Events & Exhibits

Honoring Emerging Talent: Winners of the 48th Joya Awards Unveiled

November 28, 2024 November 28, 2024

Winners of the 48th Jose Joya Awards 2024 during the awarding ceremony on Nov. 15 at the Jose Joya Gallery, UP Cebu. (From left: Fine Arts Student Organization adviser Gabi Nazareno, Cebuano artist Pierre Famador, UP Cebu Chancellor Leo Malagar, Jose Joya Awards first prize winner Candy Regine Casinillo, second prize winner Roxanne Normandia, UP Cebu Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Palmy Tudtud, Fine Arts Assoc. Prof. Karl Roque, CCAD Dean Shane Carreon, and Office for Initiatives in the Culture and Arts Director Jay Nathan Jore.)

The 48th National Artist Jose T. Joya Awards proudly honors this year’s exceptional artists whose works stood out for their creativity and depth. The entries were screened by Cebuano artists Pierre Famador, Celso Pepito, and Fleur Puao (Peony on Fire).

Congratulations to the winners of the 2024 Joya Awards:

1st Place: Candy Regine Casinillo – Depth Woven
2nd Place: Roxanne Normandia – Ephemeral Beauty
3rd Place: Dominic Ricardo – PARTYRS

This year’s exhibit also celebrates the enduring legacy of the Joya Gallery, which has supported and encouraged young artists since its founding in 1976.

During the opening program, Fine Arts associate professor Karl Roque emphasized how the gallery continues to nurture creativity and provide a platform for emerging talents, thanks to the unwavering dedication of the Joya family to this vision.

The Joya family shared an inspiring message to all artists, encouraging them to create as much and as often as possible. They urged participants to trust their instincts, enjoy every part of the creative process, and embrace the opportunity to discover more about themselves through their work.

Gracing the exhibit opening and the awarding program were UP Cebu chancellor Atty. Leo Malagar, OIC vice chancellor for academic affairs Palmy Marinel Tudtud, CCAD dean Shane Carreon, and CCAD faculty members.

The Joya Awards Exhibit is open to the public for FREE from Nov. 15-30, 2024, at the Joya Gallery, UP Cebu, Lahug, Cebu City. Gallery hours are Mondays to Fridays, from 9 AM to 6 PM.

UP Cebu Hosts “The Art of Nonfiction” Forum, Exploring Storytelling in Journalism and Literature

November 28, 2024 November 28, 2024

On Nov. 13, UP Cebu’s Lawak Sinehan hosted “The Art of Nonfiction” forum, organized by InnoPub Media and DTI 7 as part of the Fiesta Haraya Bai 2024 celebrations. This event brought together seasoned professionals to discuss the evolution of storytelling in journalism and literature, focusing on digital transformation, AI-driven investigative techniques, and the art of creative nonfiction.

The forum featured Clint Holton Potestas, a recognized features journalist who discussed the shift in fashion journalism from print to digital and its impact on consumer culture and education. Max Limpag, an Aries Rufo Journalism Fellow and tech journalist, shared insights on using AI and big data in investigative reporting. Jorisse Gumanay, Assistant Professor at UP Cebu, delved into the development of creative nonfiction in the Philippines and her own contributions to the genre.

The event highlighted storytelling’s power and the ways new media and technology continue to shape nonfiction in Philippine journalism and literature.

Resilience and Excellence Shine at CCAD’s Convocation of Honorific Scholars

October 24, 2024 October 24, 2024

Despite challenging weather conditions brought on by Tropical Storm Kristine, the College of Communication, Art, and Design (CCAD) celebrated the academic achievements of its top-performing students at the Convocation of Honorific Scholars for the academic year 2023-2024.

The event, held on Oct. 23, 2024, at the Performing Arts Hall, recognized students who excelled in their studies. A total of 261 Honorific Scholars for the previous academic year were awarded: 52 scholars from the Fine Arts-Product Design Program, 77 from the Fine Arts-Studio Arts Program, and 132 scholars from the Communication Program. The program also recognized students who won in local, regional, and national competitions.

Faculty members, university officials, and guests were present to applaud the achievements of the honorees, showing their support despite the inclement weather.

For his welcoming remarks, CCAD dean Dr. Shane Carreon highlighted the significance of perseverance and community: “This convocation of scholars being held in spite of the inclement weather tells us something—about being resolute in our purpose and our dreams; about being creative in making solutions to problems; about being open to the ideas of others and of thinking and working together to achieve shared goals.”

Estela Ocampo-Fernandez, this year’s convocation guest speaker (an alumna and former Fine Arts Program faculty), reminded the honorific scholars to use introspection and self-awareness to guide personal and professional development. She encouraged the crowd to draw principles from art and design (visualization, massing, and pattern recognition) in leading a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

“Use [visualization] to go deeper to imagine a better life for yourself and everyone else around you… Look at the patterns in your life. What do you react to? What situations make you feel good about yourself? Connect all those things and a picture will form. Go toward that.”

Dazzling performances by talented CCAD students added to the celebration’s memorable atmosphere. Sayaw Evolution (Sayawe) captivated the audience, energizing the already lively crowd with their dance performance to “Karera” by BINI. Meanwhile, Komma, the Communication Program’s musical ensemble, serenaded everyone with a medley of classic hits, including “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “How Deep Is Your Love,” “Buttercup,” and “Close to You.”

The program concluded with a lightning rally led by CCAD student activists Athena Romulo and Cy Defunturom. They echoed calls for reform of the UP education system to be more student-centered, accessible, and supportive for communication and fine arts students, challenging the current colonial and bureaucratic limitations that hinder true learning and creativity.

The Convocation of Honorific Scholars highlighted CCAD’s mission to encourage excellence and foster an environment where creativity and intellectual rigor thrive. By recognizing these scholars, the college hopes to inspire all students to pursue their best in the coming academic year.

Cine Europa 27 Brings European Cinema to UP Cebu: Screenings Set for Oct 22-27 at Lawak Sinehan

October 17, 2024 October 17, 2024

Cine Europa, now in its 27th year, is bringing the best of European cinema to UP Cebu, where film enthusiasts can enjoy a selection of 11 contemporary films from European Union Member States. This year’s lineup also includes contributions from the Alliance Française de Manille, Goethe Institut, Instituto Cervantes, the Philippine Italian Association, and guest country Ukraine, showcasing the creativity and diversity of European filmmaking.

From powerful dramas to imaginative comedies and stunning animations, Cine Europa 27 promises a range of cinematic experiences that highlight the excellence of European cinema.

The festival will open nationwide on October 18 with the Polish film “Dangerous Gentlemen” at Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong City.

Following the launch, Cine Europa 27 will travel to various venues, including the University of the Philippines Cebu, where screenings will be held on October 22-27, 2024, at Lawak Sinehan. Other locations include the University of the Cordilleras in Baguio, University of San Agustin in Iloilo, and University of St. La Salle in Bacolod, from October 18 to 27, 2024.

Screenings at UP Cebu are free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, visit the Cine Europa 27 Facebook page.

11 Films to Watch Out For

This year’s lineup features a vibrant array of films, each presenting unique narratives that showcase the diverse cultural fabric of Europe.

1. Long Story Short (Denmark, 2015)

Director: May el-Toukhy, Maren Louise Käehne

A heartfelt ensemble comedy-drama, chronicling the tangled love lives of a group of friends, each seeking romantic redemption over the course of eight parties.

Runtime: 90 min

2. The Other Side of Hope (Finland, 2017)

Director: Aki Kaurismäki

This poignant drama about a Syrian refugee and a middle-aged Finnish salesman explores the deep humanity and unexpected kindness amidst adversity, spiced with Kaurismäki’s trademark humor.

Runtime: 98 min

3. She Came at Night (Czech Republic, 2023)

Directors: Jan Vejnar, Tomáš Pavlíček

This black-humor-infused home invasion horror follows a couple whose lives are turned upside down when one of their mothers takes over their home—and their sanity.

Runtime: 85 min

4. La Flota de Indias (Spain, 2021)

Director: Antonio Perez Molero

A powerful documentary exploring the historical and cultural impact of the Spanish fleets that transformed the New World and fuelled globalization over two centuries.

Runtime: 61 min

5. Icarus (Luxembourg,2022)

Director: Carlo Vogele

In this animated film, Icarus, the apprentice of Daedalus, forms a secret friendship with the Minotaur before facing disillusionment and a tragic choice when King Minos confines his friend to the labyrinth and Prince Theseus arrives to confront the monster.

Runtime: 76 min.

6. Mermaids Don’t Cry (Austria, 2022)

Director: Franziska Pflaum

Annika, a supermarket saleswoman struggling with her chaotic life, dreams of acquiring a glamorous mermaid fin that costs 2.458 euros, despite facing family challenges, potential layoffs at work, and a complicated love life.

Runtime: 92 min.

7. The Man Without Guilt (Slovenia, 2022)

Director: Ivan Gergolet

In Trieste, Angela, a widow whose husband died from asbestos exposure, takes a caregiving job for Francesco, her husband’s former employer, to seek revenge but ultimately discovers that her actions lead to unexpected truths and the possibility of forgiveness and a new beginning.

Runtime: 112 min.

8. The Man with the Answers (Cyprus, 2021)

Director: Stelios Kammitsis

After his grandmother’s death, Victor leaves his village in a dilapidated car to find his estranged mother in Germany, picking up hitchhiker Mattias along the way, leading to a profound bond despite their differing personalities during their journey through the Italian countryside.

Runtime: 80 min.

9. The Strange Case of Jacky Caillou (France, 2022)

Director: Lucas Delangle

In a mountain village in the French Alps, young Jacky Caillou, who lives with his grandmother Gisèle, a renowned magnetizer-healer, becomes determined to heal a city woman who arrives with a mysterious stain on her body, believing he can perform a miracle.

Runtime: 92 min.

10. Diabolik (Italy, 2021)

Director. Antonio Manetti & Marco Manetti

In 1960s Clerville, the thrilling encounters between the enigmatic Diabolik and the alluring Eva Kant blend romance and crime, with Inspector Ginko determined to foil their plans.

Runtime: 133 min.

11. Taste of Freedom (Ukraine, 2024)

Director: Alexander Berezan

In the vibrant streets of Lviv, a young cook pursues her dream of becoming a chef at a prestigious restaurant, but her life takes a surprising turn when she discovers a 1929 cookbook by the legendary chef Olga Franko, leading her on a journey of self-discovery and belief in herself amidst the challenges of success.

Runtime: 117 min.

See event poster above to know the exact screening dates of the films.

(Source: Delegation of the European Union to the PH website)

UP Cebu’s 1081 Exhibit Calls for Remembrance, Resistance, and Reflection on Martial Law

October 1, 2024 October 1, 2024

When President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. declared martial law in the Philippines, it had a profound and lasting impact on Filipino society. Understanding these effects, particularly on democracy and governance, is essential to raising awareness of the injustices endured during that period. Remembering the victims’ stories and seeking the truth are critical acts of resistance.

In commemoration of Martial Law, the Communicators of UP (COMMUP) and the UP Cebu Martial Law Day of Remembrance (MLDR) Committee organized the annual 1081 Exhibit. This year’s theme, “Tagubtob sa Kamatuoran: Remember, Reveal, and Resist,” focused on the experiences of Martial Law victims and aimed to educate the youth about the atrocities committed during the Marcos regime.

The commemoration began on September 19 with the theme “Pagmatngon,” featuring an engaging opening program alongside the launch of a multimedia and art exhibit. A highlight of the event was a performance by the UP Students’ Theater Arts Guild for Education (UPSTAGE), which powerfully portrayed the real-life stories of Martial Law victims, bringing their experiences to light.

In addition to this poignant performance, numerous artists contributed to the exhibit, using their creative talents to expose the truth behind the dictator’s intentions and the injustices of that era. The event attracted students from various universities, fostering solidarity and raising awareness among the younger generation about the historical significance of Martial Law in the Philippines. Other activities included a film screening, a radio talk, a journalism-focused event organized by CDN Digital, and a panel discussion.

On September 20, the second day of commemoration, themed “Paghandom,” featured a cultural night that brought together a diverse group of speakers and performers. Speakers from various sectors, including individuals who were victims of Martial Law, shared their powerful testimonies.

The evening also showcased dynamic performances by UP Sayaw Evolution and UPSTAGE, adding artistic depth to the event. Following the performances, a protest action was held, where speakers from different colleges addressed the issues and challenges they face, highlighting the ongoing struggles for justice and awareness within both society and the university.

On September 21, the theme “Pagbatok” was represented through a multi-sectoral mobilization in downtown Cebu City, in collaboration with other organizations and schools. The next day, a basic mass immersion was conducted in various areas of Cebu, including Carbon, Coke, Mandaue, Piston, and Toledo. These initiatives aimed to better understand how both the past and present administrations have impacted people’s lives and to amplify their voices and concerns.

The 1081 Exhibit serves as a powerful reminder of how the Marcos regime abused its power and violated basic human rights. Through panel discussions, educational forums, film screenings, performances, and community engagement, we are reminded of the pain of the past and our responsibility to ensure such mistakes are never repeated.

Text and photos: Van Guevara/BA Communication 2 and COMMUP Secretary General for Publicity

Award-winning filmmaker to hold seminar on cinema for education

March 12, 2024 March 12, 2024

Multi-awarded filmmaker, film historian, and film literacy advocate Nicholas “Nick” Deocampo will conduct a seminar workshop on “Cinema for Education: Communication, History, and Ecology” from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on March 14, 2024 at the UP Cebu Lawak Sinehan.

The event aims to explore the potential intersection of film as a tool for greater communication and for imparting knowledge in areas such as the environment, language of the present generation, and sense of nationhood. It will further delve into film’s materiality and history within the Philippine context.

It is organized by the UP Cebu Lawak Sinehan in partnership with the Cebu College of Communication, Art, and Design (CCAD) and Communication Program as well as the UNESCO Memory of the World.

Deocampo is currently an Associate Professor at the UP Film Institute of the College of Mass Communication in UP Diliman. One of his latest accolades was the Lifetime Achievement Award given to him by the Film Development Council of the Philippines in 2023 for a life dedicated to scholarship in Philippine cinema.

This seminar seeks to empower educators in a language that is popular to students and that is the cinema.

Day 1 of the seminar-workshop is exclusive to UP Cebu Faculty members while the second day is open to film educators in Cebu.

Secure your spot by filling out the form below. Slots are limited.
https://bit.ly/CinemaForEducationWorkshop
https://bit.ly/CinemaForEducationWorkshop
https://bit.ly/CinemaForEducationWorkshop

Fine Arts students organize ‘Inamaw sa Perya’ at the UP Cebu Grounds

October 12, 2023 November 21, 2023

Fine Arts students taking Performance Arts (SFA 120) exhibited “Inamaw sa Perya,” a TASK Party, on September 21.

A TASK party is an interactive social gathering first initiated by performance artist Oliver Herring in 2002, where participants perform tasks as written on slips of paper. This was the first TASK held in UP Cebu, and it was organized as part of the SFA 120 class requirement.

There is a limited number of participants in a typical TASK party, usually held in public spaces such as the university common room or other areas where people can interact upon entering the space.

According to Allyca Zoe Villaflor, a student of SFA 120, they improvised the activity to connect it with the current political landscape in the country, where they mimic government officials such as Bong Go, who is walking around, and Imelda Marcos, flaunting her wealth.

Villaflor shared, “Timing nga ni abot sa commemoration sa martial law. It was actually a modified event to fit the commemoration.”

There were four different activities: spinning the wheel, hitting cups, popping balloons with a pin, and tarot reading, where all activities required participants to perform a task.

In line with their theme, they also participated in the solemn candle-lighting ceremony organized by the UP Cebu University Student Council to remember the victims of martial law imposed by the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos. (Report and photos by Ian Peter Guanzon)

Newsrooms learn to navigate the digital space

October 12, 2023 November 21, 2023

How are newsrooms coping with digitization? CDN Digital marked the end of Cebu Press Freedom Week with a forum tackling various topics, starting with a close look at traditional and digital media and going into the challenges that media organizations face in a digital world.

The speakers of “The Role of Newsrooms in an Evolving Digital Space” event last Sept. 22, 2023 at the University of the Philippines Cebu Arts and Sciences Hall included content creator Immae Lachica, senior copy editor Brian Ochoa, and social media manager Ralph Gurango of Inquirer.net.

Other essential topics discussed during the forum included social media reporting as well as the key principles and ethical issues involved in reporting in the digital age.

The activity marked the end of the Cebu Press Freedom Week celebration from Sept. 17-23 in Cebu.

Assistant Professor for Political Science and Coordinator of Office of Anti-Sexual Harassment of UP Cebu Atty. Archill Capistrano shared in her opening remarks the importance of the press and newsrooms in empowering the next generation.

Student attendees from the University of the Philippines Cebu, University of San Jose-Recoletos, Cebu Normal University, and Cebu Technological University asked questions after the talk.

Unveiling the Dictator’s Dirt: 1081 Exhibit sheds light on Martial Law’s legacy

October 3, 2023 November 21, 2023

In its sixth consecutive year, the 1081 Exhibit commemorated the 51st Proclamation of Martial Law with a week-long event held from September 15 to 22. This year’s theme, “Lift the Sheets: Uncovering the Dictator’s Dirt,” aimed to honor those who were silenced during the Martial Law Era and to amplify the call for a more just, empathetic, and competent governance.

A press conference that featured guest speakers from organizations such as MLDR, Kabataan Partylist, AMA Sugbo KMU, STAMP, and COMMUP kicked off the event on September 15. The speakers emphasized the critical importance of upholding human rights and preserving freedom of speech and the press.

The following day, a Community Immersion event took place at the Carbon Public Market. Participants, including schools, organizations, and various sectors, engaged in a basic masses exposure (BMEx) that allowed them to gain firsthand insight into the daily lives and challenges faced by market vendors. This experience shed light on issues such as privatization, fascism, and the threat to livelihoods due to the loss of space.

On September 18, in collaboration with the Fine Arts Students Organization (FASO) and curator Greys Compuesto, the Multimedia and Art Exhibit was formally launched at UP Cebu’s Jose T. Joya Gallery. This exhibit featured works from different artists paying tribute to Martial Law victims.

Throughout the week, a series of forums, seminars, educational discussions, film screenings, protest actions, performances, and contests served as a poignant reminder of the historical significance of this dark chapter in the nation’s history.

The event culminated on September 22 with a closing ceremony at UP Cebu’s Performing Arts Hall, where participants, partners, and volunteers were acknowledged for their pivotal roles in making this year’s 1081 Exhibit a resounding success.

In essence, this week-long exhibit courageously brought to light the secrets of the dictator’s regime, as participants fearlessly lifted the sheets to bear witness to the bloodshed buried beneath the historical dirt. (Erna Josette Bonsukan, BA Communication 2)

Veteran journalists talk about AI in journalism in GMA Masterclass

September 23, 2023 November 21, 2023

Veteran journalists from GMA Integrated News talked about their experiences, professional milestones, and perspectives on the practice of journalism with easy access to such technology tools as generative artificial intelligence or AI during the highly popular “GMA Masterclass: The Cebu Press Freedom Week Special” at the University of the Philippines Cebu Performing Arts Hall last Sept. 18, 2023.

Organized by GMA Regional TV, the forum took on the theme “Journalism in the Age of AI” and featured Howie Severino, Pia Arcanghel, Aileen Perez, and Nikko Sereno as resource persons.

The masterclass was one of the activities of the 31st Cebu Press Freedom from Sept. 17 to 23.

Students from various colleges and universities, such as the University of the Philippines Cebu, Cebu Normal University, University of San Jose Recoletos, Southwestern University PHINMA, Cebu Technological University, University of the Visayas, University of San Carlos, Santo Nino Mactan College, among others, converged at the event. They were eager to learn more about the topic of artificial intelligence and how it is impacting the landscape of journalism.

The event began with a warm welcome from UP Cebu Chancellor, Atty. Leo Malagar. In his opening remarks, he underscored the importance of students remaining vigilant, actively engaged, and steadfast in their commitment to safeguarding democracy and upholding the principles of freedom.

GMA Masterclass icons also shared some advice for youngsters aspiring to be the next generation of journalists. They also gave their insights and perspectives on artificial intelligence.

Severino underscored the importance of recognizing AI as a complementary tool to journalism, while also highlighting its potential as a weapon capable of causing harm.

In light of generative AI tools, Perez emphasized that while AI holds valuable applications in monitoring and data analytics, it is important to acknowledge its potential to generate uncanny content.

Arcanghel underlined the potential advantages of employing AI in research but confessed her hesitation to use it due to a worry about becoming overly reliant on it.

Meanwhile, Sereno stressed the time-saving benefits of AI while cautioning against its misuse.

GMA Masterclass: The Cebu Press Freedom Week Special marked the start of the 31st Cebu Press Freedom Week aimed at providing an arena for discussion and education on various local and national issues for students and educators. (Report by Charles Jave Retanal/Photos by Adriana Villena)