• Home
• /
• Entertainment

Ballerina of the people

Manila Broadcasting Company (of the DZRH, Yes FM, and Love Radio fame), besides the highly popular recreation centre Star City and concert venue Aliw Theatre.

But Lisa has something else in mind. She is a patroness of the arts and as a Filipino artist who loves her country, she is therefore pursuing her mission of developing a greater appreciation of art and culture among her fellow Pinoys.

But how can she bring the arts to the ordinary people? It's through a radio programme, in their family-owned AM station, DZRH. Titled Art 2 Art (or Usapang Sining at Kultura Para sa Lahat), it is a 30-minute talk show that will feature and introduce to the masses some of the country‚s most brilliant artists, as well as art educators, administrators and patrons who have devoted their lives in uplifting the Filipino spirit through exemplary dedication to their work.

"We'll do so in Pilipino (the national language)," she emphasizes. Airing every Sunday, starting on March 11 at 3 p.m., Art 2 Art boasts of a line-up of guests from a wide range of entertainment, music, dance, literature, visual arts, film and design, as well as keepers of indigenous culture and traditional arts. A unique feature of the programme will be its regular tribute to National Artists, whose precious contribution to Philippine society will be discussed and made relevant especially to younger generation.

"We need positive role models for our youth," says Lisa. "Real-life models who have devoted their lives to perfecting their craft and offering this as their unique contribution to their countrymen. Everything seems to come so easy these days: everything you need is available at the touch of a finger. It's time to reawaken our high regard for values like perseverance, courage, hard work, dedication and the pursuit of excellence, especially among our young.

"Filipino artists are renowned for being truly world-class in talent and expertise. Through this radio programme, the public will have a more casual and intimate encounter with these men and women who bring honour to our nation. Hopefully, in time, more people will be interested in getting to know our classical artists the same way they are fascinated with showbiz personalities. After all, in the international scene, many classically trained artists enjoy the same adulation as pop icons. Why not here?"