This artist uses his talent to help less fortunate children

 

Artist Rommel Rico

The “secret” to having a successful art career is not hidden or beyond your reach. It’s very simple. It begins by helping others by using your own talent. New York-based Filipino nurse turned artist Rommel Rico shares his artistic talent in order to help others. He is a full-time pharma project manager but his real calling is really in the arts. Painting is his passion. Growing up, Rico wanted to pursue arts as a profession but his parents had discouraged him from pursuing an artistic career because there were more lucrative and in-demand courses that are profitable. Rico pursued physical therapy, earned his license, and took a short course in nursing as well.

Artist Rommel Rico examines one of the bags they have produced

He discovered his knack for painting in high school, stopped during college, and went back to it again when he came to New York City. " I didn't have any formal training in fine arts. But I went to a vocational school and had drafting and drawing class as elective subjects. I took up "Pagguhit" as my major and was awarded "Best in Pagguhit Award," says Rico. Rico eventually got back to his first love--painting while juggling his work in the medical field. 

The Filipino artist has painted over 40 artworks (and counting) and hosted several exhibits in New York. Two of his artworks, "Abundance in the Marketplace" and "Abundance in the Sun" which Rico considers his masterpieces were exhibited in Pfizer Headquarters lobby at 42nd St. New York, and had drawn much curiosity and attention.

Pacific Alliance Movie Nights at The Shangri-La Plaza: Free Movie screening from Sept. 21-25!

 

Filipinos have of course long been exposed to mainstream Hollywood productions, but film is not limited to global releases and big-name-led blockbusters. There are many more gems from different parts of the world that widen one’s perspective and tell insightful and poignant stories that resonate with the rest of us - truly proving that films cut across borders and boundaries.

Shangri-La Plaza, a strong supporter of the cinematic arts, is bringing a new film festival to the metro. For the first time, it is hosting the Pacific Alliance Movie Nights, in partnership with the Embassies of Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Singapore in the Philippines and the Film Development Council of the Philippines, screening for free at the Red Carpet at the Shang on September 21-25.

Repertory Philippines stages Carousel topbilled by Karylle Tatlonghair and Gian Magdangal with Toff De Venecia as director

 

Karylle Tatlonghair and Gian Magdangal topbills Repertory Philippines' Carousel

Repertory Philippines (REP) steps boldly on to a brand new stage as it re-opens its theater doors with a modern reimagination of CAROUSEL. The beloved Broadway hit musical will run from November 26- December 18, 2022 at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, making it one of the first shows to run at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ newly inaugurated black box theater.

With Music by Richard Rodgers and Book & Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, Carousel became an instant hit lauded by critics and audiences alike. The original production won the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Musical. Hailed by Time Magazine as the greatest musical of the 20th century, its various revivals have also won several Tony Awards. A story about a whirlwind romance between carnival barker Billy Bigelow and millworker Julie Jordan, it features some of musical theater’s most timeless music and iconic songs including If I Loved You and You’ll Never Walk Alone.

REP’s CAROUSELis directed by Toff De Venecia who is determined to bring a bold, brave vision for the new generation of theatergoers. This glorious musical masterpiece is brought to life by a star-studded cast led by singer, actress, and OPM royalty Karylle Tatlonghari as Julie Jordan and sought-after theater leading man Gian Magdangal as Billy Bigelow.

“Today, we stand on the shoulders of giants and take on the challenge of reimagining this classic musical for contemporary Filipino audiences,” De Venecia says. “Featuring new artistic voices and talent as well as post-modern perspectives, the team boldly dreams up what ‘the best musical of the 20th century’ might look like today. It’s a radical departure from previous iterations, even from what we set out to do in 2020. We draw inspiration from Filipino creativity and the words of the original choreographer and dancer Agnes de Mille – that is, ‘taking leap after leap in the dark.’ This will be the ultimate 21st century test for a 20th century text.”

The importance of finding the right undergarment

 

When you're a plus-sized woman like me, finding the right bra even in Asian sizes can be a bit difficult. Let's admit it, not all women are created equal: not everyone is blessed to be as statuesque or voluptuous as the models we see on print and social media. But that is perfectly fine because women come in varying shapes, curves, and sizes. However, finding the right size that will highlight your assets and hide your flaws can be pretty daunting. 

Personally, as a woman, I have come to accept the fact that I need to embrace my backfats, hold together my separated east-west breasts as well as love my love handles. I just need to find the right bra for me--the one that fits me to a T. After some trial and error and what seemed to be an endless search, I'm glad to say that I was able to finally find the right bra for me. It was definitely the most comfortable wireless bra I've ever worn in my entire life. I didn't need to struggle to fit in anymore. It felt like the bra size and style were tailored-made for me. 

How Curcumin from Turmeric provides natural pain relief?

 

Curcumin can be used for managing general inflammation to help address osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis that both cause joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. 

Our joints allow our bodies to move in ways that allow us to do the simplest of actions like walking or typing on our phones and computers, and also perform complicated motions such as those required in dancing and playing sports. This crucial role of our joints in movement means that they are subjected to continuous wear and tear, so it’s no surprise that we sometimes feel like our ankles, wrist, or knees are hurting.