Junyee's Life Unfolds Starting Tomorrow Via Tanghalang Pilipino's Balag at Angud

In his ripe old age, something happened in the front lawn of CCP. Luis Yee Jr., popularly known as Junyee, the protest artist who can best be remembered for his installation Wood Things, has an epiphany and a near-death experience. He falls off the stage in 2007 during the launching of Angud: A Forest Once, a complex installation at the CCP lawn made with a thousand "anguds", which he was able to gather during the aftermath of typhoons Milenyo and Reming.

An "angud" is the part of the tree trunk where holes are drilled and that part with the hole is stripped, chopped and discarded. he depiction of this scene as the opening number titled Kabaliwan, of the Tanghalang Pilipino musical about his life, Balag at Angud, is rousing. This does not come as a surprise since the production is helmed by veteran theater actor Audie Gemora and starred in by literary genius Rody Vera, whose impeccable talent in performance has been underutilized even by his home theater company, since people associate him more with Palanca, The Writer's Bloc, and The Virgin Labfest.

Junyee, like the person playing him, didn't really care what people brand him as, as long as he gets to explore his passion as an artist. However, things didn't come easy. "His story will not only resonate with artists who faced insurmountable opposition but with anyone who chooses to follow his heart and live accordingly," said the director. It wasn't until 1970s, when he's already in his mid-thirties, that his talent as an installation artist will be recognized. However, he remained seminal until 1975, which was the year when he did Wood Things.

Balag "happened" when he was the art editor of The Philippine Collegian. This Tagalog word stands for a terrace where vines crawl. It's an interactive installation placed in the midst of UP Diliman Campus in the 1970s where you can hang different messages. It's also the title of the 3rd musical number shown during the press launch. "It's a way at that time for students to express themselves through art," said JV Ibesate, a member of the TP Actors' Company who always hosts the press events and who is a member of the production ensemble. 

The 2nd musical number shown was Di Mapigilan, which highlights how he first encountered his muse, played by Bayang Barrios. Originally shown at the UPLB auditorium last November 2017 as Balag: The Musical, someone offered to sponsor it that's why it ended up on the professional theater stage. The set design will be done by no less than Toym Leon Imao, another prominent installation artist, the latter being the reason why Junyee chose him, aside from being a family friend.

At 17, Junyee's original artwork was already displayed at the lobby of the Palace Hotel. Seemingly a man ahead of his time, clients of the establishment thought of it as garbage, prompting his father to try to get rid of it. Their argument eventually led him to leave home and pursue his craft while earning his keep by taking on the job of a mortuary cosmetologist. After his father's demise, he shifted his attention to helping stabilize the family income, leading him to enter the fine arts program at UP Diliman when he was already 22 years old. There, Napoleon Abueva, Sr. took him under his wing and he was able to develop his own style. 

An artist against all odds, his art manifests an abiding love of life, love of nature, love for country, love for art and love for family. In keeping with Tanghalang Pilipino 32nd Season's theme "PIlipino" the musical recounts the choice he made to follow his passion amidst opposition from his father and other naysayers who don't understand his art.

Artistic Team
Audie Gemora (Director)
Dodjie Fernandez/Upeng Fernandez (Music Composers)
Ava Villanueva Ong/Al Bernard Garcia (Choreographers)
Toym Imao (Set Designer)
James Reyes (Costume Designer)
John Batalla (Lighting Designer)
TJ Ramos (Sound Designer)
Datu Arellano (Projection Designer)
Doray Dayao (Stage Manager)
William Guillermo (Deputy Stage Manager)
Jonalou Fabon (Assistant Stage Manager)

Cast: Rody Vera (Junyee), Paw Castillo (Teenage Junyee), Dune Michael Garcia (Batang Junyee), Bayang Barrios (Musa), Krystle Campos (Batang Musa), Jonathan Tadioan (Luis), Mia Bolaños (Felisa), Zoe Delos Santos (Teresa), Astarte Abraham (Tess) and Noe Morgado (Napoleon Abueva). Ensemble: Raflesia Bravo, Sigrid Balbas, Cheeno Macaraig, Cyril Balderamo, Karl Jingco, JV Ibesate, Aldo Vencilao, Lhorvie Nuevo, Toni Go, Ybes Bagadiong, Monique Nellas, Eunica Pacia and Joshua Tayco. 

Ballet Manila opens Tour de Force with an Iconic trip down memory lane

Ballet  Manila  opens  their  23rd performance  season,  Tour  de  Force,  with  a  presentation  of  the  company’s  most  iconic  performances.  In  a  two-weekend  affair,  Iconic  1.0  andIconic  2.0  will  revisit  some  of  Ballet  Manila’s  most  memorable  collaborations,  selected  from  a  repertoire  ofover  200  ballets  performed  since  1995.

Iconic  1.0  draws  mostly  from  the  strength  of  Ballet  Manila’s  global  network,  with  highlights  such  as  Annabelle  Lopez  Ochoa’s  Bloom.  The  Colombian-Belgian  choreographer’s  work  is  sought  after  in  operas,  musicals,  and  even  in  fashion—this  piece  is  her  first  work  ever  for  an  Asian  dance  company.  There’s  also  Sotto  Voce  by  Augustus  “Bam”  Damian  III,  oneof  the  most  prolific  Filipinos  in  European  ballet.  And  asnodto  Ballet  Manila’s  Vaganova  roots,  itis  restaging  a  version  ofRomeo  and  Juliet  by Russian  legend  Sergei  Vikulov.    

Meanwhile,  Iconic  2.0  digs  deep  into  the  wealth  of  Ballet  Manila’s  homegrown  talent,  with  gems  such  as  Gerardo  Francisco’s  fantasy-filled  Ibong  Adarna,  Osias  Barroso’s  lifelike  Ecole,  the  late  Ballet  Manila  co-founder  Eric  V.  Cruz’s  sensuous  Carmen,  andLisa  Macuja-Elizalde’s  timeless  Fur  Elise.

“We’re  reliving  the  past  in  a  very  special  way,  because  our  company  has  seen  many  changes  happening—most  especially  in  our  roster  of  dancers.  It  is  such  a  fantastic  learning  experience  to  have  some  of  our  most  loved  and  successful  original  ballets  handed  down  to  the  new  generation  that  is  Ballet  Manila  today,”  shares  Ballet  Manila  CEO  and  Artistic  Director  Lisa  Macuja-Elizalde.  

  

17  different  ballets,  14  featured  choreographers,  and  the  country’s  premier  classical  dance  company  –the  Iconic  series  is  Ballet  Manila’s  biggest  gala  yet  and  promises  to be  a  different,  daring,  and  diverse  season  opener.  With  a  single  ticket  valid  for  two  shows,  dance  fans  are  in  for  two  weekends’ of Iconic  performances!    

“This  series  is  also  an  introduction  of  what  Ballet  Manila  can  do–and we  can  do it  all,  from  the  classics  to  contemporary  pieces.  We  curated  this  series  in  such  a  way  that  we show  as  much  variety  and  versatility  as  possible,  so  there’s  a  performance  for  everyone,”adds  Lisa.    

Tour  de  Force  gets  the  ball  rolling  for  Ballet  Manila’s  silver  year  on2020,  and  the  best  is always  yet  to  come  for  the  company.  With  the  perfect  season  opener  in Iconic  1.0 and Iconic  2.0,  this  season  promises  to be  a  world-class  and  highly  entertaining  run  that  everyone  in  the  family  can  enjoy.  Don’t  miss  the  opening  gala!   

Show  schedules: “Tour  De  Force” kicks  off  this  September  with “Iconic  1.0,” which  will  beon  September  1  and 2,  2018,  and “Iconic  2.0,”which  will  be on  September  8  and 9,  2018.  One  ticket  will  be  valid  on  both  weekends.  

For  more  information  about  the  shows,  including  ticket  prices  and  schedules,  you  may  visit 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 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  www.ticketworld.com.ph/balletmanila/Online/  and  click  on  ‘View  Details’  under  ‘Season  Subscription  Program’.

Direk Adonis Tabanda for Aliw@40 Concert

Join us on October 4, 2018 in the biggest Aliw Concert for 2018. Aliw@40 Concert is a celebration of Apat na Dekada ng Aliw as the foundation that helps the ailing and in need entertainers. 

Let’s watch together the award winning and premier performers from different generations; Ms. Pilita Corales, Hajji Alejandro, Rico J. Puno, Jun Polistico, Kuh Ledesma, Liza Macuja- Elizalde, Ballet Manila, LA Santos & Imelda Papin. 

Special guests includes the international singer & songwriter Keith Martin, Star Music Artist Val John, The Infinite and the Asia’s Best Singing Competition Winners. 

Live music will be performed by The 3rd Avenue under the musical direction of Direk Adonis Tabanda who just arrived last week fresh from the successful concert of Morissette in Dubai and him  as the Musical Director.  

Produced by Tag Media Group and Co Presented by Manila Broadcasting Company, Ballet Manila & Star City for the benefit of Aliw Awards Foundation Incorporated. 

For tickets, please call 09778978877 or buy it directly via Ticketworld.  The event is still accepting sponsors.

In 3 Days, EBC'S NET 25 Will Pay Homage to Pinoy Classics with Young Once (Upon a Time)

Songs full of memories, the melodies that once touched our hearts, Filipino music at its classic best.

Hear and relive all of these with Eagle Broadcasting Corporation's new musical show, "Young Once (Upon a Time)" which premieres on August 26, Sunday, at 8 p.m. on NET 25.

It will also be simulcast on EBC's PINAS FM, the only FM station that plays 100 percent OPM hits.

It's a show not only for the young at heart -- the "young once" -- but also for today's generation -- the young ones.

Every Sunday at 8 p.m., watch as classic Filipino hits are sung by the original artists who performed them when these songs topped the charts.

It's a show that will acquaint today's millennials with the music of the past; it's also a show for the generation that saw the best of Philippine music from the 60s top the 90s.

"Young Once (Upon a Time)" is a special project of NET25 which aims to promote Original Pilipino Music (OPM), give tribute to great Filipino composers and showcase the best singers of the country.

The show is hosted by Anthony Castelo, Eva Vivar and Darius Razon, who, themselves, are icons in Philippine entertainment.

Castelo is best known for his classic hits, "Balatkayo," "Nang Dahil sa Pag-ibig," "Ibig Kong Ibigin Ka," and "Hahanapin Ko," and is regarded as the Philippines' "King of Love Songs."

Vivar, teen idol in the 70s alongside Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos, is known as the "Connie Francis of the Philippines". She made classic hits of the songs "Mr. Love." "Nobody's Child," "Among My Souvenirs," and many others.

Razon, the Philippines' "Mr. Debonair" is a TV, movie, and music heartthrob in the 70s. He is famous for his rendition of "Everybody Knows," "And I Love You So," "Carmelita," "Perhaps, Perhaps," :Ibigay Mo Na," and many more hits, earning him the title Jukebox King.

Season 1 of "Young Once (Upon a Time)" features a stellar line-up of Philippine music greats such as Pilita Corrales, Mike Hanopol, Tessie Lagman, Mabuhay Singers, Victor Wood, et al. 

It is the only show in Philippine television today that exclusively features classic Filipino favourites. Even the Philippines' very own "Asia's Queen of Songs," Pilita Corrales, who is among the show's initial guests, noted that such a program is long overdue.

"Finally, there is a show like this...na talagang OPM. Matagal na matagal na dapat na merong ganyan," she said.

With a showcase of Filipino timeless music that can unite generations of Pinoy music lovers, "Young Once (Upon a Time)" is certainly a show for all ages.

This is a production of NET25's Edutainment TV (ETV) and a special project of the Office of the President of Eagle Broadcasting Corporation.

Make it a Sunday night habit every 8 p.m." "Young Once (Upon a Time)" on NET 25 and Pinas FM.

IT'S OFFICIAL: Chang Ai Express is the New Name of Ai Sarap

Who says you can't combine restaurant quality food and the speed of a fast food service? The restaurant which opened last December 2017 recently changed its name so that it would have a more homey feel, since new food items on the menu are those that your mom or your tita usually cooks for you. "The Chang sounds like tiyang which means parang tiya ko si Ai. Chang in Chinese also means longevity," said the Comedy Queen and Cinemalaya 2018 Best Actress for School Service. 

"Una kasi, yung Ai Sarap, masyado na siyang nabantilawan ng panahon. Dati kasi Ai Charap, tas naging Ai Sarap. then Ai Sarap Express," she further added. Also, Waze can't pin the location of the retaurant itself proiperly, and it keeps pointing to their mini-branch inside the foodcourt of ABSC-CBN's ELJ Building. "Maraming customer ang nagrereklamo na naliligaw," she added.

The restaurant, which is really owned by Sancho de las Alas, feature house specialties like their fried chicken and sweet and sour pork. Of course, they also have Chinese fastfood staples like siomai and chow mein/pancit canton. For those with a large appetite, a combo meal is the way to go. 

"Swak siya sa panlasa ng Pilipino. It's something crispy and flavorful...para sa lahat," said their chef Ren Tuico regarding the Chinese pork chop which is a new addition to the menu. He swears by the cauliflower, one of the vegetarian dishes on the menu. Sancho, on the other hand, is able to juggle his schedule as part of the Ang Probinsyano cast and as a hand-on restaurateur, "Kapag wala po akong schedule, nandito po ako," he said. 

TSANG AI IS LOCATED AT 62 IGNACIA PLACE SGT ESGUERRA COR MOTHER IGNACIA ( across abs cbn tower).

Jake Cuenca on LUNGS and Why it Reminds Him of His Past Relationships

The weather is getting warmer, sea levels are getting higher, and the threat of the planet's eventual demise is growing closer. One couple is thinking of having a baby, but the world as it is, having children could mean the end of their world as they know it.

Jake Cuenca and Sab Jose star in Duncan Mcmillan's Lungs, a fast-paced, ninety-minute conversation revolving around the question of whether or not the central couple should be having children. Over the course of this one-act play, the two protagonists grapple not only with potential parenthood and the sometimes tenuous nature of their relationship, but also with the ominous anxiety brought about by the extremities of climate change.

Jake Cuenca is ready to make his bones in the Philippine theatre scene through his debut performance in Lungs. Having studied at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute in New York, the film and television star believes that his upcoming performance is a necessary exercise in his development as an actor. "It's my first play," says Cuenca. "What I like most about it is that it makes me feel nervous. I've been acting for a long time and not many things make me nervous, but this does." Not to be deterred by the task of performing a verbally dense, intimate play in front of a live audience, the film and television star leans in with his own experiences in attempting to flesh out his character, a patient but bewildered musician and would-be-father.

"The script is so contemporary...it reminds me of my past relationships. It's a great way to share those kind of experiences with everyone, says Cuenca of Macmillan's prose. "I came to this realization that the humor in the play really comes out not in my individual performance, but in the dynamic that I share with my scene partner."

His onstage partner, Sab Jose, graduated with honors from the Guilford School of Acting in London earlier this year and is fresh off her performance as Michelle in 9 Works Theatrical's Eto Na! Musikal nAPO! Having previously performed in musicals such as The Wedding Singer and Grease, Jose is ready to welcome the challenge of bringing her character, an intelligent but high-strung PhD candidate and potential mother, to life.

"Once you hit your thirties, the questions keep coming. When are you going to get married? When are you going to have kids? I can relate to the anxiety present in that phase of life," Jose says about the major issues that plague the play's central couple. She embraces her character's neuroticism and her tendency to ramble. "She's a really fun, scary character to play. With all the pressures of motherhood and what's happening to the world, she can't stop yapping about everything. From wanting to change the world to wanting to make the most of her time in it, she finds herself constantly examining the repercussions of having this child."

Director Andre Nikolai Pamintuan expresses his excitement for the unique pairing of Cuenca and Jose. "I think their dynamic is amazing. They come from the very different worlds of screen and stage," says Pamintuan, who has been overseeing the development of the two leads over the past few months of reading and rehearsals. "To see them coming together through these characters is always a great surprise. It is a great privilege to see them breathe life into Lungs."

Lungs is a play by Duncan Macmillan, with direction by Andrei Nikolai Pamintuan, assistant direction from Caissa Borromeo, lighting design by Miguel Panganiban, and set and costume design by Jodinand Aguillon. 

Heading the production team are Sandbox Collective managing artistic director Toff de Venecia, 9 Works Theatrical executive producer Santi Santamaria, Anna Santamaria as operations director, Maine Manalasansan as design director, Gian Nicdao as social media manager, GM Hernandez as marketing manager, Jonjon Martin as PR manager, Pauline Gaerlan as production manager, Anissa Aguila as stage manager, Luis Yatco as deputy stage manager, and Gabbi Campomanes as dramaturg. At certain performances, the role usually played by Jake Cuenca will be played by Gabs Santos.

Duncan Macmillan’s Lungs will be showing at the Power MAC Center Spotlight, Circuit Makati from September 22 to October 7, 2018.

Lungs is a production of The Sandbox Collective and 9 Works Theatrical, together with Power MAC Center Spotlight as an official venue partner.

Official Hashtags: #LungsMNL
Facebook: TheSandboxCollective & 9WorksTheatrical
Twitter & Instagram: @thesandboxco @9WTonline

Cinemalaya 2018 Awards Night Winners and Happenings

Sandino Martin and Cris Villonco hosted the event which opened with a song number featuring Mandaluyong Children's Choir

Nespresso Vertical Shorts 2018 Winners

Patrick Basenco of Novacure was present along with he company's marketing manager to hand out the awards

The 2nd Runner Up was Jonel Revistual for his film Ako. He got a Nespresso Trophy. The 1st Runner Up was Kevin Tuason for his film Braveheart. He was able to take home a Nespresso Machine, 20,000 pesos, and a Nespresso Trophy.

The grand winner was Brian Spencer Reyes for his film SLN. He was able to take home a Nespresso Machine, 20,000 pesos, and a Nespresso Trophy.

> Shorts
- Audience Choice - Kiko by Jojo Driz
- Best Screenplay - Sa Saiyang Isla by Christian Candelaria
- NETPAC - Same as above
- Special Jury Prize - Si Astri maka si Tambulah by Xeph Suarez
- Best Director - same as above
- Best Film - Jodilerks dela Cruz Employee of the Month - Carlo Manatad
> Full-Length
- Jury - Peter Malone, Sabrina Baracetti, Cherie Gil Eigenmann, Mike Tuviera, Paul Soriano
- Top-Grossing Film - Liway by Kip Oebanda
- Audience Choice - Liway by Kip Oebanda
- Best Sound - Wildsound - Musmos na Sumibol sa Gubat ng Digma
- Best Original Music Score - Len Calvo - Pan de Salawal
- Best Production Design - Marielle Hizon - Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon
- Best Editing - Mikael Pestano - ML
- Best Cinematography - Neil Daza - Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon
- Best Screenplay - John Carlo Pacala - Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon
- Best Supporting Actor - Ketchup Eusebio - Mamang
- Best Supporting Actress - Teri Malvar for Distance and School Service
- NETPAC - Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon
- Best Actor - Eddie Garcia for ML
- Best Actress - Ai-Ai de las Alas for School Service
- Special Jury Award for Acting - Miel Espinosa for Pan de Salawal, JM Salvado for Musmos na Sumibol sa Gitna ng Digma and Pan de Salawal, Kenken Nuyad for Liway and School Service
-.Special Jury Commendation for Film - Liway by Kip Oebanda
- Special Jury Award - Pan de Salawal
- Best Director - Che Espiritu - Pan de Salawal
- Best Film - Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon by Carlo Enciso Catu

Festival director Chris Millado confirmed that this year's box office gross revenue was higher by 25% compared to last year's.

The Cinemalaya 15 / Cinemalaya 2019 finalists for the full-length category were also revealed. They are Josabeth Alonso, Maricel Cariaga, Theodore Boborol, Eduardo Roy Jr., Arden Rod Condes, Danica Sta. Lucia and Leilani Chaves, Cheryl Rose Andes, Xian Lim Uy, and Christopher Charles Nazareno.

FILM REVIEW AND MUSINGS: SCHOOL SERVICE (CINEMALAYA 2018)

RATING 3.5/5
"I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let the lead the way," goes a Michael Jackson song. How can the children be our future when there are many with no bright spots to look forward to?

As if alluding to the children's world in this socialist drama, the film starts just before the break of dawn, as Maya (Celine Juan) wonders what the group led by Rita (Ai-Ai de las Alas) is going to with her after they made it plain that they abducted her and she will not be going home anytime soon. The school service our antiheroes are riding in is making its way through the pitch black of the night, akin to what they do whether it's night or day, deeds that must be hidden for it is illegal.

Louie Ignacio as of late has had interest in the downtrodden with the materials he chose to direct, be it the beggar Badjaos of Laut or the forgotten prostitutes of Area, the latter having had Ai-Ai as well in the leading role. Unlike the aforementioned films, this one focused on three point-of-views, that of Maya and the other children of the school service, Rita and her relationship with Maya, and finally Rita's brother Robert (played by the brilliant Joel Lamangan), as he makes a big decision involving his lover (Kambal Karibal's Kevin Sagra) which would make or break the future of all.

This triple focus gave us a 360 degree view of the all the character's perspective. It is good that even the smallest roles in the film are notable, especially the children whose physicality and nuances vary from one another. However, just as another review stated, it is better to have had the film focusing on Rita like what the director did with Area. The swift shift from one character arc to another kind of derails the drama but everything works out just fine if it's the type of audience who will just trust the film to take him/her along for the ride because it really puts you in the moment in a way that you will not be able to predict the ending, or guess when will it ever end. Another logical reason for this is that however good a comedy actress Ai-Ai is, she is 10 times better in a dramatic role.

Hindi ko alam kung saang minahan niya hinuhugot yung emotions niya but deeeeymmmmn, it's totally deep.

My favorite scene in the film was a portion in the trailer where it both has the aesthetic of Kubrick and the world of Teletubby combined. I know for a fact that if it is the goal of the film to make us look at children begging as human beings and not just some pests wanting to take our hard earned money away, it has succeeded.

Rain Yamson's camera work is impeccable as usual especially when shooting scenes in the dark without it being grainy or the shots with a lot of movement where the camera shakes just a little or not at all.

As I crossed the street to Harbour Square to eat a very late dinner after my first day of Cinemalaya, I passed by children, who, with or without a school service, is in similar dire straits as those characters in the film. As I reached into my coin purse to get whatever I can give them, I felt a lone tear creeping down my cheek. 

REMAINING SCHEDULES AND FACEBOOK LINK

AUGUST 7 (TUE): 
12:45 PM -- CCP Studio Theater 
7:00 PM -- Legazpi (Cinema 4)

AUGUST 8 (WED): 
2:00 PM -- Greenbelt 1 (Cinema 1) 
2:00 PM -- UP Town Center (Cinema 3) 
3:30 PM -- CCP Main Theater

AUGUST 9 (THU): 
2;00 PM -- Glorietta 4 (Cinema 4) 
2:00 PM -- Trinoma (Cinema 3) 
9:00 PM -- CCP Studio Theater

AUGUST 10 (FRI): 
12:45 PM -- CCP Main Theater 
2:00 PM -- Legazpi (Cinema 4)

AUGUST 11 (SAT): 
10:00 AM -- CCP Little Theater 
7:00 PM -- Glorietta 4 (Cinema 4) 
7:00 PM -- Trinoma (Cinema 3)

AUGUST 12 (SUN):
2:00 PM -- Greenbelt 1 (Cinema 1) 
2:00 PM -- UP Town Center (Cinema 3)

https://www.facebook.com/School-Service-cinemalaya-film-238739590236812/

KYLE ECHARRI: Former "The Voice Kids" contestant, now a Star Pop Artist

Kyle Echarri who used to be the top 6 contestant in "The Voice Kids" season 2 under Team Sarah, is now the newest recording artist to join Star Pop - Star Music's record sublabel for the younger market. The fifteen-year-old soloist is currently making waves with the successful launch of his single "Pangako" whose music video premiered on July 30, 2018 on Myx. 

"Pangako," composed by Gabriel Tagadtad, arrange by Theo Martel, and produced by Rox Santos, will be part of Kyle's upcoming album under Star Pop. 

Kyle's "Pangako," is now available for downloads in digital stores worldwide. Catch its music video on SKYcable channel 23. For more details on Kyle's upcoming album and mall shows, visit starmusic.ph, like Star Music on facebook.com/starmusicph, and follow it on Twitter and Instagram @StarMusicPH.

Article and photos by Francis Lumahan

Dancing Lizards, Blind Rodents, and More Later in the August 5 Episode of Amazing Earth

It’s another amazing Sunday as Kapuso Primetime King, Dingdong Dantes, takes you across the nation and around the world for more breath-taking adventures on “AMAZING EARTH”  - the Filipino version of the award-winning BBC nature  documentary, “Planet Earth II.” 

“In This Corner” takes us to the deserts of Nevada where two wild horses (mustang) come to blows in a battle to secure mating rights and exclusive access to the remaining water holes.

Be entertained by the unique behavior of the adorable shovel-snouted lizard in “Dancing Butiki”  - as it attempts to stay cool in the scorching desert sand.

In “Ano ang Nasa Dako Pa Roon,”  we are introduced to the golden mole, a blind, nocturnal rodent the size of a pingpong ball that hunts with speed and precision aided by its excellent sense of hearing.

Brace yourselves for a gut-wrenching battle between a desert long-eared bat and its venomous prey, a deathstalker scorpion in “Nanlaban ang Alakdan” set in Israel’s Negev Desert.

In “Mag-igib ay ‘Di Biro,” the head-standing darkling beetle of the Namib Desert will leave us all breathless as it climbs to the top of the dunes to ingeniously collect moisture from the mist that blows in from the Atlantic Ocean. 

The Sand Dunes of Paoay offers several activities for thrill-seekers and adventurers. How do locals preserve this natural wonder? The leader of an off-road riders’ group who has put up measures to protect the environment will enlighten us all in a chat with Dingdong.

Learn more about the Philippine warty pig or baboy damo in the animated trivia segment. What does it eat? Where is it found?  How many of its kind are still left? Dingdong has the answers.

Directed by Rico Gutierrez, “AMAZING EARTH,” airs every Sunday after “24 Oras Weekend.” Make it a family habit to explore, enjoy and learn with DINGDONG DANTES about our one and only planet in “AMAZING EARTH!”