Inclusive Activities for the Deaf, Youth at MCAD Manila

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD) of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde presents a series of free public talks and workshops, plus a museum tour that aims to immerse the youth and friends from the Deaf community in an exhilarating experience that shatters the walls between nature and art.

Students age 12 to 16 are welcome to unravel the wonders of the Kingdom Plantae in Print Art of the Plant Kingdom, an eye-opening lecture and creative workshop that seamlessly blend the world of flora and the craft of printmaking. Inspired by London-based British contemporary artist Suzanne Treister’s botanical prints, the activity will assist the participants to discover and explore their skills in printmaking by creating their individual and elaborate illustrations of the plant life. The class will be led by master engraver Benjie Cabrera and visual artist Mars Bugaon from the Philippine Association of the Printmakers. It will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2019, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

In cooperation with the College’s School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS), MCAD will likewise open its doors on Tuesday, September 17, 2019, to the members of the Deaf community. Accompanied by an expert Filipino Sign Language (FSL) interpreter, the Deaf art-enthusiasts will have the opportunity to tour the museum and immerse themselves into the contemporary artworks currently on exhibit at the gallery. The guided tour will start at 2:30 pm.

In collaboration with the Science, Education and Advocacy (SEA) Institute and inspired from the exquisite footage on the Verde Island Passage, the world’s center of the center of marine shore-fish biodiversity, captured by Australian artist Mel O’Callaghan, the Verde Island Adventure in Recycled Art will widen the knowledge of students age 7 to 11 on the unique food chain and how marine species such as whale sharks, sea turtles, marine gastropod mollusks and corals take part in this hard-to-believe interaction. Followed by a hands-on workshop on coral art assemblage, it will allow the young participants to recreate breathtaking corals with the use of recycled materials. The events will be held in three sessions starting at 10:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm. on Friday, September 27, 2019.

The activities are free and open to the general public.

For inquiries call 230 5100 local 3897 or email mcad@benilde.edu.ph.

The Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD) of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde is located at the DLS-CSB School of Design and Arts (SDA) Campus, Dominga Street, Malate, Manila.

HA.MÜ’s Bizarre Fashion Pieces Turn Heads in Paris

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The independent experimental and emerging local brand HA.MÜ, known for its up-cycled deconstructed garments, textured patchworks and thread-works, and distinct play on colors and layers has seamlessly blurred the lines between fashion and artwork.

After years of defining its avant-garde characteristic in show pieces and unique RTW collections, the trademark found its new stage in the Paris, France, the home of among the finest art and cultural venues showcasing some of the world’s greatest masterpieces.

HA.MÜ joined the impeccable line-up of over 50 visual artists, creators, fashion designers, tattooists, and musicians from Dhaka, Lagos, Mexico City, Tehran, and Manila at the City Prince/sses, a three-month exhibition that presented an imaginary and complex city made up of unpredictable and thought-provoking artworks housed in Palais de Tokyo in the City of Lights, one of the largest museums dedicated to contemporary art.

Design duo Abraham Guardian and Mamuro Oki, the creative geniuses behind HA.MÜ, both finished Fashion Design and Merchandising (FDM) in De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB).

The past years have been as exciting as their astounding pieces, due to being a crowd-favorite at their graduation and epilogue show, unveiling their first RTW childhood-inspired line, launching spring/summer ensembles at the 2017 Philippine Fashion Gala, showcasing their distinct pieces in the acclaimed Manila Fashion Festival, surprising the industry with a series of otherworldly ensembles from their Mama! Mama! There are monsters under my bed Collection presented at the Bench Design Awards 2018, to gracing local and international fashion magazines.

For their first international exhibition, HA.MÜ specially conceptualized and produced Mama, mama I feel quaint, a 10-piece collection that served as visual representations of emotions in limbo, the thin line between the lack of joy and sadness. “Some emotions are better left unsaid and untouched because it either goes away or it just gets chucked into the corners of our minds. We acknowledged that they are there and it could bother us but it does not necessarily want us to talk about it,” they shared. “However, sometimes, the only way to face our inner demons is to see it at another point of view or perspective so we can tackle the things that bother us the most.”

The vibrant and interesting pieces undeniably showcase the designers’ signature experimentation with silhouettes, textures, and prints. However, for this time, they put off the concept of wearability and fully embraced clothing as artistic expression. “We just focused on our own processes as designers, which are very messy in a way. We are doing purely fabric sculpture, which really defines HA.MÜ,” they stated. “It does not necessarily have to be wearable all the time. We also like to challenge the idea that fashion is also a form of art – but in the form of movement.”




Despite marking their own style with the local industry, the design pair admitted that the Paris exhibition came as a surprise. “It all happened in a flash. We did not believe it at first because it was too good to be true. The entire experience was very magical and eye-opening because we were in another environment – an international scene where arts is relevant and part of the people’s lives,” they beamed. “Being able to present our works as Filipino artists also meant that we could exhibit the talents and skills we developed from our own home grounds.”




Also represented the Philippines together with HA.MÜ were award-winning artists to include Dina Gadia, Pow Martinez, Dex Fernandez, Urban Decay Planning, Leeroy New, Timmy Harn, and Rasel Trinidad (aka Doktor Karayom).









HAMU in Paris Photo Captions:

Note: All taken at the City Prince/sses in Palais de Tokyo in Paris, France

I feel left out by HA.MÜ

Too much thoughts, help!!! by HA.MÜ

So much weight pulling me down (front, back, and detail shots) by HA.MÜ

HA.MÜ creative duo Abraham Guardian and Mamuro Oki, who both finished Fashion Design and Merchandising (FDM) in De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB).

The Best Vacation Spots in California for Families

Wazzup Pilipinas!

California is called the Golden State for a reason. This vast state boasts an incredibly versatile landscape. From towering redwood forests to sunny beaches to magnificent cities, you could visit California every year and still not see everything.

This versatility is what makes California such a great destination for families. Here are some of the best vacation spots in California to enjoy with your kids.

Malibu

Malibu isn't just for adults; there are plenty of child-friendly activities that make it fun for the whole family. Malibu is home to some of the most beautiful vacation rentals in California, just minutes from the beach. Frolic in the waves together then head to one of the many parks or museums.

Stop in at the Paradise Cove Beach Cafe where you can dine with your toes in the sand. This famous beach has been in numerous movies and television shows and is one of the most iconic destinations in Malibu.

Redwood National and State Parks

Camping is a national pastime, and there's no better place to do it than in the Redwood National and State Park. The parks offer both developed camping as well as backcountry camping options to suit your comfort level. Additionally, there are hiking trails that could take a couple of hours or a couple of weeks; it's a choose your own adventure!

The Redwood trees are incredible to behold. There are trees as tall as 300 feet, with a diameter so large a car could drive through. It's expected that these trees are thousands of years old, a throwback to ancient times standing silent guard still today.

San Francisco

San Francisco has a vibrant nightlife, but it's also a great destination for families. With a lot of great short-term rental options, you can stay in the heart of the city, hop a trolley, and explore to your heart's content.

Take a trip to the California Academy of Sciences and explore the indoor rainforest that stretches four stories tall. Cruise around the bay or cross the iconic Golden Gate bridge. Take a spooky excursion to Alcatraz prison that will have the whole family sleeping in one room. Buy your attraction tickets early to get the best deal and your choice of dates and times.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is located in the scenic Sierra Nevada in mid-state California. The park covers nearly 1170 square miles and houses more incredible redwood trees, hiking trails, waterfalls, river rafting, mountains, and glaciers.

Your whole family will love the Mist Trail, which takes you to the unbelievable Nevada Falls. Take an educational turn by stopping in at the Pioneer Village to tour some historic homes and walk across a covered bridge. Cap off the adventure by panning for gold and walking through the open meadows like the prospectors of old.

Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree is one of the world's most unique and astonishing landscapes that everyone should strive to visit at least once. This southeastern destination is a stark desert landscape scattered with unique trees that are recognizable worldwide.

It's important to note that there are no accommodations or restaurants within the boundaries of the park, but there are plenty of places to stay nearby.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is one of those cities that has managed to gain worldwide recognition and fame, comparable to New York City in the east. The challenge with heading to LA is deciding what not to do. You could spend your entire life in the city without ever seeing it all.

Take the kids to Hollywood and see the celebrity handprints in front of the Chinese Theater. Stroll along the Walk of Fame and get photos taken in front of the Hollywood sign. Hollywood isn't everything though-- stop by Universal Studios, the Kidspace Children's Museum, and the Angel's Flight Railway.

No matter where you go in California, there's something to do for the whole family. Plan your trip wisely, so you get to see as much as possible; your first trip won't be your last.