Exploring possibilities of design

With its initiative to nurture the next generation of design and creative leaders, the Design Center of the Philippines organized an exhibit called Edit: Objects Redesigned.

The exhibit featured works of 15 young designers, who showcased their output after successfully completing the first phase of the New Design Graduates Training (NDGT) program. Included in the exhibit were redesigned items ranging from lamps, design centerpieces to furniture, which were given innovations by the young designers to extend their commercial viability and value.

Local designers, industry leaders and partners who graced  the exhibit included Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato dela Peña, Design Center of the Philippines executive director Maria Rita Matute, NDGT program advisor Josef Crisanto, Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines president Eduardo Zuluaga, DOST-Philippine Textile Research Institute director Celia Elumba and British Council Arts and Creative Industries program head Malaya del Rosario.

Matute said, “Nurturing the next generation of design and creative leaders of the Philippines through training and continuing education is our commitment and our contribution to the transformation of the country into a design and creative industry powerhouse in Asia.”

Dela Peña said, “NDGT serves as a good opportunity to renew the ties among the Design Center of the Philippines, Department of Trade and Industry and Department of Science and Technology. The exhibit is in itself interesting as it stands for innovation and improvement.”

NDGT is a track under the Designer Competency Development Program, which was developed by the Design Center of the Philippines, an agency attached to the DTI. It is a 16-month training program that serves as an avenue for young designers to enhance their design skills  through intensive training and learning of the basic design theories and principles, apprenticeship and actual design practice.

Crisanto added, “This exhibit is the culmination of the first five months of the NDGT.  It represents the completion of the first phase of the 16-month program, which focuses on strengthening the designers’ philosophy and orientation towards design fundamentals that would eventually help them discover their unique creative voice.”

Don Quixote by the Ballet Philippines

Candice Adea as Kitri in Don Quixote.  Photo by Jojo Mamangun.

Ballet Philippines stages the classic Don Quixote from Feb. 9 to 18 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Main Theater.

Taken from an episode of Miguel de Cervantes’ tale, the ballet follows the adventures of Don Quixote into Barcelona. Here, he meets an innkeeper’s daughter named Kitri whom he thinks is his ladylove Dulcinea. Kitri, in turn, is enamored by Basilio, the poor local barber that her father doesn’t like. Mayhem ensues as the gentleman from La Mancha unwittingly helps the two lovers have their happy ending.

International guest artist Joseph Gatti will perform on special gala nights. Gatti, who was a principal dancer with Cincinnati Ballet and Corella Ballet, has won various prestigious international ballet competitions including the New York International Ballet Competition and World Ballet Competition. Gatti will be performing with Ballet Philippines’ resident guest artist Candice Adea as Kitri. Manila Symphony Orchestra will play live conducted by Jeffrey Solares.

The re-stager of the ballet is Adam Sage, who returns to Ballet Philippines as its associate artistic director and ballet master. Sage has performed, taught, coached and choreographed around the world for nearly three decades. After his stint with BP in 1981 to 1983, he danced with Ballet West, Ballet Memphis, Hong Kong Ballet, and National Dance Company of Boputhatswana in South Africa. He also founded and served as artistic director of Missouri Ballet Theatre.

International guest artist Joseph Gatti.

The principal roles of Kitri and Basilio will be portrayed by Ballet Philippines company members Jemima Reyes, Monica Gana, Victor Maguad and Ian Ocampo.

Catch this very special run of Don Quixote on Feb.  9 to 18 at the CCP Main Theater. Special gala nights with Gatti and the MSO are on Feb. 9, at 8 p.m. and Feb. 10, at 7 p.m.

(For tickets, call Ballet Philippines at 551-1003, the CCP box office at 832-3704, TicketWorld at 891-9999 and Ticketworld.com.ph. For more information, visit Ballet Philippines on www.facebook.com/balletphilippines or www.ballet.ph.)

(Follow me on Instagram @pepperteehankee.)