"Love You to the Stars and Back" Showcases an Out of this World Love Story

Text and photos by Mark Anthony Cabrera

How do you  deal with a loss of a loved one? What measures would you make to bring them back? Will you search the universe just to get to be with them again? These are just some of the questions that hold premise for Antoinette Jadaone’s Love You to the Stars and Back.
Since this will be their second movie together, Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto were asked how comfortable they are doing this film. Both agreed that they definitely didn’t have any awkward moments on set as they felt comfortable working with each other. Julia said that she is proud of Joshua because all of his scenes were take 1 only, proving yet again how good Joshua is with his craft. Joshua on the other hand noted how Julia was really good in her approach to the role, too.

The movie revolves around the story of Mika ( Julia Barretto) who lost her mother because of an accident. While mourning her loss, she thought of ways to try  to bring her beloved Mother back.Feeling alone and left out because of such a tragedy, Mika decides to go on a road trip with a very strange goal – to look for aliens.In her journey, she would stumble upon Caloy, a guy who believes in YOLO ( You Only Live one) .She chooses to give him a free ride until he reaches his destination.Mika was surprised to find out that Caloy  has cancer and wanted to make the most of his days on earth.Together they embark on a road trip to fulfill what they were meant to do.Star-crossed lovers bound by destiny, will they succeed in fulfilling their hearts’ desires? Will love conquer everything? Will they be ready if aliens do abduct them?

I Love You to the Stars and back opened across Philippine cinemas last August  30, 2017. Directed by Hugot Queen herself, Antoinette Jadaone, Julia and Joshua are joined by other cast members Edgar Allan Guzman, Carmina Villaroel , Ariel Rivera, Cherry Pie Picache, Eda Nolan, Maricar Reyes, Belle Mariano and Jelson Bay.

THE NECESSARY THEATRE ALL SET FOR OLIVIER WINNER FOR BEST PLAY 'BLACKBIRD' ON SEPT. 1

Theater veteran Bart Guingona and Mikkie Bradshaw – Volante will portray the roles of Ray and Una in the forthcoming play BLACKBIRD written by David Harrower.

About the play:
Una, a 27-year- old woman, comes to visit Ray, a 55-year- old man, at his office. They are clearly not comfortable in other's company, and we soon find out why: 15 years before,
when Una was only twelve, Ray seduced Una over the course of three months and finally took her away to a hotel for the weekend. Ray spent several years in prison for statutory
rape, and Una was ostracized from her community after the incident. Now, she has found him by accident, and the play delves into their complex feelings for each other. Though
clearly, and definitional, sexual abuse has occurred, the play that ensues is also part of a love story -- a horrible love story, but a love story all the same.

Winner of the Olivier Award for Best Play, Blackbird is a deeply complex portrayal of two people whose ruined lives are inextricably intertwined.
(Synopsis taken from: stageagent.com)

CAST:
BART GUINGONA as RAY
MIKKIE BRADSHAW – VOLANTE as UNA

ARTISTIC TEAM
Playwright: David Harrower
Direction: Topper Fabregas
Set design: Joey Mendoza
Lights design: John Batalla
Sounds design: Jethro Joaquin
Photography: Paul Lao
Poster Design: Steven Tansiongco

PERFORMANCE DATES:
First Week:
September 1 (Friday) – 8PM
September 2 (Saturday) – 8PM
September 3 (Sunday) – 3PM

Second Week:
September 8 (Friday) – 8PM
September 9 (Saturday) – 8PM
September 10 (Sunday) – 3PM

Venue: Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium
4/F RCBC Plaza, Makati City
Ticket Price: PhP 1,200.00 Orchestra center, PhP 1,000.00 Orchestra sides and orchestra
back; PhP 800.00 Loge; PhP 500 Balcony

For TICKETS, CALL TICKETWORLD 8919999.

Dulce and Rita Daniela of Impostora Welcome the Challenge of "Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag the Musical"

"Ay dyuskupo, tumbling ang lola. Kay Douglas [Nierras], hindi ka pwedeng magdahilan," said the Ako ang Nagwagi singer Dulce. She didn't expect the intensity of the dances. 

In the musical, she plays Mrs. Cruz (alternating with fellow singer Ima Castro), who is a madam (or an abadesa in Spanish), the equivalent of a female pimp. She's responsible for the ill fate of Ligaya Paraiso, played by Hilda Koronel in the film version. This is Dulce's first time playing such a role and she considers the fact that Joey Nombres (lighting designer) having suggested her for the role a lucky coincidence. It was in 1975 that the film was made, and in that same year, she won for Tawag ng Tanghalan.

"Ang ganda-ganda ng music. Kapag pinakinggan mo pa lang, nakakaiyak," she said of Von De Guzman's (musical director) pieces. She particularly found the "Maynila" solo of Guido and Nasaan ang Hustisya solo of Perla moving.

Perla, on the other hand, will be played by rising young star Rita Daniela, who currently plays Maureen in Impostora. The role is of a responsible sister and daughter who thinks of other people before herself. However, she does have a love interest who is Paul played by Floyd Tena. She describes it as this: "Love story na naudlot...yung sana papunta na dun pero hindi mo sure kung gusto din niya." She thinks highly of her co-actors vocal ability.

"Surprisingly, warm at napakabait po ni Sir Douglas,"said the young actress, who's working with the meticulous and celebrated choreographer for the first time. However, she already worked with the show's director, entertainment industry veteran Joel Lamangan, for Gantimpala Theater Foundation's (GTF) Katipunan: Mga Anak ng Bayan in 2013. She played the role of Gregoria de Jesus.

Rita was 14 years old when she first did musicals. She also did Snow White at ang Pitong Duwende with GTF where she was partnered with Ivan Dorschner. Given her working relationship with some of the key staff of this production, she admits that being part of it was still no easy feat. "Kahit po na kilala ko yung staff na kasama ko sa show, hindi yun assurance. Ipinamukha sa amin na you have to work hard for it." She sang Ang Iibigin ay Ikaw as her audition piece.

The musical that will be staged is based on the original novel by Edgardo M. Reyes and not on the film. The libretto is written by Jose Victor Torres and Em Mendez with Jun Pablo as the production designer. The lead role of Julio Madiaga will be played by tenor Arman Ferrer, who's been in very relevant musicals in the past few years. Musical theater actress Sheila Valderrama-Martinez and opera singer Lara Maigue are alternating as Ligaya Paraiso.

The performances will be on September 30, 3pm and 8pm (gala), October 1, 3pm, and 8pm, October 4 and 5, 8pm, and October 6, 3pm and 8pm. The venue will be at the Kia Theatre in Araneta Center, Cubao. The show is produced by Grand Leisure Corporation, in cooperaiton with Fullhouse Asia Production Studios. Part of the show's proceeds will go to its beneficiary, GTF.

Tickets may be availed by visiting www.ticketnet.com.ph. You may also call 897-7142 or 890-0853.

"Ibong Adarna" to Open Ballet Manila's "Flights of Fantasy" Tomorrow

Ballet Manila Reaches New Heights with its Much-Awaited 22ndPerformance Season 

This coming August, we invite you to join us for a season of magic, adventure, dreams, and romance as they lift the curtains on their much-awaited 22nd performance season. 

Aptly named Flights of Fantasy, the new season will feature two world premieres, a beloved classic that proves once and for all that there is nothing in this world that love can’t conquer, and another unforgettable rendition of the company’s Ballet & Ballads series. 

“This season is all about breaking down walls and leading audiences to worlds that are filled with profound wonders,” shares Ballet Manila’s CEO and Artistic Director, Lisa Macuja-Elizalde. “Personally, I believe in the power and the lessons of the stories included in this season’s line up. These are stories that—for me—need to be told and retold time and again as they highlight the best of human creativity and provide lessons that guide us every day."

Ibong Adarna

Flights of Fantasy opens on August 26 with an all-new Ballet Manila original—Ibong Adarna. Choreographed by the company’s premier danseur, Gerardo Francisco, the show will bring to life the magical kingdom of Berbanya with modern production techniques, flying sequences, and impressive routines that can rival even those of the most well-known classical pieces. And as if Ballet Manila’s Vaganova Academy Style-trained dancers are not enough reasons to catch the show, Ibong Adarna will also feature West End star Gia Macuja Atchiso as the singing Ibong Adarna. 

Aside from the choreography and libretto by Francisco, Ibong Adarna will also feature original music by Diwa de Leon, set and costume design by Otto Hernandez, and script by Angela Blardony Ureta. 

Ibong Adarna will be shown at Aliw Theater on August 26 and September 2 at 6:00 p.m., and on August 27 and September 3 at 3:00 p.m. 

Swan Lake

Come October, the company will stage one of the world’s most enduring and widely popular classical ballets, Swan Lake. Featuring music from master composer Peter Tchaikovsky, the said production is a showcase of the company’s commitment to have at least one classical ballet in its repertoire every season—so as to uphold its Vaganova roots. 

For its version of Swan Lake, Ballet Manila’s production features the original Lev Ivanov choreography for the white acts and a brand-new set design by Miguel Faustmann.  

“Swan Lake is very close to my heart because it’s the one ballet that convinced me that I can make it as a ballerina. This is why I always look forward to staging this piece. With every staging of Swan Lake, I always utter a silent prayer that a little girl sitting in the audience will also be inspired enough to pursue a ballet career.”

Show schedules are: October 7 and October 14at 6:00 p.m. and October 8 and October 15 at 3:00 p.m. 

Snow White

November will mark another important milestone for Ballet Manila as the company debuts Lisa Macuja-Elizalde’s second full-length choreography work, Snow White. Aimed at making the holiday season more magical for everyone, the piece promises to show a new perspective to this timeless tale.

“The Queen will play a big role in the storytelling,” says Macuja-Elizalde. “Our take on Snow White will—we hope—leave everyone wanting for more. We’re taking things up a notch in all aspects. Essentially, we’re bringing the story to the 21st century, but maintaining its essence and universal appeal.”

Snow White makes its world premiere at the Aliw Theater on November 25at 6:00 p.m. Other show dates include December 2 at 6:00 PM, and November 26 and December 3 at 3:00 PM. 

Ballet & Ballads

To close the performance season on a sweet note, Ballet Manila will stage another installment of its Ballet & Ballads in February 2018. Heartthrob balladeer Christian Bautista will headline the show, which will be an interesting mix of classical ballet and modern pop music. 

“We’re bringing back Ballet & Ballads to show everyone the flexibility of ballet as an art form. Usually, when people think of ballet, they think automatically of classical music, not pop. But then again, we're breaking walls this season. We're showing you how ballet can move with the times,"explains Macuja-Elizalde.  

Show schedule for Ballet & Ballads are: February 10 and 17, 2018 at 6:00 p.m., and February 11 and 18, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. 

Tickets are available through all TicketWorld outlets. Please call 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph for more information. In addition, those who are planning to watch all the shows may take advantage our Season Subscription Programs, which offer up to 50% discount on ticket prices. For more information, you may visit www.ticketworld.com.ph/balletmanila/Online/  and click on‘View Details’ under ‘Season Subscription Program’.  

PPP Awards Night Rocked with Festivities

Article and Photos by Mika Fabella

The first-ever Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino wrapped up a hugely successful run with a thanksgiving night, held on August 20 at Whitespace Manila. The festival, spearheaded by the Film Development Council of the Philippines, ran officially from August 16 to 22 and enjoyed blockbuster levels of success at the box office, grossing Php 127 million during its 6-day run.

Filipiniana Rock was the theme of the night, with guests donned in stylized barong and filipiniana dresses, the best in Pinoy food laden around the venue. Guests enjoyed the live music of various OPM bands and artists, such as Callalily, Aiza Seguera, Kalayo, Ebe Dancel, and many more. The event was graced by the directors, cast, and crew of the PPP films, including actors Iza Calzado, Mailes Kanapi, Ryza Cenon and Martin del Rosario, director Erik Matti, and screenwriter Ricky Lee.

Although the committee noted that an overall Best Picture award was unnecessary given that all the films embodied the spirit of the festival, several special awards were given to notable works.

In the short film category,  “Ang Kapitbahay Ko Sa 2014” by Anya Zulueta and “Fat You” were awarded the Amazing By Choice Award. The Jury’s Choice Award was given to both “Pahimakas” by Lance Maravillas and “Delayed Si Jhemerlyn Rose” by Don Senoc. “Ang Unang Araw ng Pasukan” by Ar-Jen Manlapig was awarded Sine Kabataan Best Picture.

Three full-length feature films took home the big awards of the night. “Birdshot” by Mikhail Red bagged the Critics’ Choice Award, praised for its bravery. The Audience Choice Award went to “100 Tula Para Kay Stella” by Jason Paul Laxamana, and Victor Villanueva’s “Patay Na Si Hesus” took home the Jury’s Choice Award.

Despite the success, FDCP CEO Liza Diño encouraged filmmakers toward continuous learning and an understanding of different perspectives. With the go signal for PPP 2018, she urged filmmakers to continue producing films that could reach out to the Filipino audience, an audience that she believes deserves well-made, quality films.

“The audiences are there. You just have to give them the opportunity to see these films.” – Liza Diño

NIGHT OF NOSTALGIA AND GREAT MUSIC, GUARANTEED IN RUSELL THOMPKINS, JR.AND THE NEW STYLISTICS ONE NIGHT ONLY CONCERT!

Audiences are definitely in for a musical treat like no other as Grand Leisure Corporation  bring Russel Thompkins Jr. and the New Stylistics, in a one-night only concert this 7th of September, 8pm at the world class Theatre at Solaire.

Thompkins, together with Raymond Johnson and Jonathan Buckson, the singing trio is committed and dedicated to the mission of providing quality representation of the group’s original recordings.

Expect endearing and fresh takes to the iconic hit songs and the unmatched showmanship and stage wonder that the trio brings.

Be ready to be enthralled, and yes, even a little teary eyed even as their vocal harmonies and emotional commitment enliven their most popular hits, such as “Betcha By Gmalolly Wow,” “You’ll Never Get To Heaven If You Beak My Heart,” “Stop, Look, Listen, ‘We Can Make It Happen,” “Miracle” and others.

Ably supported by their piano man and musical director, Kenny Thompson, 2017 marks the 14th year of the talented threesome. They will and shall continue with their tradition of delivering quality performances to their dedicated and supportive fans.

Russel Thompkins and the New Stylistics hold dear in their hearts in Manila that is why they are bringing in a night of nostalgia and great music.

Partnering with Grand Leisure Corporation n this concert are Steve O Neal Productions and Solaire Resort and Casino.

For tickets, please call TicketWorld at (02) 891 9999.

HAPPINESS IS A PEARL SETS RE-RUN FROM AUG. 25 – SEPT. 17

“Happiness is a Pearl,” an original play penned by Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature Hall of Famer Rody Vera is all set to open on August 25 and shall run up to Sept. 17 at Arts Above, Artist Playground II, 112 West Venue Bldg., West Avenue, Quezon City.

“Happiness is a Pearl” revolves around three characters -- -Kenji, a male courtesan; Maria, a poor Pinay Japayuki; and Mari, a wife who falls in love with Kenji.

Before becoming a prostitute in a club in Kabukicho, Tokyo, Mari was married to a wealthy businessman. But Mari’s billionaire husband soon leaves her when she becomes attached to a male gigolo named Kenji, who has a pearl stitched under the skin of his penis. However, Kenji sets his eyes on a poverty-stricken Filipina entertainer named Maria. Intertwined by fate and struggles, how will Kenji, Maria, and Mari find the true meaning of love and happiness? “Happiness is a Pearl” will be directed by Paul Jake Paule, an esteemed actor, director and Aliw Awards nominee.

The director, Paul Jake Paule

The list of cast is as follows: Kenji - Glen Asaytona, TJ Dela Paz, Julian Roxas and Arvin Trinidad; Mari - Cathrine Go, Micah Musa, and April Jasmin Rosales; Maria - Ahlyxon Leyva, Sheena Ramos, and Ira Ruzz.

The ensemble is as follows: Star Alferez, Jessa Bisnar, Rey Ann Guilas, Joyan Kiu, Beaulah Mae Saycon, Sheneill Solis, Princess Tuason

The Artistic Team is led by Paul Jake Paule (Director), Roeder Camañag (Artistic Director), Jesse Lucas (Music By), Lezlie Dailisan (Choreographer) Mailes Kanapi (Artistic Consultant) Jeffrey Camañag (Production Design Consultant) Ma Fatima Cadiz (Assistant Director) John Mark Yap (Lay-out Designer) Aly Mondonedo (Photographer) Sem Pabion (Dramaturg) Rowena Jarito(Sound Designer), Glenn Caspe(Lights Designer) and Reynoso Mercado (Production Designer).

The playwright, Rody Vera

The Production Team is led by Kimberly Claire Somoza (Production Manager) , Joselito “Toots” Tolentino (Publicist) Pat Gajes (Stage Manager), Jeremy Cabansag (Deputy Stage Manager), Arjie Rebuldela (ASM for Lights/Boardman) , Beaulah Mae Saycon (ASM for Costume), Star Alferez
(Costume Mistress), Jessa Bisnar (Make-up Supervisor), Rey Ann Guilas (Prop head), Rowena jarito(Spinner) , and Set team : Glenn Caspe, Jayson Garcia, Paul Candor and Joyan Kiu.

For tickets, call Ticketworld 8919999.

For inquiries, please call 09759193179 c/o Kimberly Somoza.

One of the actors playing Kenji, experienced actor Arvin Trinidad from DUP

FILM REVIEW: Triptiko

"Children will always be afraid of the dark, and men with minds sensitive to hereditary impulse will always tremble at the thought of the hidden and fathomless worlds of strange life which may pulsate in the gulfs beyond the stars, or press hideously upon our own globe in unholy dimensions which only the dead and the moonstruck can glimpse." - H.P. Lovecraft

Like how each episode of the film Triptiko (Triptych) by Miguel Franco Michelena starts, I decided to begin with a quote. Do not let the trailer fool you. The film is neither in the romance, comedy, or "slice of life" genre. In fact, it can be classified more of a horror or a thriller. This is actually what Shake Rattle and Roll should aspire to be.

The first episode Swerte stars Albie Casiño as Jake, a young man off to Binangonan, Rizal to visit a friend after a wild night with a certain Suzy, who left him something to remember her by. However, some people can be at the wrong place at the wrong time, which would prove lucky for one, and unlucky for another, as the film progresses. What made this work was not his acting, which was still a little rough around the edges, but the narrative which makes you just want to go along for the ride and cheer fand gasp with the protagonist, as more misadventures follow. Jerald Napols' known for his comic antics in Sunday Pinasaya as well as in some films of popular "indie to mainstream" directors like Antoinette Jadaone, wears a different face here that might actually haunt you in your sleep.

The second episode, Hinog, revolves around the story of a vain model named Jason, played by Joseph Marco. A few minutes into the story, we discover he has a little problem which is why he regularly goes to the dermatologist Aivee (a real-life formidable rival of Belo), so that it wouldn't affect his job. However, his problem suddenly escalates and a nurse from the clinic offers him help in the person of Art Acuña. This episode reminds one of the film Thinner, with the best ensemble performance of all three episodes. This is Art's most unconventional and intense role to date. 

The third episode, Musikerong John, plays a completely different tune. Unlike the other two, the pacing is rather slow and relaxed  almost all throughout the film. The story is about John, a struggling musician, who comes back to his old haunt to play some songs for the nostalgia of his romance with Anne. Thhe music chronicles the major points of her change and his reaction to it. However, the multiple close-up shots of the protagonist John played by Kean Cipriano and Kylie Padilla as Anne, is the intelligent direction that makes the chemistry between the two lovers stand out even more and make the pain after lingering. This episode dares us to ask ourselves the question, how far would we go for love? What is the most painful event which can come between us and our loved one?

The film combines fresh ideas with inspired camera angles and also a superb sound design and musical scoring. It may be acquired taste for some because the situations in the stories are very improbable but that's what makes the film charming and uniquely weird.

FILM REVIEW: Bar Boys

Aside from Legally Blonde, the films about law students in popular culture wear all serious courtroom dramas or thrillers, like 12 Angry Men, To Kill A Mockingbird, and the Tom Cruise-starrer The Firm. And then, there's Kip Oebanda's Bar Boys.

Bar Boys make it a point at the start of the movie that it is going to be a fun ride, with the four principal characters, played by Carlo Aquino, Rocco Nacino, Enzo Pineda, and Kean Cipriano, bonding over a multiplayer computer game while waiting for the results of their exams which would determine whether they would go to law school or not. But alas, the dog eat dog world which churns out would be attorneys spits out one of them early in the game, Kean is out, and the three go on to do their best, despite their different support systems and socioeconomic backgrounds.

The good thing about the film is that it feels like a compact guide on what it is like to be a law student from freshman year to senior year, how will it affect your relationships, and what it means for a family to finally have an attorney. It also makes us take a long, hard look at the dark side of law school, fraternities. 

Unlike colleges, it is pretty hard to forego this kind of connection in law school because in the real world, not everyone has the luck to keep two of their friends by their side when entering law school. One fraternity member in the film even mentioned that fraternity is all they had since most of them are from the province. And this connection also plays a big part in the cruz of the film which brings two of the principal character's principles to a head on collision.

The charm of Bar Boys lies in its ability to know when to move on from a scene and when to linger, the natural chemistry of its leads, and strong support performances especially from Odette Khan, Mike Liwag, Anna Luna, and Mailes Kanapi. Hazel Faith Dela Cruz cameo as the seductive emo law student is so striking that you can't help but wish she had more scenes. 

Bar Boys makes a seemingly boring subject matter charming by not resorting to rhetorics and by laying out the motivations of each character for wanting to be an attorney clearly without resorting to melodrama.

13 Reasons Why "Ang Guro Kong Di Marunong Magbasa" Stands Out This Cinemalaya 2017

1. The poster is one for the books.

2. You will learn that salt and vinegar can be used by the rebels in the battlefield.

3. Mon Confiado aka Emilio Aguinaldo of Heneral Luna looks totally different here as Kumander Ahmid.

4. Mammoth and Ika-6 na Utos actress Marife Necesito has a very special role here.

5. The theme song Darating Din was sung by a pastor, Alvin Barcelona. Dang, how many movies can claim that?

6. It features a cast of thousands (not to be taken literally) made evident by how many of them were onstage during the gala screening.

7. It always has articles about it coming out like offsprings of mating bunnies. I wonder why.

8. Bazooka is love.

9. It definitely has the most crying and screaming scenes. And angry people.

10. The film was proudly shot in 6 days, according to its writer-director Perry Escaño.

11. It flashbacks showcases a flair for color grading. Sorta.

12. It was called a both a "wild card" and a "dark horse" by Maria Urduja Osit-Li of creators.co. I am not what she creates though I am sure those are my photos in her article which she used without due credit to this writer. There's no harm in asking who took the photos.

13. It may appear to be a drama film but many people got a good dose of laughter. In fact, some even call it a feel-good movie with a very conspicuous advocacy.

Here are the remaining screening schedules of the film. Do catch it or else you'll regret it since you will not be able to relate to one of the most-talked about films of Cinemalaya 2017, along with Respeto.

AUGUST 11 (FRI): 
12:45 PM -- CCP Little Theater
7:00 PM -- Greenbelt 1 (Cinema 2)
7:00 PM -- UP Town Center (Cinema 3)

AUGUST 12 (SAT): 
10:00 AM -- CCP Main Theater
2:00 PM – Marquee Mall (Cinema 1)
9:30 PM -- Glorietta 4 (Cinema 4) 
9:30 PM – Trinoma (Cinema 1)

AUGUST 13 (SUN): 
2:00 PM -- UP Town Center (Cinema 3)
4:30 PM -- Fairview Terraces (Cinema 1)
4:30 PM -- Greenbelt 1 (Cinema 1)
7:00 PM -- Glorietta 4 (Cinema 4)