Choose art this Valentine’s Day with Ballet Philippines’ Opera

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As a special Valentine’s treat, young professionals aged 30 and below may avail of a 30% discount on the 6pm shows of Ballet Philippines’ Opera - February 13 and 14 at the CCP Main Theater. Tickets may be purchased with this discount at the CCP Open House, the Pasinaya Festival on February 7, the Ballet Philippines office or through BP at 5511013.

Ballet Philippines “Opera” is choreographed by French dance maker Redha based on Gabriel Barredo’s acclaimed installation of the same title. The unique show seamlessly merges contemporary art and dance into a new groundbreaking production.

“Opera is a special production for lovers of contemporary art and dance, it breaks many barriers and transcends our expectations of a dance show” muses BP’s Artistic Director, Paul Alexander Morales. “We are offering this special promotion for the young art loving generation to give them a special option for Valentine’s”. 

The original “Opera” exhibition was first presented at Silverlens Galleries in January 2015, and was recently toured to Singapore last November in time with the opening celebrations of the National Gallery Singapore. For the ballet, Barredo is creating a staggering array of new sculptures, which will comprise the production’s set design. 

Redha

Redha’s choreography will guide us along a journey into a new experience of art. Envisioning his dancers on bare feet, pointe shoes, and stilettos, he is set to present a work that is stimulating, sensual, and groundbreaking.

Presented by Ballet Philippines with Silverlens, “Opera” features a libretto by Yvette Tan and Erwin Romulo, original music by Malek Lopez, lighting design by John Batalla, costumes by James Reyes, and videos by Pabrika. This production is in cooperation with the Embassy of France.

“Opera” will be staged at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater) on February 13 & 14 at 1:00PM and 6:00PM, with a Fundraising Gala on February 16 at 8:00PM. For inquiries, visit www.ballet.ph, send an email to info@ballet.ph, or call Ballet Philippines at 551-1003. For tickets and reservations, call the CCP Box Office at 832-3704 or Ticketworld at 891-9999.

Major sponsors of Ballet Philippines’ 46th Season include Globe Platinum, San Miguel Corporation, and Belle Corporation.

Connect to Ballet Philippines online through the following social media networks:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/balletphilippines

Twitter: @balletph

Instagram: @balletphilippines

YouTube: balletph

To join in the Ballet Philippines conversation, use our official hashtags: #balletph, #dancespring, #operaballetph

First Wish 107.5 Music Awards: A Triumphant Night of Music and Charity

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John Lesaca with Darren Espanto and Darrentics which won Most WIshful Fandom

The first Wish 107.5 Music Awards (WMA) staged on January 26, 2016 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum was a huge success as thousands of Wishers and music lovers gathered to witness a spectacular evening celebrating Filipino music.

Gerald Santos

Gerald Santos kicked off the program with his live performance of the Wish 107.5 Jingle. This was followed by a jaw-dropping pop-rock medley of Elvis Presley, Queen, and The Beatles hit songs performed by The Voysing, Jek Manuel, Sassa Dagdag, Juan Karlos Labajo, and Darren Espanto. 

Darren Espanto and Morissette 

The audience was further pumped up as Morissette and Darren Espanto shared the stage to sing a duet of Sia’s “Chandelier”. They had previously performed the song individually inside the Wish 107.5 bus, both of which were widely recognized and adored by fans and listeners.

Singing classic love songs such as “Almost Paradise”, “Perfect Combination”, “Always”, and “Way Back into Love” – Leah Patricio, Maki Ricafort, Daryl Ong, Morissette, Paolo Onesa, and Beverly Caimen took the stage for a stunning duets’ medley. 

Marlo Mortel, Jason Fernandez, Brad Go and Nyoy Volante for acoustic medley

Another medley followed, with Marlo Mortel, Jason Fernandez, Brad Go, and Nyoy Volante crooning acoustic classics such as “Sound of Silence”, “Dust in the Wind”, “Tears in Heaven”, “More than Words”, and “Be With You”. Jessica Reynoso and Maki Ricafort also shared a duet of RNB/Motown hits. 

Capping off the performances were Leah Patricio and Beverly Caimen’s powerful duet of Beyonce’s “Listen”.

A total of P1.1 million was given to six different beneficiaries personally chosen by the winners of the major award categories in the WMA.

Darren Espanto

World Vision, the chosen beneficiary of Darren Espanto, who won four major awards namely Best WISHclusive Performance by a Young Artist for “Chandelier”, Wish Ballad Song of the Year for “I Believe In Me”, Wish Original Song of the Year for “Stuck”, and Wish Young Artist of the Year, received a total of P 400, 000.

Food for the Hungry Philippines received P300, 000 as Jason Dy’s selected beneificiary. Dy won three major awards – Wish Urban Song of the Year for “Milagro”, Best WISHclusive Performance by a Male Artist for “Stay With Me/See You Again” mash-up, and Wish Male Artist of the Year.

5th Gen for Best Wishclusive performance by a group

Upcoming power vocal group 5th Gen’s beneficiary, the Divine Mercy Mobile Center of Music and Arts Therapy was granted a financial assistance worth P100, 000. 5th Gen took home the award Best WISHclusive Performance by a Group for their single “Contagious”. 

The wish-granting station also donated Php 100,000 to I Fight Against Human Trafficking, the chosen charitable institution of Yeng Constantino. The OPM star won the Best Wishclusive Performance by a Female Artist for “Ikaw.”

Another Php 100,000 cash assistance was extended to each of the chosen beneficiaries of Sponge Cola and Morissette – Child Haus and Home for the Angels, Sta. Ana Manila, respectively. 

Sponge Cola’s hit single, “Move On” was hailed as the Wish Alternative Song of the Year. Meanwhile, Morissette was named as the Wish Female Artist of the Year.

The presenters of the awards were the very own Wish 107.5 jocks - Faye, Jelly Kiss, Ray Holiday, Flynn Rider,Alice, and Princess Leigh – accompanied by some members of the panel of judges, Mr. Isah Red, Ms. Sylvia , Ms. Cory Quirino, and Mr. Andre Alvarez. 

Robi Domingo and Gretchen Ho

Real-life couple Robi Domingo and Gretchen Ho served as the hosts of the event.

From the spectacular performances and announcing of the winners, to the granting of checks to charities - the first Wish 107.5 Music Awards was indeed not just an ordinary awards night, but a triumphant evening of celebrating the “coolest musical experience” with great song performances and granting of wishes.

WINNERS – WISH 107.5 MUSIC AWARDS

1. Wish Promising Artist - Jensen and the Flips

2. Best Wish Cover - Darren Espanto - In Love Ako Sa’yo

3. Wishclusive Viral Video of the Year - Darren Espanto - Chandelier

4. Most Wishful Fandom - Darrenatics

5. Wishers’ Choice – Young Artist of the Year - Maris Racal

6. Wishers’ Choice – Female Artist of the Year - Morissette

7. Wishers’ Choice – Male Artist of the Year - Jason Dy

8. Wishers’ Choice – Wishclusive Performance of the Year - Don’t Know Why by Maris Racal

9. Best Wishclusive Performance by a Young Artist - Darren Espanto - Chandelier

Beneficiary: World Vision

10. Best Wishclusive Performance by a Group - 5th Gen - Contagious

Beneficiary: Divine Mercy Mobile Center of Music and Arts Therapy 

11. Best Wishclusive Performance by a Female Artist - Yeng Constantino–Ikaw

Beneficiary: I Fight Against Human Trafficking

12. Best Wishclusive Performance by a Male Artist - Jason Dy - Stay With Me/See You Again Mash-up 

Beneficiary: Food for the Hungry Philippines

13. Wish Urban Song of the Year - Milagro by Jason Dy

Beneficiary: Food for the Hungry Philippines

14. Wish Alternative Song of the Year - Move On by Sponge Cola

Beneficiary: Child Haus

15. Wish Ballad Song of the Year - I Believe In Me by Darren Espanto

Beneficiary: World Vision

16. Wish Original Song of the Year - Stuck by Darren Espanto

Beneficiary: World Vision

17. Wish Young Artist of the Year - Darren Espanto

Beneficiary: World Vision

18. Wish Female Artist of the Year - Morissette

Beneficiary: Home for the Angels, Sta. Ana, Manila

19. Wish Male Artist of the Year - Jason Dy

Beneficiary: Food for the Hungry Philippines

Edward Benosa To Guest In Lani Misalucha’s Concert this Valentine's Day

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This Valentine’s Day—on February 14 and 15, 2016 singer and recording artist Edward Benosa gets the biggest break of his career when he guests in the show of Lani Misalucha.

Edward Benosa

The show is titled “Love Catcher” and will be held at Resorts World Manila’s Newport Performing Arts Theatre for the benefit of the Cancer Alleviation Network on Care, Education and Rehabilitation (CANCER). It is directed by Frank Lloyd Mamaril (who has also worked with and directed Sarah Geronimo and Matteo Guidicelli in their respective concerts) and will also feature the female trio Baihana with the world-famous Philippine Madrigal Singers. Mamaril directed Edward’s music video for “Di Man Lang Nagpaalam” which was nominated as Music Video of the Year in the Star Awards for Music last year.

Edward will be performing two songs: his hit “Di Man Lang Nagpaalam” and another OPM number. He doesn’t have a duet with Lani, but the mere honor of sharing the same stage with her is already a major thing for an upcoming artist like Edward. For him to be included in the concert lineup is definitely a big break.

“Malaking bagay po talaga,” acknowledges Edward. “Wala akong duet with her, pero sobrang sarap ng feeling na I’ll be on the same stage as The Nightingale. Para sa akin, isa siya sa pinakamagaling na babaeng singer. I’m really honored na makapag-perform sa concert niya. Di ko na-expect na now, sa ganito ka-early na stage ng career ko, na makapag-perform ako sa ganito kalaking singer natin.”

Edward first met Lani, who’s a label-mate in Star Music, when they performed in a show featuring Star Music talents at 19 East. Lani, being the biggest star, was the finale number. Edward recalls how starstruck he was when he met her backstage, in the dressing room. He couldn’t even say anything. All he could manage was to ask to have a picture taken with her.

Edward recalls how that first meeting went. “Starstruck ako. Tulala. Wala akong nasabi,” he laughs. “Na-intimidate at na-overwhelm ako, na ang saya. Isa siya (Lani) sa mga tinitingala ko. Sobrang blessed ako na makita siya, ma-meet at ngayon makasama sa concert. Sa ginagalawan namin na mundo, sobrang na-a-appreciate namin na mga baguhan ang tinitingala namin na artists at ang work na ginagawa nila.”

Newcomers like himself automatically become better artists when they work with people like Lani, which is why he is looking forward to sharing the stage with her this February. In the future, he hopes they will get the chance to do a duet, but until then, he will take what he can get and continue to improve himself so that when that big break comes, he will be ready.

For now, you can catch more of Edward and his music by following him on social media, at facebook.com/realedwardbenosa, @realbenosa on Twitter and realbenosa on Instagram.

Epson's PaperLab promises to revolutionize office recycling by securely destroying documents and turning them into office paper using a dry process

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PaperLab

Seiko Epson Corporation (SEC) has developed what it believes to be the world's first compact office papermaking system capable of producing new paper from securely shredded waste paper without the use of water. 

Epson plans to put the new "PaperLab" into commercial production in Japan in 2016, with sales in other regions to be decided at a later date. Businesses and government offices that install a PaperLab in a backyard area will be able to produce paper of various sizes, thicknesses, and types, from office paper and business card paper to paper that is colored and scented.

A developmental prototype of the PaperLab was demonstrated at the Epson booth at the Eco-Products 2015, an environmental exhibition that took place at the Tokyo Big Sight (Tokyo International Exhibition Center) last December 10 to 12.

The enduring universal appeal of paper lies in its simplicity as a communication tool. Information on the highly portable and always convenient medium of paper is easy to read, easy to digest, and easy to remember. On the other hand, this essential tool is also produced from a limited resource. As a leading company in the world of printing, Epson has been deeply involved with paper used for its printer products. With this in mind, the company set out to develop technology that would change the paper cycle. With PaperLab, Epson aims to give new value to paper and stimulate recycling.

PaperLab Features

1. Office-based recycling process

Ordinarily, paper is recycled in an extensive process that typically involves transporting waste paper from the office to a papermaking (recycling) facility. With PaperLab, Epson is looking to shorten and localize a new recycling process in the office.

2. Secure destruction of confidential documents

Until now enterprise has had to hire contractors to handle the disposal of confidential documents or has shredded them themselves. With a PaperLab, however, enterprise will be able to safely dispose of documents onsite instead of handing them over to a contractor. PaperLab breaks documents down into paper fibers, so the information on them is completely destroyed.

3. High-speed production of various types of paper

PaperLab produces the first new sheet of paper in about three minutes of having loaded it with waste paper and pressing the Start button. The system can produce about 14 A4 sheets per minute and 6,720 sheets in an eight-hour day.

Users can produce a variety of types of paper to meet their needs, from A4 and A3 office paper of various thicknesses to paper for business cards, color paper and even scented paper.

4. Environmental performance

PaperLab makes paper without the use of water. Ordinarily it takes about a cup of water to make a single A4 sheet of paper. Given that water is a precious global resource, Epson felt a dry process was needed.

In addition, recycling paper onsite in the office shrinks and simplifies the recycling loop. Users can expect to purchase less new paper and reduce their transport CO₂ emissions.

PaperLab technology

Epson's foundation of compact, energy-saving and high-precision technologies enables the company to achieve small, energy-efficient products that offer outstanding accuracy and performance. With printer business operations spanning the consumer, office, commercial and industrial sectors, Epson has an immense storehouse of ink and media expertise, as well as the ability to produce reliable, durable systems that will operate stably.

In addition to these, Epson has developed Dry Fiber Technology without water, a new group of technologies for the PaperLab.

Dry Fiber Technology consists of three separate technologies: fiberizing, binding, and forming.

Fiberizing

Using an original mechanism, waste paper is transformed into long, thin cottony, fibers. This process immediately and completely destroys confidential documents. Since the PaperLab does not use water, it does not require plumbing facilities. That, plus its compact size, makes it easy to install in the backyard of an office.

Binding

A variety of different binders can be added to the fiberized material to increase the binding strength or whiteness of the paper or to add color, fragrance, flame resistance, or other properties needed for a given application.

Forming

Users can produce sheets of A4 or A3 office paper and even paper for business cards thanks to forming technology that allows them to control the density, thickness, and size of paper.

Epson aims to help customers increase operational efficiency by providing high-speed, low-power business inkjet printers that deliver images of amazing quality at a low cost per print. And by employing PaperLab to convert used paper into new, the company believes that offices of all types will fundamentally change the way they think about paper.

1st Philippine Environment Summit : “Greening Together, Growing Better”

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The 1st Philippine Environment Summit, a celebration of the Philippine environmental movement, will be held on Feb 9 to 11 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia. The 3-day event will showcase programs and projects, as well as breakthroughs and innovations that contribute to the social and economic advancement, while protecting the environment. There will also be an exhibit area featuring eco-friendly products and services.

With “Greening Together, Growing Better” as theme, the summit will feature renowned leaders of government, the church, environment, civic organizations and academia as plenary and resource speakers in breakout sessions and as exhibitors. Also attending the event are lead members of environmental civil society organizations, leaders of government and business, as well as individual and institutional environmentalists.

President Benigno Aquino III, Luis Cardinal Tagle, former SC Justice Reynato Puno, and internationally renowned environmental activists Dr. David Suzuki and Dr. Vandana Shiva are some of the invited speakers, while leading Presidential aspirants in the coming national elections will be asked to present their environmental agendas. 

The Summit is co-organized by the Green Convergence -- a large coalition of environmental and developmental organizations, networks, faith-based groups and individuals -- with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources(DENR). Also supporting the event are the Energy Development Corporation, Tourism Promotions Board, Foundation of the Philippine Environment, PTFCF and Trans-Asia Renewable Energy.

The main objectives of the Summit are to disseminate information to the public on the developments, achievements, challenges, programs and projects in relation to food safety, environment and natural resource protection and conservation and sustainable economy; strengthen and energize networking between and within the public and private sector and within and across various sectors and groups, formulate policy recommendations; and showcase convergence initiatives between and /or among government, civil society, business, and other sectors of society.

“In celebrating the advancements in environmental protection achieved through private and public initiatives, we hope to create an opportunity for all sectors to unite and collaborate,” says Green Convergence president Dr. Angelina Galang. “The 1st Philippine Environment Summit is a call to government and the Filipino people to unite in accelerating the drive towards national sustainable development.” 

The Summit will be plenary sessions in the morning and breakout sessions in the afternoon, and a simultaneous three-day exhibit. Another highlight of the event is an awards ceremony recognizing LGU eco-champions. It concludes with the environment movement’s resolution for specific desired actions by the most influential sectors – government and business - that will protect the environment in pursuit of sustainable development in the Philippines.

To register for participation, join the exhibits, or know more about the 1st Philippine Environment Summit, call 225 7330 or visit greenconvergencephil on Facebook.