CHERRY Philippines welcomes Mariel Rodgriguez-Padilla as their new Brand Ambassador

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CHERRY Philippines (formerly Cherry Mobile) shines spotlight as they welcome Mariel Rodgriguez-Padilla to their growing family. CHERRY promotes convenience and a smart way of living by improving the quality of life of Filipinos through the wide array of smart home devices, home and living, entertainment, kitchen, pet, mobile, and more. Through the CHERRY IoT (Internet of Things) Solutions app, all of these products can be easily controlled with just a click from your device, letting you and your family experience comfort and accessibility in one move.

“Mariel brings her unique perspective and expertise to the table. Her authenticity, warmth, and bubbly persona have endeared her audiences, making her a trusted source of inspiration for homemakers everywhere.” shares Michelle Ngu-Cinco, COO of CHERRY. “We all know that she loves preparing and cooking for her loved ones, and we have our kitchen product line up for that. Consecutively, we would like her, and everyone as well, to experience the convenience and security of using CHERRY smart home devices, especially with the busy schedule,” adds Michelle.

(from left to right) Agnes C. Conopio, PR and CSR Head of CHERRY, Michelle Ngu-Cinco, Chief Operating Officer of CHERRY; Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla, Brand Ambassador; Rowena S. Salido, Artist Handler and Lulu Evangelista, Artists Endorsement Management Head of Vidanes Celebrity Marketing

THE ALL-AROUND "OVER ALAGA" MOM AND WIFE

An artist by heart, a mom set for life... That is what Filipinos have captured through the life of Mariel as she continues to thrive in the growing industry of entertainment and business. But, as a mom, change is a constant fear. Thankfully, Mariel is determined to show that homemaking is not just a routine of tasks but an art form crafted with love, care, and protection—a quality that every mom has. With this, she continuously delivers her unique approach, sharing insights and tips on the how-to's of being a super mom.

“I am truly grateful and elated to be part of the CHERRY family. As an O.A. or “Over Alaga” mom and wife, I'm so excited to use their products for home and living, kitchen, and more. In fact, even before they got me as one of their ambassadors, I already had their air fryer and rice cooker. Now, I am using their 2-in-1 Smart Bladeless Fan with Air Purifier. It’s so cool and convenient to have these features in one product,“ says Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla, Brand Ambassador of CHERRY.

“I’m also surprised to check their line-up of smart security cameras, both for indoor and outdoor uses. These really are must-have items in our homes, since they give us that added security and peace of mind. All you need is internet access to download and install the CHERRY IoT Solutions app on your phone. To be fair, I’m not really that techy, but as a first-time user, I must say that it is easy to use and navigate,” adds Mariel.

From Celebrity to Live Selling Maven

In a world where innovation meets tradition, there are individuals who redefine the concept of homemaking. For Mariel, it has always been more than just a routine; it's an art form—a creative expression of love and care. Mariel has captivated audiences with her unique approach to homemaking, sharing her tips, tricks, and insights with her loyal fan base.

Her journey as an entrepreneur began with a desire to explore new avenues of business while balancing the demands of motherhood. While being a hands-on mom and wife, Mariel has found herself drawn to the world of online live selling — a dynamic platform that allows entrepreneurs to connect with customers in real-time.

"At the heart of Mariel's success lies her unwavering commitment to her family. As a devoted wife and mother, she prioritizes the well-being and happiness of her loved ones above all else. Whether it's preparing a home-cooked meal for her family or spending quality time. Beyond the glitz and glamour of the live selling industry, Mariel remains grounded in her values and principles. Through her passion, she has inspired countless individuals to embrace entrepreneurship, take risks, and forge their own paths to success,” shares Agnes Conopio, PR-CSR Head of CHERRY, during the contract signing.

For more information, you may visit:

CHERRY Shop PH: www.cherryshop.com.ph

Kathryn Bernardo, Century Tuna Superbods Finalists turn up the summer heat at the #BestYouEver Launch

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The summer just got hotter and fitter as the newest Century Tuna Ambassador Kathryn Bernardo and the Century Tuna Superbods Finalists officially launch the “Best You Ever” campaign

Century Tuna Superbod Kathryn Bernardo takes on the center stage as she leads the Century Tuna Superbods 2024 Best You Ever Launch

The premier fitness competition in the country, Century Tuna Superbods 2024 is now on its 9^th season with the “Best You Ever” campaign that promotes self-love and self-improvement. Encouraging that every bod can be a Superbod, the Best You Ever campaign celebrates the journeys, personal growth, and overall wellness of every Filipino as they become the best versions of themselves.

“With Century Tuna, I’m embracing fitness and wellness like never before. I hope that the ‘Best You Ever’ campaign becomes an avenue for Filipinos to start or continue their journey to become the best version of themselves. We all start somewhere and with a lifestyle that is centered on our overall wellbeing, we empower ourselves and the people around us to strive for the best,” said Kathryn.

Together with Kathryn, the 36 Century Tuna Superbods Finalists continue to reinforce the Best You Ever campaign as they inspire more Filipinos to become the best version of themselves through incorporating the Superbods spirit in their diet, exercise, and overall wellness.

Century Tuna Superbods 2024 Best You Ever Top 36 Finalists 

Two months leading up to the finals night, the 36 Century Tuna Superbods Finalists brought their A-game as they showcased their fit and healthy bodies perfectly embodying what it is to be a Superbod.

Century Pacific Food Inc. Executives formally welcome Century Tuna Superbods Ambassador Kathryn Bernardo (from left) Century Pacific Food Inc. Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Mr. Greg Banzon, Century Tuna Senior Product Manager Mardi Dator, Century Tuna Superbods 2024 Ambassador Ms. Kathryn Bernardo, Century Pacific Food Inc. Vice President and General Manager for Branded Tuna Division Mr. Carlo Endaya, and Marketing Manager of Century Tuna and Vita Coco Ms. Bea Ballesca-Martinez

“We are on our 9^th season and this year, we have a solid set of Superbods who, together with Kathryn, we believe epitomize what it is to be a Superbod and what we stand for in Century Tuna. Our common factor in choosing this year’s Superbods is those who we believe will uplift and inspire others in their fitness journeys,” said Century Pacific Food Inc. (CPFI) Vice President and General Manager for Branded Tuna Business, Mr. Carlo Endaya.

The finalists will join a series of digital and onsite challenges that will be uploaded on Century Tuna Superbods Facebook page leading up to the Finals Night on July 9, 2024. The Century Tuna Superbods 2024 Male and Female Grand Winners will each receive PHP500,000 tax-free while the Runners-Up will receive PHP200,000 tax-free.

For more information, please visit https://centurytuna.ph/ or visit Century Tuna on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/centurytuna or @centurytunasuperbods on Instagram for more updates.

 

Ben&Ben to launch new concept store ‘Liwanag House’ with a concert at Robinsons Galleria

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The award-winning band will be performing at the atrium on May 18, 2024

Heads up! Ben&Ben and Robinsons Galleria are teaming up for the Grand Launch of the Liwanag House, the newest concept store made specifically for the band’s growing community of partners, supporters, and fans.

Aside from special activities and personalized experiences for their fanbase, Liwanag House will serve as a homebase for exclusive releases and limited-edition merch from Ben&Ben.

The intimate space will also host community-driven gatherings that aim to attract a diverse array of participants and projects. Simply put, Ben&Ben wants to create a place where everyone feels heard, valued, and welcomed.

To mark the official launch of the Liwanag House, Ben&Ben will be performing at the atrium of Robinsons Galleria on May 18, 2024. The nine-piece band is set to perform some of their biggest and most acclaimed hits, including the viral smash “Sa Susunod Na Habang Buhay” and their new single “COMETS,” which dropped a few days ago on all digital music platforms.

With these easy steps, everyone will have the chance to score exclusive passes and watch them live:

1. Download the RMalls+ app (if you haven't already).

2. Visit any Robinsons Malls from May 14-17, 2024 (Tuesday to Friday).

3. Enjoy shopping and dining at your favorite stores, and keep your receipts.

4. Present your RMalls+ app voucher and a purchase receipt at the Guest Services Booth of Robinsons Galleria (from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.).

Robinsons Malls is also offering a chance to meet the band up close and personal at the Grand Opening of Liwanag House at Level 4, ADB Wing of Robinsons Galleria, which will take place on May 18. Here, everyone can score exclusive merch and take selfies with the band’s memorabilia. As an added treat, participants can also get a glimpse of the award-winning group doing rehearsals and get a chance to see Ben&Ben manning the store right before the concert starts.

Other than the Liwanag House, Robinsons Gallria offers an exciting selection of first-in-the-metro dining concepts like the newly opened Don Don Tei, Fat Daddy, and Palgakdo; unique finds at Flying Tiger; and other hang-out activities to enjoy the perfect weekend at the mall. Robinsons Galleria is also home to family-friendly, amusement park centers like PlayLab, Winter Magic and Timezone.

 

Step into Dua Lipa’s Radical Optimism Experience in Glorietta!

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Award-winning global popstar Dua Lipa has finally released her third album Radical Optimism, and it’s been getting critical acclaim ever since. Now, Filipino fans can enjoy the album on a whole new level this coming weekend with an interactive Radical Optimism Pop-Up happening at the Glorietta Activity Center.

 

A Dance-inducing Masterpiece

Radical Optimism makes it known early on just what type of album it is with the addicting “End Of An Era,” high-energy “Training Season,” and euphoric, club-ready “Houdini.” With this album, fans get eleven songs that can bring out anyone’s urge to groove and get lost in the music.

 

Dua herself describes Radical Optimism as “psychedelic pop,” noting that “there are musical breaks and a mix of different sounds, and when you listen to it with your eyes closed, it opens up a very visual world.”

 

The album was inspired by Dua’s own self-discovery and speaks to the pure joy and happiness of having clarity in situations that once seemed impossible to face. It’s a musical representation of how hard goodbyes and vulnerable beginnings can become milestones once you choose to see the brighter side of things. “It struck me – the idea of going through chaos gracefully and feeling like you can weather any storm,” she shared.

 

Rolling Stone has called this album “pop bliss,” while highlighting how it’s “uniquely and

utterly Dua Lipa: confident dance pop full of witty Instagram-caption-ready one-liners.”

 

Dua also recently returned to Saturday Night Live, where she was both the host and the musical guest for the night. She gave an electrifying version of “Illusion,” followed by a passionate performance of “Happy For You.”

 

 

An Experiential Pop-Up

Can’t get enough of the album? Experience it like never before with this week’s Radical Optimism event. This unique and immersive pop-up is set to bring all of Dua’s songs to life – to the point where dancing is the only option! Fans can go and see it for themselves when they visit the Glorietta Activity Center from May 17 to 19, anytime between 10 AM and 9 PM. They’ll be treated to themed photobooths, personalized memorabilia, and more!

 

Exciting things are happening for Dua, as she recently announced the first run of tour dates in support of Radical Optimism with shows in Berlin, Pula, and Nimes taking place in June. In addition, Dua will make her Pyramid Stage debut as the Friday night headliner at this year’s Glastonbury Festival on June 28th.

 

This pop powerhouse shows no signs of slowing down, and everyone’s excited to see even more performances and visuals for her new songs in the coming weeks.

 

 

Listen to Radical Optimism here!

Bradley Simpson shares new single “Picasso”

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Bradley Simpson’s debut solo single ‘Cry At The Moon’ occupied a rarely explored sweet spot between styles: classic ‘70s Americana with a surging intensity which echoes the swaggering spirit of the indie-rock greats, but also with the contemporary, pop-tinged edge that can only come from an artist who has headlined London’s 20,000 capacity O2 arena on multiple occasions. From that compelling introduction, Bradley now powers into the release of his new single ‘Picasso’.

Produced by the two-time Grammy nominee BOOTS (Beyoncé), with a dreamy undercurrent of ‘60s psychedelia and wonky bedroom pop, ‘Picasso’ is symbolic of what Bradley does so well: creating songs with an instant appeal, yet with lyrical nuances that provide a relatability for people to forge a deeper connection with. Its striking lyric “turning torture into art” commands attention and inspires deeper investigation of the narrative behind it.

Bradley says, “‘Picasso’ is about one of those toxic loves that you know is bad for you, but there’s something amazing about it that keeps you coming back. You always hope that things are going to turn out for the best, so you keep giving chances when maybe in hindsight you should’ve stopped early doors. You also come across people who can find dress-up those hardships as part of romance. That song allowed me to exorcise those experiences and move past them.”

‘Picasso’ and ‘Cry At The Moon’ set a high watermark for more to come from Bradley. Many of his upcoming songs were written in the comfortable confines of his home studio: a converted loft space accessible only by a rickety ladder. Recording sessions were similarly modest, with the grimy, graffiti-clad exterior of New York’s Flux Studios opening to reveal a space steeped in history, its collection of vintage gear and stale cigarette haze the place where The Strokes recorded their classic debut ‘Is This It’.

But while the locations were unassuming, his key collaborators were top tier. In addition to super producer BOOTS, Bradley spent much of the process writing with kindred spirits in the shape of Andrew Wells (YUNGBLUD, Halsey) and Anthony Rossomando (Liam Gallagher, and a founder member of Dirty Pretty Things with Carl Barât). They shared his admiration for Queens of the Stone Age, The Raconteurs, Them Crooked Vultures and The Black Keys which helped to unlock the creative process, while Bradley’s lyrics became intimate, diaristic snapshots of intensely personal experiences rich with precise details that can only be written after they’ve been lived through.

Bradley Simpson’s “Picasso” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. 

Follow Bradley Simpson:

Spotify | Apple Music | Instagram | TikTok  

Charming and Cheeky: 4 Must-Watch British Comedies on Lionsgate Play

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From slapstick humor to dry wit and everything in between, the Brits certainly know how to tickle your funny bone. For fans in the Philippines, Lionsgate Play has curated a collection of must-see British comedies that promise to have you laughing out loud. Whether you’re a long-time enthusiast or new to the genre, here’s a lineup that shouldn’t be missed.

Everything I Know About Love

Based on the memoir by Dolly Alderton, Everything I Know About Love offers a raucously tender exploration of female friendship, bad dates, and navigating life in your twenties. Set in the 2000s, the series tackles the highs and lows of adulthood with humor and heart. With its relatable characters and nostalgic nods, it's a vibrant addition to the landscape of British comedy that resonates with the millennial crowd. Starring Emma Appleton and Hannah Dodd, it’s a must-watch for anyone who wants to reminisce about the early 2000s or those going through their own quarter-life crisis.

Motherland

Venturing into the realm of parental humor, Motherland is a brilliant take on the trials and tribulations of middle-class parenting. This sitcom dives deep into the chaotic world of competitive playdates, last-minute school projects, and the never-ending quest for "me time." Its sharply written script and outstanding ensemble cast, including Anna Maxwell Martin and Diane Morgan, offer a candid and hysterical look at motherhood like you’ve never seen before.

Keeping Mum

Keeping Mum is a British comedy that revolves around the life of Walter Goodfellow (Rowan Atkinson), a vicar too absorbed in writing the perfect sermon to notice the chaos unravelling in his own family. His wife (Kristin Scott Thomas) is entangled in a flirtation with her American golf instructor (Patrick Swayze), while their daughter juggles a series of boyfriends and their son becomes a magnet for bullies. The arrival of Grace Hawkins (Maggie Smith), the new housekeeper, introduces a twist as she proposes a drastic, and possibly dark, solution to restore harmony in the Goodfellow household.

Johnny English Strikes Again

The incomparable Rowan Atkinson plays the bumbling yet somehow always successful MI7 agent Johnny English, who returns for a third hilariously high-stakes mission in Johnny English Strikes Again. After a cyber-attack reveals the identity of all active undercover agents in Britain, English is the Secret Service’s last hope. Untrained in modern technology but equipped with analog methods and distinctive wit, English dives headfirst into action.

Head over to Lionsgate Play on PLDT Home and Smart and start watching these hilarious British comedies today.

Create Awesome with Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano

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Catch #DonBelle's livestream on May 15 and enjoy awesome prizes and freebies from Samsung!

Join #TeamGalaxy ambassadors for A Series, Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano, as they go live on Samsung PH’s Facebook page on May 15, 2024, 5 PM as they share ways to create an awesome summer with the Galaxy A55 5G and A35 5G.

Watch the livestream to catch up with this Gen Z love team and score awesome gifts from Samsung. Buy a Samsung Galaxy A55 5G or A35 5G during the stream and receive freebies worth ₱8,070, including Galaxy Buds FE, Travel Adapter, and Silicone Case, plus exclusive DonBelle photo cards!*

Fresh off the success of their hit series Can’t Buy Me Love, Donny and Belle are now eager to make their summer even more awesome. Here’s how you can create awesome memories with the Galaxy A55 5G and A35 5G, just like Donny and Belle.

Capture awesome moments the GenZ way

Do you love recording your adventures with your phone? The Galaxy A55 5G and A35 5G have an array of tools that can take your vlogging goals to the next level. The Dual Recording is perfect for capturing both your awesome reactions and the scene before you; perfect for attending concerts or recording your POV on your vacation!

You can also try the Single Take that lets you capture up to 14 kinds of photos and videos from 3~10 seconds of recording so you can pick your best shot. More so, you can forget about those blurry photos and shaky clips with Stable HDR which lets you record with optical image stabilization (OIS) and video digital image stabilization (VDIS) so your videos still slay and stay clear even if you go all-out.

Match your style and own your snaps

Leave no crumbs and flex your content with a personal touch using the Galaxy A55 and A35 5G’s customization tools. These phones offer an awesome suite of content creator tools, enhanced with the One UI 6.1 features of the phones. These include tools which allow you to edit your content on-the-go like Remaster Tools for enhanced photos and GIFs, Eraser Tools that allow you to say goodbye to unnecessary objects, shadows, and reflections or the built-in Studio Video Editor so you can edit quick flicks with a breeze.

The Galaxy A55 5G and A35 5G also come in vibrant colors that will surely match your OOTDs and suit your awesome vibes! Both phones come in Awesome Ice Blue, Awesome Lilac, and Awesome Navy–with Awesome IceBlue being an online exclusive color for the Galaxy A35 5G.

Go worry-free on your awesome summer adventures

The Galaxy A55 5G and A35 5G were also built with awesome security features and durability in mind, making them the perfect companions for your summer adventures. The phones come with a Splash-Resistant Camera, thanks to the IP67 rating which makes the phone dust and water-resistant and can withstand being submerged under 1 meter of clear water for up to 30 minutes.

Samsung Knox Vault is a trusted multi-layered security technology that protects the whole Galaxy ecosystem, including secure hardware, real-time threat detection, and collaborative vulnerability defense. The Galaxy A55 5G and A35 5G also offer up to 4 generations of software upgrades and up to 5 years of security updates for long-term worry-free adventures with your phone.

Donny and Belle surely loves these awesome phones, and now it's your chance to #CreateAwesome like your favorite #TeamGalaxy stars! The Galaxy A55 5G is available for ₱24,990 (8+256GB), while the Galaxy A35 5G is ₱20,990 (8+256GB). A 128GB variant is only available through Globe Telecom and Smart Communications.

Buy your own Galaxy A55 5G or A35 5G during the livestream and enjoy exclusive live freebies worth ₱8,070, including a FREE Galaxy Buds FE, a Travel Adapter, and a Silicone Case, plus a DonBelle photocard set!

To learn more about the Samsung Galaxy A55 5G, Galaxy A35 5G, and other Galaxy smartphones simply visit the Samsung Newsroom, Samsung Mobile Press, and Samsung.com.

Memorable encounter: Fans meet Alden Richards thanks to vivo Y100

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The Meet and Greet event featuring the esteemed vivo ambassador, Alden Richards, was a resounding success, wrapping up with joy and excitement at the vivo Concept Store located in SM Megamall on May 4, 2024.

Bringing together a select group of 10 fortunate fans, the event offered a unique opportunity for attendees to bond with the versatile actor, host, singer, and entrepreneur.

These ten lucky fans, winners of the vivo Y100 launch promotion from April 27 to May 3, 2024, were treated to an exclusive experience with Alden Richards.

Despite the event's exclusivity, the concept store was bustling with additional fans eager to catch a glimpse of their beloved idol.

Here are the highlights of vivo's Meet and Greet with Alden Richards:

Engaging Q&A with Alden feat. vivo Y100

The atmosphere was electric as event host Steph Ongkiko captivated the crowd with her infectious energy.

Alden Richards took the stage alongside his trusty vivo Y100, sharing his appreciation for its remarkable 80W fast charging and affordable price point, considering its array of features.

Two of the lucky fans were also able to ask their questions. When asked about his message to his loyal supporters, Alden reminded them that "being kind is better than being right".

Heartfelt moments with vivo Y100 buyers

The ten lucky winners of the vivo Y100 promotion had the opportunity to interact with Alden personally, receiving autographed posters as cherished mementos of the occasion.

Some of the winners also tweeted their delight at meeting Alden.

- https://twitter.com/tintinperez/status/1786789631130050817

- https://twitter.com/ate_nette/status/1786770797048287678

Iconic groufie captured with vivo V30 Pro

Alden also graced a groufie using the latest in the vivo V Series, the V30 Pro. Co-engineered with ZEISS, the vivo V30 Pro has a 50MP triple main camera on the back and a 50MP selfie camera with 92-degree wide-angle autofocus.

The selfie camera ensures that every smile is captured with stunning clarity. Here is the proof:

If you have missed the vivo Meet and Greet with Alden Richards, watch it here:

- https://www.facebook.com/vivo.philippines/videos/418474707785395

Both the vivo Y100 and V30 Pro are now available for purchase at all vivo physical stores nationwide.

The vivo Y100, available in Breeze Green or Crystal Black, starts at Php 12,499, offering 8GB RAM and up to 256GB storage. Additionally, it can be conveniently purchased online via vivo website, Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok.

Meanwhile, the vivo V30 Pro, priced at Php 34,999, boasts 12GB RAM and 512GB storage, offering unparalleled performance. It is also available for online purchase through the vivo website, Shopee and Lazada.

Ben&Ben to release new single “COMETS” this Friday!

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Ben&Ben is slated to release “COMETS,” their first official single of 2024.

Written by Paolo and Miguel Benjamin, the song tackles the fleeting nature of a love lost.

“COMETS” also marks the first time that Ben&Ben co-produced a song with acclaimed producer Petra Sihombing, whose work the band has gotten to know and love in such a short span of time.

“He flew in to help us bring the song to the next level, with his own additions in both the arrangement and post production of the track,” shares the nine-piece collective. “The band probably had about 90% of the song down, but it was Petra's very weighty 10% that really helped make the song what it is now.”

Sihombing is an Indonesian singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. He is also known for his work as a music producer, working with many international musicians hailing from Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

Teaser and Cover Art

The teaser of “COMETS” is making the rounds on several digital billboards across Metro Manila, hinting at how the visual representation evokes a spectrum of emotions.

Ben&Ben reveals, “COMETS is a song that we've had and performed a few times since 2021 but haven't officially released yet, it's been shrouded in quite a bit of mystery and intrigue. The teasers are meant to slowly raise the curtains and give our keen listeners what they've been waiting for.”

This also explains why the cover art appears to have produced a burst of light at a captured photograph, which, according to the band, “encapsulates the essence of the song with how it likens people in our lives to these bright, beautiful yet fleeting flashes of light. This was conceptualized as a group effort by our very own excellent team of creatives.”

“COMETS” will be released on all digital music platforms worldwide this Friday, May 10, 2024 via Sony Music Entertainment. Pre-save the song here.

The country’s creative powerhouses bring to life - Ballet Manila’s Ang Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang

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Ballet Manila once again unearths the magical baul of Lola Basyang as it transports its audience to a world of fantastic dance, music and spectacular visuals with Ang Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang set to happen at Aliw Theater from May 11, 2024 at 8PM and May 12 &18, 2024 at 5PM.

Ballet Manila stages a beloved Filipino children's classic in

Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang

The second show among the repertoire for Ballet Manila’s 26th Performance Season aptly titled “Ballet Masterpieces,” Ang Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang is based on the retellings of Severino Reyes’ stories by Christine Bellen Ang. Published by Anvil Publishing, the three stories are an engaging mix of romance, adventure and comedy, touching on such universal themes as loyalty and commitment to family, the power of humility and of course, love conquers all.

“We chose three stories out of twelve (12) Lola Basyang books. It was an interesting process because there were so many great tales that were worth sharing. But in the end, we felt that the themes we chose can truly resonate with an audience across many generations,” shared Lisa Macuja Elizalde, artistic director and chief executive officer of Ballet Manila.

“As a publishing company that’s known for producing books about Philippine culture, we feel it is part of our duty to ensure that the magic of these stories is not lost among the younger generation. “Ang Mga Kwento Ni Lola Basyang” is among the books that have mesmerized generations of Filipino children and we are confident they will love the ballet version,” shared Xandra Ramos Padilla, Anvil Publishing president. ”We’re so thrilled that these stories will once again be brought to life through compelling performances, thanks to our partnership with Ballet Manila.”

Bringing life to the enduring character of Lola Basyang is Mitch Valdes – the acclaimed performance artist who has been active in the theater and entertainment industry for over 50 years. Best known for her award-winning roles in Lunes, Martes, Miyerkules, Huwebes, Biyernes, Sabado, Linggo where she won a Gawad Urian Award for Best Supporting Actress, Mitch has also starred in highly-acclaimed movies such as Oro, Plata, Mata; Manila by Night; and Bulaklak sa City Jail.

Mitch’s captivating performance of Lola Basyang will open the production. Not surprisingly, the role has evoked a sense of patriotism in the actress. “We’re familiar with all the international classics but this one is a rare chance to see one of our beloved folklore come to life in classical ballet. It will be beautiful because the story is one of our own.”

The cast of Ballet Manila’s Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang standing from left: John Ralp Balago, Stephanie Santiago, Ris Camaclang, Gerardo Francisco, Jessica Pearl Dames, Jasmine Pia Dames, and Romeo Peralta; along with (seated from left) Singer-actress and comedienne Mitch Valdes as Lola Basyang, Ballet Manila artistic director and CEO Lisa Macuja Elizalde and Anvil Publishing Inc. managing editor Jordan Santos

Ang Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang will then unfold with the first story, Ang Prinsipe ng mga Ibon which tells the tale of a princess who wishes to marry her beloved bird against her father’s disapproval. In the end, the princess decides to turn into a beautiful bird to join her beloved bird who happens to be a prince in his kingdom.

Breathing life into the characters are principal dancers Jasmine Pia Dames/Shaira Comeros as Prinsesa Singsing and Romeo Peralta/Joshua Enciso as Prinsipe ng mga Ibon. Choreographed by the late Osias Barroso Jr., Ballet Manila’s co-artistic director until his passing in December 2023, the production hopes his legacy will live on through the choreographies he has created.

Barroso once said, “I want Ang Prinsipe ng mga Ibon to be very romantic. I want people to fall in love after watching it.” Complementing his vision is the award-winning musical arranger Mon Faustino who arranged music for the production using compositions of national artists for music.

From the soaring magic of enchanted birds, the production moves on to focus on the dark ramifications of greed in Ang Kapatid ng Tatlong Maria which tells the story of a couple who are folk healers, thanks to the leaves of a magical tree that their three daughters would pick every morning. Because of the couple’s greed, they were punished by the serpent living in the tree, taking their three daughters to marry them off to beastly animals. The couple soon had another child, this time a son, and before the father’s death, he requested his son to look for his three sisters.

Ang Kapatid ng Tatlong Maria is a collaborative partnership between Lisa Macuja Elizalde as the choreographer, and Filipino Music legend, Joey Ayala who composed the music for the entire ballet.

“For Ang Kapatid ng Tatlong Marya, I wanted to merge the movements of the folk dances of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to represent the three worlds to show the cultural diversity and color of our nation,” explained Macuja Elizalde.

Apart from the magnificent ballet, the production is an auditory treat as it will feature a rare combination of raw sounds from kawayan and metal, complemented by orchestral synthesizer sounds to stimulate the imagination of the audience. For this story, Anselmo Dictado/Sean Pelegrin will perform the role of Pedro, while the Tatlong Maria will be played by Rissa May Camaclang (Maria Trining), Stephanie Santiago (Maria Loleng) and Jessa Balote/Jessica Pearl Dames (Maria Upeng).

No less than National Artist Ryan Cayabyab composed the lively and catchy music that will accompany the dancers in Ang Mahiwagang Biyulin. The last installment in the trilogy, its tells the story of a young man named Rodrigo who is rewarded with a magical violin for his kindness to an old woman.

Completing the creative powerhouse for this final tale is the late award-winning Filipino ballet dancer Tony Fabella, whose amazing choreography reaffirms his belief that, while the story is easy enough to understand, audiences will have a deeper appreciation for the beautiful message of Ang Mahiwagang Biyulin if told through ballet. True enough, theater goers must prepare to be enthralled by the performances of Gerardo Francisco Jr./Anselmo Dictado as Rodrigo and John Ralp Balago/Junmark Sumaylo as Ahab.

From the brilliantly written word to the wonderful stage of ballet, Ang Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang is a production mounted with the heartfelt intention of giving birth to a newfound appreciation for our vibrant Filipino culture: “We hope that they come out of the theaters having learned so many valuable life lessons,” said Macuja Elizalde.

All performances will be staged at Aliw Theater, Pasay City. For tickets, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. To know more about Ballet Manila and its shows, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph