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...