Culture Archives - The Flame

May42021 No Comments

“Press Freedom Is The Pathway of Truth”: 5 Thomasians’ insights on World Press Freedom Day

by CHRISTINE JANINE T. CORTEZ, THEA ANDREA C. MAGUERIANO, and JOHN PATRICK A. MAGNO RANARA TO COMMEMORATE the importance of journalists, the United Nations had declared May 3 to be World Press Freedom Day. This day acts as a reminder to both the government and citizens to respect press freedom and defend journalists from restraint and abolition. This year’s theme; “Information as a Public Good” highlights the importance of information as a service to the people and of finding new ways to strengthen journalism amid a changing media environment. Press freedom in the Philippines has remained under constant threat over the years. With the current administration, there have been multiple unrelenting attacks from the government against the media through bold and brazen means—the ABS

Mar312021 No Comments

Hesu Kristo: Reconnecting faith through art

Culture

by THEA ANDREA C. MAGUERIANO EVERY Holy Week, Christians commemorate the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Devouts also spend these holy times reflecting on His life, sacrifices, and miracles. During this season, passion is often shown through creative ways such as passion plays or senakulo. To interpret faith through displays and artworks, Art Show Philippines made preparations for artists to show their perception of Christ in an online exhibit titled "HESUKRISTO: Filipino Artists' Interpretation of Jesus Christ". Last March 26, Art Show Philippines displayed a series of artworks through Facebook, creating a platform to show and sell them. In time for Holy Week, 128 artists showcased non-conventional images of the Lord, from the perspective of the youth today.

Mar212021 No Comments

10 Poems on Love and Isolation for World Poetry Day

Culture

by SAMANTHA ARGONZA HERALDING the significance of poetry, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) marks March 21 as World Poetry Day. Since 1999, World Poetry Day scribbles three values on why we have to celebrate it. First, despite our differences, we are still human. Our emotions enable us to express ourselves through poetry. Even if a country has its unique poetry style, it always manifests similarities in other countries’ poetic elements. Second, poetry is a safety net for endangered languages, so communities can continue to rediscover, protect, and strengthen the language. Third, poetry as an art contributes to art forms and it brings an encompassing perspective on humanity and life. Poetry, whether through writing or reading during qu

Mar182021 No Comments

Chill’s Home-Baked Goodies: A bundle of assorted delights

Culture

by JOHN PATRICK A. MAGNO RANARA A MOTHER can bestow many gifts, values, and life lessons to her bundles of joy. For some, it is her unconditional love and support even in times of confusion; for others, it is her guiding wisdom as one traverses through the complex labyrinth called life. But for Brianne Leigh Cabalonga, it is the inspiration to start her own business. Chill’s Home-Baked Goodies is a fresh bakery that bloomed in Cainta, Rizal in May last year and specializes in cheesecakes, revel bars, brownies, and cakes. Both the owner and cook, Cabalonga uses the skills that she learned from her mother to run her own bakery. “A few years ago, my mom started a small bakeshop. My sister and I used to help her in the kitchen after our class. When my mom needed to go ba

Mar112021 No Comments

Choco Butternut Loaf: The Loaf of Your Life

Culture

by THERIZ LIZEL R. SILVANO CHOCOLATE chip cookies, nutty brownies, and soft cupcakes with towering frostings are just some of the regular sweet delicacies Filipinos love to bake and eat. Of course, the traditional kakanin such as puto, sapin-sapin, and bibingka will always have a special place in Filipinos’ hearts. These Filipino specialties opened doors for food and dessert enthusiasts to not only discover a variety of local ingredients, but also learn the country’s culture and history. But as society changes, diverse cultures and interests overshadow the fine taste and heritage of Filipino gastronomy. Modernizing traditional dishes has since become the new standard in the cooking industry. Realizing this may bring a despairing impression to many, but they may not notice t

Mar72021 No Comments

Infused with vibrance: 5 Filipina Artists’ Whimsical Canvas

Culture

by THERIZ LIZEL R. SILVANO PERHAPS the greatest art ever created are women. Their complexity, individuality, and even ability to have contrasting personalities are anything but ordinary. Knowing a woman is never linear but rather a pattern of bends and turns — analogous to the curves of their bodies and the upward and downward spirals of their emotions. Women are like great works of art. After a long gaze, one can catch a glimpse of their spirit and character. When it comes to arts and culture, women are at the forefront of the past and today's artistry and tradition. Most portraits display women at the center, whether it is the features of their bodies or their pastime activities. Regardless of the subject matter, one can always see the feminine qualities of the artwork. In

Feb242021 No Comments

Above the currents, in between blues

Culture

by CHRISTINE JANINE T. CORTEZ THE PROMISE of tomorrow comes in like ocean waves; it comes and it goes. But unlike the days, three-fourths of the natural world is made out of water –– something that the modern generation of people often takes for granted. It should be widely addressed that the earth's natural waters, unlike man-made possessions, cannot be reproduced. Water, at some point in time, will run out eventually if the people continue to ignore the dawning effects of environmental problems. Therefore, as a way to rouse everyone of this universal phenomenon, Altro Mondo Arte Contemporanea together with Kunstmatrix exhibited a visual art show featuring the global history of oceans through the lenses of a Filipino artist and seafarer Joar Songcuya. The show, which ra

Dec312020 No Comments

2020: The Good, The Bad, The Trendy

Culture

by JOHN PATRICK MAGNO RANARA and THERIZ LIZEL R. SILVANO It may not surprise many if 2020 turned out to be the year where the world will crumble into extinction, just like what outrageous Hollywood disaster films have all warned us about. The 12 months have been a wild rollercoaster of political turmoil and disastrous forces of nature, but still with some good and inspiring moments few and far between. These are just some of the key events and trends that have happened during the year that will soon be written down in history books. The Good Scientists discovered COVID-19 vaccines The availability of COVID-19 vaccines is perhaps the greatest news this 2020. Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Sinovac, Valneva, and other vaccine developers formulated a cure for the deadly virus...

Dec112020 No Comments

Rekindling Christmas Joy with Himig ng Pasko

Culture

by SAMANTHA ARGONZA ENTERING a new decade challenged by numerous natural calamities and a pandemic temporarily halting live events, Artlets have redefined their concept of home as the yuletide season is now fast approaching. In an attempt to restrengthen the value of home, UST Chorus of Arts and Letters (AB Chorale), along with other five choirs, united in harmony during a virtual Christmas presentation last December 1 titled Himig ng Pasko: Paskong Pasko Na Talaga. AB Chorale collaborated with pioneer members from UST Senior High School Chorale, Marriage Encounter Foundation of the Philippines Chorale South Cluster, Lagablab ng Espiritu Santo Chorale, and Pag-IBIG Fund Chorale. Overseeing this by their musical director, Mark Raeniel Agpasa, the event greeted Art

Nov182020 No Comments

Sweet Treats For A Cause

Culture

by THERIZ LIZEL R. SILVANO TYPHOON ROLLY and Ulysses brought tragic wind and rain, leaving many residents and pets stuck on their rooftops and trapped in floodwaters. Due to Filipinos' bayanihan, concerned citizens and groups who are willing to donate to the victims of the typhoon announced their donation drives through social media platforms. However, it is imperative for sponsors and donors to identify which donation drive they plan to contribute to — especially since some use fake fundraising initiatives, names, and groups to get money from people. Aside from featuring and supporting online food businesses, The Flame provides a list of dessert shops that donate a portion of their earnings to the victims of typhoon Rolly and Ulysses through their chosen organization. To