For the first time, the Cultural Centre of the Philippines (CCP) did the nomination, deliberation, and awarding processes of its triennial Thirteen Artists Awards online. Over 80 artists have qualified, all have taken their part in contributing to the progress of Philippine contemporary art locally and internationally. But as tradition dictates, the award has been given to 13 artists only all deserving of such recognition and now more eager to continue showcasing their distinctive art. This year s awardees include Allan Balisi, Nice Buenaventura, Gino Bueza, Mars Bugaoan, Rocky Cajigan, Geloy Concepcion, Patrick Cruz, Ian Carlo Jaucian, KoloWn, Czar Kristoff, Lou Lim, Ryan Villamael, and Catherine Sarah Young.
There were many covetous labels attached to Tita Conching, a term of endearment for Conchita Sunico. She was the original “It Girl”, the Hostess with the Mostest and the first Patroness of the Arts and Fashion. Born on 18 December 1913, the youngest of four daughters, she captured Manila’s attention when she won the title Carnival Queen. She gave the most exquisite of parties that it became a status symbol to be on her guest list, writes Marge Enriquez in a Tatler interview in March 2003.
In the Sixties, she organised the Karilagan International fashion, cultural and dance troupes that travelled the world to promote Philippine culture. She also has been attributed to helping the careers of numerous designers and fashion models because of the luncheon fashion shows at the Manila Hilton. She had a friendly rivalry with good friend Chito Madrigal who became the social directress of the Hyatt and produced lunch fashion shows as well that eventually overshadowed her Hilton shows.
Christmas 2020: Filipinos’ virtual Simbang Gabi in UAE starts tonight ashwani@khaleejtimes.com Filed on December 15, 2020
The usual Simbang Gabi scene in the Philippines, pre-Covid times. (Alamy image used for illustrative purpose)
Overseas Filipinos are also welcome to attend novena masses that will be live-streamed from the Philippines.
While Filipinos’ Simbang Gabi (novena masses) will never be the same without the smell of
bibingka (rice cakes) and
puto bumbong (purple rice cakes rolled in coconut) on the streets, expats are still looking forward to their nine-day Christmas tradition, which starts tonight.
In Abu Dhabi, St Joseph’s Cathedral will be telecasting the service online from tonight (December 15) until December 23, every 7.30pm. Simbang Gabi officially starts every December 16 and runs until December 24 but anticipated masses are usually held so some would begin the tradition on the evening of December 15.