Karylle, Michael Pangilinan, and Other Kapamilya Stars Invade Ballet Philippines

Do you like the Pinoy disco music scene of the 70’s? Come and watch your favorite ABS-CBN Kapamilya stars led by Karylle, Michael Pangilinan, Markki Stroem, and Kyle Echarri as they sing, belt, gyrate and groove centerstage in Ballet Philippines’ holiday presentation “Awitin Mo At Isasayaw Ko,” a new dance musical set to the hits of Manila Sound legends VST & Company.

The VST & Co. is considered one of the pioneering groups from the music genre known as the Manila Sound in the mid 70s. The group is composed of Vic Sotto, Spanky Rigor, Tito Sotto, Val Sotto, Celso Llavina, Monet Gaskell, Male Rigor, Roger Rigor, Jun Medina, Joey de Leon, Homer Flores, Chito Ilagan, Ben Escasa, Fred Concepcion, Boy Alcaide, and Clod Baria. Their impressive collection of hits has left a legacy that endures to this day.

Directed by BP Artistic Director Paul Alexander Morales, “Awitin Mo At Isasayaw Ko” tells the story of the forbidden love between Teresa, a kolehiyala and Victor, a construction worker amidst the backdrop of the Philippines in the late ‘70s – burning with disco fever but chilled by the horrors of Martial Law. They are are separated in life but are united in heaven and once again dance up a storm.

Over the years, Karylle has established herself as one of the country’s finest female celebrities. With her immense talent and disarming beauty, she has conquered the local and international entertainment scene by storm. Her career has spanned the music, television, and film industries. Her performance in the international Asian TV series “The Kitchen Musical” earned her a nomination as Best Actress in the 52nd Monte Carlo TV Festival. She has been a regular host of “It’s Showtime” since 2010, but has left the show temporarily to work on Singapore-based television show “Private Investigator”. Her theater credits include Maria in “West Side Story” (2008), Sita in Ballet Philippines’ “Rama Hari” (2012), and Cinderella in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” (2013). In “Awitin Mo At Isasayaw Ko”, Karylle will take on the role of Ester, a strong-willed “woman of the night”.

Michael Pangilinan is a singer and actor who first caught the country’s attention as a contestant in X Factor Philippines in 2011. After seeing his potential, Kuya Germs made him a regular host in Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman. He has a platinum-selling self-titled solo EP, an album and sold-out show at the Music Museum with boy band Harana, and a hit movie, “Pare, Mahal Mo Raw Ako” (2016). He also came in second place on the second season of the celebrity singing/impersonation contest, “Your Face Sounds Familiar”. In “Awitin Mo At Isasayaw Ko”, Michael will play the role of Arturo, the charismatic best friend of Victor, the lead dancer. Arturo is the show’s lead vocalist.

Markki Stroem is a singer, host, athlete, songwriter, arranger, and music video director/producer. His first solo album “Thousands of Pieces” under Cornerstone Music received a Gold Record Award. He played the role of Henry in the award-winning musical “Next to Normal” by Atlantis Productions in March 2011, for which he was nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role/Ensemble Role (Musical) in the Broadway World Philippines awards. He has also been seen in lead roles in “Camp Rock”, “Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady”, and most recently,  “Jersey Boys”. He will play the role of Gabby, the moneyed and handsome suitor of Teresa, the show’s lead dancer.

Kyle Echarri is a singer and actor who rose to fame in 2015 as he became a finalist in The Voice Kids under Team Sarah. Soon after being eliminated from the competition, he joined the cast of the hit television show “On the Wings of Love” as Brent Wyatt, the half-brother of Nadine Lustre’s character Leah Olivar. He also took part in “We Love OPM: The Celebrity Sing-Offs”, a televised singing competition which ran for three months, as part of the boy group Voice Next Door. He recently released his debut solo album, “It’s Me Kyle” under MCA Music. Kyle will take on the role of Lito, the energetic younger brother of Victor.

The show’s alternate cast features OPM icon Cooky Chua, award-winning theater actors Sandino Martin and Jef Flores, and The Voice Kids Season 3 alumni Noel Comia Jr. The vocal ensemble will be comprised of members of the classical singing group, Viva Voce.

Leading the cast of dancers are former BP principals Edna Vida and Nonoy Froilan as the elderly Teresa and Victor. They will be alternating with ballroom dance champion Ednah Ledesma and former BP prince Butch Esperanza. The young Teresa and Victor will be played by current BP dancers Denise Parungao, Garry Corpuz, Rita Angela Winder, and Jean Marc Cordero.

“Awitin Mo At Isasayaw Ko” is co-presented by ABS-CBN and is a collaboration with the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Gerard Salonga. The show features a libretto by Bibeth Orteza, choreography by Carissa Adea, James Laforteza & PJ Rebullida, musical direction by Jed Balsamo, sound design by Jethro Joaquin, set design by Ohm David, costume design by James Reyes, lighting design by John Batalla.

To be held at the CCP Main Theater (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo), “Awitin Mo At Isasayaw Ko” with the ABS-CBN Kapamilya stars are set to perform on Dec. 2 - 8:00 pm; and Dec. 11 - 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm.

The other schedule of shows are set on Dec. 3 – 6 pm; Dec. 4 – 2 pm and 6 pm; Dec. 9 – 8 pm; Dec. 10 – 2 pm and 6 pm;

Ticket prices range from Php 500 to Php 3500, with discounts for students, senior citizens, and government employees.

*Text and photos from the press release

Musical Scorer, Diumano'y Naonse ng Executive Producer

Sa isang Facebook post, inilabas ni Emerzon Texon ang kanyang hinaing ukol sa naunsiyameng award bilang best composer.

Hmmmm.... ano kayang pelikula ito na nanalo ng pelikula sa Madrid?

Meanwhile, balikan natin ang larawan ni Jacky Woo from last year sa advanced screening ng pelikulang Tomodachi, na nanalo ng Best Foreign Film sa Madrid International Film Festival.

BOSS na BOSS ang dating!!!

MULA SA BUWAN ALL SET TO OPEN ON DEC. 2

Based on French poet Edmond Rostand’s play Cyrano de Bergerac, “ Mula Sa Buwan ” is now set in 1940s Manila, among young ROTC cadets and blushing colegialas. The play shows the innocence and beauty of our nation where music, harana, kundiman, wit, passion, and hope abound! However, when World War II strikes, virtue, honor, and love are all tested – the young now forced to suddenly grow up as men. The story moves to a time after the war, to a field of ruble, of forgotten memories, of heroes lost in a country struggling to survive. At the center of it all, the tragic love story between Cyrano, Roxane and Christian.

MULA SA BUWAN is set to open on December 2 and will run until Dec. 4 at the Irwin Lee Theater located at the Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, QC. Performance schedules are as follows: Dec. 2 – 8 pm; Dec. 3 – 3 pm; Dec. 4 - 3 pm and 8 pm.

The cast of “ Mula sa Buwan “ is led by Nicco Manalo and Boo Gabunadawho alternately plays the role of Cyrano; KL Dizon as Roxane; Fred Lo and Edward Benosa who alternately plays the role of Christian.

The supporting roles and ensemble are composed of Jon Abella, Jasmine Balunes, Gel Basa, Matthew Chang, Nico Dans, Harly Daria, MC Dela Cruz, Michael Fernandez, Francelle Fetalvero, Rhenz Gabalonzo, Arielle Magno, Victoria Mina, Ralph Oliva, Gerhard Pagunsan and Ronah Rostata.

The artistic team of MULA SA BUWAN is made up theater practitioners with years of experience, namely: Pat Valera – Concept, Direction & Book; Pat Valera and William Elvin Manzano – Original Lyrics; William Elvin Manzano – Original Music; TJ Ramos – Musical Director and Vocal Arrangement; Dana Marquez – Musical Arrangement; Ohm David – Set Design; MelitonRoxas Jr. – Lighting Design; Katherine Sabate – Dramaturgy; and JM Cabling – Choreography.

Black Box Productions is the producing arm of Black Box Collab, Inc. - a premium agency for creatives and events that has been part of numerous successful campaigns and programs, either as collaborator or main producer. 

For more information, visit facebook.com/mulasabuwan.

   For inquiries, email: info@mulasabuwan.com

Photos by Mark Anthony Cabrera 

*Text from the press release with minor revisiona

Anthony Diaz V’s Break Already Broke Into Manila

"Break was actually inspired from a short film I made when I was 17 years old called Lunch Break which I shot with my high school friends in Vegas. The premise of the story is similar, but I expanded the universe and characters against the backdrop of Japan,” said the writer-producer-director-actor of the film, Anthony Diaz V.

The romantic action flick premiered last Saturday, November 19, at the Cinema 3 of the Powerplant Cinemas, Rockwell Center, Makati City. After its short but sweet screening in the Philippines, Kaizen Studios, its production company, aims to take the film to several international film festivals, one of which is the prestigious Sundance Film Festival.

The film’s script took about 2 months, on and off, to be finished. The theme revolves around the concept of fitting in a different culture when you’re a foreigner. “This film is really unique as it blends American storytelling with Japanese cinema infused with hip-hop. It’s the first time to my knowledge that a film has simultaneous English and Japanese language throughout the movie with supporting subtitles,” added Anthony.

The Asian premiere took place in Tokyo last April 29 with over 500 attendees. It is a story of a young Japanese-American man who crosses the line with the underworld element in Tokyo, while dealing with his own personal struggle of being an outsider trying to fit in with the Japanese society. The American and Japanese hip-hop and rap scene serves as the backdrop.

Most of the supporting cast have experience in other media like TV and commercials but this film serves as their international feature length debut. They are Namihiko Omura, Kaede Ishizuka, Tohru Watanabe, Ish-One, Crazy-T, Shinya Arai, Kai Yusaku, and Ayaka Sonoda.

So, what’s next for this versatile artist who’s also the youngest graduate of the University of Las Vegas Film School at the age of 20? Well, he will be starring in a Gorio Vicuña film and also be working on another feature film.

Gerald Santos' Versatility Full Force in Gantimpala Theater Foundation's Fundraiser

Text by Nina Gem P. (Guest Contributor) Photos by Japs Ramiscal

Gerald's Full Force concert was a feel good event. His opening acts served as great openers to his equally high energy initial number which was Gold. He showed his vocal prowess by performing songs from various music genre he conquered that evening.

His Ed Sheeran ballad rendition drove it home as well as the Adele hit he sang.

Christmas spirit came alive with the songs that followed but we were all not ready for his next number.

He surprised the crowd with Gloc 9 rap song, which the crowd cheered loudly for. He can rap.

The last part was excerpts of his music from plays he starred and sang. With the most romantic yet short piece he sang in Ms Saigon audition.

Gerald's audience members both young and young at heart all felt the warm reception and cool tunes he had to offer that evening. Looking forward to more hearing more from this humble yet amazingly gifted guy.

Radha, Frenchie Dy, and Bituin Escalante: Ready to Dazzle Spectators at the Big Big Show

Music stirs the heart. And it soothes the soul. When performed by gifted singers, music can in turn put an audience in a trance or get up on its feet and sway to the rhythm. To cut the story short, it can make you lose your mind albeit temporarily and allow the beat and the spell to take you wherever it leads you.

On December 3, 8 PM at The Theatre at Solaire, let Radha, Frenchie Dy and Bituin Escalante blow you away with their hard-to-miss presence, powerful voices, and musical versatility in The Big Big Show. 

To borrow lines from the iconic opening ditty of 'The Muppet Show'. "it's time to play the music, it's time to light the lights," and turn the spotlight on these three exceptional musical artists. It's their first time to be together on a show all their own. Therefore,  expect nothing less than a sensational treat raised to the third power. Individually, each chanteuse is a showstopper. Together, they're more awe-inspiring, more enchanting and more spectacular. 

The Big Big Show is more than just a confluence of genres and a showcase of varying degrees of skills, styles, and techniques. Under the musical direction of Mel Villena, choreography by Douglas Nierras and stage direction of Paolo Valenciano, the one-night only concert is also a celebration of women, their triumphs and defeats, their stories and journeys revealed through songs that echo their views and sentiments on love and life.   

"We are celebrating the reality of the powerful feminine in this concert," says Radha. "As performers, kaming tatlo, ang dami naming puwedeng gawin," volunteers Frenchie. And Bituin: "It's the first time we three are working on a concert na fully conceptualized and with a team pushing us na, 'Yes, this is it!'" 

While putting the show together, it is easy to see that the three powerhouse performers have been ready for this for a long time. It is a collaboration that should have come sooner. The rehearsals explode with an energy that is contagious yet unthreatening. Radha, Frenchie, and Bituin would often burst into song, their faces a canvass of life experiences that have shaped the kind of artists and women that they are now --- scarred yet beautiful, curvy yet sexy, fierce but tender beneath the tough, resilient veneer.

To experience Radha, Frenchie, and Bituin together with Mel Villena and the AMP Big Band, is to be treated to an event, a milestone filled with magic, surprises, and fireworks. 

Venture out and  dash to the Theatre at Solaire Hotel and Casino and put The Big Big Show on the top of your list of pre-Christmas Must-Watch concerts!

Tickets for The Big Big Show are available at Ticketworld. 

Call 891.9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph  -  ticket prices at: Php 4,000 (VVIP); Php 3,000 (VIP); Php 2,200 (GOLD); Php 1,000 (SILVER 1) and Php  500 (SILVER 2)

The Big Big Show is a production of Fullhouse Asia.  

***Text and photos from the press release save the title which has minor edits

Italian Film Festival Opening Graced by Diplomats from Italy

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY ANTZ CABRERA

November 12, 2016 - It was a night to remember as “Moviemov: Italian Film Festival 2016” kick started at FDCP Manila. PR man Tim Yap hosted the said event was well attended by well-known directors and actors from Italy. Ambassador from the Italy to the Philippines, Mr. Massimo Roscigno, welcomed the guests with his opening remarks noting how Filipinos and Italians both have the love for food and good movies. 

Festival Executive Godofredo Bettini also made sure to give a speech to invite all guests to watch the upcoming Italian films at the cinematheque area of the FDCP. Guests were treated to a night of wine and cheese. Italian actress Carolina Crescentini also gave a speech and introduced the opening film of the night , Prefetti Sconosciuti that was well applauded by the audience afterwards. 

Some of the films in contention are as follows: VELOCE COME IL; FIORE VENTO (ITALIAN RACE),PERFETTI SCONSCIUTI (PERFECT STRANGERS), La Ragazza Del MOndo,Un Bacio (One Kiss), PIUMA, INDIVISIBILI, and Lo Chaiamavano Jego Robot.Admission is free .You may head to the FDCP Cinematheque for the Manila Screenings.

Everyone is encouraged to attend as movie goers have the chance to vote for the best film of their choice. FDCP is located at 855 T.M. Kalaw Manila. The festival runs until November 16.

THE WORLD CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS WITH "THE NUTCRACKER" BALLET

In the Philippines, we kick off the Yuletide dance holiday season with the Philippine Ballet Theatre's presentation of the world's most popular classic Christmas ballet, "The Nutcracker", at the Main Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines on November 18-20, 2016.

PBT's 3rd offering on its 30th anniversary, "The Nutcracker" will surely enthrall the audience with its colorful, larger-than-life scenery, toys that come alive, swirling snowflakes and waltzing flowers. Enjoy listening too, to the heartwarming and enchanting music that is a signature Christmas repertoire.

Visit our Christmas village at the Main Lobby of the Main Theater and experience this festive merry making through our wide selection of food and products unique to our Christmas celebrations.

Proceeds of the show will benefit our Cultural Outreach Education Program (CORE), an educational outreach in the form of free ballet classes in public schools nationwide and performances to thousands of school children and provincial communities.

Let us all share the true spirit and joy of the Yuletide Season.  See you at the theater!

For ticket inquiries and orders, please contact: 632-8848 or 0995-158-0538 or 0949-325-2545or email at philballettheatre@gmail.com.

*TEXT AND PHOTOS FROM THE PRESS RELEASE

Lea Salonga and Her Partner from Les Miserables Team Up for Fun Home

“The biggest difference would be [from the New York staging]… we’re not in the round. In New York, I was in the very front row…my feet were on the stage….which is weird,” said Eric Kunze, Lea’s Marius in Miss Saigon 23 years ago. Now he will star as Bruce Bechdel opposite her character Helen Bechdel. Bruce is Alison’s (played by Cris Villonco) complex father, who is also a part-time mortician and home restorer, while Helen is Allison’s distant mother, who is also an English teacher and a former actress.

Contrary to its title, the musical digs deep into the stability of family relationships and its effect on an adolescent female trying to come to terms with her sexuality. In Lea’s words, what makes the material so affecting is that the characters are real people we have actually encountered and even loved. “These are people that have been in your life for years and years and years…how do you shake that? How do you shake an aunt who’s not treated well by her husband, or, how do you take those people away from you when these are people you love and have been a huge part of your life?”

Based on Alison Bechdel’s best-selling graphic memoir of the same title, Fun Home features music by Jeanine Tesori  and book and lyrics by Lisa Kron. It was the most awarded and acclaimed musical of 2015, having won 5 Tony Awards including Best Musical. When her father dies unexpectedly, graphic novelist Alison dives deep into her past to tell the story of the volatile, brilliant, one-of-a-kind man whose temperament and secrets defined her family and her life. Moving between past and present, Alison relives her unique childhood playing at the family’s Bechdel Funeral Home, her growing understanding of her own sexuality, and the looming, unanswerable questions about her father’s hidden desires.

Produced by Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group, the musical will be directed by Bobby Garcia. Joining him in the creative team are musical director Ceejay Javier, vocal director ManMan Angsico, choreographer Cecile Martinez, lighting designer Adam Honore, set designer Faust Peneyra, costume designer Oz Go, sound designer Kevin Heard, video designer GA Fallarme, and hair and make-up  stylist Johann dela Fuente.

Fun Home is recommended for ages 13 and up. Parental supervision is encouraged for those below 13 and children under the age of 7 are not allowed inside the theater. It runs for a limited engagement of 18 shows from November 10-27, at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza Makati.

Tickets are available by calling Ticketworld at 891-9999.

Not a Humbug: 9 Works Theatrical Stages A Christmas Carol: The Musical

Of the many adaptations of the Charles Dickens classic, it is A Christmas Carol: The Musical by composer Alan Menken (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors) and lyricist Lynn Ahrens (Once on This Island, Ragtime) that takes the joy and celebration found in the novella and brings it to life on stage.

Charles Dickens, known for many important works of literature like Oliver Twist and Great Expectations, also wrote one of the most beloved stories about Christmas. Published in 1843, professor and editor Richard Michael Kelly contextualized Charles Dickens quintessential Christmas story as having ushered forth a renewed vigor in celebrating “the most wonderful time of the year.” This novella, A Christmas Carol, is as timeless as the holiday that it celebrates.

According to Professor Kelly, Puritans in America and England stopped celebrating Christmas by the 17th century and it wasn’t until the late 1830s that people began singing Christmas carols in the streets again. The publication of the Charles Dickens novella and its critical and commercial success brought back Christmas as we know it —the giving of gifts and Christmas cards, the decoration of trees, and all the other trappings of this beautiful holiday.

It is a story that we all know: a bitter, old miser called Ebenezer Scrooge hates Christmas and calls it “humbug.” But the three ghosts of the season — the ghost of Christmas past, the ghost of Christmas present, and the ghost of Christmas future— soon visit him and they open up his eyes to the world. It is the journey of an angry, greedy, and selfish individual and his discovery of the true meaning of Christmas.

It is a redemption story that is so beautifully written that underneath its joyful celebration of giving and love, it subtly takes stabs at the oppressive social structures prevalent in Britain during that time. Significantly enough, that message still rings so true today.

Christmas is a time for celebration — for singing and dancing and being around people you love — and that lends itself perfectly to musical theater. A Christmas Carol: The Musical was written by Tony Award nominee Mike Ockrent and Tony Award winner Lynn Ahrens, with lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and music by Alan Menken; winner of eleven Grammy Awards, eight Oscar Awards, seven Golden Globes, the Olivier Award, Tony Award, Drama Desk Award, and two Outer Critics Awards.

What better way to celebrate the holiday cheer than a trip to the theater to remind yourself what the true meaning of Christmas is.

A Christmas Carol: The Musical stars theater veteran Miguel Faustmann as Ebenezer Scrooge, Ariel Reonal as Jacob Marley, Norby David as the Ghost of Christmas Past, Franz Imperial as the Ghost of Christmas Present, Ela Lisondra as the Ghost of Christmas Future, and introducing Rocco Buser and Dewayde Dizon as Tiny Tim. It also stars Raul Montesa as Bob Cratchit, Anna Santamaria as Mrs. Cratchit, Jun Ofrasio as Mr. Fezziwig, Dawn Eduave as Mrs. Fezziwig, Nel Gomez as Fred, Al Gatmaitan as Young Ebenezer Scrooge, Mitzie Lao as Emily, Gian Gloria as Sally, together with Tory Cortez, Andre Ruelo and DM Garcia alternating as Jonathon and Scrooge at 12, Rayne Cortez and Ella Gonzalez as Grace Smythe, Ornela Buser and Cerise Ramirez as Fan, Mari Yapjoco and Joe Ng as Fred’s son.

Rounding up the cast are Kyle Francisco as Martha Cratchit, GM Hernandez as Mr. Smythe, JP Basco as Young Marley, Will Angeles as Beadle, Kendrick Ibasco as Mr. Hawkins, Josh Ramirez as John William Scrooge, Jonjon Martin as Harry, Mara Javier as Mrs. Mops, Mariella Laurel as Scrooge’s mother, Shalee Vicencio and Ina Salonga.

A Christmas Carol is directed by Robbie Guevara, together with Onyl Torres as assistant director, Daniel Bartolome as musical director, PJ Rebullida & Yek Barlongay as choreographers, Mio Infante as scenographer, Martin Esteva as lighting designer, Myrene Santos as hair and makeup designer, Dong Calingacion as technical director, Philleep Masaquel as technical supervisor, Jaime Godinez & Rards Corpus as Sound Designers, Chuck Ledesma as sound effects designer, GA Fallarme as video & projection designer, Ian Cartalaba as costume supervisor & design assistant.

Heading the production team are executive producers Santi Santamaria (9 Works Theatrical) and Joe Caliro (Globe Live), Denise Seva (Globe Live Director for Events and Production), with 9 Works Theatrical’s Anna Santamaria as company manager, Toff de Venecia as PR director, Jonjon Martin and Issa Tuason as PR managers, GM Hernandez as marketing manager, Arma Bonilla as stage manager, JC Inocian as photographer, and Gian Nicdao as graphic designer.

A Christmas Carol will be shown on December 3 to 4, 9 to 11 & 16 to 18, 21 & 22, 2016 at 8:00pm, and December 25, 2016 at 7:00pm, at Globe Iconic Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

To stay updated on the ticket availability, just contact 586.7105, 0917.554.5560, Ticketworld at 891.9999, or email info@9workstheatrical.com.

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

Facebook: GlobePH. YouTube: GlobePH. Twitter & Instagram: @enjoyGlobe.

Hashtag: #Globe9WTAChristmasCarol

A Christmas Carol is brought to you by 9 Works Theatrical & Globe Live, presented by MasterCard & HUAWEI, co-presented by FOX, Star World & Bonifacio High Street, with Makeup Forever as the official makeup partner, Uniquely Pinoy and MVNDO.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

*Text from press release. Furst three photos from the top by the author; the rest from press release.