ENRICO LABAYEN BOUNCES BACK AFTER A LIFE THREATENING ILLNESS

Considered as one of San Francisco’s exciting & innovative dance makers, ENRICO LABAYEN battled a life threatening liver & lung disease for over two years.  This concert marks his much awaited return with three world premieres celebrating love, life, hope & the future.  Labayen’s Dance/SF’s Fall Season 2016 at Dance Mission Theater from October 14-16, 2016.

“Rarely does a choreographer successfully combine the precision of classical ballet with the freedom of modern dance, Labayen succeeded at this task, his work is hypnotic & mesmerizing. A refreshing vision of contemporary dance.” – Dance Magazine

After battling a life threatening liver & lung disease for over two years ENRICO LABAYEN, considered as one of San Francisco’s exciting & innovative dance makers, has returned in full force with  world premieres celebrating love, life, hope & the future in Labayen Dance/SF’s Fall Season 2016 at Dance Mission Theater from October 14-16, 2016.

Also presenting world premiere works are three of the most innovative and eclectic Bay Area-based choreographers Anandha Ray, Erik Wagner, Malu Rivera-Peoples & Laura Bernasconi. Plus performances by multi-award winning performing arts school Westlake School of Performing Arts and Dance Brigade.

The Fall Season high light are the much awaited world premiere works of Enrico Labayen: “Crossing: War, What Is It Good For?”  is  a soldier’s tale, the work that tackles the subject of war: it’s victims, widows and the suffering it causes to all involved; “No Chaos, Damn It!”, is a work inspired by Jackson Pollock’s paintings, a contemporary dance as abstract as Pollock’s art.

Eclectic and visionary choreographer Anandha Ray will premiere "Ashes of Our Ancestors", inspired by the spirit of the choreographer's great-grandfather, a Cherokee Medicine Man, and the struggles of the Cherokee people. The work is a dance that will cross cultural borders to the world where spirits dance through myth and storytelling. This is a search for pure and authentic movement that comes from a place where our human blood runs thick, binding people through time and space in the understanding that we are all one.

Celebrated choreographer Erik Wagner, will present the premiere of a contemporary duet entitled “Reckless, Just Enough” to the music of Sergei Rachmaninoff.  

Also on the program is the participation of Malu Rivera-

Peoples’ “This World Is Watching Me” in collaboration with 

hip-hop artist Pat Cruz and Laura Bernasconi in “Solo Suite”.

*tEXT AND PHOTOS (except first two) FROM THE PRESS RELEASE

PIAYA NETWORK: CRAFTING THE MEDIA ART EXPERIENCE IN NEGROS AND BEYOND

PIAYA NETWORK is a television network on Sky Cable’s Channel 35 based in Bacolod City, launched on August 2014.  Owned by Anthony Leo Aguirre and under ATP Productions, the network consists of various original TV programs and specializes in broadcast syndication all around Negros.

 

With the vision to be one of a kind in crafting the media art experience in Negros and beyond, Piaya Network specializes in digital production that brings pleasure, creativity and professional advertising that satisfy its customers.  Director/ line producer Elaine Lozano is also the network’s consultant.

 

HISTORY:

 

In January 2014, the idea of creating Piaya Network came through a conversation between father and son when owner Anthony Leo Aguirre proposed to create a network that could promote Bacolod City as a tourist destination.  His father saw great potential and supported the idea.  They soon added production veterans and young professionals to the team to provide quality excellence in shows and entertainment.

 

The Network was named “Piaya” (unleavened flatbread filled with muscovado, mango or purple yam) as this was known to hail from Bacolod and continues to be the favorite delicacy in the City of Smiles. 

 

Piaya Network was finally launched at August 2014 at Ayala, Disctrict North Point in Talisay City.  It first aired on June 30, 2016 on Sky Cable Channel 35 and continues to cater to the local scene to promote Negros as a grand destination for tourism, food, arts and sports.

 

PROGRAMMING:

 

Piaya Network’s schedule in programs consists mostly of their original television shows covering travel, food, lifestyle, and current events.  In addition, Piaya Network also covers special events such as sports, festivals, concerts and stand-up comedy, short films, and runs on a 24-hour schedule on Sky Cable.

 

On August 2014, Piaya Network opened with quality original TV shows: “The Urban Backpacker”, “Power Up”, “L:  Live, Laugh, Love”, “Art Works”, “Gag-O!” and “Certified Foodie Ako”.  The diversity of their shows aim to entice their audience from every angle and reaches out to cover the Negros lifestyle.

 

In 2016, they have discontinued older shows and added a long list of new ones to their programming with the exemption of “L:  Live, Laugh, Love” as their longest running series.  

 

The Piaya team added a huge variety of shows namely; “A Listed”, “The Real Talk”, “Project Negros”, “Festival Junkie”, “Travel N’ Taste”, “Straight No Chaser”, “Piaya Documentaries”, among others.

 

 

CURRENT SHOWS / PROGRAMS:

 

1.       “L:  Live, Laugh, Love” – hosted by Annie Morales, this show aims to discover how to live life to the fullest, love and be loved, and laugh our worries away

2.      “A Listed” – a show that seeks to provide an in depth forum for business persons, political leaders, and inspiring personalities in the province

3.      “The Real Talk“ – your regular source of the latest talks buzzing around Negros, with topics on entertainment, sports, politics, health, business, and more

4.      “Project Negros“-- showcases the people, industries, and products that are deeply rooted to the Negros province

5.      “Festival Junkie” – a party-like show ranging from traditional celebrations to spectacular nightlife

6.      “Travel N’ Taste” – a show filled with eye opening adventures and satisfying dishes, Negrense style, hosted by Shannan Anthony Gonzales

7.      “Straight No Chaser” -- a Bacolod-based podcast or talk show dealing with all kinds of random, interesting things

8.      “Piaya Documentaries” – a documentary program that highlights the plights, aspirations, and daily struggles of our Negrense brothers, exposing their real situation and issues

9.      “SmArts” – a children show where you can learn how to make decorations, ornaments, home designs, and art pieces for kids, hosted by Ate Joyce

10.   “Backpacker Adventures” --  a travel show that will help you discover interesting local folks and unique beauty across the Negros Islands, hosted by Luigi and Julius

11.   “Food Infinity” --  a show that explores the city streets in search for one of a kind eating experience that will delight your palates

 

Other services of ATP Productions include:  equipment rental for cinema camera (ARRI Alexa Mini) and lighting equipment, advanced camera rigging systems, production services, TV commercials, event trailer, corporate audio visual presentation, animation/motion graphics/visual effects, film post production, etc.

            

ALVIN ANSON hosted the LAUNCH held at Blue Leaf Filipinas in Aseana City, Parañaque, and some of the celebrity guests included Cesar Montano (who did a special song number) and couple Christopher de Leon and Sandy Andolong.

The Piaya Network executives JR Gumabon (Chief Legal Officer), Tony Aguirre (Board member), and Anthony Leo Aguirre (Board member and President of Piaya Network) happily announced to the Manila Press present during the mini-press conference (held before the formal launch) that starting October 1, the network will not just be shown within Negros but nationwide via Cignal Cable Channel 56.

Usher, May Kinalagyan sa Palabas na #14 Leandro Road!

THE FALL OF USHER SETS SIX PERFORMANCES ON OCT. 7 - 8

The Theater House of Black, whose members recently staged the Filipino adaptation of Federico Garcia Lorca's "The House of Bernarda Alba, " seems to have a penchant for houses that are shrouded in mystery.

Next off from the group is "#14 Leandro Road," a Filipino theatrical adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's most celebrated short story, "The Fall of the House of Usher," first published in 1839.

Devised by Jay Crisostomo IV and C.K. Bautista, "#14 Leandro Road," which is set on the dark chilly outskirts of Baguio City, is scheduled for six performances at Power Mac Center Spotlight in Circuit Makati on October 7 and 8, 2016.

"As a group, we wanted to stage stories that talk about families and stories that have been forgotten or are deemed underrated by the world," said Harry David, producer-production manager. "At the same time adapt them in Filipino and apply a Philippine twist to the stories so they would be more relevant and relatable to our audience."

"Poe's short story is about a family whose members long to come out from their gilded cage. They struggle to find happiness in dreams and achieve them but shown in a very macabre and creepy way. With that, not a lot of theater houses venture into the horror, suspense, and thriller genre. So, again as a group, we wanted to produce more plays that are categorized in this canon," he added.

"#14 Leandro Road" is a horror story, which blurs the line between the real world and the supernatural. It follows Ed/Edna Ramos, a real estate agent, who is invited by Rudy/Pilar Laperal, a grade school friend she hasn't seen for almost 20 years, to come and visit the latter's house. As soon as Ed/Edna arrives, he/she finds out that Rudy/Pilar lives with two other people: his/her ill brother/sister and the family doctor, Dra. Lita Dumas. As the days go by, the house guest finds out that both siblings are suffering from a mental illness. At the same time, both are keeping a secret that has been buried all these years.

Directed by Jay Crisostomo IV, "#14 Leandro Road" stars Harry David/Gold Villar (Ed/Edna), Migui Moreno/Mosang (Rudy/Pilar), GryGimena/SkyzxLabastilla (Anton/Anna), Patricia Ismael (Dra. Lita Dumas), Peewee O'Hara (Donya Victorina), and May Bayot (Consuelo).

"The audience can expect to be entertained through spooky thrills; a few scares here and there, and leave the theatre asking questions about the points that were brought up in the play," David said.

For tickets (P350-P600) and show buying opportunities, call +63917 656 1109, +63917 638 1109 or visit TicketWorld.com.ph.

DIREK JOEL LAMANGAN REQUIRED NATHALIE HART TO HAVE FRONTAL NUDITY IN ‘SIPHAYO”

It was not that easy for Nathalie Hart to accept the movie “Siphayo.” She was nervous when she met with Direk Joel Lamangan and talk about the project being offered to her. Direk Joel was impressed of the beauty of the former Starstruck Avenger formerly known as Princess Snell. But when the two finally met face to face, Direk Joel told Nathalie face to face that his major requirement for her in “Siphayo” is for the half-Australian to have frontal nudity. Nathalie was initially taken a back but she accepted the condition of the veteran director.

Nathalie has a super “bold” role in Siphayo. Imagine, three men take turns in ravishing her sexy body. She has love scenes with Alan Paule, Luis Alandy at JoemBascon. They have sex – in different positions, in different places, of varying emotions. It was a very challenging role but Nathalie accepted the biggest challenge, the most daring role she had ever done.

"When I read the script, I'm shocked but very excited. It's really a "role of a lifetime" kaya hindinaako nag-inarte. My role as Alice is so complex. She is very manipulative, very sexy and unpredictable, " the upcoming sexy star said.

Nathalie was very game on her first shooting day. Whatever it was that Direk Joel asked her, she did without asking why, without hesitation. But on her second day, she suddenly broke into tears and locked herself inside the bathroom before her love scene with Luis Alandy was to be shot. Direk Joel was taken by surprise and was rattled. Together with line producer Dennis Evangelista, they talked to Nathalie and convinced her to do the very daring love scene with Luis.

“She is no bold star that was why there is a shock factor for her in doing daring scenes. She thought all of her scenes will have frontal nudity. When I told her how I plan to execute the scene, she stopped crying. When we shot the scene, she was very good. She gave everything to make the scene work well. Since then I never had any problem with her in doing sexy and delicate scenes,” explained the award-winning director.

Nathalie’s baring and daring has it rewards as “Siphayo” was given an R-16 rating without cuts by the MTRCB. The local censor’s body cited the film for its excellent cinematography, fine acting of the cast and the social message it presented in the film. Despite its sexy scenes, vulgar language and violent climax, it was given a favorable rating of R-16 without cuts. “Siphayo” can be ranked alongside the classical sex drama movies of Direk Joel which made money and acclaimed by critics like "Hubog" of Assunta Da Rossi, "Sidhi" of Ms. Nora Aunor, Albert Martinez and Glydel Mercado, "Warat" of Joyce Jimenez at "Silip" of  DianaZubiri and Francine Prieto.

Aside from Nathalie Hart, Luis Alandy, Alan Paule and JoemBascon, the movie also features Ma. Isabel Lopez at EloraEspano. It is written by Eric Ramos and produced by BG Productions International of Ms. Baby Go. It will have a Red Carpet Premiere at SM Megamall on October 3 and will start its theatrical run on Novomber 2 in selected cinemas nationwide.

MOVIE TRAILER HERE!!!

CREDITS:

Text from press release
Top and third photo from BG; presscon photos from Photographs by Erickson dela Cruz

9 PLAYS TACKLE LIFE (AND DEATH) UNDER MARTIAL LAW

In response to the growing myths and misconceptions about the Martial Law era, a new group has launched a series of plays about living and dying during the Marcos regime, beginning September 21, 2016 at the Bantayog ng mga
Bayani.
Entitled Never Again: Voices of Martial Law, these series of nine plays produced by Ladies Who Launch (LWL), are designed to create awareness about the harsh realities of living during the years after the declaration of Martial Law, the people around them, their work and how it has affected people to this day.
Included in the lineup are the Palanca Award-winning “Bulong-bulongan Sa Sangandaan” by Ramon Jocson which be directed by theater luminary Audie Gemora, “Loyalist Redux”, a comedy written and directed by Kanakan Balintagos, first staged at the 12th Virgin Labfest with theater star Pinky Amador in the title role, and “Duyan Ka Ng Magiting” written and directed by Erica Estacio, first seen at the People Power Experiential Museum.

LWL says “Our goal is to unearth these stories and make them visible, visceral, and palpable. We want those alive today to remember the victims as people, not just as statistics or bios on a website. Above all, we want to ensure that the evils of Martial Law are never forgotten, never repeated.”
The six original plays created for Never Again: Voices of Martial Law are “Princess Lilli” written by Layeta Bucoy and directed by Tuxs Rutaquio, “Disco 1081” written by George de Jesus III and directed by Melvin Lee, “Shhh” written by Allan Lopez and directed by Jenny Jamora, “Indigo Child” written by Rody Vera and directed by Jose Estrella, “Thingy (or Or Ang Pak na Pak Ganern na Ganern sa Pakikipagsapalaran ni Melenyo, D’ Great Pokemon Hunter ” written by Chris Martinez and directed by Dennis Marasigan and “Ang Lihim na Kasaysayan ng Huling Habilin ni Ferdinand Edralin Marcos (Spiritual King Solomon of Israel) Hinggil sa Pamanang Kayamanan ni King Bernardo Carpio at Jose Protacio Rizal Para sa Pagpapaunlad ng Bansang Pilipinas na Siyang Nalalaman ni Mang Ambo, Taxi Driver” written by Guelan Varela-Luarca and directed by Roobak Valle.

The play will have a gala premiere on September 21, the anniversary of the proclamation of Martial Law. Shows to perform “Duyan Ka Ng Magiting”, “Disco 1081” and “Ang Lihim na Kasaysayan ng Huling Habilin ni Ferdinand Edralin Marcos (Spiritual King Solomon of Israel) Hinggil sa Pamanang Kayamanan ni King Bernardo Carpio at Jose Protacio Rizal Para sa Pagpapaunlad ng Bansang Pilipinas na Siyang Nalalaman ni Mang Ambo, Taxi Driver”. Weekend performances will run from September 23 until to October 16. After this run at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani, the production is also scheduled for school and city tours.

Sets and play dates are as follows:
Set A - Sept 23/8PM, Oct 1/8PM, 9/4PM, 15/8PM
“Loyalist Redux”
Written and Directed by Kanakan Balintagos
“Duyan ka ng Magiting”
Written and Directed by Erika Estacio
“Thingy Or Ang Pak na Pak, Ganern na Ganern Sa Pakikipagsapalaran ni
Melenyo, D'Great Pokemon Hunter”
Written by Chris Martinez
Directed by Dennis Marasigan
Set B - Sept 24/8PM, 30/8PM, Oct 8/8PM, 16/4PM
“Disco 1081”
Written by George De Jesus
Directed by Melvin Lee
“Princess Lilli”
Written by Layeta Bucoy
Directed by Tuxqs Rutaquio
“Bulong-Bulongan sa Sangandaan”
Written by Ramon Jocson
Directed by Audie Gemora

Set C - Sept 25/4PM, Oct 2/4PM, 7/8PM, 14/8PM
“Shhh”
Written by Allan Lopez
Directed by Jenny Jamora
“Indigo Child”
Written by Rody Vera
Directed by Jose Estrella
“Ang Lihim na Kasaysayan ng Huling Habilin ni Ferdinand Edralin Marcos
(Spiritual King Solomon of Israel) Hinggil sa Pamanang Kayamanan ni King
Bernardo Carpio at Jose Protacio Rizal Para sa Pagpapaunlad ng Bansang
Pilipinas na Syang Nalalaman ni Mang Ambo, Taxi Driver”
Written by Guelan Luarca
Directed by Roobak Valle

For the regular run, tickets are at PhP 500 per show consisting of three plays while a series pass allowing entry to all shows are at 1300. For inquiries, email ladieswholaunch.ph@gmail.com or contact +639178106256.

Before the 525,600 Minutes of Rent, There Was Tick Tick Boom...

Jonathan Larson never got to see the impact his work made in musical theater. His is a moving, tragic story of an artist who struggled for years to make his mark on Broadway and with few strokes of success was finally set to reach his dream when his new musical Rent was scheduled to premier Off-Broadway. On the morning of January 26, 1996, on the day of the first preview of the show, Larson was found dead in his apartment from what was believed to be a case of undiagnosed Marfan syndrome.

Jonathan Larson would never know that Rent would become a smash hit, moving to Broadway in April of 1996 and running a total of 12 years. Larson received 4 posthumous awards —3 Tony awards (Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Score) and a Pulitzer Prize for Drama. His masterpiece would be called  “an era-defining musical.”

A glimpse at Jonathan Larson before Rent

It’s been 20 years since Rent was first staged on Broadway. The play has been produced countless times in various productions across the globe and was later adapted into a film. In 2001, his “rock monologue” tick, tick… BOOM! was reworked and revamped with the aid of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Auburn (Proof) and was staged Off-Broadway. Originally written as one-man show with a band had transformed into a musical of three actors and the autobiographical book presents the struggles and life of a “struggling artist,” who wonders whether he should continue on his chosen path, pursue his passion, just as he is about to turn 30.

Set in the early 1990s, tick, tick… BOOM! is the story of Jon, a struggling musical composer, who has yet to make his mark on Broadway and questions the life decisions he has made. His girlfriend, Susan, a dancer, who teaches ballet to “wealthy and untalented children” suggests leaving New York to raise a family while pursuing a different career. His best friend, Michael, is a marketing research executive, who was once an aspiring actor. Michael suggests that Jon should come work with him at his firm and lead a more secure and stable life.

This is not an unfamiliar story. Through the years, the choice of pursuing one’s passion over a stable and secure life is one that has plagued generations of artists and creative professionals from around the globe. In the song, Johnny Can’t Decide, the age-old question “Compromise or persevere” strikes true to the hearts of every person who has faced this dilemma.

There is poignancy in the musical’s theme as this was the musical that Jonathan Larson wrote before he penned the award-winning smash hit Rent. We have all come to know which path he chose, and had he not passed, we only can imagine what more he could have done and achieved, what with the validation and success that Rent garnered.

But what about his characters Jon, Susan, and Michael? What choice did they make?

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Portraying the roles of Jon, Susan, and Michael are theater luminaries Jef Flores (Gawad Buhay awardee for This Is Our Youth), Tanya Manalang (fresh off her two-year stint in the critically acclaimed Cameron Mackintosh produced revival of Miss Saigon in the UK), and Ariel Reonal (whose long list of credentials include the original run and the West End revival of Miss Saigon and as a vocalist at the Golden Mickeys in Hong Kong Disneyland).

tick, tick…BOOM! is directed by Robbie Guevara, Daniel Bartolome as musical director, Elisanta Cortez as vocal supervisor, Arnold Trinidad as choreographer, Mio Infante as scenographer, Mickey Hirai as costume designer and stylist, Martin Esteva as lighting designer, Myrene Santos as hair and makeup designer, Philleep Masaquel as Technical Director, JC Inocian as photographer, and Maine Manalansan as graphic creative manager.

Heading the production team is executive producer Santi Santamaria, with Anna Santamaria as company manager, Sunshine Domine as production manager, Toff de Venecia as PR director, Jonjon Martin and Issa Tuason as PR managers, GM Hernandez as marketing manager, and Arma Bonilla as stage manager.

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tick, tick…BOOM! will have a limited run on October 1, 8, 9, 15, 16, 21, 22 & 23, 2016 at 8:00pm on Fridays and Saturday, and 3:30pm on Sundays.

For further inquiries, contact 586.7105, 0917.554.5560, Ticketworld at 891.9999, or email info@9workstheatrical.com.

Facebook: 9WorksTheatrical. Twitter & Instagram: @9WTonline. 

Hashtag: #9WTticktickboom

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tick, tick…BOOM! is brought to you by 9 Works Theatrical, in association with The Rockwell Club and MAC Cosmetics as the official make-up partner.

tick, tick…BOOM! is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).