Currently viewing the category: "Arts and Culture"
Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival

Statement of the YCC Film Desk on the disqualification of Emerson Reyes’s entry from the 8th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival

On March 9, 2012 By

We, members of the Film Desk of the Young Critics Circle (YCC), join the film community in condemning the recent disqualification of Emerson Reyes’s entry, MNL 143, from the 8th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.

The organizing committee of Cinemalaya, composed of competition chair Laurice Guillen-Feleo, festival director Nestor Jardin, and [...]

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Destruction by Thomas Cole, 1836.

The Tyranny of Bad History and the Unmaking of EDSA

On February 25, 2012 By

The power of well-written and researched history, by professional historians aware of their vast responsibilities, is that provides the tools needed craft a better future for all. EDSA is one of those historical moments that can easily be abused, as we have seen. An understanding of EDSA that tries to incorporate its complexities and context can only help inform who we are as a people and how we can grow together.

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Rare exhibit of 100 Filipino self-portraits on view until March 3

On February 18, 2012 By

It is a rare occasion to find a Juan Luna piece on display at a private gallery–let alone a Luna self-portrait–and even rarer to find a Luna and a Damian Domingo piece in the same exhibit. When you put these alongside even more self-portraits of masters such as Fernando Amorsolo, Victorio Edades, Fernando Zobel, Arturo Luz, Ang Kiukok, Jose Joya, Federico Alcuaz; contemporary artists such as Manuel Ocampo, Elmer Borlongan, Geraldine Javier, Lyra Garcellano, Maria Taniguchi, Christina Dy; and post-EDSA babies such as Liv Romualdez-Vinluan and Jeona Zoleta, what you will get is a groundbreaking exhibit of historical proportions–the kind that every art-loving Filipino must take the time to see.

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A "Higante" participates in the parade, too (Philippine Arts Festival) | Photo by NTZ

NCCA launches National Arts Month, celebrates 25th anniversary

On January 30, 2012 By

MANILA, Philippines – The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) formally opened Philippine Arts Month (February) in colorful festivities held on January 29 at the Rizal Park, Manila.

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Civil Service Commission (CSC) Strategy Map. Courtesy of the CSC web site.

CSC bares seemingly contradictory views on NCCA Exec. Dir. post

On January 3, 2012 By

Former National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Executive Director Malou Jacob was removed from her post and replaced by an Officer-in-Charge while she was out of the country on official business, following a Civil Service Commission (CSC) notice that it was disapproving the [...]

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Some rights reserved by oh snap

A culture of mendicancy

On December 19, 2011 By

Almost as soon as the fireworks and lights settled from the night before, people would start knocking on our door for “Christmas greetings”. I thought this was rather thoughtful in the beginning until I realized that these visits came with an expectation of money or Aguinaldo for the kids as some visitors would bring their entire family. Sometimes even the adults expected a gift for themselves.

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Logo of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), representing the "alab ng haraya" (flame of the imagination).

Jacob disputes NCCA claims on her removal as Exec. Director

On December 15, 2011 By

Malou Jacob disputed the explanation of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts regarding her removal from office.

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The headquarters of the NCCA in Intramuros, Manila. Courtesy of wn.com.

NCCA cites ‘technicalities’ behind Jacob’s removal as Exec. Director

On December 8, 2011 By

Former Executive Director of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Malou Jacob is said to have known that her removal from her post was imminent, in view of the decision of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to disapprove the renewal of her temporary appointment. Jacob, who lacks civil service eligibility, was Continue Reading →

Multi-awarded playwright, veteran cultural worker, and former National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Executive Director Malou Jacob. Courtesy of Jacob's Facebook account.

NCCA Exec. Director replaced while abroad on official business

On November 29, 2011 By

Former National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Executive Director Malou Jacob was officially representing the country at the 5th World Summit on Arts and Culture in Melbourne, Australia, when she learned that the NCCA Commissioners, at a special meeting, had resolved that she [...]

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Partial screen shot of Malou Jacob's public statements on the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the Civil Service Commission, and arts and culture in the Philippines.

Playwright Jacob on the NCCA, the CSC, and arts and culture in the Philippines

On November 29, 2011 By

Multi-awarded playwright and veteran cultural worker Malou Jacob was the Executive Director of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) until October 4, 2011, when the Commission decided to remove her from her post while she was officially representing the country at an international summit. Following below are texts that she published via [...]

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