PHILIPPINE CINEMA ‘ALIVE AND WELL.’ Joji Alonso of Quantum Films and Quantum Post is the only producer I know who promotes films of competitor film production companies by posting the posters of their film releases on her Facebook timeline.
This is not surprising as she was the producer to run for financial assistance when she was still active in the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. That is why she is considered a pillar of the national indie film industry.
She opens her post with: “Three of the directors whose careers I have witnessed grow immeasurably are screening their films one week apart. It is simply amazing how far they have gone.”
She enumerates: 1. Luck at First Sight by Dan Villegas opens on Wednesday, May 3 with Jericho Rosales and Bela Padilla produced by Viva Films.
2. The controversial X-rated version complete and uncut Bliss, which stars Iza Calzado and directed by the Jerrold Tarog after his successful Heneral Luna film, opens on May 10 as producd by TBA.
3. And Dear Other Self as helmed by Roni Velasco and stars Jodi Sta. Maria, Joseph Marco and Xian Lim opens on May 17 as produced by Star Cinema.
Special mention is the latest project of a director she has always admired and respected, Joey Reyes, whose film Our Mighty Yaya also opens on May 10 as produced by Regal Films.
She closes: “Philippine cinema is simply alive and well. Let us all support these upcoming films! Remember the dates — May 3, May 10 and May 17 — in theatres nationwide!”
‘REI KAWAKUBO/COMMES DES GARCONS: ART OF THE IN-BETWEEN.’ Strangely beautiful unwearables. Amorphic creations that make the wearers look fashionably pregnant at the wrong places. No armholes that you wonder how on earth will the model function. Dreams? Wake me up!
The Costume Institute examines the works of future-looking Japanese fashion designer Rei Kawakubo in “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between” in an exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York to answer if her fashion creations are costume or cosplay.
So Kawabuko is a costume designer of something you put on to make yourself look like something or someone, especially an actor dressing as a character. She is not an outfit designer who just makes a set of clothing that (hopefully) go well together.
She is not cosplay designer. Although a contraction of the words “costume” and “play,” cosplay is a performance art in which participants called cosplayers wear costumes and fashion accessories to represent a specific character, usually animated in origin.
Although Kawabuko is from Japan and cosplay originated in Japan and both involve costumes, she is not a cosplay designer as she does not design clothes worn to a club which are just an outfit, since you are not attempting to portray someone or something else.
Costume is more of style, while cosplay is a lifestyle than anything else. The biggest difference between costume and cosplay is the intent. When you’re wearing a costume, you’re not trying to be anyone but yourself.
Cosplay is not only about the clothes you’re wearing, but the character you’re portraying. When in a cosplay state of mind, you embody the character. For some it’s a great way to escape everyday life.
But if you are going to meditate about it, Kawabuko’s fashion is avant-garde cosplay, the in-between style she is pushing, as such she is playing with costume.
POST ON IDENTITY FROM NEL GOMEZ. Nel Gomez plays abstract expressionist Alfonso Ossorio in Floy Quintos’ new two-act play Angry Christ running in the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, 2nd Floor Palma Hall, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City Dulaang UP until May 14, 2017:
“So, as any actor should, I claim full responsibility for the choices I make on stage, for the roles I take, and the productions I join. I have adapted the mentality that ALL roles are beautiful. Their stories all deserve to be told in the best way possible, whether best executed by me or someone else. So with that mind set, I, in my short ten year career, have had the honor of playing a pretty diverse set of people, including gay people. Yes, I have played gay roles on film and on stage. I, in real life, am a straight man. But there have been people who tend to doubt that. Whether they can’t fathom the concept of a straight man kissing another man on stage, or people misconstrue my love, kindness, and openness towards my gay friends, who, are some of the most beautiful people in the world, just like the gay characters I play. I am damn well PROUD to portray gay characters. Or ANY character for that matter. I DON’T MAKE DISTINCTIONS BASED ON SEXUALITY. I’m above that already. I’m beyond elementary thinking. I know this is sounding defensive, or I shouldn’t be caring what other people think, but when the chismis starts affecting some of my loved ones, that’s when I put my foot down. I will not stoop down to your bigoted mind set, but once and for all, I am a straight man. And I’m very in love with a girl named Sarah Facuri.
“Ok... on that note please watch #UPPTAngryChrist in UP, written by Floy Quintos, and directed by Dexter Santos. PM for sched. Yes, I play a gay man. His name is Alfonso Ossorio, and he is beautiful also.”
BEWARE OF PARAÑAQUE CITY’S ‘THE LOFT GALLERY.’ The Loft Gallery sponsored the highfalutin “national art competition” that declared Bernardo Maac as grand champion, but bounced the cheque for P50,000 as grand prize, as claimed by the artist in an affidavit.
Invited to be a judge of this contest, I flatly refused as I seriously doubted the organizers’ credibility to conduct such a competition and I did not want to be part of it. I was proven correct.
The Quirky Curator posted on the Facebook page of Art Circle Gallery in January 5, 2017: “Today, I felt torn between sadness and a sense of overwhelming pride for ‘Bernardo Maac.’
“I cannot comment about the final verdict of the committee because it is something I have no control. (It is their competition after all.) I would like to believe that their decision was made with fair competition in mind.
“It is in this moment we realize that art is not all about what we gain, but also moments that we lost: that an artist’s honor is more valuable than any prize.
“I am truly happy that your outstanding artistry was recognized yet incredibly sad that your credibility as an artist was questioned. From someone who was lucky enough to meet you and view your artworks, I give you my most heartfelt congratulations!
“I pray that you continue to be an inspiration to your audience, especially to future artist!”
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Rei Kwakubo, costume or cosplay?
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