Rachy Cuna, Lisa Macuja, Charice, Chino Gutierrez in significant events

To mark National Arts Month, the National Museum will feature the installations of Rachy Cuna in dramaCuna. The exhibit opens Feb. 5 and ends March 21.

Distinguished for his innovative melding of nature and art, and his passion for using native materials and designs to express the Filipino spirit, Rachy Cuna creatively uses traditional crafts and contemporary forms to produce decorative alternative art.

Rachy worked as a curator of the Ayala Museum, then moved on to the Met Museum to conceptualize its events and put up a unique museum shop. His creative use of flowers earned him the title “Floral Architect of the Philippines”. His book Adorments: A Floral Inspiration was published as part of UST’s quadricentennial year.

The forthcoming exhibit will be the outdoor installation Atin Ito a 15 x 20 foot rattan and bamboo composition; Chinoy Ako, reflective of Rachy’s Chinese ancestry, an assemblage of siopao steamers, papier-mache accoutrements and handmade flowers, a showcase of birdcages in Kulasisi. Using the musical standard Bakya Mo Neneng as reference, Mo Neneng is a composition of flowers and the batya; Pang-alay, harking back to rituals, uses the palayok and rice.

Rachy exhibited paintings, jewelry and floral designs in Beijing and 75 paintings at the Met Museum. His 2008 Bayan Cuna featured native flora and crafts. Rachy was named “Bedan of the Century” in 2001 during the college centennial celebration, and cited by the Association of Phil-China Understanding for his exhibitions strengthening cultural ties.

Ballet Manila, with Lisa Macuja-Elizalde as artistic director and principal ballerina, will feature the songs of popular balladeer Basil Valdez in “Ballet and Ballads” on Feb 19, 7:30 pm, Feb. 20, 1 and 5 pm and 21, 1 p,m. at Aliw Theater.

Lisa will dance to Kastilyong Buhangin (partnered by Nazer Salgado), Ngayon at Kailanman and Corner of the Sky, the latter two with the ensemble. Basil also proposed Salamin ng Buhay which reflects his life’s journey.

Four danseurs will interpret Basil’s Nais Ko to choreography by the late Tony Fabella, and choreographies by artistic associate Osias Barroso and senior soloist Gerardo Francisco. Also Fabella’s “Dancing to Czerny”, “Dulce” which is “ballroom dancing Ballet Manila style”, the NCCA first prize winner “Reconfigured”, and “Rebel”, choreographed for Lisa by Augustus Damian III.

“Ballet and Ballads” is a project of the Manila Broadcasting Co. chaired by Fred J. Elizalde.

Teen-aged Charice Pempengco, whom Oprah Winfrey described as “the most talented girl in the world”, will sing on Feb. 14 at PICC’s Plenary Hall.

“Charice in Concert”, under Ryan Cayabyab’s direction will offer pop, R & B and soul hits. Charice has performed with Andrea Bocelli, and in 2009 topped a poll conducted by the Oprah Winfrey Show wherein she beat superstars Whitney Houston, Jane Taylor, Michael Buble, Rasid Flatts, Jennifer Hudson and the Black Eyed Peas.

Charice, who has been compared to Hudson and Dion, has drawn profuse praise from David Foster, Josh Groban and many other celebrities.

Tenor George Yang, the highly sought-after late bloomer, will also showcase his vocal prowess which is amazing at his age.

Phenomenal violinist Joaquin Maria “Chino” Gutierrez, 19, two-time national competition winner, will perform at the Philamlife Theater on Feb. 6, 7:30 p.m. Chino has taken lessons with Yatco, Kabayao, Esmilla, and further studies in Munich’s Academy of Music and Theater where he also regularly attended high school, gaining distinction in math, science and languages, and emerging math champion in Bavaria. For his exceptional linguistic abilities, his Latin professor asked him to co-author a book on etymology in five languages.

His tutors included Alexander Tomescu and Christopher Poppen. His scholarships were from Dorian Stiftung Stuttgart, Bard College in NY and Peabody Conservatory.

Assisting artist Mary Anne Espina has admirably collaborated with leading local and international concertists.