I find it interesting how the CCP Complex became an extension of our UP Diliman campus hangout and our stomping grounds when we graduated or left. It was the go-to meeting place for many of our artists gang from university days.
While some were there for theatre rehearsals and performances, mostly we were there for the mounted exhibits, lectures, workshops, and films. Performers turned active patrons or passive participants in whatever was being offered at any given time - we showed up for it.
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| arial view of the CCP Complex |
We easily straddled polarities - between the CCP Complex being an Imeldific creation and our idealistic patriotism; its imposing elitist reputation and our appreciation for and love of the arts; its recognition, promotion and support of local arts and artists as well as being host to international talents and events.
It was a time where the creative arts were at the forefront - even if often the pomp and pretense were paid for dearly by the Filipino populace under the yoke of the crippling Marcos conjugal dictatorship.
Conservative or progressive, de buen familia or relatively unknown and with no connections - we milled together to exchange percolating ideas and ideals under open skies of the parks and pavements accessible to us all.
Those days, we marched our parade of thoughts and feelings, exposed and fearless - flying our freak flags loud and proud. So confident and arrogant - inexperienced and lacking the foresight for any consequence or price tagged on.
Others forged on to the beat of a found rhythm, while others joined tried and tested paths carved out for them. We meet up every now and then – accidentally or otherwise - in person or online. Over that first flush of wonder the world held for us, at a turning point, before our lives tipped.
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