The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
To kick off a series of yearlong events celebrating the birth centennial of revered komiks (comics) writer and artist Mars Ravelo, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) opened on Thursday an exhibit, titled Mars Ravelo Reinterpreted, at the CCP Bulwagang Juan Luna (Main Gallery) and Pasilyo Guillermo Tolentino (third-floor Hallway Gallery).
The birth-centennial celebration, of which the exhibit is part, aims to highlight the continuing influence and legacy of Ravelo in Philippine culture and society.
Born on Oct. 9, 1916, the Gen. Trias, Cavite province-raised Ravelo produced more than 300 titles in his 40-year career, and created several iconic characters, including superheroes Darna and Captain Barbell, the mermaid Dyesebel, and the man-baby Bondying.
In Mars Ravelo Reinterpreted, which aims to break the dichotomy between the fine arts and comics, the 13 artists chosen for this project were tasked to interpret a specific Ravelo character in their own way.
Each artist could create his own story behind his work, as based on his assigned character’s impact on Philippine culture. Some of the key considerations for the selections are that they could effortlessly move from and into different styles and mediums, applying komiks (comics) sensibilities without their works losing their distinct personality.
The participating artists are Kris Abrigo, Ang Gerilya, Virgilio Aviado, Mariano Ching, Ernest Concepcion, Maishadela Cruz, FaBo, Dex Fernandez, RM De Leon, Leeroy New, Jonas Roces, Jericho Vamenta, and MM Yu.
The show opened with a brief journey through Ravelo’s body of work and how certain elements and concepts from his stories influenced popular culture. It also features some works by his children Richard, Rita, and Rex.
Guests are invited to revisit Ravelo’s larger-than-life tales that continue to captivate millions, tales written in familiar tones and meant to expand one’s imagination that helped shape the world of local comics.
To complement the exhibit, the following events will be held:
• Forum on the Critical Analysis of Komiks on Sept. 21, 4 p.m., CCP Main Gallery. Panelists: Atty. Marnie Tonson, Harvey M. Tolibao and Emil M. Flores.
• Film screenings, with introduction by Nick Deocampo, on Oct. 5 at the CCP Dream Theater: Jack En Jill (1954), by Mar S. Torres, at 2 p.m., and Tubog sa Ginto (Dipped in Gold) (1970), by National Artist for Film Lino Brocka, at 4 p.m.
• Mars Ravelo Centennial Celebration on Oct. 9. Artist’s Reception at the CCP Main Gallery at 4 p.m. and video projection on the CCP Fountain, CCP front lawn, at 7 p.m.
• Forum on Mars Ravelo Reinterpreted on Oct. 12, 4 p.m., at the CCP Main Gallery. Panelists are Kris Abrigo, Virgilio Aviado, Maisha dela Cruz, FaBo and Ang Gerilya.
Mars Ravelo Reinterpreted runs until Nov. 13. Viewing hours are from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, contact the Visual Arts & Museum Division, Production & Exhibition Department at (632) 832-1125, local 1504/1505, or 832-3702.