined soon thereafter by Nash who had just quit The Hollies. The trio performed together for the first time at the Los Angeles home of Cass Elliot of the Mamas and Papas.

The three made an instant impact on the music industry in 1968 by helping steer rock to a more contemplative, song-oriented place with its classic debut album simply titled, “Crosby, Stills & Nash” early in the summer of 1969, a few months before the Woodstock Festival, where it played its first-ever concert as a trio.

The album quickly attained the stature of a mega-hit as it yielded such classics as “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes,” “Wooden Ships” and “Long Time Gone.” It was followed a year later by “Déjà vu,” a more eclectic and electric endeavorbrought about by the addition of the rhythm section of Dallas Taylor and Greg Reeves.

In 1977, CSN went on to release an album that yielded a Top Ten hit with Nash’s “Just A Song Before I Go,” while “Daylight Again” (1982) produced another Nash-penned hit, “Wasted On The Way.”

While each member has pursued a solo career – with Crosby and Nash teaming up as a duo for most of the ‘70s – Crosby, Stills & Nash has increasingly become an artistic home base for the trio.

In 1977, Crosby, Stills & Nash released the quadruple platinum, “CSN” which included “Just A Song Before I Go” (No. 7, 1977), followed the following summer by a tour as an acoustic trio.

In 1982, it released “Daylight Again,” for which Stills wrote most of the songs, and toured arenas once more. “Daylight Again” became a Top Ten LP and boasted two Top 20 singles: “Wasted On The Way” (No. 9) and “Southern Cross” (No. 18).In 1989, Crosby, Stills and Nash reconvened as a trio for 1990’s “Live It Up” (No. 58).

David Crosby, Stephen Stills andGraham Nash have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice – first with CSN and later with The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield and The Hollies, respectively.

They have also been inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in recognition of their achievements as a group with CSN and as individual members doing solo acts.

(“An Evening With Crosby, Stills & Nash” is presented by Ovation Productions. It is brought to you by Fox International Channels, Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, BusinessWorld and Retro 105.9 DCG FM. 96.3 Easy Rock, Edsa Shangri-la Hotel, Fresh on DWBR 104.3, and Rakista Radio. Tickets are available at all Ticketnet outlets and online at www.ticketnet.com.ph)

Watch the last moments of Rizal in "PAHIMAKAS: Huling Sandali Ng Isang Bayani"

We all know the history of our National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal, little did we know what happened during the last 8 hours of his life.

ALDABAS Theater Friends and Company announces the staging of PAHIMAKAS: Huling Sandali ng Isang Bayani. It is based on the last moments of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal as he ponders on his life coming to an end in the morning of December 31,1896.

PAHIMAKAS: Huling Sandali Ng Isang  Bayani by Nathaniel Arciaga takes us to the innermost recesses of Dr. Jose Rizal's mind as he examines the crucial decisions he made in his short but eventfull life leading to his martyrdom. The play also takes a look at some of Rizal's writings and his relationship with the last people to see him alive through conversations with former mentor, family members, a young news paper boy, a newspaper man and a host of fictional characters he created.

PAHIMAKAS  is produced by ATFC under the direction of Don Umali.

Lead actor ROMEO ABAIGAR’s biggest acting challange in life is doing the difficult role of Dr. Jose Rizal. He is a familiar face  in television commercials and has appeared in countless films and TV anthologies.

Veteran theatre and movie actor Archie Adamos portray the role of Tavile de Andrade while Ces Aldaba the role of  Jesuit Father Balaguer and Padre Damaso.

Also in the cast of Pahimakas are
Banni Baldesseri as the Governador Heneral, Richard Manabat (who is also a stage director) alternates with Vic Romano as Don Rafael/Don Francisco, Andro Morgan as Mataix/Elias, production designer, muralist, sculptor and artist  Clarence Alvear playing the role of Pepito/ Basilio,  Loy Oladive as Pasyano/ Tasyo, Gina Villa in the role of Donya Teodora/Sisa, and Jeanette Queblatin as Trining.

The two main characters in  Rizal's book Simoun Ibarra and Crisostomo Ibarra are portrayed by Mon Osma as Simoun and TJ Roxas as Crisostomo. Luri Naluz, Erby Lopez and Jan Mart Lacdao portray Guardiya Sibil, and Echo Camacho as the Jesuit and Franciscan priest.

 PAHIMAKAS is scheduled on March 14, 2015 at St. Scholastica's College.

Aiko Melendez bagged the Best Lead Actress in a Foreign Language Film in London for "Asintado"

Aiko Melendez has proven once more her acting caliber. She recently bagged the highly-coveted Best Lead Actress in a Foreign Language Film award from the 7th International Filmmakers Festival of World Cinema in London for Direk Louie Ignacio’s Asintado (Between the Eyes). Aiko bested seven other actresses from different countries in the same category.

The movie, which is an official Cinemalaya entry last year, is Aiko’s first foray into indie film. In Asintado, Aiko plays Julia, a widowed mother of two who finds herself at the crossroads of choosing between saving her older son or risking her younger son’s safety. The story is situated in a town in Nueva Eciija and takes place during the Taong Putik festival.

Aiko was not able to attend the grand event in London because of prior showbiz commitments: she is part of the cast of ABS-CBN’s Inday Bote and an indie film titled Daluyong.

“This award somehow boosted my confidence and it made me love myself more,” says Aiko. “But the honor isn’t just mine alone. It’s for every Filipino.”

Aiko is a Backroom artist. For inquiries, call Backroom Inc at 4351108, 4351120 and 9280717 or email us at backroominc@hotmail.com. Like Backroom Inc. on facebook at www.facebook.com/backroominc and or follow Backroom Inc. on twitter at www.twitter.com/BackroomArtists.

SM SineAsia tells the story of Gangnam in Lee Min Ho starrer "Gangnam Blues"

A tale of two brothers who came from nothing, yet played crucial roles in developing what is now known as South Korea’s richest areas.

Korean superstar Lee Min Ho proves that he is more than just a pretty face -in Gangnam Blues, which opened at No. 1 in Korea early this year.

A film by star maker director Yoo Ha, it is the final installment in what is called Yoo Ha’s “Street Trilogy”, which began with Spirit of Jeet Keun Do in 2004, and followed by A Dirty Camival in 2006.

Just like its predecessors, Gangnam Blues is heavy on action. It shows Lee Min Ho doing difficult stunts and exhibiting hostile expressions.

From Boys Over Flowers this heartthrob has come a long way indeed with his first full length film.

Lee Min Ho takes on the role of Ragmen Jong-dae, an orphan who grows up in poverty, together with Yong-gi (played by Kim Rae-Won of the hit Koreanovela Love Story in Harvard), a friend who is more like an older brother to him.

When a new construction at their shantytown leaves them homeless, the two friends are recruited by a local gang for a sabotage plot, but
they get separated in the midst of chaos. Determined to leave behind his impoverished life, a more mature Jong-dae teams up with a local madame who has powerful political connections. The new partners are out to amass paddy fields in Gangnam before they become the new hub city of Korea. When their plan is discovered by another gang, Jong-dae meets his toughest rival — his long lost blood brother, Yong-gi.

“No matter what kind of film it is, action must exist to support the drama,” says director Yoo Ha about his method for directing action. In Gangnam Blues, the action sequences come out of the characters‘ need for survival. What can be considered a cut above the rest is the mud gang warfare scene which was created because Yoo Ha wanted ”to portray the fate of the two characters and their desperation as they fight and struggle in the mud. ”

For this scene, the crew members scouted for the right spot and covered the area with dirt. Importance was given to the scene’s authenticity, so it was shot with a steady camera, in long continuous takes.

For 12 hours a day for one whole week, 150 actors and stuntmen poured their hearts and souls into shooting this scene out in the rain. As the rain turned into mud, the shoot was excruciating for all involved. Without a stunt double, Lee Min Ho had injured his toe in the scene, and had to take morphine shots to be able to finish it.

To play the role of Yong-gi, Kim Rae Won had to lose 15kg, and successfully used his full body to express the sense of danger that his character exudes. The last time he starred in a gangster film was 8 years ago, in the movie Sunflower.

As Gangnam Biues hits Philippine theaters, viewers need not worry about language barrier because the movie is wonderfully dubbed in Tagalog.

Gangnam Blues is the first offering of “SineAsia, a joint project of‘Viva Entertainment, Inc. and SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc. to provide filipinos with premiere and never-before-seen Asian films that are Tagalized for a more enjoyable, viewing experience.

Aside “from exclusive features -in SM Cinemas and ‘Walter Mart Cinemas, SineAsia will take on various platforms to present‘ its‘ newest and ‘most unique line-up of Tagalized films from South Korea, Japan, _China, Taiwan and other‘ partsof‘ Asia.

Moreover, a SineAsia Theater will open in SM branches, beginning with SM Megamall, SM Sta. Mesa, SM Fairview, SM Manila, and SM North EDSA on March 4, to be followed soon by SM Bacoor, SM Iloilo, and SM Cebu. Especially designed for SineAsia—-films,” the SineAsia Theater will have an exterior that will emanate the authenticity of the oriental flicks to be played on the big screen. This is the first’ Asian Tagalized theater in the country.

From ‘Viva International Pictures, MVP Entertainment, and SM. Lifestyle Entertainment Inc. Gangnam Blues opens on March 4, exclusively in SM Cinema and WM Cinemas. Don’t miss this chance to see a completely different Lee Min’Ho and find a new reason to admire him even more.

Actress Anne Curtis meets with with children and families of UNICEF supported Yolanda efforts

Newly appointed UNICEF Celebrity Advocate for Children Anne Curtis spent two moving days visiting parts of Leyte. She saw the recovery operations just over a year after Typhoon Yolanda and took time to engage and interact with children and their families.

“I am honored to join UNICEF on this very fulfilling and meaningful trip. I am deeply touched by how children and families have coped and are building back their lives. Clearly, significant progress have been achieved. Talking to children and their families, and being able to bring smiles to their faces is something I will remember for the rest of my life,” said Anne Curtis.

She adds, “As a donor and supporter of UNICEF, I am glad to see how our funds have reached and worked for children most in need.” In the past two days, Anne saw UNICEF supported emergency response while visiting a maternal health care ward in the regional hospital, an immunization site, a child friendly space at a temporary housing site, educational facilities such as day care centres and elementary schools, equipped with water, sanitation and hygiene facilities. In every site she visited, Anne took her time to talk with children and families.

“I played with children in a child-friendly space and a day care centre. I read books to them and helped them draw in an arts & crafts session. I washed hands with school children and participated in their song and dance number,” shared Anne, “It was heartwarming to listen to mothers, children and young people. It is important that people know these stories, understand how communities are recovering and what we can do to help.”

As a UNICEF Celebrity Advocate for Children, Anne will focus on promoting Early Childhood Care & Development. She will also help in mobilizing support and resources for the most vulnerable children and families, those living in abject poverty, are affected by violence, abuse, exploitation, and particularly in emergency and conflict situations.

“Anne has been a steady supporter of UNICEF since 2009. UNICEF Philippines welcomes her as a Celebrity Advocate,” said UNICEF Philippines Representative Ms. Lotta Sylwander. “We trust that with her popularity and large following, Anne will play a significant role in drawing due attention to issues affecting the most vulnerable, marginalized and underserved children.”

In the Philippines, Anne joins UNICEF National Ambassador Gary Valenciano and UNICEF Special Advocate for Children Daphne Paez in upholding UNICEF’s mandate to protect and promote the rights of children worldwide.

Power Mac Center’s Summer Workshop is back on its 8th Year

Power Mac Center, through its Apple Authorized Training Center (AATC), presents a specialized educational opportunity for children to gain or enhance their digital skills during summer break with the return of Summer Workshop. Early registration is now open for this annual seasonal program that will run from April to May.

Summer Workshop 2015 is designed to help young learners aged 4 to 16 years old to maximize their iOS and Mac devices through a variety of enriching topics. Trainings will be facilitated by Power Mac Center Apple Authorized Training Center Trainers who will engage participants in lectures and hands-on instructional activities to ensure learning while having fun.

“One of Power Mac Center’s thrusts is to promote digital literacy among the youth, and Summer Workshop 2015 exemplifies this advocacy by providing training programs that help these young learners acquire valuable knowledge and skills in this digital world,” said Marketing Director Joey Alvarez.

Now on its 8th year, Summer Workshop 2015 incorporates the theme “Shape your Imagination through Technology” in its program offerings tailored to fit the needs and interest of children of different ages.

iPad Class is dedicated to children aged 4 to 6 years old. Programming, Digital Design, Animation & Music is for the 7 to 12 age group. Power Mac Center offers two batches and venues for accessibility and convenience. The first batch is scheduled at Power Mac Center TriNoma on the third week of April to the first week of May. The second batch will be held at the Greenbelt 3 branch from the second to third week of May.
​
​Meanwhile, the Junior IT Specialist course is offered to youngsters 13 to 16 years old. Since the course requires more technical support, it will be conducted at the Power Mac Center AATC in Makati.

Package fee for a Full Course is Php 6,000 per student, while Half Course costs Php 3,500 per student. Interested participants are encouraged to register early as available seats per course are limited.

Equip your children with technological aptitude and let them explore digital creativity through Power Mac Center’s Summer Workshop 2015. Register online via
http://tinyurl.com/AATCSummerWorkshops2015. For more information, visit Power Mac Center TriNoma, Greenbelt 3 or the AATC Makati, email workshops@powermaccenter.com or call 553-4211 or 6399.

Celebrate Earth Hour on March 28 by giving The Gift of Light

When the sun sets at Beton, Northern Palawan, children struggle their way to education using kerosene lamps to light up everything which is hazardous to one's health and costly at the same time. WWF-Philippines which organizes  Earth Hour locally,  finds a way by providing solar lamps to light up off-grid island communities to help the children studies at night. Solar lamps will help them create a lasting sustainable change in their lives.

WWF-Philippines, which organizes Earth Hour locally, revealed its switch-off plans at a press launch led by WWF International Director General Dr. Marco Lambertini, WWF-Philippines National Ambassadors Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez, plus WWF-Philippines Climate Solutions Steward Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworksi last February 27, 2015 at Dusit Thani, Makati.

Around 15 million Filipinos lack regular access to electricity, relying instead on flammable and expensive kerosene lamps to illuminate their homes. “I must earn an additional PHP150 (USD3.5) each month to buy half-a-gallon of kerosene,” says Joys Dominguez, a 35-year old fisherman from the island community of Beton in Northern Palawan. “I have four small kids. If they tip over just one of the lamps, our wooden hut can burn down. I need safe lights for my family.”




To help families in Palawan safely and economically light up their homes, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines shall deploy hundreds of portable solar lamps. “Solar lamps rely on the power of the sun, eliminating the need to buy fuel. We’re teaching communities to veer away from fossil-fuels, the burning of which contributes to climate change,” explains Earth Hour Philippines head, Atty. Gia Ibay. “The money Joys and other beneficiaries will save can buy basic needs like food, books and clothes.”

This year’s main switch-off shall be held at the Quezon City Memorial Circle from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM on March 28, Saturday night. “In the spirit of promoting meaningful climate solutions, we encourage Pinoy families to stay at home and observe the hour through low-carbon means – but everyone who wishes to join us at Quezon Circle will be treated to a surprise. A clue – come in sporty attire and bright colours,” reveals Ibay.

Earth Hour uses the simple action of turning off lights for 60 minutes to deliver a powerful message on the need for decisive climate change solutions. In the past eight years, the movement has grown from a symbolic switch-off event in Sydney, Australia to the world’s largest open-sourced environmental campaign mobilising hundreds of millions of people in more than 7000 cities and 163 countries.

“More than a symbolic switch-off for the planet, Earth Hour aims to deliver concrete solutions to people in need. Last year, we deployed hundreds of fibreglass boats to help fishers affected by Typhoon Yolanda. This year, we will offer off-grid communities The Gift of Light,” says WWF-Philippines CEO Joel Palma. “Earth Hour’s message is clear. When we unite towards a common goal, we can change climate change.”

Donate here:http://wwf.org.ph/earthhour/give-the-gift-of-light

Backroom search for new talents : Audition on March 9 at Anix's Resto

Do you have what it takes to be the next showbiz sensation? Then what are you waiting for?

Backroom Inc. is currently looking for new singers, actors, hosts, comedians, and models who would like to break into the exciting world of showbiz. Audition is on March 9 (Monday), 2 to 5pm at Anix’s Resto #12 Scout Borromeo St., South Triangle, Quezon City .

Applicants must be 18 to 23 years old. They must bring their folio, tight shot and whole body photo. For singers, kindly bring demo CD and minus one.

Interested applicants can apply on audition day.

For 25 years, Backroom has established itself as one of the country’s most successful companies in artist management, public relations, concert production, product launch, among other fields of specialization. The company has a stellar league of talents in the entertainment and media industries.

For more inquiries regarding the audition, please call Dale Magdangal at 9280717 and 0917-8879210.

Know your history through SiningSaysay exhibit at Gateway Gallery

"Muslim in the Philippines"  by National Artist Abdul Mari Asia Imao

If history lessons would be this colorful and interesting and presented in murals, I would get a high grade in high school.  Nothing interests me but a painting that speaks a lot about its subject. I had a pleasure of seeing the first Philippine History paintings last February 28 at the Gateway Gallery 5L Araneta Center.  The fun of knowing and seeing what happened in your country for the last 5 decades or so made me proud to be a filipino. This is more than knowing your roots as it is educational and fun as well.

SiningSaysay presents the timeline/archipelago of the Philippines through murals.  Images and milestones were presented in artists' medium, acrylic, oil, and others,

In this age of Instagram and Twitter, quick short bites of communiqué are the norm. lt can be a statement of fact or the start of a meaningful discussion. SININGSAYSAY:
Philippine History in Art achieves both.

Mr. Gari Tiongco, Former UP Regent  and Former Pres.of UP Alumni Association

The art exhibit of 30 murals covering pre-historic Philippines to modern times should serve as a must for every student and observer of the country’s life and times.

A joint project of the University of the Philippines (UP), the UP Alumni Association (U PAA) and the Araneta Center, the exhibit is open free to the public every day at the Gateway Gallery. Students from elementary and secondary schools are set to tour the exhibit with expert guidance from teachers and historians. For the young and old experiencing history through these murals, it promises to be a pleasurable walk.

From the petroglyphs discovered in Angono, Rizal to a depiction of our Austronesian roots and Philippine tribes, and on to Spanish influence and rule, visitors will move on to important fragments of history.

The Cry of Pugad Lawin, the declaration of independence in Kawit, Cavite; the great women of history such as Gabriela Silang, young nationalist Macario Sakay, the establishment of the Commonwealth Government, the rise of the labor unions and all the way to the Filipino’s triumph over natural disasters and continuing fight for justice and democracy.

The project team called on the talents of 28 UP alumni artists to bring their visions of history to life on 6 ft. by 12 ft. canvasses. Artists consulted renowned historians Dr. Serafin Quiazon and Profi Ma. Luisa Camagay, and also researched historic materials on the Net, in old newspapers, and even old movies and vintage airplane models to help recreate details. The project took four years to complete, first envisioned by the UPAA under Atty. Gari M. Tiongco before it was finally mounted.

“The concept was to be a come-on for students to learn the history of the Philippines in just half a day by going around. And notjust going around a museum, but here it is given to you in the form of art, from alumni artists of UP. Not every country has this, but here, a tourist can come to the Philippines and learn our history by going over these artworks,” he said.

The participating artists also formed a veritable who’s who of the Philippine art world, specifically: Adonai Artificio, Armand Bacaltos, Adi Baen-Santos, Grandier Bella, Benjie Cabangis, Ben Cabrera, Angel Cacnio, Romeo Carlos, Cris Cruz, Denes Dasco, Gig De Pio, Simkin De Pio, Vincent De Pio, Neil Doloricon, Norman Dreo, Amado Hidalgo, Abdul Asia Mari Imao, Ben Infante, Gigi Javier-Alfonso, Aileen Lanuza, Romeo Mananquil, Norlie Meimban, Julius Samson, Jonahmar Salvosa, Randy Solon, Michael Velasco, Jun Yee, and Janice Young.

"Galleon Trade" by Artist Jonahmar A. Salvosa

"The West Discovers the Philippines I" by Artist Armand B. Bacaltos

“Sining Saysay is an innovative way of teaching history, promoting art appreciation, understanding Filipino identity, and imbibing cultural pride; all constituting valuable aspects of teaching and public service, which the University of the Philippines is mandated to do,” said Alfredo E. Pascual, UP President.

The Gateway Gallery is located on the 5/L of the Gateway Tower Mall. As the country’s largest private gallery, it presents a fitting venue to such an illustrious art project.

“With Siningsaysay, Araneta Center is affirmed as the arts and culture hub of Quezon City. We are housing a collection of great artistic and historic value. This is notjust an educational opportunity, but a source of national pride,” said Jorge L. Araneta, Chairman and CEO of the Araneta Group. The exhibit is open every day from 11AM to 7PM at the Gateway Gallery.