Monthly Archives

February 2019

Lifestyle

ORTIGAS ART FESTIVAL 2019 FOR THE SECOND YEAR AT ESTANCIA

Long weekend and if you love painting, photography & sculpture visit Estancia Capitol Commons. Definitely you will amazed by the exhibits of the over 100 artist who just joined the Ortigas Art Festival 2019. Since it was successful turnout last year, Ortigas & Company launched the 10-day Ortigas Art Festival to assert their commitment to bringing arts and culture closer to the people.This year’s approach brought individual artists to the spotlight, showcasing their creative individuality and placing them at the forefront of the art scene.

It was the idea of Renato Habulan, renowned social realist painter, to tap the various groups of artists from all over the country and give them a venue to exhibit their works. Ortigas Malls was receptive to the idea of promoting grassroots participation in the art scene. No gallery representation – just artists working together; no admission charge for the viewers – walk through the art for free.

Photo shows (from left): Peter Sutcliffe, watercolor artist, The Guild; Joselito Jandayan, Team Leader, AgawXena; Benjamin Cabrera, featured artist- print making; Richard Buxani, featured artist- sculptor; Atty. Mike Abundo, VP of Ortigas & Company; Arch. Renee C. Bacani, VP of Ortigas & Company; Ms. Maritess Ortigas, Ortigas Family; Renato Habulan, renowned social realist painter; Jaime E. Ysmael, President of Ortigas & Company; Helen Mirasol, leader of the Guild; Davee M. Zuniga, VP of Ortigas & Company; Bern Wong, featured artist- photographer; Darwin Guevarra, featured artist- oil painter and sculptor; Jonamar Salvosa, Team Leader-AgosKulay Maynila; James Sanorjo, Team Leader- Group Artists of Taytay and Macouy Gonzales, Team Leader-Himbon

HERE ARE THE FEATURED ARTISTS:

  1. BENJIE TORRADO CABRERA– Among the featured artists is master engraver, the only engraver in the country specializing in this laborious, centuries-old medium. His works, which are complex in detail, are inspired by his interest in cosmology, with geometric shapes and spheres that signify the universe.
  2. DARWIN “JAPAT” GUEVARRA– Another one to look out for a self-taught artist inspired by the works of masters and his peers, showcases works that reflect his concepts of life and social realism, expressed through his mastery of the paintbrush, sculpting, photography, and experimenting with scrap and molded materials.
  3. BERN WONG– Also in the spotlight is photographer with her camera that has captured the most moving meditative and breathtaking landscapes she has seen encountered in her travels. Her works express the minimal, abstract, and even the surreal aspects of places she visits.
  4. RICHARD BUXANI– Make sure to check out the works of an architect who has since harnessed his talent to create sculptures made out of metal. Inspired by Ronald Castrillo, Richarddiscovered a natural fondness for bending, crafting, cutting, welding and molding materials – which will be showcased at the art festival.

Some of the exhibits at Estancia

Also joining the art festival are artists from all over the country, whose works mirror the great talent of Filipino artists. The roster includes AgawXena, Agos Kulay Maynila, Banta Artist Initiative, Himbon, Biskeg, The Guild, Group Artists of Taytay, Association of Pinoy Printmakers, Hilaga, and Westgrove Fine Arts.

To create a more interactive and immersive art experience, various activities have also been lined up, which visitors can join for free. On February 23, master engraver Benjamin Cabrera shows his prowess in print-making. For those interested in watercolors, watercolor artist Peter Sutcliffe will hold tutorials on February 24 and March 2. On March 3, Renato Habulan introduces guests to Print Alla Prima with the Master. Throughout the festival, the public is also encouraged to participate through the “Comment Areas” where they can share their thoughts and opinions to let the artists know how their works are perceived.

The rapidly-evolving festival has already grabbed the attention of various artists from across the globe, including some from New York, Los Angeles, and Singapore who want to become part of this movement– a sign that bigger and better things will come about in the coming years for Ortigas Art Festival.

“Ortigas & Company is delighted to see that support for contemporary Philippine art has been growing. As part of our commitment to the arts, we are holding the second run of this art festival in the hope that this will increase appreciation for the creative individuality of artists. By holding this in Estancia, we are also making art accessible to Filipinos, especially for our mall patrons and the Capitol Commons community,” concluded Arch. Renee Bacani, VP of Ortigas & Company.

For updates and more information on the Ortigas Art Festival, connect through its Instagram and Facebook page and use the hashtag #OrtigasArtFestival.

Lifestyle

THE PARTNERSHIP OF RICOH PHILIPPINES AND PHOENIX PUBLISHING

Last  week I was able to witnessed the partnership of Ricoh and Phoenix. It was held at the headquarters of Phoenix Publishing House in Quezon City, Ricoh Philippines turned over its donation of multifunction printers and projectors that are deemed to be of great help to the recipient schools. Present at the turnover ceremony were representatives of the recipient schools including Rev. Fr. Elmer Jose Dizon, superintendent of the Archdiocese of San Fernando Educational System, Msgr. Mauel Bravo Jr., superintendent of the  Archdiocesan of Lingayen Dagupan Catholic Schools, Rev. Fr. Alain Manalo, superintendent the Diocese of Imus Catholic Educational System, Inc., and the Msgr. Michael Feliciano Veneracion, superintendent of Cabanatuan Catholic Educational System (CACES). Rev. Fr. Alain Manalo of Imus, Cavite shared that the donation will go a long way in improving the quality of education in their schools.

The partnership ot the two through the Alagang Phoenix program is an opportunity to usher in the development of schools in several communities and dioceses in the country. Also it is in empowering learning and development of various mission schools in the country.  With a commitment to continuously improve the quality of Philippine education and the quality of life of educators, the Phoenix Publishing House established Alagang Phoenix, the company’s CSR arm that conducts training and workshops for the academe. With the ultimate goal of aiding students to be successful in their chosen fields, the Alagang Phoenix program helps in promoting development and learning initiatives with the latest trends in the global education system.

Ricoh Philippines, on the other hand, is determined to help materialize a sustainable society. Driven with the company’s sustainability message, Driving Sustainability for Our Future, Ricoh pursues its sustainability goals through a balance of 3Ps – Prosperity (economic activities), People (society), and Planet (environment). Also the advocate of environmental protection and conservation through its Eco-Action Campaign, an annual global initiative focused on caring for the environment. Also part of the company’s CSR initiatives is its Adopt-a-School program.

Carlos Vibal of Phoenix Publishing House

 “We have found through the Alagang Phoenix initiatives that we share common goals and aspirations – the betterment of society through the activities of the businesses that we run. It is also for this reason that this partnership is very close to my heart.  And I hope that with this joint program we may make some impact on our youth and on our country,” said Eric Sulit, president and CEO of Ricoh Philippines.

Eric Sulit, President and CEO of Ricoh Philippines

At the ceremony, Phoenix Publishing House was led by company president Lynda R. Vibal, and executive vice president Penny Vibal-Balbin. “We are truly grateful to Ricoh Philippines for this partnership. These devices will be of great value to the recipients and will help modernize the schools’ systems,” said Ms. Vibal.

For more information about Alagang Phoenix and Ricoh Philippines’ programs, please visit www.phoenix.com.ph and www.ricoh.com.ph.

Health and Wellness

MEASLES OUTBREAK IN METRO MANILA: “Ligtas sa Tigdas”

The Panel of Experts (from left): Dr. Erwin de Mesa, President of Philippine Infectious Diseases Society for Obstetrics and Gynecology; Dr. Salvador Gatchalian, President of Philippine Pediatric Society; Dr. Mario Panaligan, President of Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases and Secretary of Philippine College of Physicians; and Dr. Anna Liza Ong-Lim, President of Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines.

What can happen when you have measles? What should you do or can you do when you have measles? Why is there an outbreak? How can measles be prevented? For pregnant individuals, what can happen and how can they avoid it? I am very glad I was able to attend the press conference of Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Whatever I learned from them, I would like to share to my readers.

Measles or Tigdas is a highly communicable  disease that causes a significant morbidity and mortality. Also highly contagious diseases while most people can recover from this self-limiting illness, complications such as pneumonia and diarrhea can occur, especially in children, persons with low immunity, and pregnant women. It is not possible to predict which patients will develop complications so the best way to combat the disease is to prevent it. Just last week, an outbreak has been declared in the National Capital Region, Central Luzon, and Western and Eastern Visayas.

Here are the several ways you can protect yourself from measles (and other contagious infectious diseases):

1) Keep your vaccinations up-to-date. If you are a patient who can receive live virus vaccines, you may opt to receive a booster MMR vaccine. Please note that pregnant women and patients with low immunity cannot receive live virus vaccines like MMR. Please consult your doctor regarding MMR vaccination.

2) Frequent hand washing with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.

3) Practice good cough etiquette (cover your cough with a handkerchief or the sleeve of your shirt) or wear mask if you are coughing.

4) Stay at home if you are sick.

If you develop symptoms similar to measles (fever, rash, cough, conjunctivitis), you may be contagious just by speaking or coughing. It would be best for you stay home. If you must see a doctor, please wear a mask at all times. Or you may visit the website address of Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Inc.: www.psmid.org

Health and Wellness

Philippine Heart Association (PHA) Health Forum on Heart Month 2019: My Heart, Your Heart

When was the last time you visit your cardiologist? The PHA is here to continue to expand the medical knowledge of the field and other concerns about heart disease to the public. Their here to prevent the cardiovascular diseases. I am very happy that I was able to attend this health forum and thru the speaker-panelists I learned a lot from them that I would like also to share with my readers:

The PHA officers and Speaker-Panelists (from left): Dr. Nannette R. Rey, PHA President, Dr. Eric C. Sison, chair, PHA Council on Cardiac Catheterization, Dr. Ronald E. Cuyco, PHA Director/Advocacy Committe chair and Dr. Aurelia A. Leus, Vice President, PHA chair, Hearth Month 2019

The most important on this health forum is the education on healthy lifestyle-52100 which is 5 servings of fruits and vegestables, not more than 2 hours of screentime/not more than 2 grams of added salt; 1 hour of physical activity, 0 sugared beverages and 0 smoking, Prevention is better than a pound of cure. Also the Sneakers Friday, wear sneakers/rubber shoes to walk more, ride less. Start the habit on a Friday and do it more often.

                                                                     Allianz is the most sustainable insurer of 2018

Lastly, you can save the victim from hearth attack thru CPR and here are the 3 C’s that you should know when the victim having a cardiac arrest:

1) Check the scene and responsiveness of the victim

2) Call for help

3) Compress – do the hands-only CPR