CARLOS RECOMMENDS!

POLEMICS OF POLE ART:

June 30, Wednesday
830pm -1030pm
The Living Room, Manila.
Unit 24, North Syquia Apartments
1991 MH del Pilar, Malate, Manila

Bring your own Booze:

An invitation from Pole artist Ms. Eisa Jocson;

I am inviting everyone to a small Research Gathering where I will talk about my recent visit to Belgium and how several art projects evolved during my stay there. After the presentation I will be performing a new pole piece that I've been working on in collaboration with Rasa Alksnyte during my artist residency at FoAM in Brussels.

The main goal of this Research Gathering is essentially to share the early stages of my projects, opening up my process to the public in an informal and inspiring setting, inviting discussions, feedback and comments that would help in the further evolution of the projects.

I will present my experimental video project ‘Bars’ that is currently in development at SoundImageCulture in Brussels and explores the communities of pole dancers in Manila. 'Stainless Borders: The Deconstruction of Architectures of Control' merges pole dancing and urban intervention. The project explores and maps the relationship between the human body and the urban landscape through a pole dance vocabulary. Thirdly, I will talk about my upcoming contribution to Coup de Ville, an international art festival in Sint-Niklaas in September. I will also share the experiences of my artist residency at FoAM focusing on the collaboration with choreographer Rasa Alksnyte in making a pole dance piece based on a drawing exercise.

Hope to see you on Wednesday night at The Living Room.

WHEE! WHEE! WHEE!

Some "behind the scenes" shots and commentary about "Placing the Transition", the talk and slide show I will present at Silverlens Gallery on July 1, 2010 at 6pm. I will juxtapose Teodulo Protomartir's photographs of Manila's destroyed state in 1946 with current photographs of the city today.

Hope to see you guys there.

Read the gma.tv online feature here:

Thanks a gazillion gmanews.tv, TJ Dimacali, Pia Faustino, Paolo Ferrer, Analyn Perez, Geric Cruz, and Wayne Manuel.

CARLOS RECOMMENDS!

THE LIVING ROOM PRESENTS...

RED ALERT! Ready raincoats, umbrellas and working clothes!

Hitting the city at Steam Storm Signal no.5:

"THE RETURN OF THE COMEBACK OF THE NEW AND IMPROVED NEWLY-SCENTED HARING +UBU-L!" at its filthiest and bloodiest LAST 3 SHOWS!

Rain turns red, streets flood vengeance on:
June 12 (Sat), 13 (Sun) and 19 (Sat)

Killings start 8PM @ Carlos Celdran's "The Living Room" Unit 24, 1991 North Syquia Apartments, MH Del Pilar St., Malate, Manila

PANIC! RUSH! Catch Haring Tubul and tell as much people as you can!
Tix at 200! Reserve NOW! PM on Facebook or text 0917-5008-SLE(753)!

Rage the FINAL FILTH WAVE.
'Come Puke, Bleed' with the Sipat Lawin Ensemble for the LAST time.

DARE TO COME. GORE AWAITS.

BAWAL SUMUKO, PUWEDENG SUMUKA!

Learn more about the Alfred Jarry here.
Learn more about Sipat Lawin here.

Oh, and bring your own booze. Yes.
You can drink wine and booze while watching the play.
Because we're cool like dat at The Living Room.

The Living Room
Unit 24, North Syquia Apartments,
1991 MH del Pilar
Malate, Manila

Text 917 5008753 for reservations and tickets

TOKYO CALLING...

Thank you Barredo Bans for sending these links, "War Crimes of Manila". It's an illuminating look into the horrors of The Japanese Imperial Army and the loyalty of the Philippines to the United States in the mid 20th century.

Not to mention, the price we paid for that loyalty.

PART 2
PART 3
PART 4

Not for the faint of heart. Tragic. Heartbreaking for anyone who loves Manila.

Even more heartbreaking on a personal level is America's lack of acknowledgement of this loyalty, and the systematic denial of Japanese society of their horrific war record.

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER...

...AND BETTER THAN NOTHING AT ALL.

Yes, I know this is an insanely delayed post, but thank you all out there who have contributed their information to this article. This is such good news. Click on Sunshine Lichauco de Leon's article on World War II veterans FINALLY getting the compensation rightfully due them in Time.com.

Click here for the article. Many thanks to The United States Embassy in The Philippines for the picture.

CARLOS RECOMMENDS!

I'm totally psyched to be part of this show. I will be biking around Manila this weekend to take photographs for my "talk" on July 1. Hope you all can be there.

BEING THERE 1946: THE LEGACY OF TEODULO PROTOMARTIR
From the Collection of Uro dela Cruz
Show Dates: June 9-July 3,2010
Opening Reception: June 9, Wed,6-9pm

Media contact: Neli Go
+632.8160044
+63917.5874011
Silverlens Gallery neli@silverlensphoto.com

(Above: View of The Metropolitan Theater across Plaza Lawton.)

Teodulo Protomartir was there in 1946 when the Americans gave the Philippines its independence. On July 4, he witnessed the birth of the Philippine Republic. For the first time, the Philippine flag flew alone and free. The Filipino crowd cheering by, planes flying overhead, floats lining the parade…a celebration it was. And Protomartir caught it all on still camera.

Protomartir, the photographer who first brought the 35mm format to the Philippines and actively promoted photography through his photo club and radio show, shows us a monumental event in Philippine history and the Manila that enveloped it. Considered as the Father of Philippine photography, Protomartir captured the city in ruins from the Second World War, its battle wounds and its restoration – scenes we thought only survived in memory. He captures post-war Manila’s architecture and landscape, with Filipinos going about their daily business in familiar places such as Intramuros, Luneta, Ermita and Quiapo as well as in buildings and bridges that are no longer, including the old Sto. Domingo Church, which is one of the six Churches that once stood in Spanish Intramuros. For almost four centuries there stood the home of Our Lady of La Naval before it was bombed in 1941.

(Above: View across the Pasig River to Muelle del Banco and the buildings of Escolta).

Beyond historical evidence, the significance of Protomartir’s images is meaningful. Protomartir hands to the Filipino people cultural treasures that should remain part of Filipino consciousness and memory. Sixty-four years later, we celebrate Protomartir because through him we were there too.

BY: Bea Davila

Complementing this exhibit is a talk on July 1 by Carlos Celdran, celebrated tour guide and authority on Manila’s history. Entitled Placing The Transition, the talk bridges 1946 and 2010 with photos of the places Protomartir photographed as they are today. Uro dela Cruz will also be giving an introduction to Protomartir, the man behind it all. The talk will be on July 1, Thursday, 6-8pm at Silverlens Gallery.

The Images of Being There 1946: The Legacy of Teodulo Protomartir were printed by Billy Mondoñedo.

Being There 1946: The Legacy of Teodulo Protomartir runs simultaneously as Bato Bato Sa Langit by Alfredo Esquillo Jr. at SLab, and Lover Lay Down by Christina Dy at 20Square.

CARLOS RECOMMENDS!

WRITE THIS WAY...

On June 19 (the same day as national hero Jose Rizal’s birthday), join me and Writer’s Block Philippines as we take you through Old Manila’s Walled City and connect you with monuments, milestones, and memories that have inspired the works of generations of authors and artists. Bear with my sick sense of humor and mix it with Writer’s Block Philippines’s authoritative take on travel writing for that one-of-a-kind experience that could help launch your freelance writing career.

* WHERE: Plaza San Luis, Manila Cathedral, San Agustin, and all over Intramuros
* WHEN: June 19, Saturday, 8AM to 5PM
* WHAT: A writing tour featuring Carlos Celdran’s “If these walls could talk” tour, Writer’s Block Philippines’s lectures on writing for travel and arts & culture, and a session on photography by photographer Ena Terol. Lunch and refreshments will also be served
* WHO: Anyone who wants to get a taste of Intramuros and would love to write about it!. (Preferably college level and above)
* HOW MUCH: Ph2,500 per head, inclusive of materials and refreshments*
* MAX. NO. of PARTICIPANTS: 30 pax

*Please feel free to bring extra water and snacks, as well as your own sun protection and other supplies that you deem necessary for a day outdoors.

Log-on to www.writersblockphilippines.com to reserve your slot now!

CARLOS RECOMMENDS!

CHAMPAGNE WISHES and LOBSTER DREAMS..

The Champagne Room of Manila Hotel. Stunning glass trees and old school luxe, complete with a string orchestra and sherbet in between courses. They just don't dine like this no more.

So for one weekend a month till July, join me as we relaunch the institution known as the Champagne Room. We'll dine on heirloom recipes and favorite dishes of famous guests served at The Manila Hotel Champagne Room through it's history. Prepared by their new chef, Christine Zarandin, it promises to be an interesting journey through taste and time.

Manila Hotel, Champagne Room Food Tasting with Carlos Celdran
May 22, 2010

Menu

Moulard Duck Foie Gras au Torchon
On toasted brioche with baby apple and balsamic spun sugar

Smoked Tomato Puree with Crisp Cheddar Souffle
And Basil Pesto

Hearts of Palm Salad
With Endive, Arugula, Herbed Goat Cheese
And Citrus Vinaigrette

Choice of:

“Lobster Visayas”
Oven Roasted Lobster
With Vanilla Coconut Cream Sauce and Mango Relish

Or

Grilled Porterhouse Steak in Criolla marinade
With Creamed Peppercorn Sauce
prepared at your tableside

Mangoes Jubilee
with Home made Lemongrass Ice Cream
and Orange Liquer Sauce Flambe

C.P.Z

Php1,912.00
text Gyranne at 916 3588012 to reserve.

Or go for the whole hog. Go on two of my tours, dine at the Champagne Room, and stay overnight. Click here.

May 22, 2010
June 19-20, 2010
July 3-4, 2010

Meet me at the Tap Room at 7pm.

THE SOLID NORTH...

This June, during the long weekend of Philippine Independence Day (June 12) I will be having a tour of Ilocos called, "The Solid North". A three day and two night jaunt through what I consider to be the best of both Ilocos Norte and Sur with an option for a third day.

The dates will be on June 12 noon (Sat) until June 14 (Mon) in the evening of the Independence Day long weekend. 2 nights, 2 full days of Ilokano architectural walking tours, Ilokano cuisine, cocktails at world heritage sites, Marcos memorabilia and relaxing by the South China Sea.

We'll stay at The Sitio Remedios in Currimao, and visit heritage sites in Vigan, Paoay, Laoag, Sarrat, and Batac. Only 20 spots are available for this tour.

The fee is Php19,770.00. This includes airfare, accomodations, tours, land transportation & dining. Add an extra P2850.00 if wish to extend an extra day until Monday, the 14th of June. Discounts can be given to people who do not wish to fly to Laoag. Details to follow.

Reservations may already be accepted at celdrantours@hotmail.com or call/text 9209092021

ITINERARY: A leisurely r

June 12, Saturday
12:00 noon Depart Manila
1:00 arrive Laoag
2:20 arrive Sitio Remedios and check-in
4:00 Visit Diaz Mansion, Walking tour of Paoay and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Paoay Church
8:00 Cocktails and Dinner at Palayupuy, Currimao.

June 13, Sunday

FREE TIME (Shopping, swimming, relaxing, manicure/massage available)

1:00pm Depart for Vigan
1:30 pm Visit Luna Shrine at Badoc, Ilocos Norte.

2:00pm Magsingal Church at Magsingal, Ilocos Sure

4:00pm Walking Tour of UNESCO World Heritage City of Vigan - Burgos Mansion, Plaza Salcedo, Plaze Burgos, Arzobispo, St. Paul's Cathedral, Crisologo Street

6:30 Cocktails and Dinner at Syquia Mansion

9:00 Departure for Sitio Remedios

June 14, Monday

FREE TIME (optional activities can be arranged: Market visit, Cape Bojeador Lighthouse)

Lunch

12:00pm Departure for Diaz House, Paoay lake and shopping
1:00 Laoag: Ilocos Museum, St. William's Cathedral, sinking belltower, market Lunch at Saramsam restaurant

2:30pm Sarrat: Santa Monica Church

3:30pm Batac: Marcos Mausloeum, Glory's Empanada in front of Plaza, market

5:30pm Paoay Convention Center cocktails.

6:30pm Departure for airport and Manila.

Any questions, reservations, or payments
can be texted at 9209092021 or celdrantours@hotmail.com.