“Ouo vadis, performing arts?”
In this pandemic, artists and entertainers will not allow music and stagecraft to vanish. Cebu is an “Arts and Entertainment Hub” and has talents whose passions are beyond reproach. Music is the soul of our lives; its healing power makes entertainment and stagecraft experiential.
Share the insights of well-known artists and producers of Cebu, and get inspiration from them.
Val Sandiego, performer and cultural director: “More challenges for the performing arts in this new normal set-up, keep up the passion and love despite all the trials. Keep on dancing! Viva Pit Senyor!”
Eli Gonzales-Manlangit, stage and cultural director: “I see challenges along the way. I am positive that it will be as vibrant and engaging under the new normal. With the well of talents around us, innovativeness and ingenuity abound. It will be exciting.”
Rudy Aviles, theater director: “We are currently developing performances using the digital format. Virtual performances may just be a phase but it would be good to continue developing viewership and patronage for this new performance channel.”
Anna Fegi-Brown, singer and performing artist: “This year, my travel schedules as a guest entertainer on board ships are cancelled due to the pandemic. I am busy with my online classes in Brown Academy of Music. But, most especially, I am enjoying my new and favorite job, being a mother to my happy and bubbly Amaria Michelle.”
Maria Donna, singer and performing artist: “When the time comes that we are allowed to be on stage again, people will see and feel an overflowing energy and passion of hungry artists waiting for their turn to do what they love to do. This pandemic taught so many artists a lesson. I can’t wait to be back on stage! Again.”
Sam Costanilla, radio, columnist and stage director: “As a local teledrama producer and director, I can see a surge of productions that feature our homegrown talents. My ‘Telelilas Kalingawan,’ two Lenten teledramas (April) and two Christmas teledramas (December) have award-winning talents. Cebu, indeed, is alive with local artists!”
Gloria Villarojo, producer: “The ‘Sinulog Idol’ season 12, called All Stars, will feature former finalists who did not bag the championship. The Cebu Popular Music Festival will be on Jan. 15. Both events are virtual. Entertainment is alive in Cebu.”
Cinbeth Orellano, choreographer and producer: “Covid-19 created a significant impact on the performing arts due to the many restrictions that came with the global pandemic. Performing arts institutions came up with options to go fully digital with streamed live or pre-recorded performances. Dance classes were done via Zoom and musicians performed at-home concerts.”
Eva de los Santos, singer: “The performing arts and more stage events will be done through virtual platforms and local artists will improvise and innovate.”