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Everyone in the arts and culture communities is talking about Bravo
Filipino, a festival of Philippine art, music, and fashion that aims
to be a celebration of the Filipino’s innate ability to create and
embrace art and music of world-class caliber. It was conceived
primarily to promote Filipino creativity and ingenuity, and to
formally launch the posh Greenbelt 5 as the home of top-notch
Filipino fashion designers.
The project is a fusion of classic works, and
contemporary and modern pieces in Philippine art, music, and
fashion. Seasoned artists, as well as talented newcomers, will take
center stage during the festival’s run. Main attractions include a
concert, a fashion show, and a special preview of the Matavanero
collection of London-based Filipino designer Lesley Mobo.
Bravo Filipino is the brainchild of Ayala honcho
Jaime Zobel de Ayala. “Everyday, I discover new talent and new
enthusiasm in the Filipino soul. What is sad is that we have to wait
to see someone succeed abroad to give that person a name, and then
we go all out to honor that person. And so I thought, we should
start to discover such artists here, and make them famous with the
whole country supporting them,” Zobel said.
Marking the start of the entire celebration was
the recent unveiling of the Greenbelt 3 and 5 tunnel murals
depicting a montage of works by various Filipino artists. Smaller
banners inspired by the artworks will be displayed in different
areas of Ayala malls.
Tomorrow, February 19, a concert highlighting
music from the Filipinas Heritage Library’s Himig Collection will
celebrate the works of the finest composers in the local music
industry, as arranged by Ryan Cayabyab and Louie Ocampo. A
powerhouse cast of Filipino vocalists and musicians include Pilita
Corrales, Basil Valdez, and Celeste Legaspi. The concert will also
feature production numbers choreographed by instructors from Sofia
Zobel’s Steps Dance Studio. These concerts will be accompanied by
exhibits of the Himig Collection.
In honor of designers who have helped define
Philippine couture, a fashion show is scheduled on March 13 at
Greenbelt 5 and will showcase the creations of the most esteemed
local designers like Inno Sotto, Ben Farrales, Pitoy Moreno, Patis
Tesoro, Aureo Alonso and Auggie Cordero.
World-class Filipino designers who have made a
name in the international front like Monique Lhuillier, Bea Valdes,
Rafe Totengco andTina Maristela-Ocampo are also expected to lend
their support.
With its repertoire of some of the best in
Philippine music, visual arts, and dance, Bravo Filipino is poised
to become one of the most exciting cultural events of 2008.
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