Renaissance Gallery Celebrates its 15th Anniversary

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In celebration of its 15th Anniversary, Renaissance Gallery, a leading purveyor of non-representational art in the country, presents “XV” which opens on June 10 till June 22 at the SM Art Center, with cocktail reception on June 13 at 6 pm.

Featured are the works of Hermes Alegre, Bien Benitez, Remy Boquiren, Arley Carig, Macoy Coching, Addie Cukingnan, Melvin Culaba, August Espino, Egai Fernandez, Allain Hablo, Sam Penaso, Jay Ragma, Jucar Raquepo, Cid Reyes, Genesis Rovero, Ronaldo Ruiz, Aner Sebastian, Resty Tica, Valen Valero, Mellisa Villasenor , and Janice Young.

Succeeding this show is “Ambidextrous,” a group exhibition of artists working in both representational art and abstraction, which opens on June 24, with cocktail reception on June 25 at 6 pm. The show runs until July 4.

XV is curated by noted art critic, writer and visual artist Cid Reyes.

The Art Center is on the 4/F, Bldg. A, SM Megamall, EDSA cor. Julia Vargas Ave., Mandaluyong City. For inquiries, call Margaux Romero-Oracion at mobile: 0925-555-7790.



“XV”

THE FIFTEEN YEARS’ JOURNEY OF RENAISSANCE ART GALLERY

By CID REYES

Years and years after leaving college as students taking units in European history, we may have forgotten pretty much about the rise and fall of empires and the religious wars that divided Christendom, but it is a safe bet to say that none of us has ever forgotten the one word that summarizes the whole history of mankind since the Medieval Age: Renaissance! From the Latin root word meaning “rebirth,” Renaissance stands for the intellectual flowering of human knowledge that spanned philosophy, literature, science, and – in the field for which it is best known for: the arts. Think Leonardo da Vinci! Think Michelangelo, whose genius inspired the phrase “Renaissance Man!”

Against this brief background, we come to appreciate the inspiring idea that gave birth to an art showcase named Renaissance Art Gallery. Not surprisingly, it was a “brainchild” conceived in 2003 by the couple Manuel “Noli” and Agnes Romero. Already steeped in the appreciation of all things beautiful, such as jewellery and painting, Noli and Agnes recognized the genuine talent and skill of Filipino artists, many of whom have become personal friends, and whose works have comprised their own private collection. The Romero couple felt that a genuine way of expressing their appreciation is to help promote Filipino artists of various generations and artistic persuasions, both representational and non-representational. The criteria that are uncompromisingly observed are quality and excellence. And proof of the Romeros’ commitment to this conviction is the sustained “staying power” of fifteen years’ existence in the very competitive field of the art market.

And if further proof were needed, Renaissance Art Gallery continually lives up to its very name. The past many years have all been a compelling experience of re-freshening the vision of Philippine art as an essential expression of the Filipino soul, a “re-birthing” of the ideals that created the Filipino artist. While only the artist himself can find his own direction, or yes! a re-direction, Renaissance Art Gallery can be his precious avenue that allows for experimentation and revalidation, always receptive and sensitive to the personal journey of artists in their highly individual styles and techniques.


Impressive indeed is the list of solo exhibitions racked up in the past fifteen years since Renaissance Art Gallery opened its doors at the SM Megamall’s “ArtWalk,” where it has remained to this day. Indeed, many of these presentations were “debut” shows, the first held and granted especially for the younger generation of artists, who at that stage of their artistic development and maturity, needed and deserved encouragement and appreciation. In fact, these shows were so successfully launched and promoted that the artists were said to have been “discovered” by the art community and the public at large. In turn, these artists express their gratitude by continually exhibiting with Renaissance Art Gallery and participating in significant events such as “XV” – Fifteen Years of Renaissance Art Gallery!

No doubt: even Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo will be raising a toast! So: Here’s to the next fifteen years of Renaissance Art Gallery!

DOE Eyes Non-OPEC Oil, Stockpiling as Cushion vs Rising Prices

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Energy (DOE) plans to source petroleum products from Russia and other non-OPEC countries to establish a strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) to cushion the impact of the rising price of oil in the international market.

“The government is aware of the country’s vulnerabilities to abrupt changes in the international oil situation and impending threats on the same, hence we are formulating various strategies to address those vulnerabilities to cushion the impact for our consumers,” DOE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said on Monday as he revealed the two-pronged strategies.

Cusi has tasked the Philippine National Oil Company-Exploration Corporation (PNOC-EC) to prepare for oil trading and retail to provide competition to existing oil industry players and pacify domestic oil prices. Cusi is ex-officio Chairman of the PNOC-EC.

Through Board Resolution No.5-5, S’ 2018, the PNOC-EC has been directed and authorized to engage in the retail or selling of petroleum products sourced from Russia and non-OPEC members to independent petroleum dealers and to individual public consumers.

Currently, the DOE only requires oil companies to maintain a Minimum lnventory Requirement (MlR) of in-country stocks equivalent to 30 days of crude and products for refiners, 15 days of products for importers/bulk suppliers, and seven days of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) stocks for LPG players.

The creation of the SPR is founded on a number of joint international studies, according to the DOE-Oil Industry Management Bureau.

In 2003, the Philippines and Thailand had signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly study, investigate and assess the possibilities of cooperation, including the identification of strategic locations for oil stockpiling and distribution points.

Another study was conducted in 2004 by the US Department of Energy to assist the country in assessing the options and potentials for strategic oil stockpiles as well as give recommendations to enact legislation pertaining to the oil stockpiling program.

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry assistance also came in 2004 to conduct a feasibility study on the development of a master plan and comprehensive scheme for oil stockpiling.

On top of the two mentioned solutions, the DOE continues to advocate exercising “efficient and smart diskarte” on oil consumers’ use of petroleum products, such as managing vehicle trips and its operations.

Say it with PRide

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In celebration of Pride Month, we uncover how CASTRO Communications, from being a startup PR firm to becoming one of the most gender-progressive companies in the industry, has found its ultimate cause.

Representing the PR in Pride—that's what CASTRO Communications has shaped up to be. From a hopeful start-up to a full-fledged communications agency that represents one of the most remarkable gender movements of today, CASTRO is both known for impeccable PR partnerships and its role in pushing the LGBTQ+ agenda in the Philippines.

The brainchild of Martin Castañeda, who spent his early professional years in the Corporate Communications arm of L'Oreal Philippines, CASTRO recognized the opportunity to penetrate the lifestyle PR market as more and more brands clamored for non-traditional and creative ways to communicate with the media and the public. As Managing Director, Martin knew that growing the business wasn't a task he could do alone, so he sought out the services of long-time friend Janlee Dungca, formerly an events professional. Together with the rest of the team, CASTRO slowly built its lifestyle and luxury portfolio, partnering with companies such as Branded Lifestyle Inc., distributor of Ray-Ban and most luxury eyewear brands in the country, and the L'Oreal Philippines flagship, with its lineup of hugely successful brands such as L'Oreal Paris, Kerastase, L'Oreal Professionnel, NYX Cosmetics and Kiehl's. Other well-known brands include Nivea, Levi’s, Guess, SM and Celeteque.

Martin Castaneda

Janlee Dungca

Lui Castaneda

In 2014, Martin and Janlee (the latter named as CASTRO's PR Director) welcomed frequent collaborator Lui Castañeda into the agency fulltime as CASTRO's Accounts Director. This move proved to be a truly auspicious step for the agency, as from there CASTRO grew both in terms of clientele and employee size—two telltale signs of highly competitive and successful startups. Currently, CASTRO has expanded its client portfolio to include household FMCG brands such as Toblerone, Cadbury, Cheez Whiz, Eden Cheese, Oreo, Belvita, Tang and Berocca, and has partnered with the most successful celebrities and content creators in their campaigns and events. The depth of PR services it provides is executed by CASTRO's solid team of hardworking employees, a creative group of individuals who have become both colleagues and friends.

As the Martin-Janlee-Lui trifecta developed CASTRO's commercial success, they also started to be recognized as one of the most progressive, pro-LGBTQ+ companies in the country. The name CASTRO itself was inspired by Castro District in San Francisco, where the yearly LGBTQ+ Pride Parade found its early beginnings. Individually, CASTRO's founders are LGBTQ+ members and advocates themselves, who actively contribute to the cause apart from their full time responsibilities in the agency. Janlee is a member of LoveYourself, a non-profit organization that aims to spread awareness on HIV-AIDS prevention, testing and treatment, especially towards members of the LGBTQ+ community. Martin and Lui also continually push forward the Pride advocacy in their various interviews and features.

But as proud LGBTQ+ individuals, Martin, Janlee and Lui's staunchest act in showing their support for the agenda is choosing to work with and collaborate with members of their community. Throughout CASTRO's seven years in the industry, they have continually hired employees, commissioned suppliers and worked with LGBTQ+ groups and individuals, and consider it as their way of changing the stigma against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals in society. Locally, one of CASTRO’s most valued members is Niko Pedro, a proud gay man who does consultancy work for the company and also works as a consultant for a local news network. Outside the Philippines, CASTRO has expanded in Singapore, with an office headed by happily married gay couple Alvin Miranda and Jappy Reyes, both established marketing professionals.

In an interview she did last 2016, Janlee defined CASTRO’S practices as ways of "debunking myths about LGBTQ+ people perceived to always be parloristas or sex workers." As CASTRO built its corporate brand, the trio realized that their pro-LGBTQ+ stand has become an essential part of the company's identity—in fact, it's become the introductory line in their client pitches. The CASTRO directors consider this brand DNA both a privilege and a responsibility, for they now recognize their role as frontliners in the cause to raise awareness on gender equality in the workplace, both locally and internationally.

As Martin works on expanding and starting an office in the US, he explains: "We founded CASTRO in the hopes of introducing a new lifeblood to the Philippine PR and branding industry, which I built with transgender women I trusted for their talents and work ethics. I did not expect that our personal identities would affect and inspire the LGBTQ+ movement both in and outside the country. Now, as CASTRO fully imbibes this spirit in our DNA, I only look forward to how the company can continue to push the Pride agenda through our unique place in the PR industry."