The Ayala group of companies is sponsoring Bravo Filipino, a festival of Philippine art, music, and fashion slated to run from January to April, 2008.
Its project organizers claim that, “Bravo Filipino is first and foremost 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 to formally launch Greenbelt 5 as the home of top-notch Filipino fashion designers
Bravo Filipino is the brainchild of Ayala chairman emeritus 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.
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.
Greenbelt 5, the latest development marking Greenbelt as the premium lifestyle center in the Philippines, will play host to these centerpiece events celebrating world-class artistry.
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 are displayed in different areas of Ayala malls.
On February 19, a concert highlighted music from the Filipinas Heritage Library’s Himig Collection featuring 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, including “Asia’s Queen of Songs” Pilita Corrales, balladeer Basil Valdez, popular rap artist Francis Magalona, Celeste Legaspi, and noted DJ group LOCAL//:e!, provided compelling performances. The concert featured several dance numbers choreographed by instructors from Sofia Zobel’s Steps Dance Studio. Mini concerts featuring artists that performed at the launch event are set to run in Ayala malls from February to April. These concerts will be accompanied by exhibits of the Himig Collection.
In honor of designers who have helped define Philippine couture, a fashion show accompanied by music from the Himig Collection, will be staged at Greenbelt 5 on March 13. The show will also mark the opening of Greenbelt 5 as the prime fashion locale in Manila. Renowned designers— Pitoy Moreno, Patis Tesoro, Ben Farrales, Aureo Alonso, Noli Hans, Auggie Cordero, Inno Sotto, to name a few—and promising new designers are anticipated to grace the event with their latest collections.
World- class Filipino designers who have made Greenbelt 5 their home are also expected to lend their support: Bea Valdes, Rafe Totengco, Tina Maristela-Ocampo, Butch Carungay, Ana Rocha, Arnel Papa, Vic Barba, Myth, Cesar Gaupo, Victoria Marin, Bonne Bouche, Patrice Diaz, Jun Escario, Amina Aranaz, Lulu Tan Gan, Lila Almario, Religioso and Kate Torralba.
Bravo Filipino is supported by Ayala Corporation, Ayala Foundation, Ayala Land, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Globe, Honda Cars Makati, Integrated Microelectronics, Isuzu Automative Dealership, and Manila Water.
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.
For more information on Bravo Filipino and the related events, please call 892-1801 or send an email to bravofilipino@filipinaslibrary.org.ph.