Men (and woman) in black: Old School IASAS-style!

Ed. Note: Last issue's Quad photo is courtesy of Emer "Boboy" Remulla '86. Many thanks, Boboy!

NOV 2012

IN THIS ISSUE Kamusta?

The arts at ISM date as far back as 1920 when the school was first established, but it was only in the 1930’s when the arts gained a stronger presence in the community: the dance instructor, music director, and art teacher formed a cultural school, the Art Center, for the benefit of American School students who wanted to further pursue art. Since then the Fine and Performing Arts program at IS Manila just kept getting stronger! It’s no surprise then that the school has produced excellent artists over the decades, many of whom are making waves in visual arts, drama, and even literature. For this month let us shine a light on some of ISM’s very own artistic bunch! For some, art was in the blood; for others, it wasn’t until after high school that the calling grew louder. Regardless of how they got here, they are now making beautiful art for the rest of us to enjoy. For those of us who have long since neglected to pick up a guitar or a paintbrush, let this serve as a friendly reminder. You may not end up becoming the next Van Gogh, but you may just remember the simple joys it brings. Time to dust off that sketchpad! Ingat,

Alumni Office International School Manila

To subscribe to the monthly newsletter, email

alumni@ismanila.org.

Top photo: Kobushi I by Risa Recio ‘03

Life is Beautiful

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Global Get-Togethers

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L I F E I M I T A T E S

A R T

Risa is a full-time painter, living and working in Manila and exhibiting two or three times a year in solo and group shows for the past five years. Her work is primarily abstract, working with oils on large canvases. She has been working with different developers and interior designers, commissioning her for her abstract work in private homes and lobby areas.

What excites her is the challenge inherent to pursuing a career in the arts. She admits, “There is no guarantee that you will make it or that anyone will appreciate your work at all, but you do it because you can't see yourself doing anything else. So when you find that you do have an audience that connects with you and your work, it is personally rewarding and only pushes you to create more. I think the emotional connections that people make with my paintings are the most exciting part of being a painter.”

Risa is gearing up for shows in Singapore and Bangkok in 2013. Check out her complete portfolio at www.risarecio.com.

Who knew? Risa Recio ’03 was voted “Most Athletic” in the Senior Superlatives!

Risa Recio '03: Wingding I, 45"X66", Oil on canvas, 2010

RISA RECIO ’03: The Abstractionist

We caught up with some of ISM’s homegrown talent across different decades and asked them what inspires them, what their most embarrassing moments were (which comprised of a wardrobe malfunction for one), and if they happened to be that stereotypical artist back in high school (one was a jock instead!).

Francis may have only graduated college last year, but he already has a number of laudable industry projects under his belt: he has participated in numerous group shows, collaborated with an interior design firm, and recently opened his first solo show called “Carinderias, Caballos, and Other Manila Shenanigans” where he reveals the kitschy, oft-hilarious everyday images that make Manila stubbornly distinct as a place and as a state of mind. Known for his mastery of mixed media, he always pushes for new forms: "Producing, trying new things in my artistic process, going out of my way and comfort zone to look for materials... is what excites me." This comes from a guy who was inspired by decaying windows in Dumaguete and used a pocket-size San Miguel bottle- a rare find- in one of his works. Catch his latest works at the Tin-Aw Gallery in Makati until December 1st .

Book smart, too! Francis Commeyne ’06 graduated magna cum laude from the University of the Philippines and bagged the Outstanding Thesis Award.

FRANCIS COMMEYNE ’06: The Unerring Eye

From left Francis Commeyne '06: Caballo 9: Third World Setting, First Class Cuts and Caballo 10: Latest Hairstyles for Taxi Drivers; Sr. Jose,

El Barbero, Painting and Installation, Dimensions Variable, 2012 Open-Closed Door Policy, Acrylic on canvas, 2011

Jakarta connection: Gidget’s no stranger to the IASAS circuit as she spent her formative years in Jakarta International School before transferring to ISM in 8th grade.

You could say it was serendipity. Gidget's early career was firmly planted in the corporate world, particularly retail management. It was only when she was advised by her doctor to take a break while she was pregnant did storytelling fall into her lap. At the urging of her five-year-old son who preferred to make up stories instead of reading books at night, Gidget started writing. From these improvised writings many of her bedtime stories were born. It happened overnight. She attests, "A friend who knew a publisher suggested I show them my poems and stories. Within a few months, I signed a contract to make my first picture book. I have been writing children’s books ever since." To date, she has had nine books published for children in preschool and middle school for various children’s book publishers. Gidget has been fortunate that two of her works have been given the Philippine National Children’s Book Award. Gidget is now working on a dream project inspired by a boat trip with her grandparents that took them around the archipelago when she was seven.

From top: Gidget Jimenez ’82: Cover of The Gift (photo courtesy of Liza Flores at

http://cargocollective.com/lizaph/The-Gift

Adarna children's series: Can We Live on Mars?: A Book about Space; Can we Plug into Lightning?: A Book about

Electricity; Can We Drink the Ocean?: A Book about Water; Illustrations by Bru)

GIDGET (ROCELES) JIMENEZ ’82: The Storyteller

Niccolo's passion for the arts and the environment took him to Lewis & Clark College where he earned a double degree in-- what else?-- Environmental Studies and Studio Art. It was this seminal time in his life when he crafted the art and science of carpentry and design while busying himself with set design for stage productions on the side. His larger-than-life “Twig Man” sculptures made out of woven tree branches is a permanent attraction at Washington Square Park in Portland, the city where it all began. Having moved back to Manila in 2010, Niccolo is currently the resident artist for a design and furniture company Studio 10.10, allowing him the opportunity to interact with clients at a more personal level. He remarks, "I am a visual artist who specializes in wood and other organic materials to create functional art. My skills have given me the opportunity to do commissioned works of art and studio furniture pieces. In everything that I do, whether it be a painting, a sculpture or studio furniture, I treat everything I craft as an art piece. I strive to manipulate organic materials and craft pieces from the imaginations and personalities of clients." Catch Nico's latest whimsical works, inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland, in Altro Mondo Gallery in Makati until December 1st.

It runs in the family: Niccolo’s father and grandfather are avid collectors of reclaimed wood. Thankfully for Niccolo they have been stored in mint condition.

Clockwise from left: Jupiter and Martius chairs from the recent collection; The artist in his

first solo exhibit at Altro Mondo; the show-stopping Leviathan

NICCOLO JOSE ’05: The Woodsman

Priscilla's bohemian background can certainly be seen in her artworks, which she fondly calls "Zen paintings" as they "have to do with the metaphysical merging with the physical world". Although her work is primarily oil on canvas, Priscilla has interests that run the gamut from batik on silk to three-dimensional pieces. For Priscilla, her personal and spiritual growth was always intrinsically linked to her art. The depth and diversity in her paintings reflect her penchant for the gypsy way of life: "I ended up living in the house of Pepito Bosch, a philosopher who turned his house into an open house for musicians and artists. I teamed up then with a German artist Kai Hilgemann and (together) we toured the provinces and lived with other people," she recalls. So where in the world can we find Priscilla next? She is gearing up for a new show in Baguio, Philippines in October 2013.

PRISCILLA TEODORO ’74: The Dreamer

Clockwise from left: Priscilla Teodoro '74: Sacred Eternity; The Birth of the Cosmos; Wailing Wall,

photo courtesy of RJ Fernandez

Future Perfect: Priscilla was the Art Editor for her year's Kawayan yearbook.

A consummate all-arounder, Nic dabbled in everything back at ISM. He admits, "I had a short-lived stint on the basketball team, had about a year in Model United Nations, became a more or less consistent choir kid... I eventually ended up writing/editing for Bamboo Telegraph, and anchoring for Bamboo Telegraph TV." But even back in school Nic knew that drama was where his true passion lay. "I was in Ms. Monsod’s production of The Mahabharata. That experience left more of an impression on me than I first realized." When did it all start for Nic? "Seventh grade. I (auditioned) for Little Women directed by Emi Mercado. I was clueless how auditions worked, and it showed. I was shy, self-conscious. But I somehow knew that if you could get past this auditioning part, something special was on the other side of it. I think my next audition, freshmen year of high school, was quite a bit better. I couldn’t escape the theater after that." That proved to be an auspicious sign of things to come. He now works as an actor, director, and drama teacher. "Each of these pursuits allows me lead, to serve, to innovate, and to explore," he shares. Catch Nic in Repertory Philippines’ Theater for Young Audiences production of The Wizard of Oz where he plays the Tin Man. The Wizard of Oz will run until December 16th in Manila.

NIC CAMPOS ’06: The Consummate Performer

No Role Too Small: Nic’s drama experiences run the gamut, but one is particularly memorable: He once had a cameo role as a severed head in Pippin.

From left: Nic as the Tin Man in Repertory Philippines' "Wizard of Oz"; Nic as director on opening morning of Aguinaldo International School's "Once On This Island Jr."

2011 was a big year for the talented Mr. Yates. Alex made a huge splash in the literary scene with his debut novel, Moondogs, an intoxicating page-turner of magical realism and geopolitics. As part of his multi-city book tour, Alex returned to Manila on a whirlwind of appearances, interviews, and book signings last year. The Alumni Office was lucky enough to catch this very busy up-and-comer to talk about the people and the place where it all started for him. We asked him about his time at ISM, and what makes it singularly unique. In one word, it's "diversity". To celebrate his 18th birthday, he and his group of friends went to Batangas. At dinner, he recalls, "None of us looked the same. There was someone from the Philippines, Poland, Pakistand, India...I didn't realize how incredibly lucky I was." Diversity is a concept close to Alex’s heart, having lived in Haiti, Mexico, and Bolivia. His myriad experiences are vibrantly captured in his works, especially in Moondogs whose premise centers around "the disappearance of an American businessman in the Philippines and the estranged son, jilted lover, misguided felon and supernatural saviors who all want a piece of him".

ALEXANDER YATES ’00: The Magician

Homebound: Alexander Yates ’00 and wife, alumna Terhi Majanen '00, are keen on returning to the Philippines: "My wife and I are already thinking, 'How can we live in the Philippines when our child is in high school?' So that's the extent to which IS has had an impact on both of us."

Photo courtesy of Alexander Yates; Cover design by Michael Windsor http://www.alexanderyates.com/

Praise for Moondogs: The Wall Street Journal: “[D]azzling... readers will be

gratified by the ambition and raw energy on display in

this particular promising debut.”

Entertainment Weekly: “[A] weird and weirdly

affecting Philippines-set novel...Yates, who spent part

of his youth on the archipelago, caulks the cracks with

local detail, but leaves enough room for Moondogs’

narrative to breathe. B+”

The Boston Globe: “[F]izzy, funny, and tone-

perfect... Yates achieves an extraordinary synthesis of

tenderness and brutality, making us question our own

sympathies.”

Gordon is a portrait and wildlife artist who specializes in commissioned works. "I prefer to highlight the beauty and splendor of life in my art. What excites me is seeing how happy people are when they see my works of art." A self-described "soul seeker", Gordon goes through a highly meticulous and well-researched process to capture the subject's form as well as essence whether it's painting a portrait of a newborn, a Tibetan lama, or a sweeping vista. Much like his process, the journey through art was a long one. Though he began sketching and painting at six years old, it wasn't until his early twenties did Gordon realize that this may very well be his lifelong passion. "I went through a transition in my life in 2010. I was very depressed... and didn't know what to do in my life. My mom told me to take an art class to make myself productive. Getting back into... painting and drawing regularly renewed my spirit and gave me confidence, purpose and meaning in life." If you are interested to get in touch with Gordon for commission work, drop him a line at louiegordonlee@gmail.com.

LOUIE GORDON LEE ’06: The Realist

Art and faith: Gordon Lee '06 is currently finishing paintings of Tibetan lama from the Karma Kagyu lineage of Buddhism which he practices.

Clockwise from left: Louie Gordon Lee '06: Portait of Robert Kennedy; Shamar Rinpoche; Parakeet.

My process begins with making origami pieces that act as a still life from which I make observations and renderings - this is a practice that comes from my formal art training in college. From those renderings made on canvas, I push the image and forms further by abstracting them from their original state and thus, pushing their depth and expanse. My hope is that the audience can engage with the work, find nuances within the painting and create their own interpretation through their own visual journey. Earlier this year I went to Turkey, with my classmate from ISM (Muge Kiy '03) and from that trip I created a body of work inspired by our travels. Incorporating pattern into my work was a very big step forward for me and I think I made some artistic breakthroughs through this new process of making. ~ Risa Recio

In Their Own Words…

How would you describe your art?

What did ISM teach you?

That if I work hard--not that I can do anything-- but if you work hard, you can do more than you think you can. If you really push yourself, you'll be amazed at what can come out of you. ~ Alex Yates

What or who has been your greatest ISM influence?

The teachers I had in IS moved me and changed my life from Tami Monsod in Drama to Rodney Fagg in Math. Mr. Fagg was an incredible teacher. He gave me so much confidence in my own problem-solving abilities, and I'm talking about life problem-solving abilities (such as) the problem of 'I have a big novel, and it's terrible; how do I make it better?' ~ AY

On an outreach trip in Grade 8, I saw the disparity between the lack of educational resources in the rural communities we visited and what we as ISM students were fortunate to have. Perhaps, that is why I strive to make higher quality books that are more relevant to Filipino school children.~ Gidget Jimenez Each of my drama teachers/directors had a stamp on my journey. John Mulhall taught me the basics of acting and later guided me musically in my first leading musical role. Tami Monsod cemented (and continues to support) the foundation in terms of discipline, insight, and guts. As a director, she’s one of the best theatrical storytellers I know. Ms. Domenica Hoyes widened my perspective on theatrical practice, especially where theater abroad was concerned. I was just very lucky. ~ Nic Campos

Though I concentrated in performing arts in ISM, my theater teacher (Tami Monsod) taught me always that art is about emotion. It stayed in my mind throughout my career as an artist, the emotions, characteristics and mood around me are incorporated and transformed to tangible objects. ~ Niccolo Jose

I took IBH Art and it was one of my favorite classes, but I didn't feel like I was destined to be an artist. My teacher during my senior year was Ms. Lisa Arthur and she was quite an energetic motivator for us. She was quirky and funny, and I think her disposition allowed us to make art in a relaxed environment versus making art for a grade. ~RR

What was the funniest or most embarrassing moment back in school?

(It) happened during the first few weeks of being a new student. I forgot my schedule of classes and got mixed up. I thought it was time for my art class, so I went to the classroom only to find the room locked and no one (was) there. Thinking I was early, I just sat on the floor outside the classroom by the dark hallway waiting... I kept waiting and wondering what was going on. Finally the art teacher came and asked what I was doing, mentioning that our class was the following day. I tried to play it cool and said, “I know...I was just relaxing and sketching.” I felt like a complete idiot and left running, trying to still make it to my actual class for that period. I’m still hoping my art teacher knew that I just got mixed up with my schedule and not think that I was some weird creepy loner hanging around the dark hallways. ~Francis Commeyne

In senior year, during rehearsals for the HS play (Battle of Ichinotani) at the Little Theatre, we were recording the scene where the princess would insult my character so I threw her on the ground and stabbed her with a sword. It was meant to be a serious and powerful scene. As I was about to attack the princess I had a sudden wardrobe malfunction. The intensity quickly turned to a moment of laughter with people playing back the recording over and over. After that, all the stress I had from the play disappeared. ~NJ

A particularly embarrassing moment was being pulled up onstage during an assembly to improvise a song. I blanked and my on-stage partner was left hanging in the end. A little thing, I know, but I was pretty sheepish about it at the time, and “vowed” to be quicker from then on. ~NC

From previous page, top: Risa Recio '03: Tulip II, 54"x48", Oil on canvas, 2010; Niccolo Jose '05: Snippet of Wonderland

exhibit; Francis Commeyne '06: Wheels of Fortune. Installation of Used Tires. Size

Variable. 2012; Priscilla Teodoro '74: Mulakapriti-Batik

Thank you to our alumni artists for sharing their fascinating

stories and art!

For more information about the artists, contact

alumni@ismanila.org.

GREEN

& GOLD Every once in a while, Indians and

Bearcats get featured in print media for their laudable accomplishments. One

glance at Vicky’s famous wall of photos tells us so! Even then, it’s quite a feat

that thirteen alumni (yes, thirteen!) were featured in the same issue of Town

& Country Philippines. Kudos to our Lucky Thirteen movers and shakers!

Miguel Ramos ‘87 is in good company as one of the 101 People You Must Meet Right Now!

The Best and the Brightest: Among the 20 student achievers in the list, eight are homegrown talent.

Meet the Class of 2012 who are about to take on the world.

Class

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Sarah Weston (Nikki Lopez) ’96 is featured in “Finding a Path of her Own” as she embarks on the journey of self-dicovery through Kabbalah. Sarah was also featured in last month’s Alumni Newsletter!

Shloka Sharan

Angela Sy Filipino Scholars Chris ong, Julia Saubier & Laura Lehmann

Diego Deveras & Jonathan Moran Matt Borja

Amanda (Griffin) Jacob ’94 (with adorable son in tow!) ushers in a new chapter with her new TV show.

Photos and content courtesy of Town & Country Philippines.

SPO

TT

ED

!

Clockwise from left: Rajiv Dargani ’05 tries one of NIccolo Jose’s creations; Class of 2005 comes out in full force: Debbie Chang, the artist himself, friend, and Rose Sagun; Chand Daryanani ’06, Chris Matsumoto ‘06, friend, Abel Jose ’07, and JC Echiverri ’06. Photos courtesy of Abel Jose.

Class of 1989 Chowdown November 2012, Manila

Clockwise from top left: Iris Puno Moya, Aaron Duff, Lailani Velasco, Ruth Borromeo Sy, and Lara Katrina Tajonera, who provided the photo.

Niccolo Jose 05’s Wonderland exhibit November 8, 2012, Manila

AS/IS Mini-Reunion November 2, 2012, San Mateo, CA

Alumni in attendance: Alums through the years: Kathy Velayo Yulo '65, Jimmy Labrador '65, Richard (Dick) Olson '65, Bo Razon '70, Rick Velayo '76, Barbara Scollon Curl '77, Robert Dobrocke '86, Peter Von Dem Hagen, Zenia Llamas '86, Marie Applegate '01, Tara Ann Laureano, Anna Sanchez Borthwick, Connie Kleips Magpayo '76, Marcus Javier '00, Jose Vernaiy Sermonia '00, Adrian Garcia, Brenton Marrelli '98, and James Applegate '97. Salamat to Rick Velayo for the photo!

Get-together at the Decluettes October 14, 2012, Maple Valley, WA

From left: Candice's husband Bruce, Candice (Horne) Boyd '86, Noriel Maghirang '75 (thank you for the photos), Harold Decluette '83, and Rosa (Liu) Lundborg '81

Chowdown Down Under October 13, 2012, Sydney, Australia

Alums in attendance: Steve Cheline '85, Suzie Dimblad '81, Edwige Bonnaire, Sally Shute-Trembath, Kristin Erlandson '82, Brendan Trembath '85, Rod O'Connor '82, and Rob Ginnivan, Bobby Villanueva '85 (thank you for the photo!).

From left: It’s a family affair at Attic restaurant! Rick shows off the Filipino fiesta fare- or what he calls “Death by Pork”.

AS/IS Mini-Reunion, continued…

.

ISM-Hosted Monday Mixer (Part 1) February 11, 2013, San Francisco

ISM-Hosted Monday Mixer (Part 2)

February 18, 2013, Seattle

Euroreunion VII June 14-16, 2013, Copenhagen & Malmo

Washington D.C. Reunion October 2013, Washington D.C.

Any questions about these events? Wanna start your own class

reunion or city chapter? Drop us a line at alumni@ismanila.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Hello ISM Alumni,

High school is a time of self-discovery. It is often a map with gaps between what they learn in their classrooms and the real world. We hope to help bridge that gap for some of our high school students through our five-day summer internship (June 10th – 14th, 2012) with various companies in Manila.

Last year we were very fortunate to place over 120 ISM high school students with 30 companies (including Alaska Milk, Asian Development Bank, Fed Ex, Hyatt Hotel and Casino, and Makati Medical Center). Demand for this program has increased each year and we expect that to continue.

As alumni of ISM, you may own, be employed by, or know of a company interested in supporting this worthwhile endeavor. If you are in a position to take one or more of our students at your company or know of an interested company, please contact me, Doug McQueen, at mcqueend@ismanila.org. For more information on the Bearcat Career Experience you may also take a look at our website http://bearcat-careers.ism-online.org/ in the meantime.

Thank you very much for your support and I look forward to hearing from you.

Best Regards,

Doug McQueen

High School Counselor

McqueenD@ismanila.org Tel: (+632) 840 8664 Bearcar Career Experience Blog: http://bearcat-careers.ism-online.org/ Bearcat Career Experience Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearcatCareerExperience

In need of Christmas ideas? Check out the gift ideas produced by the Holy Family Foundation:

CLA

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Fantastic job. It looks like a lot of great work went into putting this together. I thoroughly enjoyed it. - Hans (Bob) Walser '50

Thank you for sending me the IS Manila Newsletter. Much appreciated. Being a faculty member once upon a time, I look forward to this monthly news about faculty, staff, admin, alums & events.

At the height of my teaching career, International school has transformed my professional life and has helped me become a better teacher, thus, owing my success as one here in the US. I am forever grateful to the school, its students, faculty. administration & staff that I have worked with. With every visit I make to the Philippines, I make it a point to meet with former colleagues and visit the new IS Manila. I also keep in touch with some of my former students, many of whom are very successful in their own right. I always wish it the best.

Ingat lagi!

~Milagros Sison-Crouch (Middle School Math, 1981-1992)

Maraming salamat to Gerry

Davis '50 for donating a box full of vintage Bamboo Telegraph, some dating as far back as the

1940's! These cherised items are in mint condition. Thank you

very much, Gerry, for keeping them safe all these years!

Salamat to David Nigel '57 and

Amb. Johnny Rocha '56 for making the safe delivery of

these memorabilia possible!

Want to promote your business or advocacy?

Looking to (re)connect? Or simply want to share your story with us?

We WANT to hear from you!

Drop us a line at alumni@ismanila.org.

Sige na!