Lisa Macuja-Elizalde gets personal with Ballet Manila’s re-staging of Swan Lake

It was the ballet that started it all. At 14, Ballet Manila CEO and Artistic Director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde saw Swan Lake with Prima Ballerina Yoko Morishita as the Swan Queen in all her tiny might. The encounter ignited a spark in Lisa, inspiring her to become the dancer and icon that she is today.

Coming from the unprecedented success of Gerardo Francisco’s Ibong Adarna, Ballet Manila’s 22nd Performance Season “Flights of Fantasy” soars yet again with the restaging of Swan Lake, the timeless ballet classic. Ballet Manila’s production is not only part of the company’s commitment to have at least one classical ballet in every season’s repertoire, but also a promise of brilliance and grandeur. As Lisa would say so herself, “We have the numbers and the history which no other ballet company in the Philippines does. Our Vaganova training has made us into the perfect company to perform a truly world-class rendition of Swan Lake.”

The Filipina Prima Ballerina, now training a younger generation of swans, believes that there’s only one way to perform Swan Lake—and that is with the original Lev Ivanov choreography for the “white acts” or the first act. Acts 2-4 will be featuring choreography by Russia People’s Artist Sergey Vikulov and Tatiana Udalenkova, whom Lisa regards as her second family.

Tatiana also played quite a role in Lisa’s special relationship with Swan Lake. Lisa shares, “With my best interest at heart, Tatiana warned me never to dance it, because in her expert opinion, I could never be a Swan Queen given my short stature, my particular strengths in dancing, specific style, and stage presence. When she watched my Swan Lake many years later after graduation, she cried and declared that never has she been so happy to be proven wrong.”

Ballet Manila’s re-staging of Swan Lake will feature a new generation of ballerinas and danseurs. Katherine Barkman, Abigail Oliveiro, and Joan Sia, who makes her debut as the black swan, will be alternating the dual role of Odette/Odile, while resident guest artist Joseph Phillips, Elpidio Magat, Romeo Peralta, Rudy de Dios, and Mark Sumaylo will be alternating the role of Prince Siegfried.

The dual role of Odette/Odile is probably one of the most difficult, if not the most difficult role a ballerina to play. Lisa explains, “It not only calls for a chameleon-like change in character – but also for extraordinary technical requirements. For Odette, you need to be soft, pliant, and lyrical with an almost painful vulnerability. For Odile, you need legs and arms of steel, a fiery technique, speed, and the ability to transform into evil personified.” This demanding portrayal of the role is definitely one to look out for by the audience.

To add to the magic, the production will also feature the original score by Peter Tchaikovsky, which will be played live by the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Russian conductor, Maestro Alexander Vikulov of the Mariinsky Theater. The haunting melodies alongside new sets and costumes will definitely make for a magnificent evening.

Swan Lake’s story is one that connects with the heartstrings of the family, as it revolves around the universal theme of good triumphing over evil. From romance to the sheer beauty of ballet, it is all here.

Through Ballet Manila’s rendition of Swan Lake, Lisa hopes that the company can inspire young children to work on their dreams too—just like how she did when she first saw the ballet.

Swan Lake goes on stage on the following dates: October 7 and October 14 at 6:00 PM and October 8 and October 15 at 3:00 PM.

For more information about the shows, including ticket prices and schedules, you may visit http://www.balletmanila.com.ph or follow Ballet Manila on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Tickets are also available through all TicketWorld outlets. Please call 891-9999 or visit http://www.ticketworld.com.ph for more information. In addition, those who are planning to watch all the shows may take advantage of the company’s Season Subscription Programs, which offer up to 50% discount on ticket prices. For more information, you may visit http://www.ticketworld.com.ph/balletmanila/Online/ and click on ‘View Details’ under ‘Season Subscription Program’.

Dance Matters in NeoFilipino: Other Matters

THE Cultural Center of the Philippines presents NeoFilipino: Other Matters, a platform where contemporary choreography becomes the process and medium of exchange that engages both artists and audiences, on October 7 and 8, at 2p.m. and 7p.m., at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino.

This year, the NeoFilipino features five contemporary works by established choreographers JK Anicoche, Novy Bereber, Christine Crame, Ma. Elena Laniog and Ernest Mandap who engage into discussions on various contemporary issues such as homosexuality, the role of social media, the contradictory nature of life, the tensions of democratic society and the canonic declarations of the classics through dance and movements.

In "15 Minutes of Your Time," Manila-based performance-maker JK Anicoche curates dance work that brings together actual people from communities that have been on the interface of social media: friends lists, friend posts, news and/ or viral Facebook videos to test, investigate and challenge proximity beyond the flat interface of everyday news and happenings online. The piece explores the idea of performance as interface taking bodies on stage in shared space and time outside the confines of flat online interfaces of social media.

Australian-based choreographer Novy Bereber takes inspiration from an octopus for his work "Fugue Pulpo 2.0." The young choreographer has been intrigued with this sea creature, and is moved by its qualities (four hearts, three brains, no bones, communicates by changing its color and shape, and by creating myriad textures, as well as its frightening attitude towards love) and its cycle of life. With music by Krina Cayabyab and projections by Steven Tansiongco, Novy enjoins his dancers to mimic the movements of octopus, and delves on questions of love, and all the theories and philosophies that accompany it.

Christine Crame, artistic director of the St. Benilde Romançon Dance Company and the Seven Contemporary Dance Company, brings to the stage “Swans,” a re-staged excerpt from her recent production “Swan Lake: By the Lakeside.”  It deconstructs the one of the enduring pieces of the classical ballet repertoire, as it plays with broken lines to contrast with the canonic ballet line and experiments with syncopated movements.

“On The Wings of 44,” Ma. Elena Laniog dwells on her personal conviction about the passing of the SAF 44. Moved by current issues, she takes this tragic issue as an enlightenment - the soldiers who had suffered had left the earth and had journeyed to a place where there is perfect peace. She was challenged to seek for her own peace while at the same transcend that to the dancers.

Ernest Mandap's “Zebra” focuses on homosexuality, it’s stereotypes, and one’s inner identity crisis. Strongly influenced by his colleagues, Ernest questions if homosexuality should still remain an issue today. Working with a new set of bodies, he thrusts to utilize all the dancers’ capabilities, and challenge them to trust themselves in his movements as they would be tackling a different style of dance.

Initiated in 1987, NeoFilipino is the third part of the CCP Choreographers Series, specifically designed for nurturing and furthering the choreographic art in the Philippines, with particular focus on contemporary dance. The brainchild of Denisa Reyes and Myra Beltran, it is a platform for Filipino choreographers to make dance the central force, the impetus, the muscle in collaborating with other art forms: music, visual arts, theatre, literature, and film.  Through innovative movement explorations, dance artists create experimental and provocative works that inquire about issues relating to Philippine traditional and contemporary life.

For ticketing inquiries and other concerns, please contact 0917-5136604. Tickets are at Php500 (with discounts for students, senior citizens, PWDs, government and military personnel). Follow CCP Choreographers Series on Facebook for more updates. 

Aiko Melendez, Me Chika Tungkol Kay Emilia Ardiente at New Generation Heroes ni Anthony Hernandez

"So...itong makikita natin sa New Generation Heroes (NGH), malaking kaibahan dun sa mga ginawa kong pelikula," said director Anthony Hernandez, who already made several indie feature-length films. He calls himself an advocacy director, and it is not his first time to work with the Emilia Ardiente of Wildflower, Aiko Melendez. "Lingid sa kaalaman ninyo, tinawid niya [Aiko] yung 7 mountains and 23 rivers para makaabot sa village ng mga Aetas sa last movie namin. Tiniis niya kahit walang electric."

Aiko, on the other hand, has another film titled Balatkayo under BG Productions International opening on October 11. NGH opens on October 4 but will have a special red carpet premiere about a week before its opening. For both films, she plays an OFW. However, in NGH, she also plays a teacher in Korea. When asked what would her iconic antagonist character in the soap opera say if she was a teacher, she gamely replied, "If Emilia was a teacher, I think she'd be a terror teacher. But, at the same time, since paiba-iba siya ng mood, she'll be a wacky and exciting teacher."

On the other hand, if she would be the one teaching Emilia Ardiente, this is what she wants to teach: "Gusto kong ituro sa kanya ang right manners and right conduct nang hindi siya nagu-good job ng mga tao nang basta-basta."

The film also stars Anita Linda, Jao Mapa, and Joyce Peñas Pilarsky. While the first two are accomplished actors, the latter is a beauty queen and a designer. In fact, she was the first Filipina to win Classic Mrs. Asia Int'l Global in 2014. When asked by a member of the press regarding her whether she's nervous about acting for the first time in a film, she replied, "I just think you have to be yourself. Tinuruan naman ako ni Direk [Anthony]. Pinagtiyagaan naman ako ni Direk."

Rob Sy, a rising actor who was part of Survivor Philippines Season 1 and Amaya was also there in during the press conference because he as a special role in the film which revolves around the characters Salvacion Fajardo, Gener, Lolita, and Cora. The rest of the support roles are filled in by veteran actors Dexter Doria, Gloria Sevilla, and Debraliz Valasote.

Produced by Golden Tiger Films, the film's opening almost coincides with the World Teacher's Day on October 5. In line with this, everyone with PRC IDs are entitled to a 30% discount on the ticket price. 

Christian Bautista's Launches his New Album "Kapit" on September 29

Article and Photos by Gus Cabredo

"This album is a journey to find my next music path, a challenge to write more songs and to continue writing songs for others," revealed Asia's Romantic Balladeer, Christian Bautista, as he was in the process of concocting yet another masterpiece.

This September 29, Christian Bautista is scheduled to unveil his 7th album under Universal Records entitled Kapit, duly named after his famed song.  The Kapit album launch, happening at the Music Museum, will also serve as a concert treat for his listeners. For only PHP 500, fans can get their hands on Kapit while watching Christian Bautista and renowned music guests like the The Company, and more, live!

The singe, Kapit's success, bolstered by constant radio airplay and a spot as Koreanovela Innocent Defendant's theme song, led Stages and Universal Records to produce the event for the OPM icon's latest album.  "[Kapit  is] a song about holding on despite the many hardships of any relationship," shares Asia's Romantic Balladeer, Christian Bautista.

With numerous critically-acclaimed hits and several acting stints (including popular GMA7 show, My Love From The Star), Christian has already made an indelible mark in the entertainment industry. The Kapit album, co-written and co-produced by Christian himself, features his duet with Encantadia star, Gabbi Garcia, for the hit TV program's theme song, Maghihintay. Aside from his originals, the album also features Huling Harana, Christian' "hugot-filled single that embraces an acoustic ballad style; his duet track, Suddenly, with My Love From the Star co-actor, Jennylyn Mercado; Ikaw Lamang  with The Voice's Morisette Amon; and Two Forevers duet with International artist and American Idol runner-up, Jessica Sanchez.

Kapit promises lyrical masterpieces, original melodic ballads, and a pristine voice only Christian Bautista can offer. Fans and music enthusiasts alike must mark their calendars for Christian Bautista's Kapit album launch fre concert on September 29, 2017 at Music Museum in Greenhills.  The event is produced by Universal Records and Stages, sponsored by GAOC, Belo, Blue Water Day Spa, Converse, Watsons, Toni & Guy, Chef Noodles, Black Water, Gold's Gym, Mellow 947, Manila Concert Scene, Soundcheck Manila and Philippine Concerts.

Pre-order Kapit Album Launch exclusive concert pass and CD bundle for only PHP 500 starting September 4 via Ticketworld outlets (891-9999) and online at www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Follow Christian Bautista:
www.christianbautistaonline.com
https://twitter.com/xtianbautista
https://www.instagram.com/xtianbautista/
https://www.facebook.com/XtianBautista-441466892562311/

PINAKAUNANG MR. AND MRS. KING AND QUEEN OF THE VOICE OF AN ANGEL (VOAA) INTERNATIONAL PAGEANT, TAGUMPAY!

Kamakailan lang ay natapos na ng Queen of VOAA (Voice of an Angel) Universe International Organization, ang kanilang pinakaunang international pageant na naganap sa napakalaki at napakagarang Seahawk Hotel, sa Fukuoka, Japan. 

Ang organizer na si Ms. Emma “EMCOR” Cordero is Masaya at kuntento sa success at sa resulta ng very first pageant ng Voice of an Angel (VOAA) foundation. Five titles ang pinamigay, all in one pageant, namely: 

1.QUEEN OF VOAA UNIVERSE (46 -70 years old) 
2. KING OF VOAA UNIVERSE (46-70 years old) 
3. MRS. QUEEN OF VOAA UNIVERSE (31-45 years old) 
4. MISTER VOAA UNIVERSE  (18-45 years old) 
5. MISS QUEEN OF VOAA UNIVERSE (18-30 years old)  

Here is the complete list of the winners: 

A - Queen of VOAA Universe 2017- Mrs. Grace Ballesteros Kuramoto
First runner-up- Mrs. Helen Luyahan Pasaol 
Second runner-up- Mrs. Hanayagi Hakukoma 
Third runner-up- Mrs. Miki Douzono 
Fourth runner-up- Mrs. Angielita Korenaga 

B - King of VOAA Universe2017- Mr. Florentino Macawile
First runner-up- Mr. Hisaichi Shimokata
Second runner-up - Dr. Sevillo Tamayo  

C - Mrs. Queen of VOAA Universe 2017- Mrs. Irina Rybachuk
First runner-up - Mrs. Michelle Takahashi
Second runner-up- Mrs. Rona de Vera
Third runner-up- Mrs. Angeline Yap   

D - Mister VOAA Universe 2017- Mr. Edwin de Guzman
First runner-up- Mr. Ricky Macawile
Second runner-up - Mr. Roed de Vera
Third runner-up - Mr. Mark Kaizer Sanchez
Fourth runner-up - Mr. Kunihiko Nakano  

E - Miss Queen of VOAA Universe 2017- Ms. Mary Flor Macawile  

Ang mga judges ng prestihiyosong international pageant ay mga achievers din in their own field of interest. Ang team na namili ng mga rightful winners ng nasabing pageant ay pinamumunuan ng no less than the Chairman of the Board of Judges, the Queen of Maindie Films herself, Ms. Baby Go. Other members of the panel of judges are Mr. Pieter Van Overbeeke, Engr. Badr Hossam, 2016 Mrs. Asia International Vivian Yano, 2017 Miss Earth from Sweden Madeleine Vickery, 2014 Ms. World Philippines Marlan Manguba at si Ms. Ukraine Anna Vasilevsaya.

Ipinaliwanag ni Emma Cordero, ang haligi sa likod ng organization na ito, na ang Queen of VOAA (Voice of an Angel) Universe International ay hindi lang competition para sa beauty and brain, achievements and success, ngunit ito ay isang pageant din para sa mga kababaihan at kalalakihan na may mabubuting kalooban, Ini-launch ng organizing body ang pageant na ito na may advocacy para tumulong at sumuporta sa less fortunate at underprivileged children. 

For the past years, ang VOAA ay tumutulong na sa education ng mga mahihirap ngunit deserving na students. "I believe that the children are the future of our universe. That is the main thrust of our foundation VOICE OF AN ANGEL (VOAA).  "Boses ng mga bata ang naririnig natin na nanghihingi ng tulong sa mga basic needs tulad ng pagkain, damit na maayos at lalo na ang kanilang basic right, which is 'yung makapag-aral sila. Mas naka-concentrate ang foundation natin sa edukasyon nila dahil mas long term ang effect niyan. "'Pag lumaki na sila at nakatapos ng pag-aaral, I believe na makakatulong din sila sa pamilya nila at sa ibang tao. At dahil natulungan sila ng VOAA Foundation natin, in return ay tutulong din sila sa iba. "Like what is happening now, 'yung mga napatapos ng ating VOAA  foundation ay tumutulong na rin sa mga mahihirap. Tumutulong na rin sa akin lalo na sa mga charity works na isinasagawa ng ating VOAA Foundation.  "Ang lagi kong sinasabi sa kanila, ang tulong ko, e, huwag nang ibalik sa akin. Itulong na lang nila sa pamilya nila at sa ibang tao. 'Yan ang talagang ibig sabihin ng VOAA charity especially for the children's education," sabi pa ng empowered woman behind VOAA Foundation, the Woman of the Universe, Emma "EMCOR" Cordero.

Millennial NAMCYA Winners Showcase World Class Filipino Artistry in "Konsyerto: Unang Hakbang".

For Filipinos, classical music may not have a cult-like following like that of Justin Bieber or Taylor Swift. But young and accomplished performers of classical music are showing that classical music can be appealing, too.

On September 24, winners of the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA), the country's most prestigious music competition for the youth for more than 40 years, will be performing with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) to give a sampling of great works of some of the most prodigious composers who ever lived.

Titled “Konsyerto: Unang Hakbang,” this concert of NAMCYA winners together with the PPO introduces the audience to snippets of longer musical works that have defined musical genres throughout history.

“We called it ‘unang hakbang,’ or first step, because we hope the audience will take that first step to appreciate the beauty of classical music. It is also the first step for some of our young musicians on the stage as professional musicians,” says NAMCYA Secretary General Renato Lucas. “It will be a night of magnificent music-making by NAMCYA’s young virtuosos.”

Lucas adds that NAMCYA has chosen five of its most recent winners to help bring their music to younger audiences.

Andrew Constantino, 1st prize & Special Prize winner for Woodwind (Clarinet) in 2015, will explore the leaps and limits of the clarinet range with Allegro from Clarinet Concerto No. 2, Op. 74, of Carl Maria von Weber (1786 - 1826). Andrew is a 20-year-old clarinetist who was taught by his grandfather to play the clarinet at age 9. He was also a scholar of the Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA).

Aaron Rafael Aguila III, 1st prize & Best Interpretation winner in the 2016 Senior Guitar Category, will bring to life a classic guitar piece by performing Adagio from Concerto de Aranjuez by Joaquin Rodrigo (1901 - 1999). Aaron started playing classical guitar at the age of 9 under Ivar Fojas. He earned his music degree under the tutelage of Lester Demetillo and has trained with other well-known classical guitarists.

Nikki Zen Obmasca, 1st prize winner in the 2016 Solo Rondalla Category, will delight the audience with her rendition of Moto Perpetuo by Nicolo Paganini (1782-1840). This piece of Paganini was made for violin but Nikki will play it with her bandurria and infuse her own virtuosic way of playing. She started playing the bandurria when she was only 5 years old and is now a scholar of the PHSA under the tutelage of Nelson Espejo.

Mishael Romano, 1st prize winner in the 2016 Junior Strings (Violin) Category, will attempt to show the innovativeness of Felix Mendelssohn (1809 - 1847) with Allegro molto appassionato from the composer’s Violin Concerto, Op. 64. Mishael is 17-years-old and hails from Dipolog in Mindanao. He started playing the violin when he was only 5-years-old, and because he is homeschooled, he has more time to focus on his music.

Gabriel Allan Paguirigan, a two-time winner of NAMCYA, having won the grand prize in 2011 (Category B) and in 2015 (Senior Category), will display his artistry and mastery by performing a Hungarian work, Adagio religioso-Allegro vivace from Piano Concerto No. 3, Sz. 119 of Bela Bartok (1881-1945). Gabriel started his piano lessons at the age of 8 and has finished his Diploma in Creative and Performing Music Arts (DCPMA) Major in Piano, under the tutelage of Prof. Luci Magalit and Prof. Nita Abrogar-Quinto.

The country’s leading orchestra and resident company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the PPO will also perform Der Freischuetz Overture by Carl Maria von Weber and L’italiana in Algeri Overture by Gioacchino Rossini. The orchestra will be under the baton of Maestro Herminigildo Ranera.

“We are trying to open up new opportunities for our youth today to explore music from the great composers of the past. We hope NAMCYA’s young artists will help us with that,” says Lucas.

For tickets call TicketWorld at +632-891-9999. For special discounts and other concerns please contact the NAMCYA Secretariat at +632-836-4928 to 29, +63917-750-0107 or email namcya@gmail.com.

Tambalang Piolo Pascual at Toni Gonzaga, Mapapanood sa Last Night

Noong 2007 ay nakatrabaho na ni Piolo ang direktor ng nasabing pelikula kung saan si Regine Velasquez naman ang nakatambal niya. Ito ang reunion movie nila ni Toni matapos ang Valentine blockbuster hit na Starting Over Again.

Ito rin ang magsisilbing "comeback movie" ni Toni na ang huling full-length film ay noong 2015 pa, ang pinagbidahan niyang You're My Boss.

Sumesentro ang pelikula kina Mark (Piolo) at Carmina (Toni). Nawala kay Mark ang lahat tapos nakilala niya si Carmina, isang gabing madilim. Parehong nasa dulo ng kani-kanilang mga pisi sina Mark at Carmina na nagtulak sa kanila sa isang kasunduan na naging simula ng kanilang pagkakaibigan. Ang pagtitinginang ito ay mauuwi sa espesyal na pagtatangi nila sa bawat isa.

Ang Last Night ay isinulat ni Bela Padilla. Ito ang ikaapat niyang screenplay, at ang una niya sa Star Cinema. Bago ang Last Night, ang pinakanotable roles ni Bela sa ABS-CBN ay pagiging katambal ni Coco Martin sa top-rated primetime series na Ang Probinsiyano, at ang kakatapos lang na teleseryeng batang babae ang bida at si Zanjoe Marudo ang kanyang katambal. Ang pagiging scriptwriter niya ang ay ginawa siyang isa sa emerging at influential millenial voices sa industriya ngayon.

Prinodyus ng Star Cinema, Spring Films, at N2, ang Last Night ay ipapalabas sa cinemas nationwide simula September 27.

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Piolo, humanga sa scriptwriting skills ni Bela Padilla

*Photos and videos by Janel Favila