A factory-turned-cultural center in Quezon City recently unveiled a memorial plaque in honor of noted Filipino artist and activist Behn Cervantes.
Cervantes was known for his activism against the Marcos dictatorship, during which he directed the 1976 film Sakada whose copies were seized by the military.
Erehwon Center for the Arts unveiled the plaque during the inaugural meeting of the Erehwon Art Policy Council. A Cervantes sculpture, made by Jose Al Giroy, is located at The Roofdeck, a hangout area for members.
Attendees included author and playwright Bonifacio Ilagan of the Tag-Ani Performing Arts Society, Almira Astudillo Gilles of the Chicago Field Museum and the American Museum of Philippine Art Foundation, and artists Giroy, Grandier Bella, and Emmanuel Nim.
Also present were representatives of partner organizations under the Art Council, including film producer Film Dogs, Fides Cuyugan Asensio Institute of Music and Arts, vocal ensemble PASIPO, Erehwon Jazz Orchestra, Erehwon Rondalla, and Erehwon Dance Company. Also part of the council, albeit not in the meeting, is MUSIKA, headed by Heber Bartolome.
Erehwon founder Rafael Benitez discussed the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, which he believed meant pursuing the development of artistic pursuits through new digital media.
The center launched films.com, with its inaugural short film, “Rizal and the Secret of the Light”, available for public viewing on Erehwon’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.