Yahoo launches Celebrity Awards 2014 unveiled the 140 nominees across 28 categories, Media Magnet now is Marian Rivera

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Filipino stars and fans gear up for the most popular awards in the country. 

Formerly titled OMG! Awards, Yahoo Philippines launch the Yahoo Celebrity Awards 2014 and announced the nominees.

Yahoo Celebrity Awards  honors Philippines’ celebrities from the fields of movies, music, radio and television, who are voted into the top ranks by their fans from across the world. This is the fourth consecutive year of Yahoo Celebrity Awards, which are not only the most popular awards program in the country but also uniquely “Powered by You” - as fans have the exclusive power to vote their favorite stars in.

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This year’s Media Magnet, Marian Rivera graced the launch of Yahoo Celebrity Awards 2014 held at Amber in Bonifacio Global City yesterday June 4. 

TV and radio personalities Christian Bautista, Emmy Gaite Tiñana (Nicole Hyala), Alden Richards, Rocco Nacino, Bea Binene, Ritz Azul, Klarisse de Guzman, Kaye Abad, and Janella Salvador were there too. Internet celebrities Ramon Bautista, cager Jeron Teng, and Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago were also present.

The Yahoo Celebrity Awards for this year includes 140 nominees across 28 categories – with ten new categories added especially given the emerging trends in the entertainment industry. The event gives users a chance to vote for their favorite stars on Yahoo Celebrity and see them up-close and personal during a star-studded, glamorous evening. 

Fans can also request for performances by their favorite stars at the gala awards ceremony that will take place on July 18.

Commenting at the launch, Kate Delos Reyes, Country Manager and Country Editor of Yahoo Philippines said “Yahoo Celebrity Awards honors not only the Pinoy stars but also the fans who propel them to stardom. We put the fans front and center because they fuel the engine of the entertainment industry. In the last three years, Celebrity Awards has earned overwhelming response from the audience, a testament to how much we Filipinos love our celebrities.”

This year’s Celebrity Awards includes ten exciting new additions to the existing classic categories: Celebrity Couple, Celebrity Family, Male and Female Hothletes, Band of the Year, Male and Female ‘Kontrabida’, Emerging Band, Song of the Year and Social Media Star.

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And more special this year's  Yahoo Celebrity Awards is the new ‘Yahoo-On-the-Road’ bus, which will be touring schools showcasing nominees of the Band of the Year and Emerging Band categories. The bus is fully geared for fans to engage with the bands, cast their votes and request performances. 

Mike Constantino, Country Sales Director added, “The immense popularity of the Yahoo Celebrity Awards makes it an effective platform with a wide reach, for advertisers to engage their audience both online and on-ground. We are happy to partner with the leading brands in their categories to deliver some of the most sought after entertainment content generated through the Celebrity Awards to Yahoo users in Philippines.” 

Commenting on the name change of the Awards, Nitin Mathur, Senior Director, Marketing, APAC, said, “After three successful editions the Yahoo OMG! Awards have been renamed as Yahoo Celebrity Awards this year. These awards are an extension of the Yahoo Celebrity site and what it stands for – rich, exciting content for entertainment enthusiasts. We believe the new name better reflects what the Awards stand for, and we are confident that fans in Philippines will show their overwhelming support for the awards this year around too.”

Voting is finally on! The Yahoo Celebrity Awards is officially open! Vote for your favorite celebrities until July 12, 12 noon.

Yahoo encourages all fans to vote for their favorite celebrities at yahoo.com.ph/celebrityawards. Voting opens now until July 12, 2014. Users can follow the awards on Twitter at @yahooph #YahooAwards and “Like” the Yahoo Philippines Facebook page. 

Find more on Yahoo Celebrity. 

Yahoo Celebrity Awards rolls out the purple carpet for you on July 18 at Mall of Asia Arena. Grab your free tickets at SM Tickets. 

The Yahoo Celebrity Awards is supported by leading brands in Philippines, including McDonald’s, KakaoTalk, PLDT HOME Bro Ultera, JAG Jeans and Emperador Light. 

Maleficent has shot to top of the World Box Office & took $70 Million in the US, making it Jolie's biggest opening

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“Maleficent,” Walt Disney’s special-effects laden take on “Sleeping Beauty’s” wicked fairy mother, captivated moviegoers, collecting $70 million in ticket sales to win the North American weekend box office stakes.

The movie starring Angelina Jolie as the black-robed villain finished far ahead of last week’s winner, “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” which took $32.6 million at US and Canadian theaters.

Seth MacFarlane’s western comedy “A Million Ways to Die in the West” was third with $17.1 million for the three days from Friday to Sunday, according to box office tracking firm Rentrak.

Produced for $180 million, “Maleficent” received mixed reviews but opened strongly with $4.2 million on Thursday night and conjured up more than 80 percent of advance ticket sales for the weekend, according to movie ticketing site Fandango.

"Maleficent," Walt Disney's special-effects laden take on "Sleeping Beauty's" wicked fairy mother, captivated moviegoers, collecting $70 million in ticket sales to win the North American weekend box office stakes. The film is the latest in a line of reimagined classics, following "Alice in Wonderland" in 2010 and "Oz the Great and Powerful" in 2013.

Dave Hollis, head of distribution for Walt Disney Studios, noting it hoped for an opening of around $60 million. “Maleficent” took in another $100 at overseas box offices.

“We’re very excited with this start.” Hollis also said momentum built through weekend on positive word of mouth. With schools beginning to let out and a “general absence of family product in this marketplace,” Disney was optimistic for the film continuing its strong performance.

Angelina Jolie as Maleficent, with her daughter Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, portraying Young Aurora, in a scene from “Maleficent.” (Photo AP)

Actress Angelina Jolie said that she was thrilled her latest film "Maleficent", a modern retelling of the life of Sleeping Beauty's arch-nemesis, had debuted at the top of the box office.

Christian Bautista, Karylle host 2014 PhilStage Gawad Buhay

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Singers-TV personalities-Musical Theater stars Christian Bautista and Karylle reunite to host the 2014 Philstage Gawad Buhay for the Performing Arts Awards Night this June 6, Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino, Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Christian Bautista and Karylle headlined musicals West Side Story, Rama Hari, and Cinderella. They were also the stars of international TV musical The Kitchen Musical, which aired over 20 countries around the world.

Christian and Karylle also starred in numerous shows here and abroad, and were perennial partners in ASAP before. They also did a few TV specials together.

Philstage is the only alliance of professional performing arts organizations in the Philippines. Its members include Ballet Manila, Ballet Philippines, Gantimpala Theater Foundation, Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit, Peta, Repertory Philippines, Tanghalang Pilipino, Trumpets, Actor’s Actors Inc., 9 Works Theatrical and Philippine Opera Company.

Gawad Buhay, considered the local Tony Awards as it honors all the best stage performances for the year, will feature excerpts from last year's best musicals as well as ballets.

This year, Philstage will give a lifetime achievement award to Naty Crame Rogers, the first lady of Philippine Theater and Basilio Esteban Villaruz for Dance and Arts Criticism. 

GAWAD BUHAY! COMPLETE LIST OF NOMINATIONS

Outstanding Original Script 

No nomination

Outstanding Original Libretto

• Nicolas Pichay, “Rock Supremo” (BP)

• Layeta Bucoy, “Sandosenang Sapatos” (TP)

• Jaime del Mundo, “The Bluebird of Happiness” (Trumpets)

• Rody Vera, “D’Wonder Twins of Boac” (Peta)

• Rody Vera, “Ibalong” (TP)

Outstanding Translation or Adaptation

• Rody Vera, “Der Kaufmann” (TP)

Outstanding Musical Direction

• Sweet Plantado-Tiongson and Joseph Tolentino, “Grease” (9 Works Theatrical)

• Only Torres, “The Producers” (Rep)

• Rony Fortich, “The Bluebird of Happiness” (Trumpets)

• Carol Bello, “Ibalong” (TP)

• Josefino “Chino” Toledo, “San Andres B” (Tanghalang Pilipino)

Outstanding Original Musical Composition

• Josefino “Chino” Toledo, “San Andres B” (TP)

• Carol Bello, “Ibalong” (TP)

• Noel Cabangon and Jed Balsamo, “Sandosenang Sapatos” (TP)

• Rony Fortich, “The Bluebird of Happiness” (Trumpets)

• Jeff Hernandez, “D’Wonder Twins of Boac” (Peta)

Outstanding Choreography for a Dance Production 

• Edna Vida Froilan, “A Christmas Carol” (BP)

• Carlo Pacis, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (BP)

• Gerard Francisco (“Ang Palasyo ng Mga Duwende”) and Osias Barroso and Michael Divinagracia (“Anting-Anting”), “Tatlo Pang Kuwento ni Lola Basyang” (BM)

Outstanding Choreography for a Play or Musical 

• Arnold Trinidad and Francis Matheu, “Grease” (9WT)

• Carlon Matobato, “D’Wonder Twins of Boac” (Peta)

• Nancy Crowe, “The Bluebird of Happiness” (Trumpets)

• Alden Lugnasin, “Ibalong” (TP)

Outstanding Costume Design 

• Raven Ong, “Alice in Wonderland” (Rep)

• Raven Ong, “Boeing, Boeing” (Rep)

• Mio Infante, “The Bluebird of Happiness” (Trumpets)

• Tuxqs Rutaquio, “Der Kaufmann” (TP)

• Leeroy New, “Ibalong” (TP)

Outstanding Lighting Design 

• John Batalla, “The Bluebird of Happiness” (Trumpets)

• John Batalla, “Der Kaufmann” (TP)

• Jay Aranda, “San Andres B” (TP)

• Jolu Escaño, “Red” (Actor’s Actors, Inc.)

• John Batalla, “The Graduate” (Rep)

Outstanding Sound Design 

• Jeff Hernandez, “D’Wonder Twins of Boac” (Peta)

• Dodo Lim, “Red” (AAI)

• Rards Corpus, “The Bluebird of Happiness” (Trumpets)

• TJ Ramos, “Der Kaufmann” (TP)

• TJ Ramos, “Ibalong” (TP)

Outstanding Set Design

• Mio Infante, “The Graduate” (Rep)

• Gino Gonzales, “Alice in Wonderland” (Rep)

• Damien Anne and Baby Imperial-Anne, “Red” (AAI)

• Lex Marcos, “D’Wonder Twins of Boac” (Peta)

• Mio Infante, “The Bluebird of Happiness” (Trumpets)

Female Lead Performance in a Play

• Regina de Vera, “Der Kaufmann” (TP)

Male Lead Performance in a Play

• Bart Guingona, “Red” (AAI)

• Reb Atadero, “The Graduate” (Rep)

• Jonathan Tadioan, “Der Kaufmann” (TP)

Female Featured Performance in a Play

• Carla Dunareanu, “Boeing, Boeing” (Rep)

• Raquel Pareño, “Der Kaufmann” (TP)

Male Featured Performance in a Play

• Joaquin Valdes, “Red” (AAI)

• Joe Gruta, “Kanser” (Gantimpala Theater Foundation)

• Lou Veloso, “Der Kaufmann” (TP)

• Marco Viaña, “Der Kaufmann” (TP)

Female Lead Performance in a Musical

• Jenine Disederio, “Ibalong” (TP)

• Trixie Esteban, “Sandosenang Sapatos” (TP)

• Nikki Gil, “They’re Playing Our Song” (9WT)

• Chimmi Kohchet-Chua, “The Bluebird of Happiness” (Trumpets)

• Cris Villonco, “D’Wonder Twins of Boac” (Peta)

Male Lead Performance in a Musical 

• Gian Magdangal, “Grease” (9WT)

• Robbie Zialcita, “The Producers” (Rep)

• Audie Gemora, “No Way to Treat a Lady” (Rep)

• Lawrence Martinez, “They’re Playing Our Song” (9WT)

• Anton Posadas, “The Bluebird of Happiness” (Trumpets)

Female Featured Performance in a Musical 

• Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino, “D’Wonder Twins of Boac” (Peta)

• Pinky Marquez, “No Way to Treat a Lady” (Rep)

• Bituin Escalante, “Alice in Wonderland” (Rep)

• Lynn Sherman, “The Bluebird of Happiness” (Trumpets)

• G Töngi-Walters, “The Producers” (Rep)

Male Featured Performance in a Musical 

• Audie Gemora, “The Producers” (Rep)

• Noel Rayos, “The Producers” (Rep)

• Joel Trinidad, “The Producers” (Rep)

• Joel Trinidad, “The Bluebird of Happiness” (Trumpets)

• Cheeno Macaraig, “Ibalong” (TP)

Female Lead Performance in Modern Dance 

• Katherine Trofeo, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (BP)

• Kris-Belle Paclibar, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (BP)

• Carissa Adea, “Rock Supremo” (BP)

• Joan Emery Sia, “Tatlo Pang Kuwento ni Lola Basyang” (BM)

• Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, “Tatlo Pang Kuwento ni Lola Basyang” (BM)

Male Lead Performance in Modern Dance

• Nonoy Froilan, “A Christmas Carol” (BP)

• Cyril Fallar, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (BP)

• Richardson Yadao, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (BP)

• Richardson Yadao, “Rock Supremo” (BP)

• Michael Divinagracia, “Tatlo Pang Kuwento ni Lola Basyang” (BM)

Female Featured Performance in Modern Dance 

• Guia Gequinto, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (BP)

• Monica Gana, “Rock Supremo” (BP)

• Jan Erika Basilio, “Tatlo Pang Kuwento ni Lola Basyang” (BM)

• Missy Macuja Elizalde, “Tatlo Pang Kuwento ni Lola Basyang” (BM)

Male Featured Performance in Modern Dance

• Jean Marc Cordero, “A Christmas Carol” (BP)

• Richardson Yadao, “A Christmas Carol” (BP)

• Earl John Arisola, “Rock Supremo” (BP)

• Jean Marc Cordero, “Rock Supremo” (BP)

• Victor Maguad, “Rock Supremo” (BP)

Female Lead Performance in Classical Dance

• Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, “Le Corsaire” (BM)

• Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, The “Nutcracker” (BM)

• Dawna Mangahas in “The Nutcracker” (BM)

• Denise Parungao, “Giselle” (BP)

• Katherine Trofeo, “Giselle” (BP)

Male Lead Performance in Classical Dance

• Mikhail Martinyuk, “La Bayadere” (BM)

• Rudy de Dios, “The Nutcracker” (BM)

• Earl John Arisola, “Giselle” (BP)

• Jean Marc Cordero, “Giselle” (BP)

Female Featured Performance in Classical Dance

• Jan Erika Basilio, “Le Corsaire” (BM)

• Dawna Mangahas “Le Corsaire” (BM)

• Jessa Balote, “The Nutcracker” (BM)

• Missy Macuja Elizalde, “The Nutcracker” (BM)

• Rita Winder, “Giselle” (BP)

Male Featured Performance in Classical Dance

• Francis Cascaño, “Le Corsaire” (BM)

• Gerardo Francisco Jr., “Le Corsaire” (BM)

Outstanding Modern Dance Production

• “A Christmas Carol” (BP)

• “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (BP)

• “Tatlo Pang Kuwento ni Lola Basyang” (BM)

Outstanding Classical Dance Production

• “Le Corsaire” (BM)

• “The Nutcracker” (BM)

Outstanding Stage Direction for a Play or Musical

• Robbie Guevarra, “Grease” (9WT)

• Bart Guingona, “Red” (AAI)

• Maribel Legarda, “D’Wonder Twins of Boac” (Peta)

• Jaime del Mundo, “The Bluebird of Happiness” (Trumpets)

• Tuxqs Rutaquio and Rody Vera, “Der Kaufmann” (TP)

Outstanding Ensemble Performance for a Play

• “Red” (AAI)

• “Der Kaufmann” (TP)

Outstanding Ensemble Performance for a Musical

• “Grease” (9WT)

• “D’Wonder Twins of Boac” (Peta)

• “Ibalong” (TP)

• “The Producers” (Rep)

• “The Bluebird of Happiness” (Trumpets)

Outstanding Ensemble Performance for Modern Dance

• “A Christmas Carol” (BP)

• “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (BP)

• “Tatlo Pang Kuwento ni Lola Basyang” (BM)

Outstanding Ensemble Performance for Classical Dance

• “Giselle” (BP)

• “Le Corsaire” (BM)

• “The Nutcracker” (BM)

Outstanding Production of Existing Material for a Play

• “Red” (AAI)

• “Der Kaufmann” (TP)

Outstanding Production of Existing Material for a Musical 

• “Grease” (9WT)

• “They’re Playing Our Song” (9WT)

• “The Producers” (Rep)

Outstanding Production for Children—Play, Musical or Dance

• “Tatlo Pang Kuwento ni Lola Basyang” (BM)

• “A Christmas Carol” (BP)

• “Alice in Wonderland” (Rep)

• “Sandosenang Sapatos” (TP)

• “The Bluebird of Happiness” (Trumpets)

Outstanding Original Play

No nomination

Outstanding Original Musical

• “D’Wonder Twins of Boac” (Peta)

• “The Bluebird of Happiness” (Trumpets)

• “Sandosenang Sapatos” (TP)

• “Ibalong” (TP)

How to stay looking fresh, blooming, and effortlessly beautiful throughout the day? Get an instant glowing skin with Myra VitaGlow BB Cream

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Most of us women, taking care of ourselves will be succeed both at home and at work with an effortless, confident style, especially when it comes to health and beauty. Our style is all about the most stunning blooms and effortless beauty.

There are easy techniques can help simplify and minimize weekday stress – with just a few minutes of preparation to be beautiful, relaxed and feminine, to stay looking fresh, blooming, and effortlessly beautiful throughout the day.

I love the look of an effortless beauty. Women use a really good moisturizer and/or primer, concealers and powders in all the best shades that work well with your skin tone, and then they blend and blend and blend and when you think it’s all blended, they blend some more. Highlighters, light reflectors, shimmers, concealers, bb creams, blushers and shadows are the last thing you’ll be thinking about as natural.

I start by using Myra VitaGlow BB Cream, the perfect product for modern girls and even for the working moms on the go who need to look gorgeous in a flash. This radiance-boosting tube is packed with multi-benefits for your skin that allow you to combine the prettifying power of skincare and makeup.

     It’s moisturizing. This lightweight cream hydrates your skin to keep it soft and supple.

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It contains skin-enhancing minerals. Staying late at the office? Use this unique BB cream to add a natural, glowing finish to your skin! You’ll love how the subtle, light-reflecting shimmers in this cream will make you look like you’ve got a lit-from-within glow.

You can use it as concealer. Just pat an extra layer of Myra VitaGlow BB Cream to camouflage dark spots and blemishes.

It’s also has sunscreen. The SPF15 in this easy to bring tube will protect you from harmful UV rays that causes premature aging.

It’s hypoallergenic. Girls with sensitive skin don’t need to worry about breakouts, because this dermatologist-tested cream is proven safe for daily use.

It's the most affordable! There's no need to hesitate when it comes to purchasing this product, since you can score instant glowing skin for only P99 a tube. Such a great beauty steal!

Any beauty expert knows that the real trick to any successful beauty regimen is to find a product that works for you and your lifestyle.

Myra VitaGlow BB Cream takes the guesswork out of your skin and makeup routine by packing everything you need in one handy tube. While all BB creams moisturize, Myra VitaGlow BB cream contains light-reflecting minerals that make your skin more luminous instantly.

It’s easy to apply, too! Just use your fingers and the light and non-greasy formula blends easily over your skin.

Beauty video blogger  and  local YouTube sensation Ana Victorino, says Myra VitaGlow is now her go-to BB cream. "I love the instant, glowing effect it gives my skin. With this in my beauty arsenal, I can create my 'no makeup' look in less than five minutes, too."

For more beauty tips from Ana and to see a step-by-step guide on how to apply Myra VitaGlow BB Cream.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuZ2rcklX4s

Shake well before use. Apply a small amount on face and neck blending evenly for a natural finish. 

For best results, use daily as your facial moisturizer. Can also be used as a make-up base.

The NEW Myra VitaGlow BB Cream is available at leading drugstores and supermarkets nationwide.

Renaissance Art Gallery's 11 th Anniversary celebrates with“Tinuod/Truth” by Bag-ong Hinan-aw set to open June 25

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One of the trendiest art galleries in Metro Manila, Renaissance Art Gallery boasts of having among the finest collections of established and upcoming Filipino contemporary artists. 

Among the events celebrating its eleventh anniversary this June, Renaissance Art Gallery is proud to present the grouped art exhibition “Tinuod/Truth,” featuring sixty-four masterpieces created by the artists and mentors of the Cebu-based art group Bag-ong Hinan-aw. 

Cebuano for “New Perspectives,” Bag-ong Hinan-aw is a group inspired and guided by the giants of Cebu’s academic realist tradition: the art philosophy of Martino Abellana, the Amorsolo of the South; and his two greatest apprentices, Sofronio Ylanan Mendoza (also known as Sym); and Romulo Galicano. 

Bag-ong Hinan-aw is composed of ten artists: Publio “Boy” Briones, Jr.; Buboy Cañete, Audie Estrellado, Ramon De Dios, Carlos Florida, Jonathan Galicano, Luther Galicano, Bernardo Hermoso, Facundo “Dodong” Tallo, and Jose “Pepe” Villadolid. 

Their works are suffused with the academic realism that came from National Artist Fernando Amorsolo, and bequeathed through the teachings of Abellana, Sym, and Galicano. 

Cebuano for “truth,” tinuod exemplifies their artistic values: to render the truth of nature through the honest and ethical work of painting, bringing the highest standards of craftsmanship and new visions to enthrall their audiences with unique concepts and newer ways of looking at art. 

“Tinuod/Truth” shall also feature guest works of Martino Abellana, Sym, and Romulo Galicano.

“Tinuod/Truth” will have its opening cocktails on June 25, 2014 – 6 p.m. at the ART CENTER, 4th Level, Bldg. A, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. It runs until July 8, 2014. 

For further details of the exhibit, you may contact Renaissance Gallery the following ways:

By phone: 637-3101 

By e-mail: renaissanceart.ph@gmail.com

By Internet: www.renaissanceart.ph

Connect to Renaissance Gallery online through the following social media networks:

Facebook: facebook.com/renaissanceart.ph

Instagram: renaissanceartph

A certain faithfulness to depicting the world around them characterizes the work of the members of Bag-ong Hinan-aw. Cebuano for “New Perspectives,” the group has been enriched by the traditions of academic realism instilled into this emerging group of Cebuano painters by three generations of excellent master teachers: the seminal influence of Martino Abellana, the Amorsolo of the South; the fusion of modern thinking with faith in naturalism by Sofronio Ylanan Mendoza, or Sym; and the elevation of a successfully fused academic realism and abstraction by Romulo Galicano. 

Currently composed of ten artists, Bag-ong Hinan-aw has refined their already-excellent technical craft with ever-newer restatements of vision and technique that makes their respective bodies of works unique, and yet feels congruent to each other’s perspectives that form a consistent movement typifying the combination of concept, technique, and faithfulness to the perceived world. The group’s fidelity to the truths of both artmaking as a communion between artist and materials, and the absolute verity of natural depiction is what informs and enriches this exhibition. Tinuod is the Cebuano term for Truth, and it is through this meditation on the ability of art to present both the natural vision of the world, and the artistic truth of individual creativity, that best exemplifies the works of these ten artists of Bag-ong Hinan-aw. As a manifestation of Contemporary Philippine Art, Bag-ong Hinan-aw’s Tinuod aims to continue the legacy of past masters, and also to transform this tradition to suit today’s socio-cultural contexts and conditions of production. However, their fidelity as “sons of the South” continues to linger through their specialized subject matter, and ways of seeing.

(Boy Briones, Hello Kitty)

Capturing a scene infront of the Santo Niño Basilica, Boy showcases his academic realist credentials, while introducing his own modern element: the balloons that bring life out from weathered faces.

Publio “Boy” Briones, Jr. (b. 1949) focuses on the formal play of his otherwise traditional subjects, which are primarily exterior scenes of churches in Cebu City and Carcar, focusing on the dramatic contrast between the austere classicism of colonial architecture and the bright toy balloons lit by tropical sunlight. Through this contrast, Boy showcases both the deeply indebted tradition of academic realism, as well as the artistic innovation brought by Pop Art that updates his work, and makes it more relevant to today’s issues of globalization. Boy originally graduated with a BS and MBA from UP before learning how to paint during landscape sorties by fellow Cebuanos in the provinces. He subsequently took watercolor workshops and sketching classes at the National Academy of Design in New York (1987-1994). Boy was also mentored by Romulo Galicano starting from the 1980s.

(Boboy Cañete, Lady w/ CP)

A scene of domestic tranquility is riven with a moment of tension: is the lady reading through her lover’s cellphone, detecting illicit text messages? Her surreptitious glance seemingly indicates so.

Wilfredo “Boboy” Cañete (b. 1968) combines the tropical scenery of his urbanized hometown of Cordova, Cebu with the intimacy of contemporary domestic interiors, whose telltale bright lighting situates scenes of modern uncertainty, accelerated lifestyles, and the contemporary hassles of city life. For Boboy, tropical domestic life is both blissful and full of invigorating tensions, as constant life changes are recorded, commented upon, and rendered in the domestic vignettes that Pieter de Hooch and Vermeer would find familiar. Done with a combination of vigorous brushwork and attention to detail, Boboy’s contemporary domestic scenes are also a homage to Velasquez and Watteau. Boboy has been exhibiting professionally as an artist in Cebu and Manila since 1985. He was a finalist at the 1997 Metrobank Young Painter’s Annual in 1997 and 1999; and third prizewinner at the 1998 Metrobank Young Painter’s Annual. 

(Ramon De Dios, Bandera Spagnola)

Reflecting on Cebu’s Spanish heritage, Ramon captures the beach house scene in Oslob from a flowering garden. The title alludes to the lily in foreground, and the locale’s colonial past.

Ramon De Dios (b. 1956) is an architect who has found his true calling as a painter. Educated at the University of Southern Philippines, Ramon was involved in architectural heritage preservation (notably the rehabilitation of Malacañang Palace) before taking the leap in painting in 1998 through the guidance of Romulo Galicano. Ramon’s advocacy as a heritage preservationist perseveres in his paintings that combine aspects of Surrealism with narrative painting and still life. His rendition of Manila’s Carriedo Fountain is juxtaposed with the “real” story of a lost toy balloon flying off in the far distance; whereupon a vacation house in Oslob is foregrounded by a giant still life of a lily. Ramon has participated in grouped exhibitions since 2010, like the BPI Centennial Art Ehibition, the Sining Cebuano exhibition, and the recent “Artabang” exhibition for victims of Typhoon Yolanda.

(Audie Estrellado, Summertime)

The innocent joys of taking a communal bath at the seashore in summer animates Audie’s grouped portrait of children frolicking in the surf. Here, nature and delicate humanity are fused.

Audie Estrellada (b. 1957) uses the everyday life experiences and scenes of his hometown, the mystical island of Siquijor, as his personal testament to the singular importance of perceiving and contextualizing the social encounter between artist and human subject matter within a tropical paradise long associated with magic. A graduate of MSU, Audie has been a fixture of the Central Visayan and Northern Mindanao art scene since the early 1970s, when he first won on-the-spot painting contests in Marawi City and Tagbilaran City. Audie is a prizewinner at the 1983 Lazi Centennial Celebrations; 1986 Open-Air painting competition sponsored by the AAP Cagayan de Oro Chapter; and 2009 GSIS National Painting Competition. Audie is a member of various art groups, like VIVAA, Grupo Siquijudnon Visual Artists, and Kolor Sugbo. Audie was also awarded Outstanding Siquijudnon for Visual Arts in 1993.

(Ber Hermoso, Tuna Weigh-In)

Detailing the rich, dramatic textural contrasts between slick fish bodies, sweaty muscled torsos, and the grimy port, Ber showcases his command of paint in this magisterial portrait of southern commerce.

Bernardo “Ber” Hermoso (b. 1952) is a self-taught artist who has developed a uniquely “northern Cebuano” version of Martino Abellana’s dictum of acute naturalist observation in art. Based in Danao City, Ber focuses on nature, and humanity’s presence within it, as a test of both artistry and the faithfulness of being at one with the natural world. Boys frolicking at shore, or a mother and child next to a famed waterfall, find cognizance with his superb rendition of fishermen landing tuna at General Santos City’s famed wharf. Ber has mounted ten solo exhibitions since 1976. He was grand prizewinner at the 1980 International Year of the Child Competition in Manila; 1981 gold medal awardee at the UNESCO Art Competition in Manila; 1997 Grand prizewinner, Andres Bonifacio Portrait Painting Contest; and 2012 Grand Prizewinner at the 1st PAGCOR Art Competition. 

(Carly Florido, Lutopan Landscape)

Known as a mining community in Toledo City, Lutopan retains its natural charms through Carly’s sensitive handling of foliage and rocky outcrops. A winding river softens man’s intrusion with sublimity.

Carlos “Carly” Florido (b. 1940) focuses on the domestic space of family, as well as landscape scenes of Cebu as starting points in investigating the effects of light on his human subjects. Carly, who returned to Cebu after residing in the United States, is a self-taught artist who has been guided by Romulo Galicano through specialized master classes. He looks at landscape and humanity as interdependent elements that speak of both reflection, as well as the vital moment when mind, body, and space interlock seamlessly. He has been a member of the group Kolor Sugbo since 1993, and has participated in group shows in New York, Washington D.C., and Germany, (1993-1994). He participated in the “Homage to the Masters” exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila (2002), and “Ode to the Pasig River” exhibition at the Ayala Museum (2006). 

(Jonathan Galicano, Oslob Church After the Fire)

Jonathan renders the ruin of a famed southern Cebu church with documentary pathos and artistic verve. Its roofless, monochrome hulk contrasts with the colored belfry and sky, awaiting restorative redemption.

Jonathan Galicano (b. 1978) focuses on vistas of his father’s homeland (being born and raised in Manila), by combining traditional academic painting with conceptual elements—in this case a monochrome-mixed-with-color approach that is a homage to photography, as well as its translation into paint. Jonathan studied Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines Diliman, and has been guided by both Romulo Galicano and “Sym” Mendoza. A landscape artist who has mastered the mixed-monochrome/color technique, Jonathan captures both the poignancy of an upland farm, as well as that of a ruined church through this translation of photography into painted contrasts that bring out the contributions of young contemporary art. Jonathan has participated in numerous group shows here and abroad and received awards since 1990. He is also a member of Portrait Society of America and Ugnayang Pilipino Arts Foundation.

(Luther Galicano, Peace Valley)

The richness of tropical foliage, intermingled with city views, shows Luther’s superb handling of composition: the farmer and his cows are on one side, assuring dynamism and one’s roaming eye.

Luther M. Galicano II (b. 1961) takes as his artistic inspiration the sunlit outdoor scenes of flower gardens that remind us of the great Impressionists like Fantin-Latour and Monet, but decidedly depicting the tropical flora of Cebu. Luther took informal lessons in drawing and painting under Martino Abellana and Romulo Galicano, and is a frequent participant in the plein-aire sessions of Cebuano landscapists, from which he derives scenes of outdoor beauty and chromatic contrast in the various flower gardens, parks, and plant nurseries of this tourist island. Luther has participated in several group shows in Cebu City, Manila, New York, Washington D.C. and in Germany. He won First prize at the Cebu On-The-Spot Painting Competition sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism (1984); Third Prize, Cebu Art Association Art Competition (1995); and Second Prize, Kaalyado Ng Sining Art Competition (2011).

(Dong Tallo, Vanitas)

Art and reality intermingle and play against each other in this dense grouping of depicted paintings, sculpture, and props. Dong displays supreme handling of textures and colors in still life.

Facundo “Dong” Tallo Jr. (b. 1952) masters still life and the formal balance of objects set in space. Like Mulong Galicano and Sym, Dong studied under the maestro Martino Abellana from 1972 to 1978, and continued painting lessons with Romulo Galicano in 1979. In his still life arrangements, Dong shows a magisterial command of composition, as well as a sometimes-humorous look at the visual elements that makes still life an inner world worthy of extensive investigation, like characters coming to life in a miniature theatre. Segueing from mid-tone lighting to dramatic chiaroscuros and full daylight scenes, Dong gives a contemporary hyperrealistic feel to his still lifes and figure genre works. Dong Tallo has participated in numerous group shows since 1980. He is a member of Habagatang Art – Carcar, Kolor Sugbu- Cebu City, and Portrait Artist Society of the Philippines.

(Pepe Villadolid, Sunset With Rainbow)

Reflecting the complex hues of twilight, Pepe sympathetically renders his home island with a cosmopolitan relish. Beached fishing boats and the low tide mirrors sea, sky, and humanity as one.

Jose “Pepe” B. Villadolid (b. 1946) has made a lifetime commitment to depicting the richly-endowed and dramatically-lit seascapes of Cebu. Being born in Bantayan Island, Pepe learned earlier the rudiments of painting from his uncle. In 1988 he took up painting seriously and started joining outdoor painting with fellow Cebuano artists. In 1991 he met and befriended Romulo Galicano. As a seascapist, Pepe’s works can be comparable to the melodically-lit seascapes of Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo, and is characterized by rich, Impressionistic colors, faithfully depicting the rich palette of aqua greens and blues of the tropical seas. He has recently gone back to Bantayan to depict its seascapes. Pepe has participated in numerous group exhibits since 1988. He won the Grand Prize for the Martino Abellana Painting Contest (1996), and Third Prize at the Badian Island Beach Resort Art Contest. 

(Romulo Galicano, Boating Party at Bagac)

Mulong’s masterful handling of academic realism, here showcasing a “fantasy setting” in Bataan, is contrasted by his equally magnificent combination of abstract vertical lines that gives credence to his contemporaneity. 

(Sym, The Three Cherries)

Alluding to the tiny fruits on upper right, Sym gives us a masterful rendition of Cubism via this tour de force of intersecting and parallel planes—a tabletop with sophistication.