CCP Gala Performance and Jose Joya Art Retrospective

Upon watching the CCP Gala performances last November 13, 2011 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo, I felt proud and prosperous of performing arts here in the Philippines. Not only is it recognized in the Philippines but abroad as well. The dancers from the Philippine Ballet Theatre prove that not only women are skillful in ballet. Men can also dance ballet. The DepEd Performiing Arts Group has demonstrated skill and passion in playing native stringed musical instruments. The craftsmen of the musical instruments are also honored because of their hardwork and dedication to help give musicians quality musical instruments. International plays such as The Phantom of the Opera were also performed in Filipino style. The different ethnic groups form the Mountain Province where portrayed by young performers from the Ramon Bosan Folkloric Group. Not only the beauty of the dance were appreciated but the costumes as well. The announcer from the different tribes audibly presented their respective tribes even without microphones. It is so pleasing to see Filipino performing groups garner international awards for their country year after year. The funds collected at the gala event will benefit the CCP Arts Education and Audience Development Programs. This will help flourish the Filipino culture and heritage for generations to come.

Cultural Center of the Philippines(Photo Courtesy of D.M. Consunji Inc. http://www.dmcinet.com )

Jose Joya is a  model to all Filipnos, artists or not. He is not only an artist. He is also a leader and a mentor. It is rare to find somebody painting a self-portrait. A very famous artist who painted a self-potrait is Leonardo Da Vinci. Using only pen and ink, Joya was able to create a masterpiece of himself. Being the head in various art organization and institutions such as the National Commission on Culture and Arts, he has passed on his knowledge and wisdom to the people including the students of today. He didn’t have gender discrimination because he has painted both male and female nude paintings. Thank you the supportive family of Mr. Joya for keeping good care and appreciation of Jose Joya’s legacy to the Filipino people.