CCP screens classic films Macho Dancer, Manila By Night for free
LOOK back at the socio-political landscape of the 1980s Manila through the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Arthouse Cinema’s back-to-back screenings of National Artist for Film Lino Brocka’s Macho Dancer and National Artist for Film Ishmael Bernal’s Manila By Night on June 3, starting at 2 p.m., at the Tanghalang Manuel Conde. Macho Dancer follows the story of a handsome teenager from the mountains who journeys to Manila in an effort to support his family after he was abandoned by his American lover. With a popular call boy as his mentor, Paul enters the glittering world of the macho dancer. Mr. Brocka captured a world of male strippers, prostitution, drugs, sexual slavery, police corruption and murder in this classic film. In Manila By Night, the hidden nightlife of ordinary people living in Manila is unveiled. Lovers and families’ conflicts are radically pitted against each other as they live in the night streets rampant with drugs and prostitution. The outstanding narrative explicitly unravels the various characters and episodes. This landmark film by Ishmael Bernal depicts the darkness of city life so vividly that it was once prohibited to use the word “Manila” on its title. To watch the films, pre-register through this link: https://bit.ly/38RCR03. The film screenings celebrate the National Heritage Month, and commemorate Mr. Bernal’s death anniversary on June 2.
The M pays tribute to National Artist Larry Alcala
AN ADJUST activity to the ongoing exhibit “Larry Alcala: Slices of Life, Wit, and Humor” — ongoing at the SMX Convention Center Aura in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig — an online conversation, M Art Inspires, will be held on June 4, featuring insights and stories from illustrator and UP Professor Ruben “Totet” de Jesus, visual artist-illustrator Aldy Aguirre, and writer-speaker Carl Javier. At the height of his career, Larry Alcala was part of every Filipino’s life with his slice-of-life cartoons. The exhibit, part of the celebration of National Heritage Month, features a collection of archival reproductions of Alcala’s works alongside works in drawing, print, and digital media of selected artists influenced by Larry Alcala, including members of the organization Ang Illustrador Ng Kabataan (INK). Another complementary activity is the M Collab project, inviting 18- to 25-year-old participants to share “à la Alcala” digital art contributions online. At the end of June, young artists will be invited to join the M Online Studio Studies, storytelling through comics and illustration workshop with visual artist-cartoonist Manix Abrera. “Larry Alcala: Slices of Life, Wit, and Humor” will be on view until June 6 at Function Hall 1, SMX Convention Center Aura, SM Aura Premier, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. For more information, send an e-mail to info@metmuseum.ph.