CARLOS RECOMMENDS!

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS!
Stuff to do during the last week of November till Christmas

Gee. It's mid-November. I guess that means it's already Christmas in Manila. And it also means that the cultural events season is about to shift into high gear. It seems like there is something to do just about every night. Here is a listing of some of the stuff I want to check out this month:

The San Agustin Organ Festival
Date: November 28, 29, and 30
Time: 8:00PM
Place: The San Agustin Church, Intramuros
Description: For the 8th year in a row, the 18th-century organ at the San Agustin Church in Intramuros warms up it's pipes for your pleasure. Featured artists for this festival are the Spanish organist Juan de la Rubia and Filipino trumpetist Fredeline Parin. They will be performing with the UST Singers, Kilyawan Boys Choir, and the UP Singing Ambassadors. Bring a fan (no aircon) and a deep love for Baroque Music. Call 5266793 for details and nightly programme. Only Php300.00 and Php500.00 tickets left. Oh and check out this cool panoramic shot of the organ here. Thanks Fung Yu.

The Manila Cathedral Organ Festival
Date and Time: December 1, 7:00PM
December 3, 2:00PM and 8:30PM
December 4, 7:00PM
December 8, 7:30PM
December 10, 6:00PM
Place: The Manila Cathedral, Intramuros
Description: Well, thank heavens the performances of San Agustin and Manila Cathedral don't overlap. World-acclaimed Belgian artist Luc Ponet performs on the newly restored organ (the largest in Asia I hear) in this five-day festival, joined by local virtuosos Armando Salarza and Jose Flores Jr. No worries for those who easily perspire, The Manila Cathedral is airconditioned. A million thanks to Diego de Cera of Las Pinas for restoring both San Agustin and Manila Cathedral organs. The nation is indebted to your expertise. Admission is free.

Confradia de Intramuros Grand Marian Festival
Date: December 3, SUNDAY
Time: Come at around 4:00PM
Place: All around Intramuros
Description: It is Intramuros at it's most beautiful. Come witness the annual procession of carrozas (illuminated Marian floats) which celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Conception. Almost 70 decorated floats will snake it's way around the walled city starting at the Plaza Roma. An absolutely awesome sight not to be missed for both Filipinos and foreigners alike. Be sure to bring a camera and wear good walking shoes. Arrive closer to sunset and stick around to catch the organ concert at the Cathedral. Thank you Robby dela Vega for the photos.

The Arturo Luz Festival
Feature: "Let There Be Light"
Date: November 22, 2006 Time: 6:00PM
Place: All around the Cultural Center of the Philippines
Description: Ballet Philippines, Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group, and Tanghalang Pilipino each perform a ten minute piece in front of various sculptures and paintings by National Artist Arturo Luz located around the CCP premises. Wear something fashionable and dine at someplace classy afterwards, like Sala, or Lolo Dads. You know you want to after all that high art and modernism. This event is part of a larger festival that includes exhibitions of Arturo Luz's works at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, the Ateneo Art Gallery, the Ayala Museum, and the Design Center of the Philippines. Call the CCP at 8321125 local 1511 or 1512 for more details. Thanks Ramon 2002 for the photo.

The Opening of the G Hotel
Date: November 20, 2006
Time: All day
Place: 2090 Roxas Boulevard, Malate
Description: Downtown Manila's first bonafide boutique hotel opens it's doors. Featuring decor by architect/designer Gerry Contreras (which is what the G stands for) and managed by the Waterfront Hotels Group (then again, the G could mean Gatchalian), this 50-room gem of a hotel features a striking lobby done in dramatic black and white, tastefully appointed rooms with modern Filipino furniture, and a penthouse ballroom good for 120 overlooking the waters of Manila Bay. Each room comes with a pantry and their rooftop poolside bar, Mirage, promises to be the epicenter of action for Manila's hipsters who are looking for the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail overlooking Roxas Boulevard and the sunset. Rooms start at U$100.00. Call 5280888.

ARTGRILL
Date: November 18, 3:00PM
Place: Mag:net Cafe and Gallery, Katipunan Avenue, QC
Description: Mag:net Cafe is happy to announce the holding of its first ARTGRILL. Come and witness artists, art writers, critics, academicians, gallerists, and collectors engage internationally acclaimed artists Manuel Ocampo, Sandra Palomar and Nestor Vinluan in an interactive dialogue. Although presentations will precede the dialogue, the audience is encouraged to view the exhibitions of the featured artists as well. Ocampo is at the Finale Art File (SM Mega Mall), Palomar is at Silverlens Gallery (2320 Pasong Tamo Ext, Makati) and Vinluan is at Mag:net Katipunan (335 Agcor Building, Katipunan Ave, Loyola Heights, QC). Their shows run till the end of the month. Admission is free.
For inquiries, call 9293191 (Malou)
or email magnetcafekatips@yahoo.com.ph
or visit www.magnetcom.ph.