Why we should screen more classic films in theaters

Viewing Akira Kurosawa’s masterpiece on the big screen

BY POCH EULALIA

Dec 7, 2024 10:19 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Human beings share the same common problems. A film can only be understood if it depicts these properly. —Akira Kurosawa 

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TRAGEDY UNFOLDS Akira Kurosawa's Ran follows the story of the Ichimonji clan's downfall after the father divides the rule of his kingdom among his three sons

Each year many folks look forward to the QC Film Festival for its various screenings of international and local films. One of its categories worth looking forward to is the re-screenings of classical movies. Last year, many were treated to a viewing of Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange, Bruce Lee’s Enter the Dragon, and two of Wong Kar-wai’s works, Chungking Express and Fallen Angels. This year’s biggest re-screening was Akira Kurosawa’s Ran from 1985.

 

Ran is best known for its epic scenes showing full-scale battles and Kurosawa’s brilliant use of color. It follows the ill-fated tale of the Ichimonji clan, a tragic story loosely based off William Shakespeare’s King Lear, where the family sees its downfall after the father divides his kingdom among his three sons. As things play out, we see how greed and deception starts to stir among the once tightly-knit family as the two elder siblings grapple for power while casting away their own father. It also shows how the family slowly gets karma from the past ruthlessness of their father when he took over the kingdom.  

For one of the screenings held at Gateway, the theater was nearly filled to the rafters. There was an excitement for most in getting to see their first-ever Kurosawa film on the big screen. These were young audience members with a renewed appreciation for classic cinema, yearning for stories and scenes that the new medium of pure popcorn flicks and streaming algorithm movies cannot provide. If there’s anything we can pick up from this successful screening by the QC Film Festival, it’s that there is a market for restored classics being rescreened in theaters. 

 

Just imagine being able to visit the cinemas to catch international staples like The Godfather, The Seventh Seal, Citizen Kane, or local hits like Himala, Dekada ’70, and Anak, experiencing it just as audiences did before. It works as a wonderful way to keep classic cinema alive and pass it on to future generations. Plus, it can help support the cast and crew who previously worked on the film through the royalties they could receive from each screening. 

Aside from cultural enrichment, reshowing classical films is also good as many of the movies made before were made in response to global crises being faced at the time. It helps give us a better perspective of what people used to face and how similar it may be to the troubles we face these days. Think about all the countless war dramas and how they remain a stark reminder of why war is never meant to be glorified. Then, there are those that remind us of the negative stereotypes we have since moved on from. For instance, there’s Mickey Rooney’s racist portrayal of a Japanese man in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. It’s important for us to remember these negative traits of early Hollywood to remember why we must not fall into the same pitfall of punching down on minorities in modern times. 

 

Overall, it’s wonderful to see full queues to catch important films from the past as it shows there are many who still have an appreciation for the films that got us here today. Who knows, maybe from these rescreenings we’ll end up inspiring the next Akira Kurosawa, Steven Spielberg, or Lino Brocka. 

Women in art deserve better recognition

A look into the works of Filipina artists Anita Magsaysay-Ho and Nena Saguil

BY POCH EULALIA

Dec 2, 2024 12:21 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Let this be the nucleus or germ or seed of a more extensive and decisive tribute to the art of Anita and Nena that further honors their generous achievement and original imagination. – Patrick Flores, curator

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There’s a notable lack of women artists on the forefront of art studies. Some women artists like Frida Kahlo, Margaret Keane, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Yayoi Kusama have made waves for the feminist art movement, but there are fewer women brought up when it comes to discussing the classical scene. This comes as the result of centuries of misogyny that either barred or overshadowed the work of women artists. 

 

FILIPINA ICONS Anita Magsaysay-Ho and Nena Saguil are two major Filipina artists who managed to shine through the male-dominated field 

 In the Philippines’ art movement, the same could be observed as much of the early art movement in the country was dominated by men. This didn’t dissuade early Filipina artists from giving their all and rising through the ranks. Hoping to shed light into how Filipina artists poured the same amount of brushwork and creativity, the Metropolitan Museum of Manila’s latest exhibition curated by Patrick Flores, “Material Inspirations: Anita Magsaysay-Ho and Nena Saguil,” focuses on the works of the two Filipina artists and the effort that goes into the artists’ work. 

 

EGG VENDORS Egg tempera, 1955

 

Anita was the sole woman in Victorio Edades’ famed Thirteen Moderns list that included the likes of H.R. Ocampo, Vicente Manansala, and Cesar Legaspi. She had worked under the guidance of icons like Fernando Amorsolo and Fabian de la Rosa. Anita made use of the egg tempera medium, a process that requires preciseness and patience due to how quick the paint can dry. Working with such a medium is worth it in the end for the bright colors and luminous effect it leaves on the finished work. Though some might dismiss Anita as simply the “female version of Amorsolo,” to do so would be an injustice as her style, while similar to Amorsolo’s, takes a different direction. The way the bodies of her subjects are framed shows a somewhat stretched anatomy, allowing users to appreciate the exaggerated features and drawing the eyes to various elements in her paintings. 

PLEASURE GARDEN Watercolor, pen, and ink on paper, 1990

Meanwhile, Nena’s works give a different vibe altogether. Nena is a trailblazer not only in the local scene, but even as far out in Europe where her works were displayed at various galleries in France, Italy, Spain, and more. What makes her work stand out is its hypnotic style that utilizes mostly ink to create out-of-this-world surrealist imagery. A closer look at her work reveals some of the pencil marks that hint at just how precise each stroke of her pen was at the time she worked on her pieces. Majority of her works on display are untitled, allowing viewers to interpret them in any way they please. There are also photographs of her in Paris taken by National Artist for Literature F. Sionil Jose on display.

CRAFTING THE NARRATIVE Curator Patrick Flores explains the egg tempera process used by Anita to create her paintings

“Material Inspirations: Anita Magsaysay-Ho and Nena Saguil” runs at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila in BGC until Dec. 8. 

Why you need to shower even if it's freezing

Don’t let the cooler temperatures stop you from practicing basic hygiene

BY POCH EULALIA

Nov 26, 2024 02:16 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Germs tend to thrive in colder climates due to how the cooler weather slows down mucus passage through our noses. 

Illustration from Freepik

As the ’ber months come in full force, the thought of taking a shower in the cold weather can feel intimidating at times. There’s the added step of having to heat up water or otherwise face the wrath of an ice-cold bath. As tempting as it is to skip the daily rinse, here are five reasons why you ought to wash yourself even during the cooler season.

 

Your skin needs to stay healthy 

Cold weather can be harsh on the skin. It can cause flaking, dryness, or irritation. Showering daily helps keep our bodies clean by ridding it of dead skin cells, sweat, and bacteria. Germs tend to thrive in colder climates due to how the cooler weather slows down mucus passage through our noses. This leaves an opening for viruses to enter our bodies.

 

Boost immunity and circulation

While maintaining cleanliness is the primary goal of taking a shower, it also benefits our overall health.  Taking a warm shower can help in blood circulation. This is vital as the colder seasons can affect how our blood vessels function due to the low temperatures and reduced movement. Having good circulation also helps in letting oxygen and nutrients flow better within our body. We also fend off the likeliness of catching a seasonal illness when our circulation is improved. 

 

 Providing relief to the body

Taking a warm shower can act as a natural therapy for your body to recover from the stiff joints and muscle soreness caused by the cold. As such, this lets your muscles loosen up and feel more relaxed throughout the day. This leads to less stress overall and allows your body to function properly.

 

Improved mood 

Taking a shower can be a meditative process for some. As the cold weather brings longer nights and higher likelihood of staying indoors to keep warm, there’s a higher chance for us to be affected by seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or the “winter blues.” Use your time in the shower to reflect on the good memories and letting yourself get lost in the gentle rain of water on your body. Keeping a regular shower schedule allows you to feel more at ease and have a daily routine to look forward to and keep your mind focused on other things.  

 

Better sleep quality

Who here enjoys a nice bath before going to sleep? After a long day, it can be relaxing to just rinse yourself off and blow off some steam. Having a warm shower before bedtime allows your body to ease itself into a relaxed state and prepare it for a well-deserved rest. When our sleep quality is at its best, so too is the performance of our body.

Mind, body, and soul

Understanding the fifth wall through dance at the Fifth Wall Fest

BY POCH EULALIA

Oct 26, 2024 08:43 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• To see the human body move and bend in ways that seemed physically impossible was truly a surreal experience. 

When the human body moves, its sole purpose is to get us from point A to point B. In this fast-paced world, we set our goals to get tasks done as fast as possible. We are steadfast in continuing the daily grind, focused only on partaking of the hustle culture that puts food on our tables. When was the last time we ever got to sit down, take in the sights, and appreciate the earth’s bounty? Have we ever given ourselves the time to break through the fifth wall?

OLDEN BEAUTY Doña Sisang's home served as the venue for this year's Fifth Wall Fest

By now, we are more than likely aware of what it means to “break the fourth wall,” thanks to characters like Marvel’s Deadpool, Ferris Bueller, and Fleabag, who all break the fourth wall by constantly making remarks and acknowledging the audience. We can trace back the concept of the fourth wall down to French philosopher Denis Diderot. He visualizes the idea of the fourth wall keeping the audience separate from the performers. What then is the fifth wall?

 

For dance artist Madge Reyes, the fifth wall stands as an imaginary barrier that guests pass once they leave a venue after a cultural experience and return to their daily lives. Think of it as attending a concert, screaming to your heart’s content as you hear your favorite artist belt out the tunes you love, and heading back home after an electric night. You leave feeling changed, often for the better, as if you had been in a life-altering experience and can never go back the same. It’s this euphoric feeling that fuels the creativity behind her project, the Fifth Wall Fest.

MOVING EXPERIENCE Within the very confines of Doña Sisang's home, the art of dance fluorished as workshops were held to encourage people into expressing themselves through movement

Just recently, the Fifth Wall Fest held its fifth edition following the theme, “The body is home.” Starting out as an online format during the pandemic, the Fifth Wall Fest has since evolved to a literal “home” experience by having its venue take place at LVN Pictures president Narcisa “Doña Sisang” V. Buencamino-de Leon’s historic residence along Broadway Avenue in Quezon City and transforming it into the “Fifth Wall House.”

 

What unfolded over a recent weekend was a series of programs, shows, workshops, and art performances that left guests stunned and lost in another realm. Having the venue take place in the ancestral home added a layer worthy of curiosity, as it leaves guests curious not only about the happenings, but also the lives of those who lived there. Each room had different things going on throughout the two days. You either found yourself joining in the many dance workshops, led by the likes of the Alexander Whitley Dance Company, Alvin Collantes, featuring Hideki Ito, and Magis Creatives Spaces, prompting you to enter a daze and lose yourself to dance, or as an observer mesmerized over the activities lined up in the festival. In one of the rooms, dance films with art house vibes, both foreign and local, would play throughout the day in a nearly pitch-black setting. In each of these settings, to see the human body move and bend in ways that seemed physically impossible was truly a surreal experience. 

HAPAG KAINAN, mixed media, by Rinsfud, 2024

Also worth noting were the otherworldly art installations set up in various areas of the house. One particular piece that stood out was Hapag Kainan by Rinsfud. Displayed on a large table that acted as the stage where all forms of life gathered were an array of plants, fruits, and garlic symbolic of the stages of the ongoing transformation on our tables from the perspective of farmers, cooks, and the consumers (us, the audience). 

 

True enough, going through the happenings of the Fifth Wall Fest was quite an ethereal experience that continues to linger. It has left memories of a movement led by people who felt passionate about their craft and eager to share it with the world through an avant-garde format. Don’t miss out on the sixth edition that’s coming up and you might just leave the festival feeling like a changed person. 

How to prep for heavy rains

 Here are some ways to keep safe in such harrowing conditions

BY POCH EULALIA

  

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After the recent onslaught of Typhoon Carina, w e are yet again reminded of the importance of being prepared for heavy rain. If you live in areas that are affected by stormy weather, always remember to stay safe and keep dry. Here are some ways to keep safe in such harrowing conditions. 

Stay alert 

To best combat natural calamities, you must stay well-informed and updated of your surroundings. Tune in to the news for daily weather updates and listen to announcements by your local government. Keep an eye out on the water level outside and ensure you have a way out, should you need to flee. When treading the flood, be wary of any wires hitting the water, sharp objects floating around, or holes that you might not spot beneath the floodwater. 

Keep things charged 

If the power hasn’t gone out yet, make sure all your devices are plugged in and fully charged. You’ll need your phones to keep in touch with friends and family during emergencies. Prioritize charging any power banks you have on hand to ensure you have a spare source of power for your devices. Ensure you have batteries for your emergency light devices and flashlights. If you use candles and lanterns as a light source, always remember to blow out the fire if not in use. 

Stock up on resources 

It pays to be prepared. Always have your pantry stocked with canned goods and ready-to-eat meals to ensure you have food to take on the move if you need to. Be sure to also keep a can opener or knife on hand for opening the containers. Other essentials besides food are cash, medicine, spare batteries, and flashlights or emergency lights. 

Stay indoors 

As much as possible, do not venture outside your home. Stay indoors until any rain and floodwater has subsided. Pay close attention to any announcements from your local government to see if you need to vacate the area. If you do, try to wait out for rescue. If not, take full caution in treading floodwater. 

Stay in touch 

Always have a contact you can readily provide updates to. Start a family group chat and have your location pins enabled on your devices. This will help others keep track of your whereabouts in case of any emergencies. Here’s a list of some emergency contact numbers to keep in mind: 

Keep safe, everyone!

How do you support our nation?

Four ways to show how much you love the Philippines.

BY POCH EULALIA

  

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AT A GLANCE

• As citizens of this nation, we must strive to educate ourselves enough to distinguish fact from fiction.

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Image by Freepik

As we celebrate our 126th Independence Day, we are likely to see the numerous flags being waved and a countless flurry of “Proud to be Pinoy” posts on social media. It’s one thing to brag about being Filipino, but it’s another to actively participate in activities that help support the country. Here are four simple ways you can show your love for the Philippines and actively help our fellow countrymen.

Volunteer 

There are countless volunteer organizations out there to help the less fortunate. What better way to show you love our country than to lend a helping hand to our fellow Filipinos in need? You can use services like VolunteerMatch.org to find organizations that need our help. Check with your local LGUs or barangay centers to see if there are any community activities you can offer your services to. Just remember, don’t be a martyr. Only take what you can handle and know your limits when it comes to providing support toward others.

Support the local art scene 

You’ve likely heard “support local” as the go-to cry from Filipino artists to ensure we remain at par with the international artists we follow. One of the simplest ways you can do so is by watching Filipino-made shows and movies, listening to OPM, and following local content creators on any of the available streaming platforms out there. You can go the extra mile by attending your favorite local artist’s shows live or buying any of their available merchandise.

Spend, spend, spend 

Call this the go signal to go on that shopping spree you’ve been thinking about. By spending on small local businesses and vendors, you are providing support to the local economy. You might think nothing of these small purchases, but every centavo counts. As more people invest on local produce, products, and goods, we strengthen our nation’s economy and provide ample sources of livelihood for the owners of these small businesses.

Learn our history 

In this day and age, the lines between fact and fiction continue to blur as fake news and conspiracy theories reign supreme. As citizens of this nation, we must strive to educate ourselves enough to distinguish fact from fiction. One of the simplest ways to do this is to visit historical museums or landmarks. Often, these places offer tours accredited by the Department of Tourism and have tour guides who have an extensive knowledge of these areas. You can also visit any local library to read up on our rich, if complex, past. These books open a path for you to learn about our country’s long and winding history.

When life gives you lemons

Here’s the perfect drink to cool down for the summer

BY POCH EULALIA

Apr 12, 2024 07:35 AM

  

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On a hot summer day, there’s only one solution to keep yourself cool throughout the day. An ice-cold glass of lemonade! It’s such a simple recipe any child can follow it. The entrepreneurs can even start their own lemonade stand for some extra cash. Here’s a handy lemonade recipe to get you started:  

Ingredients:
● Four lemons
● Water
● Sugar
● Mint (optional)
● Spirit of choice (optional)

Procedure:

1. Slice the lemons and squeeze the lemon juice into a pitcher. You can slice up parts of the lemon afterward to include in the mix to maximize zest.
2. Add the desired amount of water to the pitcher. More water means less zest. Place in the refrigerator to cool down.
3. While the lemon water settles, add a cup of water to a pan and let it boil.
4. Add sugar to the boiling water and stir until the sugar dissolves to create a simple syrup. You can add mint to the mix if you’d like it to have a stronger taste. 
5. Let the simple syrup mix cool down.
6. Add the desired amount of simple syrup to the lemon water depending on how sweet you want it.
7. Adults out there looking for an extra kick can choose their spirit of choice for the drink. Vodka, gin, or tequila works best. Mix it all using a shaker.