Filipino artists – Jellybeans in the City

Worth a Listen: Pinoy music artists that push boundaries in July 2024

The Pinoy music scene is undergoing a remarkable transformation, marked by a wave of innovation and artistic exploration. Recent developments showcase how Filipino artists are redefining their craft and pushing musical boundaries. From experimental sounds to fresh collaborations, these highlights reflect the dynamic evolution of Pinoy music and its rich creative landscape.

SB19’s Groundbreaking Performance on THE FIRST TAKE

SB19, the trailblazing boy band from the Philippines, has captured attention with their recent performance on THE FIRST TAKE. Known for their viral hit “Gento,” which took social media by storm with its catchy phrases and distinctive dance moves, SB19’s appearance on this influential YouTube channel marks a significant moment in their career.

Their rendition of “Gento” in THE FIRST TAKE’s signature one-take format brings a raw and authentic touch to the performance. This milestone is not only a personal achievement for SB19 but also a testament to their innovative approach to music and performance. Their success with “Gento” reflects their ability to blend catchy pop elements with impactful visuals, further enriching the Pinoy music scene.

Barbie Almalbis’s Bold New Single: “Desperate Hours”

Barbie Almalbis, a revered name in Filipino music, is stepping into a new phase with her avant-pop track “Desperate Hours.” This song, the lead single from her upcoming fifth album, represents a bold departure from her previous work. Collaborating with producer Nick Lazaro, Almalbis explores new sonic territories with unconventional guitar riffs and experimental sounds.

“Desperate Hours” delves into deep emotional themes, reflecting Almalbis’s personal experiences of pain and recovery. The track’s experimental nature and poetic lyrics showcase Almalbis’s growth as an artist and her willingness to embrace new creative directions. This new era for Almalbis is marked by her innovative approach to music and her exploration of uncharted artistic realms.

Benj Pangilinan and Angela Ken’s Collaborative Hit: “Nandito Na Ako”

In an exciting new collaboration, Filipino singer-songwriters Benj Pangilinan and Angela Ken have released the feel-good track “Nandito Na Ako.” Co-written with Moira Dela Torre and Over October’s Josh Buizon, the song blends nostalgic Pinoy pop with modern production, creating a refreshing and engaging sound.

Pangilinan’s venture into songwriting in Filipino, paired with Ken’s vocal charm, results in a track that balances vintage melodies with contemporary influences. The collaboration reflects Pangilinan’s growth as an artist and his ability to merge traditional elements with fresh perspectives. “Nandito Na Ako” is a testament to the evolving sound of Pinoy music and the innovative spirit of its artists.

Common Threads and Impact

These recent highlights in the Pinoy music scene share a common thread: a commitment to innovation and artistic exploration. SB19’s groundbreaking performance, Almalbis’s experimental sound, and Pangilinan and Ken’s nostalgic yet modern collaboration all contribute to the rich tapestry of Filipino music.

Each artist’s work exemplifies the dynamic nature of Pinoy music, blending traditional influences with contemporary creativity. These developments not only celebrate individual achievements but also reflect the broader evolution of Filipino music as it continues to innovate and inspire.

The Pinoy music scene is thriving with creativity and innovation. With SB19’s fresh approach to performance, Barbie Almalbis’s bold new sound, and Benj Pangilinan and Angela Ken’s engaging collaboration, the future of Pinoy music is full of promise. These milestones highlight the richness of Filipino artistry and its continuous evolution, making now an exciting time to explore and support the diverse sounds of Pinoy music.

Details provided by recording companies through press releases.

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Mangha-Likha Exhibit: Redefining Art with Unconventional Materials

In the realm of art, innovation knows no boundaries. It’s a place where creativity flourishes, where the ordinary is transformed into the extraordinary, and where artists dare to break free from traditional norms. The Mangha-Likha exhibit, recently held at the Gateway Gallery, is a testament to this artistic audacity. It became a world where Filipino artists have defied art conventions by crafting mesmerizing artworks from unconventional materials.

The Birth of Mangha-Likha

Mangha-Likha was not born overnight; it sprouted from a visionary mind. Gari Apolonio, the Museum Curator of Gateway Gallery, envisioned a national art competition that would challenge artists to push the boundaries of their creativity. Yet, this competition morphed into something more significant. With the support of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the exhibit “Mangha-Likha: Defying Art Conventions” became a reality. This group exhibition became a platform for a select group of Filipino artists who refuse to be bound by traditional gallery norms.

Unconventional Artists and Their Materials

The heart and soul of Mangha-Likha reside in its artists, each wielding their unique materials and techniques, as well as infused their art with unconventional charm:

Tess Ureta Aligaen – A needlework artist, Tess uses various fabrics and intricate embroidery techniques. Her artworks are alive with vibrant patterns and colors, revealing her passionate craftsmanship.
Gilbert Calderon Angeles – Gilbert’s canvas is a collection of ground shampoo sachets, as he creates eco-paintings using plastic laminates. His pieces not only captivate the eyes but also deliver an essential message on environmental awareness.
Percival Denolo – Known as the mud artist, Percival has garnered national acclaim with his unique mud shadow artworks. With mud collected from a termite mound in his backyard, he transforms an unusual medium into captivating monochromatic paintings.
Mai Pimentel De Dios – A cancer survivor, Mai found healing in art. She uses discarded palochina as her canvas, creating striking surrealist paintings that beautifully capture emotions and tell stories.
Sasha Garcia – Sasha’s art is all about thread. She meticulously stitches her life onto repurposed fabric, delivering art that advocates wellness, peace, and care for the environment.
Jordan Bulanit Mang-Osan – Jordan hails from the Cordillera region and uses solar art to celebrate his indigenous culture. He harnesses the sun’s power to create culture-based images, an extraordinary technique that’s deeply rooted in tradition.
Marvel Obemio – With a focus on recycling, Marvel creates intricate pieces from upcycled pull tabs and discarded plastics. He believes in reducing waste while producing art that’s both engaging and eco-friendly.
Noel Quidlat – Noel’s claim to fame is his three-dimensional portraits crafted from masking tape and backlight. He initially shared his time-lapse videos on social media, instantly attracting a massive fan base.

Mangha-Likha’s Message

At its core, Mangha-Likha is about redefining what art can be. It challenges the established norms and blurs the lines between the conventional and the unconventional. As a collective, the exhibit conveys a powerful message, one that resonates with themes of sustainability, inclusivity, equality, and ecological balance. It promotes values like courage, resilience, determination, resourcefulness, and originality.

The Exhibition and Its Impact

The exhibition opened with a gathering of esteemed guests, including Prof. Felipe de Leon, former Chairman of the NCCA, Tess Rayos del Sol, Head of the National Committee on Art Galleries under NCCA, and Christine Diane Romero, Executive Director of the J. Amado Araneta Foundation (JAAF). Their presence underscored the importance of Mangha-Likha and its role in the ever-evolving art scene.

The exhibit was a testament to the commitment of JAAF, which extended its support to make this endeavor a reality. Notably, the exhibit’s reach goes beyond its physical presence. It includes a published catalog and a captivating video tour available on the Gateway Gallery YouTube Channel.

The Mangha-Likha exhibit reminds us that art isn’t confined to a traditional box. Instead, it’s a dynamic force that challenges societal norms and pushes the boundaries of creativity. In today’s art world, where innovation knows no bounds, the work of these artists is a breath of fresh air. Their unconventional materials and techniques bring an exciting and contemporary perspective to the realm of art. It’s a testament to the power of art in challenging and transforming society, promoting a message of inclusivity, sustainability, and equality.

Details provided in a recent press release.

AAP Tahanan ng Sining: A Home for Artists Realized After 75 Years

For the Art Association of the Philippines (AAP), the dream of having a permanent home was a vision nurtured for 75 long years. Founded by Purita Kalaw Ledesma in 1948, AAP began as a social group with a mission to support and elevate the Filipino art scene.

Over the years, it grew into the largest and oldest umbrella organization for artists in the Philippines, boasting a membership of 12,000 individuals, including national artists and international luminaries like Vicente Manansala, Jose Joya, Ang Kiukok, Jerry Navarro, Frederico Aguilar Alcuaz, Botong Francisco, and the living legend BenCab.

But despite its illustrious history and the significant role it played in shaping the Filipino art landscape, AAP remained homeless for the better part of its existence. That was until recently when a group of dedicated officers, led by master visual artist Fidel Sarmiento, decided to make the dream of a permanent home for AAP a reality.

A 75-Year Journey

AAP’s journey began as a social group, but the dream of having a dedicated space for artists was always at the core of its mission. The idea was to create not just an office or a gallery but an all-encompassing educational center where artists could thrive and evolve.

The dream of a permanent home for AAP was not just about owning a piece of property; it was about creating a sanctuary for artists, a place where creativity could flourish unencumbered. It was about having a space that would also serve as a base of operations for the organization, an office, a gallery to showcase notable works, and an educational center all in one.

Realizing the dream of AAP’s Tahanan ng Sining required a formidable financial effort. The AAP officers, alongside a vast network of artists and friends, undertook a massive fundraising campaign to gather the necessary funds. Their determination was unwavering as they orchestrated various events and initiatives to generate financial support. Artists generously donated their works for a one-night auction in December 2019, where the AAP raised an impressive 4.5 million pesos.

The AAP team scoured Metro Manila and beyond, seeking opportunities and partnerships to secure funds. These efforts included exhibits at premier venues like The Podium and Aura, orchestrated in collaboration with SM, yielding close to a million pesos. Students from Sunshine Place in Jupiter, Makati, where Fidel Sarmiento imparts his painting expertise, also stepped up, contributing both in cash and kind. Pro bono work and in-kind donations from dedicated individuals, contractors, engineers, and artists further fueled this ambitious undertaking.

Despite the financial hurdles, the determination to give AAP a permanent home remained steadfast, epitomizing the spirit of unity and resilience within the Filipino art community.

The Inauguration of the AAP Tahanan ng Sining

The culmination of years of hard work and dedication came to fruition with the inauguration of the AAP Tahanan ng Sining. This impressive two-story structure, located on a 200-square-meter lot in Silang, Cavite, in Metro Tagaytay, is more than just bricks and mortar. It represents the resilience and unwavering commitment of AAP to the Filipino art community.

AAP’s new home is not merely a physical space; it is a manifestation of a dream and a promise of what’s to come. It aspires to serve as a central office for artists from all corners of the Philippines, bridging the gap between Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. It is a gallery where artists can exhibit their works, especially those from outside Metro Manila, who may not have the resources to secure exhibition spaces. Furthermore, it is an educational center where high school students can participate in regular workshops, nurturing the next generation of Filipino artists.

The journey of AAP towards realizing its dream of a permanent home has been long and challenging, but it stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of Filipino artists. With AAP’s Tahanan ng Sining, AAP now has a place to call its own, a sanctuary where creativity can flourish, and where the legacy of Filipino art can continue to grow.

As the AAP Tahanan ng Sining opens its doors to artists and art enthusiasts alike, it marks the beginning of a new chapter in the rich history of the Art Association of the Philippines. It is a chapter filled with promise, where the dreams of the past meet the possibilities of the future.

The AAP Tahanan ng Sining is located at Lot 4, Purok 5, San Isidro Labrador Residences, Barangay Ulat, Metro Tagaytay, Silang Cavite.

Know more about the Art Association of the Philippines and its initiatives by joining its Facebook Group.