Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Sketching in Intramuros

Afternoon Sketches

Night Sketches


The Manila Collectible was nothing short of a wonder. Filled with tribal trinkets and unique ornaments, it was definitely the place that could spawn creativity, even to the most idle of minds. Unfortunately, The Manila Collectible will not be situated at Cabilco cor. Beatrico anymore. But do not fret as it will only be moving to its new home inside Fort Santiago. And it was in this store during its moving party that we decided to have our little sketch session, as a final farewell to its old home.

It was obviously the most appropriate place to do some sketches – the eclectic collection and the scenic view from the rooftop. Aside from that, we were lucky to catch the store’s farewell program at the rooftop and witness performances by local artists – one Shaman named Abraham Abdulla and one Calligrapher Mr. Kristian Kabuay. We got so drawn into the sketching vibe that we made two sets of sketches: one, afternoon sketch and the other, night sketch.



We were glad to spend our time at The Manila Collectible. We hope that we can visit the store in the future and see it in its new home.   
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Gee and Nadja while sketching. Photo by Meg Roxas
Sketching while listening. Photo by Meg Roxas

Our sketches while Abraham Abdulla performs. Photo by Gee Roxas

Kristian Kabuay while performing Tulang Kalis. Photo by Gee Roxas

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The sounds slowly fade out and the people around became figures in colors but, they, too, blurred in the background. From where I am, I could see the spire of the Manila Cathedral. Its lines and arcs and the turquoise roof which, even under the direct hit of the sun, still looked cool to my eyes. Years of anticipation for this moment didn't prepare me for the grandness of the structure from up close. Its silent and non-deteriorating respectability drew out the design enthusiast in me. Stoically, I absorbed the beauty and its imposing stillness enveloped me in a world where no one, except the structure and I, ever existed. One by one, I unearthed my sketching materials from my bag and I took a deep breath before I made the first mark on my paper. The lines were always dancing and had a rhythm on their own, which, as much as I would want to, I couldn't control. The images drawn were a variation of light and shadows; of alternating straight and curved lines; of weaved dreams and realities; and the merging of past and present.




The Shaman Abraham Abdulla performed several wedding music in his kulintang, transporting us to another world - a world where silence and sound is of equal importance, and his slight and hard taps brought the peace and beauty of his land. For a time, we became conscious of a parallel world, of a gasping culture, so rich and so full of stories, but only seen by an outsider when the different worlds intersect in one definite moment, this time the moving out party of The Manila Collectible Co. Abraham Abdulla's music erased the language barriers and formed an invisible link for those of us who got a glimpse of his world. 


 

Later, Kristian Kabuay, a prime mover of the campaign towards the popularization of the pre-Fiipino calligraphy, which is baybayin (usually and incorrectly known as Alibata), shared the brief story of his curiosity which later became his advocacy. He performed Tulang Kalis, and silently demanded us to appreciate the history and the beauty of our own writing, which has been unconsciously ignored with the development and evolution of our lives as Filipinos.

Kristian Kabuay. Photo by Meg Roxas


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Gee Roxas Sketches
Meg Roxas Sketches


The Manila Cathedral at night. Photo by Gee Roxas



* Many thanks to Gee Roxas and Meg Roxas for the photos and for the invite. :)

Monday, April 6, 2015

April 2015 Sketch Call


When: April 18, 2015, Saturday
Where: Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden, Adriatico Street, Malate, Manila
Time: 9AM-12NN

Let's sketch animals this summer! Our official sketchwalk for the month of March will be at the Manila Zoo. You can start sketching as soon as you arrive, and we can meet up for show & tell at 11:45 in front of Mali the elephant.

*This event is open to the public and there are no registration fees, just the entrance fee to the zoo.

Manila Zoo Entrance Fee:

Non-Residents: Php100
Manila residents: Php60 (Just present a valid ID such as Driver’s License, TIN ID, School ID, SSS ID)

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

March Sketchwalk at Greenfield Weekend Market



The mid-afternoon sun can be felt in the air. It was extra humid that day but it was again the third Saturday of the month, the schedule for the official sketchwalk of Urban Sketchers Philippines. On that day the sketch location is the Greenfield Weekend Market in Mandaluyong.








The tables were occupied with people: the families, the couples and friends hanging out. A closer look showed that 3-4 tables were occupied by the sketchers with their snacks and art materials seen in front of them. They were absorbed in their sketching of the various stalls, the people, and the several choices of food and drinks in the area.


Ige, Kuki and Manuel
Justin, Ram and Charm
Manuel, Lauren and Ige




With each completion of the minute-hand of its 360 degrees rotation,  you'd see other tables filling up and some sketchers were in front of the stalls sketching the sales attendants, the merchandises, the buildings and other landmarks around the area.

The 7-year-old Nigel enjoying the sketching time 

NiceNice in her attempt at watercoloring

Cynthia Feliciano and Brenn Chua 

Kuki and Manuel
Cheddie with all that vigor

Ram and Charm

Patts
Manuel

Ige

In the area, you could also hear popular songs being played but not drowning the conversations of the people. The kids can also be seen playing, chasing bubbles, and some of the sketchers drew their fellow sketchers. Some of these members had conversations with strangers who got curious and interested in the on-location sketches.

The Roxas sisters Meg and Gee having a good time while sketching
With Patts, Cheddie, Gee, Cynthia and Nigel


Before the day ended the group gathered for the show and tell.


Our output for the day!






















The group with new sketchers Brenn, Kuki, and Aurelio


Some of the members stayed for more sketching time.  But it was a great day to sketch with everyone!








* Thanks to Ige Trinidad and Gee Roxas for the photos! :)