You plan to move to the Philippines? Wollen Sie auf den Philippinen leben?

There are REALLY TONS of websites telling us how, why, maybe why not and when you'll be able to move to the Philippines. I only love to tell and explain some things "between the lines". Enjoy reading, be informed, have fun and be entertained too!

Ja, es gibt tonnenweise Webseiten, die Ihnen sagen wie, warum, vielleicht warum nicht und wann Sie am besten auf die Philippinen auswandern könnten. Ich möchte Ihnen in Zukunft "zwischen den Zeilen" einige zusätzlichen Dinge berichten und erzählen. Viel Spass beim Lesen und Gute Unterhaltung!


Visitors of germanexpatinthephilippines/Besucher dieser Webseite.Ich liebe meine Flaggensammlung!

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Showing posts with label MARGE C. ENRIQUEZ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MARGE C. ENRIQUEZ. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Remembering Josephine Hermano

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Josephine “Opat” Hermano, a significant figure in Philippine interior design publishing, has passed away at 87 due to pneumonia complications. She led Design and Architecture magazine, establishing a benchmark for subsequent publications in the field.

Her daughter, Alessandra “Mara” Hermano, the vice president for Institutional Research & Planning at Boston College, recalled, “She had expectations of us and everyone else, setting high standards. Even when living and dining alone, she insisted on a perfectly set table. She never lowered her standards for her everyday surroundings. It was challenging to meet them.”

Angela Francesca H. Crenshaw, her granddaughter, who called her “Mucci” instead of “lola,” said, “She wanted us to achieve our best.” This inspired Angela to pursue her doctorate.

Mara described her mother as “a force of nature, a pioneer, an icon, and a trendsetter in publishing, interiors, and fashion. She was remarkably forward-thinking. With her sharp eye, we grew up surrounded by and appreciating beautiful items, each with its own story. She excelled at creating surprising combinations.”

Hermano’s former residence on the cover of Design and Architecture —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Even before the widespread adoption of eclectic décor—mixing different styles, textures, colors, and periods—Hermano exemplified this in her home, though she considered the term “eclectic” trite.

“She combined Gabby Barredo’s found-object sculptures with Oriental blue-and-white vases and china, along with Buddha heads and seated Buddhas. She mixed contemporary pieces with European and Asian antiques and furniture. There wasn’t a single theme. Instead, all the objects, textures, and fabrics communicated with each other. Nothing was static. Mom constantly rearranged her space, moving pieces to emphasize different furniture or artworks,” Mara explained.

Hermano’s Ayala Alabang home, designed by architect Richeto Alcordo, often appeared in magazines. It established a standard for tasteful homes. Her décor boldly combined Gus Albor’s industrial metal sculpture with a large, Baroque gilded mirror. This mirror reflected the sheen of Albor’s welded steel and the minimalist painting of Lao Lianben. A gilded framed nude by Federico Alcuaz leaned casually against the mirror. The density of Pablo Mahinay’s glass block on a pedestal played against the lightness of Impy Pilapil’s glass waves featuring faceted bubbles.

Casual decorating style

After becoming an empty nester in the 2010s, she moved to a condo and embraced a more casual decorating style. Chosen for comfort, two affordable brown leatherette chairs accented an antique Chinese chest and an abstract piece by Dutch artist Brita Berthelsen. The new space achieved harmony through similar neutral tones and simple lines.

Hermano downsized into a condo with a neutral gray theme and comfortable furniture mixed with sophisticated objets d’art.

“As the publisher of Design & Architecture magazine, an interior designer, and a friend to numerous artists, Opat significantly shaped various aspects of art and design in the Philippines. She conducted herself with elegance and grace in all her pursuits,” noted Paul Crenshaw, her son-in-law and an associate professor of Art History at Providence College, Rhode Island.

Hermano wore Japanese designers long before Filipinos included Issey Miyake in their wardrobes.

Crenshaw added, “In decorating her home, she appreciated a variety of surface materials and the placement of contrasting textures side by side. She didn’t view a single artwork in isolation but always in connection with other objects in the house. She would pair two-dimensional sculptures with three-dimensional ones, as well as plants and flowers. She favored art that possessed a sense of elegance, fashion, and texture.”

Turning point

Hermano’s refined taste emerged early, by constantly moving furniture around in a traditionally styled home featuring rich wood details. Born to Concepcion Magsaysay (sister of President Ramon Magsaysay) and Supreme Court Associate Justice Alejo Labrador, Hermano married

lawyer Francis Hermano, who later became a leading executive at the Asian Development Bank.

She pursued her interest in design at the Philippine Institute of Interior Design. Although she found drawing and drafting difficult, her talent for styling shone through in her graduation exhibit, drawing the attention of clients. Her design reputation grew as friends sought her advice in decorating their homes.

SEE ALSO

Vignette of tortoise shell side table with family photos in silver frames and juxtaposed with Lao Lian Ben and Mario de Rivera art

A pivotal moment occurred in 1989 when publisher Jacqueline Vega, no longer able to oversee Design and Architecture (DA), entrusted it to Hermano as the executive publisher.

Rommel Earl Digo, a former DA staff writer, aptly called Hermano “the Paige Rense of the Philippines.” This comparison underscores Hermano’s impact on elevating the profile of interior design in the Philippines, mirroring Rense’s influence on Architectural Digest in the United States. Rense transformed Architectural Digest Into a glamorous magazine that spotlighted interior designers and architects. Likewise, Hermano reshaped DA, emphasizing the impact of visual narratives and Filipino ingenuity, thereby establishing a high benchmark for the industry.

Working with editor-in-chief Sylvia Roces-Montilla, Hermano maintained creative control, establishing DA as a guide for refined taste. The quarterly magazine featured striking photography that emphasized spatial depth. Hermano engaged stylists for photoshoots, meticulously arranging and editing elements to achieve uncluttered and artfully composed images. The magazine showcased the stylish homes of creative individuals, commercial spaces by leading designers, heritage homes, and Filipino art and artifacts, creating a model for later shelter publications.

Digo observed that Hermano balanced “high art with high design,” encouraging homeowners to feature significant artwork and table settings that reflected their personalities. Designers and socialites sought to be featured in DA, yet Hermano’s sophisticated taste sometimes led her to decline overly flamboyant projects, further strengthening her reputation for discerning judgment.

The country’s first coffeetable book on table settings

Similar to Architectural Digest’s AD100 list, DA presented the Guhit Awards, which recognized excellence in architecture, interior design, decorative arts, and cultural preservation. Hermano also produced two coffee table books based on DA content: “La Mesa,” focusing on table settings, and “At Home with Filipino Art and Artists,” featuring artist studios, written by her daughter Mara.

The Asian Crisis of the late 1990s affected the real estate industry and the magazine, resulting in DA’s final issue in 2001. Although many shelter magazines have since emerged, Hermano’s influence remains. She was crucial in shaping how expressive Filipino interiors are presented and valued.

Hermano is survived by her children, Mara and her son-in-law Crenshaw; Jose Francisco “Jiggs” L. Hermano and her daughter-in-law Venisse Laurel; and her grandchildren Angela Francesca and Lucas Crenshaw, and Danielle Juliana, Alissandra Georgina and Gabrianna Marie Hermano.

Monday, April 14, 2025

A fresh take on self, memory, human condition—in dance

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Building on its successful debut, the second International Dance Day Fest (IDDF) will be a more significant celebration of movement and range. British choreographer Wayne McGregor’s “Autobiography” will headline it. This abstract dance is rare for the country’s dance landscape. Inspired by his genetic code, this innovative work connects contemporary movement, science, and technology.

The festival’s expanded program, to be held from April 23 to 27 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, features 37 dance companies, promising diverse styles. Christopher Mohnani, managing director of Samsung Theater, says, “This is a real festival, and we envisioned a strong opening—separate from the nightly genre galas—where everyone could sit, enjoy, and celebrate dance, regardless of who they are.”

Wayne McGregor’s “Autobiography,” Company Wayne McGregor, Lublin Dance Theatre, Poland (2019) —MACIEJ RUKASZ

With support from the British Embassy and the British Council, Company Wayne McGregor launches the IDDF on April 23.

“The Philippines is far, so bringing a company of this caliber here is a feat,” says Mohnani.

DNA-based

McGregor collaborated with an IT expert and devised an algorithm based on his DNA, which then determined the dance’s structure. Viewing the body as a living archive, “Autobiography” layers choreographic imprints over personal memories, writings, art, and music from his life.

The piece does not unfold as a linear narrative. Instead, it comprises 23 distinct movement sections, mirroring the 23 pairs of human chromosomes. For each performance, the algorithm randomly selects the order of these sections. This means every rendition of “Autobiography” is singular, with dancers performing the same movement material in a different sequence each time, anchored only by a fixed beginning and end.

Wayne McGregor’s “Autobiography,” Company Wayne McGregor (Jasiah Marshall) —RAVI DEEPRES

“‘Autobiography’ introduces McGregor’s aesthetic and contemporary movement. ‘Autobiography’ originated from his doctor’s visit. Each time the company performs, the computer dictates the order of the sections for that day. The dance order never repeats; it might begin with Number Four, then Eight, and then Number One could be in the middle,” explains Mohnani. The Philippine show will be version 105.

Running 70 minutes without intermission, “Autobiography” offers a fresh perspective on the self, memory, and the human condition. It demands adaptability from its dancers and provides audiences a thought-provoking experience at each performance.

Guest artists

On April 24, the Folk and Traditional Dance Gala will present an expanded list of 10 dance companies that have performed abroad, led by Bayanihan and the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group.

The Street Dance Gala on April 25 features top companies that have both won international championships and are commercially successful, such as GForce, UNRVLD, and UPeepz.

UNRVLD is an award-winning dance crew in hip-hop. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

The Ballet Gala on April 26 highlights the country’s top dance companies. Ballet Manila will present an excerpt from its upcoming production of “Swan Lake,” the pas de deux from Act 2, including BM’s corps de ballet as the swans. Philippine Ballet Theatre will perform Gener Caringal’s “Bughaw.” Alice Reyes Dance Philippines will show its latest hit, “C’est la Cie” by Bam Damian. Ballet Philippines will likewise show excerpts from its recent production of “Ang Panaginip” by artistic director Misha Martynyuk.

Through the help of Sofia Zobel-Elizalde, a member of the American Ballet Theatre Global Council (an international group of advisors consisting of leaders in their fields who involve communities with dance), ABT dancer Vince Pelegrin and a partner from the junior group, ABT Studio Company, will perform a work by modern dance choreographer Gerald Arpino and a pas de deux from “Le Corsaire.” Pelegrin is an alumnus of Elizalde’s Steps Dance Studio who received a scholarship at the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School before joining ABT.

Vince Pelegrin, former member of ABT Studio Company, is now an artist with the American Ballet Theater.

A guest pair from the Hong Kong Ballet will perform the pas de deux from “Giselle” and a piece by Belgian-Colombian choreographer Annabelle Lopez-Ochoa. Schools such as Steps Dance Studio and the Association of Ballet Academies in the Philippines are also included.

The Contemporary Gala on April 27 introduces Paradance, international dancesport champions in the paraplegic category. Mohnani adds that there will be choreographic voices outside of Manila, with companies from the Visayas and Sultan Kudarat.

Global celebration

Founded in 1982, International Dance Day is a global dance celebration. The International Dance Council and the International Theatre Institute, UNESCO’s main partner in the performing arts, promote it. Mohnani organized this event based on experiences in the United States. International Dance Day is held every April 29, before Memorial Day. He notes that major dance festivals, Fall for Dance at the City Center in New York and Spring to Dance at the Touhill Performing Arts Center in St. Louis, Missouri, aim to introduce dance to new viewers.

Mohnani was managing director of programs and community engagement for Dance St. Louis, one of America’s five dance presenters. During his 2017 to 2019 term, he organized Spring to Dance, which he described as a “buffet” of dance styles.

SEE ALSO

“Effective event creation requires considerable thought and planning. It is not immediate. Dance St. Louis has presented dance programming for over 50 years,” he says.

Stella Abrera, Fil-Am artistic director of ABT JKO School, and husband Sascha Radetsky, artistic director of American Ballet Theatre Studio Company

As the arts and culture manager of Circuit Makati, the location of Samsung theater, he observed that dance attracted fewer viewers than musicals and symphony orchestras. Dance does not draw the box-office numbers of a musical such as “Into the Woods,” which extended its run due to high demand, or the crowd at the recent Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra’s concert celebrating Lithuania’s independence.

Nonetheless, Mohnani is hopeful. He notes that the first IDDF had an average attendance of 1,000 per night in the 1,520-capacity Samsung Theater, with the ballet gala drawing over 1,200 attendees.

“Organizing Spring to Dance taught me that audience development requires a clear vision and a distinct, high-quality program. Technology exposes our audiences more. They understand value. Our job is to maintain this standard,” Mohnani explains.

Given the high cost of theater tickets, the International Dance Day Fest offers a more accessible way to experience dance with an average ticket price of P800.

“We want International Dance Day to become a signature festival for Makati, similar to the Art Fair. Ten years ago, the Art Fair began similarly. The goal is annual growth until it becomes sustainable. I appreciate the support of those underwriting this five-day event and the participating artists, who will receive a stipend. They believe in the mission and understand dance’s importance,” he concludes.

Tickets are available at Ticketworld. For more information, follow CPATOfficial on Facebook and Instagram.

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Agnes Locsin: ‘Dance is my life’


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In a stunning photograph, a young Agnes Locsin executes a tour jeté. After a spin in the air, her extended legs create a perfect split, and her lips are well-placed, while her arms gracefully trace the lines of classical ballet.

That photo is from Locsin’s retrospective “Dance is My Life” at the Davao Museum of History and Ethnography. Though not widely publicized, the exhibition is a significant tribute to the National Artist for Dance and aligns with the museum’s series honoring other Davao-born National Artists, including Ang Kiu Kok.

Lament from “Encantada” doll by Monette Pangan

Friday, January 17, 2025

Ditta Sandico weaves her legacy

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Ditta Sandico, pioneer of modern Filipiniana, is celebrating 40 years in the industry. She traces her roots to the mountains of Bulalacao, Mindoro Oriental, where her passion for sustainable fashion was stirred. As a teen in the ’70s, Sandico spent summers with her father, cattle rancher Fernando Hizon-Sandico, who developed agricultural lands. These trips, filled with immersion into the natural world and encounters with the Mangyan tribe, the Hanunoos, deeply influenced her.

Sandico was mesmerized by the fastidious embroidery and weaving techniques of the Mangyan weavers, who became her first teachers. However, as an established designer returning to Mindoro at the turn of the millennium, she was disheartened to discover that these traditional crafts had nearly vanished.

Determined to revive the art of Mangyan weaving, Sandico provided the weavers with materials, introduced fashion colors, and encouraged them to experiment with new designs. Since 2018, she has been collaborating with the Mangyan community on product development for her eponymous label.