MNL48 joins big artists in & lsquo;One Love Asia& rsquo; benefit show
On May 27, members of MNL48 Coleen Trinidad, Sheki Arzaga, and Abby Trinidad joined other Asian stars at the One Love Asia that seeks to raise funds in support of UNICEF......»»
High time for Phl film-making to rise, says solon
A lawmaker recently expressed his all-out support to all Filipino films being released all over the world, saying that it’s about time to continue setting the bar high for Filipino movies abroad and promoting its local contents overseas. Quezon City first district Congressman Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde stressed that the Philippines has many great actors, actresses, directors, scriptwriters and film producers, workers, among others, that can produce world class films available on cinemas and streaming services. Speaking of various films and digital content’s — which are now being produced by many savvy filmmakers internationally especially Koreans -- the Philippines is also doing its own share of producing great film contents throughout the years especially in the era of social media. “We’ve been in the film industry for many decades and most of our films are highly-recognized abroad. We just have to keep supporting and promoting it. Our talents have been known worldwide so I think it’s time to set the bar high and we can do it,” Atayde said. A seasoned actor himself, Atayde will also star in a crime-thriller six-episode series Cattleya Killer starting 1 June which will be shown to audiences around the world particularly in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan, among territories, through a streaming service Amazon Prime Video. The series is based on the 1996 film “Sa Aking Mga Kamay” — a story of a serial killer who victimizes women who cheats on their husbands. Cattleya Killer is set years after this 1996 movie with Christopher de Leon reprising his role as Joven Dela Rosa. Also starring in the episodes are Jake Cuenca, Arjo’s sister Ria Atayde, Nonie Buencamino, Jane Oineza, Rafael Siguion-Reyna, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Frances Ignacio, Jojit Lorenzo, Ricky Davao and Ketchup Eusebio. The six-episode series produced by ABS CBN and Nathan Studios is directed by Dan Villegas. It was first premiered in MIPCOM Cannes last October. Job opportunities and big breaks will benefit the Philippine film industry to enhance the acting and production skills of all aspiring film workers, according to Atayde. The Philippines has to conquer the world market for films so that it will provide more opportunities and jobs to more current and upcoming Filipino artists,” said Atayde, who is also the vice chair of the Creative Industry and Performing Arts committee in the House of Representatives. He also believes that Filipino films can be world class and entertaining that’s why the government needs to really support it. Other countries like India , Korea and others, have certain programs to uplift the film industry. “With all our talents and production teams in this country, nothing is impossible,” said Atayde. The post High time for Phl film-making to rise, says solon appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gawad Yamang Isip Awards and Fashion Night: Celebrating partners
World Intellectual Property Day is just around the corner and the IP Office of the Philippines, or IPOPHL, has a glamorous night in store for everyone to celebrate the event on 26 April. On this evening, IPOPHL will bring you a star-studded Fashion Night and the annual Gawad Yamang Isip Awards to celebrate faces that have been redefining innovation in fashion and various fields. Particularly, the Fashion Night is in line with the theme of this year’s National IP Month: “Women and IP: Accelerating Innovation and Creativity,” as it aims to empower women and help break gender disparities in the fashion and wearables industries. In a 2018 research note on the garment, textile and footwear sector in the Asia Pacific, the International Labor Organization found that women in the GTF sector in the Philippines were paid around 6.5 percent less than men on average. The finding, according to ILO, implied that even when women attained similar or better education and experience than men, they still received lower wages for work of equal value due to gender-based discrimination. With the incentive of the IP system, we envision craftsmanship to serve as a force for good, redefining the Philippine fashion and wearables industries as channels to expand freedoms and opportunities equitably for women. Fashion Night will also celebrate heirloom products that are pivotal in expanding the country’s growing geographical indications map as around 32 percent of IPOPHL’s official list of potential GIs are made up of local textile products. For this event, we have partnered with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Philippine Textile and Research Institute, Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority, and the Philippine Fashion Coalition. We will also be featuring creations by award-winning designers such as JC Buendia, Pablo Cabahug and Jor-el Espina — all members of the PFC chaired by former Trade Undersecretary Carissa Cruz Evangelista. The objective is to showcase the most celebrated pieces of Philippine fashion and other emerging pieces that speak volumes of the innovative genius of Filipinos and Filipinas. As for the Gawad Yamang Isip Awards, this is an annual event conferring the highest IP award on Philippine nationals who have contributed substantially to their respective fields through creating intellectual property (IP) protected products and works. For this event, we will recognize one inventor, one industrial designer, one enterprise and a few artists from the creative sector. This will also mark the first time that the World IP Organization will be giving a national award in the country, mainly to an enterprise that has helped uplift the lives of women through IP. We will also honor women who have helped transform the IP system to benefit more innovators and creators, and also recognize top filers and other partners who have gone above and beyond to support our IP creators and rights holders. The Fashion Night and GYI is just one way for IPOPHL to celebrate men and women whose ingenuity and talent have created IP assets for the good of society and the environment. For IPOPHL, this event will also remind us that it takes many hands to build the foundations of a robust and inclusive IP system. So I hope everyone can join us on 26 April by watching our live streamed event starting at 4 p.m. It will be a night of celebrating creativity, innovation, culture, IP and our ever-expanding network of allies who aim to see an IP system that benefits every Filipino and Filipina. The post Gawad Yamang Isip Awards and Fashion Night: Celebrating partners appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
MNL48 joins big artists in & lsquo;One Love Asia& rsquo; benefit show
On May 27, members of MNL48 Coleen Trinidad, Sheki Arzaga, and Abby Trinidad joined other Asian stars at the One Love Asia that seeks to raise funds in support of UNICEF......»»
Survey shows Cha-cha still unpopular with Filipinos — Senate leaders
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said that the findings of the survey by private pollster Pulse Asia, which was released on Wednesday, show that Charter change is an "unpopular move.".....»»
Lea Salonga, Tabernacle Choir give surprise ‘Bahay Kubo’ performance
The world-famous Tabernacle Choir staged the first night of its concert with guest Filipina artists Lea Salonga and Ysabelle Cuevas, and two additional Filipino choir members, last night at the Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City......»»
‘Celebration of life, love, hope’: Suzie, Paolo Abrera underscore family togetherness
Filipino celebrity couple Suzie Entrata-Abrera and Paolo Abrera have been tapped as narrators for the first ever Philippine concert of the world-renowned The Tabernacle Choir in Mall of Asia Arena from February 27 to 28, where internationally-acclaimed Filipino singers Lea Salonga and Ysabelle Cuevas are guest artists......»»
Predator League showcases best of Filipino esports, OPM in sold-out weekend
The Asia Pacific Predator League over the weekend saw a unique celebration not just of esports, but also of Filipino artists as the grand finals featured a combination of intense esports clashes with top performances from different local artists......»»
Pet scam
Fur parents be warned: in this country with the highest dog ownership in Asia, con artists are running not only love scams, but also pet scams. I was stupid enough to fall for one......»»
SB19 Josh chinika ang paghahanda sa AAA 2023 performance: It’s crazy, super!
TILA hindi makapaniwala si Josh Cullen, ang isa sa mga miyembro ng Pinoy pop powerhouse na SB19, sa mga naging karanasan nila sa Asia Artist Awards (AAA) 2023. Magugunita na nangyari ang event sa Smart Philippine Arena sa Bulacan noong December 14. Bukod sa Korean artists, may mga Pinoy celebrities din ang kinilala dahil sa.....»»
Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla receive Fabulous Award at Asia Artist Awards 2023
Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla are among the Filipino artists who received an award at the Asia Artist Award 2023 held for the first time at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan on December 14. .....»»
Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla receive Fabulous Award at Asia Artist Award 2023
Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla are among the Filipino artists who received an award at the Asia Artist Award 2023 held for the first time at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan on December 14. .....»»
SB19 isa sa mga binigyan ng ‘Hot Trend Award’ sa Asia Artist Awards 2023
MAY bagong milestone ang Pinoy pop sensation na SB19! Nakuha nila ang “AAA Hot Trend Award” mula sa Asia Artists Awards (AAA) 2023. Habang sinusulat namin itong article ay on going pa rin ang nasabing event na ginaganap sa Philippine Arena sa Bulacan. Hindi lang SB19 ang binigyan ng nabanggit na award, ilan din sa.....»»
SB19 talks about authenticity as artists, why they resonate with Pepsi’s rebrand
During the electrifying Pepsi Pulse 2023 celebration held last October 8, SB19 set the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. Adding an extra dose of excitement to the Pepsi Pulse event, Mimiyuuuh graced the night with her infectious energy, ensuring that the atmosphere was filled with nothing but pure fun......»»
Aboitiz Land gets Circle of Excellence Award for Diversity Company of the Year at the Asia CEO Awards
Aboitiz Land, the real estate arm of the Aboitiz group, is among those honored with the prestigious Circle of Excellence Award under the Diversity Company of the Year category at the Asia CEO Awards held at the Manila Marriott Hotel on 24 October 2023. This recognition highlights the company’s steadfast commitment to promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in every aspect of its culture. “Aboitiz Land’s dedication to diversity and inclusion extends far beyond our organization’s borders. We strive to create a positive influence not only within our team, but also among the vecinos we serve and the local communities surrounding our projects,” David Rafael, CEO and president of Aboitiz Land said. Fostering Inclusivity: A Closer Look at Aboitiz Land’s DE&I Program What sets Aboitiz Land’s DE&I program apart is its holistic approach, addressing each stage of the employee journey to strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion. Here are some key features of Aboitiz Land’s DE&I program: The organization adopts flexible educational and geographical hiring requirements, prioritizing relevant professional experience over strict educational attainment. The consanguinity policy within the organization is relaxed, allowing relatives of employees to pursue careers within the company. A hybrid work setup is implemented, providing flexibility and saving time and resources for employees. Transparent communication is encouraged, fostering trust and openness within the organization. Employee feedback is collected regularly through channels like Amara, a virtual employee experience champion. Aboitiz Land promotes a multigenerational leadership approach and maintains a healthy gender balance with a 45:55 male-to-female employee ratio. They also ensure LGBTQIA+ representation across all levels of the company. The organization offers flexible benefits through the FlexBen program, allowing employees to customize their benefit packages based on individual needs. Expanded healthcare coverage includes provisions for child dependents, common-law and same-gender partners. Additionally, government benefits are extended to cover a wider range of family situations. Development opportunities are available to all team members, ensuring that individual growth is not limited to specific segments. Growth partnerships and curated learning solutions are provided to facilitate skill development. Aboitiz Land’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion program has led to elevated levels of employee satisfaction and engagement. This, in turn, fosters a productive workforce that is driven to consistently enhance performance, ultimately delivering better products and services. The Asia CEO Awards honors business excellence in the Philippines and is the largest event of its kind in Southeast Asia. The post Aboitiz Land gets Circle of Excellence Award for Diversity Company of the Year at the Asia CEO Awards appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Intentional, premeditated
In a prior editorial, this paper raised the possibility that the Chinese vessels hitting a Philippine Coast Guard ship and a resupply boat it was escorting to Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea might have been intentional. While we let readers read between the lines, factual narrations of the event tended to show how improbable it would have been for two separate collision incidents, involving several Chinese and Philippine vessels, to happen by accident in the wide expanse of ocean. The two collisions happened miles away from each other amid fair weather conditions with the sun shining brightly, thus neither poor visibility nor questionable seamanship could have been a factor in the incidents. As in most cases, the simplest explanations often prove to be the correct or accurate ones. In these incidents, the latest in China’s aggressive maneuvers in the WPS, the actions taken by the Chinese coast guard and militia vessels smacked of premeditation. On Monday, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro confirmed in a press briefing that the Chinese vessels “intentionally” hit the Philippine boats trying to resupply troops stationed on the intentionally grounded navy vessel, the BRP Sierra Madre. “While conducting legitimate rotation and resupply operations within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines, Chinese coast guard and maritime militia vessels, in blatant violation of international law, harassed and intentionally hit the Unaiza May 2 and Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Cabra,” Teodoro said. It was a conclusion that would not have required the title Defense Secretary to make. Video footage and photos of the first incident showed a China Coast Guard ship chasing the very small resupply boat. As if the David-versus-Goliath affair were not enough, a second CCG vessel then cut off the boat. All the pieces of evidence considered, the word “collision” does not apply to the actions China took because this would presuppose the possibility of their being mere accidents. The operative word should be “bumped” or, if the incident resulted in grave damage to the Philippine vessels, “rammed.” The stern of the smaller resupply vessel and the bow of the Chinese coast guard ship were seen briefly touching in the video released by the Philippine military. According to a statement from the National Security Council, the supply boat sustained damage. It added that a second resupply boat was able to complete its mission to the BRP Sierra Madre. With the United States and Canada condemning China over the incident, the collision may not be the last or it may just be a portent of more serious “interactions” to come between China and the Philippines as both assert their respective sovereign claims in the WPS. If only to ensure peace in the Indo-Pacific region, countries that have pledged to conduct freedom of navigation patrols in the South China Sea should start doing so. The burden of checking Beijing’s expansionist designs in the region should be shared not only by other claimant nations, but by governments that benefit from the trillions of dollars in trade that pass annually through the South China Sea. We cannot expect the Philippines’ summoning of the Chinese ambassador over the incidents to amount to anything, except to register the country’s strong and continuing opposition to Beijing’s aggressive acts in the WPS. China can never claim Ayungin to be part of its sovereign waters because it lies 1,000 kilometers from its nearest major landmass, Hainan Island, while the shoal is only 200 kilometers from the western Philippine island of Palawan. This proximity of Ayungin Shoal to Palawan, along with other proof presented by the Philippines to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, was primarily considered by the court in ruling in favor of the Philippines in 2016. China had refused to recognize the arbitral ruling precisely because it did not go its way. In fact, the court declared as baseless China’s nine-dash line claim to nearly the entire South China Sea. CCG’s ramming of Philippine vessels is a calculated act of provocation. It is a message to the Philippines and the rest of the world that China is willing to use force to achieve its goals. Beijing’s actions are a threat to peace and stability in the South China Sea and the Asia-Pacific region. Nations must not allow China to succeed in its bullying tactics. The international community must take a stand and not allow China to undermine the rules-based order in the Asia-Pacific. The aggression being shown by Chinese maritime assets is a threat to the world, and must be stopped. The post Intentional, premeditated appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Shopee helps MSMEs reach foreign markets
Bringing more customers to Filipino micro, small and medium enterprises, or MSMEs, is a goal of Shopee Philippines in launching the #TatakPinoy International project, The project is a groundbreaking initiative in empowering sellers to expand their business and connect with Malaysian and Singaporean buyers, strengthening the global presence of Filipino brands. In a statement, Shopee Philippines head Vincent Lee said the project will also empower Filipino entrepreneurs and artisans to showcase their talents and products to an international audience, promoting Philippine culture, craftsmanship, and ingenuity globally. Shopee’s free program will be available first to Shopee’s markets in Singapore and Malaysia, according to Lee. He said #TatakPinoy International represents a significant stride towards Shopee’s mission of empowering Filipino businesses in the digital era by giving them opportunities to grow, develop, and reach a wider audience. This can be seen in Shopee’s efforts through their various services and features, such as Shopee Live, Shopee Affiliates and Shopee University, which offer sellers an avenue to learn how to start their e-commerce business, upscale their brand, and form tight-knit communities with KOLs and buyers simultaneously. “Shopee’s core mission has consistently been to support the growth and success of Filipino entrepreneurs. This underlines our unwavering dedication to fostering local economic growth and forging sustainable opportunities for our community of local MSMEs. We will remain committed to harnessing the transformative potential of technology to facilitate long-term growth for our Filipino sellers,” Lee explained. Leveling up experience The project will soon be open to all Shopee sellers, promising a shopping experience with seamless cross-border logistics support. Lee said #TatakPinoy International is like its present system, yet with a broader reach, as it will help Filipino sellers connect with overseas buyers, which Shopee and its third-party logistics partners will process to fulfill the order successfully. Further, he said Shopee sellers and brands can maintain their local selling experience but can now reach a wider buyer pool and higher order volume to expand their consumer base to Shopee users in other markets. “Shopee’s new prgram is a significant development for the Philippine e-commerce market and aligns with the Philippines’ broader economic goals. It is expected to benefit local sellers and enhance cultural exchange and collaboration across Southeast Asia,” according to Lee. The post Shopee helps MSMEs reach foreign markets appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
October is A’TIN month as SB19 celebrates 5 amazing years
P-pop mega-group SB19 has claimed October as theirs ahead of their fifth anniversary, with multiple activities that will keep their fans, known as A’TIN, bristling with joy and excitement. “Kalahating dekada na tayo A’TIN! Maraming salamat sa patuloy na pagsuporta at pagtangkilik sa aming musika at mga kwento (We’re half a decade, A’TIN! Thank you for continuing to support our music and our journey.) And with that, we’ve prepared a month-long celebration para sa inyo. Mark your calendars for all these activities you won’t want to miss!,” said the group’s announcement online. For starters, SB19 revealed that they will be launching a podcast called Atin Atin lang on 9 October, with new episodes to be released every Monday. Apart from the podcast, which promises “heart-to-heart and intimate talks” with the group’s members Josh, Stell, Pablo, Justin and Ken, a new episode of their ardently followed web series Show Break 5 will drop 19 October. Biggest milestone But the biggest milestone the P-pop powerhouse unveiled was the launch of their own company, IZ Entertainment, which they presented to the public in a livestream on 1 October. “Siguro five years ago when SB19 was just starting, together we had a dream: That dream was to have Filipino music, Filipino talent, the whole Filipino culture pinned on the world map,” Pablo, the group’s leader and now CEO of IZ Entertainment, said. In June, SB19 transitioned to being a self-managed group. “It all started as a crazy idea during trainee days. Nagbibiruan kami na ‘Balang araw, gagawa tayo ng sarili nating company, our own management (We were just telling each other in jest that we would create our own company.) We’ll [choose] the people na pagkakatiwalaan namin,” Josh said. And now look where they are — the group that started from nothing, busking on the side of malls to sparse crowds and slaving away at endless training days for four years, the owners of their own newly minted entertainment company and the undisputed P-pop Kings increasingly acknowledged and acclaimed around the world. The group, in fact, is set to resume their world tour with new performances announced for Asia after successful, sold-out concerts in the Philippines, Canada and the United States. The boy band will be performing at Singapore’s Capitol Theatre on 15 November, Thailand’s KBank Siam Pic-Ganesha Theatre on 19 November and Dubai’s Sheikh Rashid Auditorium on 24 November, with more tour dates to be announced in the future. Josh also announced that they will represent the country at the ASEAN-Korea Music Festival Round on 21 October in Indonesia, performing alongside popular K-pop idols and artists from ASEAN countries. Fan meet The month-long celebration will not be complete, of course, without a special gift for their hometown fans. This time, the quintet said that instead of a concert for Filipino A’TIN, they will host an intimate fan meet, called Half a Decade Celebration, on 28 October at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. “Magkakaroon po kami ng fan meet na puno ng malulupit at masasaya na performances, fun games at interactions kasama kayong A’Tin,” Ken said. Fans joining them at the fan meet will go home with special-edition merchandise and cherished “experiences” with the group, added Justin, promising a more up-close and personal encounter than is usually experienced in their concerts. With the global-level career milestones the group has achieved in five years, SB19’s members have nothing but gratitude for everyone supporting them. “Gusto ko magpasalamat sa A’TIN for supporting us ever since. Kung hindi dahil sa inyo, hindi mangyayari ang ginagawa natin ngayon (If not for all of you, we won’t be able to do what we’re doing now),” Justin said. “We believe that we’re just starting. This is just the starting line for all of us, so we’re proud and I hope na proud rin kayo sa amin (We’re proud [of what we’ve accomplished], and I hope you’re also proud of us),” Ken added. A’TIN can only nod and say: We are, Ken. We sure are. The post October is A’TIN month as SB19 celebrates 5 amazing years appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Alternergy raising P12B for 2 wind power projects
Renewable power pioneer Alternergy Holdings Corp. is raising P12 billion to bankroll the construction of two wind power projects that would ramp up the local supply of renewable energy as mandated by the government. In a stock exchange disclosure on Monday, Alternergy said BPI Capital, RCBC Capital and SB Capital will assist the company in finalizing the terms and structure of the debt financing for the two projects — Tanay Wind Power Project in Rizal and the Alabat Wind Power Project in Quezon. The Tanay and Alabat Wind Projects have a capacity of up to 164 MW and are expected to be completed by 2025. Winners of DoE’s GEA-2 These projects won the Department of Energy or DoE’s second round of the Green Energy Auction Program or GEA-2 last July. Under the GEA-2, winning bidders must make their committed capacities available. The DoE conducts GEA yearly to fast-track the government’s plan of integrating 35 percent renewable energy in the energy mix by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040. Alternergy president Gerry Magbanua said the company and its partner banks will aim for financial closing before the year ends. Largest project financing deal “The total P12-billion mandate would be the largest project financing deal to be undertaken by Alternergy and we appreciate the support from RCBC Capital, BPI Capital, and SB Capital to ensure that the transactions would yield the most benefit for the Tanay and Alabat Wind Power Projects as laid out under the DoE’s GEA 2 Program,” Magbanua said. Alternergy has been investing a significant amount to expand its clean energy portfolio. It aims to develop up to 1,245 megawatts or MW of additional wind, offshore wind, solar, and run-of-river hydro projects. The total P12-billion mandate would be the largest project financing deal to be undertaken by Alternergy and we appreciate the support from RCBC Capital, BPI Capital, and SB Capital to ensure that the transactions would yield the most benefit for the Tanay and Alabat Wind Power Projects as laid out under the DoE’s GEA 2 Program. Alternergy was involved in the development of the 33-MW Bangui Bay wind farm in Ilocos Norte — the first commercial wind farm in Southeast Asia at that time. The post Alternergy raising P12B for 2 wind power projects appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
International tattoo artists, graffiti master to join Dutdutan 23
International tattoo artists Carlos Macias and California Ames, together with graffiti master and street artist Huit of France, are all flying to Manila for the Asia’s biggest tattoo exhibition and music fest, Dutdutan 23. .....»»
‘Rama, Hari’ gala is a cultural feast
Rama, Hari (Rama the King) returns to live stage, becoming one of the most anticipated cultural events of the year. Produced by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, in partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the ballet and musical had its gala at the rehabilitated Manila Metropolitan Theater on 15 September. Aside from the show itself, there were a lecture and a small tiangge (bazaar), affording the audience a fuller experience and a deeper appreciation of the ballet, as well as the source material, the Sanskrit epic Ramayana. Also an initiative in line with the recently signed Philippines-Indonesia Memorandum of Understanding on Cultural Cooperation and the Philippines-India Cultural Exchange Program, the lecture, “Perspectives: Understanding Ramayana, The Great Epic of Asia,” was held in the early afternoon at the Metropolitan Theater Ballroom, tackling the impacts and different interpretations of Ramayana not only in India but also in Southeast Asia. Speakers were Agus Widjojo, ambassador of Indonesia to the Philippines; Shambu Kumaran, ambassador of India to the Philippines; and Dr. Marilyn Canta, retired professor from the University of the Philippines in Diliman. [caption id="attachment_185911" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Indian Ambassador Shambu Kumaran, Dr. Marilyn Canta, NCCA chairman Ino Manalo and Indonesian Ambassador Agus Widjojo. | Photograph by Roel Hoang Manipon[/caption] The Hindu epic, said to date back as early as the mid-eighth century BCE, is a much beloved work and has many versions in Southeast Asia. Its influence is very much evident in Indonesia, where the epic has a version written in old Javanese, called the Kakawin Ramayana. The Prambanan, the ninth-century Hindu temple compound, has bas-reliefs depicting scenes from the epic, and the Ramayana Ballet is regularly performed up to this day. In the Philippines, the Meranaw people of Mindanao has a folk story derived from Ramayana, “Maharadia Lawana,” which was adapted into an hours-long, modern theatrical showcase for the Budayaw: The BIMP-EAGA Festival of Cultures in 2017. On the other hand, the tiangge, at the Hardin ng Ekspresyon, the west courtyard of the theater, had booths offering Indian food, spices and home decors. Fashion brand Plains & Prints also set up a corner featuring their latest collection featuring heritage sites in collaboration with photographer Mark Nicdao. On the other hand, the tiangge, at the Hardin ng Ekspresyon, the west courtyard of the theater, had booths offering Indian food, spices and home decors. Fashion brand Plains & Prints also set up a corner featuring their latest collection featuring heritage sites in collaboration with photographer Mark Nicdao. Audience members started arriving at six. The first-timers to the theater explored and took photographs of the different corners. Illustrious guests were led by National Artists Virgilio S. Almario, Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera, Ricky Lee and Agnes Locsin, as well as cultural agency heads, National Archives of the Philippines executive director and NCCA chairman Victorino Mapa Manalo, National Museum of the Philippines director Jeremy R. Barns and Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino chairman Arthur P. Casanova. Also in the audience were theater and cinema scholar Nicanor Tiongson, professor and researcher Galileo Zafra, actor and satirist Mae Paner, actor Menchu Lauchengco Yulo, talent manager Noel Ferrer, theater critic Amadis Maria Guerrero, Manila Vice Mayor Yul Servo, chef Gelo Guison and designer Barge Ramos. Aika Robredo, the eldest daughter of former Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo, also enjoyed the show. [caption id="attachment_185913" align="aligncenter" width="525"] The wedding of Rama and Sita.[/caption] Her mother graced a rehearsal on 6 September, especially invited by Rama, Hari choreographer and director, National Artist Alice Reyes and composer, National Artist Ryan Cayabyab. On 7 September, Robredo enthused on Facebook: “Yesterday, we, together with some local artists from Naga, trooped to the Metropolitan Theater in Manila to watch their first full stage rehearsal and we were stunned. They were not in costumes yet and the stage design was not even mounted yet but the entire production left us breathless and speechless!! It is the best of Philippine Dance and Music.” She encouraged everyone not to miss “the only collaboration that features the masterful works of five National Artists.” Aside from Reyes and Cayabyab, the other National Artists involved in the production are the late Bienvenido Lumbera, who wrote the lyrics and libretto; Salvador Bernal, who designed the stage and costumes; and Rolando Tinio, who translated it to English. They were not yet declared National Artists when the production by Ballet Philippines premiered on 8 February 1980 at CCP’s Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo. The original staging featured Nonoy Froilan, Basil Valdez, Kuh Ledesma, Leo Valdez and Edna Vida. Rama, Hari was not restaged until 2012, starring Christian Bautista, Karylle Tatlonghari, Richardson Yadao and Katherine Trofeo. It won 14 Philstage Gawad Buhay awards. An adaptation was mounted in 1999, called Rama, Hari, Rama at Sita, The Musical, featuring Ariel Rivera and Lani Misalucha as performers, directed by Leo Rialp and choreographed by Locsin. The music was composed by Cayabyab and Danny Tan, and the lyrics written by Roy Iglesias and Dodjie Simon, based on Lumbera’s book. Rama, Hari was planned to be the closing production of Ballet Philippines’ 50th season in March 2020, but was canceled when lockdowns were imposed because of the coronavirus pandemic. When Reyes established her own dance company in 2022, the Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, Rama, Hari became one of its cherished projects. [caption id="attachment_185909" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Energetic dancing by Alice Reyes Dance Philippines. | Photographs courtesy of Teddy Pelaez[/caption] Reyes put both dancers and singers on the same stage, interpreting scenes and emotions in both words and movements. The cast is led by Arman Ferrer as Rama with alternate Vien King and dancer versions Ronelson Yadao and Ejay Arisola. Sita is portrayed by singers Karylle Tatlonghari, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez and neophyhte Nica Tupas and dancers Monica Gana and Katrene San Miguel. [caption id="attachment_185910" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Erl Sorilla as Lakshmana and Monica Gana as Sita. | Photograph courtesy of Teddy Pelaez[/caption] Singers Poppert Bernadas, Matthew San Jose and Jonel Mojica and dancers Richardson Yadao (also dancer for King Janaka) and Tim Cabrera take on the villain role, the demon king of Lanka, Ravana. Other performers are Audie Gemora (singer, King Dasaratha), Lester Reguindin and John Ababon (dancers, King Dasaratha); Miah Canton and Raflesia Bravo (singers, Kooni and Soorpanakha); Ma. Celina Dofitas and Sarah Alejandro (dancers, Soorpanakha); Michaella Carreon and Dofitas (dancers, Kooni); Katrine Sunga and Maron Rozelle Mabana (singers, Kaikeyi and the Golden Deer); Janine Arisola and Karla Santos (dancers, Kaikeyi); Erl Sorilla and Renzen Arboleda (dancers, Lakshmana and King Sagreeva); Paw Castillo and Jon Abella (singers, Hanuman and Lakshmana); and Dan Dayo and Ricmar Bayoneta (dancers, Hanuman); Alejandro and Krislynne Buri (Golden Deer); Dayo and James Galarpe (Bharata). Aside from ARDP and CCP’s Professional Artist Support Program, other performers come from Guang Ming College Artist Residency Program, Philippine High School for the Arts, De La Salle College of Saint Benilde and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers. Music is performed by Orchestra of the Filipino Youth with Antonio Maria P. Cayabyab as conductor. After the two-night gala on 15 and 16 September at the Manila Metropolitan Theater, the production moves to the Samsung Performing Arts Theater of Circuit Makati in Makati City on 22 and 23 September. The post ‘Rama, Hari’ gala is a cultural feast appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»