Evo & Grace: The WanderLusts

When I was in college, I was a part of the only theatre group in our university called Tanghalang Bayan ng Kabataan sa Baguio (TABAK-Baguio). With no means of income, the struggles of mounting a production were very evident. We would rely on costumes and props which are readily available. Sponsorship was just an option since no one would like to gamble their money on protest theatre. Campus theatre has been striving to survive. This is the dilemma shared by Guelan Varela-Luarca, director of Tanghalang Ateneo’s Si Janus Silang at ang Labanang Manananggal-Mambabarang. He told the press after their show on Saturday to spread the word about the problems that theatre groups in universities and colleges are facing. Support for campus theatre has always been agonizing. Despite the struggles, Tanghalang Ateneo opens its 39th season with the second installment of Janus Silang. Based on the multi-awarded Pinoy fantasy book series by Edgar Calabia Samar, Si Janus Silang at ang Labanan...

Spoliarium, an opera with libretto by Soprano Fides Cuyugan-Asensio and with music by Ryan Cayabyab was the first production I saw pertaining to the life of Juan Luna. Originally staged at the CCP in 2003 starring Robert Seña at the titular role, the opera was staged in Tribeca Performing Arts Center in New York thirteen years later. Philippine Stagers Foundation (PSF) current production of "Obra Ni Juan " was my follow-up. This original Filipino musical entertainment was written by Atty. Vince Tañada, PSF President and Artistic Director and with music by Peter Paul "Pipo" Cifra, president of UST Conservatory of Music Alumni Association Incorporated, marked as my first production I saw from PSF. Established in 2002, PSF is a professional theater company with an objective of helping the poor, elderly, sick and even the forgotten, has been consistently conducting free theater workshop in schools nationwide and continuously organizing outreach programs to va...

Carrying its tradition and honoring Filipino artistry and creativity, Metrobank Foundation Incorporated (MBFI) established on January 8, 1979 by Dr. George S. K. TY, held its annual Awarding Ceremony and Exhibit Opening on September 21, 2017 at Le Pavilion, Metropolitan Park, Pasay City. This highly anticipated event recognizes Filipino painters and sculptors through Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE). Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Amanda Gorely and Senator Francis " Chiz " Escudero accompanied by his wife, elite artist and socialite actress Heart Evangelista attended as honorable guests respectively. Along with National Artist for Literature F. Sionil Jose, diplomats, government officials, local and foreign artists and dignitaries, gathered in the evening flocked by art and music. "IMAGINE" this year's MADE theme, challenged the artist's human imagination to create and empower their creative mind to showcase their t...

 Ballet Philippines, the first resident company of Cultural Center of the Philippines is presenting internationally acclaimed classic repertoire from 1970 to 1980. Founded in 1969 by National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes and Eddie Elejar, is the preeminent classical and contemporary dance company in the country widely recognized today as a cornerstone of contemporary Filipino identity. " THE EXEMPLARS: Amada And Other Dances " is the second series in its quintessential 48th season which will showcase new breed of ballerinas in their long-unseen works and will be revived at the CCP Main Theater from October 20 - 22, 2017. This production is a rare opportunity for the audience to experience Ballet Philippines' signature style and identity. Featured pieces are " Ang Sultan " (Gener Caringal), " Concertino " (Pauline Koner), " Amada " (Alice Reyes), " Valse Fantasy " (Muñeca Aponte) and " Songs Of A Wayfarer " (Norman...

To commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of Jose Maceda, National Artist for Music, an exhibit titled "Attitude of the Mind" is set to open from September 26 to December 3, 2017 at the Bulwagang Juan Luna (CCP Main Gallery), presented by UP Center for Ethnomusicology (UPCE) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Born Jose Montserrat Maceda in January 31, 1917 in Manila was an artist, scholar, philosopher and pedagogue.  As a concert pianist he grew up in Pila, Laguna his parents’ hometown. Although he was trained by renowned Franco-Swedish pianist Alfred Cortot in Paris in the 1930's for western art music, he pursued to become the country's first ethnomusicologist and pioneering experimental composer. Spanning five decades of extensive and exhaustive work in music research beginning in 1953, his works explored alternative directions and concepts, combined Asian and Western idioms. In 1998, he was proclaimed as National Artist for Music. Atti...

PETA actors interpreting Moymoy Book 4. Lampara Books officially launched the fourth installment of the best selling Moymoy Lulumboy series at the opening of the 38th Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) on September 17, 2015 at Meeting Rooms 2 and 3 of SMX Convention Center situated at Mall Of Asia (MOA) Complex, Pasay City. Titled as " Mga Dulot Ng Digmaan " immediately continues what was left from the third installment. Beginning on Moymoy and Alangkaw search for the gold of life stolen by the evil Buhawan. The retrieval and return of the gold to its rightful place will reverse the curse of the Tibaros. And though it was recovered, it was later discovered that the gold was incomplete. The Apos accused Moymoy of stealing the missing piece. Confused Moymoy confronted the Apos to clear his name and to prove his innocence. After undergoing a test, Alangkaw his twin brother was the culprit. Segundo Matias, Jr and Jomike Tejido. The origin and evolution of th...

  Philippines leading wellness professional skin, hair & spa center just recently open their 83 rd branch in SM City Puerto Princesa, Dermcare that pioneered whitening business is a trusted brand for quality, affordable and effective products with almost 20 years in the industry, founded by Zenaida Palisoc. Along with Dermcare, Belle La Peau their waxing salon also open in the said mall that cater to all hair removal treatment, they are one of the country’s sought after wax specialist that is inexpensive but gives soothing feeling.  Belle La Peau (Bel-La-Poo) in Puerto Princesa is the 23 rd branch in the country today, it is just located nearby Dermcare center at the second level of SM City here in Palawan. Palawenyos and tourist can now enjoy Dermcare bestselling services, the Diamond Power Peel and  another skin treatments such as skin lightening, anti-aging, pimple control treatments, body treatments like scrubs, waxing and spa servi...

(L to R) Mr. Steven Tan, SVP, Shopping Center Management Corporation, Ms. Anicia Naval, SVP for Cinema & Exhibition, SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc., Mr. Hans Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., Hon. Mayor Luciro Bayron of Puerto Princesa City, Ms Aileen Amurao, City Tourism Officer and Vice Governor Victorino Socrates of Palawan.  Palawan Cinema experience will never be the same, it’s because the 60 th branch of SM Cinema already open in the City in a forest that is committed to offer another kind of adventure for friends and family. The Cinemas in the newly open SM City Puerto Princesa is the first Deluxe theatre in the province, it consist of two Directors Club and three digital cinemas that each house 165 viewers at a time, while Directors Club, a plush premier theatre brand of SM that has 48 seats per cinema. Director’s Club Cinema boosts with LA-Z Boy type recliners with exclusive food menu along with dedicated butler at you...

Mga Ama, Mga Anak. (PR Photo) National Artist Nick Joaquin is one of our writers whose works have been reproduced in different genres numerous times. In celebration of his birth centennial, UP Playwrights’ Theatre stages “Fathers and Sons” in English and Filipino (“Mga Ama, Mga Anak” translated by Virgilio S. Almario and Jose F. Lacaba). This is based on Joaquin’s short story “Three Generations”. Directed by theatre veteran Tony Mabesa, the three-act play Mga Ama, Mga Anak tells the story of an ailing patriarch and the effects of his supremacy in his household. Set in the 70s, Zacarias Monzon reminisces his glorious past as the Caritela King while his family delves into their issues caused by his power. There is his spinster daughter Nena who took care of him all her life. More conflict ensues with his rich son Celo who have always questioned his father’s morality. And speaking of morality, Bessie, a former go go dancer, is the current flame of Zacarias. These characters narr...

Marrianne Mae Casquejo.  Palawan’s bet at the recent Binibining Gay Pilipinas take home the second place award after competing with other 19 contestant all over the country, Marianne Mae Casquejo who originally hail from Narra, is personally invited in this year’s pageant by the organizers, the Betera Powerhouse of Beauties. Marianne told us that her invitation is offered after she join Manila’s Five in 2015 wherein she won second runner up too.  Bb. Gay Universe 2017 crown is won by Athena Sollenn Barreto, World by Xandra De Guzman, Gay International by Zhia Vergara, Gay Earth is Caz Villacorza, Gay Intercontinental is Jake Espina, Gay Supranational is Danica New Montecarlo, Gay Trans International by Dahdah Flores, Gay Tourism is Valerie Altamira Licaros, and First Runner up is Asia Adriana Ybbara. Marianne in National Costume and in Long Gown attire.  Bb. Gay Pilipinas with a tag line as the advocacy pageant, was held last August 31, 2017 at the Tangh...

To mark its 40th Theater Season, GANTIMPALA THEATER FOUNDATION once again is staging the classic production of Jose Riza's known novel " Noli Me Tangere. " The late Tony Espejo was Gantimpala's artistic director when the play was originally produced in 1979. Staged countless times, the play became a musical in 2015 presented during its 35th season, was considered the longest running play in Philippine theater history and now foundation's longest running play. Retitled as " Kanser: Noli Me Tangere, " it was directed by Franniel Zamora, with libretto written by Jomar Fleras and music by Jesse Lucas and Jed Balsamo. The rebirth of this musical piece based from the novel of country's National Hero is a living proof and reminder that cancer is still a disease in today's status quo, another satirical and seditious musical. Kanser's current production is very timely to the millennials as it tackles, exposes and reveals the scene during the S...

Santa Fe, a municipality located at Bantayan Island, north part of Cebu known for its beautiful and pristine beaches was the picturesque island location for the indie film, " I FOUND MY HEART IN SANTA FE ," starring real life sweethearts Will Devaughn, a talent of ABS-CBN and GMA who returned in Trops and My Love From The Star and Roxanne Barcelo (Anne Roxanne Jordan Barcelo, real name) an ABS-CBN talent, currently playing Nathalie, the antagonistic character against Maja Salvador (1st season) and Aiko Melendez (2nd season) in the hit afternoon serye Wildflower. Real-life couple for four years now, Devaughn and Barcelo co-produced this film under BLUart Productions and marked as their first movie together. The film directed by Bona Fajardo (Love On Line and Miss Pinoy) will be screened at select SM Cinemas for Cine Lokal on September 15, 2017. Jennifer (Barcelo), a flamboyant and fierce woman searching for love in her late 20's, living in the island for the rest...

The Blackbird (PR Photo)  Actor's Actors' THE NECESSARY THEATRE latest performance of critically praised "Blackbird" is currently playing from September 1 - 3 and 8 - 10 at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati. Written by Scottish playwright David Harrower in 2005 and winner of 2007 Laurence Olivier for Best New Play, Blackbird was inspired by sex crimes offender Toby Studebaker after abusing a minor aged twelve. It tells the story of a 55-year old man named Ray, played by Bart Guingona and a 27-year old woman named Una, played by Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante. At his workplace, Ray was surprised and shocked by an unexpected visit of Una, whom he sexually abused when he was 40 while Una was 12. Una recognized him upon seeing a photograph whom she later searched and tracked. Ray who was then arrested, charged and imprisoned for statutory rape, was seen distressed, disquieted and disturbed. Fifteen years later, they meet again. The two clashed and collided...

 There was this dire need to educate the people about the truth and mobilize them to defend their rights. The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) was born “with the vision of a Philippine Theater engaged in the development of people and society”. PETA may have been in the limelight lately for commercially successful productions like Rak of Aegis and Caredivas but it has the heart of a protest theatre. It is only fitting that they have created A Game of Trolls to promulgate awareness at a time when apathy and cynicism seem to be trending. A Game of Trolls pokes fun at millennials and/or tries to educate them with written history, not the one posted online when you click a hashtag. It tells the story of Heck, a keyboard warrior who struggles to find his identity through political inclinations of his job, family, friends and the current society. He works for a company of “internet trolls”, led by his boss Bimbam, which has the goal of spreading pro-martial ...