Letter Better
I first took up calligraphy and lettering to reconnect with words. It did more than that. It taught me to be brave, to focus, to let go when need be. More than the practice of lettering, I wanted it to help people from the inside. That’s how the Letter Better inspiration sessions began, and in time for the new year.
The first session was partially inspired by Patti Dubrowlski’s Tedx talk on visualizing your future. The first part involved the power of words, how to change one’s use of language to turn one’s hopes, dreams, and wishes into something that can be done. The second part helped participants visualize this with the use of lettering basics. Depending on the group, it can be more than that. For one group, it was about reconnecting with their creativity and cementing their goals. For another group, it strengthened their sense of community and sharing.
I am always in awe of how much art and crafts, from the very time a skill is applied, reveals. Wouldn’t you want to find out?
If you would like to hold a Letter Better inspiration session for you, your friends, and/or your organization in the Philippines, contact me at myachi at gmail dot com. Rates and packages can be customized to your needs.
The ‘Feels’ after Red Turnip Theater’s ‘Closer’
I first watched Closer the movie some years back, mere days after a college-era heartbreak. I left the theater weeping, and declared for the time, that Patrick Marber was my favorite playwright. Marber got that bizarre push and pull of love at its worst, and just who we really are when the crave and need to commit becomes an obligation. In the end of it all, perhaps we aren’t even who we say or think we are.
As if the movie wasn’t grueling enough, the stage play is even more heart wrenching. Do catch Red Turnip Theater’s final run this weekend and prepare to feel.
You can still catch Red Turnip Theater’s production of ‘Closer’ on October 26 and 27, 2013 at Whitespace, Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati, Metro Manila. Visit their facebook page for show schedule and ticketing information: Red Turnip Theater.
The 'Feels' after Red Turnip Theater's 'Closer'
I first watched Closer the movie some years back, mere days after a college-era heartbreak. I left the theater weeping, and declared for the time, that Patrick Marber was my favorite playwright. Marber got that bizarre push and pull of love at its worst, and just who we really are when the crave and need to commit becomes an obligation. In the end of it all, perhaps we aren’t even who we say or think we are.
As if the movie wasn’t grueling enough, the stage play is even more heart wrenching. Do catch Red Turnip Theater’s final run this weekend and prepare to feel.
You can still catch Red Turnip Theater’s production of ‘Closer’ on October 26 and 27, 2013 at Whitespace, Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati, Metro Manila. Visit their facebook page for show schedule and ticketing information: Red Turnip Theater.
Now Showing on EDSA
Sometimes, the EDSA bus works. Most of the time, I prefer taking the bus over dealing with the spawns of Satan that are 90% of Metro Manila Taxi drivers. The bus will stop where it says it will (coding permitting). It does not haggle. It drives through the traffic. And when I need it, it will get me from Boni to Fairview for under 50 bucks, with GMA7 or a movie playing.
When it’s not GMA7 programming, the usual movies shown on the bus range from Death Race 2 or whatever movie that has Jason Statham, Vin Diesel, or The Rock. Local movies range from old FPJ films or some Star Cinema romance.
Sometimes, you might even catch gay softcore films, which I did, on one Philcoa bus. It was surreal, watching Detective Donald Strackey reminisce one hot night in the barracks onscreen while everyone else in the bus went about their business. Then again, maybe the world would be a better place if it really was like that — taking it as it is.
I also caught Endhiran, boasted to be the most expensive Bollywood film ever made. Even without subtitles it was clearly a mish-mash of The Matrix Reloaded, Robocop, and Bicentennial Man, with Bollywood numbers of course.
Caught any interesting movies during your commute?
Where do you buy brushpens in Manila, Philippines?
From one newbie who would gladly help out other newbies and drag them with her down the rabbit hole (mwa ha ha). Also because there aren’t a lot of local resources, so here’s one to start.
You can buy brush pens at National Bookstore, but I can’t say for certain just how widely available they are, as other artist friends have complained that it’s a hit or miss with them. Faber-Castell PITT Artist Pen (PHP99) and Sakura Pigma Brushpens (PHP75, if I recall) are available at National Bookstore Ayala, but I was surprised to find Yoka Medium and Large brushes from National Bookstore Greenbelt One for PHP28. They also sell the watercolor brush pen sets for about P288.
You can also find brush pen sets for about P999 at Scribe in Eastwood. Deovir Art Supplies sometimes stocks the wonderful Pentel Pocket Brush Pen and their refill cartridges. You can visit Deovir stores in North Edsa or Recto, or even order from them online.
I found watercolor brush pens and sets for sale at Art Media Trading, but I haven’t tried ordering from them so I can’t vouch for their system just yet.
Any other shops or art supply stores that fellow Filipino brush and pen fans should check out? Share them in the comments.