By THEPHILBIZNEWS STAFF
Even before the author Dan Brown raked a lot of money from the novel that became a worldwide bestseller Da Vinci code, many was already curious about the enigmatic life of Leonardo Da Vinci.
Why? Because da Vinci is a one of a kind and multitalented person.
Unknown to many, he is a painter, prolific musician, scenographer, great inventor, civil and war engineer, scientisT and even a master cook!
In all his endeavors, Leonardo excelled in an extraordinary number of different fields, often envisioning prototypes centuries ahead of their actual invention.
His legacy is vast but still seems freshly inspiring for the trust Leonardo endlessly placed in the power of Reason and his sensitivity to Beauty.
500 years have passed from the death of Leonardo da Vinci and on this important anniversary, cultural events in Italy and throughout the world are remembering and celebrating the multi-faceted genius and icon of the Renaissance.
In the Philippines, the Philippine Italian Association, the Italian Embassy, the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines and other partners, like the Cultural Center of the Philippines, are joining hands to organize a series of cultural and artistic activities in Metro Manila aimed at remembering and spreading knowledge of Leonardo da Vinci and the relevance of his achievements in our contemporary world.
The development of this program has been made possible by the generous contributions of many sponsors and partners, among which the principal, OMAN AIR, Rustan’s and Hotel Jen Manila by Shangri-La.
Lined-up activities
The core of the programmed activities will revolve around the work of the renowned Italian artist Massimiliano Finazzer Flory who, since 2011 has been investigating the life of Leonardo da Vinci and the relevance of his genius to contemporary generations. The versatile and interdisciplinary works of Leonardo brought him to render his investigations in different artistic forms: from theatre to cinema.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Italian Association, the Embassy of Italy and the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines take pride of the collaborating together to make sure that the 500 Years Anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci will be brought the Philippines the ensemble of following activities:
Lecture on da Vinci’s Last Supper followed by dinner was held last November 13 at Caruso Ristorante Italiano at Bel Air, Makati City.
(Photos by Monsi A. Serrano/THEPHILBIZNEWS)
A scholarly lecture and presentation by James Freney, a Director of the Philippine Italian Association which was culminated by a Leonardo’s themed menu will be specially concocted by Mr. Emilio Mina, the restaurant Director of Caruso Ristorante Italiano.
On November 21, a stage play “Being Leonardo da Vinci, an impossible interview” will be held at the Tanghalan Aurelio Tolentino, Cultural Center of the Philippines at 7PM. With and by Massimiliano Finazzer Flory and the special collaboration of the Filipino actor, director and screen/play write, Carlito “LITO” Casaje.
Tickets are available at CCP Box Office at 8-832-37-04, TicketWorld at 8-891-9999, PIA at (+632) 8-815-1310. For more details, email, philippineitalianassociation@gmail.com
Special discounts are given to the students 50%, 20% for boith seniors and PWD, respectively.
