Repository of my thoughts and images of art, literature, travel, and life.
Tonight, I wrote a long entry in my journal. My first since the Faculty Center Fire of April 1, when I lost most of my books and catalogs and objects that I cherish. I also watched the finale episode of Gilmore Girls. I missed the before, as life got in the way. I am sitting... Continue Reading →
My students are always fascinated when I point out that Juan Luna’s Spoliarium isn’t his only work, nor academic painting his only style. Two examples currently hang in the Vargas Museum, right inside campus. One is a study of The Trial of Galileo and the other is Picnic in Normandy. If these two painting could talk,... Continue Reading →
I walked around in a cold, darkened room, and there it was—Gustave Courbet’s The Painter’s Studio. I stood in awe for a moment, taking it in. I walked near it to see the details of the paint. I moved back so I can see its entirety once I again. I sat down on the bench... Continue Reading →
I’ve always been idealistic. I think it is the one thing in my life that I really want to maintain. I don’t want to end up jaded in the years to come. I want the belief that things could always get better, even if they’re already pretty great or even when everything seems hopeless. It... Continue Reading →
We spent Saturday evening celebrating Johann Sebastian Bach’s 330th birthday. It’s been a while since I listened to orchestra music, so I knew I really wanted to go when I found out that there would be a free performance by the Manila Symphony Orchestra at Trinoma Mall. I’m grateful that Ian shared my interest in... Continue Reading →
https://instagram.com/p/XHgEjOFbFg/ Being online is a very distracting process. Years before, we existed without the consistent need to check things online. But things have changed, and sometimes, I feel addicted to that sensation--of having to check on whatever is happening online. It is unhealthy. It can be a very isolating process as well. This reminds me... Continue Reading →
Well, this is my first writing project of the year (outside of the 2013 backlogs). Aside from that, this is also a first for me to create an exhibition note for a gallery exhibition. Thanks to Leslie de Chavez for providing this great learning moment. It was fun working with him and meeting a number... Continue Reading →
Former west brown bag from Portia Placino The Former West Congress: Documents, Constellations, and Prospects was participated in by around 150 students form all over the world. The levels of engagement in the Congress differed from the particular research focus and interests of the participants. The Learning Place, as programmed by Boris Buden, was focused... Continue Reading →
Finding the Clärchens Ballhaus is one of the most unbelievable experiences in Berlin. I never would have been able to if I didn't join the walk in the city with Nina Fischer and Maroan el Sani. I learned a lot from that walk. But for now, its about finding the Clärchens Ballhaus at Augustraße 24.... Continue Reading →
Portia Placino 