THE LIVING ROOM RECOMMENDS!

CELL IT OFF!

Four excellent shows check out this weekend. First, at the Marikina Shoe Expo (aka Cubao X) on Gen. Romulo Avenue (behind Ali Mall). we have a photo exhibit (opening Thursday, Dec. 15) at Blacksoup called "Kambyo". Filmmakers and picture people like Quark Henares, Katrina Holigores, Raymond Red, Mark Meilly, Yam Laranas, and Eric Matti show off images they captured on their celphones. and...

HEIL ART.. HEIL ALL ART!
A presentation of final projects by the Interactive Storytelling, Art Appreciation and World Literature students of uber artist and now art professor at DeLaSalle, Yason Banal, Show runs from 7pm till 11 pm, with a dj set from Yason and live performances from sound artist Pow Martinez and the art band The Brockas (composed of filmmakers Roxlee, Khavn dela Cruz and Lav Diaz). There will also be additional performances by Uranus' Sonja Laban, Israel's P&G Kollectiv, Russia's AES+F Group and UK's Frank Sidebottom and Sick Happy Idle. Admission is free.

HATS OFF!
Located at the far end of Luneta Park next to the Orchidarium and fronting the Department of Tourism and that hideous sculpture of Lapu-lapu, the MUSEUM OF THE FILIPINO PEOPLE is currently exhibiting "Pang-Ulo", the largest collection of traditional Filipino head dresses that I have ever seen in one room. With pieces ranging from traditional horned-bill helmets to bridal veils from the 1960's, the show is excellently displayed, curated, and comes with an accompanying conceptual installation on Philippine presidents (Pangulo also means president in Filipino). Definitely worth a gander if only to see just how well managed and progressive the Philippine Museum system has become. Free admission on Sundays. Make sure to pass by Lush Life at the Orchidarium next door afterwards for a fruit shake when you're done as well. and finally..

MANILA PAPER!
PAPEL NG PAPEL A group exhibit currently on view at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila at the Central Bank Complex on Roxas Boulevard. Rush there now and catch it quick because it's closing on Dec. 31 already. Be amazed at some of the things that artists Impy Pilapil, Tony Gonzales, and the Philippine Queen of Paper, Tes Pasola, can do with something as simple as dried pulp. Monumental, minute, and just darn lovely. Call 523-7855 for details.