Clarissa Aguilera: Singing is not her passion

Artist Clarissa Aguilera with some of her paintings

She is the youngest daughter of famous singer-songwriter Rey Valera but although Clarissa Aguilera tried singing when she was younger, she realized it wasn’t her passion. “I enjoyed singing but I was tailored to follow a path towards visual arts,” she told us in a recent interview.

Clarissa and her siblings, two sisters and a brother, formed a band (she was the keyboardist) and they used to be the back-up group of their father in his performances. It was an enjoyable phase of their young life, “actually isang masayang bonding with the family ang mga panahon na ’yun,” she said. “But when my siblings got married one after the other, we disbanded. I concentrated on my studies.” It was to their advantage that their parents did not impose on them on what to do as careers, Clarissa said. “They were very supportive.”

She took up Bachelor in Fine Arts Major in Painting at the University of Sto. Tomas and graduated Magna Cum Laude. Clarissa was also given the highest academic award, The Rector’s Award in 2009.

As artist, she uses acrylic and oil and very evident in her works are the clear interpretation of symbolism balanced with technique. She calls her art conceptual. “Not realistic but not pure abstract, too,” she explained. “There’s figure, walang total form, not complete body parts.”

She sees art as an effective means of storytelling.

Clarissa, who is yet to mount a solo art exhibit although she has participated in some group exhibits, believes that “to enhance creativity is to connect with that ‘child’ within us, that playful part of us with limitless imaginations. That child in us doesn’t have to perish as we grow older and wiser.”

In 2009, Clarissa participated in Eskultura at the UST Fine Arts Gallery and also has her work exhibited at the Cervio Art Haus inaugural show in 2012.

• • •

‘Kambal, Karibal’ tops the ratings

Marvin Agustin

Because of its intriguing story that keeps viewers glued to their seats, the GMA Primetime Series “Kambal, Karibal” is reportedly on top of the ratings game, winning over its rival show. Another plus factor for the series directed by Don Michael Perez is its cast of impressive actors who showcase their talents with their respective characters.

Christopher de Leon plays a doctor like Marvin Agustin who play father and son. Marvin is the father of Diego (Miguel Tanfelix) but doesn’t want to accept this fact. Bianca Umali (Crisan) is Miguel’s love interest. The others in the cast are Carmina Villaroel who plays adoptive mother to Cheska (Kyline Alcantara); Pauline Mendoza, Alfred Vargas and Jean Garcia, among others.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Jan. 27, go to Willie Revillame, Dina Bonnevie, Tony Mabesa, Edith Ricketts, Marites Araneta, Ramon Orlina, Don Escudero, Beth Flake, Linda Manalo, Valerie Tapalla, Engr. Melito Ligon, Alex Lim, Marcel Marcelo and Fred E. Gerilla… Jan. 28: Atty. Datu Reza Sinasuat, Sen. Loren Legarda, Atty, Oscar Orbos, Bernardo Bernardo, Josie Lichauco, Tina Ocampo, JB Bangsil Jr., Susan Paredes, Deeda Tanopo, Helen Bañaría, Constancia Martinez, Sandy Javier, Regina Dee, Jules Lopez, Miguel DC Alegre, Jacob Dionisio and Patricia Macarilay…Jan. 29: Marvin Agustin, Laurice Guillen, Frankie Ferrer, Baby Arce, Ishko López, Vic Redoblado, Carolina Mangawang, Mayor Paquito Castillo, Mateo D.C. Alegre and Amb. Rosalinda Tirona…