Welcome to (Insert Place Here), The Center of Arts and Culture

Welcome to (Insert Place Here), The Center of Arts and Culture

Marc Valenciano

They say talk is cheap, maybe that’s why it’s easy to claim and proclaim. Claiming something is alright, proclaiming it is alright, but it all go does to, how much are you willing to prove it?

What really gets my attention is when a place claims and proclaims that it is a Center of Arts and Culture. I’m like “WOW! Really?! How?” The usual evidences are either having National or International Activities held in their town. Or having a project with an Artist or Artists, who are known nationwide. Another is being recognize by a Cultural-Award giving body, because of the local government unit or LGU’s efforts in conducting activities related to Arts and Culture.

But if we will stick with those evidences, as the usual qualifications, only the so called “Imperial Manila” would surface as the Center of Arts and Culture, since the Cultural Center of the Philippines is located there, as well as the central office of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. Not to mention that Manila hosts not only national cultural events, but as well as International ones.

What is more baffling is that, if a place is the Center of Arts and Culture, why would its local artists join in an exhibit in Baguio or Manila just to make a name for themselves? Given the fact that their place is the Center of Arts and Culture already?

Federalism: Duterte beyond the Politics of Fear

Photo from http://philippinesdaily.org/duterte-hints-2016-presidential-run/

While I’m still undecided on who to vote for this coming May 9, it’s probably not Binay nor Roxas. I could go for Santiago, but I’m still waiting for her to jump off an airplane. So I’m left with the Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, and Senator Grace Poe.

Though I’m still undecided, I’ll give Duterte an edge over Poe. And it’s not the elimination of crime within 3-6 months. That’s too idealistic. I’ll give him the whole 6 years to eliminate all sorts of crime.  Some accuses him of promoting the politics of fear, just to win votes. I could say it’s valid. But every politician does the same. Binay is utilizing poverty porn. Roxas is utilizing the righteous path. What I like about Duterte, beyond the politics of fear, is his adherence on federalism.

Rare Finds: BLKD

 

Since the start of Fliptop Battle League, and all other Rap Battle League, many Battle MCs became remarkable, due to their style, delivery, punchlines and flow. However, what separates our rare find for this month is that he can fused social realities with his verses, and still deliver a strong punchline. No need to make a long introduction for him, as we all know who he is. Cultural Worker for the Marginalized Sectors, and the future of Hip Hop, he is BLKD.

 

Q&A:

Hip Hop

Q: Who are your musical influences?

A:Too many to mention. May napupulot akong leksyon sa lahat ng sina-soundtrip ko.

Rare Finds: Dara Bascara

Photo grabbed from Dara's FB account.

Are you familiar with the Iceberg Model? Wherein the surface is just a manifestation and/or materialization of the submerge part of the iceberg. With Dara Bascara, her surface is really amazing, a stunning beauty, appreciated from the both east and west hemispheres of this globe. But beyond what is seen from her, is much more complex yet still attractive and exquisite. Modelling is her productive hobby, but her life is more focus on her activism and studying Philosophy. Busy as ever, this fine young woman gave me a chance to interview her.

 

Q&A:

Modelling:

Q: Which do you prefer for a photoshoot, a good concept or a good pay? And why is that? 
A: I don't think modeling is the best way to introduce good concepts into society. As much as I enjoy modeling, my main motivation for doing it is its efficient financial lucrativeness. I can make in a day what it'll take others months to make. And because, if you subtract my traveling, I deliberately cultivate a (relatively) low maintenance lifestyle, the money I make from modeling is what gives me the freedom to devote my time and energy on things that matter.

Watch the King next week!

Schedule of screening of Ari: My Life with a King at Cinema 3 of SM City Clark:
Feb. 3 (Wed) 10:00 a.m.
Feb. 4 (Thurs) 10:00 a.m.
Feb. 5 (Fri) 10:00 a.m.
Tickets at P120.00. For group and individual reservations, call/text the Center for Kapampangan Studies at 0999 959 0601.

I just saw the film last night, and I think, either you're a cultural worker, or just a regular movie goer, you'll enjoy every second of this film. Acting was candid. MOST of the cast are not actors and actresses by profession. There's a good use of irony throughout the film. I won't give a review nor a summary. Just see it and the film itself will proved to you why it was recognized all over the world.

Dara Bascara, up next on Rare Finds!

Dara Bascara's response on the question "if you’re invited for a sexy and sensual photoshoot, and you get to choose who will be your partner, who would it be and why?"

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Author's Notes: Rare Finds will be a monthly article in my blog wherein I will feature rare personalities. The interview with Dara Bascara would be published on February.

Rare Finds: Batas

Photo grabbed from Batas' facebook account.

One of the most iconic Battle MC in the Philippines today is Mark Rodriguez. Not familiar with the name? He is popularly known as Batas, acknowledged for his foul humor and hard-hitting punch-lines. Since the start of Fliptop Battle League, and until today, his presence in the scene is widely discussed, either appreciated or hated. Regardless of the reaction, from time to time, it seems that his focus is on showcasing his brutal yet creative writing.

Outside of Rap Battle and Hip Hop, Batas is also a Bassist and Vocalist of the Metal Band, Sultans of Snap. This is not just an ordinary band because it is affiliated with Brgy. Tibay, along with Greyhoundz, Stick Figgas and many more.
 

However, music is just his hobby. Batas' primary occupation is managing Wild Ones Tattoo, where he also works as a tattoo artist. And despite his busy schedule, the man gave me an opportunity to interview him.

Q&A:

Tattoo Questions

Q: How do you conceptualize your tattoo designs?

A: IT USUALLY STARTS WITH THE CLIENT. THEY SAY WHAT THEY WANT. I TRY TO INTERPRET IT AS HOW I IMAGINE IT.