Riddles of Time

The Riddles of Time

The concept of existence in the eyes of a Millennial painter

by Nickky Faustine De Guzman
March 2, 2015

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What is it that flies or crawls, but sometimes can stand still? We mark it and celebrate it. Yet, we abuse it and when lost, it can never be found again. Albert Einstein once called it an illusion.

For young contemporary artist Edwin Martinez, time is among the greatest subjects for painting and discussion. “Why would I think of another subject that people would love to see if the concept of time is already here, in our face? I only paint what I feel, what I see,” he says.

Images by Pinggot Zulueta

Edwin likens himself to a timekeeper. He loves the concept of time so much that his past and present exhibits show it in metaphor, sometimes painted as phases of the moon, or a clock ticking by, or an hourglass half empty.

In his latest solo exhibit called “Forethoughts and Afterthoughts,” on view at Art Underground in Mandaluyong City, Edwin recognizes the fleeting nature of time and life and tries to capture it in black and white.

“My exhibit is about my thoughts on existence. I am, for lack of a better term, scared of the future. That’s why I mounted this exhibit so that I could show that time is running out. I need to step up and do something. Hindi pwedeng naka-upo lang ako. (I cannot just sit all day.),” he says.

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE Right: Millennial artist Edwin Martinez and his recently concluded exhibit, ‘Forethoughts and Afterthoughts.’ Above: Fine Time shows the importance of timekeeping.

Shown in his collection are surrealist paintings of his nephew beside an hourglass. He says his process starts from taking pictures of his nephew and then painting them on the canvas. The background depends on his mood, he says, “Wala lang. Whatever I feel like painting to complement the emotion.” One of the background paintings is Van Gogh’s The Starry Night. It suits the mood of his nephew Raymond, who’s pensively looking at the hourglass. In the Shades Series, he painted Raymond and himself (he asked his friend to take his picture). They were covering their faces or their eyes were closed. Peppered throughout the canvas are tiles with shades of gray, like phases of the moon, representing the periods and processes of life.

Since graduating from college, Edwin has been a fulltime artist. He maximizes his day and time by painting as much as he can, every day. But like any Millennial (he’s 28 years old), he prefers a YOLO lifestyle: going on dates or working at a music studio in between his painting sessions.

“Gusto ko chill lang pero may ibubuga (I want to be just chill but with something to offer),” he says while waving his hands, showing a tattoo of a crescent moon and a key. “Though it sounds cliché, the key pointing toward my right hand, which I use in painting, is the key to my successes,” he says, laughing. The crescent moon, meanwhile, as you’ve guessed, describes time: nighttime and daytime.

Among his works in the exhibit, Edwin’s favorite is The Reminder, which, like his tattoo, is a reminder to savor time. The painting of the hourglass is lying horizontally. “I want to make time stand still. If only we can be forever young,” he says.

But that’s impossible. Edwin knows that. This is reminiscent of Mitch Albom’s The Time Keeper that says: “Man wants to own his existence, but no one owns time.”

Paper Power

by Nickky Faustine De Guzman
March 2, 2015

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Paper may be lightweight but its power isn’t. What’s written or drawn or drafted on it is indelible, memorable. Great histories are documented on paper. Poets write their feelings on paper. Journalists jot down their facts on paper. We read books and news on print. We doodle on paper. The bestselling ideas, the most revolutionary ideals find expression on book paper. But some artists have problems with it. Isn’t it ironic?

Art galleries, it turns out, shun paper artwork because of its lack of commercial value. Plus, according to them, they don’t last well. Or they do? The works of romantic painters Francisco Jose de Goya and Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, to name a few, have lasted a lifetime.

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Bente cuatro oras, Pinggot Zulueta

“Despite the long history of printmaking dating back to the early ‘60s, paper as a medium has to be nurtured—like a child,” says artist Renato Habulan. Also the curator, he is one of the members, in the recently concluded paper art exhibit of 12 Pinoy artists called “Papelmismo.”

The exhibit is the sequel of their successful joint in 2012 exhibit dubbed “Papelismo,” back when they were only five artists. The first exhibit is a word play of papel and –ismo (kapitalismo, komunismo, sosyalismo). It centered on the political and social turmoil in the country during the ‘70s and ‘80s, the heyday of the artists’ careers.

Papelmismo, on the other hand, highlights the word “mismo” (exactly). This time, the 12 artists Benjie Torrado-Cabrera, Alfredo Liongoren, Arnel Mirasol, Thomas Daquioag, Neil Doloriicon, Alfredo Esquillo, Egai Talusan Fernandez, Emmanuel Garibay, Pablo Baen Santos, Allison Wong David, and Manila Bulletin Lifestyle’s very own Pinggot Zulueta, manipulated the papers and turned them into works of fancy. There’s a 3D paper cutout. There’s a termite-eaten paper magically turned seemingly into a painting, but not really. There’s a papier-mâché sculpture. And some folded paper bills, too.

Besides utilizing paper, the group proved that paper power could expand, not only in content, but also in form.

“This time, the medium is the message. There are no painted artworks but only imageries made from paper. The paper is the emotion of the artists,” says Renato.

The artists also remained true on their first theme, which is social realism. Among the artworks were Thomas Daquioag’s Binasurang Papel, inspired from Nora Aunor’s iconic line “my brother is not a pig” and his commentary on Nora’s “binasurang papel” when the government snubbed her major contributions in the film industry when she didn’t make the cut as a National Artist.

Pinggot Zulueta’s Ang Papel Ko, meanwhile, is a 3D collage of his editorial cartoons and some books and magazines he ripped to come up with a playful intersection of texts and images that convey social observations. “I want to be experimental. I don’t like it too profound to the point that nobody understands it. What you see is what you get,” he says.

But why focus on paper? The artists are all connected with paper—as a painter, as a journalist, as a printmaker, as an editorial cartoonist, and as a book illustrator, among others. Beyond this, however, Renato says the group wants to upgrade the seemingly “second-class rate” of paper as a medium of art. The group, which Renato jovially calls “oldies,” also wants to prove that they are not to be relegated in the periphery. According to him, art galleries nowadays snub old artists and favor the younger, more contemporary ones. They want to prove, that like paper, they are here to stay. The movement continues. This year, the group, which continues to grow, is plotting their third exhibit and calling it, “Ang Papel Mo,” a question of one’s role in life and society.

Make it work

Here are tips on how to start a business and find the time to be both a mom and an entrepreneur.

by Nickky Faustine De Guzman
February 21, 2015

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Everything starts with a want. Eileen Juan wanted to capture her growing kids’ photos and save them as mementos. But back then, 13 years ago, there wasn’t any photo studio that offered what she wanted. Fast forward to today. Eileen is now the successful founder and CEO of The Picture Company, a studio that specializes in baby and kid photography.

Model and mom Rissa Mananquil Trillo had the same dilemma. She wanted to look good (who doesn’t?) but makeup caused her skin to break out. She and Jacqe Yuengtian Gutierrez thought of coming up with a makeup brand, Happy Skin, that makes women look pretty and their skin happy. What started with five counters in 2013 has now grown to 50 counters.

Mutya Laxa Buensuceso

Jacqe Yuengtian Gutierrez

At this year’s Mompreneur Summit at the Edades Tower in Rockwell, entrepreneur moms revealed secrets to putting up a business, keeping it successful, and finding that elusive work-life balance.

Rissa Mananquil Trillo

SECRET TO SUCCESS

So what’s the secret to finally starting a business and keeping it successful? “Find your magic. Ask yourself, what is the ‘why’ of my business?” says Eileen. She says this will separate you from competitors. For Rissa and Jacqe, following the six Ps (proposition, product, packaging, price, place, and promotion) helps you differentiate your brand. Having a defined set of values, no bending them, helps, too. According to the partners, they can easily make Happy Skin available to the mass market. While this is more income generating, they opted to choose key locations only. “Our goal is to make it at par with international, world class makeup brands. So we have to stick with our branding,” Rissa says.

For Jill Gorodias Borja, CEO and president of Manang’s Chicken, a Pinoy chicken brand, your idea for a business does not have to be unique. It just needs to be better. The Philippines has a plethora of chicken and its different permutations: deep fried, infused with flavors, roasted, and smoked. But Jill says that Manang’s is better because although it’s not original, it has a story. Manang’s Chicken started from her manang’s (househelp) chicken recipe. The family couldn’t get enough of it that they wanted the rest of the foodies to taste it.

“We have a lot of established competitors but what sets us apart is we’re offering something better. Starting a food business is more than just serving good food. You also need to ensure quality, provide consistency, and give good customer service,” says Jill.

Jill Gorodias Borja

Eileen Juan

KEEPING IT ALL TOGETHER

But here’s another dilemma: As the business you’ve started (congrats!) is growing, so are your kids. Just what is the secret to making both a business and a family work?

Here are tips on how to achieve a balance from Mutya Laxa Buensuceso, country manager of Luxasia Philippines, founder of Spinkie, and a mom of two.

1. Eliminate the guilt of pursuing your career.

2. Get a support system.

3. Have an established work system and stick to it.

4. Separate work and family.

5. Quality work is better than quantity.

6. Start the pursuit of happiness now.

Yakult on Steroids and other drinks made just for you

MB Lifestyle talks to one of Singapore’s best mixologists as he shares some of the weirdest and best custom-crafted cocktails requested by you, dear sober barflies.

by Nickky Faustine De Guzman
February 26, 2015

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There’s the perfect pairing of wine and cheese, whiskey and lechon, but not everyone finds a drink that seriously turns him on while epitomizing his persona, wants, and whims. While the Pinoy drinking culture lets us order a bottle of beer in a nearby store and the not-so-secret brewing revolutions of craft beers and speakeasy bars are going on, there’s a request for bespoke drinks straight from the pleasures of our own taste preferences and vivid imaginations. To the rescue are liquid artists. Although the Philippine customized cocktail culture isn’t fully established yet, mixologist Jeff Ho, one of the pioneers of the bespoke cocktail scene in Singapore and one of Singapore’s top 25 bartenders by Drinks World Asia, says it has potential. Jeff flew to the country to share his expertise in bespoke drinks. And he invites drinkers (the curious, the casuals, and the heavy boozers) to fly to Singapore on March 7 to 14 and experience how the Lion City celebrates its cocktail week. “We can give New York or London an easy run for their money,” he says. The secret to a surprising, unforgettable bespoke cocktail? Don’t just tell any mixologist to surprise you. What do you want?

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Lust

 Having been in Manila, what’s your impression of our local drinks?

I’ve been to Blind Pig. I think the bespoke cocktail scene in Manila has a great potential, but what is lacking is the supply chain. The distributors should import products from overseas. It’s a challenge when they have a huge range of drinks but have no consistent supply. I think it’s gonna be fly.

What’s your philosophy in making drinks?

Less is more so the flavors would come out. Sometimes, when you put in too many ingredients, you cannot distinguish which is which. It’s also best when less is more so you can adjust the flavor.

What’s the weirdest bespoke cocktail you’ve ever made?

I have a lot! In Singapore, we have the essence of chicken, which is common for children to drink before exams. It’s like a health supplement. I steam (the chicken) with ginger and turn it into a dessert cocktail. I put chocolate and butterscotch. It tastes like a chocolate drink without the milk. It sounds weird but it’s good. I also have shiitake mushroom with whiskey. I soak the mushrooms in a jar of whiskey. You get the rich flavor of whiskey and the umami taste of mushroom. Then, there’s also the bakkwa or pork floss. I barbecue pork slices and marinate them with sweet seasonings.

What’s the most challenging ingredient you’ve ever worked with?

My latest creation is baijiu, Chinese wine. It’s like your local version of lambanog. Baijiu is made from rice and wheat, if you take it with rum and ferment it over nine months, you’ll get a huge complexity of flavors. Baijiu is strong when you drink it on its own, but I can make a baijiu cocktail that’s good for Alzheimer’s disease. I do research and experimentation to see which works.

What are you going to serve at Cocktail Week?

It depends on your requests but I have many tricks up my sleeve. I have this black orange liquor, with 40 percent alcohol. I use premium orange paired with yogurt. My guests describe it as ‘Yakult on steroids’ because it’s refreshing and sweet and sour.

 What are your tips for surviving drinking sessions? How can you cure a hangover?

Apart from drinking in moderation, don’t go crazy on two strong drinks. Just keep hydrated. And pace yourself, too.

Can you make a drink just by looking at someone and gauging  his personality?

(Laughs) No, it’s better if you tell me your preferences. Say for example you just arrived, I’d ask, ‘What kind of fruits do you like?’ Then I’d say, ‘Do you like it sour or sweet, bitter or strong?’ If it’s a guy, we ask if you prefer it sprit forward, meaning hard. Guys like it stronger and bitter sweet. Of course, I ask other questions. That’s why it’s truly bespoke.

What if someone doesn’t like what you’ve made? What do you do?

That happens because of miscommunication. Sometimes the customer is not able to articulate what he wants. But then again the first try is the calibration stage. You adjust to the tastes of your customer that’s why less is always good. But it sure does make my day when drinkers love it, when their eyes light up and say ‘This is my drink!’

How do you balance the science and arts of mixing drinks and food?

Mixologists should be aware of physics. For example, in mojito, we use custard sugar because it’s served in a tall drink with crushed ice. The custard sugar takes a longer time to dissolve. In whiskey, we use the round ball ice because of the smaller surface area. Your whiskey gets chilled without diluting the flavor. I can use any ingredient as long as it’s edible! (Laughs) I also do a lot of research and experiments to see what works.

And the next Dorina Pineda could be you

Theater Spotlight: Bituing Walang Ningning, The Musical

by Nickky Faustine De Guzman
February 23, 2015

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It’s been (mis)quoted many times, many ways. Cherie Gil’s iconic line, “You’re nothing but a second rate, trying hard, copy cat!” (Spills water on Sharon Cuneta’s face), never gets old—but it does need a new stage. From the original comic series by Nerissa Cabral to the blockbuster hit movie in 1985 starring Cherie, Sharon, and Christopher de Leon to the 2006 TV series starring Sarah Geronimo, Angelika dela Cruz, and Ryan Agoncillo, the classic Pinoy tale now ups the ante. It’s going to be a musical theater play.

WHERE’S DORINA? Actors Mark Bautista and Cris Villonco will play Nico and Lavinia in Resort’s World Manila’s Bituing Walang Ningning, The Musical. Auditions are up for the role of Dorina.

Resorts World Manila, Viva Communications Inc., and Full House Theater Company bring to life the classic drama Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical starring Mark Bautista as Nico Escober and Cris Villonco as Lavinia Arguelles. Who’s Dorina Pineda? It might be you.

With audition dates on Feb. 28 and March 1 at The Plaza in Newport Mall, director Freddie Santos says the team is looking for Dorina’s X factor. “This is not cinema where you can close up your personality and X factor. When you have Cris Villonco on stage, you need to level up,” he says. The next Dorina should be between 16 and 20 years old, with good diction, can sing and act (of course), and with pleasing personality. Not only will she be portraying a classic role but she’ll win a movie and recording contract under Viva.

“As far as the songs are concerned, the production showcases new songs from Willie Cruz including ‘Mahawi Man Ang Ulap’ and ‘Sana’y Maghintay ang Walang Hanggan.’ It doesn’t mean though that even if the songs are new, you’re not going to love the show. It’s new music, but more than anything, it’s the story that they’re going to love. It’s a challenge to young audience because it tackles your life choices: career or love? It’s very relatable,” says Santos.

He adds that the musical production has kept 12 original and iconic sentences, the remaining 50 pages are new script. Of course, Cherie Gil’s iconic line will be there, along with “Sinira mo ang kanta.” The rest, we have to watch.

“The songs that are part of the show will cross all generations. It’s about the glitz and glamour and being a star,” says Cris Villonco, who’s playing the contra vida Lavinia Arguelles.

From playing charismatic roles as Maria Von Trapp in the Sound of Music and Maria Clara in Noli Me Tangere, Cris says she loves the challenge of playing the villain.

“One thing I love about being part of theater is that I have a playground to do different roles. A lot of people think that I am very nice because of my angelic, round face. But it can fool a lot of people,” Cris says, “But then again my middle name is Siguion Reyna so I think I got something. So whenever I do my mean face, it can come out easily.”

Fresh from his London stint as one of the cast members in Here Lies Love, which tells the story of Imelda Marcos, Mark Bautista says his theater gigs have helped him take challenging roles.

“The London’s West End is the playground of famous actors like David Suchet and Benedict Cumberbatch, so I feel like I have to keep up and make good of my acting. I searched about my character. I haven’t watched the iconic movie and I have no plans of watching it. So I have to read the script and start from zero,” he says. Mark, apparently, doesn’t want to be a copy cat (pun intended). www.rwmanila.com