It was perfect timing — like the precision timing Swatch is known for. It was perfect timing for the Swatch launch of their limited edition, “Ode to the Flag” watch designed by National Artist, BenCab last Nov. 14 at Swatch & Swatch Center Makati. It is the perfect time to express Pinoy pride, and wear this special edition Swatch with APEC happening and the Philippines hosting the annual event for the bloc’s member economies.
Now, more than ever, it is time to show the world our solidarity and love for our country. Just recently, attacks in Paris hit the soul of the city — it’s love for life. “I think BenCab recognized that anyone of us can be a hero and can make a contribution to our history. This special edition Swatch is a reminder of that. Wear the colors of our nation on your wrist,” said Ryan Cayabyab.
The evening was about Pinoy pride. Guests wearing Pinoy garb (specified attire in the invite) from the creative and fashion set to dignitaries enjoyed an evening full of Philippine talent, history and heritage. The modern venue was filled with images of Bencab’s “Larawan” series and his more recent work, “Ode to the Flag.” Production and set designer, Gino Gonzales described how he transformed Swatch & Swatch, “I simply imagined this long banquet table, where people come together to honor Bencab’s artistry and our country. Images of various Filipinos from past and present hover over the guests as lanterns. Two paintings of the Philippine flag flank the dinner tables, and text from the Panatang Makabayan (Patriotic Oath) cascade down from them. Bundles of wheat, which normally symbolize sacrifice, resurrection, and prosperity were scattered on the tabletop.”
It is also this year that BenCab celebrates 50 creative years. The Swatch collaboration is a timely commemoration. “The elements of the Philippine flag represent the history of the country’s fight for freedom, as much as they indicate the Filipino’s aspirations for equality, courage and peace.” BenCab has featured the flag in many of his artworks, to pay tribute to heroes who fought to set the Philippines free. He returns to his favorite subject in “Ode to the Flag,” to honor unknown heroes hidden in the folds of the country’s colors.
There was a resounding Pinoy Pride vibe the entire evening with a program filled with original Filipino music led by Ryan Cayabyab playing on a grand piano with a blown up image of one of BenCab’s works printed over it. “Our country knows many heroes. Specially today, in my life as a Pinoy composer and musician, my heroes are you guys — you who re-sing my songs,” he said. Filipinos just love to sing. That night wasn’t any different. The willing audience sang along to Filipino hits. And, of course, Filipinos will always have a soft spot for love songs and these are Cayabyab’s favorite songs to write and sing. Oddly, one of his favorites is written by George Canseco, and not by him, Ngayon at Kailanman. Together with Mark Bautista, the song that speaks of love that endures and overcomes time entertained the guests. Mark Bautista is an example of our heroes of today — he represents the Filipinos on the international stage and brings pride to our country. It was a treat to listen to an excerpt of the song, Child of the Philippines from the play, Here Lies Love where he played the role of former President Marcos at the National Theatre in London. Then, Mark performed selections from a local play, “Noli” where he portrayed a character created by our national hero, Jose Rizal — Crisostomo Ibarra together with his Maria Clara, Sheila Valderrama-Martinez. Contemporary Pinoy pop songs rocked with the performances of Aicelle Santos, and Jerald Napoles from another hit original Pinoy musical, Rak Of Aegis, which holds a record of 200 performances.
“Our musicality is not just a source of entertainment and joy for us. We’ve also used music to remember important things, like our history,” said Cayabyab.
Aside from music, foremost Philippine historian, Ambeth Ocampo gave a dose of the country’s heritage, particularly the Philippine flag — the significance of its colors and its history. He expressed, “So what I’d like to think is, BenCab’s flag makes us remember. It makes us look at the flag differently. It reminds us of the flag of our forefathers, the flag that our heroes died for. So therefore when you wear the flag on your wrist, it’s not just wearing nationalism on your wrist. What’s actually happening is, it reminds you of what the Philippines and the Filipinos were like — the Philippines before, the Philippines in the present, and hopefully, the Philippines that we can but often fail to be.”
It was with great pride that Swatch Philippines president Virgie Ramos unfurled “Ode to the Flag” by BenCab. The Swatch Philippines team, together with creative director, Rowell Santiago came up with a celebration of Filipino talent, culture and history that was memorable.
Be proud to be Pinoy. Wear your country’s colors proud — bughaw, pula, puti, dilaw (blue, red, white and yellow). Wear a Swatch Ode to the Flag on your wrist and show the world what the Filipino is all about.
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?Email Joyce Oreña at jo@joyceorena.com or follow her on Twitter @joyceorena and Instagram @jo_joyceorena.