Brave new world
Art has always been a part of life, even during the time of COVID-19. The new book Brave New World: Art and the Pandemic was meant to capture the feelings, fears, frustrations, and hopes of our nation during this time. Southeast Asian Heritage Publications, Inc. published this book and mounted the art exhibit that coincided with the book launch at Art Lounge Manila at The Podium.
I have written an essay for this book together with contributors Ricky Francisco of Fundacion Sanso, art enthusiast Prim Paypon, poet Jose F. Lacaba, UP Diliman Art History lecturer Petty Benitez-Johannot, artist Jose Tence Ruiz, and Galerie Joaquin’s managing director Jack Teotico.
The book also shows the reader collective storytelling through several artwork and photography that pays tribute to the Philippines’ bayanihan spirit and honors the everyday heroes.
It was probably the first event I went to with so many people… things are really slowly getting back to normal but it was still hard to distinguish who people were with their facemasks.
The book launch and exhibit was held at Art Lounge Manila at The Podium where Ricky Francisco, curator of Brave New World, gave the opening remarks while book contributors like Paypon and Teotico shared their experience and stories in writing for the book. Several artists and gallery owners who shared artworks in the book were also present to join the festivities.
Brave New World can be ordered online at https://artplus.shop/products/brave-new-world-coffee-table-book.
Safe movie experience at SM Cinema
SM Cinema has reopened its doors to moviegoers with 35 cinemas nationwide for exclusive screenings and safe and fun movie experiences in partnership with Hygieia Innovations and Technology, Inc., the largest pioneer in implementing technology to eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses in every business and personal space.
SM Cinema is also equipped with the Aurabeat Air Purifiers, which eliminate 99.9% of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 in just 15 minutes. The purifier uses silver-ion technology and five-stage disinfection to help dismantle the viruses and filter the air.
MERV HEPA AHU filters are also installed in the air-conditioning units inside the theaters to help ensure that the air inside the cinema is safer and cleaner.
SM was one of the first establishments to acquire a Safety Seal certification from the Department of Trade and Industry. All SM Cinema branches have also been awarded the Safety Seal certification. I feel safer now and I actually went to watch a movie already at The Podium!
SM Cinema strictly adheres to the government’s mandated COVID-19 safety protocols, allowing only those fully vaccinated inside. Masks are still advised to be worn inside the theater to have a #SafeAndFunMovieWatching experience.
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Visit www.smcinema.com and follow @SMCinema on Facebook and Twitter, and @sm_cinema on Instagram.
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