MANILA, Philippines - Yes, at least two newly formed cultural organizations believe so, that is, that artists can transform society.

They propose to do this through inner change, a new cultural consciousness, a critical look at the society?s structures, cultural endeavors, workshops and seminars, and meeting political issues head on.

The organizations are Artist Welfare Project, chaired by character actor Nanding Josef (former vice president and artistic director of the Cultural Center of the Philippines), and Peoples? Assembly for Genuine Alternatives to Social Apathy (Pag-asa), confounded by Nicanor Perlas.

Their grand opening salvo is a heady, three-day celebration of the 14th birthday of National Hero José Rizal titled ?Pepe Goes to Market.? It brings together leading artists, soloists and groups, from the seven lively arts.

The event will be held June 19-21 at Market! Market! in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. It is supported by the Cultural Center of the Philippines, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and Station Square East Commercial Corporation.

The multimedia celebration was recently announced at a press conference held at the CCP Silangan Hall.

Actor Gary Lim, caparisoned as Rizal, read a poem by the hero, and singer Isay Alvarez interpreted a patriotic hymn.

Highlights

The highlights include the launch of the book ?Corruptionary,? a dictionary of terms defining ?corruption?; choral concerts and dance performances; one-hour rock band concert; screenings of films on Rizal and his works, documentaries; excerpts from musical theater productions; and dramatic readings by actors who have played Rizal on stage and screen.

Participating organizations include the Philippine Madrigal Singers, Ballet Manila, Tanghalang Pilipino, Philippine Educational Theater Association, Barasoain Kalinangan Foundation, Ramon Obusan Folkoric Dance Troupe, Ballet Philippines, Gantimpala Theater Foundation, Philippine High School for the Arts, and Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO).

The actors include Ricky Davao, Joel Torre, Tommy Abuel and Pen Medina.
Vocalists include Isay Alvarez, Bayang Barrios, Lolita Carbon, May Bayot, Joey Ayala and Noel Cabangon.

The show is open and free to the public.

The three-day festival will be capped by a grand concert with the PPO and a 500-voice choir.

A special hip-hop number will be performed to the tune of ?Ipanalo ang Totoo? (Let the Truth Win), by Fr. Alberto Alejo, SJ. It ends with the singing of the theme song ?Bayang May Dangal? (Country with Honor), by Fr. Alejo and Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ.

During the presscon, Perlas cited what he called the revolutionary power of art: ?If we want to change the Philippines, change our consciousness. The best way is through art, art as entertainment, the revolutionary power of art.?

Panjee Tapales of Pag-asa advocated inner change: ?Integrity, truth, honesty and live it every day. That is what Pag-asa is trying to do. We see it in workshops and forums, and people are signing up. We hope it will cascade.?