The ART of believing

Art is wealth, the value of which is only partly quantifiable. And when we invest in talent, we invest in a sound future. The returns may not be swift, but they will be lasting.

Ten artists were recently given a break by the Metrobank Art and Design Excellence (MADE) national competition. The winners were feted at the Le Pavilion on Diosdado Macapagal Avenue. Opening the event was a smoky performance by a classical dancer in black lace stockings and a bouquet of red roses for a skirt. Moving to the music of Bambudha, she tore down the curtains leading to the exhibition hall, signaling the opening of the event. Guests barely had time to make their way to the seats when a saxophonist hit his notes of the national anthem. Some almost applauded. It was followed by Yoyo Ma’s music providing a musical backdrop to the video presentation.

The annual painting competition broke new ground with the inclusion of scultpure in last year’s search. The year, the foundation raised the bar with the addition of architecture and interior design categories. Art followers commented that the current crop of entries was best so far in the 21-year history of the Metrobank Foundation search. Luminaries in the art scene and in society filled the huge hall despite traffic and the rains. The presence of hundreds of guests affirmed the competition as an established landmark art event.

Winning in the painting competition, oil-based medium on canvas category are: Chriseo Sipat, grand prize for his work entitled "God Bless Us"; Marnie Corpus, second place for "Can" You Have Faith; and Parker Encisa, third place for the "The Evidence."

Emerging as winners in the water media on paper category are: Randie Gutierrez for his entry "See-Through Cages," grand prize; and Joel John Valenzuela’s "Himbing" won a special citation.

In the sculpture category, Jan Leeroy New bagged the grand prize for his work entitled "Cradle" and Juan Miguel Aquilizan, special citation for his "Timog, Silangan, Hilaga, Kanluran" (Still Life).

Marybeth Tabaquin-Ting and architect Noel Tan were the first to take home the plums in the newly introduced Interior Design and Architecture categories, respectively. Ting won for her "Vinta" interior design, while Tan won for his "Fusion": the Tan residence, a three-storey residence in Cebu.

This year, recognition was given to Duddley Diaz for his works. A Filipino sculptor who resides in Italy but returns every two years to exhibit, Diaz received the Metrobank Prize for Achievement in Sculpture.

Following the exhibit was a five-day exhibit run and two days of lecture series to promote, educate and enhance art appreciation. The speakers were Duddley Diaz, Prof. Racquel Florendo, architect Prosperidad Luis, Noel El Farol, Leo Almeria and architect Francis "Bobby" Mañosa.

From sarongs to Murano glass

It’s bazaar season once again. The Zonta Manila I and ADBSA International Bazaar is a much awaited event. The bazaar will be held on Nov. 13 and 20 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Grand Ballroom, San Lorenzo, Forbes and Dasmariñas Rooms of Hotel Intercontinental.

Noted for its good mix of products, the bazaar offers items for all members of the family. Traditional bestsellers and unique items not available in the local market will be on sale. New products will be launched.

The bazaar will feature 150 concessionaries offering products from more than 20 countries including our own. Items will include porcelain and ceramics from Japan; batiks and food products from Indonesia; fabulous fabrics and saris from India; handmade sarongs from Sri Lanka; fashion accessories, jewelries and ornaments from Austria and Pakistan; decor and shirts from Thailand; cashmere clothing from Mongolia/Ukraine; pashmina shawls from Nepal; foodstuffs from Germany; wines and accessories from France; clothes and toys from the United States; gifts and novelty items from Korea, Canada, United Kingdom and Hongkong; Murano glass and jewelry from Italy; handicrafts from the Pacific Islands; and products from Morocco.

Proceeds from the bazaar will fund various service projects of Zonta Manila I and the ADB Spouses’ Association. One of the main beneficiaries is the Gawad Kalinga Zontaville, composed of 46 family units of three level apartments for 46 poor families in Mandaluyong City.

Members of the Zonta Manila I organizing committee are president Menchu Pascual, VP Nida Lopez, area director Baby Perez Sison, Gina Geraldez, Baby De Jesus, Letty Calma, Mel Reyes, Banjo Dumlao, Fely Umandap, Sol Dizon, Julie Jalbuena, Judy Bacosa, Tonie Lingad, Lulu Canstañeda, Pacita Zara, Diana Franco, Nonie Basilio and Linda Lugtu Cruz.

ADBSA organizing committee members are president Marian Stanley, Emma Murray and all country representatives – Jo Hunter (Australia), Suping Zhu and Dandan Wang (China), Marjorie Pillon (France), Dorothee Binsfield (Germany), Asha Gupta, Smita Poddar and Sangeeta Terway (India), Endang Sugiyarto, Muna Zaidansyah and Frieda Tambunan (Indonesia), Ariko Muramoto, Satako Date and Harumi Iwasaki (Japan), Sook Young Kim Lee and Kyung Ae Kim (Korea), Ainura Stanbekova (Kyrgyz Republic), Jaflan Moyes (Mongolia and USA), Diana Guild (New Zealand), Adeline Norton and Quiner Mitra (Singapore/Malaysia), Deepthie Perera (Sri Lanka), Supaporn Kolkma Riyota (Thailand), Zubeda Mohammed and Caroline Ahmad (United Kingdom and Pakistan), Renee Speltz and Marion Bestani (United States), Malika Shagazatova and Firuza Khamudkhanova (Uzbekistan) and Sevil Burton (Turkey).

(For further inquiries, please call Gina at 637-7927 or Teena at 928-0512.)

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You may e-mail me at [email protected]