Michelline Syjuco, Goth princess, artist, sculptor, jeweler, surrealist, avantgardist, is my Halloween dream come true. The year is about to end, and I had only seen her once this year, maybe twice last year, and always on a Halloween date, each of us dressed in blood, gore, fantasy, lore, and fabulous deadness, as we walked hand in hand into Tim Yap’s talk-of-the-town parties on Halloween night! She always wins the best costume and I am always her proud date, at her side, sometimes even walking her up the stage to claim her prize.
Hers is a family who lives and breathes art. Her father Cesare A.X. Syjuco is considered legendary, “a genius of intertextual art,” a prizewinning poet, painter, and art critic. Her mother Jean Marie is a visual artist whose artistic pursuits span paintings, performances, sculptures, installations, and videos. Michelline and her sisters Maxine, painter and poet, and Beatrix, a visual and performance artist, have been called the Tres Syjucos, the Syjuco sisters, who have all followed so closely in their parents’ footsteps, along with their two brothers A.G and Jules, whose avant-garde and artistic gene has found expression more in music.
If I were sentenced to eternity on a couch, I’d love only to have Michelline on my side, as we also share a love for movies eerie and disturbing at least or spine-chilling, horrifying, terrifying at best. Horror is a fuel to creativity.
What is your idea of a perfect Sunday?
A perfect Sunday for me would simply entail an exciting new film or series, and a bucket of freshly made popcorn! But Sunday is a day of renewal. I think of it as a time to recharge, get re-inspired, and bond with family and loved ones.
Best word to describe Sunday
Renewal
Book you recommend as a Sunday read
Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty
Best Sunday companion
If we could invite one person dead or alive to spend Sunday with us, it would have to be David Bowie. He lived such a colorful and remarkable life and contributed so much to the world in the form of his art. I would have a billion questions.
What is the most extravagant thing you could think of having or doing on a Sunday?
Honestly, I’m not much for extravagance, especially now that I’m older. I value peace and quiet and a day without having to do or think about anything except the moment.
What would be the perfect topic for Sunday brunch conversation?
I love to talk about creative endeavors and artistic pursuits, especially since I’m from a family of artists. It’s always
so stimulating to hear what each of my siblings is up to in their own fields. It’s also great fun when we discuss collaborations and projects we can do together.
Best movie or series that once made your Sunday
Recently, I finally got to see the film, The Substance, and it definitely lived up to its hype in my book!
A quotable quote about Sunday that’s made for you
“Sunday is a good day to save the world in one’s pajamas,” said Adrienne Posey.
What does “wear your Sunday Best” mean to you?
It used to mean getting dressed to the nines to go visit my grandparents for Sunday dinner… but as I’ve gotten older, and my time is now completely my own, “Sunday’s Best” has become whatever I have that’s comfiest to lounge
around in.
If you were to write a book about the Sundays of your life, what would be the title?
The end is but a beginning
Best Sunday ever in your life
My best Sunday ever was spent with my family, in our first real home.. just sitting around on the floor of our newly constructed house, having wine and cheese out of paper plates and cups, and talking about all the wonderful things we were going to do together. Sundays have always been a big deal in my family, especially during the pandemic. Because we couldn’t travel or go out, my Mom would cook up an incredible storm of her own culinary creations inspired by cuisine from different countries, and the fam would get dressed in makeshift costumes, replete with hair and makeup, before sitting down to enjoy the feast together. Every one of these dinners is also top on my list of best Sundays.
Worst Sunday in your life
The worst Sunday in my life was when my bulldog Hamlet passed away. He had been sick for a long time and, as his health began to rapidly deteriorate, I was made to realize he had to be put down. It was the most loving thing I could do for him. Just the thought of it years later still brings tears to my eyes.
If Sunday were a flavor, what would this flavor be?
Sunday tastes like my Mama’s cooking, particularly her chicken pastel with chorizo. There is nothing more comforting
and satisfying than a dish made with love.
Where in the world would you like to be next Sunday, if you can just go there by magic?
I would love to be in Tokyo or London, my two favorite cities aside from Manila.