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Philippine Showbiz Today
If there ’ s anyone who has had more than their fair share of online hate , it would be popular celebrities who came of age in the social media generation , just like Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia . “ Bashers ,” or individuals who seem to gain pleasure in leaving unsavory commentaries on social media , often flock to high-profile accounts like those of Barretto , Garcia , and other showbiz personalities .
Barretto , who belongs to a controversial celebrity clan , is used to seeing nasty messages and disparaging comments . She has had countless bashers tell her she might have had work done on her face , there is no talent behind her pretty face , and she ’ s another vain artista . Confronting these negative statements in her new commercial for the OPPO F7 , she is joined by Garcia
Responding to violence and harassment of women amid continuing gender discrimination in the work place , Essence will ask these important questions : What is the essence of a woman ? What challenges stand in the way of their well-being ? What can one do to support those who are so essential to the world ’ s wellbeing ?
Essence will provide a creative dimension to the multifaceted character and spirit of women by highlighting in vivid colours and shapes their roles , struggles , and triumphs . The exhibition seeks to challenge you , the viewer , to examine how you treat and speak about the women in your lives .
Five artists of Filipino descent , who are creating award-winning works in their home away from their motherland , simultaneously living in at least two cultures , are making ripples that begin with a unique perspective in subject and markmaking . Lead artist , Esmie Gayo McLaren , asks , “ What ripple effect are you creating ? What can one human being do to make the world a kinder place for women and ultimately for everyone ?” The artists aim to spark a conversation about personal solutions to women ’ s issues .
Essence will feature the works of three female visual artists Esmie Gayo McLaren ( Vancouver ), Lenore RS Lim ( Vancouver , New York , and Manila ), and Pamela Gotangco ( Switzerland ). Recognizing that men are equal partners in shaping a world where everyone should be able to realize their dreams , Essence will also present male artists Chito Maravilla ( Vancouver ), and Danvic Briones ( Vancouver ).
Ambassador Petronila P . Garcia , the first woman ambassador to represent the Philippines in Canada , will be the guest speaker at the
Julia , Joshua address online bashing
to convey an uplifting message .
“ This project with OPPO is so timely ,” she said . “ Standing up against online bashing is something that Joshua and I feel is relevant because the audience will be able to relate to it . I think a lot of them are curious about how celebrities deal with negativity directed at us online . I ’ m so glad that OPPO has allowed us to share this story with more people .”
“ Nangyayari talaga ‘ to sa amin ,” agreed Garcia . “ And the message of the commercial is really uplifting because people might say a lot of bad things about you online , but you shouldn ’ t feel bad about yourself because the people who know you in real life will know the real deal , the real story , and will always value you for being who you really are .”
To their credit , the love team does not reciprocate the hate they receive from bashers .
“ I feel like the bashers should stop . Their lives will be more positive if they follow the golden rule : do unto others as you would have them do
Essence : art celebrating the roles , struggles , and triumphs of all women
exhibition ’ s opening reception .
The Essence exhibit travels to the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa later in September 2018 , incorporating the works of two members of the city ’ s artistic community , Melanie Yugo and Kristina Corre .
Essence will be presented at CityScape Artspace in cooperation with partners Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver , UBC ’ s Institute for Gender , Race , Sexuality and Social Justice ( GRSJ ), Filipino Music and Art Foundation in BC , and Vancouver Asian Heritage Month Society ( VAHMS ).
Educational components of the exhibit : Save the Dates :
• Lenore RS Lim , artist and founder of the Filipino Music and Art Foundation in BC , will be doing an art talk about her series on comfort women , her mother ’ s influence , and the process of printmaking . Venue : CityScape Community Art Space
Date : May 12 , 2018 ( Saturday before Mother ’ s Day ), 2:00-3:0pm
• Through Essence partnership with UBC ’ s GRSJ , Associate Professor Leonora Angeles of UBC ’ s School of Community and Regional Planning and The UBC Social Justice Institute will deliver a talk to immigrant youths and the community , about women ’ s issues , during the monthlong exhibit . Venue : CityScape Community Art Space Date : May 19 , 2018 ( Saturday ), 2:00-3:30pm
About MELD Arts : MELD Arts is the hub of a family of artists who create and promote art , especially as a means to connect people and communities through exhibition , performance , and education .
About CityScape and North Vancouver Community Arts Council : CityScape Community Art Space is a contemporary , interactive gallery that has served the community since 2001 . It is dedicated to offering quality
NORTH VANCOUVER COMMUNITY
ARTS COUNCIL
BUILDING STRONG COMMUNITIES THROUGH THE ARTS
programming for the community while giving an opportunity for both emerging and established artists to exhibit and promote their work .
The North Vancouver Community Arts Council , founded in 1969 , is a grassroots , social-profit , charitable cultural organization dedicated to maximizing the intrinsic
April 22 - May 7 , 2018
unto you . Focus on yourself , improve , and figure out how you can be a better person . For those suffering from online bashing , it ’ s a waste of energy to dwell on the negativity . Shrug it off . You know who you are and don ’ t let other people tell you otherwise ,” Barretto advised .
“ We can ’ t really stop the bashers from doing what they want ,” Garcia thoughtfully replied to his on-screen partner ’ s statement . “ But I suggest that bashers think of their victims . You should get to know them , what they go through , before typing something mean . Madali mamintas than finding good things to say to a person . For the online bashing victims , the people who matter most will always love you for who you really are . Sabi nga ng OPPO , capture the real you .” ●
value of the arts in all media . As well as curating exhibitions at CityScape and three other community locations around North Vancouver , the NVCAC also offers education programmes year round , presents annual cultural events , special projects , and an annual film series , and manages a popular Art Rental programme . ●