Biyernes, Hunyo 24, 2016

DOST-PAGASA Workshop
THREE DAYS WELL SPENT

ARRIVING at the PAGASA Science Garden Complex in Quezon City before the Departure Time en route to Oasis Hotel and Resort for the three days seminar-workshop.
 
Lots of time to roam around the Central Office of PAGASA the place is surrounded by greeneries, making your morning bright, sunny, with a breath of fresh air.
 
In the bus, about past 9AM, Ms Venus started a roll call for the attendees. Some would just go straight ahead to Oasis Hotel, others would be picked up at designated locations. Foods and drinks were distributed to us for our breakfast.

While on our way, in the area of La Salle Greenhills, the vehicles weren’t moving. It took us about one hour before reaching EDSA. After which it was a smooth and safe travel.

Upon reaching Oasis Hotel, lunch was served then rooms were assigned to everyone.
 
About 3PM we went back to the Conference Room for the Opening Ceremonies and Workshop Proper led Ms VENUS R VALDEMORO (OIC PIU).
 
A lively introduction took place wherein the participants grouped themselves according to animal names.
 
Ours was the Bird Team. We thought of several meanings and significance we associate with Birds.

Being an Eagle, for example, one can see the entirety of a situation and its minute details. Also, being the maya bird that comes out after the rain signifies pagasa hope.
 
After which the Workshop Proper began. Topics such as Weather Systems Affecting the Country was discussed by Ms DAISY F ORTEGA (Assistant Weather Service Chief).

The second day was started by a synthesis of Day One. An overload of different information and terminologies transpired during the second day.
 
The words and subjects alien to me before were taught in layman’s terms in order for the Media to disseminate it to the public in simpler form and help in their better understanding.
 
Ensure the safety and well-being, protection against natural calamities, and economic security of the people as well as promotion of national progress is what this workshop would like to impart.

Ms ADELINA SEVILLA ALVAREZ (Lead Convenor, DRRNet Philippines) handled the Role of Media in Disaster Reduction and Risk Management.
 
Overall the workshop was indeed a great success.
 
Gaining information and meeting friends was such a privilege accorded by the PAGASA ensemble.

Miyerkules, Hunyo 22, 2016

Exhibit walk-through with Antonio Austria15 June 2016; 1-3pm
Bulwagang Juan Luna (CCP Main Gallery)
In line with the current exhibition 6 Decades of A.G. Austria, the Cultural Center of the Philippines will be hosting an exhibit walk-through with...
In line with the current exhibition 6 Decades of A.G. Austria, the Cultural Center of the Philippines will be hosting an exhibit walk-through with artist Antonio Austria on 15 June, from 1 to 3pm at the CCP’s Bulwagang Juan Luna (Main Gallery). Exhibit curator Ma. Victoria Herrera will be conversing with the artist as he leads guests through the retrospective exhibition.
Folk and naive — these two words have often been used to characterize the art of Antonio G. Austria. But to describe his works as simply that disregards the methodical approach applied to each work and towards the development of his distinctive style. Stylized squat figures rendered in bright colors is now synonymous to his name. Although at closer examination, the childlike and naive qualities of Austria’s paintings are counterbalanced by a well-thought out sense of space, design, and composition. Even with distorted rendering, the viewer is able to promptly recall and connect everyday sights and experiences in his paintings — from the hardworking jeepney driver and his colorful conveyance; the ordered chaos in a store, market, or a street vendor’s merchandise; the excitement in a bar or billiard hall, to a family’s lauriat gathering or a meal in the neighborhood food stall.
Austria garnered top recognition in national art competitions and was among the first group of artists included in the CCP’s roster of the 13 Artists in 1970, a recognition given to promising young artists. It is perhaps this validation early in his artistic life that led to a practice of six decades fuelled by a vision to articulate the Filipino roots and soul in his art. More recently, Austria received the Patnubay ng Sining at Kalinangan sa Larangan ng Pagpinta from the City of Manila (2002) and the Outstanding Thomasian Alumnus (Visual Arts, 2003), from his alma mater — fitting acknowledgements of a life in art well lived.