Happy Holidays!

Been occupied with work in my day job so I haven't been blogging for a long time now.  Will update my posts and be more active come 2013. 

Dear readers, I bid you Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!  May this season help us remember all the blessings, big and small, that we have received and make these our inspiration to spread happiness to the people around us. God bless!

XOXO

A Day in Honor of Children's Books

July 17 is National Children’s Book Day. 

Celebrated every third Tuesday of July, this is in honor of the publication of the Filipino folk tale, “The Monkey and the Turtle” by Dr. Jose Rizal, in the July 1889 edition of the Trubner’s Oriental Record in London. This being the first acknowledged published literary work for children written by a Filipino. 

The Philippine Board on Books for Young People will spearhead the  National Children’s Book Day  opening celebrations this year at the Museo Pambata, with the theme, "Masayang Magbasa sa Sariling Wika." Local publishers will be presenting their latest crop of titles during the event and the Philippine Board on Books for Young People will award the winners of the 2012 PBBY-Salanga and the PBBY-Alcala Prizes.

MCO Foundation Re-launches its Young Artists Development Program 2012

The MCO Foundation, established in 1985, is as a non-stock, non-profit cultural organization dedicated to the promotion of classical and cultural arts. One of MCOF’s programs supports the young artists through its "Young Artists Development Program" which provides our young artists the experience through performance opportunities, endorsement, and exposure to a wider public. Oftentimes, the recitals of young artists under our aegis have become the artists’ official debut as an artist. The MCOF has featured numerous young talents who are doing well now in their respective careers.

The program has been offering Masterclasses, free of charge to teachers and students with hopes that it provides learning opportunities, wisdom, and pointers from master artists and to enable our young artists to hone their craft; and for our music lovers to have a better understanding on music. We have shared with the community world renowned cellist Li Qin Wei (considered to be the next YoYo Ma) and pianist Carmencita Sipin Aspiras. This annual program is made possible with the support of our partners Filipinas Heritage Library, Lyric Piano and BusinessWorld.

Every year, the MCOF chooses some of the most outstanding and promising young artists, and invite them to perform in a recital series. The invitation is based on the artists’ talent, seriousness in honing his talent, attitude, and willingness to work and learn to hone his artistry. We conduct interviews with teachers, friends, colleagues and the artists’ themselves. With the Young Artists Development Program, the MCOF wishes to develop Filipino artists that will inspire them to represent the Philippines in the field of international classical music arena and help uplift the music standards in the country.

The Young Artists' Series 2012 roster of artists with the theme- “Three prodigies now, tomorrow’s music Masters”:

• Violinist Christian Tan on July 12, 2012 at the Filipinas Heritage Library. He is a consistent NAMCYA winner, youngest musician to be invited to participate in the Asian youth Orchestra's 17 cities Asian tour and was single-handedly awarded with the Artistic Director Achievement Award by the founder and the music director of the orchestra - Mr. Richard Pontzious. He is currently under the tutelage of violinist Gina Medina and a member of Manila Symphony Orchestra.

• Soprano Elainne Vibal on July 19, 2012 at the Filipinas Heritage Library. She is a prize winner in the 2009 Jovita Fuentes Vocal Competition, and a student of soprano Camille Lopez Molina. She had just recently finished a series of performances as Maria Clara in the highly acclaimed Dulaang UP Production of De Leon's Noli Me Tangere and as chorus member in Musicartes' production of Puccini's Madama Butterfly.

• Flutist John Raymond Sarreal on July 26, 2012 at the Filipinas Heritage Library. He is another consistent NAMCYA winner, and recently received his Bachelor of Music at the University of the Philippine under the tutelage of Prof. Enrique Barcelo; and as well as under Antonio Maigue, Thomas Perrzoli, Bernard Goldberg and Hiroshi Matsushima. He also passed the Rome Music Festival Auditions to be part of the Rome Music Festival Orchestra.

Apart from our young talents in concert, we will have special performances. To kick off our program for the young, we will have:

• “Hommages “: A Tribute to violinist Donnie Fernandez on July 5, 2012 at the University of Makati. Donnie is an MCO friend, featured once as soloist with the Manila Chamber Orchestra; and a revered violinist whose demise at a young age is greatly missed by friends and colleagues. With an exceptional talent, Donnie entered the prestigious Julliard School of Music at the age of 9, had an active performance career; and was the concert master of the US Army Orchestra at the time of her passing last year. This tribute will feature the children of Donnie Fernandez who are keeping their mother’s memory alive through music -- Catherine F. Belleza, violinist, Isabel F. Belleza, flutist/pianist, Therese F. Bonoan, cellist; with collaborating artists --Robert P. Alcala, pianist; Mo. Ruggiero Barbieri, conductor and the Makati String Ensemble. 

To give our audience a taste of the best of Chamber music, we will present some of the mentors of our young artists in:

• “Trio” (The Best of Chamber Music) which will be held on July 20, 2011 at the Filipinas Heritage Library will feature three of the country's finest artists today headed by pianist Mary Anne Espina (2008 Alilw Awardee), violinist Gina Medina (Concert Master of Manila Symphony Orchestra) and cellist Wilfredo Pasamba (considered one the finest Filipino cellists). 

"Hommages" will be opened to the public for free. Tickets to the performances of Christian Tan, Elainne Vibal, and John Raymond Serreal are at P 500.00; and "Trio" tickets at Php 800.00 with discounts offered to students, faculty and senior citizens. 

For inquiries, please call the MCOF Secretariat at 750-0768, 0920-954-0053, Filipinas Heritage Library at 892-1801 or visit Ticketworld at 891-9999. This series is made possible through additional support from National Commission for the Culture and the Arts, Alveo Land, City of Makati and the Friends of the Cultural Concerns of the Philippines.

Rock of Ages, The Musical

A few days before gala night, Atlantis Productions' Rock of Ages was already 95% sold out so I was very happy to have secured my tickets ahead of time. It would've broken my heart if I missed this show for three reasons: the songs featured in the musical, Jett Pangan and Migs Ayesa.

Rock of Ages is a musical, with a book by Chris D'Arienzo, that is really not about the life of a rock star (the cool Stacee Jaxx) but rather the lives of ordinary people with dreams -- Drew, Sherrie, Justice, Regina, Lonny and Dennis.   Atlantis put together a talented roster to play the interesting characters of Rock of Ages: Migs Ayesa as Stacee Jaxx, the quintessential rock star in search of a most inspiring song; Nyoy Volante as Drew, a bus boy dreaming of becoming a rock star; Vina Morales as Sherrie, a small town firl dreaming to become an actress; Jett Pangan as Lonny, the wacky narrator who works at the Bourbon Room; Jamie Wilson as Dennis, owner of the Bourbon Room; Aiza Seguerra as Regina,  the bohemian activist; Calvin Millado as Hertz and Bibo Reyes as Franz, the father and son German developers; Jinky Llamanzares as Justice Charlier, the diva owner of the Venus Club; as well as champion singers and theater performers Apple Chiu, Japs Treopaldo, Mikkie Bradshaw, Berl William Angeles and Altaire Alonso.


Built around the classic rock hits of the 80s, in particular the famous glam metal bands Styxx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Steve Perry, Poison and Europe, among others. I am familiar with most of the songs so I truly enjoyed watching the show and singing along "We Built This City, " "I Wanna Rock," "More Than Word, " "Heaven," "To Be With You, " "Wanted Dead or Alive," "I Wanna Know What Love Is," "Any Way You Want It," "Hit Me With Your Best Shot," "Can't Fight This Feeling," "The Search Is Over," "Don't Stop Believin'" and a lot more.

The two-act show never had a dull moment and there were a lot of surprising elements to watch out for. Migs Ayesa, a Filipino raised in Australia, first came into showbiz radar (or at least, my showbiz radar) when he finished third in Rock Star: INXS, the search for the new lead singer of INXS.  But of course, he was already in performing arts way back.  I first watched him perform during the opening of one of the Philippine Advertising Congresses I attended and his mere presence, even then, was electrifying.  In Rock of Ages, he did not disappoint me.  Having played the role previously in Broadway and the show's US tour, Migs was very much into character and his voice is simply amazing!


Jett Pangan, on the other hand, played the witty Lonny with natural ease.  My first time to watch him in a not-so-serious role (there was Next to Normal, and most recently Jekyll and Hyde) and I loved it!  Having admired him since The Dawn, I've met him once before in Repertory and I must say that I'm still starstruck when I approached him for a photo after the gala of Rock of Ages.


Nyoy and Vina were excellent in playing the young lovers, Jinky was super classy as the diva, Calvin was great as the greedy developer with the soft heart of a father, Bibo was endearing and funny as the son Franz and Aiza was sweet but determined as Regina and...surprise! I just hope you can get to watch it to see what I wanted to talk about without being a spoiler.


Word of advice though, Rock of Ages the musical is interpreted a little differently in Rock of Ages the movie which stars Tom Cruise as Stacee Jaxx, so don't expect all scenes and characters to be exactly the same.  Just sit back, relax and enjoy the musical until the end where everyone, yourself included, will be singing and dancing along "Don't Stop Believin'" and probably experience LSS on your way home. 

Photo and poster from Atlantis Productions

17th Edition French Film Festival

I love French wine and cheese!  French films? These I have to see as June 7 marked the opening of the 17th edition of the annual French Film Festival.  Dubbed Citi-Rustan's French Film Festival, it is part of the French cultural program, Francophil, organized by the Embassy of France to the Philippines and the Alliance Francaise de Manille.

The film festival opened with Michael Hazanavicius' Oscar Award-winning film, "The Artist", which is very appropriate as it pays tribute to the beginnings of cinema.  Furthermore, a selection of contemporary French films will be shown throughout the festival through the efforts of the Institut Francais and the Philippine distributor, Pioneer Films. 

Among the films chosen as part of the Citi-Rustan's French Film Festival are Filipino films that have been shown in festivals in France or whose directors have participated in French workshops or seminars -- "Busong" by Auraeus Solito, "Manila" by Raya Martin and Adolfo Alix, Jr., "Bakal Boys" by Ralstom Jover, and the short films "Little" and "Au Revoir Philippe" by Sigrid Bernardo.  These Filipino films will be shown the whole day of June 12 as a tribute to Philippines' Independence Day.  The festival will also showcase Brillante Mendoza's "Captive," a Franco-German-Filipino co-production, starring French actress Isabelle Huppert.  However, the screening is by-invitation only and organized by Star Cinema.

The French Film Festival is from June 8 to 17 at the Shang Cineplex of the Shangri-La Plaza and from June 21 to 23 at the Ayala Center Cebu, made possible by the ample support of Citibank and Rustan's, and the following partners Shangri-La Plaza, Total, Air France-KLM, Pernod Ricard Philippines, Mandarin Oriental Manila, Pioneer Films, Le Cellier Wines, Cultural Center of the Philippines, UP Film Institute and official media partners BusinessWorld, Highlife, Travel, Radio High 105.9 and Spot.ph.


For inquiries, please call 0915-3135891 or email at frenchfilmfest@gmail.com.

Ang Bagong Harana 2012

For the 2012-2013 season,  Philippine Opera Company reprises "Ang Bagong Harana" which was a success during last year's staging.  "Ang Bagong Harana" will take on a newer and fresher version with an array of immortal and classic Filipino songs that will be interpreted in "never before seen performances." 

The show shall integrate the past and the present -- mix old and new songs, re-arranged and re-edited -- with the goal of reaffirming "who we are as Filipinos" and validating "where we have all come from," and will showcase the best of all the Filipino composers from different music genres, namely Nicanor Abelardo, Ryan Cayabyab, Willy Cruz, Francisco Santiago, Antonio Molina, Resti Umali, George Canseco, Ernani Cuenco, Levi Celerio, Jose Estrella, Constancio de Guzman and Felipe de Leon, among others.

Philippine Opera Company's celebrated singers

On a limited run from June 6 - 10 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium of RCBC Plaza in Makati City. For ticket sales, please call Philippine Opera Company at 881-7168 or 0917-5272880 or Ticketworld at 891-9999.

Two Payday Weekend Sale Events

It's payday weekend! For those who have money to spare and plurge, why not head out to The Great Luxe Sale at the SMX Convention Center Hall 3, starting today June 1 until June 3.  Or if you are nearer Mandaluyong City, visit The Fashion Outlet Sale at the Megatrade Hall 3 of SM Megamall, happening also from June 1 to 3. Selected participating brands can give you items up to 80% off.

Happy weekend and happy shopping!

Filed under EVENTS

Bulawan, Camarines Norte's Finest

Bulawan, Camarines Norte's Finest -- the annual exhibit of finely handcrafted gold jewelry from Camarines Norte, Bicol, usually held in Manila every November/December -- is here by special invitation to be part of the 75th Anniversary of GSIS.  The jewelry exhibit, which is currently located at the GSIS Museum of Art in Pasay City, opened last May 21 and will be on display until June 2, 2012.

Organized by the city government of Camarines Norte and the Camarines Norte DTI through its provincial director Ernesto Pardo, the opening was led by Camarines Norte governor Edgardo Tallado,  DTI regional director Engr. Jocelyn Los Baños Blanco and GSIS president and general manager Robert Vergara.

Ribbon-cutting ceremony (l-r): Jocelyn Blanco, DTI regional director,
Robert Vergara, GSIS president and  Camarines Norte governor Edgardo Tallado

Gov. Tallado with Camarines Norte DTI provincial director Ernesto Pardo 

The exhibit features original creations from past Bulawan events held at the Ayala Museum, Yuchengco Museum and most recently at the Metropolitan Museum.  There is also a selling area where you can buy pure gold or silver jewelries handcrafted by Bicolanos.

Bulawan will return to Manila before the end of the year with new jewelry designs to marvel at, so watch out for updates from this blog.




Filed under EVENTS

American Idol S11: Philip vs Jessica

I've been a fan of American Idol since the season of David Cook, having followed the show from auditions to finale.  But I would always try to watch whenever a Filipino is in the contest and root for that person to win or at least land in the finals. 

AI S11 Top 2: Philip Philips and Jessica Sanchez

So far, the highest place a contestant with Filipino blood has ever reached is third place, in the person of Jasmine Trias, in the season where another Filipina reached the final 10 -- Camille Velasco. Another Filipina, Ramiele Malubay, joined American Idol and placed 9th during the batch of Cook.  With Jessica Sanchez, the petite 16-year old who has reached the top 2,  American Idol Season 11 is much more exciting.  

Last week, America (and most of the Philippines) voted and chose Jessica Sanchez and Philip Philips as the final two performers to compete for the top spot. Find out who will be the next American Idol during the Grand Finale LIVE via Satellite this Thursday, May 24 at 8 am on ETC.


The Grand Finale night will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, where we shall see the return of the American Idol Season 11 Top 10, as well as guest performances with the likes of Rihanna, Jason Derulo and Aerosmith.  


Prior to the announcement, Jessica and Philip will perform for the last time for votes during the Top 2 performance show that will be aired on ETC tonight, May 23, Wednesday via satellite at 6 pm, with a primetime telecast at 7 pm and 10 pm. 


This is it! The moment we AI fanatics are waiting for.  Let us vote for Jessica to show support for her talent that truly deserves the win!




Filed under SHOWS

Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2012

Philippine Fashion Week has been at it now for five years in raising awareness for the works of talented local designers whose creations can compete globally in design and quality. Witness the PFW Holiday 2012 shows starting today, May 22, until May 27 at the SMX Convention Center and SM Mall of Asia.

I've been attending some shows for two years now so I can say that each year provides new and exciting showcases for everyone. Seeing the trendy and chic guests is pretty much like watching a fashion show in itself. I look foward to the shows that sent me invites and I will gladly share my photos and experiences here in my blog.

Below is the whole week schedule:

Filed under EVENTS

A (somewhat different) Art Talk

Join members of Epoch for a fascinating discussion on the inspiration behind their exhibit Somewhat Different: Contemporary Design and the Power of Convention with topics ranging from product concept and design, transforming design ideas, and the sustainability and marketability of products.  The talk will be on May 24, Thursday, from 6 to 8 pm, at the Yuchengco Museum, RCBC Plaza, Makati City.

Epoch is a group of six young international artists and designers -- Jinggoy Buensuceso, Martha Cech, Olivia d'Aboville, Daniel Latorre Cruz, Stanley Ruiz and Wataru Sakuma -- driven to show beauty and meaning in experimental designs.The group has evolved into a movement that challenges old concepts, provoking the mind to think of alternative perspectives.


Presented by Goethe-Institut as part of the exhibit Somewhat Different: Contemporary Design and the Power of Convention, the talk will be moderated by designer Tony Gonzales and Tes Pasola.


Designers Talk comes with admission: P100 for adults, P50 for students, P25 for children and seniors.  To register, contact Luisa Zaide of Goethe-Institut at program@manila.goethe.org or call (632) 817-0978.


Filed under EVENTS

Globe-SM Advantage Rewards Program

For Globe users and SM Advantage members like me, there's good news!  A rewarding shopping experience is made possible by the collaboration of Globe Telecom's customer loyalty programs My Rewards, My Globe, TM Astig Rewards and SM Advantage.

Globe and TM subscribers, who are SM Advantage members as well, can now instantly convert Globe and TM Rewards points to SM Advantage points, as Globe has added SM Departments Stores and Supermarkets, and other affiliated retail establishments as part of the expanded rewards catalog.  The points can be used to redeem anything sold in SM Department Store, SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket, Save More and other SM retail establishments such as Ace Hardware, Baby Company, Forever 21, Kultura, Our Home, Toy Kingdom, Watsons and many more.

At the recent launch held at the newly renovated SM Prestige Lounge in SM Makati, Marketing Convergence, Inc. and Globe Telecom officials joined forces to give consumers a rewarding experience.  The power partnership was sealed and revealed before friends, clients and members of media. 

(l-r): Iya Quintana, Senior Sales and Marketing Manager, Marketing Convergence, Inc.; Rey Maclang, Senior AVP for Sales and Marketing, Marketing Convergence, Inc.; Baldwin Golangco, President, Marketing Convergence, Inc.; Ernest Cu, President and CEO, Globe Telecom; Peter Bithos, Senior Advisor for Consumer Business, Globe Telecom; and Jay Beltran, Head for Customer Lifecycle Management, Globe Telecom. 

To convert Globe or TM Rewards points to SM Advantage points, simply text REDEEM < space > ITEM CODE < space > SM Advantage Card Number and send to 4438.  To get the list of SMAC item codes, text ITEMS to 4438.

So convert those rewards points now and go shopping!  Know more about how you can enjoy exciting rewards by staying Globe-connected by www.rewards.globe.com.ph.

Filed under PROMOS

Asian Film Fest 2012

An interesting and educational event is happening at the Shang Cineplex -- the Asia As Our Society Film Festival.  The film festival will be running from May 17 to May 21, 2012 and will feature an array of films  from the Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Japan, Lao DPR, China, and South Korea. Organized by the Asia Society Philippine Foundation, Inc., the film festival is open and FREE for all.

Below are the screening schedules and summary of each participating film.


May 17 (Thursday)
7 - 9 pm
DINIG SANA KITA (If I Knew What You Said) by Mike Sandejas (Philippines)


May 18 (Friday)
12:30 pm
3 DOA 3 CINTA by Nurman Hakim (Indonesia)
3:00 pm
THE GUAVA HOUSE (MUA OI LA SAISON DES GAYAVES) by Nhat Minh Dang (Vietnam)
5:30 pm
ONLY LOVE by Anousone Sirisackda (LAO DPR)
8:00 pm
FOREVER ENTHRALLED by Chen Kaige (China)


May 19 (Saturday)
12:30 pm
AGNI DAHAYA by Jayantha Chandrasiri (Sri Lanka)
3:00 pm
LASKAR PELANGI (The Rainbow Troops) by Riri Riza (Indonesia)
5:30 pm
WANKO - The Story of Me, My Family and My Dog by Isamu Nakae (Japan)
8:00 pm
HWANG JIN YI by Chang Yoon-hyun (South Korea)


May 20 (Sunday)
12:30 pm
NOSTALGIA FOR COUNTRYLAND (Thoung nho dong que) by Nhat Minh Dang (Vietnam)
3:00 pm
ECLAIR by Akio Kondo (Japan)
5:30 pm
SPEEDY SCANDAL by Kang Hyeong-cheoi (Korea)
8:00 pm
THE FOUNDING OF A REPUBLIC by Han Sanping, Huang Jianxin (China)


May 21 (Monday)
12:30 pm
GLITTERING DAY by An Zhanjun (China)
3:00 pm
DEEWARI by Salinda Perera (Sri Lanka)
5:30 pm
JAKARTA MAGHRIB by Salman Aristo (Indonesia)
8:00 pm
HALAW by Sheron Dayoc (Philippines)

For those planning to watch the films, please be at the Shang Cineplex at least an hour before the showtime to claim the free ticket/s as they are issued on a first come, first served basis.




Filed under SHOWS

Forbidden Broadway: Musical Parody At Its Best

I have blogged about "Forbidden Broadway" last month as a teaser, having been invited to the press launch for a taste of things to come.  For those reading about the play for the first time, let me give you a capsule of what the fuzz is all about.

"Forbidden Broadway" is what New Yorkers call "the funniest show in New York" and is the Off-Broadway smash hit that is all about spoofing show tunes, characters and plots of contemporary and current Broadway musicals. Conceived, written and directed by Gerard Alessandrini, a then unemployed actor who wanted a showcase for his talents.  The original show opened in January 1982 in New York. The show has mocked popular shows like The Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Les Miserables, Mama Mia!, Cats, Hairspray, and Rent, among others.  It also targets famous Broadway actors, writers, composers, directors, choreographers and producers but you'll have to watch the show to know who these are. 

Upstart Productions, through the talented actor, writer, director and producer Joel Trinidad, brings this musical parody to Manila for a limited run this May 2012.  "Forbidden Broadway" is a two-act, four-person show, with two men and two women playing pivotal roles and playing about 20 or more roles individually. The four actors who were tapped for the show are Liesl Batucan, Caisa Borromeo, Lorenz Martinez and OJ Mariano.

The fab four (l-r): Caisa Borromeo, Lorenz Martinez, Liesl Batucan and OJ Mariano  

At the recent press preview, I was somewhere in-between knowing what the show was about and anticipating which Broadway musicals and personalities are going to be spoofed plus the variety of costume changes that had to be done quickly throughout the show.  Boy, what I witnessed I wasn't ready for and so I kept on laughing the whole time without the guilt of offending those on the other side of the globe. As Joel Trinidad shared, "Forbidden Broadway pokes fun at all the big hits of Broadway, but in a good-natured way that's never petty and mean." 

I loved everything in the show but my most favorite was the "Wicked" suite.  Watch out for the witch, the cute flying monkeys and the...as much as I'd like to share the wackiest scene ever, I have to restrain myself in divulging too much, so I leave this to your imagination.  I also loved "Annie," "The Phantom of the Opera," and the showdown of Rita Moreno and Chita Rivera because of "West Side Story."

Liesl, Caisa, Lorenz and OJ -- all of whom I've seen perform in previous productions -- were all naturally funny! I wonder how they were able to finish the show without bursting into laughter or even breaking into a grin?  With a script that's so hilarious, if I was one of the cast, I can imagine myself giggling and choking midway through songs.  Kudos to the four talented cast members for being great and disciplined performers. I also commend the lone pianist, Dingdong Fiel, who provided good music and crazy antics as well.  


As mentioned in my previous post, guest artists like Aiza Seguerra, Nyoy Volante, Jett Pangan, and many more will be popping on stage but only one surprise guest per show.  Luckily, the special guest at the preview is none other than respected actor Noel Trinidad, who delayed his trip abroad just to participate in his son's (yes, he is Joel's father) show for the first time ever.

The cast with the night's special guest Mr. Noel Trinidad (center)

and here with director Mr. Joel Trinidad (center)

"Forbidden Broadway" will run from May 11 to 27, 2012 with shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and matinee shows on Saturdays and Sundays at 3 pm.  Venue will be at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC PLaza, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City.


Related Reading: A Good Kind of Forbidden

Filed under SHOWS

Happy Mother's Day

To the woman who carried me in her womb and cared for me when I was born, who laughed and cried with me, who loves me and fought for me...Happy Mother's Day! 

This message also goes out to all the moms around the world.


Hugs and kisses,
My Happy Realm :)

A Perfect Ten with HerWord.com

It is summer but when rain comes, it is such a nice feeling to curl up under the blanket with a good book.  And what better way to get a new book than to win one!

HerWord.com, in partnership with The Book of Ten, is giving away 10 copies to lucky HerWord subscribers. Promo period ends on May 17, 2012.

The Book of Ten is a "life planner."  But instead of the typical planners where we jot down our daily schedules and things-to-do's for a year, The Book of Ten will make you think deeper and give you the push to look at your entire life and see if where you are headed is where you really to be. 

To join the promo and know the full mechanics, visit http://www.herword.com/promo/main.php?id=perfectTEN

Filed under PROMOS

EarthDay Jam

Ecological themes like "Save the Earth," "Save the Environment," and "Go Green" are very rampant these days, especially when we all began to feel the effects of global warming.  But way back in the year 2000, a special movement was born with the goals of spreading environmental awareness and promoting unity through music -- the Earthday Jam!  

At the press conference for Earthday Jam

Earthday Jam, the musical marathon for Mother Earth, now on its 12th year, showed no sign of slowing down.  The biggest street party music tribute for Mother Earth held recently at the Bonifacio Global City delivered their eco-friendly messages through music as diverse as world music, alternative, rock, reggae and accoustic. Talented artists donated their time and gave concert-worthy performances for the cause -- salsa-samba El Martinos drumbeaters; Philippines' premier Brazilian-fusion artist Nyko Maca with band Gafeiera; folk guru Noel Cabangon; internationally known reggae act Peace Pipe; women-fronted bands Imago and jazz pinoy soul quartet SIno Sikat; rock-alternative's major bands Kjwan, Mayonnaise, and Radio Active Sago Project with witty frontman Lourd De Vera; veteran artist-producer Lou Bonnevie; Bloomfields; True Faith; Nina; and Juris.

Lou Bonnevie

Bloomfields

All performances were interspersed with environmental tips from various speakers representing "green" NGOs and various leading government agencies.  

Earthday Jam was spearheaded by Philippine rock icon, Father Satur Neri recipient envi-artist Lou Bonnevie and creative honcho Toto Gentica with their production outfit Dimitri Productions.  

Filed under EVENTS

Starbucks Frappuccino Happy Hour

Just saw this good news from Starbucks Philippines while I was browsing through Facebook.  Something to look forward to and ward off Monday blues from April 30 until May 28, 2012.

Info and photo from Starbucks Philippines FB.

Filipino Fashion Designer on ANTM: British Invasion Episode

Tonight at 8PM on ETC, America’s Next Top Model: British Invasion features the couture collection of Filipino fashion designer Francis Libiran. With just 8 models left in the competition, the episode starts with the girls attending castings for the opportunity to open a fashion show where fashion’s elite will be in the audience. Then at the photo shoot the models strike their best pose while struggling with heavy Hello Kitty couture gowns as designed by Libiran.

I believe this is also the episode where Filipino actress/model Anne Curtis-Smith will be shown wearing the fabulous gowns of Libiran. 

Not the first time for a Filipino designer to be featured on the long-running reality show, Libiran is the first Philippine-based designer to have his creations modeled on the show. Past Filipino designers to be featured include US-based Oliver Tolentino and Dubai-based Michael Cinco, and just last week host Tyra Banks wore a dress by Project Runway Philippines judge Rajo Laurel during the previous episode’s judging.

Airing all-new episodes first in the Philippines, ETC is the number one authority when it comes to America’s Next Top Model. Fans of the show can see the latest episodes of America’s Next Top Model: British Invasion just days after its initial US airing.

AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL: BRITISH INVASION AIRS EVERY MONDAY AT 8PM ON ETC, see on free TV on RPN-9.

Filed under SHOWS

A Good Kind of Forbidden

Anything "forbidden" is almost always desired. Who can resist peeking at a surprise gift? Or eating another slice of sweet cake when no one is looking? I guess it is the challenge posed by the "forbidden pleasures" that our natural curiosity and persistence can't overcome at times.

When an invitation to join the press launch of "Forbidden Broadway" came my way, I was immediately curious to know what it is all about.  It turns out that it is what New Yorkers call "the funniest show in New York and is the upcoming offering of Upstart Productions this May 2012 -- the Off-Broadway smash hit that is all about spoofing show tunes, characters and plots of contemporary and current Broadway musicals.

Upstart Productions' Joel Trinidad

And who on earth came up it such an idea?  "Forbidden Broadway" was conceived, written and directed by Gerard Alessandrini, a then unemployed actor who wanted a showcase for his talents.  The original show opened in January 1982 in New York. The show has mocked popular shows like The Phantom of theOpera, Wicked, Les Miserables, Mama Mia!, Cats, Hairspray, and Rent, among others.  It also targets famous Broadway actors, writers, composers, directors, choreographers and producers but I'm not revealing names now so you'd be curious enough to watch the show instead.

Liesl Batucan and Lorenz Martinez

OJ Mariano and Caisa Borromeo

As to how "Forbidden Broadway" found its way to Philippine shores can be credited to Upstart Productions' Joel Trinidad, who is directing the show. Mr. Trinidad caught the show when he was in New York a couple of years ago and he shares, "I love Forbidden Broadway because it pokes fun at all the big hits of Broadway, but in a good-natured way that's never petty and mean."  The full length, 2 acts show is like watching 20 or more Broadway musicals in one go and because it is well-written, the viewers need not be familiar with any of the featured musical to be able to appreciate the show.

"Forbidden Broadway" is a four-person show, with two men and two women playing pivotal roles, and the four actors who were tapped for the show are Liesl Batucan, Caisa Borromeo, Lorenz Martinez and OJ Mariano. As Mr. Trinidad relayed at the press conference, "More than just great singers, dancers and actors, I needed performers who could be funny without trying."  I agree on that a hundred percent because comic timing is something we are born with: either we have it or we don't.  "I'm happy to say that my cast members -- Liesl, Caisa, Lorenz and OJ -- are all great performers who are definitely born with it," affirms Mr. Trinidad, referring to the cast as being naturally funny.    


Watch this short video clip I took of their spoof of Rent's Season of Love:

To spice up every performance, guest artists like Aiza Seguerra, Nyoy Volante, Jett Pangan, and many more will be popping on stage but only one surprise guest per show.

"Forbidden Broadway" will run from May 11 to 27, 2012 with shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and matinee shows on Saturdays and Sundays at 3 pm.  Venue will be at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC PLaza, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City.


Stay tuned for updates to this show.

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