Heart’s bag exhibit showcases her artistry

HEART Evangelista-Escudero ARNOLD ALMACEN

HEART Evangelista-Escudero has reinvented “fabulous” in her “Carry Your HeART” bag exhibit at the Volkswagen Showroom in Bonifacio Global City, running until Sept. 9. She explores another facet of herself as an artist as she uses her deft touch in painting exquisite Hermes bags.

“It’s harder to paint bags than canvases because there’s no margin for error,” Heart points out. “The luxury bags cost a fortune, so I felt pressured not to let my clients down by coming up with unique designs that they can proudly claim as being the only one.”

Heart refuses to go commercial so the value of her work will be preserved. “It will lose its appeal if I put up a bag boutique,” she says. “I want my work to remain exclusive. I plan to stop painting bags for a while and focus on getting pregnant by January 2017.”

Heart’s hubby, Chiz, was in a supporting role at her exhibit’s launch. Chiz told me that he and Heart enjoy painting together while sharing a bottle of wine. “I’m more into abstract,” shares Chiz. “So, when people ask me what my painting depicts, I tell them to stare at it to find out what it tells them. Actually, that’s just my excuse, because sometimes I don’t really know what my painting is about (laughs).”

Heart and Chiz are merrily coloring their world. Hopefully, their baby arrives next year to complete the Escudero masterpiece.

‘DOM’ sizzles

I immensely enjoyed “Dirty Old Musical” (DOM) from start to finish with my fave, DJ Tina Ryan. The original Pinoy musical mounted by Spotlight Artists Centre hits the audience bull’s-eye, even if its lead stars portrayed aging men.

There was nothing old and boring about their performances and dance numbers. Bo Cerrudo, Robert Seña, Nonie Buencamino, Michael Williams and John Arcilla (or “Bench Boys”) sizzled onstage. They are no “dirty old men,” but “X-Men” (men with the X factor).

The seasoned actors in the “winter” of their (sex) lives went through the whole gamut of emotions. It was so potent that I could almost taste their angst.

CAST of “Dirty Old Musical” (from left): Robert Seña, Bo Cerrudo, Kitkat, Michael Williams, John Arcilla and Nonie Buencamino

But despite their woes, the stellar cast managed to find humor in midlife crisis. Kitkat, Fred Lo and Ima Castro jelled well with the “Bench Boys.” “DOM” is a sentimental journey and laugh trip in one. The timeless OPM hits of the ’70s and ’80s make the musical all the more endearing.

It was such a thrill to watch my good friends—Bo, Robert and John—do what they do best. After the show, Robert told me that he was a bit wary doing his Michael Jackson moves because I was there. He knows I’m an MJ fanatic.

Bo said that there might be a repeat in November. It really calls for an encore. According to John, he’s happy to be back to his roots—which is theater.

Catch “DOM” on Sept. 8, 9 and 10, 8 p.m. at the Music Museum (call 0919-9114444). It’s raining men, oozing with talent and appeal.