Pedestrian Observer GB: Entertainment News

"In societies where Robbing Hoods are treated like a celebrity it is but natural to expect political parties to act like a Mafia syndicate" Political Jaywalker "In a nation where corruption is endemic people tend to confuse due process with aiding and abetting criminals" Political Jaywalker "War doesn't determine who is right, war determines who is left" Bertrand Russell "You have just one flash flood of money, you keep your people poor. It's like a time bomb and it's scary" Philippine Lawmaker

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Philippine themed exhibits, programs

EXHIBITIONS
Schedule courtesy of UCLA Center for Southeast Asian Studies

October 14, 2009 – February 8, 2010

Fashioning Domesticity, Weaving Desire: Visions of the Filipina

Pacific Asia Museum
46 North Los Robles Avenue
Pasadena, California 91101
(626) 449-2742

Hours: Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Website: http://www.pacificasiamuseum.org/_on_view/upcoming.aspx

Guest Curators: Pearlie Rose Baluyut and Agnes Bertiz

Admission: $9 for General Admission, $7 for Students and Seniors, Free for Children Ages 11 and Under, Free for Members, Free to All Visitors on the Fourth Friday of the Month

The second in a series of experimental, community-driven exhibits, Fashioning Domesticity, Weaving Desire: Visions of the Filipina explores the canonical images of the early to mid 20th-century Filipina as civilized and wild. Through textiles and photography, this exhibition addresses two key performative issues: the fashioning of domesticity and the weaving of desire. It will problematize the body as a (dis)embodied landscape activated by the braided contexts of colonialism and democracy.

SCHEDULE OF EXHIBITION PROGRAMS (free with museum admission)

Saturday, October 31, 2:00 pm. Lecture by curator Pearlie Rose S. Baluyut: "The (Dis)Embodied Filipina: Fashioning Domesticity, Weaving Desire."

Saturday, November 21, 2:00 pm. Curator's Tour. An inside look at the exhibition with curator Agnes A. Bertiz.

Saturday, December 5, 2:00 pm. Spoken Word and Performance moderated by poet and writer Irene Soriano Brightman. Bi-lingual (English and Tagalog) poetry and prose readings and performances on/by women.

Saturday, January 30, 2:00 pm. Film Screening: "Memories of a Forgotten War" (2002) by Sari Lluch Dalena and Camilla Benolirao Griggers. "Memories of a Forgotten War" is a documentary on the Philippine-American War of 1899. The film's co-director Camilla Benolirao Griggers will be on hand to answer questions following the screening.

Saturday, February 6, 12:00-4:00 pm. Free Family Festival. Celebrate the Philippines with dance, music, demonstrations, performances, hands-on activities, and more!

Sponsored by The National Endowment for the Arts, and The Los Angeles County Arts Commission.

Saturday, October 24 – Saturday, November 21, 2009

Humanities [Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia] Art Exhibit
with Artists Ben Cabrera, Ahmad Zakii Anwar & Putu Sutawijaya

Andrewshire Gallery in Los Angeles is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 11:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.

Opening Night: Saturday, October 24, 2009 from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.

3850 Wilshire Blvd #107 (near Western)
Los Angeles, CA 90010
(213) 389 2601

Website: http://andrewshiregallery.com/

This October, AndrewShire Gallery brings a group of Southeast Asia's most highly acclaimed painters to Los Angeles for the first time. Southeast Asia has long been recognized by the international art community as a vital and unique hub in global contemporary art practice. In the past few years, contemporary Southeast Asian art has also rapidly gained an international following in the market. The exhibition Humanities introduces the work of Ben Cabrera, Ahmad Zakii Anwar and Putu Sutawijaya. These three artists come from three different countries and three different generations of artists, yet all have achieved broad acclaim through the Southeast Asian region, leading the way in figurative painting.

Ben Cabrera, or 'Bencab', as he is better known, is one of the youngest artists to be recognized as a National Artist of the Philippines, a rare and prestigious accolade. Born in 1942 in the Philippines, Bencab emerged as a fresh and powerful force in the Social Realist movement which dominated Filipino art in 1970s and 1980s, moving on to become one of the Philippines' most esteemed figurative artists.

Ahmad Zakii Anwar was born in 1955 in Johor, Malaysia, began exhibiting in the 1990s in Malaysia, and has gone on to carve out a formidable reputation throughout the region and beyond, holding successful exhibitions in Singapore, Jakarta, Hong Kong and New York.

Putu Sutawijaya, a Balinese artist based in Yogyakarta, was born in 1971, and is a leading light within a fast-rising generation of contemporary Indonesian artists.

The body has many different aspects and meanings in Southeast Asian cultures, ancient, historical and modern, which inform and enrich the practice of figurative art in the region. The exhibition Humanities investigates the different ways in which three major artists explore the human body as a central theme of their artistic vision. Drawing from international, eastern and regional figurative art traditions, Bencab, Ahmad Zakii Anwar and Putu Sutawijaya have each created a powerful physical language in their painting. In their work with the human body, we find theatre and spirituality, struggle and harmony between the inner and cyclical forces of life.

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Dionesio C. Grava - Part-time community journalist based in Los Angeles and editorial writer at Forum Asia.

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Filipinos

Filipino-Americans

Florante, Toler in a night of music and comedy

I intended the question to be jocular, a light-hearted poke at the obvious age difference between the two performers. Perhaps I wasn't articulate enough to be well understood and Florante, quick to retort, let out a hint of condescension.

Malou has a purpose in the show, he assured, or something to that effect. But of course, otherwise she would not be on posters announcing the March 7 concert "Noon at Ngayon" (The Past and the Present). However, knowing Florante for the kindly, good-natured stage denizen that he is, I'm certain there was nothing to the comment beyond inadvertence.

Truly, Malou "Troubadour" Toler is a delight to watch perform such that relegating her to a feature assignment is an understatement of sorts. I first watched her way back in one of her gigs at Green Turtle in Whittier (please see an account at http://cdbaby.com/cd/malou) and since then she had an impressive list of public appearances and had released a cd of fav songs. A time out for any of her performances would be well worth the buck.

Florante de Leon spells big league. Unaffected by success, the Philippines's foremost folk singer remains as down-to-earth as he was during the mid-70s when he and other legendary singers brought forth a genre of songs that became known as Manila sound.

With over 40 popular songs ranging from the basics of "A-B-C", the nationalism and family well-being themes of "Ako'y Pinoy" (I am a Filipino) and "Gintong Aral" (Golden Rule) to double-entendres like "Bugtong-bugtong" (Riddles), the guy with that familiar guitar has indeed established himself as an icon of sort in the Philippine music scene. Some of his songs, jokes and one-liners are on the borderline; others are somewhat in the category of intellectual high plane requiring a little bit of effort to discern.

Most of his works, however, showcase his facility to express in a homey yet entertaining kind of way the depth of the commonplace. For example, there are songs describing the otherwise humdrum of eking a living and the boredom of a jeepney ride; the sedate, noonday scene in the field, the everyday family, the love of life and the life of love of those we know back then. The mundane and the ordinary become an exciting experience, a thing of beauty when entwined in the witty humor and rhythm as only Florante can.

"Ako'y Pinoy" awakens a deep longing for the homeland, triggering a sense of nationality mostly overtaken by piles of daily concerns; "Bugtong-bugtong" is not all about the mind games we played as children; "Upuan" (Chair) speaks of the throne and the reflections of a man (Dictator Marcos) about to lose a grip on power; and "Handog" (a gift or an offering), an expression of gratitude and humility from someone at the apex of fame.

During a recent press event promoting the coming concert at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach, California, Evelyn Enriquez, executive director of Global Link Media, promised a superb show never been seen before. See you there!

CAPTION: Folk song king Florante and Malou "Troubadour" Toler are flanked by Linda Granda, left, and Evelyn Enriquez of Global Link Media during a press event promoting "Noon at Ngayon"

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Dionesio C. Grava - Part-time community journalist based in Los Angeles and editorial writer at Forum Asia.

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Pinoy Celebrities

Filipinos

Filipino-Americans

Decada 80 balladeer a draw still

Marco Sison with immigration lawyer Jemela Nettles, left, and community writer Lilia Rabe Grava

Text and photo by Dionesio C. Grava

LOS ANGELES – Raul Marco S. Sison, a mainstay of the SRO-only The Greatest Hitmakers, is an interesting study of how not to get lost in the swirl of abundant talents and the ever changing entertainment field.

A former Student Canteen singing champion of the 80's, Sison hasn't aged a bit nor his voice faltered. He is frequently in town perhaps in search of firmer ground with which to anchor a still flourishing singing career.

It was difficult leading double lives as politician and concert artist for nine years (six as Laguna municipal councilman and three as board member), Marco said during a chat with this writer. The last time he was into politics he lost a vice gubernatorial bid and that gave him a philosophical bent on things. Although there is a kind of fulfillment in being able to serve constituents as an elective official, he said, he is also happy that now he can concentrate on his singing, the real love of his life.

The balladeer's singing career spans more than two decades and he is credited with 19 best-selling long play albums, local and international concerts, and stints in the movies, TV, and stage.

With colleagues Nonoy Zuñiga, Rey Valera, Rico J., and Hajji Alejandro, Marco helps enable The Greatest Hitmakers maintain its top-billing anywhere they perform. Aside from singing, the ever-young artist also had notable stints in acclaimed plays Ang Ginoo ng Calamba at ang Batang Tondo, Katy, La Juventud Filipina, and Nick Joaquin's The Portrait of the Artist as Filipino. His last one was a stage play at the Meralco Theater in Ortigas based on the experiences of Senator Aquilino Pimentel during the martial law years, Pag-Ibig sa Bayan.

Marco the balladeer (among his most notable songs are Make Believe, I'll Face Tomorrow, and My Love Will See You Through) gave tribute to the newer, younger talents in the homeland and at the same time observed that Philippine artists now in US are doing well. He merely smiled when asked whether he was dropping hints about seeking greener pasture elsewhere.
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Dionesio C. Grava - Community journalist based in Los Angeles. Member of New America Media, Society of Professional Journalists, and Society of Environmental Journalists, among others.

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Pedestrian Observer GB

La Aunor to go back to basics with concert

Photo: Nora Aunor, middle, with showman Tony V. and community writer Lilia Rabe Grava during an event in the past

LOS ANGELES - Some days are simply too messy that we could not even indulge in the occasional diversions necessary to maintain our sanity. LA's entertainment guru par excellence Tony Vizmonte must have been at his wit's end after sending in the fourth email invitation, which reads: "Please join Ms. Nora Aunor" at a special gathering at Max's in Puente Hills Mall to promote a fundraiser concert.

Ms. Aunor, , Tony V. said, would be joined in the event by singer/comedian Joseph Gelito and young singers Lianna Gutierrez, Maaikee, Abby Hall and the Filipino Historictown NC President Cecilia Ramos. The earlier invitations were for an interview and pictorial with Ate Guy at the HIFIProduction in N. Burlington Ave., Los Angeles. Both events we unfortunately could not attend.

Admittedly my wife and I have soft spots for the phenomenon from Camarines Sur who at 4'10" and dark-complexioned astounded traditional moviedom prone to mestizas and mestizos with her meteoric rise and success. Starting in 1967 the singer-thespian had starred in more than 170 Philippine movies, had more than two dozen albums and singles, shined in plays and TV shows, staged concerts, garnered numerous acting awards and industry citations, and tried her hand at directing and producing films. She virtually had the best there is in this world in the palm of her hands.

But with the fame and glory came also problems and heartaches and shocking escapades. Ms. Aunor, originally known as The Lady with the Golden Voice, had a failed marriage with movie icon Christopher De Leon, was romantically linked to the former president Erap Estrada, had a failed try in politics, and rumored to have married her female manager Norie Sayo in Las Vegas in 2000. In March 2005 she was arrested at the LA International Airport for alleged possession of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu together with drug paraphernalia (glass pipe) and made to undergo a drug diversion program.

According to Tony V., Ate Guy now lives and works in the United States but continues to enjoy a loyal following among long-time fans and new converts who have discovered her talent in unlikeliest places—film school, old movies shown on TFC, their parents' record collection, and the Internet. And they've been asking, he said, when will Ate Guy have the grand U.S. performance that befits her stature as one of the Philippines' greatest singers?

On October 24 at 7:30 p.m. Nora Aunor will top bill "Sa Iyo Pa Rin" (Still Yours) at the Grand Theater of Los Angeles Trade Tech College. That would be her first major solo concert, Tony V. said, and the Superstar will go back to the basics, "featuring nothing but her gorgeous soulful soprano in the company of veteran musicians."

The concert is set to coincide with the release of a new album. As yet to be titled, the album is being produced by HIFIProductions and crafted by Odette Quesada and Bodjie Dasig, proven names in the music industry. Expect new songs that convey inspirational messages and timeless themes.

Odette and Bodjie are also working on the concert, along with a topnotch team that includes Jet Montelibano as technical director, Tony Vizmonte as line producer, and Joseph Gelito, who will inject his inimitable warmth and homespun humor to the proceedings.

Proceeds of the concert will benefit Historic Filipinotown, the emotional and cultural center of the Filipino community in Southern California. – Text and photo by Dionesio C. Grava

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Pedestrian Observer GB

Dolphy The Legend "Live" in L.A. at Shrine Auditorium!

PRESS RELEASE

THE UNDISPUTED KING OF PHILIPPINE COMEDY MARKS 80TH BIRTHDAY WITH LIVE CONCERT; LAUNCHES MUCH-AWAITED AND CONTROVERSIAL TELL-ALL BIOGRAPHY!

Los Angeles, California - In what is expected to be an unprecedented concert presentation showcasing highlights of his colorful showbiz career, Comedy King "Dolphy" will light up the stage of prestigious Shrine Auditorium on October 11, 2008, with "Dolphy@80 The Legend Live in LA!"

Dolphy will be joined onstage by versatile singer-actress and recording artist Zsa Zsa Padilla, and his equally popular children, award-winning director/actor Eric Quizon, Jeffrey Quizon, Vandolph Quizon and Jenny Quizon, Ronnie Quizon, Boy2 Quizon, Zia Quizon, along with a live band, dancers, and special guests which include Ramiele Malubay (American Idol finalist, Season 7), Florante de Leon, Carol Banawa and the special appearance of apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas.

Also performing are Antoinette Taus, AJ Tabaldo (American Idol finalist, Season 6), Edsel Sotiangco, Liezl de Ocampo, Ciamara, Eva Caparas (Music & Magic), Jet Montelibano (Music & Magic), Nino de Jesus (New Minstrels), Fulton Montoya (Reload Band), Jo Awayan, Ava Johnson, Malou Toler, and other surprise guests.

To coincide with the concert celebration is the launch of Dolphy's tell-all book entitled "Hindi Ko Narating Ito Mag-Isa" authored by celebrated actress/writer/director Bibeth Orteza. "The book was conceptualized as early as four years ago," said Eric Quizon, one of Dolphy's 18 children by six women, none of whom he married. "It's our gift to Daddy on his 80th birthday (July 25)."

The tell-all book leaves no stone unturned. Except for one who's deceased and Alma Moreno who declined to participate, all the women Dolphy has loved before were interviewed - including Lotis Key, Pilar Pilapil, and his current love, Zsa Zsa Padilla - and all his children (except Freddie, who is deceased).

Net proceeds from book sales will benefit the Dolphy Aid Para sa Pinoy Foundation which provides education for the underprivileged by giving scholarships to deserving children of OFW's (Overseas Filipino Workers) and support plans to build a school for the performing arts.

"Dolphy@80 The Legend Live in LA" is a presentation of NuVision Worldwide Media and McFadden & McFadden in cooperation with Creative Concepts and Asian Journal Publications.

Eric Quizon directs. Jet Montelibano is Technical Director.

Major Sponsors are Philippine Airlines, Tancinco Law Office, ABS-CBN Global, Calayan Surgicentre, Smart, Universal Studios, O Skin Care, Unite Cars, Bench, Waddell & Reed, Pixso Graphics, Monet Salon, M The Movement, Aqua Imaging & Design, Forex Cargo, Alas Cargo, Bunching's, FLB Corporation, Golden Palms Foundation.

Media sponsors are Asian American People's Journal, Weekend Balita, Taliba, FilAmNation.com,PinoyWired.com, Frontliners Media Group, CarouselPinoy.com, LocalFilipino.com, "M" Magazine.

Other sponsors include TriMedia Services, Bote Multimedia, LA Sound Machine, Noi Manila Cuisine, Gerry's Grill, Pinoy-Pinay Fastfood.

Tickets are priced at $25, $35, $55, $75, $85, and $95 VIP seats and available online through Ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster at (213) 480-3232, NuVision (866) 995-2795, McFadden & McFadden (562) 921-8450, Philippine Times (562) 867-0323, Goldilocks Bakeshop branches, Island Pacific Supermarket branches, Creative Concepts at (888) 886-7889 or by email at CreativeConceptsIntl@gmail.com or Dolphy80@gmail.com. For additional information, visit www.CreativeConceptsIntl.com.

THE COLORFUL LIFE OF DOLPHY, KING OF PHILIPPINE COMEDY

"There was a quality in Dolphy's comedy that made him stand out, which was a reverse effect, because he preferred "self-effacing, low decibel" gags that portrayed him as vulnerable and an underdog. None of the garrulous cuss-laden language of Eddie Murphy or the hardsell antics of The Three Stooges. Pidol could make you laugh till you realized you were weeping. Throughout his time in the limelight, Dolphy's humor has always been a hit with the masses. Dolphy's jokes were not "just funny." They had a way of making you see certain truths. They made you laugh because they reminded you of your own vulnerability." - Excerpts from "Pidol" by Greg B. Macabenta, Publisher and Editor of Filipinas Magazine.

Having turned 80 last July of this year, the concert will be a celebration of Dolphy's glorious career spanning over 5 decades of hit movies and TV shows, most notably his endearing character as John Puruntong in the 17-year run of "John En Marsha" with Nida Blanca and Maricel Soriano, which ended in 1990.

Dolphy has received countless awards and citations in the entertainment industry. In 2001, Dolphy and sons Eric Quizon and Jeffrey Quizon received the Grand Prix International de la Meillure Interpretation Feminine (the equivalent of a Best Actress Award) in Brussels, Belgium, for playing Walterina Markova in the movie "Markova: Comfort Gay."

Most recent in his collection of accolades was the double citation he received from the Filipino-American Visionary Awards at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood last March 7, 2008 -- "Legend Award for Comedy" and "Lifetime Achievement Award." He was feted with a rousing standing ovation by no less than his peers in the industry including Tito Vic and Joey, Nora Aunor, Rudy Fernandez, and many others, as well as headliners in the Filipino-American entertainment community including Nia Peeples, Mark Dacascos, apl.de.ap, Dave Batista, and Michael Copon.

Born in the Philippine province of Pampanga on July 25, 1928, and raised in Tondo, Manila, by hisChinese-Filipino father (Melencio Espinosa Quizon) and native Filipina mother (Salud de la Rosa Vera), Dolphy started his career as a vaudeville dancer during the Japanese occupation. Little did anyone know that Golay, the struggling performer, will soon rise to become Dolphy, King of Comedy.

It was the late Fernando Poe, Sr., who first paved the way and gave him a break in films playing bit roles as a character actor. Not long after, Dolphy's comic talents broke out in the hit movies "Jack en Jill" and "Facifica Falayfay."

He went on to make more comedy hits alongside fellow comics Pugo, Tugo, Babalu, Panchito, Ike Lozada and German Moreno. To date, Dolphy has starred in over 200 movies and hasn't stopped since. His most recent project was this year's "Dobol Trobol: Get Redi 2 Rambol," his first team-up with another legendary comedian and Box Office King, Vic Sotto.

Media Contact | Press Credentials:
Edith Montelibano 323-788-8911
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Dionesio C. Grava - Community journalist based in Los Angeles. Member of New America Media, Society of Professional Journalists, and Society of Environmental Journalists, among others.