WHO is Rody Vera and WHY Does He Have a FESTIVAL this September?

"I wanted be a doctor actually. It remains a slight regret. But I guess eventually at one point, di ko alam kung exactly kailan, I chose this path. It was I think connected to the poltical stance I took ad an artist that first made me decide eto yun. Kaya siguro di mawala kahit paano how I view art."

Fan girls of Paolo Avelino may not know him because he is not "mainstream", but he's been a household name in Philippine Theater for about a decade and a half. Now, why did I put the actor who plays the title role of Goyo and him in the same sentence? Simple. He wrote Goyo, which opens Sept. 5 in theaters nationwide.

Rodolfo "Rody" Vera started his theater career in 1976 and wrote his first play in 1979, eventually becoming known for his literary contribution and winning several Palancas, his first one being in 1992 for his play Kung Paano Ko Pinatay si Diana Ross and another material for the stage. Now, he's back setting the stage on fire with his powerful voice and rousing presence in Tanghalang Pilipino's musical Balag at Angud playing the lead role of Junyee, a Filipino protest artist and one of the progenitors of installation art in the country. The production directed by Audie Gemora runs from Aug. 31 to Sept. 16 at the CCP Little Theater.

The uncut version of the critically lauded Signal Rock will have its uncut version screened at the UP Cine Adarna on Sept. 4 and 5. Yes, he penned the screenplay about the Christian Bables-starrer which explores the life of Intoy and other residents of an island whose only connection to their loved ones who sought their fortune elsewhere is the literally a rock which is the only place in the island  that has  cellphone signal.

Ang Buhay ni Galileo, starring veteran director Joel Lamangan, was staged last November 2017 under the direction of Rody Vera and will run again at the PETA Theater Center on Sept. 28 to Oct. 7. Coinciding with the opening of the movie about the womanizing Gregorio del Pilar is the opening of a Pirandello play he translated for Dulaang UP, Anim na Tauhang Naghahanap ng May-akda / Six Characters in Search of an Author directed by its founding artsitic director, Tony Mabesa.

Vera's greatest achievement in Philippine theater is being the founder of Writers' Bloc which actively holds readings of plays for it to be further improved. This eventually led him to co-founding The Virgin Labfest (VLF) with Herbie Go, a yearly staging of new plays during July in CCP. He wrote the screenplays for the following critically acclaimed films: Die Beautiful (2016), Norte, Hangganan ng Kasaysayan (2013), Requieme! (2012), Niño, and Boses (2008).

Wait, did I say festival? Well, this is not his nor my festival but rather a "festival" because, really, how many people do you know who have 5 productions bearing their name being shown in a single month? Only Rody Vera can, for he is a rare gem in Philippine theater. A writer, director, singer, and an actor, we can call him a Renaissance Man without a single doubt.

Ken Chan takes on a challenging role in GMA Network’s My Special Tatay

Beginning September 3, witness how a father’s love for his child conquers life’s challenges in GMA Network’s newest afternoon program, My Special Tatay.

This original series is headlined by one of the most talented actors in the Kapuso Station, Ken Chan, who is all set to make another mark on the small screen as he tackles one of his toughest roles to date as Boyet, a man with Mild Intellectual Disability with Mild Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Ken feels grateful to GMA 7 for entrusting him this extraordinary project and promises to prepare and work hard for this.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa GMA dahil ipinagkatiwala sa akin ang proyektong ito. Sobra po akong excited dahil nabigyan ako ng pagkakataon na gampanan ang isa na namang napakagandang karakter. Mas doble ang kaba ko for this show dahil kailangan nating ipaintindi sa viewers kung ano ba talaga ang pinagdaraanan ng mga taong may intellectual disability,” said Ken.

Aside from acting workshops, the talented Kapuso actor together with the production and creative teams of the soap underwent immersion to experience and understand better the condition of people with mild intellectual disability with mild autism spectrum disorder.

Playing significant roles are respected actors and actresses: Jestoni Alarcon as Edgar Villaroman, the rich father of Boyet;Teresa Loyzaga as Olivia Salcedo-Villaroman, the domineering wife of Edgar; Carmen Soriano as Soledad Villaroman, the conservative yet empowered mother of Edgar and grandmother of Boyet; Lilet as Isay, the caring mother of Boyet; Candy Pangilinan as Chona Mariano, the cousin of Isay.

Also featuring in special guest roles are the following: Matt Evans as young Edgar; Empress Schuck as young Isay; Valeen Montenegro as young Olivia; Ashley Rivera as young Chona.

Joining them in this endearing project are multi-talented artists: Arra San Agustin as Carol Flores, the best friend of Boyet; Rita Daniela as Audrey Palomares, a childhood friend of Boyet; Jillian Ward as Odette Villaroman, the daughter of Edgar and Olivia;Bruno Gabriel as Orville Villaroman, the son of Edgar and Olivia; JK Giducos as Dekdek, the best friend of Boyet.

Despite his limitations and the judgment of the people around him, Boyet, who is lovingly raised by his single mother Isay (Lilet), grew up as a kind-hearted man with a positive outlook in life. His life turns upside down when he finds out that he has a child. How will he survive the challenges of the world while being a good father?

Behind this engrossing drama is the creative team composed of Creative director Roy Iglesias; Concept creator and HeadwriterAgnes Uligan; Creative Head for Afternoon Prime Block Aloy Adlawan; Writers Patrick Louie Lim Ilagan, Renei Patricia Dimla, Loi Argel R. Nova; Brainstormers Liberty Trinidad, Nehemiarey Debad Dallego.

The program is another original creation of the GMA Drama group under the supervision of Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable; Vice President for Drama Redgie Acuña-Magno; Assistant Vice President for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy; and Program Manager Anthony Pastorpide.

Under the helm of Director LA Madridejos together with second unit director Conrado Peru, don’t miss the heart-warming story of My Special Tatay beginning September 3 on GMA Afternoon Prime.

Get the latest updates about My Special Tatay from the official Facebook page of GMA Drama www.facebook.com/GMADrama, Twitter account @GMADrama and the GMA Network website www.GMANetwork.com.

Kapuso viewers from across the globe can also catch their favorite Kapuso shows via GMA’s international channels GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV International. For the program guide, visit www.gmapinoytv.com.

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).