WCOPA Finalist Sophia Bianca Celebrates 18th Birthday with the Debut of Her First Single

The 18-year-old morena belter looked just immaculate in her white dress as she belted out her first single, In Love's Eyes, at the Pookaberry Cafe last June 15. Her lawyer parents, who fully supported her singing career from the get go, were beaming with pride as she effortlessly sang with a powerful voice reminiscent of Ariana Grande and Christina Aguilera. The girl, who reportedly sang before she could speak, has the makings of an international sensation.

Back when she performed last 2018 at the finals of the WCOPA senior division of the vocal competition, she was still known as Sophia De Vera. She brought the house down with her version of Jessie J's Momma Knows Best and took home two silver medals and a gold one. Even De La Salle Santiago Zobel, her alma mater, made her a congratulatory banner because she brought honor to the country.

"Actually, when I auditioned for the WCOPA, I didn't even know that it was a competition. My coach just called me and asked me to come to the audition and so I went. And then, after I passed the audition I asked my mom do you have a US Visa. My mom was really shocked," she narrated.

She idolizes Lani Misalucha and considers her song Tunay na Mahal as one of her favorites. Although she is open to the idea of a showbiz career in the future, she has no plans presently.

Her debut single was composed by Grammy awardee Gerard McMann also known as G Tom Mac, whom she met via Miss J, her road manager. She is set to fly back to the US on July 24 and will perform with the New York's Ugly Kitchen.

You can stream the song In Love's Eyes via iTunes and Spotify.

Dingdong Dantes, The First Family Man of Mesa

"Mesa embodies wholesome modern family man so that's why. One of the reasons because we needed a modern Filipino family man that is wholesome so that's why we chose Dingdong [Dantes]. I think he fits the bill very much well. He represents the Mesa  brand to the fullest," explained Eric Dee, Chief Operating Officer of Foodee Global Concepts, the umbrella company of the restaurant.

Dingdong pointed out he and the brand have the same core values which is one of the reasons why he's excited to represent them. "10 years ago, we envisioned Mesa to cater to Filipino families who came from abroad who want to meet people from other countries to showcase our good food. So, our focus was to enhance the styling of the food...one particular dish that we specialize in is called crischon [crispy lechon]," said Rikki Dee, Chief Executive Officer.

Right now, they are targeting 100 branches by 2021. They first opened their door to diners in 2009 at Greenbelt 5. Now, they have 63 franchises. When asked if his wife Marian Rivera might join Dingdong in the future, they were open to the idea an Dingdong even stated he might also become a franchisee of Mesa in the near future. 

Baby squid in olive oil, tinapa roll, and crispychon are the favorite menu items of Dingdong.

Other brands owned by Foodee Global Concepts are as follows: Food Link, Sunnies Cafe, Flatterie, FOOD, Hawker Chan, Kam's Roast, The Food Hall, Tim Ho Wan, Tsuta, and co-creations like Bench Cafe, Cerveseria, Food District Signatures on 5th, Kai, Maisen and Mangan Restaurant.

The contract singing and media conference between both parties was held last June 20 in the early afternoon.

'The Clash' alumna Kyryll launches debut single 'Silent Rumblings'

The Clash alumna and Kapuso Soul Princess Kyryll has released her debut single 'Silent Rumblings' under AltG Records.

Dubbed as the 'Millennial Chick ng Iloilo', she expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the people behind the milestones in her music career as she takes her craft to the next level.

"I am very honored to be releasing a single. Dati nangangarap lang ako na maging isang recording artist and now, it's finally here. Nagpapasalamat ako sa GMA Network, GMA Artist Center and AltG Records for believing in me."

The GMA Artist Center star is known to belt out powerful renditiong of songs but can also rap and play the guitar.

She quipped on what the listeners should look forward to in her debut single, "If there's one word to describe the song, it would be soulful. I can't wait for all of you to hear this another wonderful music."

Composed by Bel Andres, 'Silent Rumblings' is now available for download and streaming on Apple Music, Spotify, and digital stores worldwide.

DepEd-endorsed, NOLI ME TANGERE, THE OPERA Returns Anew to the CCP For One Weekend Only, June 21-23

Performance photos by Mark Francis Parallag
Media call photo and videos by Francis Lumahan

‘Ang Sampung Pangarap ni Rizal’ online art exhibit supplements the smash-hit opera.

Manila, Philippines, June 20, 2019—To celebrate the anniversary month of the Department of
Education (DepEd) and to further promote cultural awareness and appreciation, DepEd, together with
the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP),
J&S Productions Inc., and Enrique Zobel Foundation Inc., brings back the smash-hit landmark
production of “Noli Me Tangere, The Opera,” to the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP for one weekend only, from June 21 to 23, 2019.

Based on National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal's 1887 classic novel of the same name, “Noli Me Tangere, The
Opera,” made its world premiere in 1957 and features the music and libretto by National Artists Felipe Padilla de Leon and Guillermo Tolentino, respectively. The opera, whose orchestral arrangements were influenced by the kundiman and the Western classical music tradition, broke box office records at the CCP with three sold-out performances last March, which have also prompted this mid-year rerun.

Alongside the opera’s triumphant return to the CCP, an art exhibit titled “Ang Sampung Pangarap ni Rizal,” which features the artworks of the Pasig Art Club Members and other guest artists, will be on display on media partner BroadwayWorld.com. Part of the proceeds will go to 10 different youth organizations and groups, which include Tanghalan Mandaluyong, Natasha Goulbourn Foundation,
Soup Kitchen of Pasig, Phil-Asia Assistance Foundation, Gota de Leche, Pasig Catholic College Center for Culture and Arts, Sagip Batangpalengke, Teach Peace Build Peace Movement, San Pablo Apostol of Tondo Youth Ministry, and Hospicio de San Jose.

“We're thrilled that our stage production of Felipe Padilla De Leon and Guillermo Tolentino's ‘Noli Me Tangere, The Opera,’ which we first produced in New York City in 2013, will be back at the CCP this weekend, which also culminates the 158 th birth-anniversary week of Dr. Jose Rizal,” said J&S Productions’ executive producers Edwin Josue and Jerry Sibal, who is also the show’s director, set and costume designer.

“’Noli Me Tangere, The Opera’ celebrates the timeless work of our National Hero and two National
Artists, as well as the immense talent of our young classical singers and musicians. We can't wait to share the magic of this opera once again with the CCP audience,” Josue and Sibal added.

Co-directed by veteran theater director-playwright Jose Jeffrey Camañag, “Noli Me Tangere, The
Opera” features the 53-piece NOLI Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Herminigildo
Galang Ranera, who will bring to life the opera’s beloved arias such as “Kay Tamis Ng Buhay,” “Awit Ng Gabi Ni Sisa,” “Gising na, O Inang Ko,” and “Sa Lupang Pangako.”

The opera stars Bianca Lopez (Maria Clara), Mheco Manlangit (Maria Clara), Nomher U. Nival (Juan Crisostomo Ibarra), Ivan Nery (Juan Crisostomo Ibarra), Joseleo Logdat (Elias, Pilosopo Tasyo), Greg Abelardo de Leon (Elias, Pilosopo Tasyo), Nils Flores (Padre Damaso), Ronaldo Villaruel Abarquez (Padre Damaso, Kapitan Tiago), Miguel Espiritu (Kapitan Tiago), Allison Cervantes (Sisa), Bernadette Mamauag (Sisa), Miguel Suarez (Basilio), Matteo Teehankee (Basilio), Johann Andra (Basilio), Mia Bolaños (Doña Victorina), Charina Althea Balmores (Sinang), Micah David J. Galang (Andeng), Krissan Manikan-Tan (Tiya Isabel), Rare Jireh Yzel Columna (Victoria), Paul Dominique Galvez (Albino), Santino Juan Santiago (Crispin), Jose Mari Javato (Padre Salvi), Oliver Pineda (Tenyente Guevarra), Timothy Racho (Alferez), Ruzzel Clemeno (Don Filipo), Lorenz Edward Sarondo (Linares), Renz Nathaniel Cruz (Manlilibing), and Airo Saret (Manlilibing).

They are joined by Angeli Benipayo, Cris Go, Eden Lorrice Dumlao, Erielle Fornes, Katrine Jamar
Sunga, Kevin Chen, Marifel Motilla, Mavel Bautista, Michael Del Rosario, Neomi Giron, Otepp Billeza, Sheila Gamo, Via Villasin, Ray Justin Cornelio, Courtney Gormley, Grace Pedrocillo, Larian Villamarin, and Marian Maxilom.

Rounding out its creative team are Dingdong Fiel, assistant musical director and pianist; Ronan H.
Ferrer, voice coach and choirmaster; Albert Figueras, co-costume designer; Dennis Marasigan,
lighting designer; TJ Ramos, sound designer and engineer, and Alan Dela Rama, graphics and video
designer.

“Noli Me Tangere, The Opera” tells the timeless story about love, betrayal, and hope set against a
repulsive backdrop of tyranny, torture, and murder. It follows Juan Crisostomo Ibarra who returns to
the Philippines after pursuing scholarly studies in Europe. He plans to open up a school and marry
Maria Clara, his betrothed. However, parish priest Padre Damaso, the archenemy of the Ibarras, is out
to hinder Crisostomo's agenda. “Noli Me Tangere, The Opera” paints a clear picture of the so-called
"social cancer" that illustrates the rotten system of governance, the illicit way of the church, and the
unfavorable trade of the privileged class.

The show is performed with English supertitles.

To buy tickets, call 0915 593 4777, 0947 168 1714, CCP Box Office 02 832 3704/06, or visit
https://ticketworld.com.ph/ (Official hashtags: #NoliMeTangereOpera #NoliOpera)
This rerun of “Noli Me Tangere, The Opera” is made possible by sponsors UGEC, McDonalds, Golden Phoenix Hotel, Island Rose, Pancake DC House, Gourmet Farms, Gardenia, pH Care, Vital, Tent King, Makeup Science Asia, Via Mare, Philippine Women’s University, and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. Media partners are Journal Group, Inquirer.net, DZFE, DZMM, PTV, and BroadwayWorld.com.

40 Candidates ng Ambassador and Ambassadress of the World 2019, Magtutuos sa June 22 Coronation Night

Ginanap last Monday ang press presentation sa Robinsons Magnolia Event Hall. Literal na naging makulay ang hapong yon dahil sa kasuotan ng mga kadidato't kandidatang based sa Philippine flag --- blue (Louis Pangilinan), yellow (Don Cristobal), white (Cathy-Mora Capistrano), at Jhong Sudlon (red).

Ang male candidates ay sina John Mark de Vera, Sho Migerito Uchimura, Daniel Joseph Cruz, Ryu Michael Uchimura, Brian Scott Lomboy, Joco San Juan, Elcid Magne Camacho, Mark Jefferson Valerio, Danes Roner Cruz, Hisam Hit, Jerel Nabong, Jesus Norbert Macaraeg, Kim Andrei Acorda, Kristoffer Kelly Mendoza, Carl Joseph Abueg, Vincent Alfonso Serrano, Jef Cutler, Judah Nathaniel Tiosejo, Kenneth Carpena and Karl Christopher Cadag.

Ang female candidates ay sina Kristine Charlotte Hammond, Gezza Avila, Shenna Mae Zaldivar, Joana Zapanta, Lovely Dinah Baeshen, Julie Ann Tarrayo, Christine Julianne Opiaza, Rica Jean Rosas, Jasmine Omay, Gabrielle Basiano, Ruffa Nava, Bianca Mae Hernandez, Jemaina Florence Bernardo, Micah Songco, Jade Vineyard, Janhelen Villanueva, Patrixia Sherly Santos, Shaira Rona, Marelyn Orlanda, and Donabelle Erno.

Ang bagong pageant na ito ay naglalayong ma-empower ang mga kaslai na maging "best version of themselves". Si James Tiu ang Pageant Director at ang coronation ay gaganapin sa The Eye, Green Sun Hotel, Pasong Tamo Extension on June 22.

Ito ang mga titles at stake: AMBASSADOR OF THE WORLD – PHILIPPINES 2019, MISTER UNIVERSAL AMBASSADOR – PHILIPPINES 2019, INTERNATIONAL AMBASSADOR – PHILIPPINES 2019, AMBASSADRESS OF THE WORLD – PHILIPPINES 2019, AMBASSADRESS OF THE WORLD – TOURISM PHILIPPINES 2019, at AMBASSADRESS OF THE WORLD INTERNATIONAL 2019. May premyo ding Php100,000 worth of cash and other prizes ang mananalo ng top titles.

Sina Hisam Hit ng Manila at Gezza Avila ng Quezon ang nanalong Darlings of the Press. Mamaya naman ay ang preliminaries na gaganapin sa isang posh place sa Alabang.

Two Women Share a Kiss and Get Assaulted in a Play

“I can do this, you see? Choose me.”

First staged in the Philippines by New Voice Company in 2003, Stop Kiss tells the story of two women, Callie and Sara, who are assaulted after sharing a kiss. The show returns after 16 years with the same actresses playing different roles — this time, Aliw Award winner Missy Maramara is Callie, and Gawad Buhay award nominee Jenny Jamora is Sara.

New York traffic reporter Callie is comfortable with her routine of working from a helicopter and occasionally getting together with like-minded friends. Her life turns upside down when she meets Sara, who has just moved to New York to teach in the Bronx. Their warm friendship blooms into a surprising, tentative romance that leads both women to unexpected places. “Stop Kiss” is an oftentimes funny and moving exploration of what it means to choose love.

Joining Maramara and Jamora in the cast are Tarek El Tayech as George, Gabe Mercado as Peter, Robbie Guevara as Detective Cole, Jay Valencia-Glorioso as Mrs. Winsley, and J-mee Katanyag as Nurse.

This run will be directed by Gawad Buhay and Aliw Award-winning director, and designer, Ed Lacson, Jr., who doubles as set designer for this production. This will be his first directing credit fresh off his double win at the 11th Philstage Gawad Buhay Awards for Best Direction of a Musical and Best Set Design. It will feature sound design by acclaimed sound designer for film and stage, Teresa Barrozo, and costume design by Tata Tuviera. Written by American playwright Diana Son, Stop Kiss was originally staged Off-Broadway at The Public Theater, New York in 1998. This run is being co-presented by Positive Space, MusicArtes, and New Voice Company.

Stop Kiss will have a limited 8-show run from July 12 to 14 and 19 to 21 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight, Circuit Makati. Tickets are now available at https://www.ticket2me.net/e/2445/stop-kiss.

For showbuying and other inquiries, contact Camille Abaya at 09158359210 or stopkiss2018@gmail.com.

Tickets Available STARTING TODAY JUNE 18 for Sweeney Todd Starring Lea Salonga and Jett Pangan!

An unjustly exiled barber, returns to nineteenth century London seeking vengeance. His revenge leads him to Mrs. Lovett, a resourceful proprietress of a failing pie shop. Sweeney Todd opens a new barber practice and Mrs. Lovett's luck sharply shifts. People of London start lining up for her pies... and the carnage has only just begun!
 
Starring Tony and Olivier-winning actress Lea Salonga as Mrs. Lovett and rock icon Jett Pangan in the titular role, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street will run at the Theater at Solaire, Pasay City from October 11 to 27, 2019. This year marks to 40th anniversary of the musical, having first opened on Broadway in 1979.

Get your tickets now at www.ticketworld(dot)com(dot)ph.

October 11 - 27, 2019
Oct 11 • Fri • 8:00 PM
Oct 12 • Sat • 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM
Oct 13 • Sun • 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM
Oct 17 • Thu • 8:00 PM
Oct 18 • Fri • 8:00 PM
Oct 20 • Sun • 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM
Oct 25 • Fri • 8:00 PM
Oct 26 • Sat • 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM
Oct 27 • Sun • 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM

AICELLE SANTOS RETURNS TO PETA’S “RAK OF AEGIS” FRESH FROM “MISS SAIGON” GLOBAL TOUR

QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES – Aicelle Santos is back from her stint as Gigi Van Trahn in the Miss Saigon global tour to reprise her role as Aileen in the Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) longest-running hit Pinoy musical Rak of Aegis, running from July 5 to September 29, 2019!

Rak of Aegis is written by Liza Magtoto, directed by Maribel Legarda, and features songs from the popular 90’s band, Aegis, arranged for the show by Myke Salomon. The musical tells the story of Aileen, a young girl with a big voice who dreams of viral fame on YouTube and guesting on the Ellen Degeneres show. While Aileen’s motives at first seem shallow, she later reveals that it is because she wants the world to know of her barangay’s condition: submerged in flood for almost three months, with their livelihood and health all slowly drifting off with the waters.

Aicelle Santos is PETA’s original Aileen when Rak of Aegis first debuted in 2014. The show continued with Aicelle in the principal role until the show’s fifth season in 2017, when Aicelle became part of the Miss Saigon global tour. Rak of Aegis continued on its sixth season in 2018, with Kim Molina top-billing the musical as Aileen.

This 2019, due to insistent public demand, Rak of Aegis will have its seventh season, co-presented with the Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM), The PhilPop MusicFest Foundation (PhilPop), and PLDT Home Fibr, as “a tribute to and celebration of original Pinoy music and artists,” according to Rak of Aegis director Maribel Legarda. Aicelle returns with fellow Aileens: Viva artist and award-winning actress and singer Kim Molina, and World Championships of Performing Arts multi-medalist and division winner Shaira Opsimar. 

“Ito ‘yung pamilya na babalik-balikan mo,” says Aicelle. “After doing an international show, ‘nung nabalitaan kong magkakaroon uli ng Rak… Game! Kasi gusto ko sila makasama uli.” Rak of Aegis Season 7 also welcomes a new Aileen, Kimberly Baluzo who won 1st Runner Up in Wish 107.5 Wishcovery 2018.

Moreover, OPM legends are an exciting addition to the cast: singer-songwriter and actor-comedian 0Randy Santiago (Fernan); multi-award winning singer-songwriter Noel
Cabangon (Kiel); and world music performer and actress Bayang Barrios, and singer-actress Jenine Desiderio (Mary Jane) who will be joined by Leah Patricio from The Voice of the Philippines Season 2 (Mercy); GMA artist and singer Derrick Monasterio (Tolits); Viva artist and two-time PhilPop grand prize winner Yumi Lacsamana (ensemble); and up and coming theater artists Ashe Uy, Marynor Madamesila, Lemuel Silvestre, and Gerard Dy as members of the ensemble.

Another attraction is the comeback of the original and returning cast: Isay Alvarez-Seña and Sweet Plantado-Tiongson (Mary Jane); Robert Seña and Renz Verano (Kiel); Kakai Bautista and Neomi Gonzales (Mercy); Myke Salomon, Poppert Bernadas, and Vince Lim (Kenny); Jerald Napoles, Pepe Herrera, and Joshua Bulot (Tolits); Ron Alfonso and Jimmy Marquez (Jewel); Gie Onida and Rody Vera (Fernan); and Gimbey Dela Cruz, Gab Pangilinan, Matel Patayon, Abi Sulit, Teetin Villanueva, Gold Villar-Lim, Paeng Sudayan, Roi Calilong, Gio Gahol, Carlon Matobato, and John Moran as members of the ensemble.

A raging storm of laughter, powerhouse vocals, and rousing stories of Pinoy resilience await audiences once more in Barangay Venezia!

Rak of Aegis runs from July 5 to September 29, 2019 at the PETA Theater Center, with shows from Thursdays to Sundays. For ticket and showbuying inquiries, contact TicketWorld at 891-9999 www.ticketworld.com.ph or PETA Marketing and Public Relations Office at 725-6244
and 0917-539-1112. www.petatheater.com/rakofaegis

JODI STA. MARIA, SO LOVELY, BUT SO POSSESSED AS "CLARITA"

Words by Danny Vibas

Black Sheep Production's forthcoming horror movie "Clarita" should be subtitled "The Deglamorizaton of Jodi Sta. Maria." And that deglamorization occurs in full force when she gets possessed by the devil so sweetly titled "Clarita."

Jodi showed up at the movie's media conference Sunday night all sultry and dusky despite her being fully covered by her business-suit outfit, and sat down beside the film's director, Derrick Cabrido.

The Spanish name "Clarita" is "clarity" in English, and Jodi did speak with so much clarity when she answered questions from the media. But do look deeply into her eyes and closely at the angling of her mouth. Does she look like she's been freed from her possessed character?

And speaking of freedom, it's on the day the country celebrates Independence that the film opens in theaters nationwide.

The film also stars Ricky Davao and Aaron Villaflor as exorcist priests. Also in the film, though, are Romnick Sarmenta and Alyssa Muhlach.

The film is partly based on the real life story of Clarita Villanueva, a 17-year-old roaming prostitute (streetwalker) who sometime in 1953 was arrested for vagrancy one night in Malate, Manila, thrown in jail, where she eventually acted wild and mysterious, claiming to be hounded by two hairy but handsome monsters.

Newspaper account at that time said then Manila Mayor Arsenio Lacson witnessed one fit of Clarita's demon possession during which she went wild and had bite marks mysteriously appearing in many parts of her body.

The film opens on June 12 in cinemas nationwide.

Saving Flora Review: An Elephant Means the World to a Girl

When we hear the world "elephant", we either imagine a circus, its big trunk coiling, or its precious ivory tusk which has led hunters to take these amiable beasts of burden down. In Saving Flora, a girl who's made friends with an elephant because she's the daughter of a ringmaster runs away from home and takes Flora, an elephant too advanced in age to perform, so her friend could avoid being out to sleep forever via euthanasia.

The family friendly film debuted in Traverse City Film Festival 2018 and is directed by Mark Drury Taylor, who, like our very own Brillante Mendoza, is a veteran doing commercials, as a director though and not as a production designer. His first film about a girl undergoing a 300-mile journey to help her friend and find more about the world enjoyed a limited release last summer of 2018 and is set to hit many Philippine cinemas this July 2019 thanks to WOMY Film Production, the distributor.

The film stars Jenna Ortega (Dawn) and Martin Martinez (Sebastian). The supporting cast members are David Arquette (Henry), Leonor Varela (Isabella), and Rhea Perlman (Gabriella). Due to the many hearts it touched, the film has already won a couple of awards like the Best Feature Film at Synkronized, and Indie Vision - Debut Director for Mark at the Twin Cities Film Fest.

Many stories have been told about friendships between a human and an animal but it's usually about  domestic pets like cats or dogs, not elephants. In literature, so far, there's one relevant book which is A Girl and Her Elephant by Zoey Gong. In the news, there's this little known but touching story about Tarra the elephant whose best friend for eight years was a dog named Bella.

One of the best scenes in the film mirrors what elephants do in real life, spot people in trouble easily and know what to do about it. Since the pair ran away from home, it can't be helped that a reward was put out for those who can give info about their whereabouts or bring them back. Thus, a burly man eager for the reward and his lackeys are about to rough up Dawn when Flora sweeps at them with her mighty trunk and saves the day.

Another nice touch to the film was the chemistry between Dawn and Sebastian, who come from opposite worlds. She's been cooped up in a circus all her life while he's running around and doing nasty things for his brother since they are poor. What's also showcased in the movie aside from the friendship is what people learn from each other by meeting someone else so different from themselves. The handling of the cinematography of the picturesque Los Angeles location would make you think that the film was shot elsewhere like in Thailand which is considered the land of elephants and where they are sacred.

But, there's nothing more sacred than the beauty of friends from different species willing to go the extra mile for one another.