Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

"Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," Elton John cover by Sara Bareilles; live performance for American Voices with Renee Fleming

So goodbye yellow brick road
Where the dogs of society howl
You can't plant me in your penthouse
I'm going back to my plough

As part of my March, International Women's Month observance, Sounds liwaliw features powerful female performances of great songs originally recorded with male vocal leads.

If I Fell

"If I Fell" of the Beatles cover by Evan Rachel Wood, who portrayed "Lucy" in the film musical Across the Universe

If I fell in love with you
Would you promise to be true
And help me understand
'Cause I've been in love before
And I found that love was more
Than just holding hands

As part of my March International Women's Month observance, Sounds liwaliw features powerful female performances of great songs originally recorded with male vocal leads.

Somewhere Only We Know

"Somewhere Only We Know" originally by Keane (included in their album Hopes and Fears), cover by Lily Allen, featured in her album Sheezus. Music video was produced for the Christmas advert of British department store John Lewis.

I came across a fallen tree
I felt the branches of it looking at me
Is this the place we used to love?
Is this the place that I've been dreaming of?

As part of my March International Women's Month observance, Sounds liwaliw features powerful female performances of great songs originally recorded with male vocal leads.

Drawing Room, Holland Park, 1887

#HistoryofPainting#Artist
Anna Alma-Tadema (1867–1943) was a British artist and suffragette. She was influenced by her father, Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, ...#Painting
Drawing Room, Holland Park, 1887@Russell_Cotes Art Gallery & #Museumhttps://t.co/8JjzyjJKF1

Beauty in #Art pic.twitter.com/BGXXy4Ouri

— History of Painting (@AHistoryofPaint) March 26, 2018

Spotted: "History of Painting" on Twitter, 26 March 2018

Six Women

Indian artist Bharti Kher, Six Women, 2013, series of life-sized, female sculptures, cast from real women in her New Delhi studio #womensart pic.twitter.com/1IAVNEmgiN

— #WOMENSART (@womensart1) March 25, 2018

Spotted: "#WOMENSART" on Twitter, 25 March 2018

Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama

So Many People Want to See Michelle Obama’s Portrait They Had to Move It to a Bigger Room https://t.co/HhfUpBXbYS pic.twitter.com/rJiZ9pVvAE

— artnet (@artnet) March 25, 2018

Spotted: "ArtNet" on Twitter, 26 March 2018

Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama, by Amy Sherald, dated 2018, in the collection of the National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C., United States

DIY humor, out of season

Random number between 1 and 320, page 106 of A Laugh A Minute published by Reader's Digest pic.twitter.com/png5IbY7sR

— glenncruz (@glenncruz) March 29, 2018

17th C. Dutch, Italianate

Random number between 1 and 184, page 75 of Guide to the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum, second edition pic.twitter.com/mh0IcS4hZx

— glenncruz (@glenncruz) March 29, 2018

Hoaxing for fun

Random number between 1 and 328. Page 302 of Literary Hoaxes: An Eye-Opening History of Famous Frauds by Melissa Katsoulis. pic.twitter.com/sOEgcpd1IE

— glenncruz (@glenncruz) March 19, 2018

Missed out on the Kitchen Cousins

On top of our world

When we were able to get ahead of the Holy Week exodus in the Metro two years ago. pic.twitter.com/kLtKesknxQ

— glenncruz (@glenncruz) March 29, 2018

Latepost: Zip, zap, then out of ArtFairPH

#artfairph #thelink #ayalacenter #makati #2018GAC03

A post shared by Glenn Cruz (@glenncruz_ph) on Mar 6, 2018 at 3:52pm PST

Dateline: 04 March 2018, Makati Avenue, Makati City

My partner came home for a month-long vacation, and a visit to Art Fair Philippines would be our first liwaliw together in years. My general impression, though, art dealers seemed to have much less on offer compared to last year's. The queue for the EJK-themed exhibition was way too long, so I had to prioritize finishing all three (or four?) floors of the Fair. But good that so many visitors went and saw that exhibition, and I hope that it was affective enough. 

Latepost: Komiket at Centris

The #meowproject with a special offer at #komiket at #centriselements #quezoncity #2018GAC02

A post shared by Glenn Cruz (@glenncruz_ph) on Mar 1, 2018 at 4:22am PST

Dateline: 25 February 2018, Centris, Quezon City

Was able to catch Komiket on its last day at Centris Elements in Quezon City. (Realized the venue was where my cousin had his wedding reception some years back.) This squeezed this destination in after a friend's Facebook post reminded me; today was primarily reserved for the 32nd anniversary of the EDSA People Power revolt. So much art eye candy.

Latepost: Steampunk at NCCA

From #steampunk indio at the #ncca gallery #intramuros #manila #2018GAC02

A post shared by Glenn Cruz (@glenncruz_ph) on Mar 2, 2018 at 9:32pm PST

Dateline: 25 February 2018, Intramuros, Manila

Will have to be at the People Power Monument later. But I wanted to witness the Manila Transitio, an annual commemoration of Manila being an Open City during the Second World War. It was scheduled also as part of the first Manila Biennale. Wasn't sure if the activity happened much later than first announced... but an hour's wait walking the length of Palacio was enough to call this a bust.

But was glad to discover that the gallery of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts was open, and Steampunk Indio on current exhibition.

Latepost: Madz at 55

Happy 55th #philippinemadrigalsingers #ccp #manila #2018GAC02

A post shared by Glenn Cruz (@glenncruz_ph) on Feb 24, 2018 at 9:42am PST

Dateline: 24 February 2018, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Manila

It is always a delightful experience, attending a Philippine Madrigal Singers concert. This one, their 55th anniversary offering, and a return to the CCP after touring so many places here and abroad. This concert, though, had less "dramatic" flourishes in the program.

But there are times when I had to re-assess my determination to attend the concerts. The Madz has such a huge following already. (Which is foremost a very good thing.) And with a huge following comes the shrieks and shouts of fans, and unruly, long-necking and camwhoring crowds. Sometimes, the inconvenience pops you out of your bubble of madrigal bliss.

I'm Here

"I'm Here" by Jennifer Hudson from the musical Color Purple

On the occasion of 33rd Kennedy Center Honors in 2010 for lifetime achievement of Oprah Winfrey

The Vice-President by Labastida

Was gifted with this beautiful painting by the PNPA Council of Artists. In the pictures with me is the artist behind this masterpiece, Cadet 4CL Don Carlo Labastida of Davao City. pic.twitter.com/yqPCtdUXvS

— Leni Robredo (@lenirobredo) March 21, 2018

Spotted: 21 March 2018 from "Leni Robredo" on Twitter

From the official Twitter account of Vice President Leni Robredo, she acclaims the gift as a masterpiece by Don Carlo Labastida. Photos were shared on Twitter accounts of some of the broadcast news organizations, but no fully written story yet.

One

Jeeploma

LOOK: Prize-winning painting by Paul Taladtad #SaveOurJeepneys #NoToJeepneyPhaseout pic.twitter.com/xfdQbp4Be0

— Tonyo Cruz (@tonyocruz) March 21, 2018

 "Jeeploma" by Paul Taladtad, Adventist University of the Philippines

Spotted: 21 March 2018 from "Tonyo Cruz" on Twitter

According to Tonyo Cruz's Twitter thread, "Jeeploma" won first prize at the 32nd DPC-PLDT Visual Arts Competition. It has enough heart-tugging narrative that likely could influence the current debates around jeepney modernization. This and other winners from the competition featured in Visual Arts PH.

Starting anew, living tiny

The before and after. For now.

A post shared by Glenn Cruz (@glenncruz_ph) on Mar 18, 2016 at 6:48pm PDT

Sometime in March 2016. Facebook's "On This Day" reminded me last 18 March that two years ago I moved to a new place that while more expensive per square meter, was more convenient for commuting to work, and pursuing all things liwaliw.

It was a new beginning that was also a significant ending for some things: an end to living arrangements with friends among whom our relationships had been deteriorating for some time; an end to hoping that the LRT-1 Extension will be realized in the remaining years of my employable life; and an end to living in a spacious residence that I could not maximize well, was expensive to maintain, and had almost converted me to a certified hoarder. Thanks to HGTV, I learned just in time the merits of going tiny.

Latepost: Farewell, Dean Billy

#nationalartist #napoleonabueva 1930-2018: Eternal rest grant unto him, o Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. @culturalctrph #manila #2018GAC02

A post shared by Glenn Cruz (@glenncruz_ph) on Feb 24, 2018 at 9:16am PST

Dateline: 24 February 2018, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Manila

I already had my cultural calendar laid out on this day. But had to change everything after I learned that the CCP will hold a necrology service for the late National Artist Napoleon V. Abueva, who passed away last 16 February at the age of 88. He is considered the "Father of Philippine Modern Sculpture," and he was the youngest person to be awarded the National Artist honor.

Latepost: Doorway to art and nature

Fascinating art and fantastic surroundings and sky at #pintoartmuseum #antipolo #2018GAC02

A post shared by Glenn Cruz (@glenncruz_ph) on Feb 23, 2018 at 6:59am PST

Dateline: 23 February 2018, Antipolo City, Rizal

Finally found time to pay a visit to Pinto Art Museum after facilitating a stakeholders meeting at First Pacific Leadership Academy. The Museum is a visual feast that offered so much so that my camera phone's battery ran out before I got to finish all the sights. So definitely, I'm committed to coming back. 

Latepost: Happy infestation

At GC: 1,2,3 exhibit featuring #garapata by #dexfernandez at the @culturalctrph #manila #2018GAC02

A post shared by Glenn Cruz (@glenncruz_ph) on Feb 21, 2018 at 1:44am PST

Dateline: 18 February 2018, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Manila

At GC: 1, 2, 3 exhibit features Dex Fernandez's "Garapata" rendered in so many different ways by people that the artist met. The exhibit is a happy infestation of the now iconic Garapata. 

Latepost: (Book) hungry like a wolf

Booksplosion. @bbwbooksph #worldtradecenter #pasay #2018GAC02

A post shared by Glenn Cruz (@glenncruz_ph) on Feb 16, 2018 at 11:36am PST

Dateline: 16 February 2018, World Trade Center, Pasay

That's not me, but had I been my much younger self, that could have been me, digging through other people's rejects in the sorting station. Big Bad Wolf came to the country, and the book-loving populace of Metro Manila went crazy. I started with a 2,000 peso budget and a single visit. I ended up almost blowing off my credit card limit, and visiting World Trade Center thrice.

Miraculous loan of sight

One of the films I saw on the big screen was "Mga Mata ni Angelita" in 1978, starred by then very popular child performer Julie Vega. I had a creeped out fascination with the demonstration of the Virgin Mary's eyes being loaned to Angelita.

Flowers by Yayoi Kusama

Flowers..#YayoiKusama pic.twitter.com/Ard0jfD9kG

— Alexandra Epps (@ArtGuideAlex) March 17, 2018

Take Me to Church

"Take Me to Church" by Postmodern Jukebox, featuring Morgan James, cover of Hozier, from his extended play (EP) in 2013

The only heaven I'll be sent to
Is when I'm alone with you
I was born sick, but I love it
Command me to be well
Amen, Amen, Amen

Carnal, amoral, yielding, desired

Random number between 1 and 420. Page 248 of The Body: Photoworks of the Human Form by William A. Ewing. pic.twitter.com/DMJKlNVu5w

— glenncruz (@glenncruz) March 19, 2018

Random number between 1 and 420 (index pages excluded), page 248 of The Body: Photoworks of the Human Form by William A. Ewing (published by Thames and Hudson) features an albumen print of "Mesdames (Eritrea)" by Luigi Naretti.

In  relation, Ewing writes "In the minds of many European photographers and their male clients, black African women were primarily objects of desire, deeply carnal creatures, amoral and yielding to the superior power of the white, like the dark Continent itself."

Weakness in Me

"Weakness in Me" by Joan Armatrading from the album Walk Under the Ladder

I'm not the sort of person who falls
In and quickly out of love
But to you I gave my affection
Right from the start

Art Trivia Duo on FB, Month 1

Facebook's "On this Day" reminded me that on 05 March 2013, I "formally" began my Art Trivia Duo when every month I'd change my cover and profile pictures with artworks that were made by artists who either were born or had died on the month, and that had themes or subject matters significant to the month. I think for extra challenge, I also tried to formulate a connecting theme between the featured profile and cover pictures. (Very nerdy of me, yeah, I know.)

Piero di Cosimo's busy Madonna

Random number between 1 and 173. Page 26 of Museum of Art Sao Paulo. pic.twitter.com/FUGWZNGxVt

— glenncruz (@glenncruz) March 11, 2018

Random number between 1 and 173. Page 26 of Museum of Art Sao Paulo, one of the series of Great Museums of the World (published by Newsweek and Mondadori), contains "Madonna with Christ Child and Saint John," an oil on panel by Piero di Cosimo (Piero di Lorenzo). A photo I found submitted to Trip Advisor gave me an idea how striking this 129-centimeter circular painting is.

#StandWithCJ

(Spotted: 10 March 2018, From "Enan Makabayan," retweeted by "Boom Buencamino" on Twitter)

Bouquet of Petunias

A Bouquet of Petunias by Jane Peterson pic.twitter.com/lZZoUagkY6

— Art Pics Channel (@ArtPicsChannel) March 7, 2018

"Bouquet of Petunias" by Jane Peterson (in private collection) 

Spotted: 08 March 2018, "Art Pics Channel" on Twitter

Looked for leads for an appropriate essay on petunias in time for the observance of International Women's Day. In a simple Google search, according to FlowerMeaning.com, "petunias are... a symbol of not losing hope."

Then I remembered Leni, Lourdes, Conchita, Leila, Risa, Kaka, Serena, Jover, Raissa, Maria (Ressa) and the women of Rappler, and the female students and faculty of Saint Scholastica's...  I am very thankful for their steely determination in fighting the good fight, for their articulation and bravery in speaking out the sentiment and conscience of the Filipino people.

The artist Jane Peterson was also remarkably an independent woman during her time. More information about her in Wikipedia and the Caldwell Gallery.