FEU presents Pundaquit Virtuosi in "The Seven Last Words by Joseph Haydn" on March 31

Far Eastern University through the FEU Center for the Arts presents the Pundaquit Virtuosi from Zambales in Haydn's Seven Last Words of Jesus Christ with reflections in between in the FEU Chapel surrounded by The Stations of the Cross, a National Cultural Treasure by National Artist Carlos "Botong" Francisco.

The FEU Center for the Arts (FCA) continues its Tutti Concert Series with Tutti Strings, featuring the Pundaquit Virtuosi from Zambales in a special Lenten performance of The Seven Last Words of Jesus Christ by Joseph Haydn.

Presented in partnership with the FEU Campus Ministry, this free concert will take place on March 31 at 5 PM at the FEU Chapel, offering the Tamaraw community a moving musical reflection in preparation for Holy Week.

FEU Chapel

Adding a unique dimension to the performance, each of the Seven Last Words will be accompanied by a short reflection delivered by representatives from the FEU Community.

Founded in the quiet coastal village of Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales, the Pundaquit Virtuosi is led by internationally renowned Filipino violinist Coke Bolipata. Through his vision, music education has become accessible to children in the community, transforming lives and nurturing young talents through classical training and performance opportunities. What began as a grassroots initiative has grown into a respected ensemble known for its heartfelt performances and advocacy for arts education.

Pundaquit Virtuosi

Stations of the Cross by Carlos "Botong" Francisco

Coke Bolipata

Reflecting on the significance of the featured piece, Bolipata shares, “Haydn’s Seven Last Words is a rare piece of music: one that invites stillness. It does not dramatize Christ’s suffering so much as meditates on it.”

Composed in 1786, Joseph Haydn’s The Seven Last Words of Christ is a deeply contemplative masterpiece originally written for Good Friday services in Cádiz, Spain. The work consists of seven sonatas, each reflecting one of Christ’s final utterances on the Cross, framed by a solemn introduction and a powerful concluding movement. Revered for its emotional depth and spiritual intensity, the piece invites listeners into quiet meditation through expressive melodies and profound musical storytelling.

The concert is open to all but with limited seats available through pre-registration via the QR code on the poster or the registration link below.

Interested attendees may also contact the FEU Center for the Arts through its official platforms for further inquiries.

Reserve your seat through this registration link: https://forms.office.com/r/Tb3m5a9W49.
For more info, follow the FEU Center for the Arts at https://www.facebook.com/FEUcenterfortheArts
Email: fca@feu.edu.ph

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BGC Arts Center Extends Monet and Friends Alive Exhibition until April 28

Art enthusiasts in the Philippines have a reason to celebrate as the highly regarded "Monet and Friends Alive" exhibition in BGC Arts Center has been extended until April 28, 2024. Created and produced by Grande Experiences and presented by the Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc., this exhibition marks its first stop in the Philippines, bringing to life the works of Monet and other prominent artists through state-of-the-art technology and immersive experiences.

From the vibrant landscapes of Monet to the captivating scenes of Renoir and Degas, visitors are transported into the artistic universe of these masters in a way that’s never been seen before. The BGC Arts Center offers more time for visitors to immerse themselves in the mesmerizing world of renowned French impressionist Claude Monet and his contemporaries.

One of the highlights of the exhibition is the integration of cutting-edge multimedia installations, allowing visitors to interact with the artworks like never before. Through this innovative approach, visitors can gain deeper insights into the techniques and inspirations behind each masterpiece, enhancing their appreciation for the artists and their creations.

Moreover, the success of "Monet and Friends Alive" wouldn't have been possible without the support of Del Monte Philippines, TicketWorld, LG Philippines, Alveo, and the City Government of Taguig. With advanced display technology bringing this exhibition to life, visitors can enjoy an unmatched experience.

Whether you're an experienced art enthusiast or just looking for inspiration, "Monet and Friends Alive" offers an unforgettable journey through impressionism, right here in the Philippines. Explore the world of Monet and his fellow artists until April 28, so get your tickets now at the BGC Arts Center Box Office, or Ticketworld outlets or online. For more details, visit https://www.bgcartscenter.org/mfa, or follow BGC Arts Center on Facebook, and Instagram.

TICKET PRICES

Premium Flex: P2,500 (adult/child)

Enter and exit anytime within the day of your scheduled visit. Includes a complimentary Monet & Friends Alive Program Book, claimed on the day of visit.

2-Hour Pass:
General Admission: P1,200
Discounted*: P800
(exclusive of ticketing charges)
*Discounted rate applies to Children, Students up to College level with School ID, Senior Citizens with Senior Citizen ID, Persons with disabilities with PWD ID.
**Infants 2 feet and below are free of charge.

2-hour Weekday Passes for 4 pax*:
P3,600 (adult/child)
(exclusive of ticketing charges)
*All promo passes must be used on the same day of scheduled visit.
**Promo is valid on weekdays (Tuesday to Friday) from March 15 to April 26, 2024, and is not applicable on closed schedules.

Private, corporate, and school groups of 20 pax or more can enjoy special rates by contacting programs@bgcartscenter.org

Operations Schedule
Open Tuesday to Sunday
Closed Mondays, and March 28, March 29

2-HOUR TIME SLOTS

Weekdays (Tuesday to Friday):
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM | 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Weekends (Saturday to Sunday):
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM | 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

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My City, My SM, My Music pays tribute to National Artist for Music, Maestro Lucio San Pedro Sr.

An emotional tribute was given to the celebrated composer, the late National Artist of the Philippines for Music, Maestro Lucio D. San Pedro Sr. at the My City, My SM, My Music Launch at SM City Masinag in Antipolo City yesterday. The event highlighted the life and works of the late maestro which includes a performance of his popular composition, Sa Ugoy ng Duyan, by his soprano granddaughter, Mary Grace Soleill San Pedro and the Angono National Symphonic Band. Watch the video below:

It also highlighted an exhibit of his treasured memorabilia of original compositions, trophies, plaques, family photos and musical instruments he played. The launch was graced by the children of the National Artist - Rhodora Delos Santos and Lucio San Pedro, Jr. 

SM City Masinag and local officials of Rizal award certificate of recognition to the children of Maestro Lucio San Pedro, National Artist for Music.

The My City, My SM, My Music is a celebration of Philippine performing arts - music, dance and theatre which brings music and people together by showcasing indigenous, folk, classical and contemporary performances in a roadshow around the SM Supermalls. The exhibit stands until March 26, 2023.

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Theater productions to watch while in quarantine

Since most we are all staying at home, it is also the best time to enrich our knowledge of the arts. As many artists are being displaced as there are no theater gatherings while we endure the pandemic. We also have to take care of the artists as they give stories that mirror life through fictional characters and they portray messages that we seem to forget.

We already started with Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera and Love Never Dies a few weeks back, and there are numerous productions that you can check out on Youtube. This is also because not all of us have the luxury of Netflix and other premium streaming sites. Glad to have both Western and local productions, if you don't like binge watching on different Kdramas. But for me, I need to detox every now and then after each series. *wink*

As of this writing, you can watch Danny Boyle's Frankenstein featuring Benedict Cumberbatch as the creature on a fundraiser in Youtube from National Theatre. There is also a version with Jonny Lee Miller in it.


In the local scene, you can catch Full House Theater Company's Ang Huling El Bimbo, a musical featuring the songs of 90s band, Eraserheads. As filmed in the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila. It will only be available from May 8-9, (48 hours only) so make sure that you'll be able to watch it this weekend at ABS-CBN's Facebook and Youtube pages.

Also streaming right now is from CCP's Virgin Labfest, one is Juan Miguel Severo's one-act play, Hintayan ng Langit. A movie version is available on Netflix about Lisang (Gina Pareno) and Manolo (Eddie Garcia). I personally loved the movie version, and the play version is something to check out.


Carlo Vergara's one-play Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady will also be streaming starting May 7 at the Cultural Center of the Philippine's Youtube page. I am really looking forward to see this as I've been quite a fan of the full musical by Dalanghita Productions.

These are just some productions, watch and also donate if you can. It will be a great help for the artists and for our culture to survive during this crisis, and for your knowledge to be enriched as well.

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PETA hosts Children's Arts Festival

The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) invites all children and young at heart for a 3-day workshop with PETA Theater teachers and members in the Children Arts Festival happening May 29-31 at the PETA Theater.

The 3-day festival will be filled with play areas, workshops, film showing and performances. The festival will feature one of PETA’s longest running musical for children Christine Bellen’s “Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang” and an advocacy musical that discusses the issues of Corporal Punishment Liza Magtoto’s “Rated-PG.” It also includes performances from PETA's regional partners, YATTA’s “Aah Bakus” from Dumaguete, Sining Banwa’s “Si Al Buda an Tsinelas” from Legazpi, and Teatro Guindegan’s “Istoryahe lang ta” from Ozamis. St. Gregory Elementary School, Las Piñas East National High School, Polo National High School, Tanghalang SLU, FEU Theater Guild, Maria Montessori, Palo Culture and Arts Organization also collaborates with special performances.

For children who like to go on workshop, there are also passes for storytelling, shadow puppetry, visual arts, creative sound and music, creative drama, hip-hop dancing and creative writing to be facilitated by PETA Artist-Teachers and Members.

Tickets are Php 100 (performance pass), and Php 200 (performance and workshop pass). For tickets contact PETA at (02) 725-6244 or TicketWorld at 891-9999 www.ticketworld.com.ph.

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