CCP, Haharanahin ang Laguna at Lipa, POC Naman ang sa US at Canada

Philippine Opera Company's "HARANA ... a cultural journey" sets out on a tour of Canada and the United States in celebration of the company's 15th year anniversary in time for the 118th Philippine Independence Day in June and Filipino-American Heritage Month in October.

"HARANA" aims to showcase the evolution of Philippine music through song and movement. Each suite is theatrically presented with authenticity, originality and visual excitement.

The word “Harana” is the Tagalog (the predominant Philippine dialect) name of a traditional form of courtship in which a man woos a woman’s affection by singing underneath her window.

       The creation of each Harana suite is a product of thorough research with the commitment to preserve indigenous Philippine music and its appropriate dance and folklore. It also aims to restructure and enhance these research findings to evolve repertoires suited to the demands of contemporary theater; and to promote international goodwill through performances at home and abroad.

For details and inquiry please call 09175272880 or (632)8229609 or you may reach them through Philippine Opera Company's Facebook page. 

********************************************************************************

In the meantime, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) through its Cultural Exchange Department and the Tribung Pilipino Foundation (TPF) brings HARANA to selected local communities in Luzon for a series of outreach concerts from May to November 2016.

Billed as Lakbay Harana, the outreach tour is an offshoot of a series of well attended concerts held last year at the Bulwagang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater Lobby) entitled Harana sa Dapit Hapon which was also jointly undertaken by the CCP and the Tribung Pilipino Foundation (TPF). Lakbay Harana aims to promote and reawaken the public’s interest and appreciation (especially the young generation) for immortal kundimans, harana, balitaw, danza and unforgettable love songs by great Filipino composers. Noted classical singers and performers will be featured in the outreach tour to include Myramae Meneses (soprano), Arman Ferrer (tenor), Agot Espino (pianist) with special participation of the Kabataang Gitarista.

The first concert of Lakbay Harana will be held on May 18, 4:00pm at the historic Church of Pila in Laguna through the partnership of the Shrine of San Antonio de Padua community.  The Pila concert will kick off the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Diocese of San Pablo this year.  The next sites include Lipa City-Batangas on July 22, Vigan City-Ilocos Sur in September and Baler-Aurora in November.

      You may contact the CCP Cultural Exchange Department at tel.no. 832-1125 local 1708 or 1709 for more information about this event.

 *Text and photos from various press releases and Karla Gutierrez' FB page

Master Classes in Dance from the Top Three Ballet Companies and More in Dance.MNL

          

             Celebrate the best of Philippine dance this June!

            The Cultural Center of the Philippines and Ballet Philippines in cooperation with Philippine Ballet Theatre and Ballet Manila present the first-ever Dance.MNL: The Philippine Dance Festival from June 14 to 26, 2016.

            A new biennial festival focused on uniting and celebrating the Filipino Dance community, Dance.MNL will bring the Filipino classical, modern, and contemporary creations to the stages of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Aliw Theater, and Star Theater.

            Supported by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Manila Broadcasting Company, this inaugural festival will feature 11 performances, a 10-day Dance Intensive, and a two-day conference, gathering more than 500 dance professionals in the metropolis.       

 

            Dance.MNL’s week of performances kick off on June 21 - 8pm at the CCP Main Theater with “The Winners Circle,” a gala celebrating the numerous Filipino artists who have made their marks on the local and global stage. It will also feature the world premiere of Martin Lawrance’s “Amid Shadows”, a work made especially for Christine Rocas and the Ballet Manila principals.

            Ballet Manila will stage the timeless classic “Giselle” on June 25 (2pm and 8pm) at the CCP Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo. One of the most beloved ballets of all time, “Giselle” tells the story of a love so strong that it transcends even death. The artists of Ballet Manila will take the stage on the matinee, while the gala features a special tribute cast put together in honor of the Philippine dance icon and co-founder of Philippine Ballet Theatre Felicitas “Tita” Radaic, featuring the special participation of Philippine Ballet Theatre and Ballet Philippines.

Dance.MNL is led by Festival Directors Paul Alexander Morales, Ron Jaynario, and Lisa Macuja-Elizalde.

Dance Intensive Master Classes

Advanced Ballet with Perry Sevidal - Tuesday June 14, 2:00-3:30PM
Advanced Ballet with Nonoy Froilan - Wednesday June 15, 3:00-4:30PM
Horton Technique with Max Luna III - Thursday June 16 2:00-4:00PM
Modern with Ronilo Jaynario - Friday June 17, 3:30-5:00PM
Intermediate Ballet and Pointework with Lisa Macuja Elizalde - Saturday June 18, 2:00-4:00PM
Advanced Ballet and Variations with Lisa Macuja Elizalde - Saturday June 18, 4:00-6:00PM
Advanced Ballet with Victor Ursabia - Tuesday June 21, 2:00-3:30PM
Advanced Ballet with Anatoly Panasiukov - Wednesday June 22, 3:30-5:00PM

Class Fee: Php 750.00
Limited slots available; pre-registration is required.
Email info@ballet.ph or send us a message to sign up today!

Master Classes will be held at Ballet Philippines Studio One, Liwasang Ullalim (near Folk Arts Theater), CCP Complex.

*Text and photos from the press release of Mr. Joselito Toots Tolentino

HISTORYTM, ANNOUNCES CAST AND CONTRIBUTORS OF UPCOMING GLOBAL DOCU-DRAMA ‘BARBARIANS RISING’ PREMIERING 7 JUNE ON THE SAME DAY AS THE U.S.

Cast Includes Tom Hopper, Steven Waddington, Richard Brake, Kirsty Mitchell, Ben Batt, Gavin Drea, Emil Hostina and Nicholas Pinnock

May 11, 2016 Philippines – HISTORY^TM, announced today the cast and contributors for the global eight-part docu-drama, “Barbarians Rising.” The cast portrays the legendary warriors as they’re engaged in one of mankind’s most timeless struggles – the fight for freedom.

“Barbarians Rising” features the true stories of nine of history’s greatest warriors, the cast includesNicholas Pinnock (Captain America: The First Avenger; Fortitude) as Hannibal, who vowed a blood oath at the age of nine to destroy Rome; Ben Batt (The Edge of Love; “Shameless(UK)”) as Spartacus, the slave-turned-rebel who led a barbarian revolt; Kirsty Mitchell (“The Royal Today;” “River City”) as Boudica, the avenging Celtic warrior Queen; Tom Hopper (“Black Sails;”“Merlin”) as Arminius, the son of Germany surrendered to Rome; Emil Hostina (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Parts I andII) as Attila, scourge of the east; Gavin Drea (What Richard Did;“Love/Hate”) as Alaric, the king of the Goths; Steven Waddington (The Imitation Game) as Fritigern, the warrior who took down anEmperor; Richard Brake (Batman Begins;“Game of Thrones”) as Geiseric, the last barbarian standing; and Jefferson Hall (“Vikings;”“Game of Thrones”) as Viriathus, the shepherd-turned-rebel leader.

To reveal the fact-based history behind the legends, HISTORY and October Films amassed an eclectic group of experts and contributors that includes General Wesley Clark, U.S. Army (Ret.) and Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander; Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, one of the first female combat veterans’ in the U.S. Congress; Rev. Jesse Jackson, Civil Rights Leader; Dr. Clarence B. Jones, speechwriter and advisor to Martin Luther King Jr.; CSM Eric L. Haney, U.S. Army(Ret.); Dr. Darius Arya, American Institute for Roman Culture(U.S.); Professor Barry Strauss, Cornell University(U.S.); Dr. Virginia Campbell, University of Oxford(U.S.); Dr. Dan-El Padilla Peralta, Princeton University(U.S.); Dr. Steve Kershaw, University of Oxford(U.K.); Colonel Kevin W. Farrell, military historian(U.S.); Professor Noel Lenski, Yale University(U.S.); Professor Peter Heather, King’s College London(U.K.); Vanessa Collingridge, author(U.K.); Valerio Massimo Manfredi, archaeologist and writer(Italy);and Professor Walter Pohl, University of Vienna(Austria).

“Barbarians Rising” tells the story of the rise and fall of the Roman Empire from the perspective of the barbarian rebel leaders. It is a visceral journey into the heart of a wave of rebellions against absolute power. The Roman Empire called them “barbarians” – tribes the Romans viewed beyond the fringe of civilization that lived a brutish and violent existence.  However, these were also men and women who launched epic struggles that shaped the world to come. 

The eight-part docu-drama reveals the true story of the 700-year battleto bring down one of strongest empires the world has ever known, “Barbarians Rising” is a global co-production for HISTORY in the US and internationally. This limited event series is slated to premiere on 7 June 2016, Tuesdays 9pm.

“Barbarians Rising” is a global co-production for HISTORY channels worldwide produced by October Films. Executive producers for HISTORY are Kristen Burns, Russ McCarroll and Paul Cabana. Adam Bullmore is executive producer, Simon George (HISTORY’s "World War II From Space") is executive director, and Michael Waterhouse (HISTORY’s “The Bible”) is series producer for October Films.

A+E Networks handles worldwide distribution for “Barbarians Rising”.

HISTORY™ is available on SKYCable Ch 67; Cable Link Ch. 43; Dream Satellite Ch 30; Destiny Cable Ch 57; and Cignal Ch 125.

*Text from press release; photo from A + E Networks

Former street children turned "Royal Ballet School" Scholars!

John Edmar Sumera and Benedict Sabularse are two young boys who currently reside in the TULOY SA DON BOSCO STREET CHILDREN'S VILLAGE. The Tuloy Foundation provides board, lodging, education and skills training for children in need from age 9-18, and helps them get on their own two feet as young adults. The foundation believes strongly in the role that Performing Arts can play in the growth, development and rehabilitation of a child and one of the vocational programs the foundation currently offers is Ballet. Students who pass the audition process are given scholarships to the Academy One Music and Dance Centre where they train under Cherish Garcia and Jeffrey and Pamela Espejo, with the goal of placing them in professional dance companies later on.

Both Edmar and Benedict were chosen to join the scholarship program in 2014. Both John Edmar and Benedict showed great promise immediately and after only a year of training, Edmar was accepted into THE ROYAL BALLET SCHOOL l in White Lodge at Richmond Park. This is where selected 9-14 year olds are sent for the summer program.

Both boys continued to improve immensely, progressing faster than usual. This year not only was Edmar accepted into the Royal Ballet School again for the summer, but so was Benedict. Both were given full scholarships to attend the summer school in London in Covent Garden (Upper school for 15 years and above). Both boys are also competing in the Asian Grand Prix in Hong Kong in August. This is an elite ballet competition where directors from all over the world will be offering scholarships to prestigious ballet schools around the world.

Three years ago, these boys could not tell a plié from a pirouette and knew nothing about ballet. These opportunities can open doors for the boys and very possibly be the next steps in the pursuit of their dreams to become professional ballet dancers. However, they do not come without costs. Currently funds are being raised for travel expenses, competition fees and other expenses that will be incurred. We appeal to the generosity of kind souls who would like to support these boys and their hope for a better, brighter future.

Support John Edmar and Benedict by taking part of their upcoming TAKING FLIGHT: A Benefit Show on Sunday, May 15, 5pm at the TULOY SA DON BOSCO CULINARY ARTS CENTER in Alabang, Muntinlupa. For ticket reservations, please call Ms. Bubutdelos Santos at (0917) 8121015 or (02) 8421006. 


*Text is from the press release and photos are not author's own

Ms. Baby Go, Go Pa Rin sa Pagproprodyus ng Marami Pang Indies

             Sa pagbubukas at blessing ng opisina ng BG Productions na pag-aari ng business woman Ms. Baby Go ay hudyat na patuloy siya sa paggawa ng maraming pelikula, Ginanap ang “blessing” sa kanyang bagong opisina sa Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong. Dinagsa ng media, importanteng personalidad mula sa NBI at Philippine Chinese Chambers of Commerce, film directors, at mga artista ang nasabing blessing.

“Simple lang ang opisina ko pero maganda ang location. Malapit siya sa lahat. Bukod sa production office, yung ibang negosyo natin gaya ng BG beauty soap at art gallery dito ang sentro. Ako mismo ang gumawa ng interior design nito, hands-on ako talaga. Eto na ang pinaka-bahay ng aking mga staff. Ang mga direktor ko, may kanya-kanya silang table kapag bumibisita dito…,” masayang pagkukwento ni Ms. Baby Go.

Nagsimula ang pagproprodyus ng BG Productions noong 2013 sa katuwaan na isama sa eksena ang apo ni Ms. Baby Go sa pelikulang Lihis ni Direk Joel Lamangan. Kapwa kliyente ng parehong banko si Ms. Baby Go at Direk Joel Lamangan. Ang “middleman” ay si Mr. Romeo Lindain. Agad-agad, natuloy ang pagsasapelikula, kung saan gumanap na “baby” ni Lovi poe ang apo ni Ms. Baby and the rest is history.

Sa kasalukuyan ang BG productions ay nakasampu nang pelikula tapos eto ay ang mga sumusunod: Lihis, Lauriana, Bigkis, Homeless, Child Haus, Iadya Mo Kami, Sekyu, Laut, Tupang Ligaw, at Siphayo. Nagumpisa nang mag-shooting ang pelikulang Area na pinagbibidahan ni Ms. Ai Ai De Alas mula sa direksyon ni Louie Ignacio at ang Balatkayo na nag-shooting sa Singapore, Dubai, at Abu Dhabi mula sa direksyon ni Neal Tan. Sa darating na buwan ay mag-uumpisa na ang pelikulang Nuclear Family mula sa direksyon ni Jason Paul Laxamana at ang horror film na Smell of Fear.

Kapuri-puri ang sunud-sunod na pagkapanalo ng BG Productions sa mga international film festival kung na personal na dinaluhan ni Ms. Baby Go. Sa umpisa ng 2016 ay nanalo ng “Best Children’s Film” ang kanyang pelikulang Child Haus sa 14^th Dhaka International Film Festival ng Bangladesh. Nasundan ito ng pagkapanalo ng pelikulang Laut (directed by Louie Ignacio) sa 35^th Fantasporto International Film Festival ng Portugal bilang “Special Mention Jury Prize Award” at nakuha ni Barbie Forteza ang Best Actress Award sa nasabing film festival. 

Mahigit isang buwan lang ang nakalilipas, nagwagi naman si Allen Dizon ng Best Actor sa 4^th Silk Road Film Festival ng Ireland para sa pelikulang Iadya Mo Kami ni Mel Chionglo. Matapos ito ay nagwagi naman ang pelikula ng “Silver REMI Awards” sa 39^th Worldfest International Film Festivals ng Houston, Texas. Nominated for Best Director si Direk Joel Lamangan para sa Sekyu nang maging kalahok ito sa 2016 Madrid International Film Festival na gaganapin sa New York this June. In-competition naman ang Iadya Mo Kami sa International Film Festival sa Italy na gaganapin sa September.

“Excited na ako sa mga pelikulang gagawin pa namin. Tuloy-tuloy na talaga tayo sa ganitong negosyo. Salamat sa major TV networks at foreign distributors na bumibili ng aming mga pelikula. Malay n’yo, makagawa rin kami ng mainstream at commercial films na pipilahan sa takilya,” pagwawakas ng Contemporary Indie Queen.

*Text is lifted from the official press release provided by the film outfit save for some few editorial alterations