ICE CREAM by Farley Del Rosario

PHILIPPINE ART AND CULTURE IN-DEPTH

ISSUE 1
10+ARTWORKS FROM
TODAY’S YOUNG
ARTISTS
CITY GUIDE: CUBAO EXPO
OCTOBER 2010
SOUNDSKOOL
COOL GADGETS
FATHER&SON DESIGNERS
NEW FACES
 CONTENTS
STAFF

WHAT’S UP?
002 Mossimo Band Entourage
004 Nescafe Soundskool
SEEN ON SCENE
006 Cubao Expo
TASTES GOOD
008 Botong’s Up
SOUNDS RIGHT
010 Music Reviews
REAL FEEL
ALYOSHA ROBILLOS 012 Film Reviews
WRITER
FACES
014 Musician Miguel Escueta
MONALISA CHUANG 016 Make-Up Artist Ruel Papa
WRITER THINK TECH
ERIKA DIZON 018 Get to know the latest
WRITER/ PHOTOGRAPHER
gadgets today
COVER
020 The Visual Art
Scene’s Up and Coming
PASSIONS
026 Fashion Heirarchy: The Amantes
ART SCENE
032 Masters of Moneyobra
036 Out of This World
038 If Flux Could Kill
ARTIST PROFILE
040 Architecture student
Monette Dizon
MOLLY GALAGARAN
WRITER

MIKOLO CADIZ ANNE JAMNAGUE

WRITER/ PHOTOGRAPHER WRITER/ PHOTOGRAPHER
W H AT ’ S U P ?
BLENDING FASHION AND MUSIC
Text by Anne Jamnague
Wear your music.
Today’s fashion has been closely tying
up with the youth, and to make the tie
stronger, connecting music with the way
one dresses up would be a lot easier
and fun.
Mossimo, one of the country’s leading
fashion outlets for the youth, has come
up with a fusion between their line
of clothing and three upcoming local
bands – Eevee, Kiss Jane, and Letter
Day Story to form the Mossimo Band
Entourage. It is a festival of today’s
finest young bands wearing the latest
trend. Like Mossimo, these bands are
getting known to be fashion trendset-
ters.
New bands like Eevee, Kiss Jane, and
Letter Day Story are all labeled under
Sony Music Philippines. Having Mossi-
mo as their prime endorsers, their num-
ber of followers has increased after the
release of their billboards in Cuba and
C5, and since they have started their
tour for this fashion campaign. All of
them have expressed their gratitude af-
teras being a part of this endorsement.
Both from nationwide college band com-
petition, Eevee and Letter Day Story im-
mediately got signed by Sony. Recently,
Eevee has just released their first album
entitled “Paramdam” which was pro-
duced by Buddy Zabala of Eraserheads
and Sancho Sanchez. Their first single
“Gusto ko lang ng girlfriend” caught at-
tention in radio and television, and now
their second single “Waiter” is hitting the
charts. Members Enzo, Paolo, Jerrick,
and Craig style preferences are wear-
ing simple shirts layered with jacket or
tie to add color.
2 3
On the other hand, the pop-rock band
Letter Day Story has currently released
their second single “Paano” from their
debut album “Sama-Sama” produced
by Jonathan Ong. After winning from
the competition, they’ve made it to the
scene and were nominated in 2009 Myx
Music Awards, currently won in 2010
Awit Awards as “Best Performance by
a New Group” from the song “Martilyo”
which was collaborated with Gloc-9. As
for their genre, Dex, Oli, Not, and EJ of-
ten go for black tops and edgy jackets.
The only female endorsers in the cam-
paign would be Jaq, and Sheila of Kiss
Jane. Their latest album “Free” was re-
leased early this year with “Kahit Na”
as their first single which reached the
charts both in radio and music chan-
nels. Their music is often defined as a
light and stress-free, but they usually
wear sexy and dark get-ups.
The main idea of Mossimo’s Band En-
tourage is to make their buyers experi-
ence live music while they shop inside
the store. Aside from watching live
bands, they also get discounts upon
buying CDs of any of the three bands
and a free Mossimo Band Entourage
CD after buying apparels. Included in
the CD is the song “Sexy Cool” com-
posed by Jonathan Ong as Mossimo’s
campaign song performed by it endors-
ers.
Part of the Mossimo Band Entourage is
their tour in Mossimo branches located
at different malls in the country. It start-
ed last October 1 at the opening of SM
San Pablo in Laguna, and it will end on
November 14 at Silver City in Pasig. For
more details, log on to www.facebook.
com/sonyphilippines. 8
NESCAFÉ 3-in-1 Soundskool gives
power to the people
Text and photography by Anne Jamnague

Anyone can be a judge.

NESCAFÉ 3in1 Soundskool, the country’s biggest battle of the best college bands, con-
tinues to give aspiring rock stars a chance of a lifetime. The only difference this year is
that people now have the chance to choose who will be the grand winner through text and
online votes.

Early this year, NESCAFÉ 3in1 Soundskool started its search for promising bands through
the launch of NESCAFÉ 3in1 Soundskool bus, a mobile recording studio which visited
selected universities all over the country to record an on the spot entry for the said competi-
tion. Aside from it, Gig 101 was also launched last May as an early registration venue and
performance test for amateur bands before a live audience.

Since 2005, NESCAFE 3in1 Soundskool has been looking for potential college bands
that will rock tomorrow’s music scene. So far, it has produced smashing bands like Hilera
(2005), Letter Day Story (2008), and last year’s winner Eevee. This time, they are looking
for an extreme band as they give away higher prizes at stake.

Out of the thousands of entries, only 30 college bands were qualified for the regional elimi-
nations that were held last October 2 at SM North Skydome, and October 9 at Limketkai
Atrium in Cagayan de Oro. 22 bands from Luzon and National Capital Region performed in
Manila, and the rest were from Visayas and Mindanao who performed in Cagayan de Oro. The five chosen grand finalists will be announced on the 17th of October which will be posted in NESCAFÉ 3in1 Soundskool’s
Among them, only 5 bands can make it to the finals night. website.

“This time, we’re looking for the cream of the crop”, said Ronald Chuacokiong, Marketing
Promotions Manager for NESCAFÉ 3in1 Soundskool. The change was very noticeable
since the past seasons had more than ten grand finalists.
Different genres of music were showcased during the regional eliminations: rock, pop,
alternative, reggae, and Christian-inspired songs. Notable performances were Not So Fast
representing Datamex Masinag, Soundvent from STI College, De La Salle University’s
Ajka, Urie’s Attack from Technological Institute of the Philippines and Necessary Noise
from De La Salle University – Dasmarinas.
Judges present on qualifying eliminations were Ronald Chuacokiong, Vic Valenciano and
Jinno Mina of Sony Music Philippines, sound engineer Angee Rozul of TRACKS, and Kean
Cipriano of Callalily. “It’s hard to choose, all of them were extreme”, said first time jury
member Kean. Other critics also had difficult time on deciding which band will get this good
fortune since many were notable and exceptional.
BIG BREAK – this is what Soundskool is known for. Aside from the chance that they give to unsigned bands, they cater a wonder-
ful dish to every finalist that will be able to pass the auditions and regional eliminations. One if these is an all-expense-paid trip to
Boracay wherein they get to play their music and be with the country’s top music icons like Rivermaya, Imago, Spongecola, Callalily,
and Sugarfree as their mentors. One-on-one workshops will also be given during the week long preparation for the finals night. And
industry executives will also be present to give inspirational talks and background about the current music scene.
On the finals night which will be held on November 13 in Boracay, the finalist with the biggest votes awaits a one year record deal
with Sony Music Philippines, P500,000 cash prize, and musical showcase worth P100,000 for the winning band’s school.
Even if you’re not in Boracay, you can still witness the announcement of the grand winner since there will be a live webcasting in
their site and radio broadcasting in some radio stations.
For more information, log on to www.nescafe3in1.com.ph/soundskool 8

4 5
SEEN ON SCENE mogwai

C U BAO E X P O Take a tour on one of the city’s most talked about chill spots.
If you’re looking for a place to unwind
and simply let your hair down after a long
day’s work, Mogwai is your best bet. It is
located among the few and numbered re-
stobars of Cubao X. With a cinema room
in the second floor dedicated to showing
all sorts of films, from Hollywood to the
Text and photography by Erika Dizon
most independent of independents, this
café and restaurant guarantees you a
home away from home. Mogwai offers a
wide selection of home-styled food fit to
satiate your most stubborn hankerings.

the manila collective One should not miss their best-selling

appetizer or beer partner named “Dyna-
mite Sticks,” or in simpler terms, mozza-
In the heart of Cubao Expo lies The Manila Collective, an oasis for rella and cheddar cheese, deep-fried and
relaxation and catching up among friends and loved ones. Owned by pho- wrapped with a slice of green bell pepper,
tographer Jake Versoza, this café and photo gallery in one suggests a very and eaten with a hearty serving of tomato
intimate ambiance fit for people who are drained from all the hustle and salsa. So whether you’re craving for that
bustle of Metro Manila. Friends could talk over an aromatic cup of coffee homey Filipino dish your mom cooks for
paired with a generous serving of sinful chocolate cake for a very reason- you when you were young but can’t seem
able price. This dessert place boasts about its wide assortment of coffee to whip up something similar to that today,
beans and tea leaves that are imported all the way from African countries or you simply want to watch a movie with
such as Ethiopia. Although The Manila Collective debuted only on May, it is the company of your best chums, you can
already the word of mouth among the young and not-so-young of the city. never go wrong with Mogwai.
A single white bench, which could accomodate only about three to seven
persons, and a multitude of photos is perceived immediately as you step in
Mogwai is open from Mondays to Satur-
the cozy, dim-lighted café. The gallery features the country’s up and coming
days at 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
photographers and visual artists, chosen and changed monthly by no other
than the cafe owner himself. Everyone would surely enjoy and cherish his

karma
or her experience in The Manila Collective.

The Manila Collective is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays at 4 p.m. to 12

heima
“If it isn’t pretty, it isn’t Heima,” would probably
be the best way to describe this lifestyle store
located among the vintage shops in Cubao X.
Be greeted by funky and vivid colored wall art,
innovatively designed sofas and lamp posts, vin-
tage radios, Polaroid photos on the wall, custom-
ized Lomo cameras, and basically everything
that screams of cuteness as you enter the store.
m.n.
Once you set foot in this small establishment, dessert-scented candles
meet you in the most remarkable manner, which makes you want to stay
a little bit more. Heima is where function and design are at par with each
other and wherein one could actually have the desire to live there upon his
or her first visit because of its very comfortable atmosphere. It chooses to
be hidden in the art communities of the country (its second branch rests in
Bel Air II, Makati) instead of mainstream malls to keep that vibe of intimacy
with the local artists it collaborates with, like Lomomanila.
Heima is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays at 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
This fashion store is a haven for all things
aesthetically pleasing and eye candy.
Feast upon a profusion of four inch heels,
sultry corsets worn as tops, and a table
full of vintage looking accessories in Kar-
ma. If you look up the ceiling inside the
store, one could see plenty of grandeur,
shiny and decorative chandeliers side by
side. Aside from being a clothes store,
Karma has an extension shop beside
it, which sells up-to-date furnitures and
lights. Karma welcomes a very trendy
vibe idyllic for the fashionista in you.
Karma is open from Mondays to Sundays
at 12 p.m. to 12 m.n. and is closed on
Tuesdays. 8

6 7
TASTES GOOD ADOBO QUESADILLA WITH MANGO SALSA

Pita bread with authentic Adobo filling.

Best drizzled with zesty mango salsa.

GRILLED PRAWN SALAD

The perfect choice for the health conscious, sink

your teeth into fresh greens topped with succulent
grilled prawn.

BROCCOLI WITH GOURMET TUYO

BOTONG’S UP
Broccoli sprinkled with cream-of-the- crop dried
Text by Alyosha Robillos fish flakes.

If you’re looking for a place to

feast on good Filipino food while
sharing a toast with friends to the
visual arts and music, Botong’s
Up Restobar is the perfect chill
spot for you. Named after the ROASTED CHICKEN WITH TAMARIND SAUCE
late national artist for painting,
Botong Francisco, Botong’s up This savory and tangy dish will surely satisfy the ad-
is considered a haven for art afi- venturous palate.
cionados and enthusiasts alike.
The restobar serves Filipino cui-
sine with a twist, adding just the
right amount of change to well-
loved Filipino dishes.

SALMON BELLY SINIGANG

One of the Filipino favorites infused with foreign

flavors.

8 99
SOUNDS RIGHT
Franco Franco
(MCA Music)
In just a span of time, they’re hailed as the SUPERBAND.
The powerhouse cast of Franco made their onset record
breaking as they captured the interest of music enthusi-
asts and audiences with nifty lines, pounding hits, and
adept melody. Featuring their first single “Castaway”,
their self-titled album under MCA Records laid down up-
beat criticisms from the public.
Apart from the lead vocalist Franco Reyes, members of
Franco are no strangers to anyone since they are re-
nowned music icons in the country such as Gabby Alipe
of Urbandub, Paolo Toleran of Queso, Buwi Meneses of
Parokya ni Edgar, and JanJan Mendoza of Urbandub.
FRANCO, their 11-track all-original album is guaranteed
fresh and bizarre music to your ears as it emerged from
the band’s different musical influences like rock, alterna-
tive, and reggae infused in their record. Riff thick tracks
include “Seasons”, “This Gathering”, ”Touch the Sky”,
and others.
Text by Anne Jamnague
10
Francis Magalona and Ely Buendia In
Love and War
(Sony Music)
The legacy continues.
Unfeigned friends Francis Magalona and Ely Buendia
continued in producing high quality music despite the
physical illnesses that they have gone through. They
collaborated for an album just before Francis M died.
In Love and War under Sony Music Philippines, is a
10-track album packed with different collaborations with
Hardware Syndrome, Pupil, Gloc9, Turbogoth, Hilera,
Brigada, The Purplechickens, and Radha. Most of the
songs were written by Ely Buendia, and the rest like
Buzzkill, and Bleeder from Francis M were like his diary
during his grave condition which he underwent through-
out his few days left.
Their first single Higante featuring Hardware Syndrome
was very nationalistic as it gives a picture of their view on
the country’s ruling government. Francis M was always
known for being a patriot to his country, and through his
songs he continues in hyping people for their love to the
country. Bus Stop, their funky second single about a
boy’s fondness to a girl became a hit as it reached radio
and television charts.
Text by Anne Jamnague
Parokya ni Edgar Middle-Aged Juvenile
Novelty Pop Rockers
(MCA Music)
Back to basics.
After three years of waiting, Parokya ni Edgar finally
released their 8th album entitled Middle-Aged Juve-
niloe Novelty Pop Rockers under Universal Records.
The album features 15 tracks, including their first single
entitled “Paki-Usap Lang (Lasingin Niyo Ako) with its
video starred by cameo appearances of Champ Lui Pio
of Hale, Ehra Madrigal, and Angel Locsin. Most of the
songs were simply written with their return to spoofs and
love songs which they had in their debut album Khang-
khungkernitz.
Tracks like Orange, Red Pants, and Walong Baso will
surely make their listeners roll in the aisles. There were
also collaborations with Gloc.9, Happee Sy, and Francis
Vincent Montaner.
The supreme team of drummer Dindin Dindin Moreno,
vocalist Vinci Montaner, guitarists Darius Semana and
Gab Cheekee, bassist Buwi Menesses and lead vocalist
Chito Miranda may just be Middle-Aged Juvenile Novelty
Pop Rockers to some, but for the rest of the country, they
will be still the Pambansang Banda ng Pilipinas.
Text by Anne Jamnague
Tanya Markova Tanya Markova
(MCA Music)
They are weird, but they have it.
The eight-piece band led by vocalists Harloan Agsaoay
aka Norma Love, Philip Alejandro aka Mow Mow, and
Angelo del Pilar aka Iwa Motors truly attest the prov-
erb “the more, the merrier” still exists in this age. Giv-
ing themselves Tanya Markova as their name is just a
starter on how weird one can imagine this group is. With
“Picture Picture” as their first single, it was undoubtedly
a hit that reached millions of their new fans even famous
artists in the country admired their witty crafting of music.
An experiment was made by MCA Music (Universal Mu-
sic Philippines) as they mainstreamed this new type of
genre with their all original, jam-packed self-titled debut
album Tanya Markova including 20 rib-tickling tracks
filled with sarcasm and oddness.
Definitely, this big family has more to come as their
minds go over the limits and invent new comic ideas that
will surely get everyone’s attention.
Text by Anne Jamnague
11
REEL FEEL
The Men Who Stare at Goats (2009)
Director: Grant Heslov
This time we have a spoof on the U.S Army research’s
into psychic phenomena to use in its wars. Top lining
stars like George Clooney, Ewan McGregor and Kev-
in Spacey surprised me for as they weren’t known
for any comedy but they delivered well in the film.
Bob Wilton (McGregor) is a young, not-very-bright
reporter, who signs on to cover the Iraq War. In Ku-
wait City, he meets the enigmatic Lyn, who surpris-
ingly confides that he was once part of a select Army
team of warrior monks called the Jedi, psychic spies
trained to use paranormal powers against the coun-
try’s enemies.”The Men Who Stare at Goats” may
have a great concept, but unfortunately it is not de-
veloped to anywhere interesting. It is a mix of com-
edy, action, drama and sci-fi. None of these elements
are developed enough to make it stand out or make
it shine.
The plot is thin and underdeveloped, it cannot de-
cide whether it wants to convince me there are su-
pernatural powers or makes me shiver due to all the
complicated politics in the army. It does not make
me care about the characters or what they do either.
The ending conflict is so weakly staged which feels
so contrived. The end result of the film is a confus-
ing and dull collection of scenes.
Text by Molly Galagaran
12
Stranger Than Fiction (2006)
Director: Marc Forster
What sounds like a comedy movie, would surprise
fans when they see comedian Will Ferrell star in this
light hearted and unusual movie. To his credit, Fer-
rell managed to retain his viewer’s interest without
really shedding much of his infamous humor.
Here you have Harold Crick. Your regular boring
guy, living a monotonous undirected and senseless
life, with everyday carefully planned. Until one day
he hears a voice of a woman who narrates his every
move with utmost accuracy. He eventually discovers
that he plays a character written in a novel by Karen
Eiffel (Emma Thompson), and learns that he might
die.
The audience is aware of what Harold’s situation
long before he is, a display of dramatic irony as we
learn further in the movie.
It’s definitely something different compared to other
movies. It’s executed so cleverly in fact, that until the
last five minutes it may not even occur to you that a
movie about an author who has trouble with endings
is likely to have trouble with an ending of its own.
Text by Molly Galagaran
Garden State (2004)
Director: Zach Braff
If you’ve grown tired of romantic movies that seem to
revolve around the same lovey-dovey screenplays,
don’t fret because “Garden State” will surely wake
up the lovelorn artist in you. As Andrew Largeman
(Zach Braff), who is stoicism personified, finds him-
self unraveling when he and a random girl named
Sam, a compulsive liar and epileptic (Natalie Port-
man) engage in a most unconventional love story,
you’ll forget why you’ve grown tired of feel-good
movies in the first place. The movie is the perfect
eye-opener to those who’ve become stolid to life’s
wonderful complexities. With its superb soundtrack,
witty script and over-all artful conceptualization and
direction, this flick will definitely keep your eyes
glued to the screen and will make you realize that
people’s lives, no matter how dysfunctional, inter-
twine for reasons beyond our understanding.
Text by Alyosha Robillos
La Mujer Sin Piano (2009)
Director: Javier Rebollo
The movie kicks off with a husband and a wife in a
car talking about typical daily matters such as what
they’ll be eating for dinner. Javier Rebollo’s “La Mu-
jer Sin Piano” is a dramatic-comedy about home
maker, Rosa, who is portrayed as your run-of-the-
mill wife with lackluster chores and a day job as a
salon woman who encounters different
personalities everyday. The next thing you know,
she’s walking down the street at midnight, without
the consent of his worn out and naive husband, with
heavy classical music playing at the background.
Rosa meets the most unusual people. a young man
by the name of Ram, was one of them. Together, they
explore the empty streets of Madrid at 2 o’clock in
the morning.
Text by Erika Dizon
13

Miguel Escueta
Not Just Your Ordinary Crooner
Text and photography by Mikolo Cadiz
A man who has everything finds his niche in rock
stardom. Singer and songwriter Miguel Escueta is
a humble yet unexceptionally talented man who
candidly shares his experiences as the front man
of his self-named band.
14
FA C E S
Escueta, being a graduate of BS management
in the Ateneo De Manila University has a good financial
background and a prominent family in the business in-
dustry.
“Actually, I don’t call this a job. I enjoy what I do so much
that I don’t feel even an ounce of tiredness when I’m up
on the stage,” Miguel gushed.
He always thought that he would end up in the
corporate world and he almost did. When he declined an
offer to work in Singapore, things suddenly fell into place. “At times, a nice chord progression appears
After the business mishap, he started recording
songs and submitted it to various music labels. Fortu- the moment my fingers grasp my guitar.”
nately, MCA Records, a known music label, took a liking
to his songs and was immediately signed.
At the age of 26, Escueta still has no plans of
shifting to another profession.
“What could be better than being paid to do what I love?
I couldn’t have asked for more,” Escueta said.
Despite all the good feedback he receives on
a daily basis, there is always a down side to fame which
the artist has experienced more than once in his booming
career.
When asked about this, he simply said, “I just do not
mind people who make negative comments. I don’t want
to bring in bad vibes because it affects my day especially
when I have gigs.”
In composing songs, he gets inspiration from
anything under the sun—from everyday scenes to ran-
dom dreams.
“Sometimes a melody just suddenly rings in my
head or a catchy line comes up. At times, a nice chord
progression appears the moment my fingers grasp my
guitar,” he said.
Being Miguel Escueta is not at all easy, it entails
hard work and a whole lot of passion; and inspiration that
does not appear with just a snap of a finger. On the other
hand, living your dream is a very ideal life that only a cho-
sen few can actually have…and Miguel Escueta definitely
has it. 8
15
 Ruel Papa
Text by Monalisa Chuang

Ruel papa magsalin, also known as ruel

papa, is starting to become one of the most
in demand hair and make up artist of today
in the philippine fashion industry and show-
biz.

He began to work as ms. Kuh ledesma’s

personal assistant and part of her produc-
tion team around january 2000. This lead
him to work for make up artist jerome
chang, as his apprentice in 2008. His talent
and hard work
Paved the way for the boom of his career
where he penetrated the showbiz scene
after being priveledged to work with celebri-
ties and showbiz personalities. He worked
and assisted ms. Lucy torres-gomez in the
sweetlife show, aired in channel 11, and
also worked as one of the official hair and
make up artists for the pinoy big brother
teen edition on several pictorials in 2008.
He’s proud to have groomed ej falcon and
robi domingo in pbb’s grand night at the
araneta coliseum.
“They just thought they looked as if they
were hit by something and got a black eye,
the smoky eye wasn’t a trend yet then, no, i
didn’t exist yet.”
Some of the other people whom he would
love to thank for being god’s way of helping
him achieve his present name and status
are the following: pop diva kuh ledesma,
jerome chang, pops fernandez, barbi chan,
cacay moras, joey server, and ms. Lucy tor-
res- gomez.

He thanks his grandmother, antonia santos He’s currently connected with l’oreal profes-
papa, for being his inspiration in becoming sionel as hair stylist while practicing as a
a beauty expert. freelance make-up artist. 8

“When i was younger, i never let her go to

church without making her look like ming
ramos (ex-president fidel v ramos’ wife)
with the hair, make up and all.”

He says that his grandmother was one of

the few who first experienced his hand on
hair and make up, “some were my cousins
and childhood playmates, i used to secretly
take my mother’s make up kit and
put colors on my little friends’ faces.
of course what i was doing then was a
mess and they looked like clowns, but
still. you have to start somewhere,” he
remembers putting smoky eye make
up on his playmates, not knowing it
was called such.
n

16 17
THINK TECH
Text by Molly Galagaran
1 iPod Nano
Click wheel gone, shrunk into a
1.6 inched box and integrated with
a multi-touch display, and yet still
sold at the same price. Consumers
may have the option of acquiring
an 8GB (6705 Php) and 16GB (8055
Php) modeled in a variety of colors.
The nano series has never been this
small. While the previous versions
tried too much, this year, Apple
dropped it all and focused on one
thing-music. There isn’t any new set
of additions, but it lost a number of
notable features.
The new nano is smart, fast and a
capable music player that would
please people that would like some-
thing new this coming holiday sea-
son.
18
2 Blackberry Playbook
The android revolution has started.
With the popular release of Apple’s
iPad, RIM (Research in Motion) has
released its own player in the Tablet
world – The Playbook. Although the
7-inch beauty won’t be available till
early next year, it already proves to be
a formidable rival against other tab-
lets, The Dell Streak, Samsung’s Gal-
axy Tab and Apple’s iPad.
The Playbook boasts a dual-core
1GHZ and 1GB of RAM, RIM calling it
the fastest tablet ever. It has two 1080p
high definition cameras, a 5-megapix-
el rear camera and a 3-megapixel front
camera, allowing video calling and
conferencing.
It supports Adobe Flash 10.1 and
Adobe Air for web surfers and gam-
ers. The Playbook will be utilizing
a new OS called the QNX which has
been specifically designed for tablets.
With a new OS installed, the previous
Blackberry apps won’t work on the
Playbook. But they included the new
multitasking feature that amounts to
a “card” or “tab” view. Never having
such a large collection on apps in the
first place, it makes us look forward
for time wasting games that Playbook
users can anticipate.
Images courtesy of www.techpinas.com, www.apple.com, www.cultofmac.com, www.amazon.com, www.uncrate.com
3 Apple TV 4 XBOX 360 250GB 5 Puma Phone 6 Joose Portable Solar
Charger
Compared to its predecessor, this re- This sleek little thing is the upgraded The popular sporting line has now
vamped second generation of Apple version of Microsoft bundles XBOX taken a big pounce into change. It
What is an essential need for all gad-
TV is not only cheaper, but smaller. Elite and Arcade. It took two years to teamed up with Sagem Wireless to
gets? Juice. This sturdy Orange solar
The small black box is priced at 4455 develop the “XBOX 360 S” system in create the first ever Puma Phone.
charger is simple, light weight and
Php and is just a quarter of the size of a give and take method. Although it The Puma phone features a 2.8-inch
easy to store. The Orange comes with
its previous version. It measures 3.9 is sleeker it’s definitely not slimmer. touch screen with a 240X320 resolu-
7 adapters. Just choose which adapt-
inches square, 0.9 inches thick and Many have been calling it the 360 Slim, tion, 3.2MP camera with LED flash at
er, plug in your depleted device and
weighs a merely 0.6 pounds. but technically it’s just half a centime- the rear, VGA video call camera in the
charge away.
It’s packed with 8GB of space, power ter thinner and three and a half cen- front and a built-in-solar charger in the
Weighing only a pound and a half, it’s
connection, HDMI Out, micro USB timeters shorter than its predecessor. back. To cater the needs of the next
the most durable gadget so far. It can
port, 256 of RAM and a built in Wi-Fi I would rather call it the “Shorty” but gen lifestyle, spin and scratch music
be completely submerged in water,
for streaming. A remote comes with anyway. So generally we have a small, player along with the integrated radio.
dropped, thrown and whatever abuse
the Apple TV. You can also use re- quieter, cooler, same priced 13500 Php The Puma phone is designed to com-
mankind can bid.
motes apps if you want to in your console, more added ports, 250GB plement your lifestyle just as it’s meant
It rests in a polycarbonate shell and
iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch. hard drive, and built-in 802.1n Wi-Fi. to be a communication phone. There
manifests a 5,400-milliamp-hour re-
The Apple TV is very easy to setup, Obviously, the definite change is its are hosts of sports features such as
placeable lithium-ion battery capable
just plug it in, input your iTunes ac- design. Unlike its previous version, run and bike tracker. The phone even
of holding its charge for years. The
count details and you are ready to Elite, it has been fixed with a glossy has a virtual puma named Dylan.
JOOS Orange works in real-world light
watch HD and SD movie rentals direct black exterior instead of the black Not only is the phone promoting eco
conditions (low light, in the shade and
from iTunes, the movies are streamed matte. Another factor is that they’ve friendliness, but also it’s packaging.
even light rain).
directly to the Apple TV from iTunes installed the hard drive inside the sys- Its carton is made out of the same
It’s cheap, with a price of only a hun-
over the Internet. tem rather than having it sit bulkily on cardboard material of an egg tray.
dred bucks. It’s incredibly durable
Other features on the Apple TV include the side.
and is almost compatible with all con-
being able to watch YouTube videos,
nector components. The two mirror
listen to pod casts and Internet radio
components increase the charging by
stations. Another add-on is that when
30%. No solar power? Charge up by
you enable home sharing, any PC that
USB.
also enabled home sharing can have
access to what you have on your own
PC.
19
 OCTOBER SKY by Liza Flores

The Visual Art Scene’s

Up and Coming
A collection of pieces from today’s young
artists.
Photos courtesy of The Artery Manila
Compiled by Alyosha Robillos
WEDDING AT CANINE by Farley Del Rosario

20 21
 SPEAK NO EVIL by Daniel Aligaen
PLAYGROUND by Romeo Forbes Jr.

PLAYGROUND by Romeo Forbe Jr.

22 23
22 I WANT YOU by Buen23
Calubayan
PA S S I O N S
One of Sammy’s masterpieces.

GROWING UP, WHAT

INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME AN
ARTIST, A FASHION DESIGNER?
My being an artist and a fashion
designer (tailor, dressmaker) didn’t
really come together at first. I used
to really like drawing and sketching
things way back when I was a kid,
I really liked what I was doing. so
in school, I always excelled in art,
maybe it’s just because my mother
used to sew clothes when I was just
a boy, with all her materials and sew-
ing machine at home, watching her
cut fabrics and sew clothing..kind of
kickstarted my entry to the world of
scissors and needles, and eventu-
ally to the fashion industry. oh, and
the tailoring shop that my cousin put
up in our home back then gave
the additional push.

WAS THERE ANY ADVICE GIVEN

TO YOU WHEN YOU STARTED
SHOWING INTEREST IN THIS
LINE?
My mother gave me a few tips on
business and cutting fabric, shear-
ing.. and also techical advices,
among others.

HOW DID YOU DO IT? I MEAN,

HOW DID YOU START YOUR
BUSINESS?
Cousin. Shorts. All male. Rtw, col-
lege polsci then fine arts. Church-
mate. Gowns. Like I’ve said earlier,
my cousin put up a tailoring shop in
Our place, it’s from him that I learned

Sammy Amante Jr. how to cut and make shorts. My

Fashion Heirarchy
Text by Monalisa Chuang
Images Courtesy of Sammy Amante Jr.
friends saw and liked how it turned
out. And then I figured, if I can make
shorts, I can just make them longer
and make them pants. So I did that.
My friends liked it too, and I started
to have clients wherein they only
have to pay for the materials. It’s
alright with me, because then I was
able to practice and i started to feel
like I was catering to actual clients.
It was a good thing. I enjoyed what
I did while
They were satisfied with the results.
Clients referred to friends, who be-
came clients themselves, business
grew. I was about 16 to 17 years old
then.

26 27
 HOW WAS HIGHSCHOOL FOR
YOU?
I started making pants around third
year to fourth year high, clients kept
on coming, and that’s where most
of my vacant time went.. And as ex-
pected, my grades started to drop.
I became too preoccupied with this
and i didn’t notice that my academ-
ics were going down the drain.
HOW ABOUT COLLEGE?
Oh yes, that. I didn’t go to college
right away, i became too busy with
business. But after being able to ad-
just and find myself a seasmstress
to do most of the cutting and sew-
ing, I went back to school. I first took
up political science in ue, but then
i finally realized that it wasn’t really
for me. So i
Took up fine arts instead, major in
painting, in ue as well. Painting ac-
tually helped me put my designs
more accurately on paper.
WERE THERE OTHER THINGS
YOU WANTED TO DO OTHER
THAN BEING A FASHION DE-
SIGNER?
I tried political science, but i’m really
more into the arts, so.. I say no, not
really.
ANY MAJOR SETBACKS YOU’VE
EXPERIENCED ALONG THE
WAY?
Around the time that i went to col-
lege, the trend of ready to wear
pants also came about, but busi-
ness still went well, good thing
someone was already there to help
me keep it up while i go to school.
I can say that it somehow discour-
aged me in making pants alone,
but it never stopped me. With god,
there’s always a way.
HOW DID YOU START DESIGN-
ING GOWNS?
Like i said, with god, there’s always
a way. One of my churchmates was
getting married then, but they didn’t
have a lot of money. Knowing i have
a tailoring shop (it was just tailoring
then, i wasn’t yet making dresses),
she asked if i can make her wedding
dress. I obliged.
28
having only been paid enough for
the materials, i was able to make a
simple but elegant wedding dress
out of the 500-1000 peso budget.
It was only then that i tried mak-
ing women’s clothing, and a wed-
ding dress at that. God is really
good. That wedding dress was the
one that lead me into designing
gowns, dresses and the likes. and
in the past years, also with matching
handbags and shoes.
WHAT KINDS OF CLOTHES DO
YOU MAKE?
Gowns.. For brides and debutantes.
Dresses, party dresses, prom
dresses, suits.. You name it. As
long as the client wants it, and we
can give it,then we will. Client sat-
isfaction is top priority. Please your
neighbor, please God.
ACHIEVEMENTS?
I’m not really into joining contests
and such... So i think, this shop is
my greatest achievement so far.
And others: the things i’ve learned
through the years, and the smiles in
the faces of the clients i’ve pleased.
MASTERPIECE?
To me, every work is a masterpiece.
As i practice, i learn more, and i get
better--because i put your heart into
It. As long as the client appreciates
it, i can say that it is a masterpiece.
WHAT DRIVES YOU TO CREATE
NEW MASTERPIECES?
The satisfaction of my clients, and
the smiles on their faces.
HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH YOUR
CLIENTS AND THEIR DEMANDS?
I always make it a point to put my
client in the clothes i make--bits and
pieces of their personality and char-
acter. It’s hard to make a person,
anybody, wear something that is not
like them, it is somehow unbecom-
ing of their character in their part. I
also take into account their physical
appearance, the color of their skin,
their body type, and others. Things
they want to hide, and things they
want to flaunt. Of course, to make
them look their best in what they will
wear.
THINGS YOU’VE LEARNED IN
YOUR CRAFT THAT YOU CAN Angelo Miguel WHAT’S YOUR SPECIALTY?
Couture. I like it very much because
INCORPOATE IN YOUR DAILY
LIFE? Amante i can be as expressive and artistic
as i want. It focuses more on detail-
I’ve learned how to deal with people The Son ing and color; i can make it sophisti-
well, to do my best andtry to meet cated and strong, both at the same
their expectations, how to listen HOW OLD ARE YOU? time. I’m also fan of the victorian
and think of how to best create the I’m 18 years old. times, and shows in some of my
clothes that they truly want. And Designs.
also, that, as in life, there are pat- WHAT SCHOOL ARE YOU FROM?
terns in design and sewing. Here, it I went to the college of st. Catherine WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM
is the structure of the fabric and the for my high school education. THE INSTITUTE?
design, while in life, it is the word of I already know how to draw, so all i
god. HOW ABOUT COLLEGE? need to know is the basics on struc-
I just graduated from the fashion in- ture and construction. That’s what
DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER stitute of the philippines. they taught us there. As long as you
DREAMS THAT YOU STILL WANT know the basics, you would’nt have “As long as you have
TO ACHIEVE? WHEN DID YOU REALIZE THAT to worry about messing up thede-
Dreams? I do not yearn for fame THIS WAS WHAT YOU REALLY sign you have on your head any- the talent and the
anymore, that has passed my time. WANTED TO DO? more. I also don’t know how to sew.
Maybe, for my son. But for myself, i only did when i was already in my passion, why not? Go
i only want to be world class, and fourth year of high school. i already DO YOU HAVE PLANS ON CON-
to able to continue pleasing clients. liked drawing since i was a kid, i TINUING EDUCATION? for it.”
Also, a grand fashion show with my also learned digital art through the Yes, i plan on taking up textile tech-
son miguel. years, so.. it kind of made me more nology in up. Already provided. I can
certain that i really wanted to take practice at the shop. Dad even told
HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN up art, i just wasn’t so sure what us that my sister and i will take over
YOU FOUND OUT ABOUT YOUR course to take until senior year. in the future, she’s taking up
SON’S ARTISTIC TALENT AND business.
DESIRE TO GET INTO FASHION?
He already showed much potential
in drawing during his childhood.
Seeing him continue to draw and
love art growing up is no suprise.
But seeing him pursue this as his
path, is something else. I’ll support
him in whatever he wants to do, and
in any way i can, of course. And he’s
really good. I’m happy that he’s hap-
py with what he’s doing now. He just
graduated from a fashion school,
and he’s also starting to have his
own clients at the shop.
WORDS OF ADVICE?
Stay strong and keep his faith, con-
tinue in doing what he does, remain
patient and never cease to perse-
vere in doing and giving his best,
always.
29
 WHAT ADVANTAGES DO YOU
HAVE OVER THE EARLIER
GENERATION/S OF DESIGN-
ERS?
All i can say is we younger design-
ers have the edge of technology.

WHAT ARE YOUR ARTISTIC IN-

SPIRATIONS?
My designs are mostly computer
game inspired. Games such as gra-
nado espada, kingdom hearts,
Final fantasy and others including
japanese animations.

ACHIEVEMENTs?
Magazine features, like my dad,
fashion shows. Want to be famous
fashion designer, stable clothing
line rtw+ couture. I plan on joining
the philippine fashion week in june,
and then the mega young designers
next yearthat’s the plan.

SOMEWORDS FROM YOUR FA-

THER?
Just some advice on things related
to work, and life. Such as, to always
be thankful to god,
To never give up, to work hard to
achieve his dreams, and to not be
afraid to try.

STAND AS A YOUNG ARTIST

AND FASHION DESIGNER?

OCTOBER IS
There is still space for straight men
in the world of fashion. Like dad
said, As long as you have the tal-
ent and the passion, why not? Go

BREAST
for it. 8

CANCER
AWARENESS
MONTH.
JOIN THE CAUSE.

30 31
A RTS C E N E
MASTERS OF MONEYOBRA
The artist Cathy Lasang beside her creation, “Humaling.”
Daniel Aligaen’s paintings at the corner,
Malyn Bonayog’s paintings with installa-
tion of photos, and Josue Mangrobang’s
painting and video installation.
32
Text by Alyosha Robillos
Images courtesy of The Artery Manila
From the unspoken to laying out the cards
as plainly as possible, moneyobra boldly
reiterates the not-so-obvious to those
whose view of art remains untainted by the
power that lies in the hands of its players:
art molds and is molded in return.
The wordplay alone gives the audience a
taste of the excessive display of manipu-
lation in all art forms. For instance, in the
visual arts, this is made possible by differ-
ent powers embodied by people in the art
scene such as gallerists, artists, curators,
critiques, patrons and the like.
Moneyobra is a non-selling art exhibit-cum-
social experiment that effectively illus-
trates its hypothesis—that the makers and
takers of something as pure and raw as art
generally maneuver themselves through a
man-made “food chain” for the sake of per-
sonal gain. The concept was proven by the
removal of one of the most essential parts
of commercial art—profit.
Artists Daniel Aligaen, Marc Arcamo, Anton
Balao, Malyn Bonayog, Buen Calubayan,
Farley Del Rosario, Robert Deniega, Antho-
ny Fermin, Cathy Lasam, Josue Mangro-
bang, Roel Obemio, Jill Psadas and Jomike
Tejido delighted art aficionados and enthu-
siasts alike with works that sprung from
the same question: “What would you paint
of this were your last exhibit?”
Farley Del Rosario with his masterpiece.
33
Josue Manrobang with his installation art.

This resulted in the meshing and clashing of

the artists’ ideologies and emotions, some
easily understood and others, not quite.

Mangrobang’s installation art is a fusion of

the old school and the modern, with a wa-
tercolor-on-paper piece perpendicularly set
against an interactive LCD screen. Connect- One of the quotes that inspired the
ed to a video camera strategically attached exhibit presented as installation.
to the ceiling, the work titled “Omnipresent”
allowed viewers to see themselves peering
into the screen.

Meanwhile, Lasam’s “Humalig” featured a

relief paper sculpture paired with its detailed
close-up which was intricately painted by
the artist. Audiences lauded the precision of
the artist in capturing the enlarged image of
her three-dimensional piece.

Del Rosario veered away from the expected

paint-on-canvas and surprised audiences
with “Arielle’s Teddies,” a grouping of six
wooden teddy bears made vibrant through
oil paint and hung high on a white wall. The
artist brought the carvings to life by creating
individual personalities and identities for Brilliant is the curator’s trick of presenting
each teddy and this was captured through illumination that appears to penetrate the
his distinct naïf style. opaque panel by installing hidden fluores-
Not only a feast for the eyes, but an artful cent light exposing a history of exhibits --
celebration of the workings of the human holes, patches, and all.
mind as well, moneyobra proved that in
art, there are absolutely no norms because
when someone tries to break the mold, the
psyche allows it to withstand the blow.

Moneyobra opened last Septemer 29 and

will run until October 12, 2010 at the Mega-
mall Art Center. 8

Exhibit title
and duration
on the ramp.

34 35
A RTS C E N E
OUT OF THIS WORLD
Text by Alyosha Robillos
Images Courtesy of The Artery Manila
Reality check: superhero powers and mystical
creatures do not exist but artists always find a
way around the normal and when this happens,
the outcome of their passion and tedious work
result in something no less than the unbeliev-
able.
Two of the most promising up and coming art-
ists at present, Daniel Aligaen and Marc Ar-
camo, participated in a two-man show under a
larger-than-life theme in “If Flux Could Kill”, an
art exhibit currently on view at the Looking for
Juan arts pace (formerly 1/of Gallery) in Seren-
dra, Bonfacio Global City.
Focusing on going against the natural flow or
course of things, the artists redefined what for
them has been, what is and what isn’t through
pieces that perfectly captured the permanence
of change despite its many faces.
Daniel Aligaen mastered the art of distress this
time around, instilling in his paintings a worn-
out vibe that would have taken years for time
to have accomplished on its own. His works
were a combination of the surreal and the real,
with hints of pop art here and there. Despite all
of the pieces being part of his 2010 collection,
the canvasses appeared to be torn, cracked,
creased and grazed, as if they were antique im-
ages or perhaps, one of the vandalized walls of
a run-down building.
Aligaen’s “555” featured a faded human face
donning a reptile tongue and a red-eyed tarsier
with insect-like antennas attached to its fore-
head and a smirk plastered on its comical face.
In bold red, Japanese characters were strewn
across the bottom part of the piece, oddly com-
plimenting the tiny, black and white pin-up girl
cutout resting on the faded face’s head.
55555 by Daniel aligaen
36
A sick and pale yellow hue served as the back-
ground, ladened with miniscule black clouds on
top and random patterns on the side and at the
bottom.
His seemingly stolid self-portrait was no less
striking and haunting. Vivid and full of life, the
face of the artist left the underlying and the
unsaid veiled with a stoic expression. The red
tinge he used on his face served as the sudden
pop of color, complimenting and contrasting
the dark background and the random elements
placed all over the canvass such as a black
and white pin-up girl cutout set in a provocative
pose and a zebra with a serpent tongue.
Arcamo’s pieces of the other hand, went be-
yond random which was both invigorating and
terrifying, in a sense. Veering towards the un-
known and the seemingly uncontrollable, faces
of women and various patterns were all over the
works with each piece loaded with elements.
Even the colors seemed to be in a perpetual un-
rest, undecided whether they were to be mono-
chromatic or not. The artworks could have been
pictures of another realm or maybe something
that refuses to be real but sits in the deepest of
the human id.
Some may find the works displayed in “If Flux
Could Kill” strange but in art, one should re-
member that it only disappoints only those who
allow themselves to be and sometimes, a dose
of the extraordinary is what would wake up a
tired soul.
*the show runs until October 17, 2010. 8
37
555 by Daniel Aligaen IN FULL VIEW by Mark Arcamo

IF
FLUX
COULD
KILL

38 39
 Some of Monette’s artworks.

PROFILE

MONETTE
DIZON
MESH took five minutes of the
Architecture-student-slash-artist’s
time to ask some questions.

Produced by Erika Dizon

WHEN DID YOU DISCOVER THAT
YOU HAD A KNACK FOR THE
ARTS?
When I started oil painting with my Un-
cle Nick in second grade. He said I had
the potential to paint.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST ARTWORK?

My next project.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE

TO ASPIRING ARTISTS?
Love what you are doing. Share your
passion with other people and artists
and help them build up their dreams.

ANY FAVORITE ARTISTS?

Claude Monet. He didn’t follow the art
of his culture and just followed his own
style, making him unique and different
from the other artists and gave a new
genre to art.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE

YOUR WORKS? WHAT IS YOUR
TRADEMARK?
Doodles and sketches.

WHERE DO YOU DRAW YOUR

INSPIRATION?
Things I see in the net like sketches
and pop arts. 8

40 OCTOBER 2010
PINGER by Buen Calabayan