CINEFILIPINO 2016 FEATURE FILM TOP PICK #2: BUHAY HABANGBUHAY

Aside from the simple but beautifully done poster with the elegant title font, the film will give you a clue on how people in the afterlife live their own lives. This film by Paolo Herras stars Iza Calzado as the dutiful housewife who is still homebound after her death.

Another reason to catch this is because Marilen Magsaysay, an in-demand colorist, is part of the post-production team. The film was originally an indie graphic novel so expect lush and dreamy scenery.

Click here to view the trailer!!!

CINEFILIPINO 2016 FEATURE FILM TOP PICK #1: NED'S PROJECT

How often do you get to watch a film which examines homosexuality in a familial context? Here, Angeli Bayani plays the role of the the lesbian protagonist who has a female live-in partner but wants her bestfriend to impregnate her so she can raise a child of her own flesh and blood.

This official entry in the full-length category is directed by Lem Lorca, who also directed Water Lemon (QCinema 2015) and Echorsis which will be opening on April in cinemas nationwide.

Epy Quizon's Favorite Song from #50ShadesManila

“I had so much fun…a good laugh…69 minutes of fun and laughter.  I like the Hole song [There’s a Hole Inside of Me]. It’s metaphorically funny,” shared  Epy Quizon 

Here are the full lyrics of the song as transcribed by the writer:

(Spoken) I wish I had something big...to fill this hole inside of me

There's a hole inside of me 
That I need to fill
A yearning down there
A screw that needs to be drilled

There's a hole inside of me
A hole in the plot
A dark empty space
But who could fill my slot?

This hole inside of me
It just won't behave
Won't someone come along
And explore my cave?

And this hole inside of me
Needs to be filled up
I've got sugar and tea
But no cream in my cup

How I've been waiting here upon the block
I've just had so much time to take stock
He'll hold the key to open up my lock
And show me his huge throbbing cock / confidence*

This hole inside of me 
Keeps getting moister
Won't someone put a pearl
Deep inside my oyster

And I'll show him that I
Am more than this hooooole

This hole inside of me (This hole inside of me)
This hole inside of me
When filled...
I will be whole

*depends on which version of the song

50 Shades! The Musical Parody is still showing at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in RCBC Makati. For ticket inquiries, you may contact Ticketworld (891-9999). The production was made possible by both Nineworks Theatrical and Vivre Fort Entertainment.

The Pinoy thespians included in the cast are Lorenz Martinez, Karel Marquez, Bituin Escalante, George Schulze, and Julz Savard.

AUDITIONS: Miss Saigon (March 15 and 16)

• The musical will open on Broadway in 2017

• Only ASIAN roles are open (Kim, Thuy, Gigi, and ensemble roles)

• Applicants must be between 16 to 40 years old and have strong singing technique

• Those with dance / movement experience are preferred (especially for the girls, since the bar scene has a lot of movement)

• You can either prepare 16 bars of a song from MISS SAIGON ( a pianist will provide live accompaniment) or bring your own Ipod/CD/USB

• The musical will be produced by ATEG which is comprised by a trio of industry veterans who are BOBBY GARCIA, TONY TUVIERA, and BOBBY BARREIRA

Singkwento 2016 schedule

Hey, Filipino film buffs!

Here’s the COMPLETE SCREENING SCHEDULE of Feature Exhibition and Documentary Films of the 3rd SINGKUWENTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2016 (in celebration of the National Arts Month this February)!
Date: Feb 19-27, 2016
Venue: Leandro Locsin Theater, NCCA Building, #633 General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila

FEB 19 (Friday), 6:00 pm – LAUT (opening film) by Louie Ignacio

FEB 20 (Saturday) --
9:00 am to 12:00 nn -- Altarejos Experience Cinema (ACE) Seminar –Theme: “Nasaan Ang Pilipinas sa Indie Mo?” (with SIKLO by Joselito Altarejos, work in progress screening)
4:30 pm -- HARANA (The Search for the Lost Art of Serenade), documentary by Benito Bautista
6:30 pm – PISARA (BLACKBOARD) (World Premiere) by D.A. Palagtiw (aka Afi Africa)

FEB 21 (Sunday) –
2:30 pm – RACING WITH LEGENDS (documentary) by Steven Flor, Mark Laccay, Martin Galan
4:30 pm – CHILD HAUS by Louie Ignacio 
6:30 pm – ANG SUGAROL (World Premiere) by Jose Johnny Nadela

FEB 22 (Monday) --
6:30 pm – PARTEE (World Premiere) by Jill Singson Urdaneta

FEB 23 (Tuesday) – 
2:30 pm – AN KUBO SA KAWAYANAN by Alvin Yapan
6:30 pm – PISARA (BLACKBOARD) (World Premiere) by D.A. Palagtiw (aka Afi Africa)

FEB 24 (Wednesday) – 
2:30 pm – MARATABAT by Arlyn dela Cruz
6:30 pm – FARAWAY (USA) by Randal Kamradt, with Filipino short film KINABUKASAN starring Ms Nora Aunor and Alden Richards, directed by Adolfo Alix, Jr.

FEB 25 (Thursday) –
12:00 nn – CHANGING DIRECTIONS by Kuya Manzano
2:30 pm – ISANG HAKBANG (World Premiere) by Mike Magat
6:30 pm – LIGAW by Paolo Endrinal Tesico

FEB 26 (Friday) – 
12:00 nn -- CHILD HAUS by Louie Ignacio
2:30 pm – LAUT by Louie Ignacio
6:30 pm – ATRAS (World Premiere) by Johnny Mahinay

FEB 27 (Saturday) – 
11:00 am – HIMALA (restored version) by Ishmael Bernal
1:30 pm – SIKLO by Joselito Altarejos
3:30 pm – Closing Film: SEKYU (The Guard) by Joel Lamangan
7:30 pm – Awards Night

Tickets at P165 each IF purchased in any TicketWorld outlets ang National Bookstore brancehs and at P120.00 IF purchased at the entrance of NCCA Bldg (#633 General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila), with 50% DISCOUNT to students, just bring your valid school I.D. . Check out the website is -- www.ticketworld.com.ph.

For more inquiries on SINGKUWENTO, pls contact Posh at 0927-7636552.

See you all at Singkuwento Film Festival, slated on Feb 19-27, 2016! TANGKILIKIN po natin an gating sariling Pelikulang Pilipino!

(CREDIT) Text and photocollage by Mell Navarro

We Choose To Go To The Moon Invades Fringe Manila 2016

Project Mayheim Productions is a Theatre production company aiming to produce shows that would showcase new playwrights and give an avenue for budding and veteran stage performers to develop and share their talents. We will be staging a show during the Fringe Manila Theatre Festival 2016 entitled, We Choose To Go To The Moon, a two-act piece inspired by the words of John F. Kennedy on February 21 and 28, 2016 at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute, Cultural Center Of The Philippines. The play is an original piece written by Vladimeir Gonzales. Conceptualized and directed by Fitz Edward Bitana, trained from the University of the Philippines and the Artistic Director of the newly formed group called Project Mayheim Productions. The Managing Director is Karen Romualdez.

We Choose To Go To The Moon is a compilation of stories of love, sex, relationships and choices, drugs, etc. entered solely on the inter-net. The story plays around the unlimited parameters on online chatting, pornography, social media, and more through the eyes of a variety of mixed personalities and persona. We Choose To Go The Moon (a two-act piece inspired by the words of John F. Kennedy) Wrtten by : Vladimeir Gonzales Concept and Direction by: Fitz Edward Bitana Additional Material: Christian Dagsil and Vincent A. De Jesus Stage Management: Mara Agleham Video Design by: Dee Nermal Sound Design by: Nour Hoosmand Lights Design by: Arnold Sanchez

Cast : Gino Ramirez Chic San Agustin Meann Espinosa Karenina Romualdez Francis Mata Opaline Santos Karen Gaerlan Vincent Kevin Kiunisala Pajara Gry Gimena Mark Daniel Dalacat Jules Dela Paz Pau Benitez Aljay Mark Jabian Jarden de Guzman Jers Rei Guiva Gabby Padilla and Vincent A. De Jesus Feb 21, Sunday at 4pm & 8pm Feb 28, Sunday at 4pm & 8pm Tanghalang Huseng Batute Cultural Center of the Philippines Rated R16

The Return of the Female Apolinario Mabini in “Mabining Mandirigma”

           “Tamang-tama ang mensahe ng Mabining Mandirigma sa mga estudyante and general public ngayong nalalapit na eleksyon”, says Nanding Josef, Tanghalang Pilipino’s artistic director.

            Originally conceptualized as a straight play, the full-length musical ran last year as the theater company’s season opener. The steampunk concept of the play which serve to “repurpose history” as the director Chris Millado put it, hit home with educators and students who watched it. Thus, when Josef posited the idea of a rerun as their 29^th season-ender, it was very much welcome.

            Liesl Batucan will now play the titular role of the Philippine hero. This role was originally done by Delphine Buencamino. There’s a new song composed by Jed Balsamo which was not in the original run. This song is the duet between Mabini and Pule after Mabini breathes his last. Millado confirmed that they trimmed down a few scenes.

            Mabining Mandirigma, along with The Normal Heart, received the most citations from Gawad Buhay! in the third quarter. This Philstage Award for Performing Arts gave the musical 13 nods, which included the Outstanding Musical category.

            Arman Ferrer and new cast member David Ezra alternate as Emilio Aguinaldo. Mabini’s mother, Dionisia, will still be played by Carol Bello. Cosplayer Queen Mia and TP Actor’s Company regulars like Jonathan Tadioan, JV Ibesate, and Aldo Vencilao will reprise their original roles. Arion Sanchez, who worked with a number of Dulaang UP productions, is a new addition to the cast, well as DLS-CSB theater actors Karl Jingco and Paw Castillo.

            The libretto of Dr. Nicanor Tiongson which was 1 year in the making was brought to life not just with Millado’s able direction and Balsamo’s music, but also with the aid of the other artistic staff members comprised by Toym Leon Imao (set), Katsch Catoy (lights), GA Fallarme (projection), James Reyes (costumes), Barbie Tan-tiongco (technical direction), and TJ Ramos (sound).

            Mabining Mandirigma, A Steam Punk Musical will run at the CCP Little Theater from February 19 to March 12, 2016, Fridays to Sundays, with 3pm (matinee) and 8pm (gala) shows. For ticket inquires, you may contact Ticketworld at 891-9999 or TP at 831-1125 ext. 1620/1621.

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