Identifying with the Supremo

“Ang Supremo,” a statue distinctively sculpted by Ben-Hur Villanueva as a tribute to Andres Bonifacio, constantly relives a poignant heroic act extremely significant to Philippine Independence.

‘Ang Supremo,’ a public art installation by Ben-Hur Villanueva at the Bonifacio Global City.
From afar, the 15-foot tall brass and bronze tableau situated at the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) appears to be a typical representation of the revolutionary plebeian hero. However, a closer look would reveal a Bonifacio not with a raised bolo in hand, but a crumpled piece of paper regarded as the cedula.

This, according to Villanueva, is a reflection on the meaning of a true “Supremo.” For him, “Bonifacio became a leader, the Supremo of Katipuneros, not because he was capable of armed revolt but because he was intelligent.”

The former and long-time art educator in Ateneo and a past president of the Society of Philippine Sculptors, Villanueva also said the tearing of the cedula made during the “Cry at Pugadlawin” in August 1896 is a very important identification at that time.

“It represented a stronger blow to the dignity of the colonial rulers. A brave act of defiance that has clear meaning,” he said.

For Villanueva, it is a protest that is more effective and can be participated in by many unlike going to battle, which is reserved for those who are physically capable.

It immortalizes the plebeian hero’s struggle for the nation’s freedom. It was him and his Katipunan who asked for sovereignty when everyone else simply asked for equality.

The sculpture’s triangular formation is also an important feature. It includes two other elements: one is a fellow katipunero holding not a usual long-barreled gun but a long bamboo spear which symbolizes a genuine Filipino fight, and the other, a woman holding the movement’s flag — Gregoria de Jesus — the Lakambini of the Katipunan, founder of its women’s chapter, custodian of its documents and wife of Bonifacio.

“Ang Supremo” was installed at the Bonifacio Global City in 1998 after besting 21 invited entries depicting the historical figure after which the Bonifacio Global City was named.

However, for Villanueva, having his Supremo stood out was not the only important thing. As a teacher, he never stops sharing his art which he considers his life-long passion.

“I want my art to be for the masses. I am an artist for others. I want that they could have an access and identify with it. That’s why I really appreciate BGC’s public art program because it is free to be seen by all. It is a busy area yet everyone can stop for awhile and be comforted by art. It is rewarding that there are places like BGC that support artists like us,” he said.

Aside from “Ang Supremo,” the BGC also has other public art pieces like Juan Sajid Imao’s “Kasaysayan,” Ferdinand Cacnio’s “Pasasalamat,” and Gerardo Leonardo’s “Balanghai,” showcasing the rich cultural and historical heritage of the country.

Villanueva’s “Ang Supremo” is located at a pocket park along Rizal Drive and 32nd Street. To date, the BGC, through the Bonifacio Art Foundation Inc., maintains a total of 12 public art installations in the district.

SOURCE:  Philippine Star
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=695324&publicationSubCategoryId=87

June 12, 2011

Bonding moments at Amaia

Amaia Land Corporation gave everyone a glimpse of a future ‘picture perfect’ community as they officially opened the Amaia Scapes Laguna village pavilion – the first to be completed among the series of existing Amaia projects.

Amaia, an Ayala Land company through its subsidiary, Avida Land, caters to the economic market segment. But it intends to set new and higher norms in the field of economic housing.

During the recent blessing of the village pavilion of Amaia Scapes Laguna, a jam-packed weekend was especially dedicated to give Filipino families a feel of the higher kind of living that is awaiting them in Amaia even with their modest budget.

Visitors were toured around the seven stylish house designs homebuyers can choose from, revealing a quality in materials and workmanship that is truly representative of its parent company, Ayala Land. The innovative houses were built with a sense of spaciousness that is flexible depending on the needs and wants of the owners.

The inaugurated pavilion is simple yet classy in design. It is a versatile open space akin to mid-end residential developments that can be used to hold a myriad of activities ranging from meetings to parties and sporting events.

Amaia makes possible innumerable
opportunities for families and neighbors to bond and live a satisfying, happy life.

The pavilion is only a part of the Village Patio – a unique feature of Amaia – as this will later on include a basketball court, lap pool, jogging path, and a playground that would assure all families of countless opportunities to bond.

During the inauguration, visitors were given a taste of the kind of family and community life they can nurture in Amaia Scapes. Activities were held that encouraged everyone to participate. One of which was the freehand painting on local eco-friendly katya bags. Visitors had a grand afternoon expressing their creativity. The spotlight also glowed on all the daddies present in time for the celebration of the Father’s Day. Everyone feasted on the sumptuous spread of Laguna’s local cuisine.

As Amaia is all about giving value to Filipino families, Amaia Scapes, the house and lot development of Amaia, guarantees not only affordability, accessibility, and quality but a pleasant living experience as well brought about by unique community features that promote closer ties between and among family members and neighbors. As one present Amaia homeowner said: “tuloy-tuloy ang bonding dito sa Amaia.”

SOURCE: Philippine Star
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=703752&publicationSubCategoryId=76

July 8. 2011

Dancing young

Photo By: Jamie Susara

MANILA, Philippines — The flame that the Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc. (BAFI) and Ballet Philippines (BP) jointly ignited in 30 young ballet scholars from public schools in Taguig City collectively called BGC in Motion, has finally blazed during their launching performance at the Bonifacio Global City (BGC).

After a year of attending classical ballet classes, of training and rehearsing at the Bonifacio Art Center Taguig (Arts in the City), the satellite hub of Ballet Philippines, Philippine Madrigal Singers, and Tanghalang Pilipino, members of BGC in Motion were finally recognized as the first batch of BAFI-BP’s ballet scholars through the dance number Tambol at Padyak, a dance vignette by renowned choreographer and BP founding member Tony Fabella.

BGC in Motion is a group of 30 students aged 9 to 21 years old from the different public schools in Taguig City . Through the help of a former ballet scholarship group known as Dancers Inc. and the Department of Education of Taguig, these young dancers are now under the tutelage of BAFI and BP.

Since 2009, the scholars have been attending workshops and trainings both at the Arts in the City and at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). They have been watching ballet performances for free as part of their scholarship privileges and have even joined BP in some of the company’s performances.

Changing lives

In Tambol at Padyak, 14 young scholars moved, screamed, jumped, and thumped onstage, combining with intense hand and foot works throughout the presentation. They were They are Jhon Abilar, Mary Joy Cajandab, Veronica Calising, Carl Germina, Jessa-Ann and Jessa-Bel Laride, Marco Orbegoso, Evette Ramos, Noimee Remacha, Shekinah Santos, Willie Jacob, Kim Jacob, and Kate Jacob.

Manuel A. Blas II, managing director of BAFI, expressed his joy at watching the scholars as they presented the fruit of their hard work. “I am proud that the scholars have learned and progressed so much considering the little time they spent under professional training,” he said.

Two of the most successful scholars so far — Lalaine Barliso and Kate Jacob — shared how the ballet scholarship had changed their views and their lives. Jacob has even successfully made it to the College of St. Benilde as one of the scholars for the Bachelor of Performing Arts Major in Dance.

“Before, dancing was just a game. Now, it has become our goal, our passion in life,’’ the two said.

Now that they know that they could go somewhere far in life through dancing, the young scholars are all the more fired up to dream big and work hard for it.

SOURCE: Manila Bulletin
http://www.mb.com.ph/node/325493/dancing-young
July 5, 2011