Culture Archives - The Flame

Aug92019 No Comments

Rekindling old reading habits

by JOHN PATRICK MAGNO RANARA There comes a time in a bookworm’s life where they lose the joyful spark of reading. To underscore ways to make time in coming back to reading the books forgotten in their dusty, spiderwebbed shelves or to the ones waiting to be unwrapped from their glossy, plastic prison, literary enthusiasts engaged bookworms in “The Library is Open: How to Get Back into the Habit of Reading Books,” a forum held at Raffles Makati on Aug. 3 as part of the 2019 Philippine Readers and Writers Festival. JM Cabral, Aaron de Borja, Gabby Padilla, George Evan Dungca, and Salve Villarosa all took their time to share their knowledge on getting back to reading for those who have gotten into a seemingly inescapable slump for their passion for literature. Setting a

May82019 No Comments

Heritage on a plate

Culture

by ALISHA DANIELLE M. GREGORIO IN THE Philippines, family and heritage are two important things. They are the roots of tradition and, up to this day, people still value them. Food is another thing that can characterize the Filipino culture, which is why Shantung Restaurant decided to combine all three to share with everyone else. The Chinese-themed eatery is located along West Avenue in Quezon City and prides itself in offering authentic Chinese food derived from Shantung province in China. Manager Justin Chang shares that his late grandfather Joseph Chang Men-Chi was the one who migrated to the Philippines to begin his food business in Manila. The family-owned restaurant has been open for over 60 years and is still going strong. They offer a variety of Chinese food that has b...

Mar152019 No Comments

The Big Bad Wolf book sale: Mission before profit

Culture

TO CHANGE the world one book at a time—that is the mission of the Big Bad Wolf (BBW) book sale, the largest and arguably cheapest book fair in the world today. Named after a popular children’s book character, BBW was established by Andrew Yap and Jacqueline Ng in Malaysia. It has been gaining excellent public response ever since, and rightfully so, after selling millions of books for low prices in different countries like Taiwan, Thailand, and the Philippines. The first time the sale hit the metro was in 2018, when about two million books were sold to thousands of Filipino book lovers. This year, the same amount of books were up for grabs at the World Trade Center in Pasay City from Feb. 22 to Mar. 4. The book sale was once again open 24 hours a day and free of admission fees.

Mar52019 No Comments

Artlet profs launch books in an afternoon devoted to literature

Culture

LITTERATEURS GATHER on Saturday afternoons to exchange opinions and different perceptions by interacting through books over some snacks and glasses of wine. In one of their book discussions at Solidaridad Bookshop in Ermita, Manila last Feb. 23, some renowned professors from the Faculty and book lovers convened yet again for the Philippine Center of International PEN’s (Poets & Playwrights, Essayists, Novelists) launch of the three new titles from the UST Publishing House. The books launched were Ang Tagalabas sa Panitikan by Chuckberry Pascual, Sa Mga Pagitan ng Buhay at Iba pang Pagtutulay by Ralph Semino Galan, and Finding Teo: Tula at Talambuhay by Joselito Delos Reyes. All three authors are part of the UST Center of Creative Writing and Literary Studies (CCWLS). Pascu

Mar22019 No Comments

Art Fair 2019: The vibrant realm of modern creatives

Culture

by CHRISTINE JANINE T. CORTEZ and THERIZ LIZEL R. SILVANO THOUGHT-PROVOKING pieces were exhibited in the sixth year of the highly anticipated Art Fair held from Feb. 22 to 24 at The Link in Ayala Center, Makati City. With its aim to promote the best of contemporary art, the event highlighted diversity through exhibiting interactive art, photographs, sculptures, videos, paintings, and ceramic art. This year, the exhibits were spread over five floors to accommodate a bigger audience, making the galleries and artworks, both local and international, more exciting for the public. Two hundred “heads” made of organic materials and coconut shells rendered the viewers wide-eyed in Oscar Villamiel’s Cheap Medicine. It is a thrilling installation where the heads are laughing out of dar

Feb32019 No Comments

Making childhood fantasies a reality

Culture

By ANGELA A. CHUA ALTHOUGH people age, the child they once were always stays with them. Props maker Johanna Lietz proved this in her two-section exhibit titled Steel and Skin which was on display at Gallery in the Gutter. Lietz, along with tattoo artists Sophiya Franchesca and Neil Tanaleon, showed their take on limitless possibilities as adult enthusiasts of cosplay and tattoo art. Children’s fantasies and wild imaginations help them face their greatest fears and become braver; every day, they bring their whimsies to life through endless adventures and fun. Lietz, who has had an undeniable interest in science fiction and fantasy since she was a child, presented post-apocalyptic handheld weapon props that were inspired by games such as Fallout and Destiny. Lietz brought each w

Dec312018 No Comments

2018 in Review

Culture

By ANGELA A. CHUA ALISHA DANIELLE M. GREGORIO EVERY YEAR that passes leaves marks on people through countless events, memories, and highlights. 2018 has been a year of change and countless trends, gossip, and challenges from the start all the way to the end. Here is a lineup of some unforgettable moments that 2018 brought that made noise on social media: A ‘once in a blue moon’ phenomenon At the start of the year, the Philippines was able to witness the rare Super Blue Blood Moon: a lunar eclipse, a blue moon, and a supermoon occurring at the same time. This three-in-one moon phenomenon lasted for about an hour and a half and was last seen over 150 years ago. Hence, people were excited and in awe when the momentous event took place. Much-awaited Marvel crossover Many a

Dec292018 No Comments

Thirteen Artists Awards 2018: Reflecting modern realities

Culture

By CHRISTINE JANINE T. CORTEZ EVERY three years, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) selects thirteen local contemporary artists deemed worthy to receive the Thirteen Artists Awards as well as the opportunity to have their works featured for public viewing. This year, the official awardees of the prestigious award are Zeus Bascon, Bea Camacho, Cian Dayrit, Janos Dela Cruz, Carlo Gabuco, Dina Gadia, Guerrero Habulan, Eisa Jocson, Russel Trinidad (alias Doktor Karayom), Raffy Napay, Archie Oclos, Lynyrd Paras, and Shireen Seno. Virtuoso painter and street artist Archie Oclos exhibited seven larger-than-life murals on a canvas affixed on the hallway of Pasilyo Vicente Manansala. The murals, collectively titled Bayang Magiliw, are oil paintings of seven distinct figu...

Dec122018 No Comments

The burden of being a woman of the world

Culture

By DOMINIQUE NATHANIELLE M. MULI IF THERE is anything prominent about President Rodrigo Duterte’s traits, aside from his blatant disregard for human rights, it is his spite for women. By now, it is already clear: holding a high ranking position does not stop him from making sexist remarks. Nikki Luna’s display at 1335Mabini titled This is how to be a woman of the world? is dedicated to sharing sexual harassment stories of women from different parts of the world and how they are still victimized by injustices perpetuated by the same old sexist mentality. Upon entering the all-white exhibit, a full-length mirror with a rusty frame catches all eyes. The president’s infamous statement saying that there are many rape cases in Davao because the city has “many beautiful women” ta

Dec82018 No Comments

Utterly melodious: AB Chorale brings stellar performance in concert

Culture

by THERIZ LIZEL R. SILVANO THE UST Chorus of Arts and Letters (AB Chorale), led by their conductor, Mark Agpasa, once again showcased their talents and celebrated their legacy in Gloria et Exaltatio (Glory and Pride) on Dec. 1 at the UST Museum of Arts and Sciences. The harmonious coordination of the voices of AB Chorale’s members, alumni, and trainees first began to stun the audience when they sang Jubilate Deo, their opening song for the night. The spirited hymn is a song of gathering and joy that calls for tranquility, which the singers performed with vibrant synchronization. It was exquisitely sang with a mixture of dynamic and serene euphony which highlighted the sacred text. It comes as no surprise how these performers won back-to-back championships in Himig Tomasino las