Yeo is Okay

Talented young artist Yeo Kaa staged her second solo show Okay at Artinformal recently. 

The works of Kaa in Okay — similar to the word that has taken a myriad of meanings (a confirmation, an affirmation, a question, a sarcastic retort, an exhalation of resignation) -— are loaded with explosive reverberations evoked through a technicolor world of rooms as claustrophobic as a prison, phallus-shaped salt and pepper shakers, slashed hands and spilled bodily fluids.

In the words of writer Carlomar Arcangel Daoana, in the world created by Kaa, which takes after Blood and Stitches, “We are confronted with scenes of destruction, suicide, even crime. In the center of the maelstrom is Kaa’s invented persona (with her bob hair and big, eventful eyes) who embodies the artist’s crippling fear at mundane tasks that they, once performed, become torture. Stricken with inertia, shown usually in bed curled in fetal pose, she even dreads of waking up, not wanting to participate in any human activity.”

Blood and Stitches was Kaa’s first solo show at Secret Fresh Gallery where she also introduced her limited designer toy named Krinini.

Kaa occupied the main gallery of Artinformal that coincided with shows by two other talented artists, Jojo Serrano and Joel Vega.

I am glad to have been able to witness the beginnings of this young and very talented artist. I am looking forward to seeing more of Kaa’s works (and solo shows) in the future.

(Artinformal is located at 277 Connecticut Street, Greenhills East, Mandaluyong City. For inquiries, call 725-8518 or visit www.artinformal.com.)

The right formula for the perfect body

What could really be the secret to achieve a perfect body?

Century Tuna, along with its endorser Derek Ramsay, presented the right combination to reach your ultimate fitness goals.

Derek saw a better, stronger and healthier version of himself upon making a comeback as the company’s endorser. Asked about how he’s able to maintain his perfect physique throughout the years, he said, “I must admit, before, I thought that exercise is the only way to get in shape and achieve defined muscles. But then I learned it’s only 30 percent of the process and 70 percent depends on the diet.”

General manager of Century Pacific Food Corp. Greg Banzon agrees. “The road to fitness is not easy. But we at Century Tuna guarantee that we are your partners in this life-changing journey. We will motivate you to push harder, do better and aim higher with the help of our inspiring celebrity endorsers like Derek,” he said, during the media event held at the ballroom of Makati Shangri-La.

Derek shared, “I personally like the Hot and Spicy variant!”

Aside from being an excellent source of protein, tuna supplies the body with other important nutrients such as magnesium, potassium, Vitamin B complex and omega-3 essential fatty acids. Omega-3 DHA is not only good for the heart, but also helps burn body fat, shrink abdominal fat cells and stop certain genes that trigger inflammation on belly fat.

Century Tuna marketing manager Gela Pecson said, “It was in 1986 when our founder Ricardo S. Po Sr. decided to introduce the healthy goodness of tuna to the sardine-loving Filipino consumer. Following this was the launch of Century Tuna. Since then, it has become part of our roots to produce quality meals that are not only convenient to eat, but most importantly, delicious and healthy.”

The company also presented its other hottest celebrity endorsers like Anne Curtis, Jessy Mendiola, Paulo Avelino and Elmo Magalona.

(Visit www.centurytuna.ph.)

The Magnificent September Auction

Early works with fascinating history, rare finds, objets d’art and contemporary pieces highlight Leon Gallery’s much-awaited Magnificent September Auction 2015 on Saturday, Sept. 12.

Two artworks from the early shows of Anita Magsaysay-Ho (Boti! Garapa! circa 1946) and Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera (Scavenger from 1966) are sure to delight collectors. It is fascinating to note that Magsaysay-Ho’s Boti! Garapa! was retrieved from a garage sale for $20 and BenCab’s Scavengers was found at a Salvation Army sale for $4.99!

Other lots include an untitled work by Juan Luna acquired by National Artist for Historical Literature Carlos Quirino and a Fernando Zobel oil on canvas work from 1963, one of the largest pieces by Zobel to come out of this period.

(The Leon Gallery Magnificent September Auction 2015 will be held on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2 p.m. at G/F, Eurovilla 1, Rufino corner Legazpi Streets, Legazpi Village, Makati City. For more information, call 856-2781, e-mail [email protected] or visit leon-gallery.com.)

The care men deserve

Dove expands its mission to men to make them realize that it is care that makes them stronger.

In its attempt to herald a new kind of man, the brand recently launched a complete range of hair products for men at Green Sun in Makati City.

Infused with caffeine, the Dove Men + Care Fortifying shampoo was developed to strengthen men’s hair, making it stronger and more resilient. It is available in three variants: Strengthening, Anti-dandruff and Refreshing Clean.

Also introduced at the event, hosted by Marc Nelson, was the newest #DoveMenPlus council to represent the new breed of men: Ryan Agoncillo, TV host, husband and father; Doug Kramer, PBA player and family man; JC Intal, athlete and soon-to-be dad; Nico Bolzico, businessman and husband-to-be; Mark Agas, model and doctor; Luke Landrigan, surf school owner and father; Chappy Callanta, strength and conditioning specialist and father; and James Deakin, motoring journalist and social servant.

(To celebrate the Dove Man in your life, visit www.dovemencare.ph and upload a photo of him that best showcases the qualities a Dove Man has. Post it on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtags #DoveMenCare and #DoveMenPlus.)

(Follow me on Instagram @pepperteehankee.)