Newly found Michelangelo foot sketch sells for ₱1.3 billion

 

Rare study for the Sistine Chapel fetches a record price at an auction

By Poch Eulalia

Published Feb 7, 2026 02:14 pm | Updated Feb 10, 2026 09:54 am

RENAISSANCE FEET A foot sketch by Michelangelo has fetched a whopping $23 million at an auction.

While people online are sending out feet pics for free, this newly discovered Michelangelo foot sketch just sold for $23 million (₱1.3 billion) at an auction.

Michelangelo Buonarroti, not to be confused with the ninja turtle, was a driving force for the Renaissance art era. He was best known for his fine sculptures and iconic paintings, such as "The Creation of Adam." Though arguably, one of his most important pieces can be seen gracing the Sistine Chapel's ceiling in Vatican City. His artworks are deemed priceless, but an unsuspecting owner from the US just found out how much one of his sketches is worth after it was sold after 45 minutes of intense bidding at Christie's within the Rockefeller Center in New York.  

'STUDY FOR A FOOT OF THE LIBYAN SIBYL' red chalk, 5x4 inches

The small red chalk sketch can be dated as far back as 1511 to 1512, when Michelangelo was working on the Sistine Chapel ceiling. According to the anonymous owner, he received the chalk sketch after inheriting it from his grandma. He mentions the sketch had been passed down by their family since the 1700s. He submitted it to Christie's online auction estimate site when it was identified by Giada Damen, a specialist in Christie's Old Master Drawings Department. She used infrared reflectography to study parts of the drawing and cross-referenced it with Michelangelo's drawing at the Metropolitan Museum to verify its authenticity. According to her research, the foot sketch was drawn as practice for the right foot figure of the Libyan Sibyl, at the far east end of the Sistine ceiling.

Michelangelo's foot sketch was sold alongside other works by classical artists like Rembrandt, Titian, and William Blake, among many others. Sold pieces include Artemisia Gentileschi's "Self-Portrait as Saint Catherine of Alexandria" for over $5.7 million (₱333 million) and Canaletto's for $30.54 million (₱1.7 billion). 

Filipino choir wins gold in South Korea

Los Cantantes de Manila sing their way to top prizes at the 2025 Busan Choral Festival and Competition

By Poch Eulalia   

Published Nov 13, 2025 09:11 amIt's time to sing praises once more, as this Filipino choir group nabs top prizes at the 2025 Busan Choral Festival and Competition (BCFC) in South Korea.

Los Cantantes de Manila (LCDM) managed to win two first prizes, for the classical mixed category and the ethnic/traditional category, and the Conductor’s Prize for the group's conductor, Darwin Vargas. The competition took place from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2 in Busan, South Korea. LCDM went up against 12 other choirs from other countries. For the ethnic/traditional category, the Philippines managed to make a clean sweep as the Ligao National High School Voice Chorale from Albay took silver and the Cebu Normal University-Chorale nabbed bronze. For the classical mixed category, Voice of Satya Wacana Christian University from Indonesia placed second, while SizzlinMix from Japan placed third.

This isn't the first time LCDM has won first prize in a major competition. In 2024, LCDM nabbed the top awards at the Moscow Spring A Cappella Festival in Russia and the Béla Bartók International Choir Competition in Hungary. The group also won first prize in 2023 at the International Chamber Choir Competition in Germany and the Andrea O. Veneracion International Choral Festival in Manila. They also won first prize in Germany back in 2017. They have also received the Ani ng Dangal award four times from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) for their international wins. 

“We are deeply honored to represent the Philippines and to share our music with the world," shares Darwin. "Through this victory, we hope to continue bringing Philippine choral artistry and cultural heritage to the global stage." This recent accomplishment comes fresh off their stint as a finalist at the European Grand Prix for Choral Singing held last Oct. 26 in Tolosa, Spain. It is considered one of the most prestigious choral competitions worldwide. 

Palawan listed as the world’s best island to visit in 2025

An abundance of trees, clear seas, and the lush bloom of the island’s natural wonders continue to make Palawan a captivating destination

By Poch Eulalia

Published May 14, 2025 13:17 pm | Updated May 14, 2025 13:20 pm

Based on a recent list put out by “US News & World Report,” Palawan is considered “#1 in World’s Best Islands to Visit for 2025.” According to the report, the placement owes itself to numerous island hopping options to explore, serene beaches for lounging around, and the marine life you can spot when on a snorkeling tour.

TARA, PALAWAN! Tourists marvel over the mangrove forests of Puerto Princesa. (MB file photo)

Even more amazing is how our very own managed to beat out 23 other destinations, including global favorites like Greece’s Santorini (ranked fourth), Tahiti (ranked seventh), and the Bahamas (ranked 17th). Among our Southeast Asian neighbors, Bali managed to make the list as well, ranking in 19th place.

Key destinations listed in the report that make Palawan worth visiting are Kayangan Lake in Coron, El Nido’s Bacuit Bay, and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Just last year, Palawan also received recognition as the 13th Best Island in the World out of 25, and ranked fifth in Asia based on a list by “Travel + Leisure.” Another publication, “Wanderlust Travel Magazine,” also has Palawan among its list of “Most Desirable Islands in the World,” placing 10th after going through three million votes cast by 168,000 readers.

If there’s one thing we can take from all these accolades, it’s that sustainable tourism practices help in keeping Palawan a top vacation spot. A common factor among these ranking lists praises how seemingly untouched the island’s natural beauty is. Pairing this with our well-known hospitality, it comes as no surprise that tourists continue to flock to the island.

This new animated short follows Judas' betrayal of Jesus

An animator’s visually stunning take on the New Testament

BY POCH EULALIA

Apr 28, 2025 03:49 PM

  

---

AT A GLANCE

• The story aims to share stories from the New Testament that can satisfy both religious and non-religious viewers.

---

A TALE OF BETRAYAL "Judas Iscariot" has the Apostle navigating through his feelings of guilt for the betrayal of Jesus (Screenshots lifted from 'Judas Iscariot' Kickstarter)

Judas Iscariot is a name that is synonymous with betrayal. In this upcoming animated short, by Stigmata Studios, we get to see a closer look at how Jesus’ final hours affected the traitor. As Judas tries to live with his guilt, he receives angelic visions from the past, following his journey with Jesus. "Judas Iscariot" aims to share stories from the New Testament that can satisfy both religious and non-religious viewers. It lifts heavily from the New Testament and takes inspiration from the “Apocrypha,” a collection of writings related to the Bible but not considered canon. “Judas Iscariot” is expected to be released in 2027.  

A TRAITOR AMONG US Jesus, depicted as a bull, addresses the 12 Apostles during the Last Supper

From the trailer, we see anthropomorphic animals used to symbolize characters from the New Testament. Jesus is portrayed as a large bull, whereas Judas is a rabbit. Included as well in the trailer are Mary Magdalene and the rest of the Apostles as various animals. Meanwhile, Roman guards are depicted as wolves, likely as a reference to the story of Romulus and Remus, a myth regarding the founding of Rome.

To help fund the project, Kugler has put up a Kickstarter page and presents a series of rewards to be sent out depending on how much you donate. Higher donations can get you a copy of the film and even a cameo in the background. As of writing, it has already surpassed its initial funding goal of $30,000 (₱1,687,345) having made $81,261 (₱4,570,511). All excess donations are slated to go toward added benefits like the production of a comic book version and a documentary about the making of the film.  

A LIFE OF GUILT  Judas is portrayed as a rabbit going through visions of his past with Jesus

Already, the film has garnered praise online for its unique take on Jesus. Some non-religious folks have even shown genuine excitement toward the project, taking an interest in its stylistic approach. Others are happy to see a religious animated film that has a higher quality of production, as online circles have often joked about the bad quality of Christian animated films. There are those hoping this short will be on par with the Dreamworks classic, “The Prince of Egypt,” which follows the story of Moses.   

Wolves are used to represent the Romans, a possible reference to the story of Romulus and Remus

Kugler first made waves in the indie animation scene back in 2022 with “Clickers,” a nine-minute animated short made by a team of over 50 artists. It follows the story of two anthropomorphic devices, a CRT television and a boombox radio, trying to navigate through their rocky relationship. It won bronze at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) Student Awards and has over 2.9 million views on YouTube. He has also done work for popular animated series such as Cartoon Network’s “Craig of the Creek” and Adult Swim’s “Smiling Friends.”

DreamWorks Animation is making a movie centering around Philippine mythology

Here's what we know about the film 'Forgotten Island'

BY POCH EULALIA

Apr 16, 2025 10:04 AM

  

---

AT A GLANCE

• In local mythology, the idea of a magical island isn't too far-fetched. 

DreamWorks

Philippine mythology is finding its way to Hollywood through an animated feature by DreamWorks Animation.

While plot details have been kept secret, the project is said to center around characters who find themselves transported to "a long-forgotten, magical island rooted in Philippine mythology." Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, the duo behind the critically acclaimed "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" sequel, are credited as the directors and writers of the upcoming film. It is slated for release in September 2026.

In local mythology, the idea of a magical island isn't too far-fetched. One tale that stands out is the supposed existence of a secret city in Samar known as Biringan. Biringan City is said to be a magical realm inhabited by engkanto (supernatural beings). Some tales mention fishermen often find themselves lured to Biringan after catching large batches of fish, not knowing they are already floating in the skies of Biringan rather than the sea. 

Another mythical city is said to exist in Iloilo between Passi and Dumarao. As the legend goes, while work was being done on the now-defunct Panay Railway, a worker was approached by a man said to be a tribe member of the Tumao tribe. The Tumao tribe member was described as Mongolian in appearance and supposedly cautioned the worker about building a railway through their city. Confused, the worker pointed out that he saw nothing, so the Tumao tribe member showed him and brought the worker to his home for a feast. After the feast, the worker was surprised to find the city had disappeared once more. He reported his encounter to a higher-up, and it was decided they would build the railway to avoid the hidden city, explaining the crooked railway path in the area. 

In Mindanao, there are also tales about the place having its own fabled Atlantis, the mysterious island of San Juan. Based on early maps of the Philippines, San Juan is a completely separate island northeast of Mindanao. One cartographer went so far as to include illustrations of the supposed inhabitants of the island. Future maps of the Philippines omit this mysterious island, though many have since brushed it off as a simple mistake made by early map makers. Others assume San Juan was meant to be Siargao or Bucas Grande.

Philippine passport considered as one of the most aesthetic passport in the world

Lifestyle company Hypebeast adds the Philippine passport to its best-designed passports list

BY POCH EULALIA

Mar 28, 2025 04:25 PM

  

---

 

Hypebeast, a company that focuses heavily on contemporary culture and lifestyle, has included the Philippine passport as one of the most aesthetic passports in the world.

Joining the Philippines on the list are Norway, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Finland, New Zealand, Hungary, and Belgium. Among the key features pointed out on Hypebeast's Instagram post is the artwork of the Philippine eagle.  

 

(Photo from Canadian Government website)

 

Among the other highlighted passports, Hungary was the first shown on the Instagram post for its rendition of the Northern lights. Canada's showcases children dancing on a farm in the fall and utilizes special security features upon exposure to UV light. Meanwhile, Japan's passport showcases the iconic Hokusai print, "The Great Wave Off Konagawa."

 

Dr. José Rizal returns as a playable video game character

Strategy game Sid Meier’s Civilization VII includes the iconic hero in its upcoming lineup

BY POCH EULALIA

Feb 7, 2025 11:14 AM

  

---

AT A GLANCE

• Keeping your nation happy under Rizal’s lead will also grant the player bonuses that will give players a tactical advantage.

---

A TRUE LEADER Dr. José Rizal's in-game appearance for Sid Meier’s Civilization VII

 

From writer, scientist, educator, and artist, what hasn’t our heroic icon done? It comes as no surprise that Dr. José Rizal returns, this time in video game form. Rizal has been included as one of the selectable leaders in the upcoming strategy game Sid Meier’s Civilization VII. 

As of the release announcement, several comments have expressed a positive reaction to the hero’s inclusion in the much-anticipated title. In the brief trailer, the game hints that Rizal’s strength as a leader will be evident in providing cultural and diplomatic bonuses for the player. Keeping your nation happy under Rizal’s lead will also grant the player bonuses that will give players a tactical advantage. Among these bonus traits is the “Kapwa” effect, which allows for an increased beneficial relationship toward fellow civilizations in-game. He also provides bonuses for successful narrative events. For an extra perk, players who select Rizal are also granted a tropical location bonus.

 

UNTOUCHED BEAUTY Bohol's Chocolate Hills as featured in Civilization VI

 

Prior to Civilization VII, the Philippines has already made special appearances in its fifth and sixth edition. In Civilization V, Manila appears as a maritime City-State that provides a food bonus upon befriending its citizens. Bohol’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Chocolate Hills also shows up in Civilization VI as a natural wonder tile that provides food, production, and scientific bonuses. There have also been fan-made mods for both titles which allow players to include the Philippines in game, represented by leaders like former Presidents Emilio Aguinaldo, Manuel Quezon, and Corazon Aquino, plus revolutionary figures like Lapulapu, Dayang Kalangitan, and Sultan Kudarat. 

 

 

Sid Meier’s Civilization franchise has long been a favorite among strategy gamers and history enthusiasts. Since its release in 1991, it has become a staple in the industry as players look forward to the new set of leaders and nations included upon each release. Among its most popular characters is Indian revolutionary figure Mahatma Gandhi, lovingly referred to by fans as a nuclear overlord after a rumor spread that a glitch in coding accidentally made him the most violent character in the game. Other notable appearances include US President Abraham Lincoln, the Roman Empire’s Julius Caesar, Zulu warrior king Shaka kaSenzangakhona, and England’s Queen Elizabeth I. You can embark on your journey with Rizal at the helm starting Feb. 11 once Civilization VII is released on Steam.

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

  

---

AT A GLANCE

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

---

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

  

---

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

---

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.