Did you know that the great Leonardo da Vinci’s first love was cooking and not painting?
This is just one of the things some people don’t know about Da Vinci, whose 500th death anniversary is celebrated with a series of cultural and culinary events in Manila.
The Philippine Italian Association, in partnership with the Italian Embassy, Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, and Cultural Center of the Philippines, stages the following activities that tell the stories and secrets of the master behind a number of works such as The Mona Lisa and The Last Supper.
The Last Supper (lecture and dinner); November 13
Participants will hear first-hand the secrets behind Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper during a Renaissance-inspired dinner at Caruso.
PIA director James Frenzy will lead the “introduction on the secrets of Da Vinci’s The Last Supper while diners partake of Caruso restaurant director Emilio Mina’s menu.
Admission: P3,000 (with wine)
Cook-off with Leonardo (cooking contest) November 14
Kitchen warriors from different universities will prepare their Renaissance-inspired menu during the inter-university cooking competition entitled “Cook-off with Leonardo” at the Culinary Institute of Lyceum of the Philippines.
The cook-off will require each school to present recipes they think Leonardo would have made during his time.
Being Leonardo da Vinci, an impossible interview (short film) November 19, 7:30 p.m.
The FDCP Cinematheque Center Manila is screening Italian actor and director Massimiliano Finazzer Flory’s Being Leonardo da Vinci, an impossible interview. The short film features Da Vinci in the modern world, answering questions about his childhood, his civil and military activities, and how to become a “good painter” (bono pittore).
Film screening is free; first come, first serve basis.
Know how the cinematic techniques—photography, editing, and the screenplay—used in Flory’s film help show the true life events of Da Vinci at a masterclass on Nov. 20 at the CCP Dream Theater.
Leonardo da Vinci, wine and cuisine (lecture and dinner) November 20, 7:00 p.m.
Another round of lecture with dinner to be led by Chef Salvatore Arria and sommelier Luca Galli will be held at Ponte Rialto in Venice Grand Canal Mall.
Admission: P3,000 (with wine)
Being Leonardo da Vinci, an impossible interview (on stage) November 21, 7:00 p.m.
Massimiliano Finazzer Flory, in collaboration with Filipino actor and director Carlito “Lito” Casaje brings Leonardo da Vinci to life on the stage. The one-act play, which uses theater to present the Italian genius’ true life, art history, and science, will be held at the Little Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
Through the format of an impossible interview, Finazzer Flory “physically” becomes Da Vinci. Dressed in period costumes and wearing makeup which reconstructs Da Vinci’s face, he performs in Renaissance language original texts written by the artist himself, among which is the famous “Trattato di pittura” (Painting Treaties).
The audience will discover his secrets, know his process and methods of working, and learn his authentic language. The play is based on the entries the artist wrote in his diaries.
Tickets: P1,000 (orchestra center); P800 (orchestra side)
Contact PIA through (02) 8815-1310 or [email protected] or CCP Arts Education Department through (02) 8832-1125 local 1604 or [email protected] for more details.