TV Show on Filipino Artists Airs This February

Catch some of the most notable Filipino artists in Art Republik starting February 28, 2012

A new TV show focusing on Filipino artists will be making its debut this coming February 28, 2012 on the Knowledge Channel at 8:40pm. Entitled Art Republik, this 30-minute program will center on arts and culture in the Philippines with the first season carrying 13 episodes anchored on different Filipino cultural traits like Bayanihan (camaraderie), adaptability, hard work, community, commitment, courage, excellence and perseverance.

Episode One: Sibling Filipino Artists

A total of 53 different Filipino artists will be featured as well in the first season of Art Republik. The first episode will feature two different sets of siblings who have made significant contributions to the local independent film and visual arts industry.

The first set of siblings are Roxlee and Romeo Lee. Roxlee is hailed as the hero of underground cinema here in the Philippines while his brother, Romeo, is a University of the Philippines-Diliman icon and visual artist and performer.

The second set of Filipino artists are Sari, Aba and Kiri Lluch Dalena. Sari is a multi-awarded film maker who took home the Best Picture and Best Director awards at the recently concluded 2011 Cinema One Originals Film Festival for the movie Ka Oryang which tells the story of the beginnings of a revolution during the Martial Law regime in the Philippines through a woman’s eyes. Aside from being the lead vocals for the group Rockbato, Aba is also a notable art teacher and visual artist. Kiri is in between, making her presence known in both the visual arts and film industries.

A Tribute to Filipino Artists and Culture

Art Republik is the product of a partnership between Asian Christian Arts Association, Inc., a non-governmental organization, and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in the Philippines.

“We created the show to provide an alternative program to the usual entertainment and political fare on television. TV is a powerful medium to inform and engage people. We hope that Art Republik could  contribute in increasing the awareness on Philippine art to a wider public by presenting its creators, the Filipino artists, whose work reflect our culture,” Betty Uy-Regala, producer of Art Republik, said.

Felipe de Leon, Jr., chairman of the NCCA, said, “The Philippine government recognizes the role of culture in the development of the economy and national unity. This is embodied in our Constitution (Article XIV) and the Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP).”

The other members who complete the show’s team are co-producer Evie dela Cruz, director JL Burgos, Imelda Morales, Opaline Santos, Ria Torrente, Kathrina Reston, Tom Estrera III,  Allan Alcantara, Erwin dela Cruz, Rene Bayking, and Joel Laserna. Alma dela Pena, Mavie de Ocampo, Kristine C. Tabada, and Phillyn Lorenzo were part of the pilot episode production.

Art Republik will be aired on Knowledge Channel every Tuesday at 8:40 p.m. with replays on Thursday at 8:40 p.m. and Saturday at 2:00 p.m. Knowledge Channel is channel 42 on Sky Cable. Art Republik is on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/artrepublik).