1AM SF » Tabi Tabi Po

Adobo Nation visits 1AM’s “When We Were Kids”

1:AM — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 04:06:26 +0000

Adobo Nation interviewed James Garcia and Christopher DeLeon today about their pieces in 1AM’s current exhibition “When We Were Kids”. Stay Tuned for the airing and for more show info (CLICK HERE)

Christopher DeLeon breaking it down for his fans

James Garcia dropping knowledge

FIGHT NIGHT @ 1:AM GALLERY!

1:AM — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 23:09:24 +0000

There was a fight at 1:AM gallery on Saturday night. Even a little bit of blood was spilled.

Fine, fine, it wasn’t a “real” fight but there was blood shed. Last Saturday (December 12th), we held the closing reception for “Tabi Tabi Po”. Part of the closing ceremony included a Filipino martial arts demonstration by ESKABO Daan, led by Grand Master Robert Castro (what a name! Imagine people calling you Grand Master all the time). Him, 4 students and 2 teachers showed us Panantukan (empty handed fighting), Eskrima (stick fighting), locking, and Kazi (knife fighting). And they were sparring with real blades! We didn’t know that until Grand Master had blood streaming down his hand. Talk about whoa! If you guys ever have a chance to watch or visit ESKABO Daan, do it! They displayed such a variey of techniques and Grand Master was cracking jokes left and right.

TAKEDOWN!

In addition to ESKABO Daan, we had a musical performance by “Baliktad”, Mike Boo and Pu22le. They treated our ears with mash ups of hip hop, scratching, break beats. noises that I have never heard before… a little bit of everything. The crowd enjoyed their musical score.

"Baliktad" - Mike Boo and Pu22le

The support!

At first, I thought that we would not have a good turnout, the weather was crappy (pouring cats and dogs on and off throughout the night), so many events were going on, holiday parties, etc but a lot of people came out to support “Tabi Tabi Po” for the amazing artwork, the cause, the concept and as a tribute to the Filipino culture. And of course, the party bus celebrating someone’s 50th birthday that was holding 75 people also helped fill the gallery.

Anna running around trying to accomodate the party bus! (Marlon's iPhone)

Audience

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO SUPPORTED, VISITED, AND ASKED LOTS OF QUESTIONS ABOUT TABI TABI PO AND THE STORY BEHIND IT!

More pictures of closing reception on our flickr. Sad to see it go but the show must go on…

CLOSING RECEPTION FOR TABI TABI PO TONIGHT WITH A SPECIAL TREAT…

1:AM — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 02:21:41 +0000

We were honored that James “gaNyan” Garcia showcased his inspiring and educational “Tabi Tabi Po” exhibition here at 1:AM gallery. Tonight is the last night to check out the amazing work by the talented Filipino artists from the States, Philippines, and Norway.

As a special treat, James got a group of Filipino martial artists to do a demonstration. ESKABO Daan will be here at 7:30pm to wow us with their expert Panantukan (empty-handed techniques) and Eskrima (stick fighting) skills.

Here is more info on ESKABO Daan:
ESKABO Daan is a Filipino Martial Art based in San Francisco California. It is a weapons based system that also incorporates empty hand techniques as well as joint locking techniques. This art was founded by Grand Master Robert Castro, whose 30 plus years of Martial Arts experience, led him to the creation of this unique and effective style. Grand Master Robert Castro gives his students more than they bargained for. He gives completely of himself and prepares them for whatever self-defense situation they may encounter. If you are in need of a Martial Arts School where it is not about ego but about learning and personal growth, then come to the ESKABO Daan school.

http://www.eskabodaan.org

CLOSING RECEPTION TONIGHT FROM 6-9pm!

SALAMAT JAMES FOR “TABI TABI PO”

1:AM — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 01:18:27 +0000

We want to say farewell to “Tabi Tabi Po” in style. Join us this Saturday, December 12th, for this incredible show’s closing reception from 6-9pm. Baliktad, a two man team made up of Pu22le (aka Alex Abalos) and Mike Boo (a turntablist not only known in the Bay but around the world), will be filling the gallery with their music. They will be spinning and playing sounds incorporating break beats, traditional Filipino instruments and city noises.

Visit our previous post, “Animating Tabi Tabi Po“, for a sampling of their music.

Pu22le and Mike Boo making the sounds come alive in the gallery!

Salamat (thank you) James for making this happen! It is a truly enjoyable show where people get to experience the richness of Filipino culture and the amazing talents of all the artists that participated.

TABI TABI PO CLOSING RECEPTION THIS SATURDAY FROM 6 – 9PM!

“THE DWENDE THAT GREW TOO BIG”

1:AM — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 22:56:34 +0000

On Saturday, December 5th, join us for an experimental play that shares the story of a dwende (a tiny dwarf-like creature) that wakes up and realizes he turned into a giant. Through live music and shadow play by Bindlestiff Studio, a community based Filipino performing troupe, we explore the world of Azaro, the dwende, and his journey to make peace with a new destiny. The event will be held at 1:AM gallery from 5:30 to 8:00pm. This is a free event and open to all ages. Bring the kids!

This performance complements our current art exhibition, titled “Tabi Tabi Po” (pronounced Ta-bee Ta-bee Poe). The exhibit is dedicated to celebrating Filipino folklore through urban contemporary art. A percentage of the art sales will be donated to the victims of typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng through BAYAN Philippines and BALSA (Bayanihan para sa Sambayanan). For more information, check out our recent “Tabi Tabi Po” posts.

I am really excited to see how they, yet again, transform 1:AM gallery to something completely different. Hope you can join us. See you Saturday!

"Ate Socorro" by Cece Carpio - her interpretation of a female Dwende

EMERGING ARTIST ALERT: CHRISTOPHER DE LEON

1:AM — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:35:46 +0000

One of the most talked about pieces in the “Tabi Tabi Po” show is Christopher de Leon’s “The Rite”. He is an up and coming artist who we believe is the next hot thang that is going take over the urban contemporary art scene.

We had never met Chris until a week before the show. Fighting a nasty cold, he dropped off his contribution and upon appraising his work, it was instantly recognized as one of the showstoppers for the exhibit. The following Saturday, he offered James (the curator) his services to transform 1:AM gallery to a Filipino shanty town. He was at the gallery almost day and night for the entire week leading up to the opening and painted dope murals on the interior and exterior walls of the gallery. He really helped to make “Tabi Tabi Po” come alive!

With that being said, we wanted to get to know the guy who was giving us his all to make this a successful event. Learn more about him here:

What is your inspiration for your art? Do you have a story behind your paintings? Use “The Rite” as an example.

Most of my art usually stems from rooted emotions and feelings that I can’t quite express through writing or speech. I paint or draw how I’m feeling at the moment. ”The Rite” basiclly shows the conflict between my culture upbringing and my ethnic roots. It’s my interpretation of the clash of incorporating two worlds.

How did it all begin? Painting?

When i opened my first box of crayon’s when I was like 3. THANKS MOM! I was totally hooked on leaving my mark on anything.

What training have you had to get you to this point?

I took art in high school, had a few years at the Art Institute of San Francisco and a couple years at the Academy. Unfortunately I never finished my degrees because I couldn’t afford to attend anymore. A lot of my skills just come from getting out a pen, pencil or whatever and just doodling everywhere I go.

What materials do you use? What is your favorite medium?

I use anything and everything I can get my hands on these days. Usually it’s whatever I can afford. Favorite medium to use is clay, I love sculpting.

How did you get into wood burning? What is the learning curve?

I totally picked up wood burning on a whim, saw that the tool was like $15 bucks and I was about to purchase like $20 something in paint. I went with the wood burning tool and I fell in love with it. I knocked out about 15+ hours practicing with it, then I did the premiere cover illustration for OH DANG! magazine. Im still learning how to use the tool I guess, it really takes a lot of patience to draw with.

What medium would you like to conquer next?

Cans! The piece i hit up with Roman on the wall at the gallery totally sparked interest.

What is the toughest thing you have to overcome as an artist?

Myself! I am my own worst critic, plus I get lazy or stuck in ruts, always on myself to stay focused.

What do you hope people take away from your art? Do you have a message?

Anything at all! If I can make somebody take even a second of their time to look at my work I am happy. To move somebody on any level is all I need. Do I have a message? Not all the time, I like to hear others interpretations of my paintings. I think there more entertaining!

You lean more to the dark side or the lit area?

I like the subtle shades of gray!

If you weren’t an artist, what would you be?

An Iron Chef! I love to cook!

If you had three wishes, what would they be?

Free education for all! A healthy liver! hmm..last one is tough.

What does Tabi Tabi Po mean to you? As a show and as a reference to Filipino folklore creatures…

As a show Tabi Tabi Po was an opportunity for me to reconnect to my Filipino roots. As a reference to Filipino folklore creatures it was an total learning experience. I had no idea what a lot of these creatures were until a few weeks ago.

Where are you from?

The dusty quiet streets of Bellevue Nebraska! HAHAHA…seriously!

Can you tell us what our fans can expect from Christopher de Leon in the next 5 years?

A lot of wonderful surprises! To be honest, I have no Idea what to expect in the next month. A year ago I was just learning how to really paint and here I am now. Life is totally full of wonderful surprises!

Anything else you would like to share?

I have to give credit to where credit is due. The words written in my acrylic painting “A Giant in the Mental” was penned by Marielle Fabie! I liked the way her handwriting looked and so I copied her script on my piece! Thank you Marielle!

Chris can also be found on the cover of and in the premiere issue of Oh Dang! magazine.

Christopher’s artwork can be found @ 1:AM gallery through December 12th!

WHO ARE THE “TABI TABI PO” CREATURES?

1:AM — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 23:20:26 +0000

Who are these creatures that are haunting our walls right now? They are the characters of Filipino folklore and also, the reasons for many unexplainable, sometimes scary and sometimes enlightening, incidents. One of the most interesting part of the show is how different the “Tabi Tabi Po” artists have interpreted these mythical beings onto their canvases.

Read more about these creatures below and if you have not had a chance to check out the show in person, make sure you come by the gallery before December 12th. It truly is an exhibit worth seeing and learning about.

ASWANG

"Aswang Dancehall" by Marlon Sagana Ingram

“Aswangs” are often described as a combination of vampire and witch almost always female. They are sometimes used as a generic term applied to all types of witches, manananggals, shapeshifters, lycanthropes, and monsters. Aswang stories and definitions vary greatly from region to region and person to person, so no one particular set of characteristics are ascribed to the term. However, the term is often used interchangeably with manananggal, which is a particular creature with a specific set of features. The most popular original definition however, is that it is a bal-bal (maninilong in Catanauan, Quezon), an eater of the dead. After consumption, the bal-bal replaces the cadaver with banana trunks.

DUWENDE / DWENDE

"Kuya Joselito" by Cece Carpio

Duwende are goblins, hobgoblins, elves or dwarfs. They are little creatures who can provide good fortune or bad fate to humans. In the Philippines, duwendes frequently live in houses, in trees, underground, termite like mound or hill, and in rural areas. They are known to be either good or mischievous, depending on how homeowners treat them. They usually come out at 12 noon for an hour and during the night. Filipinos always mutter words (“tabi-tabi po” or “bari-bari apo ma ka ilabas kami apo”) asking them to excuse themselves for bothering the Duwendes. Filipinos would leave food on the floor, so that the duwende residing (or guarding) the house would not be angry with them.

KAPRE

"15 Minute Smoke Break" by Gem Mateo

Kapre is a filthy, dark giantwho likes to smoke huge rolls of cigars, and hide within and atop large trees, particularly the balete and old acacia or mango trees. A Filipino bigfoot, it scares away little children who play at night. If you’re stuck in a place and you keep going around in circles, you’re said to be played around by a Kapre. To escape its control, you must remove your t-shirt, and wear it inside-out.

MANANANGGAL

"The Flying Voter" by England Hidalgo

Manananggal is an aswang that can fly after separating itself from the lower half of its body. It eats babies and fetuses from a mother’s womb. It eats babies by means of passing their long tongue through a small hole from the roof of a house. The sharp end of the tongue touches the mother’s navel to suck the blood of the fetus or unborn child. This creature’s name was derived from the Filipino word, tanggal, which means “to separate” because of the manananggal’s ability to separate itself from its lower body.

A manananggal can also be a sorceress that visits villages and barrios. To feed, the self-segmenter chooses an isolated place where she will leave her lower torso while she hunts at night. When she separates from her lower torso, she then gains her ability to fly. She then goes off in search of houses where pregnant women reside. Upon choosing a suitable victim, the Manananggal alights on the house and inserts her tongue through the roof. The tongue is long, hollow and extremely flexible. She uses it to puncture the womb of the sleeping woman and to suck out the fetus. At other times, she seduces men with her beauty and lures them to a private place before eating them alive. She usually eats the insides, like the heart, stomach or the liver. Sunlight is deadly to the Manananggal when she is in her monstrous form. Should her two halves still be separate with the coming of dawn, she will be destroyed. According to legend, to destroy the Manananggal, one should search for the lower torso that she leaves behind during her nightly hunts. Salt, ash, and/or garlic should then be placed on the exposed flesh, preventing the monster from combining again and leaving it vulnerable to sunlight. Small containers of salt, ash and raw rice, and the smell of burning rubber are said to deter the Manananggal from approaching one’s house.

TIKBALANG

"Isang, Dalawa, Tikbalang" by Peabe

Tikbalang or tigbalang (demon horse) is a half-man and half-horse creature. It has a horse’s head, the body of a human but with the feet of the horse. It travels at night to rape female mortals. The raped women will then give birth to more tikbalang. They are also believed to cause travelers to lose their way particularly in mountainous or forest areas. Tikbalangs are very playful with people, and they usually make a person imagine things that aren’t real. Sometimes a Tikbalang will drive a person crazy. Legends say that when rain falls while the sun is shining, a pair of Tikbalangs are being wed. Since horses only arrived in the Philippine archipelago during the Spanish colonization (thus, the borrowed term ‘kabayo’), there is a theory that the image of a half-horse, half-man creature was propagated by the conquistadors to keep the natives afraid of the night. There are stories claiming that the Tikbalang are actually half-bird, half-man creatures, much like the Japanese tengu.

ON THE MYX

1:AM — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:34:29 +0000

1:AM gallery along with curator James “gaNyan” Garcia and artists Christopher de Leon, Dino Ignacio, Mark Canto, Marlon Sagana Ingram, Mike Boo and Alex Abalos are featured on “Myx On the Move” for our current exhibit “Tabi Tabi Po”. The featurette will be running on Myx channel (Comcast ch. 368 and Direct TV ch. 2067) through December 12th.

THANKS TO PIA, MIGUEL, and CATHY for helping us make this happen!

Myx is a channel dedicated to music entertainment and lifestyle embracing the youth of Asian American community. You can find them at www.myx.tv

Tabi Tabi Po at 1:AM gallery through December 12th!

MAKIN’ IT HAPPEN: JAMES “gaNyan” GARCIA

1:AM — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:20:42 +0000

James “gaNyan” Garcia definitely put his heart and soul into making his vision a reality. “Tabi Tabi Po” not only presents amazing pieces of art but also an experience. From the recorded sounds of the busy streets of the Philippines to a shanty depicting the slums of Manila to the traditional huts called “Bahay Kubo” with baybayin markings on the doorway to the documentary showcasing Filipino artists explaining folklore creatures to the murals inside and outside, James has brought the Philippines to 1:AM gallery. If you have not had a chance to see it, make sure you head down to the gallery and soak in the Filipino culture.

Get to know the mastermind behind “Tabi Tabi Po” by reading the interview we did with him below.

James being blessed by Kulart's Alleluia Panis during the opening night

How did you come up with the theme “Tabi Tabi Po”?

I have been doing research on Filipino Folklore for the past couple years and have been implementing it here and there in my personal works. I found it a great way to learn more about my culture. I felt that by having an exhibit where other artists of Filipino descent express themselves through exploring Filipino Folklore- it would create a space for dialogue for the Fil-Am Community to connect and re-connect through this tradition, and ultimately share this with the greater bay area community. Tabi Tabi Po, means pardon me, or excuse me, often said to Filipino Forest Creatures so they won’t but a spell on you…to me these creatures protect the forest and help keep people aware of the environment. Myth, or reality, folklore allows us to open up to the idea that spirits exists, and fooling with Mother Nature ain’t no joke.

What Filipino folklore creature: scares you the most? you are most captivated by?

The Manananggal, is the most frightening and captivating to me. They split into 2 halves, their torso separates from the waist down, and grow bat wings and hunt for peoples organs and expecting mothers’ fetuses at night…and in the day blend into society as beautiful women.

Do you have any experience with these creatures?

Well, once i couldn’t move while I was in bed late one night, as if i was being held down. There is a creature called a Bangungot in Filipino Folklore that sits on your chest and sometimes chokes you to death. Its crossed my mind that could’ve been the reason.

How did you ask your buddies to help you out? Were they surprised when you wanted to make a shanty and bahay kubo?

The folks helping with the install are mostly artist friends who wanted to help with creating the vision I had. The others were just really good friends who wanted to contribute as well. It was a real familial type atmosphere when were creating the installation. Other then the murals, the structures are an integral part of the exhibit in creating the environment for the artwork and documentary. They were thrilled that I had planned to have a shanty and a bahay kubo. Luckily I had experienced builders who helped me fabricate and give me advice. Aaron Niles, a local architect, designed and coordinated the construction of the Shanty, and I got some great advice from Kevin, owner of “The Natural Builders”, a Berkeley based company, who creates bamboo structures internationally, to help with building the bahay kubo.

How did typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng affect you?

It just really made me sad for all of those who lost their lives, homes, and livelihood. I have friends and family out there that I was really worried about; fortunately they are all okay.

Why did you think it was important to make this exhibition an art benefit?

It just was the perfect opportunity to help financially, and also spread awareness of how much damage the typhoons caused and how we all can continue to help.

"Untitled" by James "gaNyan" Garcia, part of Tabi Tabi Po. Email info@1AMSF.com for more info.

What is your background?

Fil-am, born and raised in the Coachella Valley of So-Cal.

When did you start painting?

Been creating all my life, but began painting in ’98 and started to take it seriously about 5 years ago.

What training have you had to bring you to this point in your career?

I studied graphic design and illustration for a bit at Cal State Fullerton in Orange County and then, transferred to San Francisco State and received a BA in Art in 2002. Since then, I have been showing work in galleries and producing exhibits all over, and have made a lot of great artist friends along the way. I have learned a great deal of technique from painting with friends.

What is your favorite medium?

Acrylic, cuz it dries fast and I like to paint quickly.

What is your inspiration?

Completing the next painting.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Would you be a good guy or bad guy?

To fly, and I’d be good of course

Tell us something that people don’t know about you…

I’m an extraterrestrial.

Can you tell us what we can expect from James “gaNyan” Garcia in the next 5 years?

I’m leaning towards getting myself in a Graduate Program in the near future for Painting. I also would like to spend sometime in the Philippines and do more research on the Urban Contemporary art movement there, and also to go backpacking up and down the archipelago.

Any new themed-shows in the horizon?

Not sure what themes they would be, but I definitely would like to keep producing Filipino Art Exhibits, and possibly tour this one.

Quick Answers

Your Favorite…

… Toy growing up The original Hound Transformer

… Artist (dead and alive) Don’t have a favorite

… Magazine Hi-Fructose

… Books Paulo Coehlo’s books

… Place to go to get your creative juice flowin’ Going to gallery exhibits and watching Anime

LAST THOUGHTS? Thanks to the folks at 1AM for being kick-ass!!!

Here is a video by JR “Dyno” Ignacio (another participating artist) took at the opening reception.

“Tabi Tabi Po” @ 1:AM gallery through December 12th!

BIG HEARTS & BIG UPS

1:AM — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:09:35 +0000

As we mentioned in our previous post, a percentage of the art sales is being donated to the Filipino typhoon victims through BAYAN Philippines’ BALSA. However, there are a couple of artists who are going beyond their social call of duty. They are opening their big hearts to people across the Pacific Ocean, some family and friends and others complete strangers, and donating all their profits to the victims.

Here are some of them:

"Malakat Waves" by Angry Woebots - $1500

"Untitled" by James gaNyan Garcia - $350

"Kapre" by Darvin Vida Roca - $400

"Red Magic, White Magic" by Andre Sibayan - $250

Check out all the artwork on our flickr. If you are interested in purchasing any of the pieces, please contact info@1AMSF.com.