Award -winning play "The Normal Heart" all set to open on July 3

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AAI / The Necessary Theatre proudly announces the Asian premiere of "THE NORMAL HEART" - the 2011 Tony Award Winner for Best Revival of a Play about the early rise of the HIV-AIDS crisis in New York City in the early 1980s. During this period, a deadly epidemic was decimating North America’s gay population, killing people in the thousands, devastating an entire generation and changing the way we think about sex forever.

Written by playwright and activist Larry Kramer, "THE NORMAL HEART" is a largely autobiographical play that puts a human face to an issue often mired in numbers, facts and statistics as seen through the eyes of writer/activist Ned Weeks, the openly gay founder of a prominent HIV advocacy group. He watches in horror as friends and lovers fall prey to a mysterious virus targeting his community.

For its Manila run, "THE NORMAL HEART" is set to open on July 3 (Fri) 8pm with succeeding limited performances on July 4 (Sat) 3pm & 8pm; July 5 (Sun) 3pm & 8pm at the Carlos P. Romulo auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City.

Bart Guingona

Topnotch theater actor Bart Guingona (who also directs the play) shall essay the role of the very intense activist Ned Weeks who is both difficult and charming.

Richard Cunanan shall essay the role of Ben Weeks, Ned’s brother, a lawyer, conservative, successful, tolerant of gays, loves his brother.

Topper Fabregas plays the role of Felix, a closeted, attractive, NY Times reporter.

TJ Trinidad 

TV personality TJ Trinidad will play the role of Bruce, a very handsome, charismatic, closeted All-American banker, elected to lead the organization.

Roselyn Perez is Emma, the fiercely independent doctor and researcher. Opinionated. A fighter.

Red Concepcion plays the role of Tommy, the funny, outrageous Southern boy who is all the way out of the closet.

Nor Domingo will play the role of Mickey, the Jewish victim with a sense of humor.

Jef Flores will take on multiple roles such as Craig, Grady and the Hiram Keebler City Hall representative.

"THE NORMAL HEART" is a call to arms, chronicling Ned’s personal crusade for justice amidst resistance, intolerance and ignorance on the part of government, family and friends.

A fierce indictment of a world unwilling to confront the AIDS epidemic, " THE NORMAL HEART " polarized the gay community when it was first performed at New Yorkís Public Theatre in 1985 where it earned a Dramatists Guild Marton Award, the City Lights Award, the Sarah Siddons Award for the best play of the year, and a nomination for an Olivier Award. 

In 2000, the Royal National Theatre named The Normal Heart one of the 100 greatest plays of the 20th century.

After a successful 1985 Off-Broadway production, the play was revived in Los Angeles and London and again Off-Broadway in 2004. 

In 2011 The Normal Heart received its Broadway debut, earning rave reviews and a number of prestigious awards: Tony Awards for Best Revival of a Play, Best Featured Actress (Ellen Barkin) and Best Featured Actor (John Benjamin Hickey); Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Revival of a Play, Outstanding Director of a Play and Outstanding Ensemble; the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Revival of a Play; and a New York Drama Critics Circle Special Citation.

The film adaptation of "THE NORMAL HEART" debuted on the HBO premium pay cable channel last May 25, 2014.

Amidst controversy, however, "THE NORMAL HEART" has endured, and today this document of recent history is as relevant and powerful as it ever was ñ a reminder that battles for justice, equality and dignity are not just things of the past.

Made possible by Taal Vista Hotel, the artistic team of "THE NORMAL HEART" is led by Bart Guingona directing, Baby Imperial and Coco Anne doing set design, Mark Philipp Espina doing projections, Don Taduran graphic design.

The production team is composed of Dodo Lim, producer; Mariko Yasuda, production manager; Ronah Rostata, stage manager.

"THE NORMAL HEART" is produced by The Necessary Theatre and Taal Vista Hotel with special arrangement from Samuel French Inc., New York, N.Y.

Ticket prices for "THE NORMAL HEART" are:

Php1,500 orchestra center
Php1,000 orchestra side & loge
Php500 balcony. 

For ticket inquiries, please call Call 2150788 or 09175378313. Or call TicketWorld at 8919999.

Visit The Necessary Theatre on Facebook and follow @AAITNT on Twitter to check out other details of " THE NORMAL HEART ".

K to 12 Program scores support from Bicolanos

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LEGAZPI CITY – Approval and support among the Bicolanos for the implementation of the K to 12 Program is continually gaining further strength in numbers with the increasing signatories to the manifesto of support generated during the recent information and services caravan conducted by the Regional Information and Advocacy Committee Technical Working Group (RIAC-TWG) of the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Presentacion, Camarines Sur.

Presentacion Mayor Jimmy Villete Deleña led his constituents in signing the K to 12 Manifesto of Support and the signature wall set up at the Department of Education (DepEd) booth located at the municipal covered court during the three-day activity.

“I am strongly pushing for the implementation of the Senior High School (SHS) for this will bring progress and development,” Deleña said. He also cited local government’s involvement in the Municipal Education Summit conducted on May 29 in the same venue.

“The municipal education summit is an off-shoot of the recently conducted Provincial Education Summit held last May 11 at the Capitol Convention Center in Pili, Camarines Sur,” Parubcan Public Schools District Supervisor (PSDS) Dr. Jennylyn Cedron revealed.

More than 4,000 participants joined the said event composed of public and private school teachers, parents, students, government officials, government agencies and other stakeholders, Cedron said.

Meanwhile, the municipal education summit gathered close to 300 participants in Presentacion. “All teachers, Parents Teachers Association (PTA) members, barangay captains, municipal councilors, committee on education council members participated in the event,” Cedron explained.

Cedron confirmed that Presentacion is ready for the implementation of SHS with six high schools already certified to offer SHS tracks.

These schools are Bantugan National High School which will offer General Academic Strand (GAS), Bitaogan National High School to offer GAS, Buenavista National High School to offer Technical, Vocational, and Livelihood (TVL) track, Federico P. Condat National High School (formerly Maangas High School) to offer GAS and TVL, Lidong High School to offer GAS, and Presentacion National High School to offer GAS and TVL. (JJJPerez/DepEd-Bicol)

deped.gov.ph

Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla, Danica Sotto-Pingris and LJ Moreno in Happy Wife, Happy Life Season 2

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TV5's daily reality and lifetyle show 'Happy Wife, Happy Life Season 2' continues to feature stories inspiring viewers. With the addition of seasoned TV host Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla as one of the hosts of Happy Wife, Happy Life Season 2 together with Danica Sotto-Pingris and LJ Moreno.

The latest season of Happy Wife, Happy Life  now highlights the exemplary stories behind loving mothers who continiously care for their family. As part of its tradition, Mariel, Danica and LJ present unique stories of ordinary mothers who exemplify their undying love for their husbands and children. They give the spotlight to mothers who never ceace to presevere for the benefit of theirf family.

It is worthy to note how Mariel, Danica and LJ personally visit these mothers who continuosly inspire not just their families but also their communities as the help them in their own little way. 

Furthermore, it is with great pride that Happy wife, Happy Life Season 2 imparts that it does not just feature stories but at the same time, it extends helps to those worthy individuals  who are helpful not just to their families, but also to their communities. This opportunity that Happy Wife, Hapy Life Season 2 is extending serves not only as a simple acknowledgement of their service but also as a inspiration for them to continuosly do better in the future.

Catch the hosts of Happy Wife, Happy Life Season 2 featuring Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla, Danica Sotto-Pingris and LJ Moreno as they continuosly share inspiring stories of wives and mothers and how they change the world airing every morning, Monday to Friday at 10:15 am only on TV5.

Make every day a lovely day for you and your family with happy housewives Mariel, Danica at LJ!

Beyond Borders: Mega Global Turns 40

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Mega Global Corporation celebrates 40th anniversary held in Isla Ballroom, EDSA Shangri-La on Friday night, June 5.

Achieving 40 years of continuous growth is no easy feat. But Mega Global Corporation has managed to work its way up the ladder by setting industry standards for performance and innovation, reaching beyond borders in terms of providing high-quality, value-for- money products essential to every family-loving Filipino.

“Let’s continue striving to be thebest brand locally and globally. We will go beyond borders and provide only the best products and services to everyone.” -   Mega Global CEO and President Mr. William Tiu Lim

This was the central theme of the 40th anniversary of Mega Global Corporation held in Isla Ballroom, EDSA Shangri-La on Friday night, June 5.

More than 500 guests clad in Captain’s ball suits and blue gowns— including top-level management, employees, key brand ambassadors and business partners, media personalities, collaborators and celebrities, gathered in the ballroom to commemorate the many milestones of Mega Global’s successful but humbling journey.

Latest Line of Mega Global Products

During one of the segments, Mega Global Corporation through the presence of AVP for Sales and Marketing Mr. Raffly Lantin, unveiled its latest line of world-class products. A captivating visual presentation showcased the canned products and ready-to-eat viands that are slated to be released this year: Mega Premium Shrimp Paste, Oh My Ulam! Regional Specials, Mega Creations Bottled Sardines and Mega Tuna.

Ryzza, Awards, and More Highlights

The night wouldn’t be considered complete without the presence of child superstar Ryzza Mae Dizon, the newest brand ambassador of Mega Sardines.

The child superstar engaged the crowd with her infectious charisma and cute dance moves, performing a short dance number that got everyone smiling from ear to ear.

Ryzza also helped out in giving away raffle items such as iPad and iPhone 6 through Mega Roleta.

Aside from highlighting the plans of the company to tap other markets outside of the country, the event also paid tribute to the highly valued employees of Mega Global Corporation whose unwavering efforts and contributions have become the driving force behind the company’s success. The employees were recognized based on three important merits: The Ruby Loyalty Award—an award given to individuals whose exemplary commitment of time, energy and effort has reached over 25 years of service; The Mega Hero Award—an award given in appreciation of top employees whose outstanding performance were not left unnoticed; and The Mega Excellence Award—an award given to top employees whose unparalleled level of commitment and professionalism have led them to where they are now.

Mega Family Union

The entire Lim clan headed by CEO and President Mr. William Tiu Lim graced the stage in full force during the ceremonial toast. Mr. Lim went on to congratulate everyone for being part of Mega Global’s 40 years of achievement. “Let’s continue striving to be thebest brand locally and globally. We will go beyond borders and provide only the best products and services to everyone.”

Mega Global has been winning the hearts of Filipino families from one generation to another for almost 40 years. The country’s top manufacturer of ready-to-eat viands and canned goods strives to enrich people’s lives with its relentless efforts to bring forward several improvements and innovations in terms of packaging and food technology.

Triathlon for beginners

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Triathlon is an activity that combines swimming, cycling, and running in one event.

An adrenaline-pumping and a popular sport in the Philippines, thanks in large part to celebrity triathletes who not only promote the sport to the general public but also make it look easy and fun to do. 

In reality, however, first-time triathletes need 3 to 6 months of preparation to finish the race without injury or burnout. Just want to share this for the beginners.

Dr. Nicky Montoya, president of MediCard Philippines ssid that “it takes time to improve your endurance and stamina for a triathlon event. Aside from multisport training, you need to make healthy lifestyle choices—good nutrition, regular exercise, adequate rest, and having a positive attitude.” 

The MediCard 24.7 triathlon team shares the following advice for those who are planning to join a triathlon event:

1. Training is serious business. Be physically and mentally prepared.

The way to becoming a triathlete is to live an active and healthy lifestyle all the time and to train harder when the triathlon event approaches. Do not join when you’re not physically and mentally ready to avoid hurting or exhausting yourself.

“Eating right has always been a conscious effort for me even before I became a triathlete,” says Vanessa Aguirre-Estrada. “When I prepare for a race, training and recovery dictates my nutrition. I don’t have a strict diet but when training season is at its peak, I store more protein in my meals. I reload carbs and hydrate for the whole day.”

2. Train early. On weekdays, assign a sport to do before and after work hours. 

Timmy Dadia shares, “During weekdays, I train for 1-2 hours of swimming, biking, running, or cross-training depending on the assigned sport of the day, in the morning or afternoon depending on my work schedule. On weekends, I wake up at 4:30AM so I can start biking at 6:00AM and end around lunchtime.”

3. Train with a buddy for encouragement and support.

Working out and doing multisport activities alone can get boring and lonely. It’s the reason why triathletes typically train with their team or with a loved one who’s also into the sport. “During the weekdays, [my wife] Lyka trains in the gym and me on my own. We train together on weekends,” says Jamie Leather.

4. Find inspiration to motivate yourself when the training gets difficult.

Lyka Leather advises, “Think about the upcoming race and look forward to enjoy the experience as opposed to the suffering. Picture yourself crossing the line happy, smiling and with no injuries.” 

Timmy Dadia shares, “I draw my inspiration from other athletes who are doing this sport. When the going gets tough, you get added inspiration when there’s a little competition between fellow triathletes.”

5. Never stop improving.

The great thing about triathlons is that there’s always room for improvement with its three disciplines to “master.” It’s about one’s personal journey to fitness and sporting excellence. So if the first triathlon event intimidates you, strive to be better next time.

“Try it!” encourages Vanessa Aguirre-Estrada. “The community is growing and you can have new friends to ride, run and swim with. Conquer the sport you least like and this can be your biggest challenge and your greatest achievement. Make it your bucket list to finish one race. It only takes one race for you to believe in the triathlon bug.” 

Before a triathlon training, consult your doctor first to check your health and fitness level through stress testing and annual examination to design a safe and effective training program. MediCard has 12 free-standing clinics located in key cities.

For more information, visit www.medicardphils.com.