Freeway x Lumbera

by AVA TE-ZABAT♥ - May 31, 2014

It's that time of the year again when Freeway pays tribute to one of our National Artists. This is the 11th time that Freeway has honoured an artist and this time around, they celebrate the life and works of National Artist for Literature, Mr. Bienvenido Lumbera. :)
The celebration was launched last May 20 at The Row in Glorietta 1 and was hosted by none other than the vibrant and beautiful Tessa Prieto Valdes.

I loved her whole look that night. Tessa Prieto Valdes always surprises her audience, but in a good way. :) I can never go out in something like this, but I do love and admire her for it!:) Oh and the dress she's wearing is from the Freeway x Lumbera collection. :)

I've been to quite a few Freeway NACs event and most of the time they have performances that also pays tribute to the collection or artist. But this time, I was surprised to see that our musical performers were so young and to add more to that surprise, Gloc 9 was there!

Lirah Bermudez serenaded us with a couple of Carpenter songs--a personal request of Lumbera's family. :)

If you're wondering why Gloc 9 sang to us, well, would you believe that Gloc 9 is actually Tatay Bien's favourite musician/rapper?? As in he actually lined up one time to just get Gloc 9's autograph!:) So cute!^_^

Celebrating today's openness to freedom of expression is a timely tribute to one of the brave souls who embraced the art of expression since Martial Law. We are talking about the multi-hyphenate, renowned National Artist for Literature, Bienvenido Lumbera, one of our few remaining living treasured National Artists.

Hearing Tatay Bien speak about how passionate he is as an artist is really heart-warming. I hope more people would understand that being an artist is actually a difficult job or path. Not because you hold just a pen or a brush, that means it's a simple thing or it's just a hobby. NO! I'm glad that there are people like Tatay Bien who is brave enough to face all challenges and hopefully, we can be all like him someday or learn something from him. :)
The poet who introduced a new aesthetic to traditional Tagalog literature, turned dramatist then professor to top universities merits Freeway's Filipino National Artist Collectors Series for 2014 featuring one of his recognised composition, The Yaya's Lullaby. The 10 piece fashion collection tribute is composed of vibrant floral mosaic prints matching Lumbera's literary aesthetic.

I really love the mosaic prints. Most especially the t-shirt above. It's definitely makes a statement!:) Hoping I could get my hands on one soon!:)
Get ready to wear another Literature x Fashion comeback highlighting Bienvenido Lumbera's emotional piece translated into visual attractive silhouettes.

With the blog friends :)

Congratulations to Ms. Sheree and Freeway for another successful National Artist Collection launch!:)

For more information, visit freewayonline.com.ph or visit their Facebook page facebook.com/FreewayOnline. You can also follow them on Twitter and Instagram @FreewayOnline.