Culture Archives - The Flame

Nov52018 No Comments

What lies beyond ‘Brother Hood’?

By CHRISTINE JANINE T. CORTEZ TO EXPERIENCE police impunity is a crime, but to endure the same episode twice is a violation of human rights. Award-winning photographer and forerunner of Philippine photojournalism Alex Baluyut debuted his photo book exhibit titled "Brother Hood,” which pertains to the name of the group of policemen belonging and appointed to watch over the corners of Metro Manila, on Oct. 11. In his exhibit, Baluyut condones the inevitable necessity to point out the parallelism between his old photographs and the rampant killings provoked by the administration’s war on illegal drugs. The impressive and poignant exhibit can be found at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB). The collection comprises of twenty photographs from the photo book along

Oct12018 No Comments

Art on the streets: Protest art during the martial law anniv

Culture

AMID the unpredictable weather, protest chants were still heard while different artworks illustrating the protesters’ pleas were seen on the streets during the commemoration of the 46th anniversary of the declaration of martial law, afflicting the apathetic more than ever. The dictatorship of former President Ferdinand Marcos was an era of blatant oppression and human rights violations. Unfortunately, up until now, there are still people who are subscribed to the distorted version of what really happened during the martial rule. Today, critics and artists claim that President Rodrigo Duterte is treading the same path as the late dictator. Hence, they set their sails to express their stands in the most eye-catching way. A portrait from University of Santo Tomas (UST) Anakbayan d

Aug302018 1 Comment

Rediscovering culture through Baybayin

Culture

PHILIPPINE CULTURE has undergone monumental changes that have shaped it into what it is today. However, as time passes by, the ways of our ancestors are slowly being forgotten—but this is not the case for young Filipino artist Taipan Lucero. Through his solo exhibit titled “CalligraFilipino I: Baybayin Illumination,” Lucero highlights his advocacy of strengthening the Filipino identity. In this exhibit, he showcases his self-developed Baybayin calligraphy that came to life mostly through acrylic on canvas. Baybayin is one of the country’s pre-colonial writing systems that was used primarily by the Tagalog people. It is among the writing systems in the Philippines that has gone through a resurgence. Hence, more than just sharing his artworks through this exhibit, Lucero hopes to show

Aug152018 No Comments

Learning from literature at the 2018 Philippine Readers and Writers Festival

Culture

By REYANNE LOUISSE AMPONG and DOMINIQUE NATHANIELLE M. MULI THE POWER of literature was once again celebrated in this year’s Philippine Readers and Writers Festival held from Aug. 10 to 12 in Makati. Book lovers, authors, and aspiring writers gathered to participate in forums and panel discussions about the importance of literature in this vastly changing world. Here are some of most engaging discussions from the event. Empowering creatives Participants were given the chance to unleash the artist in them through the use of free art materials during artist and author Abbey Sy’s talk. “Nothing beats what your hands can do compared to machines,” the creative entrepreneur said. Sy shared that she developed her now popular penmanship at an early age as a hobby, which allow

Aug132018 No Comments

A window to different viewpoints

Culture

By ALISHA DANIELLE M. GREGORIO PEOPLE have different responses to their surroundings; they also have varying perspectives on things. Lesley-Anne Cao’s “The hand, the secretary, a landscape” is a fitting example of this. On display from June 2 to Aug. 12 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Cao’s first solo exhibition composed of unique untitled artworks took center stage in a small and dimly-lit gallery. One of the eye-catching pieces was a large projector set up in the middle of the room that flashed a CCTV footage on the wall showing the top of a building. In the video, towering walls with glass windows enclosed a small shrubbery where various plants and branches grew. One could also notice the hints of movement provided by wind and light rain. This certainly leaves the

Aug102018 No Comments

Thrive, not merely survive, this new semester

Culture

By DOMINIQUE NATHANIELLE M. MULI AUGUST RAINS come with the wafting scent of a new semester. Artlet, you better be up on your toes in anticipation of all that’s in store this new academic year! Hardships may be constants in your life by now, but it’s never too late to grab the chance to go further. Here's how you can thrive this semester and ace college life in general: Always be ready to adapt to changes University life is like walking around blindfolded: you are never completely ready for the obstacles you might encounter. But fear not, because you have the power to adapt to any situation. While no one can master this ability in a snap, remember to be flexible in whatever circumstance your program puts you in. One effective way to achieve this is to list down the habits

Jul52018 No Comments

Tumba Tumba: Redefining children’s art

Culture

By ALISHA DANIELLE M. GREGORIO THE UNIVERSITY of the Philippines Vargas Museum opened its doors to “Tumba Tumba Children’s Museum of Philippine Art,” a proof-of-concept show by the Center for Art, New Ventures and Sustainable Development that put the spotlight on what life feels like for a child. It allowed visitors to be fully immersed in that experience by focusing on fun and interactive activities as well as paintings, mechanical devices, and sculptures that surely delighted the young and old alike. One of the interesting works of art is an untitled painting by Arvi Fetalvero that portrays a house with all its rooms depicted in an unusual manner. The rooms are jumbled up as if the house was designed by a child. One can see a small living room containing a staircase that passes

Jul12018 No Comments

Rising up as one at the 24th Metro Manila Pride March

Culture

By REYANNE LOUISSE AMPONG RAINBOWS and smiles filled the Marikina Sports Complex on Saturday as around 15, 000 members—twice more than last year’s 7, 700—of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) community gathered for the 24th Metro Manila Pride March. Members and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community proudly donned their colorful and creative outfits as they checked out the booths at the Pride Fair and sung along to empowering music such as “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga, “Break Free” by Ariana Grande, and “This Is Me” from “The Greatest Showman” soundtrack. Chants of “Happy Pride!” and solidarity speeches fired up the crowd and made them even more excited for the parade. Vince Liban, a member of LAGABLAB Network, urged participants to c

Feb132018 No Comments

Mixing romance and creativity this Valentine’s day

Culture

By ALISHA DANIELLE M. GREGORIO VALENTINE’S DAY is fast approaching and it is that time of the year again when all the roses and chocolates make their way to center stage. Those who are celebrating Valentine’s Day are usually scrambling to think of last-minute date ideas to do with their significant other. Well, fear no more because the Flame got you covered with a few fun ideas to do on Feb. 14. Go on a picnic Enjoy the February breeze and lay a blanket on one of the many parks the city has to offer. There is no doubt that a yummy and intimate picnic combined with the ambiance of being under a tree, while overlooking the sunset will capture that romantic moment that will surely be remembered. Get on the road Hop in the car and get out of town for the day! There are a

Feb112018 No Comments

Savor authentic Japanese food at Hokusai

Culture

By REYANNE LOUISSE AMPONG IT SEEMS that with a limited budget, it is difficult to dine at a restaurant which offers premier Japanese cuisine, but Hokusai surprises Japanese food lovers with their delectable yet affordable menu. Hokusai is often overlooked, with the number of food stalls located at P. Noval street, but it is surely a great find. The place is somewhat similar to traditional Japanese restaurants because of its compact space and minimal design. Their appetizing menu makes up for the restaurant’s muted décor. Hokusai’s best-sellers, Tonkotsu Ramen and Rockin’ Roll is a great pair that will make one’s Japanese cravings satiated. Tonkotsu Ramen is a hearty combination of soup--pork and soy sauce broth-–and ramen noodles topped with a generous slice of pork, greens, and