A Day in the Life: We Attended the Live Recording of The Arts Hour on Tour (in Manila)

26 April 2018

The Arts Hour on Tour with Nikki Bedi was in Manila today for a live recording of the show. We were lucky enough to score tickets to the event which was held at the Star Theater in Pasay City.

It featured guests Bamboo, Abra, Nikki Luna, Atom Araullo, Treb Monteras, Louise Meets, Juan Miguel Severo and G. B. Labrador.

Just a brief background about The Arts Hour on Tour. If I were to describe it, The Arts Hour on Tour is kind of like the mobile version of the Arts Hour radio programme. Nikki Bedi and the crew from the BBC World Service travel to different countries and record their show there, inviting special guests in the arts and culture scene to discuss relevant issues and topics about their particular country.

Being able to attend the live recording of the Arts Hour on Tour was a special privilege because not only did it give Dana and I insights into how a radio programme is actually recorded but it also provided us the opportunity to be part of a discussion on the Philippines' cultural and artistic response to current issues like EJK (Extra-Judicial Killings) and women's human rights and gender equality. This was the theme for the night.

Before the show and recording started, we were given a brief rundown on how the evening was going to play out. For instance, there may be instances when certain segments may be repeated because they weren't as clearly recorded as they should be. There may also be instances when some things have to explained in more detail, particularly if they're in Tagalog, since listeners may not understand the words or context of the discussion. It was really interesting!

For this particular show, the following guests were invited (L to R): Performance Poets Juan Miguel Salvador and Louise Meets; award-winning director of "Respeto", Treb Monteras; Nikki Bedi (the host) in the middle; visual artist Nikki Luna; journalist, documentarist and now film actor Atom Araullo; hip hop artist Abra and comedian G. B. Labrador.

However, though the discussions were serious, there were also some entertaining moments. Rock star Bamboo sang "Tatsulok".

Abra performed "King Inang Bayan".

Performance Poets Louise Meets and Juan Miguel Severo also collaborated on a piece and delivered it on stage. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to take a photo of them.

The audience very much enjoyed the comedic stint of GB Labrador of Comedy Manila too.

Before we knew it, the discussion was over. Any segments that needed to be re-done were accomplished. And it was time for the live recording to end. It was such an awesome experience! The programme will be aired on the BBC World Service on May 27 and 28, and will be available on the BBC website straight after the first transmission.