Blasphemy or art?

Mideo Cruz’s art exhibit titled “Poleteismo” at the Cultural Center of the Philippines stirred up quite a furor. Is it blasphemy masquerading as art or the other way around?

Julius and Tintin Babao have different views about Mideo’s work. It’s interesting when couples like them are on opposite sides of an issue. It adds spice to their marriage.

Tintin: “For an artist like him, there is freedom of expression, yes. But freedom is not absolute. It does not exist in a vacuum. It entails responsibility and respect for religion, being a very sensitive matter—a very personal matter for most—especially for us Catholics. I pray to Jesus. That’s why it hit a nerve when I saw the wooden cross draped with a condom and religious images with clowns and Mickey Mouse ears. There are other ways to get a message across. For the artist, he has already succeeded in getting his point across. But for his art to cause divisiveness among Filipinos is not good. My hubby Julius collects art. I appreciate art. But this one of Cruz really offends me. It is not art. It is controversy.”

Julius: “I think it was blown out of proportion. I understand the sentiments of those who can understand art and those who can’t. But this is nothing new. So many artists have done bad art in the past but never got this kind of attention. The more we talk about it, the more attention it will get. Instead of rallying on the streets, we should just focus our attention on more urgent problems our country is facing.”

Lovebirds

I bumped into John Lloyd Cruz and Shaina Magdayao at Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay lounge en route to Hong Kong. I also spotted Rico Blanco with a pretty lady companion on board the same flight. Guess HK stands for more Hugs and Kisses in the Crown Colony for the lovebirds.

Birthday concert

Ogie Alcasid is all agog over his birthday concert “Celebration” on Aug. 23 at Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila (tickets available at Ticketworld and at the gate).

What’s the greatest lesson he learned as he turns a year wiser? “God will never leave you no matter what happens,” he said. “My heart sings songs of gratitude. My life is full of blessings.”

True to his concert’s title, the songwriter has countless reasons to celebrate. He and Regine are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their son, Nathaniel James. Ogie intends to write a special song for their baby boy.

Words are not enough to express the joy in Daddy Ogie the Pogi’s heart so he will let his music say the rest.

Guy and Pip

Now that Nora Aunor has gotten her groove back, fans are clamoring for the Superstar to work with her original partner, Tirso Cruz III, again. Long before Dingdong-Marian, Kimerald and KC-Piolo, there was Guy and Pip.

How does Pipo feel about Guy’s homecoming? “It’s long overdue,” he said. “And just like all our colleagues, I welcome her back to Philippine show biz where she truly belongs.”

“Bilangin ang Mga Bituin sa Langit” is Pip’s fave movie with Guy. Is he willing to work with her? “Depends on the story line,” he said. “I haven’t had the chance to talk to her. If and when we see each other, siguradong mahaba-habang kuwentuhan and reminiscing ’yon.”

The Guy and Pip love team may be a thing of the past but its charisma on-screen is something that can’t be denied.

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