Succession Season 3 is a must-see if you find the world of power, boardroom politics, obscene wealth, corruption, control and abuse, all rolled into one, is your cup of tea. If one could concoct a drink with the essences of all of the above, that nuclear-bomb of a drink would be a sure elixir to the world of darkness. Yikes! That is not exactly up my alley, and yet I found myself riveted to the television screen when Episode 1 of Season 3 of SUCCESSION premiered on HBO last Oct. 19. Hard to follow the convoluted minds of all the characters, aside from the machinations undertones (and overtones) of the entire scenario, and yet, one can’t help but be intrigued and caught up in the web of myriad twisted minds weaving a jaw-dropping sequence and tapestry of events. For sure, I will be firmly parked in front of my TV screen next Sunday at 9 pm when I expect to be astounded once again by how far human beings can go. No wonder this series won quite a number of awards and nominations. I understand that the series is loosely based on the family of the media mega-mogul, infamously (or famously, whichever side you are on) right-winger Rupert Murdoch of Fox News, Fox Sports, the Fox Network, The Wall Street Journal and others. You may want to do your own research. Fascinating narrative, I must say. Alas! I missed episode 2 the following Sunday, but hopefully, there will be a replay. Fingers and toes crossed!
Hay naku! Speaking of missing – I also missed (deep sigh!) the live streaming on the Facebook page of the newly-restored/conserved Metropolitan Theatre (Phil), of the musical LAPU LAPU, ANG DATU NG MACTAN last October 24, 2021 at 6 P.M. (Manila time). Naturally, that meant 6 A.M. Ontario time. I tried my best to keep awake or wake up much earlier but, no such luck! For a while, I thought it was posted after the live streaming. But it seems not. I was really looking forward with much verve only to be letdown.
Flashback — I had fond memories, albeit a bit hazy, of attending a DULARAWAN presentation at the CCP in my my very much younger years. I was so entranced and, in Tagalog, “ tunay na namangha” ( truly amazed ) – with the presentation. Music was by the late, great Lucrezia Kasilag who, I believe, was instrumental in developing Philippine music and culture. She founded the Bayanihan Folk Arts Center for research and theatrical presentations, and was closely involved as musical director with the world-famous Bayanihan Dance Company. She is especially known for incorporating Filipino indigenous instruments and music into orchestral productions, thus was pivotal in rekindling our interest and pride in our glorious and colorful PRE-colonial past.
ISANG DULARAWAN was the opening presentation of the Cultural Center of the Philippines in the very late sixties. I have no idea why and how I got tickets but I was there in one of the 5 or 6 days. It was infinitely exciting and the music with the use of indigenous instruments was fascinating and awe-inspiring. The Cultural Center or CCP was equally (or even more) “nakakamangha”. At that time, it was considered state of the art. Unfortunately, in my last few visits sometime 2015 and 2016, it was in a sorry state — badly in need of renovation. Hopefully, the new administration after the election next year will pay more attention and provide more resources for the development of culture and the arts just as a past First Lady did.
Now, I am glad that more and more materials are now surfacing about our rich PRE-colonial past as in the very engaging Parts 1 and 2 virtual presentations of the University of the Philippines Association in Toronto early this year – A View to Pre-Colonial Philippines – in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General of Toronto. Many thanks for the invitation of Senior Trade Commissioner Maria Roseni “Nini” M. Alvero, an illustrious alumnus of the University of the Philippines just as Dr. Patrick Alcedo, Chair of the Department of Dance of York University is. Another noteworthy event is the 2021 Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines which celebrates the 500th anniversary of the Victory at Mactan and the Philippine part in the first circumnavigation of the world, and other related events. Sa wakas! We are giving proper recognition to our native homeland way before we were colonized by the West.
Just a few weeks ago “humabol din ang” Philippine National Commission on Culture and Arts with their presentation of LAPU LAPU, ANG DATU NG MACTAN. It was with great joy and pride to receive this news, although “naabutan ko na lang ang closing credits” in the live streaming on Facebook.
I caught some of the music used on some of their short posted videos but I thought it was a far cry from the music of King Kasilag. But maybe, I should watch the musical LAPU LAPU, ANG DATU NG MACTAN in full before saying anything.
Methinks it is time for me to touch base with my friends at the Philippine National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) like the ever-dynamic Rene Napenas, Head of Public Affairs and Information Section (PAIS) of NCCA and Ms. Anne Cabrera. Especially now that their Chairman is the film and theater luminary Arsenio “Nick” Lizaso, who, I believe is also the President of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. I have worked with him in a few productions on television and theatre in the past. If I understand correctly, he still plays tennis at the age of 80 plus. Wow! That is remarkable indeed. By the way, the musical LAPU LAPU, although a presentation of the NCCA, was done in collaboration with the Philippine National Historical Commission under the helm of Chairperson Rene R. Escalante. The venue of the musical was the formal opening as well of the iconic historical art deco Metropolitan Theatre since it has been closed for several years. This is good news indeed! By next issue of Balita, I look forward to having already viewed in full LAPU LAPU the musical, courtesy of the NCCA.
Back in our adopted home, Canada – perhaps it is also time to make a concerted move towards improving the Philippine presence in the Royal Ontario Museum, a concept or initiative I had proposed to the then newly-arrived Consul General Orontes V. Castro in 2019, just before the pandemic. Perhaps, the time is right… and ripe for such an endeavor. This one, of course, will likely prosper with the help and concerted effort of the Filipino community without regard for any form of affinity and personal agenda.
More from me in the next issue. Till then…mabuhay tayo!
Tessie O. Taylor
Taylorteresita@gmail.com