Disney’s only licensed Filipino artist stages one-man show in Manila

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The Fine Art of Rodel Gonzalez, a Manila Art Show grand exhibition for the first and only Filipino artist officially licensed to paint Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars artworks, finally lands in the Philippines. The exhibition will be held at COLLAB Sheraton Manila Hotel at Newport World Resorts on June 3, 2023 at 5pm. Gonzalez’ grand exhibition follows a string of international sold out shows in the US and Japan. Manila Art Show presents opportunities for the Filipino public, art collectors, and the media to appreciate these works of art up close or even bring home a piece from the collection.

The Manila Art Show of Rodel Gonzalez is presented by Newport World Resorts and Sheraton Manila Hotel. The collection is curated and organized by Kartini Asia Gallery with special participation of Uniquecorn Strategies.

“It is high time that an international Filipino artist, at the caliber of Rodel Gonzalez, becomes well known in this country”, quips Newport World Resorts President and CEO Kingson Sian.

Gonzalez was first accredited by Disney 15 years ago in 2008 to reproduce the media giant’s iconic characters and scenarios through his paintings. Known for his dry-brush technique and having a keen eye for color, form, and composition, his detailed artworks have been sold across Disney Theme Parks, Cruise Lines, and art galleries in Japan, North America, and Europe.

“We are proud that the works of Rodel Gonzalez have found a home within Newport World Resorts,” Sian adds. As a premier lifestyle and entertainment destination, Newport World Resorts champions Filipino artists and the performing arts through various initiatives including the long-running, all-Filipino hit musical “Ang Huling El Bimbo”, a brainchild of Sian’s.

The Manila Art Show will display and auction off over a hundred art pieces featuring popular Star Wars characters Yoda, the Stormtroopers, Darth Vader; Marvel Cinematic Universe fan favorites: Iron Man and Spiderman; and Disney princesses Elsa, Cinderella, and many others. The paintings are done in varying sizes and mediums, such as Acrylic on Black Paper, Acrylic on Canvas, Acrylic on Gesso Board, Oil on Canvas, Oil on Gesso Board, Oil on Aluminum, and Giclee on Canvas.

For inquiries, please contact Ria Malvar at riamalvar@yahoo.com or 09266899014 or 8771717 and Kathryn Joy Jeruta kathryn.jeruta@newportworldresorts.com or 09178728586.

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ABOUT RODEL GONZALEZ

Rodel Gonzalez is born into a family of artists, which catalyzed his early exposure to many forms of art through the teachings of his father, Rick Gonzalez, and grandfather, Felix Gonzalez, then both painters. At the age of nine, Gonzalez’s passion for arts began to flourish as he delved into learning its elements and principles. Gonzalez academically reinforced his knowledge of art as he majored in painting at the University of Sto Tomas and earned a degree in Interior Design from the Philippines School of Interior Design.

The artistry he’s been enriching at a young age found its favor in the field of music. In 1985, Gonzalez co-founded the premiere OPM band, Side A, that amassed various hit songs and brought the band to its icon status today. For decades, Gonzalez wielded his creative skills in music as a songwriter and former lead vocalist of the band.

With enthusiasm to establish a more profound way to express art, in 2002 Gonzalez pursued Fine Arts that later put him in an exclusive and international position as a licensed Disney and Lucas Films artist in 2008.

The Manila Art Show of Rodel Gonzalez is presented by Newport World Resorts at COLLAB 2F Sheraton Manila Hotel. The collection is curated and organized by Nina Malvar, President and CEO of Kartini Asia Gallery with special participation of Uniquecorn Strategies. Kartini Asia Gallery is located at the Palms Country Club in Alabang.

Clara Benin joins Sony Music Entertainment’s new Southeast Asian label ‘OFFMUTE’

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Sony Music Entertainment announced today the launch of OFFMUTE – a new pan-regional label focused on championing new and emerging Southeast Asian talent by drawing on the combined experience of Sony Music’s entire Southeast Asian team.

 OFFMUTE offers emerging artists from across all genres a dedicated platform to pursue their own creative vision and reach audiences across Southeast Asia

New artists on board include acclaimed Philippine singer-songwriter Clara Benin, Indonesian alt-pop sensation Mezzaluna and Malaysian recording star liesl-mae

OFFMUTE gives emerging recording artists across all genres an opportunity to develop their own music and follow their creative vision. The new label will support Southeast Asian artists in amplifying their music and building a strong pan-regional audience base through enhanced promotional, marketing and artist development, drawn from Sony Music's global expertise and resources.

“OFFMUTE is a first-of-its-kind label in this part of the world, embracing the eclectic appeal and rich diversity that Southeast Asia has to offer, empowering artists with the resources and expertise to find success in a diverse region,” said Shridhar Subramaniam, President, Strategy and Market Development, Asia and Middle East, Sony Music Entertainment. “That offering is compelling for a new generation of artists in the region and we’re excited to help these artists fulfil their potential in the years to come.”

Ariel Fung, Executive Vice President, Sony Music Southeast Asia, expresses his enthusiasm on the label’s attempt to solidify its foothold in the global music industry. “I am so excited to see the launch of OFFMUTE which embraces different genres of artists with their unique culture and style, and with the potential of cross-border success.”

 

NEW OFFMUTE ARTISTS FROM PHILIPPINES, INDONESIA AND MALAYSIA

OFFMUTE also announced today three new signings for the label: acclaimed Philippine singer-songwriter Clara Benin; Indonesian alt-pop sensation Mezzaluna; and Malaysian recording star liesl-mae.

An acclaimed singer-songwriter in the Philippines, Clara Benin is renowned for her captivating songs that blend unspoken ruminations with commitment and depth. Amassing more than 25 million streams on combined music platforms Spotify and YouTube, Benin frequently headlines local and international music festivals, and won multiple awards including Wishclusive Contemporary Folk Performance of the Year for her song “I Rose up Slowly”.

Roslyn Pineda, General Manager, Sony Music Philippines, speaks of Benin’s potential to leave a mark with the international audience. “When my team and I discussed the vision for OFFMUTE, we immediately thought Clara Benin embodied what the label was all about,” Pineda reveals. “And it’s great that the other markets think so too.  With a Southeast Asian team supporting her, we’re thrilled that Clara’s moving vocals and introspective songwriting will reach new audiences across the region.”

Another addition to the OFFMUTE family is Mezzaluna, a talented and gifted singer-songwriter based in Indonesia who comes from a strong musical lineage and quickly emerged as a standout artist with incredible achievements in her own right. With deep, soulful vocals and an intensely personal storytelling style, the 20-year-old alt-pop sensation marks her journey as a solo star capable of delivering inspiring and powerful songs with a universal reach. She will be releasing her debut single this year, which OFFMUTE will be amplifying across the region.

Malaysia’s liesl-mae completes the record label’s wide-ranging selection of music acts. Making waves in the Malaysian music scene with her soothing, almost-lullaby-like tunes, the recording star will now see her talent showcased across Southeast Asia through OFFMUTE. She plans to release her own music and collaborate with other artists under the new label, as well as harness her newfound platform to advocate for mental health education and awareness.

DOT chief visits Baguio City, touts cultural tourism with creative crawls

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The Department of Tourism (DOT) touts cultural tourism in Baguio as it remains optimistic that initiatives such as the Ibagíw Festival will sustain the treasured traditions and art forms of the city.  

 Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat at the Baguio Convention Center with National Artist for Film Kidlat Tahimik. Photo courtesy of Denison G. Manuel

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said that the DOT will continue to promote Baguio as a creative city and support its development for arts and culture. The move to highlight Baguio’s cultural tourism comes as the city celebrates Ibagiw 2020, a month-long creative festival that showcases its rich and vibrant culture and history. 

“Baguio is more than just its natural wonders, and we want more Filipinos to rediscover what UNESCO designated as a Creative City for Crafts and Folk Arts. Initiatives like Ibagiw will certainly help revive tourism in the region and jumpstart the local economy,” said Secretary Puyat. 

Puyat visited Baguio to see Ibagiw 2020’s highlights such as its lineup of creative crawls and series of tours that showcase Baguio’s artistic and cultural heritage sites. 

She added, "Experiencing the Ibagiw 2020 festival ensures the bright future of Baguio’s creative economy while keeping its traditions and art forms alive.” 

She began the tour at the newly-refurbished Baguio Convention Center, with an ongoing exhibit called “Interlinked.” The Tourism Secretary personally met with National Artist for Film Kidlat Tahimik who created pieces that explore themes of “community, collective memory, personal and cultural identity, environmental activism, social commentary, contemporary society, humor, and local color" together with local artists.  

On the spot weaving at the Sunshine Park for the Art in the Park Opening Ceremony.

She also visited the Art in the Park at Sunshine Park to witness different activities such as spot painting by local visual artists, craft demonstrations by local artisans such as textile-weaving and wood-carving, and a photo exhibit of native plants in the Philippines.

Local artists showcase their artworks at Sunshine Park for the Art in the Park Opening. The exhibit will run until November 30, 2020.

Meanwhile, those who want to participate in the crawl can explore the Mirador Hill, a nine-hectare Jesuit property that offers breathtaking views of Baguio and Benguet’s breathtaking views. This is followed by a trip to the BenCab Museum where works of the national artist for Visual Arts Benedicto Cabrera, other Filipino masters, and rising contemporary creatives are exhibited.

National Artist for Visual Arts Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera spearheads the Wood Carving Competition held at BenCab Museum

Another itinerary that is part of the creative crawl is Ili-Likha Artists Village, the brainchild of Kidlat Tahimik. Built around trees redesigned with recycled materials, the village showcases artistic works, and serves as an inspiration hub for local and emerging artists. 

This is followed by a trip to the Mandeko Kito Artisanal Market, an arts and crafts fair organized by the University of the Philippines Baguio, to feature local talent in the Cordillera Region. Lastly, guests will visit the Museo Kordilyera, the first ethnographic museum in the northern part of the country. Its collection includes works that celebrate the regional culture and the heritage. 

DOT’s support of Baguio’s rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship in wood carving, silver craft, weaving, tattooing, and more could help support the livelihood of locals and help the city recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

“The pandemic has brought on challenges for everyone, especially those working in the tourism industry. Creative crawls bring guests to places they may not have visited before, thus supporting more locals. This means no one gets left behind as we rebuild tourism,” shares Puyat.

Those who wish to go to Baguio after Ibagiw 2020 can still experience the creative crawl through accredited tour operators. 

For more information about the Philippines, visit app.philippines.travel.

“2020” Agents of Change: 10 Artists Supporting Artists

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Art enthusiasts Giorgio Guglielmino and Hugo Bunzl in partnership with The Drawing Room, launched an art project celebrating Filipino talent. They produced a portfolio titled “2020” containing 10 original photographs each numbered and signed by ten of the most talented artists/photographers in the Philippines. The portfolio, in an edition of 33 copies, will be sold through the Drawing Room Gallery and with the sales, five Filipino artists will receive each one a grant of PHP 300,000. The five awardees will be chosen by an independent panel among the names that each artist participating in the project will submit.

 

With the collaboration of Angel Velasco Shaw and the facilities of Pioneer Studios for the production, the works in the portfolio tackle the unique struggles Filipinos are facing during the current health crisis and represent an insight on the works of the following participating artists:

At Maculangan – One of the most respected photographers in the country, Maculangan is known for his crisply shot portraits and beautifully lit interiors.

Gina Osterloh – Osterloh is a conceptual artist who uses photography to question one’s notion of identity and is well known in the international art community.

Kawayan de Guia – Known for his unique and bold style, de Guia is known for his ability to transform seemingly unrelated objects into one seamless picture.

Kiri Dalena – Dalena is well-recognized in the international art community for her works on Philippine history, politics, and social justice.

Manny Montelibano – Montelibano’s work is always subtle in its expression of the psychology of contemporary socio-political and religious structures.

Neal Oshima – Oshima’s works cover a wide range of subjects, yet all carry his signature style of expressiveness and storytelling.

Paul Pfeiffer – An internationally applauded visual artist, Pfeiffer is known for his use of modern technology to create nuanced art pieces.

Poklong Anading – This contemporary artist likes to assume the role of observer in his images that explore fact and memory.

Wawi Navarroza – A multi-awarded contemporary artist, Navarroza’s works often delve into Self and how life often meets art in strange ways.

Yason Banal – Banal is a multimedia artist who uses his work to explore hidden meanings within common images.

For more information about the exhibition project, please email: ailene@a-listconsulting.com.