Bravo Filipino celebration begins

Everyone in the arts and culture communities is talking about Bravo Filipino, a festival of Philippine art, music, and fashion that aims to be a celebration of the Filipino's innate ability to create and embrace art and music of world-class caliber.

It was conceived primarily to promote Filipino creativity and ingenuity, and was launched at the posh Greenbelt 5 as the home of top-notch Filipino fashion designers.

The project is a fusion of classic works, and contemporary and modern pieces in Philippine art, music, and fashion. Seasoned artists, as well as talented newcomers, will take center stage during the festival's run. Main attractions include a concert, a fashion show, and a special preview of the

Matavanero collection of London-based Filipino designer Lesley Mobo. Bravo Filipino is the brainchild of Ayala honcho Jaime Zobel de Ayala.

"Everyday, I discover new talent and new enthusiasm in the Filipino soul. What is sad is that we have to wait to see someone succeed abroad to give that person a name, and then we go all out to honor that person. And so I thought, we should start to discover such artists here, and make them famous with the whole country supporting them," Zobel said.

Marking the start of the entire celebration was the recent unveiling of the Greenbelt 3 and 5 tunnel murals depicting a montage of works by various Filipino artists. Smaller banners inspired by the artworks will be displayed in different areas of Ayala malls.

Last February 19, a concert highlighting music from the Filipinas Heritage Library's Himig Collection celebrated the works of the finest composers in the local music industry, as arranged by Ryan Cayabyab and Louie Ocampo. A powerhouse cast of Filipino vocalists and musicians include Pilita Corrales, Basil Valdez, and Celeste Legaspi. The concert will also feature production numbers choreographed by instructors from Sofia Zobel's Steps Dance Studio. These concerts will be accompanied by exhibits of the Himig Collection.

In honor of designers who have helped define Philippine couture, a fashion show is scheduled on March 13 at Greenbelt 5 and will showcase the creations of the most esteemed local designers like Inno Sotto, Ben Farrales, Pitoy Moreno, Patis Tesoro, Aureo Alonso and Auggie Cordero.

World-class Filipino designers who have made a name in the international front like Monique Lhuillier, Bea Valdes, Rafe Totengco andTina Maristela-Ocampo are also expected to lend their support.

With its repertoire of some of the best in Philippine music, visual arts, and dance, Bravo Filipino is poised to become one of the most exciting cultural events of 2008.