Five Awardees take center stage in the 55th Ramon Magsaysay Awards Ceremonies

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THREE individuals and two organizations who share the virtue of selflessness in working for their people’s welfare received the 2013 Ramon Magsaysay Awards in a formal presentation ceremony at the CCP Main Theater last August 31.

This year’s awardees come from diverse cultures and regions—Lahpai Seng Raw from Myanmar, Habiba Sarabi from Afghanistan, Ernesto Domingo from the Philippines, Shakti Samuha from Nepal, and the Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi (KPK) or Corruption Eradication Commission from Indonesia.

Hon. Maria Lourdes Sereno, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, was the guest of honor during the ceremony. She lead the conferment of the Award certificates and medallions to the five awardees. A video presentation commemorating the 55th Anniversary of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation was ushered during the proceedings. 

The Magsaysay Awardees had a full schedule of activities prior to the Awards. They delivered public lectures and met with NGOs, academic institutions, development organizations, and local government executives. This allowed the awardees to share with a wide and diverse audience the remarkable work they are doing.

The Magsaysay Award was established in 1957 to honor the spirit of greatness and selfless leadership manifested in the extraordinary lives and work of the laureates— individuals and organizations who are dubbed as Asia’s heroes of change. President Ramon Magsaysay, whose life and leadership inspired the creation of the Award, now regarded as Asia’s premier prize and the region’s highest honor.

#GreatnessOfSpirit

More photos: https://www.facebook.com/myrns.roman/media_set?set=a.10201019976114597.1073741848.1023156562&type=3

Ten finalists for the Short Film Category for the 2013 Cinemalaya Competition

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The Cinemalaya Foundation has announced the finalists for the Short Film Category for the 2013 Cinemalaya Competition.

The ten finalists in the Short Film Category are:

Bakaw by Ron Segismundo

Katapusang Labok by Aiess Athina E. Alonso

Missing by Zig Madamba Dulay

Onang by Jann Eric S. Tiglao

Para kay Ama by Relyn A. Tan

Pukpok by Joaquin Adrian M. Pantaleon

Sa Wakas by Ma. Veronica Santiago

Taya by Philip Adrian Bontayam

The Houseband’s Wife by Paulo P. O’Hara

Tutob by Kissza Mari V. Campano

Bakaw is a day in the life of a child who steals at the Navotas fishport.

Katapusang Labok depicts the struggles of fishermen who must deal with environmental abuse and the effects of coral harvesting on their livelihood.

Missing tackles the subject of forced disappearances.

Onang is the classic tale of a young probinsyana who seeks her fortune in the big city.

Para kay Ama is about a young Chinese-Filipino girl who discovers she has a half-brother when she meets him on the last day of her father’s wake.

Pukpok is one adolescent’s transition to manhood as he hurdles a case characterized by excessive blood, superstition and a man with failing eyesight.

Sa Wakas is a reflection on the bond of a father and daughter tested by cultural, political and religious hypocrisy.

Taya is about a 12-year-old boy who learns to play the game of life with a new set of friends. The film highlights how traditional Filipino games reflect the realities and disparities of our society.

The Houseband’s Wife is an essay about a typical OFW family, with the OFW wife as breadwinner and the husband left in the Philippines to care for the children.  Technology and the internet bridges the physical distance but shatters domestic harmony when the wife, on a Skype video call, sees a bra, not hers, hanging in the marital closet.

Tutob begins when recent bombings in the region put authorities on alert. A mysterious, strange-looking native Maranao man dressed up in Muslim attire shows up.  He is tasked to fetch a package from his boss’ contact.  From a rural area in the mountains, he rides his motorcycle to the city to get the package.  On his way back, he is stopped at an army checkpoint.  Speaking Maranao, he says he doesn’t know what’s in the package, but the Visayan-speaking soldiers don’t understand him and insist on opening it.

The short feature category finalists were selected by the Cinemalaya Selection Committee comprised of Emilio Abello, VI, Lawrence Fajardo, Nic Deocampo, Mike Sandejas and Teddy Co.

The Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and Competition seeks to discover, encourage, and honor the cinematic works of Filipino filmmakers that boldly articulate and freely interpret the Filipino experience with fresh insight and artistic integrity. The works are narrative features that articulate Filipino identity and culture in digital format. The competition is held in three categories, the New Breed Full Length Feature, Short Feature and the Directors Showcase.

Cinemalaya 2013 will be held on July 26 – August 4 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines and Ayala Cinemas at TriNoma, Greenbelt 3, and Alabang Town Center. It is a project of the of the Cinemalaya Foundation, Inc., in partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and Econolink Investments, Inc. (EEI).

Cinemalaya also features the Short Feature competition category as well as film exhibitions, seminars, conference, the Cinemalaya Film Congress, and other film-related events.

For more information, please visit www.culturalcenter.gov.ph and the CCP facebook page.

Daragang Magayon: An Istorya ni Mayon, An Epic Love Tale at the CCP this Feb 8

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The legend of Mayon’s origins has been told and re-told through  generations and remains very much a part of the Bicolano culture and imagination. Fabled for its beautiful symmetry, Mayon Volcano has always inspired poets, painters and musicians. And, there are many works of art that depict and pay tribute to its beauty.

Presentation during the Daragang Magayon Press Conference held at Barbara Restaurant , Intramuros Manila

When clouds sheath the peak of the perfect cone of the Mayon Volcano in Albay, Bicol, locals say that the lovers Magayon, the lovely maiden after whom the volcano is named, and her handsome Ulap, must be kissing.

The myth of Daragang Mayon is a timeless tale of love that almost every Bicolano knows.   It is the story of Magayon (beautiful maiden), the only daughter of chieftain Makusog, and Ulap (Cloud), the brave son of a chieftain from another region.  They fall in love and are engaged when Pagtuga, a jealous suitor foils their plans to marry.  Pagtuga kidnaps Makusog and threatens to kill him unless Magayon consents to marry him instead of her beloved Ulap.  To her great grief, Magayon gives up Ulap to save her father’s life.  Magayon and Pagtuga are about to be wed when Ulap disrupts the wedding and slays Pagtuga.  Magayon rushes into the arms of Ulap but  is struck by an arrow.  As she lay dying in his arms, Magayon is fatally stabbed in the back by one of Pagtuga’s men. The ill-starred lovers are laid to rest, together for eternity, in a mound of earth that grew bigger and bigger with the passage of time, eventually becoming the volcano that is known as Mayon.

This February, the month of hearts and lovers, Filipino audiences will have the chance to witness a unique and exciting reprise of this age-old and romantic love story, retold through music, dance, poetry and film, in DARAGANG MAGAYON:  AN ISTORYA NI MAYON slated on February 8,  2013, with    matinee performance  at 3pm and Gala performance at  8pm, at  the Main Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Roxas Blvd, Pasay City.

Daragang Magayon is a presentation of E-Dance Theater, the Provincial Government of Albay, Bicol University in cooperation with Goodwill Bookstore and Ballet Manila.  The production is supported by the Bicol Provincial government as part of its efforts to revitalize the tourist development program, highlighting Albay’s rich cultural heritage.

Gov. Joey Salceda of Albay

Daragang Magayon:  An Istorya ni Mayon  boasts of a new twist---the use of multimedia---to tell the story of how Mayon volcano was born.

Adding luster to the production are two of the country’s foremost artists who collaborated on Daragang Magayon.  National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario (Rio Alma) penned the poetry for this new production.

 Gawad CCP para sa Sining awardee Ramon P. Santos composed the music.

The people behind "Daragang Magayon: Ang Istorya ni Mayon", 
a unique presentation of ballet, poetry, rondalla orchestra with film animation
 about the alamat of Mayon.

Albay poet laureate Abdon Balde Jr. did the dramaturgy for the production, adapting the Mayon legend for stage. Aimee Escasa and Boni Ilagan did the storyline and script, while Leo Abaya and John Batalla did the set and lighting designs respectively.  Filmmakers Chuck Escasa, Niko Salazar and Henry Posadas worked on the filmic elements of the production that included animation, adding to the visual excitement of the production.

Gerald Mercado did the choreography and direction for Daragang Magayon.

Daragang Magayon features the dancers of E-Dance Theater led by Ea Torrado as Magayon, Victor Maguad as Ulap, Francis Cascano as Pagtuga, Pamela Josef as Usa, Marcus Tolentino as Makusog and Roduardo Ma and Earvin Guillermo alternating as Linog.  The show is highlighted by the special participation of Ronnie Lazaro as Gugurang, Pontri Bernardo as the Aswang, soprano Stephanie Quintin, tenor Jay-El Viteno, Bass Jonak Del Fierro, and performing groups  E-Dance Theater, UP Rondalla and Novo Concertante.

For more information, please call: 4250509, 09209266387, 8321125 loc 1116; for ticket inquiries, please contact  829-3591,  09062735400 / 09228477639 / 09334372744 TICKET WORLD: (02) 891 9999.

IBALONG – A Dance Musical Of Bicolano Epic

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“Ibalong” highlights the preservation of our environment in a magical and musical setting. Entitled after Legazpi City’s week-long festivity, “Ibalong,” the musical tells the story of Handyong and his warriors who come to Bicol – formerly known as Ibalon – and wage war against beasts and monsters pillaging the land’s natural wealth. Handyong mightily battles creatures bearing a solitary eye and three throats, several winged sharks, and wild carabaos.

In introducing civilization to the barbaric land, Handyong matches wit and might with the scheming snake, Oryol.  A master of deceit, Oryol disguises herself into a sweet, young lady in order to seduce Handyong. But not to be outwitted, Handyong eventually makes Oryol fall in love with him.

Their love story – between a warrior and a monster – defines the greatness of Bicol as it explores an individual’s capacity for good and evil, and a land’s history marked by progress and destruction.

Tanghalang Pilipino caps its 26th season with a dance-theatre musical interpretation of the Bicolano epic, “Ibalong,” adapted for the stage by prolific playwright Rody Vera and directed by Tuxqs Rutaquio with Carol Bello’s musical direction, and Alden Lugnasin’s choreography.

IBALONG opens with a gala premiere on February 8 at the Tanghalang Aurelio V. Tolentino, Cultural Center of the Philippines at 8pm. The musical will run until March 3, 2013.

The cast of IBALONG include Jenine Desiderio - Oryol; May Bayot - Gugurang; Myke Salomon - Handyong; Red Nuestro - Opon; Delphine Buencamino - Koro / Understudy Oryol; Trixie Esteban - Young Oryol / Koro; Cheeno Macaraig - Young Handyong / Makusog / Kawal/ibingan; Tara Cabaero - Buring/Anino; Hazel Maranan - Onglo/Anino; Opaline Santos - Sarimao/Anino; Kristofer Kliatchko -Angongolood/Kawal; Cyril Balderama - Sarimao/Kawal; and Philip Palmos - Kikik.

The ensemble is composed of TP’s Actor's Company featuring Jonathan Tadioan - Aswang / Koro; Marco Viaña -   Rabot/Koro; Remus Villanueva - Handyong / Kawal/Angongolood; Nicolo Magno -    Baltog / Koro; Ralph Mateo -Bantong / Kalabaw/ Tambaluslos/Kawal; Regina De Vera - Bonggo/Anino; Jovanni Cadag -Sarimao ; and Doray Dayao - Popo/Anino.

Nanding Josef, Artistic Director of Tanghalang Pilipino cited that this production which is being done in cooperation with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the City of Legazpi of Bicol, is a special offering to the Bicolanos and the rest of the Filipino people who are committed to protecting our natural resources and cultural heritage from the onslaught of irresponsible commercialism, modernization, frenetic world trade and homogenizing globalization ---- all hiding under the name of human progress and development, but in reality, are all motivated by self-centered motives and selfish interests of the greedy, materialistic, powerful evil creatures of this earth which was originally created by the Supreme Being only for everything that is good, true and beautiful.

Janine  Desiderio and cast presentation during the Ibalong Press Conference 

SYNOPSIS

The play will focus on the middle story of the Ibalong epic fragment, since we feel this is the most substantial of the three seemingly separate stories of the short poem. We focus on Handyong when he and his warriors come to Bicol and wage war against the wild creatures of the land. Handyong uses might to wipe out the wild creatures perceived as barbaric and monstrous. There are beasts with one eye and three throats.  Winged sharks ploughing the deep, wild carabaos were all subdued.

It seems that Handyong the mighty has begun to subdue the land of Bicol in the name of civilization except for Oryol, the sagacious snake. Handyong is eluded by Oryol. she then appears as a sweet young thing, as a way of seducing him. Oryol was a champion of deceit.

This is why Handyong finds a way to lure Oryol to help him. In the end, Oryol agrees to help Handyong destroy her own kind for a great deception that our hero is able to heap on the snake. Handyong makes the snake monster fall in love with him.

The land is set free when Oryol betrays the wild creatures of the land of Bicol. Handyong's heroism is fully established. But not without a tinge of guilt.

This love story between a mighty warrior and a monster becomes the central focus of the Ibalong, the capacity for good and evil, for progress and destruction, love and deceit are equally imprinted in the descendants of Handyong. The precarious balance between these two opposites defines the greatness of the land of Bicol.

The artistic team of IBALONG is led by Nanding Josef  ( Artistic Director ), Rody Vera ( Playwright ); Tuxqs Rutaquio ( Director/Set Designer ); Carol Bello (Composer/Musical Director ); Rizalino Reyes & Inkantada, All-Women Group (Arranger );  Leeroy New ( Costume & Puppet Designer ); Alden Lugnasin (Choreographer ); Katsch Catoy ( Lights Designer and Technical Director ) and   TJ Ramos ( Sound Designer ).

The production team is composed of Jennifer Bautista ( Production Manager ),  Alpha Joy Ruiz ( Deputy Production Manager ),  Jo  Ann Requiestas ( Assistant Production Manager ), Jerome Aytona ( Stage Manager ), Noel Taylo and Eric Sindol ( Assistant Stage Managers ), Daniel Gregorio ( Costume Custodian ), Zaldy Baldelobar ( Property Master ), Raphael David (Make-Up and Prosthetic Artist ), and Jerry Ramirez ( Stunt Choreography ).

The Marketing / Sales, and publicity group is led by Cherry Bong Z. Edralin ( Marketing Manager ), Toots Tolentino ( Publicist ), Jojit Lorenzo ( Photography ), Carlo Vergara  ( Poster Design ),  Joan Abubo ( Ticket Officer ),   Lorelei Celestino ( Marketing & Sales Associate ) and Juan Lorenzo Marco ( Sales Executive ).   

The schedule of performances of IBALONG are as follows: 

( Fri ) February 8, 15, 22, March 1, 2013 at 8:00 pm; 

( Sat ) February 9, 16, 23, March 2, 2013 at 3:00 pm and 8:00 pm; 

( Sun ) February 10, 17, 24, March 3, 2013 at 3:00 pm.

Ticket prices are: 

P 800.00 ( regular ); 

P 400.00 ( students ) and 

P 640.00 (for senior citizens -- 20% discount on the regular price)

 For  the  Feb.  8  gala  night, tickets  are  at  

P 1,000.00  ( regular );  

P 500.00  ( students ) and 

P 800.00 ( for senior citizens -- 20% discount on the regular price)

Support our contribution to save our planet, our environment, and our cultural heritage. 

Don’t fail to watch IBALONG!

With elaborate costumes, energetic fight choreography, and haunting music, IBALONG guarantees audiences of all ages an enthralling experience rarely seen in original Filipino theatre.

Tickets are now available at all TicketWorld Outlets.  Call TicketWorld at 891-9999  and CCP Box Office at 832-3704

For inquiries on ticket reservations, group sales, sponsorships, special performances, call Tanghalang Pilipino at 832-1125 local 1620/1621 or contact Cherry Bong Z. Edralin at 0917-750-0107, 0918-959-3949 for more details.

Visit our website at www.tanghalangpilipino.org.ph or
E-mail us at ccptanghalan@yahoo.com or cherry_edralin888@yahoo.com.

A Midsummer Night's Dream

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What Ballet Philippines is up to after huge success ! 

After the critical and box-office success of Rama, Hari, which had its full-house audiences giving rousing standing ovations after each performance, Ballet Philippines once again takes on an old-time favorite and gives it a new twist in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM.

Running for one weekend only from February 15 to 17, 2013 at the CCP Main Theater, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM is a new ballet adaptation choreographed by Hong Kong-based award-winning Filipino choreographer Carlo Pacis. Based on the timeless romantic comedy of William Shakespeare and the music of Felix Mendelssohn, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM is a world premiere, and is Pacis’ first full-length ballet for Ballet Philippines.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream weaves together the lives of mortals and fairies. Oberon, the King of the Fairies, and his Queen, Titania, are fighting over an Indian changeling. To punish her, Oberon instructs the mischievous Puck to place the juice of the Love-in-Idleness flower on her eyes so she falls in love with the first living thing she sees. Oberon also instructs Puck to place the juice on a young mortal man, whom he sees spurning a young woman.

But Puck makes a mistake and his folly creates madness and mayhem in the forest. He puts the juice on Lysander, in love with Hermia, instead of Demetrius, who spurns Helena’s love because he pines for Hermia. Lysander awakens, sees Helena and falls in love with her. To correct his mistake, Puck places the juice on Demetrius’ eyes, who also sees Helena when he awakens. Meantime, Titania, after getting juice on her eyes, awakens and sets her eyes on a man with a donkey’s head. The result is an unforgettable romantic comedy of errors between man and magical beings.

While Rama, Hari is heroic and epic in scale, centered on a prince who is an avatar of a god, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is fun and youthful. It is the interplay of humans and fairies, with mischief-maker Puck at its focal point.

“Fairies have no morals, they want it, they want it now,” says Pacis, whose short work for Ballet Philippines, “Shifting Wait,” won Outstanding Choreography at the Philstage Gawad Buhay Awards.

“The youthful energy of the company will be perfect!” he says. With this, he builds his characters, and uses it to bring out the “fun” and “comedic” nature of the ballet.

While Rama, Hari showcased the dancers’ strength in modern dance, A Midsummer Night’s Dream will let the dancers’ classical ballet technique shine. But Pacis wants to go beyond ballet and infuses more modern, contemporary and non-ballet elements to the dancing. He wants to “push the envelope as far as pas de deux work, musicality and all that.”

Pacis also wants to tell the story with multimedia, sets (by Ricardo Cruz) and costumes (by fashion designer Eric Pineda).

“For me, the underlying theme is love, and I think that being a universal experience to us all, the audience can hopefully understand the story,” Pacis says.

The world premiere of Carlo Pacis’ A Midsummer Night’s Dream runs at the CCP Main Theater on February 15 (3pm and 8pm); February 16 to 17 (2pm and 6pm).

Bulk and group sales are also available for schools, classes, organizations and corporations.

For tickets and inquiries please contact Ballet Philippines at (02) 551-1003 and (02) 551-7919 or Ticketworld at (02) 891-9999.

Ballet Philippines' NEO-FILIPINO: ANTING September 14-16, 2012

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Anting promises to take audiences to a different world, one that is altogether historical, 

traditional, and familiar yet edgy and unusual in approach. 

Sa kapangyarihan ng Anting, ikaw ba'y pahuhumaling?

Tunghayan ang sayaw ng mahika, hiwaga at galing.

Tony Perez’s libretto that explores the world of talismans and amulets of Filipino magical traditions. It is made up for four separate movements, each depicting a specific kind of amulet and its powers.

Each movement is interpreted through dance by noted Filipino choreographers: 

BP artistic director Paul Alexander Morales

BP associate artistic director Christine Crame

BP alumnus and E-Dance Theatre artistic director Gerald Mercado

Airdance artistic director Ava Villanueva-Ong. 

They will work with the music of noted musicians Jed Balsamo, Jerrold Tarod, Teresa Barrozo and Israel Rodriguez.

Neo-Filipino: Anting has six (6) performances at the CCP Little Theater: Friday, September 14 at 3pm and 8pm; Saturday, September 15 at 2pm and 6pm; and Sunday, September 16 at 10am and 3pm. Tickets are at P600 (matinees) and P1000 (evening shows). Student and senior citizen discounts apply. For tickets, call Ballet Philippines at 551-1003 or Ticketworld at 891-9999. Visit www.ballet.ph.

CANDICE ADEA Wins International Ballet Tilt

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Candice Adea, Ballet Philippines’ principal dancer, won First Prize, Senior Women’s Division at the recently concluded Helsinki International Ballet Competition, one of the most prestigious ballet competitions in the world. The competition drew 69 dancers from 28 countries, including USA, China, Japan, Finland, Canada, Italy and Cuba, among others.

Her partner, Jean Marc Cordero, also a principal dancer of Ballet Philippines, was a semi-finalist in the Male Seniors Division. He won a Special Jury Award for Best in Pas de Deux Technique (partnering).

Adea’s win caps her illustrious career—in 2010 she won the Silver Medal at the USA International Ballet Competition in Jackson, MI, touted as the Olympics of ballet. In 2011, she won special awards at the Boston International Ballet Competition (the Maris Liepa Award for Artistry) and the Third Prize at the Seoul International Dance Competition. With Cordero, she also won the Lead Role in a Russian Ballet Performance in Boston.

 Adea is the first Filipino to be awarded First Prize in a top tier international ballet competition (composed of competitions in Varna, Bulgaria; Jackson, MI, USA; and Moscow, Russia), and joins the list of Filipino ballet dancers who have received international recognition.

As in all their previous competitions, Victor Ursabia, Ballet Philippines’ ballet master and CCP Dance School Director, stood as the pair’s coach and mentor. Adea and Cordero are completely Philippine trained. Both Adea and Cordero studied at the Philippine High School for the Arts (Adea was a Ballet major, while Cordero was in Theater Arts) and they both graduated with a Bachelor of Performing Arts Major in Dance from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.

Adea and Cordero has performed Ballet Philippines’ Crisostomo Ibarra, where they reprised their critically acclaimed roles at the last performance with live music, last June 24, 2 pm at the CCP Little Theater. They will also perform in Songs on July 6-8 at the CCP Main Theater, where they will premiere a pas de deux by Augustus Damian III.

Visit  www.ballet.ph

Ballet Philippines Opens 43rd Season with Local and International Works

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A bold gala of local and international works opens the season of Ballet Philippines’ 43rd Season: Dragon Song in Songs, on July 6-8, 2012 at the CCP Main Theater.

“Dragon years are always significant with their great energy and sense of renewal, the beginning of a new cycle,” says BP Artistic Director Paul Alexander Morales. “ Let’s all rally behind and embrace the company that has brought much pride to the country—after all, it is truly OUR OWN.”

Songs also features sensational masterworks in the arsenal of Ballet Philippines including:

Les Petit Mots D’Amour by Redha Beintefour (France)

A compelling dance piece that embodies man’s innermost desires. In it, man is reduced to his primal origins as he covets and yearns for an interactive idea. This vigorous search thrusts him into an enigmatic core of emotional existence. First performed in the Philippines in 1994.

Moriones by Agnes Locsin (Philippines)

Inspired by the Moriones Festival of Marinduque, Locsin’s MORIONES was choreographed for Ballet Philippines 2’s participation at the Recontres Festival Du Danse in La Baule, France. It was also a study for movement for the Guardias Civil dance for Locsin’s coming Encantada, slated to be premiered the next year. First performed in July 1991, Manila, Philippines.

This is My Life by Alden Lugnasin (Philippines)

This solo contemporary dance piece highlights the independence and elegance of woman.

Songs will also feature works by BP’s Morales, as well as a new pas de deux choreographed by former BP artistic director Augustus Damian III. Damian’s piece will be premiered by Candice Adea and Jean Marc Cordero, who have recently triumphed at the 2012 Helsinki International Ballet Competition.

Songs will run from July 6-8, 2012 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Main Theater. 

For tickets contact Ballet Philippines at 551-1003, 551-7919, 624-5701. 

Or call Ticketworld at 891-9999, or CCP Box Office at 832-3704.

Ballet Philippines is at the 4th Floor Cultural Center of the Philippines Bldg., CCP Complex, Pasay City.

Visit  www.ballet.ph and Ballet Philippines Facebook for more details. 

A Gathering of Icons - "The Legends and The Classics"

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An unforgettable gathering of three iconic Filipino artists — Lea Salonga, Cecile Licad and Lisa Macuja – together for the first time on one stage, one concert! “The Legends and the Classics” brings together this incomparable triumvirate for an enchanted evening of song, music and dance at 8 pm on March 17 (Saturday) and 6 pm on March 18 (Sunday) at the Main Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

“The Legends and the Classics” brings together the outstanding talent and impeccable showmanship of three remarkable Filipinas who have shone brightly on the international stage and brought home countless accolades for their country. Each of them represents a lifelong dedication to the arts – whether in theater, music or ballet – where success is forged only through long years of training, unwavering commitment and an ironclad will in pursuit of excellence.

Multi-awarded thespian and singer Lea Salonga, who began her career in musical theater at the age of seven, took the West End and Broadway by storm with her unparalleled success in major productions of “Miss Saigon” and “Les Miserables”.  A certified child prodigy, concert pianist Cecile Licad made her debut with a full orchestra also at age seven, launched her international career as a piano virtuoso by being the youngest gold medalist at the prestigious Leventritt Competition. Meanwhile, prima ballerina Lisa Macuja learned her first ballet steps at eight and went on to become a soloist of the legendary Kirov Ballet when she was barely out of her teens. From these early successes, all three women artists continued to excel and to evolve — from ingénue to icon… to legend!

This dream concert will have the three artists dishing out several of their signature pieces – Lea with her lovely serenade of unforgettable Broadway and movie themes; dramatic solos from Chopin and Rachmaninoff on the ivory keys by Cecile; and Lisa’s breathtaking leaps and turns from ballet classics, to name a few. But the pièce de résistance promises to be their combined performances, the likes of which never before seen on Philippine stage, all in one evening you wish would last forever!

Joining the trio of muses are Gerard Salonga & FILharmoniKA, Ballet Manila, and cellist Wilfredo Pasamba. Musical director is Gerard Salonga, while Roxanne Lapus is stage director.

“The Legends and the Classics” is presented by Ballet Manila and Manila Broadcasting Company. Supported by Lifestyle Network, Sofitel Philippine Plaza, and Ayala Land Premiere.  Special thanks to McDonald’s Philippines.

Tickets are now available at all TicketWorld outlets. For details, check out www.ticketworld.com.ph or call 891-9999.

Noli Me Tangere: The Musical - Great Theater Production

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Excitedly  I watched  Noli Me Tangere: The Musical
,  premiere night  August 5 at 8:00 evening at the 
Little Theater, Cultural Center 
of the Philippines. Pop chanteuse Cris Villonco plays the role of the sweet Maria Clara. She's amazingly acting and singing with a very powerful voice ! As Crisostomo Ibarra, Gian Magdangal is really great!  Their voice and rendition of the scenes were stunning! The cast  really did a great job!  The fantastic production earned a standing ovation ! 


This is super produced , artistically made and great directed.  Noli Me Tangere: The Musical is adapted for the stage by National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera and well known composer / arranger  Ryan Cayabyab.    This is restaged under the direction of theater luminary Audie Gemora. Glad to remember that Director Audie been played as Crisostomo Ibarra in that Noli Me Tangere version in year 1994. 


Costume design is by National Artist Salvador Bernal. Agnes Locsin , for choreography, and Rody Vera , the dramaturgy. TP artisitic director is known tv actor Fernando Josef.


The powerhouse cast of Noli Me Tangere: The Musical are talented singers and stage actors and actresses. 

Maria Clara  play by sweet Cris Villonco. As Crisostomo Ibarra, playing alternately are Mark Bautista and Gian Magdangal.  Theater veteran and well-renowned actor, Bodjie Pascua, plays the ill-famed cura paroko , Padre Damaso. Versatile thespian Al Gatmaitan stands equally apt as Padre Salvi.

Riki Benedicto of the TP Actors Company plays the feisty Elias, alternated by the likewise vigorous Jerald Napoles. Jonathan Tadioan and Garry Lim ,both distinguished members of the TP Actors Company share the role of Don Tiburcio. Red Nuestro ardently takes on Maria Clara’s father, Kapitan Tiago.  Highly-versatile stage actress, Ring Antonio plays the boisterous, animated Donya Victorina; as the very talented Jenny Villegas plays Tia Isabel. And who else could play the role of Sisa better than multi-awarded and intense performer, Angeli Bayani! AC veteran member  Paolo Rodriguez  plays as the Leproso. The powerful chorus is composed of  talented  singers-actors: Jenny Garcia, Janine Santos, Sherine Coa, Rayna Reyes, Hazel Maranan, Diana Sison, Martha Comia, Kathlyn Castillo, Erick Arsenas, Gino Ramirez, Chesko Rodriguez, Jelson Bay, Berl Angeles, Baron Barbers, and Honorio Magat.

Show Dates:  This August

5 (Friday) 8:00 PM

6 (Saturday) 3:00 PM & 8:00 PM

7 (Sunday) 3:30 PM

12 (Friday) 8:00 PM

13 (Saturday) 3:00 PM & 8:00 PM

14 (Sunday) 3:30 PM

19 (Friday) 8:00 PM

20 (Saturday) 3:00 PM & 8:00 PM

21 (Sunday) 3:30 PM

26 (Friday) 8:00 PM

27 (Saturday) 3:00 PM & 8:00 PM

28 (Sunday) 3:30 PM

Noli Me Tangere The Musical finale cast and production people bows 

One of the scenes

One of the sweet love scenes, Crisostomo Ibarra and Maria Clara

Noli Me Tangere the Musical scenes shots

Noli Me Tangere the Musical scenes shots

Noli Me Tangere the Musical scenes shots

Noli Me Tangere the Musical scenes shots

Fun Picture Takings with the cast after the show 

with the sweet and beautiful Cris Villonco, Maria Clara

with the great composer / arranger Ryan Cayabyab

with the TP artistic director Nanding Josef

Crisostomo Ibarra , Gian Magdangal


Ms. Tessa Valdez

Mark Bautista, Cris Villonco, Gian Magdangal

Noli Me Tangere: The Musical

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In honor of Jose Rizal’s 150th birthday, "Noli Me Tangere: The Musical" will officially open Tanghalang Pilipino’s 25th theater season.

The critically acclaimed musical, adapted by Ryan Cayabyab from Rizal’s most famous work with libretto by National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera, will be restaged under the direction of theater luminary Audie Gemora. Costume design is by National Artist Salvador Bernal.

Leading the cast as Crisostomo Ibarra are singer/TV host Mark Bautista (alternating with Arnold Reyes) and Cris Villonco as Maria Clara (understudied by Tasy Garucha). Joining them are Jerald Napoles and Riki Benedicto (Elias), Al Gatmaitan and Reyes (Padre Salvi), Ring Antonio (Don Victorina), Garry Lim (Don Tiburcio) alternating with Jonathan Tadioan, Red Nuestro (Kapitan Tiago), Jenny Villegas (Tia Isabel), Angeli Bayani (Sisa) and Paolo Rodriguez (leproso).

The ensemble includes Jenny Garcia, Pamela Imperial, Janine Santos, Sherine Ann Koa, Hazel Maranan, Diana Sison, Kat Castillo, Martha Comia, Erick Arenas, Gino Ramirez, Chesko Rodriguez, Jejie Esguerra, Von Ryan Yu, Berl William Angeles, Paolo Rodriguez, Baron Barbers and Greg de Leon.

Comprising the artistic staff are Audie Gemora (director), Rody Vera (dramaturg), Ryan Cayabyab (composer and arranger), Bienvenido Lumbera (librettist), Jed Balsamo (musical director), Mio Infante (set designer), Salvador Bernal (costume designer), Eric Cruz (costume consultant) Katsch Catoy (lighting designer), Agnes Locsin (choreographer) and Christine Crame (dance master.

"Noli Me Tangere: The Musical" runs August 5-28, 2011 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater). Interested sponsors, show-buyers and block buyers may call Tanghalang Pilipino (632) 8323661 or 8321125 local 1620/1621, or CCP box-office 8323704.

Ryan Cayabyab, Composer and Musical Arranger

Audie Gemora, Director

Cris Villonco , Maria Clara

Marck Bautista , Crisostomo Ibarra

Gian Magdangal, Crisostomo Ibarra

Bodjie Pascua, Padre Damaso