National Artist for Music Jose Maceda, Lucrecia Kasilag and Ramon Santos, National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes, theater actress Irma Adlawan, and film director Tikoy Aguiluz are among Asian Cultural Council (ACC) grantees highly recognized abroad. ‘Tahip’ by Anita Magsaysay-Ho “We’re very happy kasi we feel na kahit papaano ACC was able to contribute to their development in their respective field,” said ACC Phils. Program Director Teresa Rances. ACC is a nonprofit organization that supports US-Asia exchange through the arts. And upon the institution of the ACC Philippines Foundation Inc. (ACCPFI) in 2000, the Philippine Fellowship Program commenced upholding ACC’s vision of promoting cultural exchange and international dialogue, understanding and respect while advancing the development of Filipino artists. Rances said it is not easy to become a grantee. Applications are processed in New York and among the most important requirements is that he or she should be a practicing artist. “We want ‘yung nag uumpisa na as young as 21. Basta nakapag tapos na at practicing artist and meron siyang mission sa future as an artist or how he or she will able to help develop the Philippine arts.” Aside from covering the cost of workshops, grantees get full financial support for international travels, per diem expenses and research activities. After staying in the other country for four to six months returning grantees are expected to share what they learned abroad. Among the media that ACC offers are for dance, theater, visual art, film, art management, composer, and conductors. Campaign This year, ACC’s benefit auction is on March 3 during which they will offer an initial glimpse of auction pieces. ‘Noonday Meal’ and ’Fish Pond In Malabon’ by Fernando Amorsolo According to auction partner, Leon Gallery Director Jaime Ponce de Leon, among the works on showcase are by icons and leading contemporary artists including visual artists-ACC alumni. First on the list is ACC alumnus National Artist for Visual Arts Jose Joya’s “Space Transfiguration” oil on canvas that was signed and dated in 1959. Then the country’s most beloved female artist Anita Magsaysay-Ho’s “Tahip” will also be available. The piece was watermarked in 1960. Also, one of the most important artists in the history of painting in the Philippines and dubbed as Grand Old Man of Philippine Art, Fernando Amorsolo’s works will be presented. On auction is his 1959’s “Noonday Meal” oil on canvas and 1927’s “Fish Pond In Malabon” oil on wood, to name a few. Furniture and such will also be part like the longest crucifix known in the Philippines, measuring a spectacular 32 inches, 3 inches. Note that it is made from ivory, kamagong wood and silver from the 17th century. But the most significant among all is the extremely rare and historically important letters from Andres Bonifacio to Emilio Jacinto dated in March 8, 1897, April 16, 1897 and April 24, 1897. (From left): ACCPF Trustee Malu Gamboa, ACCPF President Maribel Ongpin, ACCPF Chairman Ernest Escaler, ACCPF Trustee Liza Araneta-Marcos, and ACC Phils. Program Director Teresa Rances These are in Andres’ own handwriting on his official stationery, with the letterhead of his battle name “Maypagasa.” Then a “P. ng K. Kapulungan” which means “Pangulo ng Kataastaasang Kapulungan” or “President of the Supreme Council.” Also a stamped with his seal – a “K” in ancient Tagalog script with rays surrounding it, around which the words are written: “Haring Bayang Katagalugan – Kataastaasang Kapulungan (The Sovereign Nation of Tagala – Supreme Council).” Also a document signed by Andres will be in the auction. It has the notice of appointment of Emilio as Commander of the Army in the Northern District of Manila (Pangulong hukbo sa dakong Hilagaan ng Maynila). The letter is dated April 15, 1897 and printed form bearing Andres’ signature. All proceeds will be divided and certain percentage will be given to ACCPFI to support the ACC Philippine Fellowship Program. Note that for this year grantees are Kevin Castelo (Music), Faye Cura (Museum Studies), Winner Jumalon (Visual Arts), Russ Ligtas (Performance Art), Ea Torrado (Dance), multi-grantee Grace Nono (Music), Ma. Cristina Sison (Theatre/Stage Management), and the UP Center for Ethnomusicology.