Culture

The Biggest Calligraffiti Wall in the Country is in Cebu

Historically, calligraphy has been defined as an art form that practices creative expression and skillful writing. Using the tip of the brush in writing, this art form still gains respect in the modern art scene.

The fusion of the writing form that means beautiful writing, calligraphy is brought to the newest medium. Calligraphy has been used in wedding invitations and certificates. But this typography has gained attention on the streets.

Local street art in Cebu varies in types and areas. Unlike many cities in the country, Cebu City has been a home for different kinds of street expressions. Graffiti continues to gain infamy in Cebu City. From stereotyping to hatred, street artists and graffiti artists are viewed to be doing illegal movements in expressing their forms of art in the streets of Cebu City.

Today, local artists now explore the combination of graffiti and calligraphy. This experiment was bravely done by Kent Anthony Sanchez.

During his high school years, Kent or commonly known as Krem, has always been interested in typography. From drawing posters and joining contests, his hobby in writing grew rapidly.

“Before, I never had the chance to buy my own materials. I used regular pencils and ball pens. Calligraphy pens are not that cheap so I saved money and used that to buy my first ever parallel pen,” he shares.

Kent Sanchez has developed his own style in calligraphy. Not satisfied with papers, he brought his techniques to the wall.

After graduating high school, he met STROKE, a team known for calligraffiti. “I was very interested in combining my interest in typography and street installations so I started researching,” Kent says. “I posted some of my wall installations online and because of this, I received positive feedbacks and these motivated me to paint more walls with calligraphy.”

But unlike traditional or contemporary calligraphy, Kent developed his own identity in this kind of typography. And with the help of his crewmate, AJ Merciful, Kent created the biggest and the widest calligraphy wall in the country. Measuring 11 meters by 3 meters, the biggest calligraffiti wall in the country was done for two consecutive days.

“I am very happy and proud of the wall we created. The techniques, of course, are first, to inspect the wall if it’s fit if it’s accessible and easy to see,” he says. “Be friendly with the brush, it was really a challenge at first especially controlling your hand because the wall is really huge,” he continues.

The biggest calligraffiti wall in the country can be viewed and passed by in Banawa, Cebu City (before arriving at CCSNHS).

Kent is also a part-time tattoo artist and as a local artist that explores different ways of artistic art expression, his visions include creating a spot painted that people will never forget. But this biggest calligraphy wall will surely be never forgotten.

“I do my art on the streets for free and I consider this form of art revolutionary because this is abstract and done freestyle,” Kent shares.

Just like any form of street art, it is normal for local artists to receive negative feedback and infamy.

Kent proudly said that this production has made him realized how powerful streets can be in elevating calligraphy as a typography.

“People say my art doesn’t contribute to anything at all but I let it go because I know I am happy with what I am doing,” Kent says.

Next to his biggest wall, he hopes to bring his art in different countries. “Maybe the uniqueness of my style will inspire other artists to explore it as well and I am very willing to help,” he assures.

Local artists experience challenges beyond their control but just like Kent who believed in his capability and talent, the biggest calligraphy wall in the country just proved how skills partnered with dreams and hard work can never go wrong.

Related Topics:Calligraffiti Kent Sanchez

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Culture

Cebuano Pride: The National Museum of Cebu

Pride of Cebu

By Eva Gullas

photos courtesy of DOT

“With the National Museum of Cebu, the cradle of Christianity in the country, we open the doors to a temple in history and culture, inviting tourists and locals to witness our archaeological and natural treasures. The NMP-Cebu is not just a museum but a bridge to our past and a window into our future,” declares Christina Frasco, our Secretary of Tourism, at the ceremonial opening last July 28.

Located at the heart of the city’s historic port area, the former colonial Customs House, built in 1910, was transformed into an elegant edifice worthy of the city’s place in history. It was in Cebu where the Spanish conquistadors first landed in 1521 and where Magellan met his end at the hands of the local chieftain Lapu-Lapu. Starting August 1, the National Museum of Cebu will open its doors daily from 9 am to 5 pm except Monday.

Cebu City Tourism’s Neil Odjigue, Cembeth Hortillano and CCTC Chairperson Joy Pesquera

Worth checking is the first floor, where a few art pieces from national artists like Cebu’s own Martino Abellana, Fernando Amorsolo, and Jose Joya take pride of place. On the right wing are finds from archeological digs found all over the islands. Called Ang Karaang Sugbo or Old Cebu, they include a gold death mask and ancient vases from China. There’s also Kinaiyahan: Cebu’s Natural Wonders, which features an impressive wall containing the different layers underneath our soil. There is also a display case that interactively showcases the various elements around the area, like gold, copper, and gypsum. Another wing is Paglawig: Cultural Movember Across the Seas, showcasing the islands’ maritime history and sea bounty, including rare shells.

Museum Director Jeremy Barns, Maryanne Arculli, Andronik Aboitiz and wife Doreen, Amanda Luym

Some of the abstract art from the New York collection

It is on the second floor, though, where the museum shines. Up the grand staircase, guests are greeted by Elmer Borlongan’s massive Battle of Mactan, facing a facsimile of the Sta Maria galleon, Magellan’s flagship. Then on to a limited-time exhibit on loan from the Philippine Center New York Core Collection of 1974, a treasure trove of almost 90 paintings collected by former First Lady Imelda Marcos, including Ang Kioks, Sanso, Manuel Rodrigues, and many more representing both avant-garde and classic Filipino masters. The New York collection is only available until March 2024 and is not to be missed.

Writer Eva Gullas beside Elmer Borlongan’s Battle of Mactan

The National Museum Cebu has been years in the making, and this cultural milestone has finally been made possible under the new administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who famously said during the inauguration, “I am a museum fan, and I can stay in art museums for hours and hours.” He added, ” museums are considered valuable natural assets to a nation as they build a sense of community, document history, inspire creativity, promote tourism, and unite people through a shared heritage.” Kudos to the National Museum Board of Trustees, chaired by Andoni Aboitiz and Museum Director Jeremy Barnes, for this cultural gift to Cebu!

Culture

The Uncommon Traditions that Mexicans and Filipinos share when celebrating the Day of the Dead.

Dia de los Muertos

By Allain Dumon Fonte

The 2nd of November is All Soul’s Day, a holiday that is very important to many Filipinos to remember our loved ones who passed on. This is also widely celebrated in Mexico as “Dia De los Muertos” or in English, “The Day of the Dead”. And Mexicans celebrate the 2nd of November grander than they celebrate Christmas. Well, you can witness it from the Disney movie, “Coco”.

As All Soul’s Day or Dia de los Muertos is about to end, here are some interesting traditions and superstitions that Filipinos and Mexicans share:

1. IT IS NOT ON THE 31st OF OCTOBER

Dia de los Muertos or All Soul’s Day is not practiced on October 31st or on the Hallow’s Eve as many other western cultures practice; but we celebrate it on the 2nd of November. We celebrate November 1st as All Saint’s Day or the Day of the Holy, while in Mexico they call it Dia de los Innocentes or Dia de los Angelitos to commemorate the children who died too early in life.

2. THE RITUAL

Both in Mexico and in the Philippines, we visit the grave of our loved ones and we clean it well. This is a ritual to honour their resting places and to let them know that they are never forgotten.

3. FLOWERS INVITE SPIRITS

In Mexico, they believe that the scent of flowers attract spirits. So the flower offerings are invitation to their dead loved ones to visit the living families. While in the Philippines, we believe that flowers offered to the dead exalt the souls and somehow fill in the sadness that we feel when missing our dead loved ones.

Most of the time, Filipinos choose all-white flowers to offer because white is the absence of colour, which means the absence of Joy and happiness. White also symbolises purity of soul which we hope our dead loved ones will attain as they journey to heaven. While in Mexico, they have the yellow Mexican marigolds as the official flowers of the dead that will guide them in their journey to the afterlife.

4. THE LEGEND OF THE MONARCH BUTTERFLIES

Both cultures believe that monarch butterflies are dead loved ones who visit us and show their appreciation that we have not forgotten them. A presence of monarch butterflies also means that our dead loved ones are always there guiding us and looking after us.

5. A PICNIC IN THE GRAVEYARD

Spending a night at the graveyard and picnicking with the rest of the family may sound very creepy to many; but to both Filipino and Mexican cultures, picnicking and spending a night at the cemetery is a must to show our love to our dearly departed. It is the only time in the year that families gather and tell stories of the dead loved ones and how colourful or how great their lives were.

6. FOOD FOR THE DEAD

In Mexico, they have what they call “ofrendas” or an altar where the pictures of their dead loved ones are displayed and offered with flowers, candles, and their favourite food. Very similar to the Filipino culture of cooking the favourite food of our dead loved ones and everyone in the family enjoys the food for dinner.

My family tradition involves me driving all the way to Colon street and buy that famous Snow Sheen’s “pancit canton”. This is my granddad’s favourite snack. Sadly, the old Visayan Restaurant is no longer there. My late uncle and my late grandpa love their sweet ad and sour fish. We also set up an “ofrenda” on their graveyard and eat their favourite food while picnicking in the cemetery. We do not spend a night in the cemetery; but while we are picnicking there, we usually play the songs of Pilita Corrales and Susan Fuentes that my late grandpa used to listen every afternoon while enjoying his coffee, pan de sal, and pancit canton.

What about your family traditions? Share your thoughts by commenting to this article.

MODEL: Michael Joseph Mortola Enriquez & Alexis Wingfield
PHOTOGRAPHER: Gianne Paolo Anciano
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Culture

Catch Ted Lasso the Emmy Award Winning Comedy Series on Apple TV+

Catch Ted Lasso the Emmy Award Winning Comedy Series on Apple TV+

Rating: *****/ *****

The multi award–winning comedy series airing on Apple TV+ is one of my favorite shows. Ted Lasso starring Jason Sudeikis is about a fun good-natured American football coached hired by a British soccer club (AFC Richmond in London) to become their new coach. In spite of the fact that Ted has no experience or knowledge about British football/soccer, his positive demeanor and charm helps him overcome the animosity of the team’s players, staff and fans. Eventually Ted wins over the team and the locals as they fight for position in the English Premier League.

The show won the 2021 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series and 7 Emmy Awards in its 2 seasons and Season 3 is just around the corner. You can catch Seasons 1 & 2 of Ted Lasso on Apple TV+