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2010-11-25T00:55:00.000-08:00

Pacquiao returns to GMA-7

2009-03-29T19:55:00.000-07:00

By Nickie Wang/ Manila Standard Today

After announcing that his much-awaited fight against Ricky Hatton will be aired on ABS-CBN, Pacquiao made an apologetic announcement honoring the exclusive rights of GMA-7 and Solar Sports to broadcast his May 2 title bout.

It’s a mission accomplished for GMA Network vice president for entertainment Wilma Galvante, who personally flew to Los Angeles to have a serious talk with the boxing champ. In a text message sent by the executive, she said, “God is good and Manny Pacquiao will remain a Kapuso.”

Pacquiao, who is part of the series Totoy Bato that also stars Robin Padilla and Regine Velasquez, is having his rigid training in the States to prepare for his fight scheduled in May. He made a controversial announcement that surprised both GMA Network and Solar Sports.

“We were very very surprised and at the same time very disappointed because we looked at all angles and we felt that wasn’t a smart decision,” Solar Sports’ vice president for sales and marketing Jude Turcuaco told Standard Today last week.

Solar Sports immediately held a press conference to discuss the matter with the media and to answer questions hounding the issue. According to Turcuaco, the network’s president and chief executive Wilson Tieng and chief operating officer Peter Chanliong flew to Los Angeles to talk to Pacquiao.

The major development happened after the executive had a thorough discussion with the boxing champ and convinced him not to rescind his contract with Solar Sports because it’s binding and valid.

Meanwhile at the same press conference, the lawyers who are handling the issue stated that Manny Pacquiao’s announcement and attempt to cancel the license agreement was based on the misinterpretation of facts. They added that Pacquiao may have been misled or misguided that Solar Entertainment has committed a breach of contract, but the fact is that Solar has complied with the agreement.

The sports cable channel signed a block-time agreement with GMA-7 to telecast all the fights of Pacquiao until May 2011.

The controversy started when Solar Sports apparently didn’t fulfill its financial obligation to Pacman who was supposed to receive 25 percent of the payment 10 days after the fight contract was signed last January. The boxer made a decision to rescind his contract to Solar Sports and chose ABS-CBN to cover his bout with Hatton and his three remaining fights scheduled within the next two years.

It was reported that Pacquiao also chose ABS-CBN because it can give better coverage and bigger exposure in helping him for his bid for the elections in 2010.

Solar Sports, however, denied that it was negligent to its financial obligation to the boxing icon. But the cable channel apparently deposited the money, which Pacquiao was asking in advance, only last March 17.

The sports cable channel executive Turcuaco stated that legal means are its last option, the initially prepared P150-million lawsuit against Pacquiao was supposed to protect all parties involved in the contract. Now that Pacquiao has decided to cooperate with Solar Sports and GMA-7, everything is well and all parties are back at work.

On the latest development, ABS-CBN made an announcement that it respects the decision of Manny Pacquiao to reconsider his contract to GMA and Solar Sports. The network made this decision to ease things out and avoid for the matter to reach the courtroom.

Cesar Montano: Intertwined life in the movies and politics

2009-03-29T19:52:00.000-07:00

By Nickie Wang/ Manila Standard Today

Is Cesar Montano going to run for a political post again? Well, the right person to answer this question is no other than Cesar himself.

The actor plunged into politics when he made a sudden decision to join the Senate slate in the 2007 elections under the administration’s TEAM Unity. Critics said it was an immature and bad decision. Apart from the fact that actors are no longer popular in winning the elections, Cesar’s senatorial bid was unexpected and his platform was too limited to arts and culture development, relatively unpopular among voters.

“No regrets at all. I learned a lot of things from that experience,” said Cesar during a short talk with the press after the launch of Western Union Gold Card at Teatrino in Greenhills recently.

Cesar is challenged by a clamor asking him to enter politics again. This time, Boholanos are asking him to run as a governor in his hometown.

“I’m almost considering it,” said the 46-year-old actor and occasional movie director. “What delay my decision are questions that I need to answer like, ‘Can I live there for five days and stay here in Manila for just two days to check on my kids?’ Or ‘Can I just transfer my kids there to study, what about my shows and shooting?’ And there are more questions that I need to discuss with my wife,” Cesar explained.

The actor is considering other matters that do not just involve his family but also the people and the province he would be serving in case he’d be voted for a government position. He mentioned that his presence in Bohol would be greatly needed as the father of the province.

The finality of his answer also depends on the decision of his wife, Sunshine Cruz. The Singing Bee host said he is consulting Sunshine and that they are both going to decide on the matter.

“We’ve talked about this thing but I told her that there’s no need to hurry deciding on it. I told her that we could decide later on, maybe on the last quarter of the year,” the actor said, noting the sentiments of his wife and family.

Once final with his decision, Cesar would be up against congressmen from the province who are in their last terms. There is also a strong possibility that the incumbent vice governor of the province would be his strong rival. When asked about the qualifications that suits him for the position, the award-winning actor exclaimed, “The island of Bohol is a tourist zone, I’m in [the] film business. Movie is a great and a very powerful medium to elevate the tourism of an island. I’m saying that because na-prove ko na ’yan with Panaghoy Sa Suba that won 37 awards from abroad. I was able to introduce Loboc River through the film, and dumagsa ang mga tourists sa lugar after that.”

Panaghoy Sa Suba, also referred as Cry of the River, is a 2004 film that earned different accolades here and abroad. Cesar produced, directed and starred the film.

Cesar is excited about a new project that he is willing to do this year even if he wouldn’t get any support from any big film outfits.

“I’m interested to do the [movie on] Francisco Dagohoy, kasi talagang taga-Bohol ’yun. Si Francisco Dagohoy, led the longest revolt in the Philippines, his story is part of our history. Another one is Eskaya, parang alibata ’yan… Alibata [a pre-Spanish writing system] from Luzon, Eskaya from the south,” Cesar discussed.

Eskaya, which Cesar is very excited about, is actually a name of an indigenous group found in the mountainous area of Bohol. Its language Eskayan interestingly has no clear relationship with any known language.

“Many people think that early Filipinos were illiterate. They didn’t know that Filipinos could communicate, we could write, we could read already, even before, way before the Spanish came to the Philippines. We need to share this to the world. I’m thinking of doing it this year, kahit indie I will do it, the Philippines has to do it,” the determined actor said.

Cesar added that he is in regular talk with his Hollywood contacts that would be instrumental in introducing Bohol as good place for location shoot for international movies.

“Two weeks ago, I was in the US. Kausap ko ’yung nag-produce ng The Great Raid [Cesar’s first Hollywood film] and Titanic. I meet people and I gather stories suited for international release. ’Yung mga stories na pwedeng gamitan ng 70 percent na salitang Ingles para maging American picture, parang Slumdog [Millionaire]. We don’t lack talents, we only need to be aggressive, and we need contacts,” the actor related.

He already foresees the project that he might get involved with once elected. To the question that connects him to running as a governor of Bohol in the elections next year, “I’m 70 percent sure,” was his answer.

“Isa pa ’yan na pwede kong gawin sa Bohol . But if I can prove to our Hollywood connections that Bohol is one of the safest places to shoot a movie, then with just one film, ang tourism ay aangat,” he ended and coined the word Bohollywood.

Animax animates the ‘Laminated Woman’

2009-03-23T23:17:00.000-07:00

By Nickie Wang/ Manila Standard Today

LaMB premieres 8 p.m. tonight. It is the first multi-platform, multi-disciplinary, and multi-media production for online, mobile and television produced by Animax.

This $6-million animated film, the biggest Animax original production, is also the channel’s first production in High Definition to be broadcast across several countries. The story is inspired by the script submitted by Filipino amateur writer Carmelo Juinio to the Animax Awards 2007 pan-Asia scriptwriting contest.

Juinio’s entry entitled Laminated Woman: To the Sand Planet Cerra, won in the Philippine leg of the competition and was sent to the regional competition in Japan where it won second prize.

“I lost in the finals in Japan. I massively missed on the fact that I do not have a strong child character in the script. I think all animés should have a strong child character even if it is just a sidekick. Most animés are really about kids,” Carmelo Junio told us before the special screening of the full-length animated movie.

Laminated Woman lost out to the competition winner Takane’s Bike written by Hayato Takamaga from Japan.

According to Animax, Juinio’s script impressed Japanese industry experts with its dark beauty and soulful depth, and was accorded a Special Award recognition for his amazing talent. Handpicked from over 3,000 entries across Asia, LaMB is centered on the life of a woman in a laminated suit.

“Japanese people have a peculiar way of shortening long words. So from laminated, they made it lamb,” the amateur writer said explaining how the title became LaMB from the original “Laminated Woman,” adding also that lamination is a system of virtual slavery that punishes convicts yet still makes them productive members of the society.

The writer’s meme

LaMB revolves around the story of two protagonists named Eve, a laminated woman or simply a LaMB, and Jack, a scientist who is on a mission to turn the unforgiving landscape of planet Cerra green.

“The real-life inspiration would be two people sitting in the same room, probably colleagues at work, they’re seated right across each other but they don’t communicate. It is the same thing here, but it is more extreme,” Juinio conveyed.

He added that a laminated person can barely speak nor make his own decisions. So the two protagonists are practically in the same room but they are not communicating until they discover something which is very Filipino, a communication tool which is equivalent to text messaging.

“My ideas are accidental; it’s opportunistic in the sense that for example the dinosaurs became extinct and the little furry creatures at that time evolved into large mammals and eventually into us, humans. So I guess it’s opportunism in a grand scale, mine is opportunism in a smaller scale,” the writer related.

Juinio seemed awestricken seeing the animated film for the very first time. He believes that there were changes made in the script to adapt the story to other Asian audiences.

“I tried to control my emotional level because it’s bad for the health, it causes ulcer and all, you know. My excitement is actually gradual; it’s like gradually a rising hill. I’m not overly excited,” Juinio said before the screening.

Juinio, who proclaimed himself as a professional bum (a creative bum that is), said that the idea of the story has been with him all along. Something came to him at the turn of the century but it was only when the contest came around that he took opportunity to evolve the idea into something concrete.

“It came about through evolution, it was a very germ of an idea, I can’t remember what precisely it was but it was a very simple idea like a song in the night, I have this vision of two people holding hands and not touching,” Juinio concluded.

LaMB will have special encores on March 25 to 29 for the Part 1, and Part 2 will be broadcast on March 30. The animated movie also features French-Canadian band Simple Plan and the American band The Click Five. Both bands produced songs that serve as title tracks of the movie. Meanwhile, Hong Kong actress Josie Ho and Taiwan’s heartthrob Van Ness Wu are also part of the animated movie as voice actors of the main characters, Eve and Jack.

Richard Gutierrez relives the Legend of Zorro

2009-03-23T23:13:00.000-07:00

By Nickie Wang/ Manila Standard Today

This year’s most anticipated and ambitious program to be produced on primetime television is the first and official localized version of the story of a fictional character created in the early 20th century.

Zorro, GMA Network’s latest addition to its strong Telebabad block, will be headlined by Richard Gutierrez playing the role of Antonio Pelaez, a nobleman and master swordsman living in the Spanish colonial era.

Gutierrez is set to charm three of the television’s hottest and equally talented young actresses: Rhian Ramos as Lolita, the ladylove of Zorro; Bianca King as Cara; and Michelle Madrigal as Juana.

According to GMA vice president for entertainment Wilma Galvante, this world-class series is shot entirely in the picturesque and Spanish-inspired location in Bagac, Bataan. She added that viewers will have a visual trip into the past with the presence of grand old-style houses, cobblestones pathways and fortifications. The scenes that feature gypsies, carnivals, circus actors, courtesans and pirates are few of the main attractions that will give the series an authentic Spanish-era feel.

Directed by distinguished directors who have helmed numerous top-rating programs in GMA: Mark Reyes, the man behind successful series Encantadia and Codename: Asero; and Dominic Zapata, the virtuoso director whose projects include Mulawin and Captain Barbell, are out to transform the Legend of Zorro into a moving tale that will captivate local audience starting today.

The masked hero

At the grand launch of the series, which was indeed a grandiose event, Richard entered the newly built state-of-the-art Studio 7 of GMA hovering across the venue through a harness connected to a cable. He then gave the entertainment press a peek of what kind of action viewers can expect from the action-packed made-for-television program.

“Our main goal is not to surpass what the original Zorro did. We just want him to look like a Pinoy. With the help and cooperation of the whole team, I think we are on the right track,” Richard related when he was flanked by the press.

Richard will be seen carrying a long, slender, two-edged sword throughout the series, as he reprises the role of the masked hero.

According to the actor, although he knows how to ride a horse, he had to undergo training in horseback riding to prepare for the role. Just like the whole cast, he also had Spanish lessons to prepare his tongue in pronouncing foreign words included in the script. As part of the preparation, the actor even studied fencing that primed him for difficult skirmishing stunts.

The blazing ‘Z’ mark

The original Zorro is famous for branding his tyrants on the chest with a blazing “Z” mark. Will this new series make another mark to GMA’s primetime block?

Zorro is Richard’s seventh collaboration with the station after Mulawin, Sugo, Captain Barbell, Lupin, Kamandag, and Codename: Asero. All of these top-rating programs gave Richard the moniker “Primetime King.” Aside from the established connection the actor has made with the loyal Kapuso viewers, the series’ powerhouse cast is also one of the program’s main attractions.

The star-studded cast are Eddie Gutirrez as Governor Luis Argon, Mark Gil as Capt. Horacio Pelaez, TJ Trinidad as Ramon Pelaez, Jomari Yllana as Diego dela Vega, Sandy Andolong as Maria, Pinky Marquez as Doña Catalina Pulido, Leo Martinez as Don Carlos Pulido, Bobby Andrews as Sgt. Pedro Gonzales, Ricky Davao as Padre Felipe, Sheena Halili as Lena, Bubbles Paraiso as Magda, Maureen Larazabal as Bella, Robert Villar as Pepe, Antonio Aquitania as Bernardo, Elvis Gutierrez as Silverio, Epi Quizon as Shishong, Bodie Cruz as Agustin Manalo, Paloma as Paquita, Shiela Marie as Liza, and Gloria Sevilla as Nana Zita.

The program that also boasts lavish production design and exceptional visual effects tells a story of a skilled horseman who becomes the champion of the masses. Abandoned by his courtesan mother (Marcela, to be played by Lani Meracdo) at a young age, Antonio (Richard Gutierrez) was raised under the care of the well-off haciendero Don Roberto Pelaez (Joel Torre) and his wife Doña Chiquita (Jacklyn Jose).

Amidst being raised by an affluent family, Antonio builds close ties with the commoners called Indios and empathizes with their plight. The romance, on the other hand, starts when Antonio meets the hardheaded Lolita (Rhian Ramos), during his search for his mother.

“I’m excited about this. Even though I didn’t audition, I’m still happy that I got the part,” Rhian revealed. “I’m so happy to be with a leading man I’m comfortable working with.”

The young actress said that because of her busy schedule during the casting of the series, she wasn’t able to audition for the plum role, but it was anyway her intention to be part of the much awaited series. Zorro is the third onscreen tandem of Rhian and Richard after Captain Barbell and Lupin.

Rock band restarts journey with Arnel Pineda

2009-03-19T18:56:00.000-07:00

By Nickie Wang/ Manila Standard Today

Our old pals can still rock, and the inclusion of Filipino rocker Arnel Pineda provided new energy to the band that has been entertaining fans across the globe for more than three decades now.

Last Saturday at exactly 8:30 p.m., rock aficionados had a dynamic auditory and visual experience. It’s a kind of concert that some Filipinos have been missing all these years because it was the Journey’s first-ever concert in the country. The Philippine concert was also the band’s first pit stop in Asia to promote the new album Revelation.

Before the band hit the stage, there was an announcement that the concert is being filmed for a special DVD. The cooperation of 20,000 people was needed to show how the band was received in the hometown of its new lead vocalist.

Right after the announcement, the band composed of Neal Schon (guitars), Jonathan Cain (keyboards), Ross Valory (bass), Deen Castronovo (drums), and Pineda immediately started the show with the upbeat “Never Walk Away.” Pineda moved like a torpedo on the concert platform as if he was trying to familiarize himself with the stage while belting “Only The Young.”

The opening salvo and the succeeding few songs were ripped from the band’s latest album. Indeed, the concert served as a launch pad to introduce the band’s latest offering that features Pineda as its new vocalist. Pineda had crowd stand up with the rock ballad “After All These Years.” It was enough to keep the crowd standing in the succeeding numbers “Change For The Better and “Where Did I Lose Your Love.”

The spirit was high until the five-piece band performed the classic records “Ask The Lonely,” “Stone In Love,” and “Separate Ways.”

For not so avid followers of the band, some of the songs appeared to be unfamiliar. When Pineda went backstage and changed his outfit, the pint-size rocker dished hard rocking performance of hits the band is known for. As Pineda reappeared on the stage, majority of the audience stood up and sang along with him as he belted “Open Arms,” which was introduced by a genius play of the piano. Pineda furthered with “Faithfully” and dedicated the song to all the women present at the concert ground, including his wife.

Did the band live up to the expectation of the audience?

There was no element of surprise in the three-hour rock concert but it was long enough to squeeze in all the songs that the band wanted to share to its audience. Unfortunately, that was the very downside of the whole show. Not everybody who visited the Journey at the Mall of Asia concert ground was a die-hard supporter.

Although the band has established its sound and can brag about numerous hits tucked under its belt, most of its songs do have the same melody. If you would just close your eyes, you wouldn’t be able to distinguish if the band had started performing the next song. It was also noticeable that the band wanted to leave an impression that its musical talent is beyond outstanding. Every number was actually a showcase of each member’s musical flair. Most performances were prolonged to give way for the drummer to do a little exhibition and for the six-string master to do complicated guitar.

Majority of the concert attendees packed tightly onto the standing-only Silver and Bronze areas and the more affluent concertgoers with Gold and VIP tickets sat comfortably fronting the stage seeing the band in action. But these people seemed to have enough of the long performance that the encore appeared to be bland and people started moving to the exit not minding what Pineda would have to say.

One discernable showcase in the concert was the way technical staff played with the lights. The professional and creative lighting system excitingly transformed the stage and the whole venue in producing different visual treats. But the real spectacle in the concert was Pineda who has been fronting the band for two years now.

Pineda, who frequently shouted “Proud to be Pinoy” and waved small Philippine flag throughout the concert, earned some loud cheers from the audiences, which did not just include his countrymen because there were ample numbers of expatriates among the crowd.

If people would ask if Pineda sounded like Steve Perry (Journey’s best-known lead vocalist), the answer is yes. In fact, his genuine energy was outshined by the similarity of vocals to Perry’s.

Final set throws fans into hysterical frenzy

2009-03-12T21:26:00.000-07:00

By Nickie Wang/ Manila Standard Today

It’s around 10:30 in the evening, what emotion would you feel if the iconic “Ang Huling El Bimbo” was being performed by the greatest local band, and you were in the middle of one hundred thousand people who are practically singing the song through their hearts, and the sky was just perfectly lit up by magnificent fireworks display?

To Eraserheads fans, and to anyone who would have the firsthand experience of it, the feeling would be a surreal mix of emotions, if not a four-minute escape from reality.

On March 7, as early as 3 p.m., the E-heads fans (the generation of Pinoy Rock lovers who are generally in the age group of early 20s and early 30s) queued up at the SM Mall of Asia concert grounds to watch the landmark concert, The Final Set.

The critically acclaimed quartet of Ely Buendia, Raimund Marasigan, Buddy Zabala, and Marcus Adoro was back onstage to follow-up the last year’s concert that was prematurely cut-off due to Buendia’s health condition.

When the sun went down on the horizon of Manila Bay, the production staff started testing the lighting system on the stage; the entire setup was as high as a seven-story building. It was a trip down memory lane when an audiovisual presentation of one of the country’s most important rock bands was shown on widescreen monitors and video walls, four of them were suspended more than 20 feet above the stage.

The AVP showcased old videos and interviews of the band. It was immediately followed by a countdown that started with the letter Z and ended with the letter E. As the last letter flashed on video walls, the Eraserheads made a grand entrance to play the first song of the night, “Magasin,” which was complemented by fireworks that briefly gushed around the stage.

The first set saw the band’s performance of the songs “Walang Nagbago,” “Maling Akala,” “Maskara,” “Poor Man’s Grave,” “Waiting for the Bus,” “Huwag Mo Nang Itanong” (with Marcus giving it a reggae twist), “Slow/Slo Mo,” “Alkohol,” “Insomia,” and “Torpedo.”

A 25-minute break gave the fans a new feeling of great anticipation waiting for the E-heads to dish out another set of songs that give definition to what 90s OPM rock is all about.

More relaxed and more connected with the mammoth audience, the four music geniuses went back onstage for the second set doing the acoustic versions of their international hit “Julie Tearjerky.” Even though it was an open-air venue, the sound system neatly fit the acoustic versions of the other hits like “Tikman,” “Wishing Wells,” “Fine Time,” “Pare Ko,” and “Kailan.” They went rocking again by reliving the other colossal hits “Back2Me,” “Trip To Jerusalem,” “Spolarium,” and “Overdrive.”

Tribute to Francis M.

The Eraserheads paid tribute to Philippine rap icon Francis Magalona, who died a day before the event of multiple organ failure due to leukemia. The Master Rapper was scheduled to appear as a special guest at the concert and since the demise of the rapper made a big impact across the local music world, the band instead dedicated the concert to the late musician.

November last year, Ely and Francis decided to do a collaboration by coming up with an album called The Sickos Project. The idea came about when both musicians were confined at the hospital with Ely recuperating from a heart surgery and Francis under treatment due to the illness that recently claimed his life. The slated appearance of Francis at the concert is said to be in line with the promotion of the album.

It was during the encore when Ely said, “Sumigaw tayo para kay Francis,” and played the song “Superproxy” ripped from the band’s third and best-selling album, Cutterpillow. It was followed by the performance of “Alapaap.” The band ended the song with “Kaleidoscope World” with its more recognizable lyric.

The final set

The encore witnessed the euphoric performance of “Ang Huling El Bimbo.” The song was accompanied by a genius play of lighting and a boastful surge of gold confetti complemented further by fireworks display. It was a four-minute emotion-filled finale where Ely had to burn the piano they used to render the anthemic ditty; it was the same piano that appeared on the CD cover of Sticker Happy, the band’s fifth album. He even smashed the musical instrument to complete the fiery stunt.

“Group hug, group hug,” yelled the one-tenth of a million number of audience asking the band to give each other an embrace.

Instead of giving its fans the last treat, the quartet just put their arms across each other’s shoulders, bowed, and bade goodbye. And as the exit areas were clogged by people who thought the show was over, Raimund Marasigan went back onstage and asked the audience, “Gusto n’yo pa?”

Raimund said for the last time, “Hindi ’to kasama sa Set List ah,” and Ely followed with “Here’s three for the road.”

As part of the (second) encore, the quartet gave its audience the final treat for the night singing the songs “Ligaya,” “Sem Break,” and the catchy and nostalgic “Toyang.”

The Eraserheads staged a milestone concert, and yes, Edsa was congested three hours even after the concert. Indeed, it is safe to say that The Final Set was the concert of the year. It attracted a number of audiences who were gathered by the same fascination and admiration for the band that made an indelible mark in the history of Pinoy Music.

The performance of the band itself was already predictable, but seeing the members together for the last time made all the difference. The songs played at the concert, and the way the crowd reacted and religiously sang along with them, greatly defined the influence of the Eraserheads’ music, not to mention its successful attempt to bridge the generation gap in musical taste.

Saying ‘I do’ for the nest egg

2009-03-12T21:17:00.000-07:00

By Nickie Wang/ Manila Standard Today

We were invited to an event that launched ETC Entertainment Central’s newest program, Here Come the Newlyweds. Bonifacio High Street was an apt location for a launch that was attended by chatty disc jockeys from top FM radio stations and some energetic and young scribes from magazines and dailies.

Right smack in the middle of the posh location, ETC set up a huge projection monitor and a couple of LCD screen monitors around the venue. While having sumptuous dinner, the program’s first episode was shown on the screens.

The first installment of the 12-episode show (the US version was actually six episodes and ETC decided to divide each episode into two) introduced seven just-married couples. The fresh-from-the-altar couples are diverse, sexy and competitive, including such pairings as high school sweethearts, couples who fell in love at first sight, an arranged marriage, an interracial couple, and two divorcees who are hoping the fourth time is the charm.

As the seven couples met for the first time, each husband was blindfolded and was asked to choose which kiss belongs to his wife. A sex therapist also gave the couples some interesting advice.

All of us had a hard laugh and some didn’t even mind to stand up from their seats to queue at the buffet table because of the show’s interesting kick-starter. The couples, in the episode entitled My Wife the Backseat Driver, were asked to maneuver, drive, and properly park a car, the husbands were blindfolded and the wives were in the passenger seat giving the instruction (imagine motorists doing that on Edsa).

Because couples can’t live on love alone, the couple that earned immunity on the first task took the money offered by the host, Canadian writer and comedian Pat Bullard. Amidst the couple’s willingness to stay in the reality competition, they were subsequently voted off.

Every other week (make it each week for the original version), one couple will be sent home after every competition. Every challenge requires the couples to compete for a nest egg worth hundreds of thousands of dollars by accomplishing a variety of mental and physical challenges together. The idea is to test their love and passion for one another while completing the tasks, which are not so far from the challenges they encounter in real life.

After watching the first episode, we were asked to go back to our designated tables, and then the host of the evening, Karen Pamintuan, told everyone that the program is not yet over. It was our turn now to have a dip on the exhilarating experience the newlyweds had by joining our assigned team to race and go for egg hunting with a twist. Though we had just finished dinner, we agreed to go for the challenge.

There were seven pit stops, where we had to accomplish a task to get one egg that contained another direction that led us to another pit stop. The challenge tested our endurance as we ran from Rox to Fully Booked, then to The Spa, to Topshop, VMV, and practically around Bonifacio High Street before finally getting to the final pit stop, Coffee Bean. The winning team’s four members each received an egg that contains a three-day vacation package for two in Boracay. The other six non-winning teams didn’t go home empty-handed for they were given gift packs that were quite good enough for a consolation.

When the game was over, some of us quipped that if the Here Come the Newlyweds will showcase the same adrenaline rush we had, the show must be good and an exciting one to watch out for.

Catch the show on ETC every Friday at 8 p.m.; ETC is available on SBN 21, SkyCable channel 16, Destiny Cable channel 30, and CableLink 48.

Karylle unravels a story through music

2009-03-12T21:14:00.000-07:00

By Nickie Wang/ Manila Standard Today

Karylle’s reconstructed heart, figuratively we mean, is amazingly strong for she just throws unpretentious smiles when asked about her failed relationship with actor Dingdong Dantes.

Instead of letting herself be doomed to frustration and heartbreak, she comes up with a project that serves as an avenue of her creativity. Truly, people cannot just find love nor depend happiness on other people alone.

Certain that she is in the moving-on phase, Karylle is vocal on how she deals with people asking how she’s doing. She has learned how to be sincere to people she meets and who subsequently seek her advice on how to cope with failed relationships.

“Even though I would rather be quiet about this whole situation, I guess it’s time to speak up and share what I’ve learned to [sic] other people,” Karylle told writers at the launch of Time For Letting Go.

The songs in the album basically show the stages of moving on. The CD comes with a booklet that contains the lyric of the songs plus an explanation of the stages of her life during her troubled times. The 11-track album is a collection of her most favorite songs, including eight covers and three originals. The album showcases a duet with Martin Nievera (“The Best of Me”) and collaboration with mother Zsa Zsa Padilla (“I Live For Your Love”).

Denial and anger

“Denial is when you keep on saying ‘I’m okay’ even when you’re not.”

Although she doesn’t have a song selected to define denial, Karylle explained that in the beginning, she chose to believe that everything was fine even if something wrong was really happening. When she finally realized the truth, her anger was released through rock songs, loud angry songs. For the album, nonetheless, she chose to cover a Regine Velasquez original “You’ve Made Me Stronger” and a Sheena Easton ballad, “Almost Over You.”

Anger is the emotional state that inhibited Karylle to have a sound and clear thinking. As her depression was tough, she relates to the song “I’ll Never Get Over You, Getting Over Me,” the album’s kick-off single borrowed from the ’80s vocal group, Exposé. It is her outlet to express what she felt at the height of her much publicized breakup with Dingdong.

Depression and bargaining

Right after the denial stage, Karylle had to comprehend reality pushing her to write songs and include them in the album like “Minamahal Kita,” and “Hulog ng Langit.” She revealed that “Wala Na Ba Ang Lahat” is actually a song that she co-wrote with former boyfriend three years ago when their relationship was still sunny.

“I asked for his [Dingdong] permission, I don’t remember if I called him up or simply sent a text, but I told him that I’m going to use to the song for the new album. When I recorded for the album that I also produced before, ’di ko siya sinama dahil malas kasi siya, now is the right time,” Karylle said in a very teasing tone.

Sense of peace and calm

“These are some things that I have come to accept and appreciate that after everything that happened, and being so open to everyone, we’ve reached a certain level of friendship. This is my way of saying to other people na kaya niyo rin ’yan,” Karylle said.

As she accepts reality, the songs “Something New In My Life,” and “Leaving Yesterday Behind” are musical tales that narrate her being brave in facing the new promising chapter of her life. Just like what the songs speak of, she begins to find a new purpose and meaning to her existence.

“It was hard in the beginning when they told me about the concept [of the album], when they gave me the list, it was the whole list of top 100 breakup songs. It was another emotional journey, all the emotions were involved but we tried to find a way around it by listing the stages in my life, na kapag may mapulot ka naman something dito, and if you think of it that way if, ‘eto na yun,” she said in reference to the question about the hardest and easiest part of recording the album.

As the album launch concluded, Karylle said some inspiring words about what she had learned while going through all the trials she had of late.

“In every opportunity that is presented to you in life it’s really how you handle it. I think it just so happened because it was so publicized. Had I handled it the different way, I don’t think that the result could have been the same. I consulted so many people and prayed so hard,” she ended.

Karylle had two albums recorded in 2001 and 2005, Time To Shine and You Make Me Sing, respectively. Both CDs were released under Universal Records. Her latest offering Time For Letting Go under Polyeast Records is now available at all record bars.

Francis M. raps no more

2009-03-06T19:27:00.000-08:00

After eight months of treatment and four excruciating chemotherapies, actor and Philippine rap icon Francis Magalona (Francis M. to his fans and Kiko to his friends), succumbed to leukemia yesterday, 12 noon at The Medical City on Ortigas Avenue in Pasig.

The news of the death of the 44-year-old rap star was heard across the Philippines when Vic Sotto announced it in Eat Bulaga. Magalona used to be one of the hosts of the popular noontime show until August last year, after he was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia. The illness is the most common form of leukemia and is a fast- growing cancer that attack the blood and bone marrow. It was after the Eat Bulaga show in the United States when Francis, complaining of fever and body pains, went to a specialist and found out about his condition. From then on, it was a series of medication and chemotherapy until he was finally declared clinically dead at 12 noon yesterday.

Francis was the youngest son of 1950s legendary actors and celebrity couple Pancho Magalona and Tita Duran. In 1984, he was launched in the teen movie Bagets 2 along with Ramon Christopher and the late Jon Hernandez.

Magalona seemed to have found his calling in music—rap in particular. He started doing rap and became the first to successfully cross over to mainstream music. He became an advocate of Pinoy Rap and encouraged, as he inspired, upstarts in the genre to pursue their rap ambitions. His first album entitled Rap Is FrancisM was released in 1992 and immediately became solid gold. It produced numerous hits like “Mga Praning” (Paranoids), “Halalan” (Elections), and “Tayo’y Mga Pinoy” (We Are Filipinos). Many of the young generation would associate Francis M with the anthemic “Tayo’y Mga Pinoy,” a song that has been largely used in many Filipino-themed events here and abroad.

His songs, while sounding too eclectic for the general audience, were like modern poetry that dealt mainly with the ills of Philippine society.

Throughout his career, he was always with wife Pia Arroyo who also served as his manager. He has adopted Pia’s children by a previous relationship, Unna and Nicolo, when they got married. Francis bore Pia five children, Francis Jr., Elmo, Arkin, Clara, Saab and the most popular among them all, Maxene, who was last seen in Una Kang Naging Akin.

His last project was a collaboration with another music icon, Ely Buendia. Dubbed as The Sickos Project, the album features various artists on the local music scene. The progress of the project was detailed in his blog called “A Free Mind.” It’s on the same blog where Francis posted entries that detailed his battle against leukemia and how he did with chemotherapies.

In the last entry posted on Jan. 14, the prolific rapper said:

“I look forward to the pain as I know my journey is on full speed ahead. I will not be bold to say that without asking a favor from you all. Please pray for me as I undergo treatment. Your prayers, as always, have sustained me. And am sure the Lord will listen to all our prayers. To His will I submit myself.”

Francis Magalona’s wake is at the Christ The King church in Green Meadows.

‘Unforgettable’ singer in Manila

2009-03-06T19:24:00.000-08:00

By Nickie Wang

Manila Standard Today

American singer-songwriter Natalie Cole is on a mission to fill up the Araneta Coliseum on March 11 crooning the most beloved ballads and R&B classics that catapulted her as a hot R&B star of the ’80s.

The 59 year-old singer, who popularized the Grammy Award-winning songs “Unforgettable,” “When I Fall In Love,” “This Will Be,” and other hits like “Inseparable” and “Miss You Like Crazy,” will relive her songs in a concert called An Unforgettable Evening with Natalie Cole.

“I’m pulling a lot of stuff from way, way back,” Cole said. “When you have 25 years of great stuff in your catalog, you want to give them as much as you can, especially an audience that has been with you for all of it.”

Natalie’s first-ever concert in the country promises great entertainment as she pays tribute to her musical influences like her legendary father, Nat King Cole, and Frank Sinatra.

She started and achieved early success as an R&B singer in the ’70s. Over the years, most especially in the ’90s, she gradually shifted her genre to a more jazzy musical style and even released singles that are pop standard-oriented. Her change of musical style is evident when she recorded the album Take A Look (1993), When I Fall In Love (1996), and Snowfall on the Sahara (1999).

The American chanteuse, who is behind 10 Grammy Awards and more than 30 million record sales worldwide, first released an album in 1975 (Inseparable) followed by a self-titled album in 1976. Almost every year from 1970 to 1991, Natalie came up with high-profiled materials that endeared her to legions of fans across the globe.

One of the most remarkable feats of her luminous career is the successful remake of her father’s classic, “Unforgettable,” which she recorded in 1991. With a little help of technology, Natalie had a duet with her father Nat King Cole, who had passed on by that time. The late legendary R&B singer’s vocal from the original recording was spliced into the new track to recreate the single. The album that included that track peaked at the US Billboard Pop Chart at no. 1 for five weeks. It also received eight times platinum certification from RIAA selling more than seven million copies in the United States alone.

At the height of her career, Natalie had to deal with the prize that came together with her overwhelming success. She had to battle a growing addiction to illegal drugs while being in and out of bad marriages (she has been married three times). In an autobiography released in 2000, Natalie admitted that she was addicted to heroin and crack cocaine. In 2008, she was diagnosed with hepatitis C, which the doctors believed she contracted from sharing needles during her rampant addiction to heroin.

“I’ve had my share of doing things that I really wish I hadn’t done,” Cole stated. “It doesn’t mean I’m not going to make mistakes again, but don’t let it be in the studio. Let that be at least one place where I can kinda get it right.”

Natalie’s illness doesn’t stop her from doing the things she loves. The international multi-platinum diva continues to tour the world to do concert and promote her music. With a career that spans four decades, Natalie continues to produce great hits.

Last year, she released an album entitled Still Unforgettable. The pop-jazz album earned Natalie her 10th Grammy trophy and an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Jazz Artist. These just prove that Natalie Cole and her music are one, that’s why she is called an international artist; she has an impeccable talent that makes her an optimum songstress whose recognizable voice produced unforgettable classic hits that have touched millions of fans all over the world.

Introducing Nikki J.

2009-02-26T09:29:00.000-08:00

By Nickie Wang

Manila Standard Today

Exceptional music talents are not the usual voices you hear over the radio. Great music and extraordinary singers must be discovered by music aficionados who posses discriminating ears and distinctive tastes.

Nikki J. is one of the intelligent singers who decide to remain away from the limelight, but that doesn’t mean she conceals her passion for music. Her artistic ability is lauded whenever she performs in corporate shows and intimate events seen by few —music listeners who like standards and whose ears are burnt out with crappy renditions of other singers who don’t even know the real science and art of music.

In October last year, Nikki J., a former member of Ryan Cayabyab’s 14K, staged a first solo concert at Teatrino Theater and Bar at Greenhills. The sold-out performance got good reviews and endeared Nikki to a captive audience, who are mostly members of Manila’s affluent lot and definitely all music lovers.

Catching up with the love month, Nikki J. is set to stage another concert called Standards in Love tomorrow at Teatrino.

Nikki J., or Nikki Junia, will croon her own interpretations of standard classics made popular by Connie Francis, Cliff Richard, Doris Day and other artists of yesteryears.

Among the songs that she is going to perform are “Stuck on You,” “Return to Sender,” and “Lipstick on Your Collar.” Nikki will also do the bossa nova versions of Elvis Presley’s classics “Jailhouse Rock,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” and “Don’t Be Cruel.” All arrangements are done by guitarist and musical genius Kettle Mata.

“It’s basically the same concert I had last year but this time, we added more songs and invited different guests,” Nikki told us during an intimate talk over a lunch on a Saturday afternoon.

Her lineup of special guests includes singer-comedian Dyords Javier, and fresh talents Tina Chong and Jastine Alfonso. The concert will be directed by her father Ray Junia.

Early years

“What really inspired me to sing was after I watched Lea Salonga’s concert at Nikko Garden Hotel. She was still so young then. We just dropped by to watch her sing, and then I told my Dad, ‘I want to train, I want to sing and I want to learn how to sing,’” Nikki recalled. She was just nine years old then.

Being a former member of 4K, the first batch, of course, it is not surprising that windows of opportunities easily opened up for Nikki. In the late ’80s when she was just 12 years old, she climbed the stage of Carnegie Hall in the United States. Then, with the help of Fr. Sonny Ramirez, she did a series of concerts with other young singers who would later become top college students of the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music.

At a tender age of 13, she became the youngest Fe Panlilio OPM scholar in the class of Robert Seña. After her stint with the musical group, she went serious with gospel singing and continued studying music and eventually graduated cum laude at UST.

The road less traveled

Instead of pursuing a career in mainstream music, like what other singers would normally do, Nikki devoted her time teaching young students to learn the proper technique in singing while doing corporate shows on the side.

“The reason why studied music because I wanted to know the technique, it’s like how can you share something if you don’t experience it,” Nikki said and furthered, “When you perform you still learn a lot of things. So that’s what I teach my students, my personal experiences. It’s rewarding when you hear your students improving after a year.”

According to the singer and a music guru, she is very thankful to her past mentors because they were generous in terms of sharing their experiences. That is the same urge that inspires Nikki to share what she knows to the next generation of music artists.

“I want them to have the right attitude and discipline. They really have to work hard. Some people’s impression is that after one year you can already sing. I started training when I was nine years old, and I continue learning until now,” Nikki said and revealed that she has been teaching young music students since she was high school back in her home town in San Pedro, Laguna. Currently, she owns a music school that hones about 30 aspiring talents.

As a classically trained soprano, who can easily go from classical to pop, she doesn’t just listen to music for pleasure but studies and analyzes the material. With careful planning, the petite singer plans to come up with an album.

“We are still finalizing the concept because I don’t want to make a mistake on that. I will still be standards of course. There will be original songs that will sound like oldies and I will do some revivals that will sound like new,” she concluded.

Nikki J.’s Standard in Love concert is the latest installment of her Standards Concert Series. For tickets, call or fax J Events at telefax 869-1531 or e-mail j.events@yahoo.com.

Four failed voices trying to make it in the business

2009-02-26T09:27:00.000-08:00

By Nickie Wang

Manila Standard Today

Less than a year after the quartet You’ve Got Male was formed to entertain the avid viewers of SOP, this fearless group tried to test the waters of performing live last Feb. 20 at the Music Museum.

On a busy Friday night, avoiding the busier thoroughfares like the Aurora Boulevard, we decided to watch Four…The First Time at the Music Museum since we already know what’s going to happen at the Big Dome. The performance we thought would be a breath of fresh air just disappointed us, or maybe we just expected too much from the four young men who aimed to introduce themselves as legitimate concert performers.

From the opening “Bohemian Rhapsody” to the closing “Time of My Life,” and an hour and 40 minutes in between, the quartet who call themselves a group and individual performers at the same time practically showed the audience why they didn’t win the respective talent searches they were once part of.

Just when they thought that boy bands are still in, the fallen talents of disparage searches paid tribute to Barry Manilow crooning classic hits like “Mandy,” “When Will I Hold You Again,” and “Can’t Smile Without You,” boy-band style of course. On the surface, the four looked and sounded good together because of excellent harmony in vocals but turning to their individual performances was a completely different story.

More recognizable Gian Magdangal, whose live outings include stage plays and guest performances in several concerts, made elaborated movements during his moment on the stage. His interpretation of Bread’s “Everything I Own” sounded as if he has just lost everything he had. We got completely distracted by his exaggerated facial expressions making him not so pleasant to look at. His unnecessary movements overshadowed the talent he had to showcase on that defining night.

Bryan Termulo, who rendered his own version of 1979 hit “Cool Change” and Rob Thomas’ “Smooth,” tried hard to act and move sexy. His attempt to seduce the female and gay people at the audience only earned him the moniker “the sissy boy.” We also noticed that his outfits didn’t fit quite well with his short and stocky thighs, except the ensemble for the final part of the show when he was groomed with a sleek white suit just like the rest of the members of the group.

The only classy member of the You’ve Got Male on that particular night, Jan Nieto, really made the fans go loud. His distinctive presence on the stage encouraged our thoughts that he has better potentials than his band mates. “I’ll Never Say Goodbye” and his debut album’s carrier single composed by Ogie Alcasid “Bakit Kailangan Pang Lumayo” were flawlessly delivered. Jan also visibly carried his outfits better than the other three members of the group.

Harry Santos, who sounded like a pale imitation of Josh Groban, nearly didn’t hit the high notes of “You Still You” and the Ryan Cayabyab’s masterpiece “Araw Gabi.” The downside of his performance is that he was associated to Josh Groban because of his being vocal in idolizing the American artist. It’s obvious that the young singer is trying to imitate the famous crooner but the problem was he didn’t even sound close.

The people who put together the four performers didn’t make fine touches on the concert’s concept. It is safe to say that it looked like a prolonged version of SOP’s segment “Three of a Kind” having You’ve Got Male occupying the center stage the whole time.

Special guest Lovi Poe was the big surprise. Although veteran singer Pop Fernandez and choreographer Regine Tolentino were also guest performers, Lovi, who sang “Someone to Watch Over Me,” saved the first half of the show when the audiences were getting restless with the middling performances delivered by Gian and Bryan.

The four performers’ excitement of having a very first concert was evident in the way they horse around the stage but it was their spiels that we found evidently canned. During the entire show they uttered phrases that didn’t have any connection to the songs they were about to sing, not to mention the long lines they dropped that gave the impression that they’re not actually included in the disorganized script.

The concert ended with a medley of the songs the quartet performed in the contests they joined. Harry emotionally sang “You Raised Me Up,” Bryan belted “Flying Without Wings,” OPM lover Jan went romantic with “Will You Say That You Love Me,” and Gian crooned with his version of “Impossible Dream.”

It is hard to tell if there would be a repeat or would we still see You’ve Got Male at a different, or perhaps a bigger, venue. The concert didn’t fill up the minuscule Music Museum, and that is despite the number of performers featured on stage.

Reviving life with a touch of a finger

2009-02-18T22:14:00.000-08:00

By NICKIE WANG/ Manila Standard Today

Is there any benchmark for fantasy series in terms of originality, creativity, and appeal? If there really is, then Pushing Daisies fits to be one of the barometers in adjudging fantasy series on television.

Pushing Daisies had its second season premiere on 2nd Avenue on Feb. 17, almost one-and-a-half years after the first season’s cliffhanger ending. Pie-maker Ned (Lee Pace) is back with the rest of the gang to give viewers a vibrant definition of what forensic fairy tale is all about the dramady (drama plus comedy) style.

On the eve of Valentine’s Day, we were at the preview of Pushing Daisies’ pilot episode in the picturesque Fernwood Gardens in Quezon City.

Flashback

The first season introduced Ned, an ordinary pie-maker with extraordinary gift. With one touch he can bring the dead people, animal or anything back to life for one minute. Beyond that, he must use the same touch to send that person back, or someone else or something else must die.

With the help of local private investigator Emerson Cod (Chi McBride), Ned uses his special ability to solve murder cases and cash in on hefty rewards. The romance started when Ned came across his childhood sweetheart Chuck Charles (Anna Friel), who was murdered in a cruise ship.

Determined to be reunited with his one true love, he decided to let her live. Unfortunately, the pie-maker may never touch Chuck again or she’ll be gone forever.

The new touch

The second season’s pilot episode sees Chuck going undercover as a “Bee Girl” at a honey-based cosmetics company called the Betty’s Bees. Chuck agrees to be an accomplice with the help of Ned and Emerson to resolve the death of the company’s new spokesmodel who was stung to death by a swarm of bees.

The trio of Chuck, Ned. and Emerson stumble into remarkable discovery leading to the capture of Woolsy Nichols, owner of Betty’s Bees. They get him to confess about the whole truth that was clouded by mystery of the young model’s death.

Meanwhile, the bizarre love story of Ned and Chuck has to hurdle a trial as the latter starts to have a growing independence. Chuck moves out of Ned’s apartment. Although she just moved in to the next door, the pie-maker Ned does not find it romantic knocking at the door of his girlfriend whenever he wants to see her.

He would truly miss the ballet of avoidance that has become the daily move of the couple inside the apartment. They can’t touch each other so they orchestrated steps to avoid each other. Ned’s slippers are adorned with small bells so Chuck would know if he is near or approaching.

In other developments, the pie waitress Olive finds herself moving into a nunnery after discovering the secret of Aunt Lily’s (Swoosie Kurtz) relation to Chuck. She is off to the convent so she won’t spill Lily’s deep, dark secret.

The colors of daisies

Bryan Fuller, who also has 22-episode writing credits for Star Trek and first season of Heroes, was able to bring Pushing Daisies into its magical qualities again. The series remains quirky and flashy in a sense that the colors of the set add up to mood of the characters that became more interesting.

The singing pie waitress turned convent boarder Olive seems to be more interesting as she morphs into a vivacious character. Viewers will find her more charming as she adopts a pet pig named Pigby. Lovers Ned and Chuck, on the other hand, will kiss each other more using a plastic cover.

For people who will see the series for the very first time, it is recommended for them to check the previous episodes of Pushing Daisies online through video- sharing Web site and they would definitely get hooked up with its whimsical Tim Burton-inspired storyline.

The first season was nominated for 12 Primetime Emmy Awards and won three trophies. Now it’s back with another season of more whimsical and visually entertaining blend of romance, crime procedure, and high-concept fantasy.

Catch Pushing Daisies every Tuesday at 9 p.m. on cable TV 2nd Avenue. 2nd Avenue is available on RJTV UHF Channel 29, SkyCable Channel 19, and Global Destiny Channel 31.

Charging the Big Dome with punk rock music

2009-02-17T20:08:00.001-08:00

By NICKIE WANG/ Manila Standard Today

“I Don’t Care” is the latest single of Chicago-based punk rock group, Fall Out Boy (FOB). The song, which is the carrier single of the band’s fifth studio album Folie A Deux, was included on Rolling Stone’s “100 Singles of the Year 2008” and was one of the highlights of FOB’s loud concert at the Araneta Coliseum on Feb. 13.

At exactly 9 p.m., first-rate lighting system transformed the concert stage into an arena for alternative and pop punk music with Patrick Stump (vocals/guitar), Pete Wentz (bass), Joe Trohman (guitar), and Andy Hurley (drums).

When the band stepped on the stage and performed “Thnks Fr Th Mmrs,” fans howled a deafening scream and sang along with the quartet. FOB’s second visit to the Philippines was warmly welcomed by thousands of mostly Filipino teenagers who packed the Big Dome. It was a clear indication that FOB’s market here in the country belongs to the younger age group primarily because of the band’s contemporary appeal.

As the fans continued to scream from the top of their lungs and didn’t care to take their seats at all, the band continued with its other hits like “Thriller” and “A Little Less Sixteen Candle, A Little More Touch Me.”

High energy was obvious among the members of the band. Frontman Patrick seemed to have mastered singing continuously for he didn’t even sip any liquid. He was able to maintain his vocal strength all throughout the show without showing any signs of getting exhausted.

Pete, the most controversial and most recognized member of FOB mainly for being Ashlee Simpson’s hubby, served as the band’s talking head. Contrary to the known fact that Patrick is more vocal and eloquent, more popular Pete was the one who conversed with the crowd while introducing the songs that they’re about to play.

Scream was not the only evidence that the audience was completely hooked up with the band, everyone clapped their hands attuning with every song’s melody, not to mention that most of the people who packed the venue knew the lyric to every song. It was even observable when the little less known “A Bit of American Boy” was performed.

The concert’s front act Hey Monday with its vocalist named Cassadee stole the scene while FOB was performing “We’re Going Down.” She collaborated with Patrick singing the chorus and some parts of the song but instantly left the stage when the quartet proceeded with “This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race.”

Charismatic Pete, who definitely got the loudest scream among the members of FOB, asked the crowd to do a human wave, the cooperative crowd followed the instruction of the band’s bassist. The “wave” somehow heralded the band’s latest single “I Don’t Care.” We mentioned that this was one of the highlights of the concert because the guitars clung over the shoulders of Patrick, Pete and Joe lighted up when the whole venue went dark. The guitars were the only visible light on the stage most especially during the song’s chorus.

The soaring energies among the band and crowd kept on as Patrick introduced a familiar tune. For the first time, he asked the crowd to sing along with them as they played their cover of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It.”

The quartet just kept on playing and gave what their fans like the most, which is hearing the songs that made them popular among punk and alternative music lovers. The band played songs that catapulted them to pop punk stardom like “Nobody Puts Baby in the Corner,” “The Take Over, The Breaks’ Over,” “I Slept with Someone in Fall Out Boy and All I Got Was This Stupid Song Written About,” “Grand Theft Autumn” and other two songs from the new album, “Disloyal Order of Water Buffaloes,” and “Headfirst Slide Into Cooperstown on a Bad Bet.”

Encore

While everyone screamed “more, more, and more,” the band, in less than five minutes, reappeared on the stage charged with the same vigor as when they started the show.

While the fans were expecting a much longer performance, that obviously disappointed them because opposing to long titles of FOB songs, the band performed for only 70 minutes, that’s an hour and 10 minutes to be exact.

FOB performed the finale with its popular songs “America’s Suitehearts,” “Dance, Dance,” and “Saturday.” While singing the near end of the last song, Pete removed his hooded jacked and jumped into the crowd. One of the bouncers held Pete high and the crowd just went crazy. Pete went back on stage and the band thanked the people who attended the concert.

The abrupt ending of the show surprised the audience after the adrenaline-pumping finale. Because some of them kept asking for more, some people didn’t immediately leave the venue wondering if the concert was really already finished.

Despite the disappointing end, FOB’s concert defined the attitude of an alternative and punk band. Listening to its music, we recognize that the melodies almost sounded the same. Trademark rhythm, guitar, and vocal styles, were evident but it was actually the provocative and anthemic lyric of the songs supported by FOB’s edgy attitude made the band identifiable as a prominent music act.

Folie A Deux

We learned that the chief reason why FOB came to Manila for a second concert was to promote its latest album Folie A Deux that literally means “insanity shared by two.” According to Patrick Stump, when we had the chance to see FOB face to face during a press conference held at the Edsa Shangri La Hotel a day before the concert, Folie A Deux is actually a metaphor that does not just talk about the insanity of two people but of everybody.

“We are newer and better people now,” members of the band quipped when asked how the concert would be different from the previous concert they had. They said that they’re just excited to perform with dynamic crowds like the Filipino audience. Filipino people have practically gone closer to the band as Patrick returned to the Philippines with his half-Filipina girlfriend.

To front-act the Friday the thirteenth concert, FOB also brought the girl fronted band Hey Monday. It opened the concert performing some of its singles including “Josey” and “Homecoming.”

Members of Hey Monday revealed before the press that they grew up listening to the songs of FOB. Apparently, the band is signed to Pete Wentz’s label, Decaydence.

Saving children from hunger

2009-02-09T20:38:00.000-08:00

By NICKIE WANG/ Manila Standard Today

While you are reading this article, somewhere in the world, two or three children might be dying or had just died.

Based on the statistic of World Food Program, 18,000 children die each day because of starvation. That is one child after every five seconds.

In an effort to combat hunger, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell, both operated by Philippine Pizza Inc., donated over P1 million to the WFP on Jan. 29 in a ceremony held at Gateway Mall, Araneta Center.

The amount was for the benefit of young children who are pitted in the war-stricken area of Mindanao. The event was graced by Philippine Pizza Inc. chief operating officer Lars Peterson, WFP country director and representative Stephen Anderson, and Social Welfare Department Assistant Secretary Theresa Alano.

“We have been involved in this [program] for a couple of years now, our commitment is, we want this campaign to be the primary vehicle for our costumers, employees, and partners to give back in a way that will benefit people here in the Philippines,” Peterson enthused.

He furthered that the reason why Philippine Pizza Inc. is excited about the program is that unlike some other worldwide programs where the money collected is distributed to many countries, the campaign will benefit those who are in need here in the Philippines.

In coordination with Yum Brands, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell teamed up with United Nations World Food Programme, the world’s leading humanitarian hunger relief organization, to raise awareness and funds to help eradicate hunger. In a period of two months (from November to December), Pizza Hut and Taco Bell had collected an amount of P1.2 million through their 700 coin banks located inside and outside of 150 Pizza Hut and Taco Bell food outlets.

“Our commitment is to continue our partnership with the World Food Programme for many years to come. Our goal, just like the way we try to increase our sales every year, we will to try to increase our donation as well,” Peterson affirmed.

KC Concepcion, the face of the campaign against hunger in the country, was no show at the event. Nonetheless, the young actress who joined the campaign as the National Ambassador against Hunger for WFP-Philippines sent a text message through Anderson that was read before the press.

Her message stated that she wanted to express her sincerest appreciation on behalf of the children and families supported by WFP’s Food-for-Education activities that provide nutritious support during challenging times of conflict in Mindanao. The message also conveyed her apology for not being personally present to grace the momentous event. KC was said to be busy with her tight work schedule for her forthcoming movie.

WFP will use the donation to implement regular school-feeding activities that provide both a daily hot meal and a take- home family ration to 71,000 pupils in 427 schools in the provinces of Sultan Kudarat and North Cotabato.

“We are concentrating in Mindanao. We have always indicated that we could help the government to extend the program in a national setting. But for now, we don’t want to stretch ourselves so we could have a focus,” Anderson explained why WFP specifically indicated the people in Mindanao as the recipients of the donation.

According to Anderson the program in partnership with the Yum Brand started two years ago with a goal to increase awareness and raise critically needed fund to help feed poor children. In Mindanao alone, 60 percent of households have very poor access to food, while 30 percent take life-threatening risks to meet their daily food needs.

Eradicating extreme poverty and hunger is one of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.

Rachelle Ann reaffirms the title ‘ultimate champion’

2009-02-06T22:08:00.000-08:00

By NICKIE WANG/ Manila Standard Today

At the Music Museum on Jan. 31, Rachelle Ann Go held a coming-of-age performance as she brought down the house and showed the audience why she is called the “Ultimate Champion.”

Although it didn’t start right on time, the two-hour concert opened with a loud bang as Rachelle appeared at the center of the stage in a skimpy shorts singing “Womanizer,” “Supergirl,” and “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It).” After the bouncy opening number, the medley was then followed by Rachelle plugging a new album Falling In Love, which was coincidentally the same title of her second major solo concert.

As the plugging continued, she sang the carrier single of the album, “This Time I Will Be Sweeter,” and announced that the album was just officially launched on Asap a couple of weeks back. She sang two more samples from the latest album like covers of Bread’s “If” and Dennis Lambert’s “Of All the Things.”

Special guests

The second day of Rachelle’s solo concert was graced by artists who have always been supportive of her whenever she had a performance. Mark Bautista shared the stage with her and sang an unfamiliar song while Rachelle was at the backstage changing her wardrobe.

When Rachelle reappeared, she indulged the audience with a sexy performance singing Shontelle’s “T-shirt,” Leona Lewis’ “Bleeding Love,” and Pussycat Doll’s “I Hate This Part Right Here.”

One of the loudest cheers from the jam-packed Music Museum was for the appearance of Christian Bautista who collaborated with Rachelle in an awe-inspiring rendition of Beyoncé’s “If I Were A Boy.” Christian was singing, “If I were a girl.” Although it was obvious that the former lovers just did it for the show, the act clicked to the screaming audience.

Christian gave an entertaining performance while Rachelle was at the dressing room for another change outfit. The crooner serenaded the crowd with Joe Cocker hit “You Are So Beautiful” and another similar song popularized by Joshua Kadison (“Beautiful In My Eyes”).

While some people thought Christian was the big treat, Gab Valenciano blasted the stage in a production of Chris Brown’s chart topper “Superhuman.” After the dance number, that saw Rachelle and Gab in an intimate lifting stunts, Gab caressed the keyboard as her rumored girlfriend sang a love ditty.

Total performer

Proving that she is a versatile performer, every time she reappeared on stage she splashed elaborate production numbers complete with hippie and giddy choreography. She bounced her body and sang like she didn’t even catch her breath, and still pitch-perfect.

In the middle of the concert, the singer admitted that she lost her voice after the first day of the concert and that she was so thankful she got her voice back right before the concert’s final day. Ogie Alcasid, who was the last special guest, said that her vocal problem was not evident for she sang every song perfectly.

The singer songwriter covered Rachelle, who had her third costume change, and sang several of the songs he penned like “Kailangan Kita” and “Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw.”

Songs of her life

For every costume change (a total of four costume changes) and whenever she reappeared on stage, Rachelle would always let the audience know the importance of every song she was about to sing. She performed classics that have been part of her life, contemporary music she enjoys listening to, songs that complete her day, and songs that have always been associated to her rise as a popular young diva.

She made heartwarming versions of Barbara Streisand’s “All I Ask of You” and a gospel song entitled “Jesus Loves Me.”

For every transition, she also shifted singing songs of different genres. From pop and R&B during the first parts of the concert, she geared toward singing music from the ’70s and ’80s like “September,” “A Night to Remember,” “I Love the Nightlife (Disco ‘Round),” “I Will Survive,” and “Let’s Dance (Tonight).”

For the finale, Rachelle sang the only Filipino song in the entire concert (except for the ones Alcasid performed) “Bakit.” Then it was followed by Mariah Carey’s “Through the Rain,” the ultimate song she sang during the finals of Search for a Star, and Melissa Manchester original “Don’t Cry Out Loud,” which was her first-ever known hit coming from the self-titled album that went double platinum.

Off on a tangent

The concert was supposed to be a pre-Valentine offering of Rachelle Ann Go. With the lineup of songs she performed, and the redundant spiels she dropped when she conversed with the audience, the concert just sounded like an outline or a gist of her career that spans over five years.

She certainly proved that her talent is a great delight to someone looking for an impressive entertainment experience but she needs more original materials and a couple more hits to bring her natural talent to a bigger venue like the Big Dome. If she did that, she will no longer have to ask support from other artists to back her up so her concert would draw more audiences.

Karylle finally finds her love

2009-02-04T22:04:00.000-08:00

By NICKIE WANG/ Manila Standard Today

Last year, in the last three months particularly, Karylle was confronted with issues that put her at the center of attention. Who can forget the controversial smile that generated a lot of reactions from people who tried to ride on the bandwagon of her bittersweet moment?

Months after the much publicized breakup with longtime boyfriend Dingdong Dantes, Karylle revives and reinvents herself as an independent single lady. Well, she should thank Beyoncé’s song “Single Ladies” because it has been the mantra of her newfound image.

Endorsements, television series, movies, concerts, and albums, name it; she is becoming busier than ever. Indeed, she gets the sympathy of not just the public but of the entertainment industry as well. It’s just the upshot of what people see on her —a more determined artist.

Wearing a sangria colored dress, Karylle welcomed the press in an intimate launch at the Edsa Shangri-La on Jan. 28. Looking stunning, she greeted everyone with a vibrant smile.

Before the open forum started, she rendered a song entitled “Touch Me in the Morning” in a very engaging way, and just like what the song says, “We don’t have tomorrow but we had yesterday,” the 27-year-old singer-actress can now openly discuss her failed relationship without her going into a teary-eyed moment.

Karylle’s answers to the questions sounded more positive as if she has fully recovered from the heartbreaking experience. Although she claims that love is still there, and admits that Dingdong served as an inspiration to improve her craft, she could only hope that one day she could just brush it aside and laugh about the love affair she had with the actor.

“People have to hear it from your mouth, but it doesn’t stop there. Time will come that I could just talk about it, laugh about it, and there are no more tears,” Karylle said.

On Valentine’s Day, at the Lobby Lounge of the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel, Karylle will pour her heart out and express deep emotions singing songs that will make people fall in love in a concert entitled The Magic of Love. She will be backed up by the band Reasons that has been working with her for more than a year now.

“I always feel that I have so much love to give, there’s a lot of love inside of me and I think it’s inherent among people. Instead of giving it to just one person, as an artist it’s good that you can share your love with your audience. That’s what I love about music, it’s one way to release all these love,” she explains on how to reconcile the title of her concert and her status as a single.

Moving on

As a woman and a determined artist who hurdles such tough moment in her life, she finds refuge in the people surrounding her. Her passion in music, meanwhile, serves as another outlet in which she can unleash all the emotions that she has been suppressing of late.

“There’s a certain connection that I feel now with my audience. People give me smiles or words of assurance or support. I see it in their eyes. They actually say certain things to me that help me at this time in my life,” Karylle related.

She reveals that Rhonda Byrne’s The Secret has helped her in realizing things that are happening in her life right now. The book gave her certain amount of optimism and taught her how to tap positive energies that could help keep her composure in the middle of difficult situations now that she is in the moving-on phase.

Finding another love is currently not her priority, “Besides nobody is courting me right now,” she says. There are men who flank her but most of them have stated their intentions and according to Karylle these are clear.

“A lot of people are befriending me. These people have clear intentions even the ones who are being linked to me right now,” she reveals pertaining to Jericho Rosales and Christian Bautista.

Karylle doesn’t mind being loveless. She mentions that she feels good that there are women and other friends who call her and send her text messages saying that they are singles, too.

“These are people who are not really close to me but we find time to bond with each other. I think somehow, it’s a good time to be single now that it is no longer a taboo word, not like, ‘Ay ang kawawa mo naman.’ I think we try to look at it on the positive side,” she says while throwing a beautiful smile.

Karylle’s Feb. 14 concert at the Edsa Shangri-La begins with a dinner at 7 p.m., the performance is at 8 p.m. For reservations to the romantic evening concert, call Edsa Shangri-La Hotel at 633-8888 local 2777.

Life begins anew as CCP turns 40

2009-01-30T17:39:00.000-08:00

By NICKIE WANG/ Manila Standard Today

Along Roxas Boulevard lies one of the country’s greatest treasures. It has been the symbol of Filipino ingenuity, a venue that showcases incomparable local talents, a catalyst for a major leap in cultural development and preservation, and the world’s window to the Philippines as the Asia’s Mecca of culture and the arts.

The Cultural Center of the Philippines, or just CCP to many, marks its 40th anniversary with a year-round celebration that will feature special performances and events. Some of the most talented and well-known artists and performing arts groups will gather together for the celebration.

“The CCP has been the home of the most outstanding performing arts groups in the country. For the last four decades it has helped discover, nurture and support Filipino artists. I think that’s one of the major achievements of the CCP,” president and artistic director Nestor Jardin said during a press conference that unveiled the roster of events prepared by his staff.

The calendar of activities starts with the grand public launch of the 40th Anniversary Celebration tomorrow, Feb. 1, during the annual CCP Pasinaya Open House Festival that coincides with National Arts Month.

Opening salvo

Highlighting the anniversary is the first chunk of activities that will revolve around the fact that the CCP for the last four decades has helped discover, nurture, and support Filipino artists.

“The whole celebration is built around activities that will not only be celebratory but activities that will help the Filipino public recall what is CCP’s role now in the society, and what was its work in the past,” Jardin enthused.

For initial offering, Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino restages the comedy musical Zsa Zsa Zaturna (Ze MuZikal) from Feb. 3 to 8. On the same week (Feb. 6 to 8), a showcase of the country’s dance groups in folk, ballet, contemporary, and street dance will entertain the public with series of motion and steps in a dance gala entitled Turning… Turning 40 at the Main Theater.

Just outside the main theater, a projection bombing light and sound spectacle at the façade of the CCP building will show the latest outstanding works in animation and graphic arts. This display dubbed Skin will take place on the night of Feb. 7.

On Feb. 13, as the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra marks its sixth season concert, a grand musical extravaganza called Gabi ng Musikang Pilipino: A Rendezvous with National Artists at the Main Theater will be staged featuring the works of Filipino National Artists like Felipe de Leon, Antonino Buenaventura, Lucrecia Kasilag, and Lucio San Pedro.

From Feb. 19 till the end of March, the different venues at the CCP will witness an array of different performances, musical, concerts, drama and exhibits that celebrate the excellence and accomplishments of Filipino artists in different fields.

Tribute to Imelda

Formally inaugurated on Sep. 8, 1969, the CCP was the brainchild of then First Lady Imelda Marcos, and as the institution celebrates 40 years of fruitful years, an Imeldific tribute will be dedicated especially to honor the visionary woman who created it.

“You cannot ignore the fact that this was her vision, this was her idea. We’re looking at it from an institutional point of view. For this year we’re not only inviting her, we’re paying her a tribute,” Jardin told the press during an open forum held inside the Main Theater.

Jardin announced that the special tribute is slated on Sept. 8. It will be a whole day event capped by an eight o’ clock gala at the Main Theater. On Sept. 11, the special tribute will continue featuring the artists whom Mrs. Marcos supported in the past.

New logo

With a new logo that still symbolizes katotohanan (truth), kagandahan (beauty) and kabutihan (goodness), a new representation has been introduced that depicts CPP’s transformation from small stones to strong boulders that anchor and support excellence in arts and music in the country within the past four decades. The logo bares the new slogan, “Life Begins Anew.”

“When we were having, I think Christmas mass or another anniversary mass, our parish priest congratulated us on our 40th anniversary and said that when we celebrate milestone anniversaries we should always recall, rejoice, and then renew,” the artistic director recalled.

Jardin said that based on those three Rs (recall, rejoice, and renew), the people in the CCP have built around the next six months a program that would allow them to not only reminisce but also show to the public the accomplishments of the CCP.

“Our projects within the past 40 years have helped create an outstanding body of original Filipino works that speak of us as a nation and has helped define our national identity,” Jardin related.

Through various programs that are not only limited in Metro Manila, the people behind the institution believe that the CCP has contributed a lot in promoting cultural empowerment in the country.

Defining the future

“The CCP has been a catalyst in the creation of original, cutting- edge, innovative work by young Filipino artists.”

In May, a major forum will be conducted to help CCP define its future direction. As it continuously involves and encourages more young artists to promote their works, a series of events is dedicated to acknowledge contemporary talents and art.

For the months of June and July, the theme will be Brave New Works: Original Filipino Creations. New works in literature will be presented in a literary performance series entitled Word Jam: Spoken Word Festival on June 10 to 24 and July 1 to 8. A concert of classical artists in tandem with artists from Philippine cultural communities will be featured in Cultures in Harmony on June 21. Playwrights collaborate with directors, actors and designers in staging their untried, untested, and unpublished works in Virgin Labfest 5 on June 24 to July 5 back-to-back with WI-FI Body: Independent Dance Festival with cutting-edge works by the country’s most exciting choreographers today. New symphonic works will be premiered in Music Underkunstruktion on July 15 in a co-production with the Metro Manila Community Orchestra. Also in July are the Thirteen Artists Awards and Exhibit and the much-awaited Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and Competition.

All venues of the CCP Complex will be part of the grand event including Star City and the Manila Bay.

One-man show retells engaging story

2009-01-18T22:58:00.000-08:00

By NICKIE WANG/ Manila Standard Today

The story itself is an engaging tale of a personal struggle and a quest for identity. It chronicles a journey that covers the time when the character was just a kid seeing a hula dance for the very first time until it became a permanent part of his life. Dance, music, humor, and cultural values are integrated to essay the fascinating life of Keo Woolford in a stage production entitled I Land.

Fresh from his off-Broadway outing, Keo is here in Manila to stage his semi-autobiographical journey in a one-man show set to run at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino starting Jan. 22, 8 p.m.

Accentuated by Keo’s exceptional talent, I Land is a moving search for the meaning of heritage in a post-modern world weaving together traditional Hawaiian hula, hip-hop, Hawaiian talk story, and spoken word.

“The story starts when I first saw hula which I was a kid until I would be in my early to mid- twenties,” acclaimed actor and hula dancer Keo Woolford shared during an interview with Standard Today.

His story

The show chronicles Keo’s first exposure to hula and how he came under the instruction of his idol, whom he dubs the “Hula god.” In the production, he also describes his fleeting brush with fame as a member of a boy band that almost hits the big time; his subsequent descent into a world of drugs and partying; and his rediscovery of the dance that connects him to both his culture and to himself.

“It’s a one hour and twenty minutes of performance,” Keo, who is fit to be an undergarment model with his chiseled physique, said and continued: “So it’s more of the adrenaline rush that keeps me going. I can’t see them [audience] and I’d rather not because it makes me nervous, but I feel the audience. It’s actually the audience that keeps me going. Audience is the key to my every performance.”

I Land as a one-man show also features original songs and choreography done in the ancient or traditional style known in Hawaii as kahiko. The one- hour-and-twenty-minute production will give the audience an experience seeing an engaging actor, who was born and raised in Hawaii to a Filipina mother and to a Hawaiian father, morph into a dozen characters.

The actor’s passion in music, dancing and acting began at a very young age that being a multi-disciplinary artist is no longer surprising.

“Acting is my passion. It’s so funny because when I was younger, right before I got into acting, I never thought that I was going to be an actor. When I was sort of figuring out what I was going to do with my life in music, I wanted to be a pop star,” Keo laughed as he sipped his coffee.

Aside from being an actor, dancer, and a musician, Keo is also a prolific writer. In 1995 in Los Angeles, he penned the one-man show He Hawai‘i Au. The show earned him praises that opened new windows of opportunities.

Keo’s remarkable performances include a plum role in a production entitled In My Father’s House that earned him a Virgo Award for Best Actor. In New York, he has been seen in Karaoke Stories, The Greeks, References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot, Sonnets for an Old Century, and The Remarkable Journey of Prince Jen. His film and TV appearances include East Broadway, Hawaii, True Vengeance, and Happy Texas.

Turning point

In 2007, before the off-Broadway staging of I Land, Keo’s mother passed away. It was one of the defining moments for the actor because he had to stage the show a day after the funeral.

“The off-Broadway run is ironically the toughest run I have ever did. The thing that was really really tough, I don’t know if I should talk about this, is when my mom passed away right before opening night. The funeral was a day before the performance so from my mom’s funeral I went straight to the theater,” the actor narrated.

Despite the loss, his mother’s death pushed and inspired him to pursue his performance and thus his career. He found his self-salvation through music and claimed: “Dancing is therapeutic. Dancing with music is a way of self-salvation because it’s so raw and natural that people celebrate with it. You could be by your self; listen and dance around and it’s like you’re connected to the universe.”

He lands

I Land was created by Keo in collaboration with director Roberta Uno. Uno encouraged him to write something again as to follow up his first self-penned show more than a decade ago.

“I’m really grateful that I have gone through what I have gone through because it enabled me to share my experiences. I actually turned her [Uno] down at first because I said, ‘What am I going to say and who will care to hear about it,’” he affirmed.

The production will highlight the hula dance that has been famed for its unique style. According to Keo, hula is like a bunch of different things because it involves history, language, and values. A hula dancer also needs to learn a language and a history that are essential in telling a story.

“Hula is more about expressing the story you are telling more than the actual body movements and that it’s the key or the correlation between hula and acting. Before you even learn anything else, you need to learn the basic steps and that took me a long long time. Some people don’t have the patience, skill, and the attitude,” Keo concluded, disclosing that hula doesn’t work for everyone.

I Land’s limited run from Jan. 22 to 25 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino is a fundraising activity spearheaded by the Asian Cultural Council Philippines for the benefit of the ACC Philippine Fellowship Program and the Makiling Academic and Research Institute for the Arts (MARIA) Scholarship.

Call the CCP Box Office at 832-3704 or 832-1125 loc. 1409 or call Ticketworld at 891-9999 for more information.

Another milestone for Philippine Everest team

2008-12-30T08:59:00.000-08:00

By Nickie Wang/ Manila Standard Today

“Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.”—Vincent Van Gogh

They succeeded in a great attempt to scale the world’s highest mountain and showed the entire world that Filipinos can achieve such difficult feat. Now, they want to sail across the Pacific onward to the Atlantic, all the way around the world using a replica of a pre-colonial boat.

Art Valdez, who led the first Philippine team in reaching the summit of Mt. Everest in 2006 and another all-female team in 2007, has announced another groundbreaking venture of sailing through silk routes starting next year.

The team composed of Everest climbers Leo Oracion, Erwin Emata, Noelle Wenceslao, Carina Dayondon, and Janet Belarmino-Sardena will embark on a five-year voyage that will initially travel on every port in the Philippines starting 2009.Ted Esguerra, Fred Jamili, and Voltaire Velasco complete the voyage’s core crew.

On its second year, the crew plans to traverse the silk routes of Southeast Asia, and then to Madagascar before heading to Polynesia onward to the Atlantic. The crew aims to be back home to the Philippines in 2013.

The crew will ride a balangay, the boat used by ancient Filipinos for trading and traveling, which will be crafted by master boat builders from the Island of Sibutu and Sitangkay in Tawi-Tawi starting this December. Materials to be used will come from established traditional sources in southern Philippines. The construction of the boat will take place at the back of SSS Building in Manila Bay. A viewing deck will also be constructed for the public to see the progress of the construction before its launching in April.

Balangay or the Butuan boat is the first wooden watercraft ever excavated in Southeast Asia and the first excavated relic of the boat was dated AD 320.

“This is meant to generate national awareness. We estimate the construction of the first boat to be around 90 days,” Art Valdez said during the launch of his book Live the Dream at the Captain’s Bar of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Makati City.

Live the Dream is a coffee table book that chronicles the first Philippine successful attempt to reach the summit of Mt. Everest in texts and photographs.

“We asked ourselves: What’s next? As a team, we are still keen in pioneering outdoor adventure, specifically adventure with a national significance. While the Philippines is a mountainous country, it is also an archipelago. Thus, it was natural for us to look to our seas,” Valdez furthered.

The Voyage of Balangay, will travel along the shorelines and to the open sea without the use of any modern equipment like GPS (Global Positioning System). It will sail using the celestial navigation method used by earliest mariners—steering by the sun, the stars, the wind, cloud formations, wave patterns and bird migrations.

“Aside from outdoor adventure, we will use the balangay trips to assist in community-building, particularly for coastal communities. We will travel along shorelines and stop at communities and key human settlements to hold seminars. We intend to heighten awareness of global warming,” the expedition leader enthused.

While ascending Mt. Everest, the team led by Valdez witnessed the ill effects of global warming. From their first visit, the Mt. Everest base camp was covered with snow. On the second year, they noticed some patches of snow around the area, and on the last year, they were saddened by the deleterious effects of global warming because snow was no where to be traced on the area that was used to be blanketed it.

“In our travels, we will share our self-image and self-assertion that the Filipinos can do the impossible. If the team can succeed on Mt. Everest without ever having seen snow or high mountain, then more so in the Voyage of the Balangay,” Valdez concluded.

Baler wins most of filmfest awards

2008-12-28T21:12:00.000-08:00

By NICKIE WANG/ Manila Standard Today

What can a moving tale of forbidden love in the middle of a war do to change the landscape of Philippine Cinema? The awards and the accolades are just frosting on the cake, what is more important is for a film to highlight social issues and promote cinematic excellence by raising the benchmark in filmmaking.

Baler, the historical love epic produced by Viva Films, walked home with not one but 10 awards including Best Picture in the recently concluded 34th Metro Manila Film Festival Awards Night on Dec. 27 at the Harbor Garden Tent of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Pasay City.

The film that depicts the Siege of Baler in 1898 won Best Director for Mark Meily, Best Supporting Actor for Philip Salvador, Best Screenplay for Roy Iglesias, Best Cinematography for Lee Meily, Best Production Design for Aped Santos, and Best Editing for Danny Anonuevo.

“I’m so excited. This is the second time I joined the festival. I’m so happy that there are people who made aggressive move to produce this film,” Mark Meily, director of the runaway winning movie Baler, told Standard Today.

Meily first joined the filmfest in 2003 with the entry Crying Ladies starring Sharon Cuneta. The film received multiple awards including Best Picture. When asked about his feeling outshining other veteran directors this time, the humble filmmaker said: “ Hindi ako 100 percent sure na mananalo kasi there are film directors na magagaling talaga like Joey Reyes, we are just blessed and lucky lang talaga.”

On the other hand, it’s a sweet victory for Anne Curtis who portrayed a convincing role of a young Filipina who professes her forbidden love to a mestizo soldier played by Jericho Rosales. Curtis received her very first acting award after being declared Best Actress.

“The feeling is unexplainable. I’m speechless, ’di ko alam ang sasabihin ko but I’m just so happy. I can’t fathom the happiness that I feel. This is my first acting award,” Anne, who wore a striking red Filipiniana dress, told us on her way out of the hall.

Anne dedicated the award to the members of her family who have been very supportive to her career. The Dyosa star bested other actresses like Dawn Zulueta, Maricel Laxa, Jean Garcia, Marian Rivera, and Ai Ai de las Alas.

“I know that the people I was up against were veteran and amazing actresses, nakasama ko pa sila backstage. I was just surprised and forever thankful. All the hard work of the whole team of Baler got recognized here on the awards night. We couldn’t ask for more except for the people to keep on watching sana,” Anne remarked.

Baler also won the Award for Gender Sensitive Film of 2008 and the coveted trophy for the Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award. The jurors for the Gender Sensitive Film Award cited Baler as a film that highlighted gender-sensitive issues of love, parenting, and war translated by the intuitive direction of Mark Meily under a well-written script by Roy Iglesias.

Receiving the single award for the Rudy Fernandez tribute film Magkaibigan was Christopher de Leon. He made another history for being the most decorated actor of the festival. De Leon holds the record of most wins of the Best Actor Award in the 34-year history of the MMFF. He now has eight Best Actor trophies courtesy of the MMFF alone.

While Boyet marked another cinematic feat, the country’s first all-digital full-length animated feature film Dayo: Sa Mundo ng Elementalia under Cutting Edge Productions won four awards (mostly in the technical category) including Best Visual Effects for Robert Quilao, Best Musical Score for Jessie Lasaten, Best Theme Song for “Lipad” composed by Jessie Lasaten and Artemio Abad Jr. and performed by Lea Salonga, and Best Sound for Albert Idioma and Wally Dellosa.

Sexy comedy flick One Night Only won two awards courtesy of Jose Javier Reyes (Best Original Story) and Manilyn Reynes (Best Supporting Actress).

According to Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Bayani Fernando, the two-day gross of this year’s festival exceeded the last year’s gross over the same period by 37 percent.

Top grosser Ang Tanging Ina Ninyong Lahat (Star Cinema) that won Second Best Picture has accumulated ticket sales amounting to more than P41 million on its second day while the festival’s Third Best Picture Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After (OctoArts Films and APT Entertainment) has grossed P37 million at the box office.

Meanwhile, the sequel of Desperadas that stars Ruffa Gutierrez, Rufa Mae Quinto, Iza Calzado, Marian Rivera, and includes Ogie Alcasid got the Best Make-Up plum for Noli Villalobos. Regal Films’ Shake Rattle ‘n Roll X received its single trophy courtesy of Best Child Performer Robert “Buboy” Villar.

The awards night was hosted by Boy Abunda with Phoemela Barranda and Tim Yap as segment hosts. Tony Gonzaga was the trivia host while Sitti, Richard Poon, Karylle, Yeng Constantino, and Sheryn Regis were among the performers who added splendor to the event which had a taped telecast on C/S 9.

The last part of the award’s night, which was exclusive to the people who bought pricey tickets, was a nostalgic presentation of Katy the Musical with maestro Ryan Cayabyab on the piano, and Jericho Rosales and KC Concepcion in the lead roles. The musical featured other performers like Mitch Valdez, Dulce, Eugene Villaluz, Rachel Alejandro, Bituin Escalante, Jonalyn Viray, Ayen Munji-Laurel, Aicelle Santos, Maricris Garcia, Frenchie Dy, Gian Magdangal, Sitti, and Gab Valenciano.

Isang Lahi: A docu-drama that defines happiness

2008-12-23T17:25:00.000-08:00

By NICKIE WANG/Manila Standard Today

As if the popularity and influence of the book The Secret by Rhonda Byrne is not enough to draw positive vive, a group of young documentarians made an effort to create a moving documentary-drama that would bring hope to the country and to its people who feel desperate to find the meaning of true happiness.

“What makes you happy?” was the last question directed to the cast and makers of the film Isang Lahi: Pearls from the Orient, during its recent press conference held at MyCinema, Greenbelt 3.

What the press got were generic answers like: love makes me happy; the balance of the four elements (love, success, health, and wealth) makes me happy; beautiful things make me happy; family makes me happy; and the oh-so-usual answer: “Knowing that people around me are happy and contended. That makes me happy.”

Isang Lahi: Pearls from the Orient is a digital feature that espouses the principle of “law of attraction” or the theory that posits “like attracts like,” or just like what Byrne’s book says: “The law uses people, circumstances and events to magnetize what you want to you, and magnetize you to it.”

The docu-drama cum travelogue is about a group of five documentarists ((Ruel Ruiz, JP Tanchanco, Ayee Domingo, Zoilo Barrel and Naethan Lucero) backpacking all over the Philippines seeking the answer to happiness. Their journey is recapitulated into four different real stories they found from different regions. The four mini-movies are highlighted by the infectious acting flair of veteran actors Joel Torre, Mark Gil, Juan Rodrigo, and Aiza Seguerra.

The feature is divided into three parts. The first part is an upbeat MTV-style take on tourism showcasing Filipinos and the authentically beautiful places they live. The second part unravels inspiring stories Tanchanco, the video’s director and producer, and the team gathered through their six-moth journey throughout the country. Finally, the last part of the documentary features renowned Filipino experts who have empowered by their research, advocacy, embodiment, and endorsement in the fields of love, health, wealth, and success. These Filipino “icons” share their wisdom and insights attesting the power of the principles the film supports. The icons are as follows:

Olympic medalist Bea Lucero, chef and restaurateur Gene Gonzalez, sociologist Josephine Aguilar-Placido, motivational speakers Jhet Torcelino Van Ruyven, Lourdes Elardo-Gant, Severino Reyes and Alex Lacson, television personalities Cory Quirino and Boy Abunda, psychologist Margarita Holmes, parapsychologist Jaime Licauco, environmentalist and empowerment coach Josef Franklin Regis, homeopathic physician Corazon Ibarra, entrepreneurs Claire Villanueva, Edelwina Lema Beech and Elias delos Santos, prosperity guru George Sison, spiritual caregiver Mary Fidelis Estrada, and psychic and fortune teller Madam Rosa.

“We are students of empowerment principles; we decided to do the [sic] film as a way of practicing the principles and to know paano siya naisasabuhay ng mga Pilipino all around the Philippines,” budding video director Tanchanco explained.

The six-month jaunt of the team challenged their patience and passion as they travel in the most rural places in the Philippines just to find real stories from real people. Whether rich or impoverished, the team inquired and examined their conditions, concepts and mental attitudes on the four elements the movie promotes.

“The challenge there is that we only had two to three days to find at least four stories in each region. Apparently, that’s the only time we would ask tricycle drivers and other people from different walks of life. For the drama, we are talking four different places in the Philippines, from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao,” Tanchanco furthered.

As to the originality of the feature, the promising director asserted that it’s completely different from the The Secret that became an overnight phenomenon in the US. Though undeniably that Isang Lahi is delivered just like the Hollywood produced film (most particularly the third part of the film where the team interviewed local ‘icon’ experts), Tanchanco assured that it (the movie) is original on its part.

“Are we ready to face criticism that it is not original? Yes,” raved Tanchanco. “It is original on its part but the law of attraction, the principle is as old as time. What we are doing here is seeing how it applies on the lives of the Filipinos. It is a different way of presenting it [the principle] and applying it most especially that we have really good icon experts. It is very different from the way it’s explained in The Secret; very simple and maiintindihan ng masang Pilipino. Ginawa namin ito para sa mga Pinoy.”

The video features contemporized ethnical Filipino ditties like Naglalakbay by Bayang Barrios. Also part of the soundtrack is Dodjie Simon classic Isang Dugo, Isang Lahi, Isang Musika, covered by balladeer Bimbo Cerudo.

Isang Lahi is supported by the National Commission for Culture and Arts and will be screened for various organizations and institutions in different parts of the country. It is set to go on international showing on Jan. 15, being an official entry to the 2009 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.

Ramielle Malubay comes home for a concert

2008-12-19T19:22:00.000-08:00

By NICKIE WANG

She made every Filipino proud when she belted out Aretha Franklin’s Natural Woman during her audition for the seventh season of American Idol television series. Although she was voted off earlier than most people expected, she earned praises and admiration from the talent show’s judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson.

Ramielle Malubay, famed for being ‘the small adorable Idol with a big voice,’ is here in Manila to celebrate Christmas and to be part of a concert dubbed “Ogie Sings with the Idols” slated on Dec. 20 to 21 at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City .

Ramielle will be singing together with no less than ultimate singer and song writer Ogie Alcasid. Included in the concert are GMA 7’s Pinoy Idol top 3 Ram Chaves, Jayann Bautista and Gretchen Espina, the other 9 Pinoy Idol finalists will have a special participation in the two-night concert. The front act will be an indie rock band called Menaya.

Ramielle, who was born in Dammam , Saudi Arabia and practically grew up in Miramar , Florida , speaks fluent Tagalog. She’s very proud of her roots being a big fan of Regine Velasquez and Lani Misalucha. Besides those local artists she considers Aretha Franklin and Mariah Carey as her major influences in music.

Idol Experience

When fellow Filipino-Americans Jasmine Trias and Camille Velasco made it to AI Season 3, Ramiele became inspired to join and audition to the world’s most successful talent search. She first auditioned for AI Season 5 but did not make it. She was sixteen years old then.

“I was eager, first in line, first in the first group to audition. Kumanta ako, three words came out of my mouth and they said next,” Ramielle recalled.

She was discouraged initially but continued to sing and win contests in Florida . She focused with her school. She took up BS Nursing at the Broward Community College and on her third year, she tried to audition again, and her dreams found its realization.

“It’s a really weird feeling, but when I made it I was just so excited because I realized I went through all the people in that line. Many people gave up their jobs. They sacrificed so much just for that show. So just to pass that round and be actually part of the show, it’s already a big accomplishment for me,” the determined singer related.

Controversies are part of the limelight. During Ramielle’s stint in American Idol, some of her photos were scrapped from her Facebook account. While David Hernandez, her fellow AI finalist, was discovered to be a former stripper in a night club that caters to gay clienteles through pictures on the internet, Ramielle was tagged lesbian.

“Oh sexy,” she chuckled when asked about the infamous photos that once became hot items on the internet. “But I was worried about kung ano ang sasabihin nila Mommy, how will they handle it. Okay lang kasi yung mga kasama ko dun mga best friends ko. They are like my sisters already. Loko-loko lang yun. It’s not a big deal to us. Nang nakita ko yung picture tapos binasa ko yung sinulat nila sabi ko: ‘My God, anong nangyari? How did it turn around like this?”

First Christmas in the Philippines

Ramielle arrived in the country on Dec. 12. She is going to stay in the here for three months to do shows while spending some time with her relatives. Her mother Alicia is originally from Zamboanga and her father Roger is from Quezon province. She already visited her relatives on her mother side.

“Three months ako right now, pero kung kailangang i-prolong, why not?" said the singer who stands at 4’11. “This is my first trip here in the Philippines na for work, pero as trip for vacation hindi.”

As her first Christmas in the Philippines , she is looking forward to seeing how the yuletide season being celebrated by most Filipinos in the country.

“Pag dating ko dito, wow andaming ilaw. Everybody tells me, yung mga kaibigan kong nagbabakasyon dito for Christmas na it’s different kahit maiinit or walang snow. Talagang iba daw ang feeling ng Christmas dito,” 20 year-old Ramielle enthused.

Aside from visiting her relatives in Quezon and Zamboanga, she will also visit Pampanga where her boyfriend Austin Torres’ family lives. She met Austin in a Goldilocks store in California .

“Yung Mommy and Daddy ko, they treat me sabi nila:‘Punta tayo sa Goldilocks, kain tayo, family lunch.’ Tapos ‘pag dating ko dun ang daming tao tapos may caremas. Tapos sabi nila:‘Ay nasabi ko ata sa owner na pupunta ka dun.”

On that day, Austin, who never knew who she was, was picking up some enseymada for his mother.

“Akala ko artista siya or something, basta familiar yung mukha niya. Sabi ko sa Mommy ko, ‘Mom, ang guwapo niya.’ Ang Mommy ko naman, ‘Quiet ka diyan!’ Galit siya! Tapos after that we met again,” she giggled. "He's my first real boyfriend,"

Bubbly Pinay

When asked where her voice is coming from considering her very small frame, she answered: “My Mommy said my voice comes from my pata (thigh).”

Unlike other Filipinos who grew up in the States, Ramielle is proud of her language and speaks it fluent. In an interview with the press at Danny’s Grill Restaurant on Dec. 15 to promote her homecoming concert with Ogie, Ramielle answered all questions in Tagalog.

"Well, si Daddy kasi, nagalit dahil noong second time na nagbakasyon kami dito, nag-i-english kaming magkapatid. Tinanggal ni Daddy yung cable sa bahay for months. Ang naiwan lang, Filipino Channel,” she recalled and added: “Sa bahay pag hindi nagta-Tagalog talagang papaluin ni Daddy.”

Aside from The Filipino Channel, their home in Florida has GMA Pinoy TV as well. Is she planning to be a Kapuso or Kapamilya?

“As of right now, hindi pa ko in-offeran ng anything ng GMA or whatever. But binigyan nila ako ng opportunity. It was an honor na binigyan nila ako ng spot doon [SOP]. Hindi lang po isang kanta, they gave a very good exposure. Pag inofferan nila ako, I would think about it,” the petite singer told.

Ramielle was awestruck when she guested in SOP and saw her idol Regine, Ogie’s real-life sweetheart.

Other projects

Ramielle’s contract with American Idol ended last August but she is busy doing projects with Disney Channel. Amidst the huge opportunity that awaits her in the States, she puts on hold her Disney projects to treat her Filipino fans.

“Yung Disney Channel doon, that's very big. Gusto kong bumalik doon. Pero inuna ko muna yung concert dito. You know, this is my home. No matter where I stay, Florida , California , American Idol, dito ako,” she ended.

"Ogie Sings with the Idols" is being produced by TheUnderGround Studio, Inc (TUGS) under the supervision of Brian Sombero, vocalist/ guitarist of the band Menaya.

Sharon Cuneta supports reading program

2008-12-19T18:51:00.000-08:00

By NICKIE WANG/ Manila Standard Today

Knowing how to read is one of the essential factors to achieve literacy. As poverty being closely linked to lack of education, Ronald McDonald House of Charities released its flagship program Bright Minds Read.

BMR is an initiative launched six years ago to be especially promoted in the Philippines in order to support the reading and English curriculum of local public schools. This is in response to the global need for better education and English-speaking skills.

“The aim of this program is to really help children know how to read, because it is the foundation of all learning. We have been waiting for the opportunity to aggressively pursue campaigns that can get regular people to realize that there is a problem in the education landscape and therefore bring them to work with us in changing this,” Kenneth Yang, president of RMHC, stated.

Since the launching of the program, thousands of children have been benefited from it. The RMHC aims to reach its goal in the coming years, which is to cover all the public schools in the country.

Long-time McDonald’s endorser, Sharon Cuneta, joins the initiative of RMHC and takes part in the advocacies of the program BMR.

“Having been a McDonald’s endorser for quite some time now, that’s why when it was brought up to me, I didn’t think twice. It was an instant ‘yes’ because, just like this year, God has been generous to me than usual,” Sharon expressed and continued: “I am thrilled to have been given this opportunity to be part of something I personally advocate, my family is a reading family and we give high value on education. Ako nga bumalik pa sa school, kahit ilang units lang.”

At the press conference of the RMHC that coincided with celebration of World Children’s Day, Sharon expressed that she and the organizers of BMR campaign are humbling themselves in asking the customers of McDonald’s to donate their coins in canisters that can be found in all participating McDonald’s stores.

“A few centavos from people will really go a long way. We are in partnership with the Department of Education. Konting barya lang po, that’s the message we want to put forth, and we want everyone who knows this campaign to spread the word,” Sharon continued.

After her short talk, the Megastar waited for some questions from the press and got disappointed for nobody dared to ask her about the program so she blurted: “Since walang gustong mag-ask, Okay naman po ako may asawa pa! Sabihin ko na para tapos na. Parang nanganak ng nanganak lang naman ang issue… Nag-offer na nga ng ilang milyon ‘yung tao, pahingi naman ng ebidensiya na may girlfriend ang asawa ko, lalu na kung may mga anak daw.”

Over the past month, Sharon’s relationship with husband Senator Francis Pangilinan has been embattled with intrigues that even affected their children. The actress got burnt-out with issues created by irresponsible people who made up stories after hearing them from somewhere else.

“Twelve years na [her marriage], kasing haba ng relationship ko with McDonald’s, puro tsismis wala pa ring nakakarating sa akin, pahingi naman ng picture at tsaka address… Masaya po kami, never kaming naghiwalay,” the actress cleared, adding that politics has something to do with it most especially that election nears.

New movie

After the blockbuster Caregiver, she is set to do a movie scheduled to shoot anytime soon. The movie will star the Megastar opposite Richard Gomez, and it is going to be their sixth movie team-up.

“The ball is in my court because I have to lose weight,” Sharon related, saying that her project with ex-boyfriend depends on her diet.

Sharon dished out some interesting bits about the new project telling the press that it’s going to be romantic-drama. She is so excited with the project, saying: “It’s a beautiful story. The story has been ready for some time and the script is almost done. It's just a matter of me being physically ready, they are ready to shoot any time.”

She added that the movie is a love story that spans like 15 years. “There are flashbacks. Alam ko may location shoot pero di ko pa alam kung saan. Before they brought up Mexico and then Hawaii, pero most of it, dito,” the actress ended.

Art school opens door to new scholars

2008-12-12T06:35:00.000-08:00

By NICKIE WANG/ Manila Standard Today

Art’s influence is encompassing; it opens the mind to infinite perspectives and possibilities. To be given a chance to study art under brilliant instructors is a rare opportunity because talent can further be developed through an approach where a more solid inclination and passion to art and to its different forms are expanded and given more attention.

The Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA), located on the slope of mystical Mt. Makiling in Laguna, is a unique residential secondary school run by the government. It was established in 1977 to specifically create a perfect environment to artistically gifted and talented children.

PHSA is currently accepting applicants to the Annual Nationwide Search for Young Arts Scholars (ANSYAS). Children with exceptional talents from Metro Manila are welcomed to apply until Jan.15, while the deadline for provincial applicants is on Jan. 31.

“There’s nothing like this school. PHSA is a special school with special students,” veteran character actor and PHSA executive director Nanding Josef told the Standard Today. “We need a new batch of scholars, about 30 to 40 students.”

The state allots an annual P300,000 budget per PHSA scholar. The amount includes tuition, board and lodging, classes with master teachers, and a monthly stipend.

Specialized curriculum at the arts school includes various disciplines in Music (instrument and voice), Dance (ballet and folk), Theater Arts, Visual Arts, and Creative Writing. In addition to arts-oriented curriculum, it also offers Basic Education subjects prescribed by the Education Department.

Art school complex

We were given a chance to visit the picturesque campus of PHSA on Dec. 8. After a two-hour drive from Manila, our sight was welcomed by nipa hut-inspired cottages that serve as classrooms, science laboratories, library, instructional media center, computer room, and practice rooms.

“We have another 30 cottages here that serve as residence for more than 130 students, and 40 teachers and support staff,” Josef said.

Other instructional facilities in the 13.5-hectare complex include the state-of-the-art Tanghalan Maria Makiling, rehearsal studios for Folk Dance and Ballet, Visual Arts and Photography Studio, and Journalism Room. The administration office, faculty room, meeting room, medical clinic, counseling office and the Executive Guesthouse, which once served as Imelda Marcos’ rural villa, complete the facilities at the state-run art school.

“During the term of former President [Fidel] Ramos, the complex underwent rehabilitation through a P90-million budget approved during a Cabinet meeting held here,” Josef disclosed.

The school operation depends solely on the budget given by the government and from the monetary donations coming from generous individuals and institutions that recognize the importance of culture and art development.

Artistically gifted students

“The officials are always hard to convince. They say P200,000 [the former budget per scholar] is too big to support one student. So sa tuwing may budget deliberation kailangang ipakita sa mga officials ang mga students para mag-perform, and they are instantly convinced,” Josef related.

We didn’t have to take the word of the veteran actor to believe and consider the artistic talents of the PHSA scholars. During a half-day visit, we had the chance to see how classes are conducted in the special school. Students majoring in Music and Folk Dance showed us sample performances.

After a lunch prepared by the PHSA at the well-maintained Executive Guesthouse, Josef whispered: “I get inspired by seeing really young artists with exceptional artistry in different fields,” pertaining to the students from Music who performed an ethereal version of “You Raise Me Up” by the group called Secret Garden.

The Folk-Dance majoring students performed a number entitled “Cordillera,” which we were told they themselves did the choreography. The dance is their definition of love and courtship inspired by the natives of the Mountain Province. With the use of gongs, native bamboo instruments, and tribal drums, the students rendered a jaw-dropping performance just like professionals do at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Furthermore, it is interesting to note that it was just a sample of what these students do everyday.

The scholars, whose ages range from 12 to 16, need to maintain a 90 percent grade average, which is the passing mark, in all art subjects to maintain their scholarship.

“Tinututukan ang bawat estudyante pag bumababa ang grade kahit sa General Education. They are given special or extra sessions. The objective of the school is to make them stay and finish their courses. The faculty and staff members do official and unofficial tasks like acting as surrogate parents to these students with completely different characters,” Josef explained.

PHSA scholars are being trained to be the best artists of this particular time by pushing the limit of their artistic potentials and, at the same time, making them better people. “We praise and criticize them. That’s how I matured as an artist and as a person,” the veteran actor concluded.

Qualifications

Applicants for the scholarship must be graduating Grade VI or VII pupils for the school year 2008-2009; of above-average intelligence, proficient in oral and written Filipino and English; without any debilitating illness; and willing to study in a residential high school.

They must also be willing to pursue a college degree in Dance, Creative Writing, Architecture, Fine Arts, Music, Theater Arts, Journalism and other related courses.

Application forms and the list of requirements per art discipline may be downloaded from the PHSA Web site www.phsa.edu.ph. All documents and requirements must be sent directly to ANSYAS 2009, PHSA, National Arts Center, Mt. Makiling, Los Baños 4030 Laguna. For inquiries, e-mail phsa@laguna.net or call telefax (+6349)536-5971 to 73 and 536-2862.

Novice bands invade the ULTRA

2008-12-08T20:17:00.000-08:00

The last quarter of the year always sees a number of live gigs from local rock and alternative bands. Almost at every corner of the metropolis, concert venues witness an onstage invasion of loud and head banging music.

On Nov. 15 at the Nescafé Soundskool Finals, thousands of rock music fans flocked the ULTRA for a musical festivity that featured the biggest local bands performing alongside with the country’s most promising groups.

Now on its fourth year, Nescafé Soundskool is a band competition that serves as a training ground for new generation musicians who want to make it big in the local music arena. This year, the competition gathered the best college bands from all over the country. From one thousand band entries, the organizers meticulously selected thirteen novice groups that competed for a cash prize amounting to P250,000 and a recording contract with Sony BMG.

This year’s call “Handa ka na bang sumikat?” was answered by the finalist from South East Asian College ’s Letter Day Story. The band that lists New Found Glory, Boys Like Girls, +44, Eraserheads, Kamikazee, and Rivermaya as its musical influences, is composed of Aldrick Yu on vocals, Chris Anthony Vinzons on lead guitar, Oliver Agustin on bass, and Emil Arabit on drums.

The quartet, mentored by Spongecola, stood out with their unique musical flair, striking stage presence and their playing with precision. The band wowed the audience and the judges with a showmanship that lasted until the end of its performance (which most of the finalists lacked).

One discernible characteristic of the band was that it performed as a group unlike other finalists whose footmen took the stage like solo performers. Yu, Letter Day Story’s charismatic frontman, was able to connect with thousands of audience present at the ULTRA and yet was able build a connection with the rest of his band mates.

The band’s final performance made up 65 percent of its score. The other 35 percent was taken from preliminary rounds on Nov. 14. The people who made the tough decision in choosing the best group of the entire competition were Soupstar Entertainment’s Darwin Hernandez, Campus Radio’s John Hendrix, Nestlé Philippines, Inc.’s Yayin Bangcoro, and Sonny BMG’s Jinno Mina and Vic Valenciano.

Other finalists include St. Scholastica’s College’s Grace Note, Jose Rizal University’s Project, and the University of Santo Tomas’ Hooligans from the Greater Manila Area region; Lyceum Institute of Technology’s Maracore, Calayan Education Foundation’s Flaurah, and Wesleyan University Philippines’ 7th Skool from the Luzon region; Eastern Visayas State University’s Skalivur, University of Cebu’s Barorents, and STI Tacloban’s Sounvile from the Visayas region; and AMA Davao Campus’ C-Shifter, St. Mary’s College’s Keyk, and Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan’s Teachers Stand Together.

These aforementioned promising bands underwent a mentorship program in Boracay on November 6 to 13 with the countries topnotch bands that include Bamboo, Parokya ni Edgar, Kamikazee, Hilera, Pupil, Sandwich , Sugarfree, Itchyworms, 6 Cyclemind, Callalilly, Moonstar 88, Chicosci, Urbandub, Up Dharma Down, JR Kilat and Cueshe.

Musical treat

Nescafé Soundskool was not just all about discovering the next big bands; it is also about giving music lovers the rare treat of watching the biggest names in music perform live.

The four-hour nonstop event was opened by Calla Lily performing the Soundskool theme song. The band was accompanied by bouncing dancers in masquerade. The production, which was complete with impressive lighting effects, received a thunderous applause from the audience.

During the competition, mentoring bands performed their greatest hits before introducing and collaborating with the finalists. Some of the most explosive performances were delivered by Spongecola, Sandwich , Chicosci and Hilera.

After the first half of the event, Kamikaze dished out a satiric performance that made everyone laughing and jumping up on their seats. It was quickly followed by Parokya ni Edgar with Chito Miranda roaming around the venue while delivering the band’s rock novelty hit Akala.

Kamikaze and Parokya went back on stage and entertained the audience with the musical parody The Ordertaker.

Before the announcement of the winner, fans were delighted with a pleasing finale performance discharged by ace band Bamboo. It performed some of its now classic hits Noypi, Halleluiah, and Tatsulok.

Getting slimed at the Nick Kids Awards

2008-12-05T21:06:00.000-08:00

BY NICKIE WANG/ Manila Standard Today

The first-ever Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards Philippines was definitely a tweens affair.

Thousands of kids flocked to the Aliw Theater on Nov. 29 to see their favorite stars walk on the orange carpet and get slimed on stage in an event made brisker and enjoyable by the quick-witted host Michael V.

The personalities, mostly grownups, thought they were “in,” also somehow “out,” based on the perspective of the younger generation. Kids have their own preferences and it was undeniably evident when the winners at the orange event were announced.

Marimar fever had the kids hooked before the boob tube. It was voted Favorite TV Show with Dingdong Dantes winning over other male stars like John Lloyd Cruz, Gerald Anderson, Piolo Pascual, and Richard Gutierrez as Favorite TV Actor. Other nominees for Favorite TV Show were Bubble Gang, Goin’ Bulilit, The Singing Bee, and Zaido: Pulis Pangkalawakan.

Kim Chiu probably has the charisma that makes young girls adore her and young boys giggle whenever her face appears on the TV screen. She received the orange blimp for the Favorite Actress category beating other television darlings like Angel Locsin, Iza Calzado, Marian Rivera, and Sarah Geronimo.

Christian Bautista won Favorite Musical Act besting nominees Gary Valenciano, Parokya ni Edgar, Sandwich, and Yeng Constantino.

If the oldies thought Manny Pacquiao was hot among the teens, they’re definitely wrong for Ateneo cager Chris Tiu was favored over the “Pamabansang Kamao” to win Favorite Athlete. Other nominees for the same category were cue master Efren “Bata” Reyes, two-time Olympian Miguel Molina, and taekwondo athlete Japoy Lizardo.

SpongeBob SquarePants remained the most popular cartoon show among kids. It was voted Favorite Cartoon Program. Other nominees were Avatar, The Legend of Aang, Ben 10, Dora The Explorer, and Tom & Jerry.

Just like its original version, the local Nick Awards also gives honor to a celebrity idolized by most kids. The orange blimp for the Pinoy Wannabe went to KC Concepcion. She was voted among nominees like Charice, Lea Salonga, Marc Nelson, and Vhong Navarro.

Chin-Chin Gutierrez, who was featured in 2004 Time Asia as one of the Asian Heroes for her exceptional environmental advocacies, was given the special award The Big Green Help Award.

Who got slimed?

In the US version of the popular orange award show, one or more celebrities get to be slimed on stage or offstage without them knowing it beforehand. It is one of the most anticipated parts of the show. Normally, the host gets to be slimed at the end of the program and another celebrity during the course of the event.

Although it was pretty obvious that Michael V. rehearsed the act of getting slimed, his effort paid off for the kids did enjoy seeing him partly covered with the green glop.

KC Concepcion, who got one of the loudest screams from the tweens, got slimed right at the center of the stage while bidding goodbye at the young audience.

The live show was interesting and the transition of segments was flawlessly delivered that even older folks won’t feel being tricked. It’s also good to mention that celebrity presenters like Miriam Quiambao, Marc Nelson, Rufa Mae Quinto, Paolo Bediones, Regine Velasquez, and director Joey Reyes did outstanding performances making the first-ever Nickelodeon KCA Philippines truly at par with international Nick Awards staged in the US, Australia, and Britain.

Since its inception in the US, Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards has been a venue that gives younger television viewers a chance to vote for their favorites in music, movies, sports, television, books, and more. In the Philippines, Nick reaches over 1 million households via cable 24/7. It also has a five-hour terrestrial block on free-to-air channel TV5.

ABSCBN dominates Star Awards

2008-12-04T21:07:00.000-08:00

NICKIE WANG/ MANILA STANDARD TODAY

Network rivalry has never been this searing as Internet forums heated up few hours after the 22nd PMPC Star Awards for TV held at the SMX Convention Center on Nov. 30.

ABS-CBN Network dominated the event walking home with 25 awards while its rival station GMA-7 won 19 awards including the coveted Best TV Station.

Since 2004, the award for Best TV Station has been given alternately to the two local TV giants that next year, people will expect that the trophy will be given to ABS-CBN (unless miracle happens it would land on TV5).

GMA’s terrestrial channel QTV-11 won five awards while ABS-CBN’s Studio 23 got just one trophy. UNTV-37 and ABC-5 both won two awards each. RPN-9 and IBC-13 went home empty-handed.

This year’s nominees were programs aired from June 13 until July 1 of this year. Two special awards and 54 trophies where given out by the Philippine Movie Press Club.

The event that saw celestial shower was hosted by Paolo Bediones, Gabby Concepcion, Anne Curtis and Judy Ann Santos.

Iza Calzado and Dingdong Dantes were the trivia hosts with a pre-taped segment entitled “Icons [sic] in the Philippine Television.”

The drama category was a battle between the novice and veteran actors. Child actor Joshua Dionisio bested other nominees like Dolphy, John Lloyd Cruz, Eddie Garcia, John Wayne Sace, and Gabby Concepcion for Best Single Performance by an Actor category via the Maalala Mo Kaya (MMK) episode “Sako.”

Angel Locsin, who graced the awards night with Male Star of the Night Luis Manzano, received the Best Single Performance by an Actress trophy for her first acting project on ABS-CBN through MMK episode “Pilat.” She went up on stage twice after receiving the award for Lobo as Best Primetime TV Series. Angel’s leading man Piolo Pascual was named Best Drama Actor for his performance in Lobo while Sunshine Dizon, who was in a psychedelic black dress, won Best Actress award for her moving performance in Impostora.

Boy Abunda was the most decorated personality of the night. He won Male Showbiz-Oriented Show Host for The Buzz and Best Celebrity Talk Show Host, with Kris Aquino, for Boy And Kris. The Buzz was named Best Showbiz-Oriented Show with Ruffa Gutierrez and Cristy Fermin tied for Best Female Showbiz-Oriented Show Host award.

Edu Manzano, who thanked Pinky Webb (if she blushed, it’s hard to guess but she turned her back on the camera) during his speech, won Best Game Show Host and his program Pilipinas, Game Ka Na Ba! was awarded Best Game Show. Perennial noontime rivals Eat Bulaga and Wowowee shared the award for Best Variety Program. Valerie Concepcion got the award for Best Female TV Host while Vic Sotto snatched the award for the male category. The Best Musical Variety Show went to SOP Rules.

As it has been predicted, in the News and Current Affairs category, the awards were split between the Kapamilya Network and GMA Kapuso, but UNTV-37’s Bitag surprisingly snatched the Best Public Service Program and Best Public Service Program Host for Ben Tulfo.

Best News Program went to TV Patrol World with Julius Babao winning the Best Male Newscaster. Best Female Newscaster was given to Vicky Morales for Saksi: Liga Ng Katotohanan. Best Documentary Program was won by I-Witness: The GMA Documentaries while its hosts Kara David, Howie Severino, Sandra Aguinaldo and Jay Taruc won Best Documentary Program Hosts.

Signos: Ang Banta ng Nagbabagong Klima, GMA’s special documentary on climate change and hosted by Richard Gutierez won Best Documentary Special.

This year’s Best Magazine Show Host Korina Sanchez went back-to-back receiving the PMPC trophy as Best Magazine Show.

The night of entertainment

The 22nd edition of the PMPC Star Awards for Television had seen great entertainment from the personalities who were nominated during the night, but the show it self was crappy that people would want to watch the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards Philippines instead.

There were lively performances that made the crowd screaming at the top of their lungs like the dance number rendered by Rayver Cruz, Maja Salvador, Mark Herras, Erich Gonzales, Marky Cielo and Ryza Cennon. Other performances were simply rubbish. Regine Velasquez, who lip-synced just like the rest of the performers, rendered a mediocre performance. The opening number however was a great visual treat seeing Toni Gonzaga, Rachelle Ann Go and Karylle onstage covering Robbie Williams’ “Let Me Entertain You.”

Ogie Alcasid serenaded Senator Loren Legarda and Rosa Rosal who received the Excellence in Broadcasting Lifetime Achievement Award and Ading Fernando Lifetime Achievement Award, respectively.

One of the witty speeches came from Female Star of the Night Rufa Mae Quinto who also received the award for Best Comedy Actress. Not that she gave the most intelligent speech but she blurted some punch lines that truly justified her being the winner of the award in comedy. Boy Abunda’s speech was dedicated to all the gay men and women all over the world.

Most awards nights see several torpid-minded presenters, and the 22nd PMPC Star Awards is no exception. Lovi Poe was the only presenter who committed a mistake. This year’s Best New Male TV Personality Robi Domingo was about to announce the winner for Best Public Affairs Program Host, but Lovi, who probably was out of her mind, announced I-Witness: The GMA Documentaries as the winner.

Other winners of the 22nd PMPC Star Awards for Television are:

Best Talent Search Program—Shall We Dance, ABC-5;

Best Talent Search Program Host—Lucy Torres-Gomez, Arnell Ignacio and Dominic Ochoa (Shall We Dance), ABC-5;

Best New Female TV Personality—Patricia Gayod (Maalaala Mo Kaya / “Dagat” episode), ABS-CBN;

Best Youth-Oriented Show—Boys Nxt Door, GMA-7;

Best Horror or Fantasy Program—Komiks Presents: Volta, ABS-CBN;

Best Public Affairs Program—(Y-Speak) Studio 23;

Best Public Affairs Program Host—Jessica Soho (Hot Seat), QTV-11;

Best Morning Show—Unang Hirit, GMA-7;

Best Morning Show Host—Arnold Clavio, Susie Entrata-Abrera, Lyn Ching-Pascual, Rhea Santos, Jolina Magdangal, Winnie Monsod, Oscar Orbos, Regine Tolentino, Drew Arellano, Eagle Riggs, Love Añover and Lhar Santiago (Unang Hirit), GMA-7;

Best Lifestyle Show—Living It Up, QTV-11;

Best Lifestyle Show Host—Raymond Gutierrez, Issa Litton, Sam Oh and Tim Yap (Living It Up), QTV-11;

Best Reality Program—Gandang Ricky Reyes: Parlor Game, QTV-11;

Best Reality Program Host—Ricky Reyes (Gandang Ricky Reyes: Parlor Game), QTV-11;

Best Travel Show—Pinoy Meets World, GMA-7;

Best Travel Show Host—Katherine de Castro, Uma Khouny, Franzen Fajardo, Kian Kazemi and Jayson Gainza (Trip Na Trip), ABS-CBN;

Best Educational Program—Matanglawin, ABS-CBN;

Best Educational Program Host—Kim Atienza (Matanglawin), ABS-CBN;

Best Children Show—Art Angel, GMA-7;

Best Children Show Host—Pia Arcangel, Tonipet Gaba and Krystal Reyes (Art Angel), GMA 7.

Mutya beauties head to Palawan

2008-12-01T20:29:00.000-08:00

BY NICKIE WANG/ MANILA STANDARD TODAY

Most women who join beauty contests put on the prettiest smiles whenever they face the camera. A candidate must look perfect whenever there’s a lens trained on her way. She should keep her hair in place that no single strand will be out of place. Her skin must always look healthy and stretch-mark-free with a little help from dermatologists. She must not eat too much so it won’t be hard when she sucks in her stomach when she is wearing a pair of bikini.

It’s really hard to be a beauty queen or even just a contestant of a beauty pageant, but for 24 young women vying for the title Mutya ng Pilipinas 2008, making themselves neat and prim are the basic musts to create a good impression. After all, being in beauty contest is all about making good first impressions, which a contestant will carry until the final night and perhaps to the time when she is finally crowned.

On Dec. 7, the 24 ladies will make the city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, a place to spot the countries’ new bevy of beauty queen wannabes. Puerto Princesa, dubbed as ‘‘an amazing city in a forest,’’ will host the 40th edition of the pageant that paved the way to beauty titlists like Michelle Aldana, Mutya Crisostomo, Lorraine Shuck, Tetchie Agbayani, Rio Diaz among many others.

On a steamy afternoon at the Garden Terraces Hotel along Commonwealth Avenue, 24 young women sashayed in a red bikini heralding Mutya’s pre-pageant ceremony.

This year’s finalists are: Katrina Rigets (23 years old), Jessica Paciente, (17), Frances Urrutia, (19) and Riza Selva (19) from Quezon City, Loren Andre Fermin Burgos (21) from California, USA, Karen O’Hara (22) from Antipolo City, Cresta Medez (19) from Palawan, Pia Burgos (19) from Norway, Arline Nicolas (22) from Laguna, Lizl Rosoles (18), Maria Rebeta (18), Sarah Syed (19), and Kathleen Jebulan (23) from Bicol Region, Angelica Damian (22), Venice Acuna, (18) and Laica Jimenez (19) from Bulacan, Rhea Niones (23) from South Cotabato, Ellaine Esteban (21) from Marikina City, Queency Benaldez, (18) from Southern Leyte, Jonavi Quiray (21) from Palawan, Jamie Jean “Jam” de la Rosa (23) from Tarlac, Nadia Hollaway (20) from Australia, Jam Libatong (21) from Cebu City, and Nerissa Dimaculangan (20) from Batangas.

These beautiful stunning contestants will vie for the titles Mutya ng Pilipinas-International, Mutya ng Pilipinas-Tourism Puerto Princesa and Mutya ng Pilipinas-Overseas Communities. Major titlists will be sent to international beauty pageants like Miss Asia Pacific-International, Miss Tourism International, Tourism Queen of the Year, and Miss Intercontinental.

The Mutya ng Pilipinas-International and Mutya ng Pilipinas-Tourism Puerto Princesa stand to win P200,000 cash each, while Mutya ng Pilipinas-Overseas Communities will receive $2,000. P50,000 each will be given to the two runners-up.

One of the radical changes made by the Mutya organizers is staging the pre-pageant and the coronation night outside Metro Manila. Last year, it was held in Olongapo.

The Mutya ng Pilipinas Organization promotes “Beauty Tourism” within the greater Asia-Pacific with the direct participation of the overseas Filipino communities, this being a distinct component of its National Pageant Event.

As the third most important beauty pageant in the land, after Binibining Pilipinas and Miss Philippines-Earth, Mutya ng Pilipinas expands its advocacy by promoting tourism and the environment. It engages itself in endorsing the Philippines as a major and revered tourism destination while redefining Filipino women as beauties with social conscience.

The organization is chiefly headed by its president Roberto de Venecia, supported by the other board of directors, namely, Alfonso Lim Jr., Lauro Amante, director Leandro Enriquez, and Ramona Ty. This year’s pageant is generously supported by Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn.

Mutya beauties will visit the Palawan Subterranean River to advance its campaign as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The national park currently ranks no. 1 on the online voting on the New 7 Wonders of the World Web site. Chocolate Hills of Bohol, Tubbataha Reefs, and Mayon Volcano of Albay are also among the top contenders in the online poll.

Celebrating 100 years of music

2008-12-01T01:01:00.000-08:00

BY NICKIE WANG/ MANILA STANDARD TODAY

Taste in music is relative; a person may enjoy a kind of music that other people might consider as noise, but no matter how different types people define it, it all boils down to one single fact: it is a universal language.

When we talk about music, everyone can relate. Although each person would have different interpretations of a single musical piece, this fact alone proves that music has a great influence and can stir a range of emotion.

Operatic and classical music are genres that are much underappreciated especially by the younger music enthusiasts, but little do they know that the industry’s most talented musicians come from these genres.

One of the premier institutions that hone talents that would later become world-class music artists is the University of the Philippines. Celebrated choirs like the Philippine Madrigal Singers, the UP Concert Chorus, the UP Singing Ambassadors, and the UP Staff Choral are among the notable groups from the university’s rich pool of music talents.

In a rare musical extravaganza staged on Nov. 21 at the UP Theater, the UP Alumni Association (UPAA) gathered almost 200 performers in a grand event to celebrate 100 Years of World-Class Music.

As one of the culminating events of the University of the Philippines’ centennial celebration, the musical directed by Behn Cervantes featured virtuoso performers like Evelyn Mandac, Noel Velasco, Frankie Aseniero, Camille Lopez-Molina, and Nolyn Cabahug.

Violinist Joseph Esmilla, flutist Sonny Yangco, and classical guitarist Lester Demetillo also performed with the orchestra of the UP College of Music.

Other artists featured were Dondi Ong, Ana Feleo, Aileen Cura, Jeanne Velasco-Vicars, Emelyn Santos, Joseph Olfindo, and Eric Ferrer.

100 Years of World-Class Music was also staged to honor distinguished music artist Evelyn Mandac who achieved milestones in the international music arena. The artist is a New York-based soprano who graduated magna cum laude at the UP College of Music. She has shared the stage with Joan Sutherland and has sung opposite world-renowned Placido Domingo in a full-length opera.

World-class talent

“People asked me if I was Europe trained, I said: ‘No, I was trained in the Philippines by our own singers.’ I am very proud of that,” Evelyn Mandac enthused in a recent interview with the Standard Today.

A native of Bukidnon, Mandac is the first Filipino singer to perform at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York. On the same venue, she has sung the lead in more than 20 operas and received standing ovations with her performances in Europe. Her illustrious career abroad spanned three decades before she retired in the 1980s.

As part of her passion in music, she converted her New York apartment, which she shares with husband Sanjoy Bhattacharia, into a studio where she teaches vocal techniques to students of various nationalities.

“Now I am just a teacher, before I had a career performing. I’m out of that in a way as I have devoted my time to teaching, it’s time for me to give in a different way. In the past six years, I’ve come at UP to give Master’s classes. I have my own studio called the Evelyn Mandac Studio,” the artist said.

Mandac started singing as a choir member at the age of 12. After her graduation at UP, she went to the US on a Fulbright travel grant. She then became a Rockefeller scholar at the Julliard School of Music where she received her Master’s Degree.

“I did my career starting with contemporary music. So when I was starting to be known as a contemporary interpreter, I said that I want to have my standard repertoire, too. So I told it to my manager. You know to get a manager right after college is one of the most difficult things to have,” the regal-looking soprano said.

Beyond music

Mandac’s talent is more recognized abroad as her career is based in New York. She considers hard work as her formula in making it to the international scene.

“I did not have to audition. Can you believe it? It’s like being there at the right time,” Mandac said as she narrated relating to her first stint as an operatic singer in New York.

“Talent... that is the most important thing that you need to have and then things will open up for you. But my advice to young singers or to any aspiring performers who want to have a career is to have a tremendous focus, discipline, hard work and passion—love for what you do because it’s going to be hard,” she articulated.

Aside from voice coaching, Mandac contributes her time extending assistance with Children inflicted with HIV. She also devotes some of her time as a major coordinator of “Mother Kitchen” for the homeless and senior citizen.

“I am active in doing selfless service which means I coordinate to feed the homeless. I would love to do that in the Philippines but again I don’t live here. That’s one of my sadness. I just come here once a year to visit my family and of course to give masters classes,” the soprano artist expressed.

The 68-year-old artist said that she is still learning music, and that she still sings everyday as she demonstrates to her students. In a candid conversation with the Standard Today, she revealed that if her life would be a song, it would be a love song.

“Love for life, love for music and love for being able to give of one self selflessly,” she said as if the words were a line in a ditty.

Evelyn Mandac was given special citation at the concert and some of her recordings were performed. Other music greats who were recognized at the event were Noel Velasco, UP Cherubim and Seraphim founder Flora Zarco Rivera and the late UP Concert Chorus director Rey Paguio.

Organization for artists’ welfare

2008-11-22T02:06:00.000-08:00

NICKIE WANG/ MANILA STANDARD TODAY

Artists—like musicians, painters, sculptors, dancers, writers, actors, production people, weavers, builders, and creators of beauty—are known as cultural workers and arts managers. They are considered as one of the exponents of national identity for preserving traditional arts.

After every performance, artists receive standing ovation or at least an enthusiastic applause from the audience that can be equated to adoration and pride.

On stage, artists or performers look grand as if they live an outlandish lifestyle. People do not know that many artists, after receiving an overwhelming appreciation from the audience, would go home, find their ways in a congested traffic, cross a flooded street or perhaps find another gig to make both ends meet. Indeed, not all artists are well-off.

People have heard stories about artists who are now in impoverished condition. There are some depressing stories of artists who died broke and broken hearted. One particular reason why situations like these happen is because artists like cultural performers, dancers, actors, or musicians, once when they age, project offers become scarce.

When they work, they give all their selves out just to provide entertainment. Sometimes, out of their passion, they even work for free not thinking about themselves in the future. The work they do is of immeasurable value, and yet when they are faced with sickness or disability or other material and physical needs, they are generally left on their own to fend and provide for themselves.

“Did you know,” asked Fernando Josef, president of Artists Welfare Project Inc., “that before Lino Brocka passed away, he was totally broke? I don’t want to say his mother’s exact words but she was cursing him [Lino] for not even providing them a house considering he’s a famous director.”

Passing the hat

“I get emotional when I hear stories about artists who dedicate their life in providing entertainment but don’t have money to pay their expenses in the hospital. When we have friends in the industry that need assistance we just pass [the] hat, we collect money to help each other out, but most of us have shallow pockets,” Josef, a stage, screen and television actor and currently artistic director of Tanghalang Pilipino, shared.

In November 2006, Josef and his colleagues met and decided to form an organization that would extend assistance to artists in various fields. Thus, AWPI was born.

“In our first wave of collection we got P60,000, each of us contributed a thousand to have our organization registered,” the veteran actor revealed.

AWPI was formed to extend, provide or grant financial, legal, medical and hospitalization privileges or benefits or similar assistance, support and advice to Filipino artists who may be disabled or incapacitated by reason of age or physical or mental infirmity and are thus unable to earn, support or maintain his subsistence, health, and basic life needs.

Beyond meeting emergency needs, AWPI also hopes to assist artists achieve security in terms of having a place to live, providing education for their children, and having funds for their retirement.

“We must support and help our artists, especially during their times of need—for example, when they are sick, or when they need legal assistance. Artists usually are not practical or business-minded people; they don’t invest their money—most of the time they don’t have much money anyway—or have health or any kind of insurance. We at AWPI are trying to fill that gap,” Josef enthused.

AWPI is run by a 15-member board of trustees and currently has 182 members. Its immediate concern is to build up an endowment fund that will enable it to provide members with benefits such as medical and legal assistance, emergency loans, pension and death benefits, among others.

“We are here to introduce and to call on the attention of other artists who would be interested in joining or perhaps help the organization with its advocacies,” declared Edna Vida-Froilan, one of the board members of AWPI during a press lunch at the CCP Multipurpose Hall.

Projects and events

To build up its endowment fund, AWPI is undertaking various fund-raising activities in the coming months.

In June next year, Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, the organization’s treasurer, will spearhead a production at the CCP with Ballet Manila. It is to be one of the biggest fund-raising events that the AWPI will hold in the future.

Coinciding with the General Assembly of the organization on Nov. 29, an Artists’ Tiangge will be opened at the shady lane between the Main CCP Building and the Production Design Center, CCP Complex.

The Artists’ Tiangge includes many artists whose one-of-a-kind products cannot be found at any other market in Manila. There will be over 40 different stalls showing and selling a rich variety of wares. From the new to the recycled, fine arts to folk art, jewelry to ceramics, sculpture to textiles, curios and collectibles, there will be something for almost every taste and budget. The Artists’ Tiangge also features street performers and a gourmet café.

For more information, contact Artists Welfare Program Inc. at telephone numbers 832-1125 locals 1606 to 07 or e-mail at drama_ccp@yahoo.com.

A night with Visayan artists

2008-11-17T20:24:00.000-08:00

BY NICKIE WANG/ MANILA STANDARD TODAY

In a one splendid night at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, witness a celestial rendezvous as prominent Visayan artists grace the stage on a one-night-only performance to showcase Visayan culture and arts in a musical show dubbed Si Lapulapu, Si Rosas Pandan: A Bisaya Musical Extravaganza on Nov. 22, at 8 p.m.

“This extravaganza is a development of regional culture. The Visayan culture is very rich. Many of what have been incorporated into what is known as Philippine culture originated from regional communities in the Visaya,” Baltazar Endriga, president of Kadugong Bisaya Foundation, said.

Kadugong Bisaya, the presenter of the event, is a national organization that promotes Visayan languages, culture and arts, fosters a common cultural identity and solidarity among its members. It also promotes nationalism, civic consciousness and participation, and contributes to the development and use of Filipino by the incorporation of Binisaya, Cebuano-Visayan, Ilonggo and Waray concepts and words into the evolving national language, and to the development of the national culture.

“We’re not attempting to separate or distinguish ourselves from the rest of the local cultural groups. Rather, we want people to appreciate the diversity of regional traditions throughout the country,” Endriga furthered.

Truly Bisaya

During the event’s press conference at the Silangan Hall of the CCP, organizers of the event elucidated some interesting facts that prove the richness of Visayan culture. Endriga told the press that the word bukid, which has been known to be a Tagalong term for ricefield, actually means mountain, and that the Philippine national dance Tinikling is a game originally played by children in Leyte.

“I felt proud when I learned that the Tinikling was the national dance. In my youth, we used to play a game where we used bamboos named after a native bird, the tikling,” Endriga recalled.

Singer Verni Varga, who plays Rosas Pandan, rendered an impromptu number singing Visayan love song Usahay. Rosas Pandan is the mythical Bisaya maiden that symbolizes rustic beauty and virtue. Her stage partner Lapu-lapu, on the other hand, is the heroic chieftain of Mactan, Cebu, who has been a symbol of Filipino valor when his men defeated Magellan in a historic battle.

“We chose Lapu-lapu and Rosan Pandan as main metaphors for the extravaganza to showcase the whole spectrum of art and culture and contributions of the Visayan culture to the national concert,” Chris Millado, the shows director said.

Millado was ecstatic to reveal that the stage design will be done by renowned furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue whose clients reportedly include Hollywood actor Brad Pitt and French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

Among the special performers in the much-awaited musical event are Cesar Montano, Varga, Joey Ayala and Bayang Barrios, Elizabeth Ramsey and Jaya, Rachelle Gerodias, Jose Mari Chan, the Philippine Dance Sports Association, Noni Buencamino, Raki Vega, Deeda Barretto, Jerry Dadap’s Andres Bonifacio Choir, Ballet Philippines, Modern Ballet Dancers and Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group.

The Philippine Madrigal Singers will pay tribute to Yoyoy Villame by reliving his novelty classics. Cameo appearances will be made by Visayan cinema personalities like Gloria Sevilla, Caridad Sanchez and Virgie Solis.

The extravaganza also celebrates several venerable Visayan composers, lyricists and singers like: Jovita Fuentes (Ay Kalisud), Gregorio Labja (Usahay), Ben Zubiri (Matud Nila), Manuel Velez and Jose Galicano (Sa Kabukiran), Maning Villareal (Kahibulongan), Manuel P. Velez (Rosas Pandan).

The finale of the program, which will be participated by the entire cast, is the singing of Kasadya Ning Taknaa, an original Bisaya Christmas carol that was adapted in Tagalog as Ang Pasko ay Sumapit.

For tickets call CCP Box Office, with telephone nos. 832-3704 and 832-1125 local 1409.

PICTURE-PERFECT FAMILY

2008-11-17T20:09:00.000-08:00

BY NICKIE WANG/ MANILA STANDARD TODAY

Carmina Villaroel and Zoren Legaspi were holding hands with their twins Maverick Peter and Maria Cassandra when they showed up at the press launch of their new television commercial. The twins, who are now seven years old and already in second grade, were comfortable as they smiled when photographers started flashing their cameras.

Some good-looking celebrity couples are not blessed with the same breed of good-looking offsprings, but Carmina and Zoren are exception to the rule. Mavy and Cassy (their twins’ nicknames) are very adorable and you wouldn’t mind staring at them for the longest time.

“We sleep in one room, minsan nga pag natutulog sila sinasabi ko kay Zoren: ‘Tatay ang-cute ng mga anak natin. They look so perfect. Atin ba sila?’” Carmina chuckled while sharing her experience with her kids. “They are so friendly, one time umuwi ako sa bahay, meron sampung bata sa loob ng bahay namin and my kids said, ‘Mom these are our friends.’”

On camera, their family looks very close and very happy. Some people wonder how they are as a family in real life.

“Maraming nagsasabi na hindi nila alam kung ano kami as a family. We are very normal and very ordinary. We only want simple things,” Carmina revealed.

With hectic schedules, late-night tapings and to the last-minute important works to do, Carmina and Zoren still manage to spend quality time with their kids. The couple is able to maintain a stable relationship with their kids and bond with them during weekends.

“As much as I want to give them quantity time, hindi ko pa kaya. So I make it a point na kahit puyat, ako pa rin ’yung maghahatid sa kanila sa school. Our bonding moment starts sa loob ng kotse,” Carmina shared.

As celebrity kids, Mavy and Cassy are being raised by a loving mother and a disciplinarian father. Zoren, who ventured to directing and still does acting on the side, explained that they do not spoil their children. “Bawal mag-utos. Hindi puwedeng sumigaw ’yan,” Zoren said, pertaining to his twins. “Hindi puwedeng sumigaw ’yan ng ‘Yaya! I need this…’ Ay, hindi. You have to do it yourself.”

Everyday, after eating, the twins bring their own plates to the kitchen. There are times that Mavy waters the plants and washes his father’s car.

Working as a family

An official from Selecta said that casting a celebrity family endorser like the Villaroel- Legaspi was not a problem. “We needed a family endorser and not just a family for a show, but a genuine family. Last year we had a great experience with Carmina and the kids. We saw how they are off cam.”

Zoren, Carmina and their adorable twins are now seen on a new TV commercial of Selecta family pack ice cream. The newest ice cream creation of Selecta promotes family bonding. In fact, this is the first endorsement of Zoren with his family, because in the past it has always been only Carmina and the twins.

In making television commercial, Zoren still keeps the discipline. “Ayokong isipin nila na pag may ginawa, eh laging may sukli. Ayoko ’yong, ‘O, you smile, ha! We’ll give you a toy, ha!’ Ang sinasabi ko, ‘You better do your job, kasi pumayag kang mag-commercial.’ Hindi ’yong uutuin mo.”

After strings of successful commercials and other promotional ads, it is inevitable for people to ask whether Zoren and Carmina would allow their kids to enter showbiz. For Carmina, she wants her children to finish school and after that it is up to them if they would like to pursue a career in showbiz, but for Zoren, who already prepared a script for the whole family, it is fine to let their twins to be involved in a rowdy environment of entertainment.

When asked by the press if they want to be actors like their parents, Cassy said she wants to be like her Mom but bedimpled Mavy just smiled and wrapped his arms around his mother’s back.

Another twins

The press people never failed to ask the celebrity family personal questions during the press launch of Selecta Family Pack TVC. The lovely couple was asked if they want to add another member to the family.

“Sabi ko sa kanya kung magkakaroon kami ng anak gusto ko twins ulit. Tutal kabisado ko pa naman ’yung mga moves na ginagawa ko noon. You know as much as we would like to have four more or five more, ’yung pagpalaki ng bata ay madali, patulugin mo bigyan mo ng pagkain pero ’yung palakihin sila ng tama, eh ’yun ang hindi madali,” Zoren explained and turned to Carmina.

“For the longest time parang ayaw pa muna naming sundan kasi parang hindi pa kami sawa. Kasi di ba first time parents kami tapos isang boy and girl agad. Tsaka malay ko sa mga moves niya,” Carmina smiled and ended.

Chasing Solace

2008-11-11T20:00:00.000-08:00

BY NICKIE WANG/ MANILA STANDARD TODAY

Most men fantasize about driving a high-end car with a gorgeous chick buckled up in the passenger seat. Talk about a scene from a James Bond film. Every man wants to be like Bond and enjoy high-class lifestyle. After watching Quantum of Solace and seeing Agent 007 bruised and bloodied, there is less reason to imagine yourself like him.

Don’t wait for him to say, “The name is Bond, James Bond” because Daniel Craig who is out for his second foray as agent 007 will not drop the famed catchphrase in the 22nd installment of James Bond film. QOS is a great action film that capitalizes on hazardous action sequences that could possibly make your heart stop beating, and if you are an epileptic, better keep yourself away from the movie because QOS features tight closeup actions that can definitely put you on a close clonic-tonic convulsion.

These complex stunts, however, are old school actions. The opening car chase in a narrow street, where raining gunfire target agent Bond, has been an expected scene in every action flick. Boat chase, above ground chase and rooftop chase are also present in the film. Director Marc Forster included them perhaps to make the movie as James Bond-ish as possible. While they may look recycled, these scenes are made to look real enough to make you fidget on your seat. Yes, QOS is action-packed, literally. There are more action scenes than anything else, including dialog to complement its very simple plot: Bond wants to discover more about a very mysterious (yes that’s why he’s a spy) organization named Quantum. It is the name of an outwardly respectable front organization run by Dominic Greene (Mathieu Amalric). While trailing Greene, he meets Camille (Olga Kurylenko)—a beautiful but deadly killer who wants revenge on one of Greene’s associates.

As the story progresses, Bond is not only battling to uncover the mystery behind the organization run by Greene, he is also in conflict with his own grief and urge to pursue a mission of vengeance. This makes QOS a sequel of Casino Royale; Bond is out to avenge his lover’s death.

Quantum of Soulless

Derived from an Ian Fleming short story in his 1960 collection of short stories called For Your Eyes Only, which was the title of an 007 film with Roger Moore playing the Bond character in 1981, Quantum of Solace delves through different meanings. If the film or the lead character finds some certain amount of comfort in sorrow, misfortune or distress, that does not reflect in the film.

As plenty violent action sequences are being featured in the movie, the title itself is a little off tangent to the whole story and to what it visually showcases. The audience might lose track of the number of characters agent Bond eliminated in the movie. The number of killings rises after every delivery of action sequence.

Talking about the main character Daniel Craig, he gives James Bond a new identity (which actually started when he did Casino Royale). He ditches the dinner jackets and grooms agent Bond with the brooding image. From a sleek undercover agent armed with sophisticated gadgets, James Bond turns to be a rough chap who just casually holds the gun. He still drives an Aston Martin DBS V12 but his sleekness deteriorates seeing him riding a flivver motorbike.

Not the usual Bond

Instead of using high-end gadgets and sophisticated arms, Bond utilizes mostly his physical power while in pursuit of the henchmen. His physical power can even be compared to a superhero except that he could not fly or run like the Flash. On a rooftop pursuit that ends in a bell tower fisticuff, Bond seems to have the power of Spiderman as he accurately lands safely when he jumps from one corner to another.

The movie underscores that James Bond is strong, dangerous and fearless, and Daniel Craig delivers.

The film, though, will not be complete without the Bond girls, this time provided by Olga Kurylenko and Gemma Arterton. Although they are not the usual eye candy as in previous Bond movies, they are able to justify their characters most especially Kurylenko. You will not see her in a traditional Bond-making-love-in-a-strange-place scene (which is really absent in QOS), but there is a short kiss between her and Bond. Although Ukrainian in real life, she portrays a Latina in the movie, complete with the accent that can make Jennifer Lopez smiling all the way.

All eyes set on Miss Earth finals

2008-11-05T22:24:00.000-08:00

BY NICKIE WANG/ MANILA STANDARD TODAY

She walks like a queen in a five-inch stiletto, gracefully waving her hand to the people. Even when she is only in a skimpy bikini, she is all smiles, notwithstanding the lack of sleep, and with her beautiful face and body, she could be the next beauty to be crowned Miss Earth.

On Nov. 9 at the Clark Expo Amphitheater in Angeles City, 85 beauties from around the globe will compete for the title of Miss Earth. The pageant will be broadcast on ABS-CBN and to many countries worldwide via Star World, The Filipino Channel and other partner networks.

Now on its 8th year and touted as the world’s third most popular beauty pageant, this year’s competition focuses on the theme “green lifestyle.”

As early as Oct. 19, delegates from Asian countries arrived, and Miss Philippines Paula Karly Henry, a native of Cebu, has been busy welcoming the world’s most eco-friendly beauties.

“Everyone here is beautiful in many different ways,” Miss Venezuela Daniella Torrealba said during a dinner hosted by the Department of Tourism for the Miss Earth delegates at the Mandarin Oriental Manila.

As the only pageant in the world with a defined purpose, Carousel Productions has gathered the world’s most beautiful women with varied backgrounds and physical attributes. Miss USA is the oldest candidate at 26 while there are few candidates in the 18- year-old group, including those from Argentina, Cuba, Germany, Israel, Malta, Sweden, and South Sudan.

Miss Guam Jennifer Neves, who is also one of the oldest delegates, is the tallest candidate at 185 cm while Miss Mexico Abigail Elizalde, who stands at 183 cm, and Miss China Ying Kun Zhou at 182 cm, are the next tallest. At 165 cm, Miss Ghana Adoley Addoh is the shortest beauty queen in the pageant.

Some beauties are already veteran of international beauty contests. Miss Nicaragua Thelma Rodriguez competed in the Miss Universe this year but failed to win a title. Miss Ethiopia Kidan Tesfahun is also a thank-you-girl in this year’s Miss Tourism Queen International in China.

Nine countries have sent their respective delegates for the first time and these are Bhutan, Congo D.R., Guam, Luxembourg, Malta, Rwanda, Scotland, Serbia, and South Sudan. While these countries are trying their luck in this prestigious beauty pageant, 20 countries have decided to withdraw and these are Cameroon, Denmark, Fiji, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Iceland, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Nepal, Niue, Norway, Paraguay, Sierra Leone, St. Lucia, Tibet, Trinidad and Tobago, Ukraine, US Virgin Islands, Vietnam, and Zambia.

Confident beauties

Last year’s winner Jessica Nicole Trisko, a Canadian beauty queen with Filipino heritage, will crown her successor on the final night. Online polls and betting are starting to heat up. But those will be invalid once the pageant culminates at Clark Expo Amphitheater.

Standard Today talked to some of the global beauties joining the Miss Earth, and most of the delegates said they are confident that they are going to win the most coveted crown. Miss Philippines said that she has one in 86 chances in winning the title.

“I underwent training with my mentors; emotionally, physically, mentally and everything that is needed to be done. I went abroad to promote the pageant and I believe it gave me a lot of exposure,” Miss Philippines said.

Early favorite Miss Mexico, an Electronic Communication Engineering graduate, who says that Mexico and the Philippines have a lot of similarities in terms of culture, food, and traffic, said: “Although English is not my first language, I will not have an interpreter on the final night. I will try my very best to express myself. I think this will be a very good advantage.”

“Of course, my favorite candidate is myself. We don’t get to meet everybody, every time we leave the hotel, we are divided into groups, so to know who the best delegate is lies on the final pageant night,” Miss India Tanvi Vyas, whose environmental message focuses more on creating awareness among slum people, enthused.

The frontrunners

According to a Web site that tracks the events concerning the pageant, 16 beauties are the early favorites based on an online poll. They are the delegates from Spain, Romania, Tanzania, Greece, Brazil, Botswana, Colombia, Czech Republic, the Philippines, Kosovo, Jamaica, Slovak Republic, Thailand, Poland, Bosnia, and Mexico.

At the recent national costume competition held at the Pagcor Theater, some beauties proved their potential, like Miss Philippines who was awarded Miss Photogenic. The towering Miss Mexico was awarded Best in Swimsuit. She also received Gandang Ricky Reyes Award. Miss Panama won best in National Costume and Miss Greece, who received minor awards like Miss Micu Confidence and Joel Cruz Signature Award, were some of the crowd favorites.

Beauty for a cause

Miss Earth contest has been continuously gaining popularity throughout the world. Aside from beauty that every delegate must possess, environmental involvement and awareness are never forgotten. During her reign, Miss Earth tours and works worldwide as spokesperson for the Miss Earth Foundation, the United Nations Environment Program (Unep) and other environmental groups. Moreover, national Miss Earth winners from various nations are doing their own part in their home countries promoting environmental causes.

On the pageant night itself, 85 women will prepare for the culmination of their bid to be the next Miss Earth. Part of their grooming is hairstyling, and it’s inevitable for their stylists not to use hairspray. How would their perms look like without CFC (chlorofluorocarbon or the chief pollutant of the ozone layer)?

“Some of the women here are not for the advocacies that the Miss Earth has been involved with. They are just here for the sake of representing their country. What you see on TV or in photograph is entirely different from what they are in real person,” a delegate from Europe who wished not to be mentioned said. “Joining a beauty contest is really tiring, some of us are already planning to go home because we don’t feel free, but we don’t have a choice,” she concluded.

During the dinner organized by the DoT, there were delegates who answered questions sarcastically even they already knew that they were dealing with the press. Some girls complained of being sleep-deprived as they only have four hours a day in bed.

Van Ness Wu is a geek

2008-11-05T08:45:00.000-08:00

BY NICKIE WANG/ MANILA STANDARD TODAY

Taiwanese-American superstar Van Ness Wu makes thousands of fans screaming over his sleek stage presence. Little do they know that this former F4 heartthrob considers himself as a nerdy kind of guy.

In a phone interview with Standard Today to promote an Animax’s first-ever high definition animation movie made for TV, Van Ness made this interesting revelation.

“I’m a big dork and a bit of a nerd. When I was young my cousins and I were too involved with gadgets and we were all crazy over animation. But I found it very cool because I was with my cousins and we enjoyed what we were doing,” explained Van Ness who does not have an accent similar to other Asian actors.

He will be lending his voice to the all-animé TV network’s first multimedia multiplatform, original animation production for online, mobile and TV entitled LaMB. It is a full-length animated movie to be produced under the Singapore Economic Development Board and SPE Networks-Asia Joint Production Fund with a startling production budget of $6 million.

LaMB, which is based on the award-winning script submitted by Filipino amateur writer Carmelo Juinio to the Animax Awards 2007 pan-Asia scriptwriting contest, is also set to star another Asian artist and rock star, Josie Ho, as voice actor to a villainess role. She will dub the movie in English and Cantonese.

Van Ness is providing English and Mandarin dubs. It is his first attempt to voice-act in English and second in Mandarin.

“There wasn’t any audition, the producers of the project just approached me and I thought it was a privilege. They needed an actor who can speak both in English and Mandarin so my name popped up,” Van Ness, who is also a big fan of Japanese animé Naruto and Walt Disney’s classic character Pinocchio, answered when asked if he went on auditions before getting the plum role.

Van Ness will face the challenges in bringing to life the character named Jack, a scientist who is on a roller-coaster ride with his emotions, starting with the pain and despair of moving on after the loss of his wife, the struggle against the system of virtual imprisonment and a doomed romance with a female prisoner named Eve.

“I am very excited about my involvement in Animax as it looks set to reach out to Asian youths in a big way. The only challenge is that I need to study the character so I could deliver the lines with a heart. Right now, everything is not yet finished and we are still doing a lot of adjustments,” the 30-year-old star enthused.

Currently in production at Singapore-based animation studio Peach Blossom Media and concept art house Imaginary Friends Studios, LaMB is being directed by Ryosuke Tei, ex-creative director of Japanese design agency Furi Furi, with storyboards by Yasufumi Soejima, formerly from famed animé studio Gonzo. It will premiere on the TV network across Asia early 2009.

LaMB follows protagonists Jack and Eve’s struggle against planet Cerra’s “Lamination” system of imprisonment where criminals called “LaMBs” are kept in laminated suits to remain productive but not free members of society.

Eve is an ex-scientist serving her sentence in the suit having accidentally taken innocent lives in an experiment gone wrong, while Jack is a visiting scientist immersing himself in work to forget his dead wife. Inadvertently, Jack gets pulled into the political system of “Lamination” and a romance with Eve.

While LaMB represents Van Ness’ first attempt at voice-acting for animation in English, he is no stranger to manga and animé having shot to fame in Asia playing a handsome and suave university student in the wildly popular Taiwanese idol drama series in 2001, Meteor Garden, Meteor Rain, and Meteor Garden II.

Van Ness is best known as a teen idol and singer of Taiwanese Mando-pop music group “F4” now known as “JVKV.” With “F4,” Van Ness released three music albums, and has produced two albums individually including Body Will Sing (2002) and V. DUBB (2007). He has also collaborated with international and regional musicians including Beyoncé Knowles, Coco Lee, and Wang Lee Hom.

His acting credits include a part in epic period movie Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon (2008), as well as roles in TV drama series Peach Girl (2002), Say Yes Enterprise (2004), and Wish to See You Again (2008).

Cartoonists in Intellectual Property Right Week celebration

2008-10-24T22:11:00.000-07:00

BY NICKIE WANG/ MANILA STANDARD TODAY

Politics and social issues are serious topics, but because of editorial cartoons, these somber matters divert attention and somehow become a form of entertainment. Thanks to the lighter yet artistic and satiric approach of cartoonists for they add humor to the most relevant issues concerning the general public.

Editorial cartoonists can affect or influence opinion without using a word or a single caption. Indeed, they are a solid force in the print media creating direct impact whenever they explain and comment on issues using their drawing pen.

In line with celebration of the Intellectual Property Rights week slated on the last week of October, Intellectual Property Philippines invited some of the most prominent cartoonists in the country in a visual feast of political and social humors depicted through comics and editorial cartoons.

The exhibit dubbed Sining, Kamalayan at Paglikha (Art, Consciousness and Creation) is a joint effort of the IPP and the Samahang Kartunista ng Pilipinas. The exhibit mounted at the Alab Art Space located at the lobby of the IPP building will run until Nov. 20.

SKP is premier artistic organization founded 30 years ago by pioneers led by Larry Alcala. The Samahan has about 30 members composed of active and retired editorial cartoonists, comic-strip artists and illustrators. The organization’s objective is to professionalize the profession of cartoonists and to improve their plight.

The organization is also active with different advocacies and supports the Asean missions and the United Nations Millennium Development goals. It has participated in numerous exhibitions here and abroad that showcased Filipino talents.

“Cartoon art is the most popular art form in the world. Cartoons amuse us, provoke us, and make us think. Cartoons are intellectual, entertaining, and educational. It is a means of communication unique throughout the world. They deliver messages simple and profound with directness and immediacy. For generation upon generation, cartoon serves both as a mirror of times and a memory of social and political history,” Norman Isaac, one of the founding members of the SKP, said during his speech at the launching of the exhibit.

According to Isaac, SKP discusses issues on environment like climate change, other issues like population, fight against graft and corruption, HIV/AIDS, and other matters concerning the predicament of the people.

Also during his speech, Isaac expressed his sentiments regarding the condition of editorial cartooning and illustration in the Philippines. Compared to other countries like United States, South Korea, Singapore, and Bulgaria, editorial cartooning is given much importance as a form of fine arts. In Bulgaria particularly, a museum called “House of Humor” contains vast numbers of cartoon art in print, animation and sculptures from all corners of the world.

“In the Philippines, so far, not a single cartoonist has been named as a national artist. Maybe the award-giving body thinks that cartoonists are just clowns who give comic relief to a depressed society,” Isaac expressed.

Isaac and the rest of the artists present at the event were glad to the IPP’s effort of inviting them to mount an exhibition at the Alab Art Space. The exhibition gallery is an alternative venue to showcase the works of budding artists.

According to Carmen Peralta, chairman of 2008 IPR Week celebration, the space for exhibition is free of charge, the arrangement between them and the artists is just a 10-percent commission that will go to the development of the venue and for the seminars being conducted by the IPP.

Some of the participating artists in the exhibition are veteran cartoonists and illustrators Roni Santiago, Hugo “Boboy” Yuzon, Norman Issac, and Rene Aranda. Other works are from SKP members William Contreras, Aileen Casis, Nick Pertierra, R2omy Buen, Ariel Atienza, Stanley Chi, Bladmer Usi, Freely Abrigo, Andrew Villar, Roger Sanchez, Julius Vilanueva, Toto Yonzon, and Jun Acquino.

Somewhere in China: A chronicle of adventurer siblings

2008-10-23T21:22:00.000-07:00

China, a country of more than a billion people, has more than a billion stories to tell as well.

Many people across the globe think that China is a huge country where everything looks the same, like for example the people, food or the scenery.

In reality, the land of the dragon is a country of continuum, and award-winning photographer Jeff Hutchens and his equally talented brother Peter, a virtuous filmmaker, are out to prove it.

Peter and Jeff traveled across China in an adventure that gets below the surface of what have become familiar images of one of the world’s most fascinating countries. Their three-and-a-half-month adventure produced a six-part documentary that showcases Chinese culture captured through stunning photographs and film footage.

Somewhere in China, which started airing on National Geographic Channel (NGC) early this month, provides an interesting peek at the old China blending with the new. Their documented trips to the remarkable Xinjiang province which Jeff describes as “China’s wild west,” Kashgar and its devout Muslim population, the impressive Three Gorges Dam and Yangtze River, and the desolate steppes of Inner Mongolia, among others, simply unveil riveting and spectacular insights of the country within 17-hour shoot.

“China is an incredibly diverse country both geographically and ethnically. We want to give an accurate representation of what China is because the country is not just Beijing, or the Hong, it’s truly a diverse country,” lens master Jeff who visited the country shared during the NGC documentary press launch.

“And the other thing that we really would like to do with this series is to set up a unique visual style. Since Jeff is a still photographer and I worked on a number projects for the National Geographic and for other people, we have a good understanding of visuals and what makes a good show. Part of it, too, is the fact that I am a filmmaker and Jeff is a photographer our credibility rests on the visuals on the series,” Peter, the younger Hutchens added.

By exploring the unfamiliar and “unexpected” parts of China, the duo traveled in places like Gansu where they were kicked out when Tibetan protests turned the tranquil province into a place of unrest. They participated in ‘‘dragon boat race’’ in the Yangtze River with the Chinese locals, climbed a five-story sword ladder, jumped in a freezing pool in minus 14 degree Celsius temperature, and the list of their adventure continuous as they traveled from rough and tumble Western China.

“We know China pretty well, but because of the way we look, we couldn’t blend all that well. And that always left a certain feeling of distance. For me that makes the country so fascinating and I think it’s one of the reasons why we had a good time,” Jeff explained, revealing that they moved to Harbin, China in the early 1980s as ‘‘outsiders’’ to a homogenuous community of some seven million Chinese people.

“China was the first place we lived and the connection with it is the strongest. We speak enough Mandarin to get into trouble... but not enough to get us out of it,” said Peter, who also grew up in South Africa and the Philippines as a member of the globe-roaming Hutchens family.

At the beginning, the duo were asked by questions concerning about their show because the documentary seems not fit in just one particular genre. That particular fact makes the series suitable for the NGC for it caters to varied audiences.

“When you’re making a show or when you’re pitching a show in television, people will always want to say: ‘What is it, what is your show?’ I think our show was actually hard to define from the beginning, which is really tough when we first set up. Is it a travel show? Yes there are travel elements. Is it a buddy brother show? Yes we are brothers and we are buddies except when we fight,” Peter, the quick-witted younger Hutchens, explained.

Capping their visit to the Philippine were a meet and greet portion, a photo exhibit of their travels, video clip screenings and a photography seminar where the brothers imparted tips and techniques to attending students and hobbyists. The event was held at The Reading Room, Filipinas Heritage Library, Makati Avenue, Ayala Triangle, Makati City.

The six-part documentary will air until November; encores will be shown the following day. For more information and schedule, visit www.natgeotv.com.

7th Spanish Film Fest at Greenbelt

2008-10-02T10:51:00.000-07:00

What do Christian Bales’ The Machinist, Sharon Stone’s Basic Instinct 2 and Nicole Kidman’s The Others have in common? Aside from being English-language films, all of them were produced by Spanish Cinema.

All throughout the world Spanish Cinema, which refers to films made within Spain or by Spanish filmmakers, has been acknowledged for its innovative approach in creating motion pictures and highly recognized for its excellence in creative and technical aspects of film making.

For almost a decade, Filipino moviegoers have been delighted by Spanish movies through the initiative of Instituto Cervantes by organizing an annual event that aims not just to introduce Spanish Cinema to the locals but to bring it much closer to the heart of the people. With a long history of Spanish oppression (333 years to be exact), movie, probably, is the best avenue to amend the mindset of the Filipinos towards the country they knew a couple of centuries ago.

Instituto Cervantes has gathered the best and newest Spanish films that range from comedy, drama, action and suspense all in one venue to celebrate October as the Spanish month. From Oct. 1 to 12 at the Cinema 1 of Greenbelt 3, people are invited to the 7th Spanish Film Festival dubbed “Pelicula Pelikula.”

Película is a yearly showcase of the best of Spanish and Latin-American cinema in the Philippines. It was first launched in 2002 and, since then, has been bringing the latest and greatest of Hispanic cinema to the Philippines. Now at its seventh year, Película is recognized as the biggest and most anticipated festival of Spanish film in Southeast Asia.

“It’s complicated to do a festival because you have to come up with a selection of best movies to spread a message. This year’s festival targets to draw 20,000 audiences, this target is 5,000 more than last year’s number of moviegoers who saw the featured films,” Instituto Cervantes director Jose Rodiguez told the media during the press launch held in Casa Armada Restaurant located at Greenbelt 3.

Several multi-awarded films will make their Philippine premier at the film fest. They are Siete mesas de billar frances ( Seven Billiard Tables), Bajo las estrellas (Under the Stars), El pollo, el pez y el cangrejo real (The Chicken, The Fish, and The King Crab) and Matahari.

Other films include Miguel and William, an imagining of what happens when William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes (author of Don Quixote) meet and La torre de suso (Suso’s Tower), a comedy about a group of friends who get together to bury one of their own. There are also line-up of films in different genres, some of which include: La Caja (The Wooden Box), Yo soy la Juani ( My Name is Juani), Concursante (The Contestant), Lo mejor de mi ( The Best of Me), Fados, Los crimenes de Oxford (The Oxford Murders), and the horror movie El orfanato ( The Orphanage).

Last Sept. 30, Nacho G. Vevilla presented his very first movie direction Fuera de Carta (Chef’s Special) at the by-the-invitation-only event which kicked off the film fest. The film that won Best Film Audience Award at the Magala Spanish Film Festival is a comedy about a man whose life suddenly becomes complicated when an Argentinean ex-football player moves in next door.

“This festival is not a function of making a movie for a few. The most important thing is to reach out to the youth, to the younger audience, so we could make this as a family affair,” director Rodriguez said while introducing Nocturna, the winner of the 2008 Goya Awards for Best Animated Film.

Aside from Nocturna, children and children at heart can get a taste of Spanish mimes as Tearofia, a group from Tenerife, Spain, presents “Aqui estamos. Es ova a ser que hemos venido (Here we are. That shows we have come).” About the foibles of traveling, the presentation on Oct. 11 (11 a.m.) is dedicated to families and children. The Oct. 10 (11 p.m.) run of Teatrifia’s show is for older audiences.

A photo exhibit by celebrated Spanish photographer Oscar Fernandez Orengo at the Greenbelt 3 cinema lobby will run during the whole duration of the festival. Coinciding with the event, the exhibit that presents Hispanic films in black and white photos is entitled A traves de mis ojos (Through My Eyes).

Entrance to the photo exhibit is free. Entrance to the movies is P65. For more information, call 526-1482 loc. 115 or visit www.manila.cervantes.es.

Grandpa is Lee Majors’ new role

2008-10-02T10:50:00.000-07:00

What would you do if you had the power to turn yourself into 10 different entities with 10 different superpowers?

For Lee Majors, the American television icon who played Steve Austin in the series The Six Million Dollar Man, dreaming of having superpower is a thing of the past. But given a chance, he would rather have a peek of the future or perhaps go back in time and see some old folks.

“I was a superhero in a television series before so I have the idea what a superhero can do, but if I had real powers, well, I would like to see the people I really like; go back in time or have a peek of the future,” said Majors who was in the country for the promotional tour of Cartoon Network’s first live action TV movie Ben 10: Race Against Time.

Majors, 69, is chiefly known for his major appearances on TV during the ’60s and the ’70s. He initially graced the boob tube as Heath Barkley in The Big Valley, and continued to endear the audiences in Owen Marshall: Counselor at Law, The Fall Guy, and Raven.

In an interview with Standard Today, Majors showed his enthusiasm for doing the movie and his unforgettable experiences with Ben 10 young actors Graham Phillips and Haley Ramm.

“My role here as Grandpa Max is pretty close to my personality in real life, I raised children. With this movie, I play the good-looking grandfather on the show. This is the first time I’m playing a grandfather,” said the American actor. “Graham, the kid who plays Ben, is really cute. He’s very attentive on what the director says and he has experiences doing a movie unlike Haley. Although both of them are really good, Haley needs a little more experience,” he added.

The movie for television he promotes was shot entirely in Los Angeles. It took them three weeks to make the movie. “The shooting period is quite short but the longer process is the post production, doing all the graphics and all,” he said.

Ben 10 landed in the Philippines in October 2006 to become an instant hit, achieving Cartoon Network’s highest rating for boys 7 to 15 on cable. The series has reached almost three million Filipino viewers since its debut and has become one of the most-watched Cartoon Network Originals for boys.

The animated series is also now being aired in more than 160 countries around the world. In Asia Pacific, the show is seen in 118 million households in 23 countries. These facts serve as challenge to the actors and to director Alex Winter because the movie is anticipated to equal the success of the animated version.

“There are challenges in doing the movie. You know, from animation it is made to a real-life action so the actors had to do all the stunts. It’s tough because you have to act with aliens who aren’t there. All you have is a green background and some markers,” he stated. “One of the most unforgettable experience I had with the movie is when we did a scene shot in a basement. The place was really hot and they filled it with smoke so it was hard to breathe. I wasn’t concern about myself, I was thinking about the one who plays Eon (the major antagonist in the movie), he’s a kid and his costume is a torture, he’s all in black,” he recounted.

Majors said that Ben 10 opened him to a whole new audience. “I was on a cruise about a month ago when a kid about five years old came to me and said, ‘Mr. Majors, can I have your autograph?’ I looked at him and said, ‘How do you know me?’ He said, ‘You’re Grandpa Max.’ At that point, the kid held up his wrist to show his Omnitrix and said, “Ben 10 was the greatest movie ever made for a five-year-old,” Majors revealed.

Ben 10 and the movie

For grown-ups with discriminating taste, Ben 10 is not an animated series for them to watch. It is all about Ben Tennyson, a 10-year-old boy with the ability to morph into different aliens using a strange alien device called the Omnitrix. The movie, however, is about Ben and his extraterrestrial nemesis Eon.

In the movie, Eon shows up to claim the Omnitrix and destroy the Earth. Eon was the first alien ever captured by Grandpa Max’s secret organization, “The Plumbers.” The now-escaped Eon is trying to locate the doomsday device that was taken and hidden when he was captured. The device is capable of opening a gateway to Earth and signaling the start of an alien invasion that would mark the end of humankind. Now, Ben, Gwen and Grandpa Max, with some help from The Omnitrix, are on a mission to stop Eon and save the world from total destruction.

Ben 10: Race Against Time is scheduled to air in the Philippines on Cartoon Network tomorrow, Sept. 26 at 8 p.m.

APO’s landmark concert at the Big Dome

2008-10-02T10:48:00.000-07:00

“I still retain images of the Big Dome lighted with cell phones everywhere in the audience like points of happy light sending out warm affectionate signals to us on stage.”

Jim Paredes wrote these lines on his blog few hours after the APO’s successful three-hour-and-eight-minute concert at the Big Dome. He is referring to the moment when the audience at the Araneta Coliseum cooperated by raising and waving their cell phones up in the air while he, Boboy Garrovillo and Danny Javier were singing their classic “Kabilugan ng Buwan.”

More popularly known as The Apo Hiking Society or simply APO, the troika of these quick-witted yet wholesome gentlemen made everyone at the Big Dome laughed, smiled and reminisced through songs that have been a part of their lives.

For 39 years, the APO has made notable contributions on the local music scene and has become a formidable force that adheres to Original Pinoy Music advocacy. The APO has 26 albums under its belt and produced numerous hits that most OPM lovers grew up with. Who would ever forget “Batang-Bata Ka Pa,” “Ewan,” “Awit ng Barkada,” “When I Met You,” “Blue Jeans,” “Panalangin,” “Doobidoo” and “American Junk,” among many others? Many followers considered these songs as the hymns of their lives for they are enclosed with messages that describe Filipino peculiarity, lament social illness, draw positive energy, and ingrain pure emotions.

Unlike other concerts, Apo of the Philippines: Finally… at the Big Dome took the stage on time. This was the very reason why some early birds were distracted by latecomers who were finding their seats in the dark. There were attendees who came as late as 10 p.m. considering the concerts started exactly at 8.

Flocked by more than seven thousand attendees at the beginning of the show, it opened with a band playing some recognizable APO classics before Raymond Marasigan graced the stage with a rap performance. The crowd gave him a loud applause when he hummed “Wala pa nung Myx, wala pa nung MTV, wala pa nung Betamax, meron nang APO,” and heralded the most popular trio on the land.

Jim, Boboy and Danny were clad in tricolor outfit that symbolizes the Philippine flag. They opened the show with an excerpt from “Doobidoo,” followed by “Blue Jeans” and “Ewan.” Noticeably, even after four decades, the trio has maintained the same voice quality people can hear through their records and live performances furthered by their undeniable charisma, and their reunion at the Araneta after several years of hiatus in performing live in a big venue is no exception. Danny can still belt with ease and Jim and Boboy can still strut while singing.

After the opening salvo that earned applause from the grown-ups and youngsters alike, it was followed by “Panalangin” that the trio dedicated to fictional lovers Jun and Julie who became a married couple because of a serenade done by the Apo one early morning at the office of the woman.

In 2006 and in the following year, the country’s most prominent bands collaborated to pay tribute to the great compositions of the APO. Kami nAPO Muna and Kami nAPO Muna Ulit were released and achieved multiplatinum status. The younger generation was then introduced to songs their parents enjoyed. The trio said that even though young people recognize the songs in the tribute albums as contemporary compositions, the mere fact that youngsters sing these songs opened the APO to a whole new generation of audience. Apo Virgins (the term the trio coined to describe the people who saw their live performance for the very first time), were devirginized during the concert with the original versions of “Doobidoo” and “When I Met You.”

The APO never failed the expectation of the crowd, aside from rendering massive classic hits “Pumapatak Ang Ulan,” “Tuyo Na’ng Damdamin,” and “Paano,” they also had their former vocal coach Mon David to sing with them. David shared the stage with APO in performing a cappella “Lumang Tugtugin.”

They also had Jon Santos guest-appearing as president GMA standing on the podium when they performed a satiric bohemian rhapsody number. The trio then delivered a nationalistic note with Muslim-inspired intro of “American Junk. ”

For the whole three hours of the concert, the audience saw how the APO survived the test of time and how they reinvent themselves to adapt to the modern music scene. With different musical taste, they performed “Di Na Natuto” in three genres. Jim did the song in soul, Danny in classical and Boboy in rock. After that, they did a medley of some folk songs flavored with modern-day music. The three then received a standing ovation after that jocose performance.

They fittingly ended the show with “Saan Na Nga Ba’ng Barkada.”

During the opening, on the big screen that served as the backdrop of the stage, it was flashed that the concert is dedicated to the APO’s no. 1 fans (Jun, Dante and Bebot) who were victims of a mishap. Well, as part of the humor, the corruption of their names only means that the concert is actually dedicated to their triumvirate and to their friendship that has endured controversies and the harsh environment of the entertainment world.

For a band to actually last for four decades is something unattainable for most bands, vocal groups, musical groups and the like. Friendship, as the trio claims, is the significant foundation of their success. APO reinvents its sound and maintains the high standards that emanate from their virtuosity in the field they chose to traverse. Young musicians would want to do the same, but most of the time they are blinded by their selfish motives to advance and gain more popularity that only lasts for a couple of years or even less.

Seeing a performance like that of the APO while seated in an uncomfortable chair for three hours is an enough reason to be stuck in this kind of confinement. Audience will not mind poor sound system if their senses were charmed by an outstanding performance that does not try hard to impress. Some of the songs performed by the APO during the concert were unknown (let us talk about generation gap) but it is significant to note the APO is one of the artists, if not the only one in the country, that sings its own compositions. With no doubt, the Apo of the Philippines is a now a benchmark of local live performance.

Life, emotions and music masters

2008-09-18T08:59:00.001-07:00

By Nickie Wang/Manila Standard Today

There are various media we could use to communicate a message and music is one of those. Whether sadness, fear, anger, love, joy or exaltation, music has been a proven way to represent emotions and to trigger emotive responses. However, a message can have diverse impact on people depending on the genre and the level of artistry a musician possesses.

This time, let us have Kim Jongwan, a Korean six-string master, and Ryan Cayabyab and his singers to do the communication.

Another Korean invasion?

Korean drama series dominated primetime television during the previous years, and these series were accompanied by good songs that still captivate people.

Thank You Lord is Kim Jongwan’s first acoustic worship album. For people who have little knowledge on Korean writing, they might feel impassive upon seeing the cover of the album most especially when they try to look at the inside pages. The album and track information are entirely written in Korean language.

Seven out of nine tracks in the album are titled in English while two of them do not have any translation. Nevertheless, it is good to note that these tracks actually sound good that you would even try to find out what they really mean. The first is a soothing tune and the next resounds like a festival of percussions that would really entice the listeners most especially on the final two minutes of the song.

The opening track entitled “Intro” fades in very soft and easy but explodes into a soulful thumping before it fades out. It is followed by infectious “Happy Virus,” a song better played in the morning for it will make your whole day full of positivity. The track pauses right in the middle and comes back with a more playful tapping of the guitar seasoned with some finger snappings.

Kim’s “Amazing Grace” sounds very rousing; the melody creates a certain picture that brings you into a reverie filled with happiness. This level of emotion is furthered by the following track “Above All.” Plucked in a soulful manner, this pop-sounding track culminates with power chords and slows down calm and mellow.

“Lord, I lift Your Name On High” is one of the samples of Kim’s guitar flair. The track starts strong yet it is able to maintain or establish the same energy it initiated. It sounds more of a pop acoustic rather than an acoustic worship song.

Inspired by center of Jesus’ ministry, “Galilee Blues” is a three-and-a-half minute of simple guitar, the chords are mostly the same or repeated creating a certain kind of recall. “Sky, Love, Grace” is a very light arrangement of acoustic sound. This title can recapitulate the message the whole album would like to convey.

Restating that this is an acoustic album and it is not anchored by words weaved in poetic manner, the genius behind the guitar simply illustrates that lyrics is not the only possible way to convey a message and musicians do not usually have to go that far to capture an audience and stir up emotive responses.

Mr. C and his singers

Ryan Cayabyab is the virtuoso behind the successful vocal groups such as Smokey Mountain (a popular band in the ’90s that had James Coronel, Geneva Cruz, Jeffrey Hidalgo, and Tony Lambino as its original members), the 14K (the group that launched Jolina Magdangal’s singing career) and the San Miguel Master Chorale.

This time, Mr. C is back in mentoring seven fresh talents he christened RCS (Ryan Cayabyab Singers).

The RCS has just released a 12-track self-titled debut album that features the voices of its members Anezka Alvarez, Katherine Tiuseco, Kyla Rivera, Irra Cenina, Jaime Barcelon, Poppert Bernadas and Vincent Evangelista.

The album jump-starts with stimulating “Call Me, Call Me.” The lyric may be simple but the vocal is outstanding making it a good opening track to introduce the RCS as vibrant vocal group.

Two Cayabyab originals are featured in the album as revivals. The first is “Hibang Sa Awit” and the other one is “Hello Joe, Goodbye.” The first song showcases the vocal prowess of the male singers in a more sophisticated jazz tempo. Their version of the classic song would sound very well especially when performed in a big venue. On the other hand, “Hello Joe, Goodbye” sounds like a filler song. It is boring to the extent that listeners would be lulled to sleep.

“Ito Na Nga Ang Pag-Ibig” is another song that does not make any appeal. The vocal style is good but not so fitting to the song, making the track better as an instrumental. Just like “Ito Na… Ba’t Di Mo Sinabi” lacks vocal charisma. The lyric has a good humor highlighted at the very last line but still sounds trying hard.

“I’ll Make You Smile Again” promises to put a smile on a person’s face again but nobody would instantaneously smile for something too old- fashioned like this track.

Miserable love song “Paano Na ’To” is brave enough to go away with the traditional rhyming of the lyric, but the thing is, as the album’s longest track, it is plainly uninteresting.

However, there are exceptional tracks in the album that promote the vibrant talents of the RCS and of course of Mr. Cayabyab. Take the papiso-pisong pag-ibig of “Pahamak.” It captures a love story that developed through SMS. The simplicity of the lyrics somehow produced a relevant song that most youngsters could relate.

“Hideaway” is one track to note just like “Let Me Love You Tonight.” Both are sensual love songs furthered by an addictive sound of the piano and perfect vocals.

Finally, “Ayoko Na,” a playful contemporary song that reflects urban landscape focused on the squabble between a woman and her boyfriend who is call center agent. Good thing, Mr. C had this track included in the album for it opens him to a new generation of audience.

Mr. C has proven his panache with all the classic hits he had in the previous years. With RCS, it is difficult to identify their sound. It would be better if they will have a front man who would sing most of the songs when they perform. Although it is a good opportunity for every one of them to showcase their individual talents, but when they always do, they can never create a unique sound that would establish them as a vocal group.

Gloria Diaz promotes healthy lifestyle

2008-09-18T08:59:00.000-07:00

By Nickie Wang/Manila Standard Today

Why do people need to keep their heart healthy?

Based on the statistics of the Department of Health, heart disease is the no. 1 killer in the Philippines. There has been a staggering increase of mortality among men and women concerning varied diseases involving the heart.

Contrary to what most people believe that men are more susceptible than women in having heart disease, the truth is, men and women are equally prone.

Aside from being inherited, there are studies that blame cigarette smoking, excessive fat intake, imbalanced diet, and unhealthy lifestyle as major factors leading to having the fatal disease.

“According to a 2000 Health Report, heart illness is the leading non-communicable disease in the country. What is alarming is that it’s an uptrend since 1950,”said by an Abbott executive.

To create better awareness, Abbott with its product Ensure launches Gloria Diaz as new product endorser alongside with new a campaign “Think Red” that aims to promote good health among women.

“More than anything, women should be aware that they are also prone to heart disease. It’s just that women never knew really for sure. But now, it’s been tested and proven that there is a big risk. One just has to be aware and take all necessary precautions,” former beauty queen Gloria Diaz enthused.

Women often put themselves last when talking about personal health, they think of their loved ones first. “Think Red” does not just promote the product Ensure but also support healthy lifestyle among women. Since red has been a color most associated with them, the campaign aims to educate women to put high premium on their health.

As Ensure continues to be the no. 1 doctor-recommended adult nutritional drink, Abbott realized that part of its corporate social responsibility is to help its consumers in their pursuit of healthy lifestyle by producing innovative and healthy products. With Gloria Diaz as its new endorsers, Abbott officials are confident that she can further solidify Ensure’s position in promoting healthier living.

To have a healthy heart is not just about eating the right food. Although what people eat directly influence the health, it is good to mention that exercise is also advised for it ensures good blood circulation that gives cells the energy they need to function properly aside from it helps reduce other risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure.

“Women like me and most especially ordinary housewives always put our selves last. Now it’s time to take charge of our health. Have a healthy lifestyle, have a good relationship, keep your cholesterol down, and don’t spend too much, take Ensure. And don’t forget to put everything in moderation,” Diaz told the press during the launching of Ensure’s latest commercial featuring Christopher de Leon who renewed his contract as product endorser.

“I heard that the product is doing very great and I am so happy endorsing it again” Boyet said during the press launch.

Diaz claimed that she feels flattered and pressured at the same time for the product did very well without her. She is currently busy shooting for ABS-CBN’s upcoming fantasy series Utoy starring Dolphy and Makisig Morales. She will also grace the silver screen as part of the Metro Manila Film Festival entry of Ai-Ai de las Alas Ang Tanging Ina Ninyong Lahat.

“I still have other projects, but I am not sure if they will push through because one of them requires me to travel out of town. Going out of town then back to Manila is too tiring,” Diaz shared. “As I’ve said, put everything in moderation, take care of your heart, drink Ensure and leave it to God,” she concluded.

Introducing Fernando Amorsolo to a new generation

2008-09-12T23:03:00.000-07:00

Visiting art museums and galleries seemingly is something unexciting to children and teenagers of this generation.

They’d rather go to concerts or the movies than spend time in somber halls of a museum gawking at sculptures or paintings they can’t seem to understand. What they enjoy doing most these days is engaging in anything that’s physical, like sports. Yet, more often than not, these youngsters are in a state of catatonia, and looking like they are busy in their own world that is defined by new technology, like gadgets and the Internet.

This preoccupation of the young in gizmos and mind-numbing activities threaten the very existence of the visual arts.

Luckily, art enthusiasts across the country are making the initiative to introduce art appreciation to the young generation through various programs that tend to encourage them to participate and identify the importance of the arts in social development.

From now till April next year, seven of the country’s most distinguished museums will stage the biggest and the rarest art exhibition honoring the first-ever Filipino National Artist Fernando Amorsolo.

Dubbed as His Art, Our Heart, this exhibition presented by The Metrobank Group brings together the Ayala Museum, GSIS Museum, Lopez Museum, Metropolitan Museum, National Museum, Vargas Museum, and the Yuchengco Museum in a unique showcase that will highlight the different facets of the man and his art.

“Art is an extension of our heart. To bring it back home through the press and media, that is what we are hoping to do with this project. This would not only begin on the first day but it has to blossom within the coming months. We are embracing the 21st century technology to reach the young generation,” advocate of corporate and individual social responsibility and project executive director Evelyn Lim-Forbes told the media during the press briefing held at the Peninsula Hotel in Makati City.

“Through our Web site, teachers can upload and download modules that will prepare and introduce students to Fernando Amorsolo. This landmark collaboration of seven museums is focused on introducing our first National Artist to [a] new generation of Filipinos. It’s practically going back to basic,” she disclosed.

It was announced during the media launch that Create Responsive Infants By Sharing (CRIBS) has been chosen to be the beneficiary of the Amorsolo exhibitions.

CRIBS is a non-government organization operated by a committed group of professionals, trained staff and volunteers. It seeks to provide shelter and residential care to children who are abandoned, surrendered, neglected and sexually abused.

The art’s seven

Fernando Amorsolo is said to have painted more than 10,000 pieces that reflect his mastery in the use of light and his craftsmanship evident in every stroke in his canvasses that generally describe the rural people in their high spirits.

“Women are painted like no other did,” a curator from the Ayala Museum said. As a tribute to the artist’s brilliance, The Ayala Museum will feature Amorsolo’s Maiden Concealed and Revealed from Oct. 23 to March 8. The exhibition will survey Amorsolo’s rendering of women as a means of following his career. It will showcase country maidens from the American period and Amorsolo’s studies of nudes from the post-war years.

The GSIS Museum of Art is joining the Amorsolo Retrospective from Oct. 2 to Dec. 20, with the theme on rituals. Entitled Rituals and Amorsolo, the exhibition will underline how rituals reflect values, beliefs, and shared knowledge among members of a society. The six values were deduced, namely: pagkamadasalin (piety), pagsisikap (hard work), pagkamasayahin (cheerfulness), pagkalinga (nurturing), barkadahan (friendship), and kalinisan (cleanliness).

In its attempt to re-introduce a more multi-dimensional Amorsolo to today’s artists, readers, and viewers, Lopez Memorial Museum presents Tell Tale: The Artist as Storyteller opening on Sept. 24 and will end on April 4. The displays will try to touch on notions having to do with intertextuality or the shaping of texts’ meanings by other texts by exploring how Amorsolo partnered up with figures.

The Metropolitan Museum of Manila will transform the Tall Galleries into a harvest field of Amorsolo rice-related pieces that portray the different stages of paddy preparation, planting, transplanting, harvesting, and milling, among others, as well as some of his outstanding landscape paintings. Philippine Staple: The Land, The Harvest and the Maestro is on view from Sept. 26 to Jan. 13.

At the National Art Gallery of the National Museum of the Philippines, from Sept. 25 to Jan. 15, art aficionados will have the chance to see Amorsolo’s works that speak of how an artist contemplates a sense of the every day, which translates into a moment of culture. The exhibition will show an angle of the artistic practice of Amorsolo through drawings, portraits, and memorabilia.

From Sept. 23 to Nov. 16, Jorge B. Vargas Museum’s Amorsolo, His Contemporaries and Pictures of War: Capturing Anxieties will feature the works of Amorsolo and his contemporaries spanning World War II (1941-1945) and the immediate post-war years (1946-1947). This exhibition invites the viewer to reenter these images and empathize with what Filipino artists and Vargas experienced during these periods.

The Yuchengco Museum’s Mukhang Tsinoy: Portraits by Fernando Amorsolo presents portraits commissioned by Filipino-Chinese families, some of which will be shown to the public for the first time. The Ancestral Gallery will open its doors on Oct. 1 and will close on Jan. 17.

Who is Fernando Amorsolo?

“During his lifetime, my father and his prolific body of works were showered with many honors and awards. He was known as an artist whose extraordinary abilities gave life to many colorful and beautiful facets of Philippine society,” recounted Sylvia Amorsolo-Lazo, the National Artist’s daughter, during her speech at the media launch.

She added that his father found beauty in the ordinary. Rather than paint objects of opulence, glorious scenes of victory in battle, he depicted the common folk like the farmers, vendors, and young women who went about their daily tasks and chores.

Amorsolo was born in Paco, Manila on May 30, 1892. Just like any other artists and contemporary artists, he encountered difficulties to make both ends meet. At the age of 13, as a budding painter, he helped augment his family’s meager income by drawing postcards for a bookstore.

His first recorded win at a competition was at the Bazar Escolta organized by the Asociacion Internacional de Artistas in 1908. He won second prize for Leyendo Periodico. He made illustrations for various Philippine publications including Severino Reyes’ first novel in Tagalog, Parusa ng Diyos (God’s Punishment) and Iñigo Ed. Regalado’s Madaling Araw (Dawn). To earn more money, he also provided illustrations for the religious Pasion books. In 1914, he graduated with medals from the University of the Philippines.

His “Rice Planting” (1922) was a staple of tourist brochures and his style became most sought-after by American soldiers who wanted something uniquely Filipino to bring back home to the United States.

One such client, Capt. Robert Kennedy, brought home a few Amorsolo pieces and had them framed at the Art Center Gallery in New York. The gallery owners inquired about the artist which led to Amorsolo’s first one-man show in New York. Of the 40 pieces, 24 were immediately purchased.

His national and international successes made him a household name. Among his recognitions are: gold medal from the Unesco National Commission (1959); the Rizal Pro Patria Award (1961); Honorary Doctorate in the Humanities from the Far Eastern University (1961); Diploma of Merit from the University of the Philippines (1963); Patnubay ng Sining at Kalinangan Award from the City of Manila (1963); the Republic Cultural Heritage Award (1963); and the very first National Artist Award four days after he passed away on April 24, 1972 at the age of 79.

As a commercial artist, his most popular creation was the “Marca Demonio” label, which is pasted on the bottles of the world’s largest-selling gin, the Ginebra San Miguel (drinking gin is not a good way to introduce Amorsolo to young generation, however, a good trivia for them to know).

Ex-US soldier wins Mister International Philippines

2008-09-06T20:32:00.000-07:00

By Nickie Wang/ Manila Standard Today

Filipino-American Ryan Roberts will wear the Mister International Philippines sash in the international male pageant to be held in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, on Nov. 23.

After outshining 14 other candidates during the pageant’s night held Sept. 1 at the A.Venue Events Mall in Makati, Roberts walked home with P20,000, a trophy, and the prestige to be called Mister International Philippines 2008 winner.

Twenty-four-year-old Ryan, who practically grew up in the US, graduated at Fort Walton High School and had served the US Army 101st Airborne Division for four years in Iraq. He is a product of an interracial marriage between his Filipino mother and American father who met in Clark Air Base more than two decades ago.

At six feet tall, Ryan was a crowd favorite during the event and received an overwhelming applause when he gave his answer during the interview portion. He was asked: “Which one is more important: your family or your friends, why?” “Family is the most important thing, but friends are also important. To me, family first and then friends.”

Ryan, who is also into mixed martial arts and surfing, grinned before the judges.

Male pageant veteran Jeff Surio was announced first runner-up and Marikina’s teen hottie John Bardo “JB” Espiritu, second runner-up.

Controversial candidate Ian Porlayagan was not able to fulfill his dream but made it to the top 8. Ian was Mister International Philippines 2007 winner who failed to compete in last year’s international event held in Malaysia. Local organizer and pageant director Mike Lim told the press that he gave Ian another chance for the young man was really upset when previous local organizers were confronted by problems and failed to send him to the international competition.

“We gave him [Ian] another opportunity, after all everybody deserves a second chance,” Lim clarified. “Now, I will make sure that Ryan Roberts signs the contract as a proof that he will fly abroad to represent the country,” he chuckled during the pageant’s coronation party.

The program that started two hours late was however a record-breaking event for any pageant. It lasted for more than an hour with a fashion pageant concept—an idea of Lim who is also a Public Relations professor at the De La Salle University. There were no special awards given and everything was fast paced. The successful pageant itself indeed serves as a benchmark for all male pageants because it raised the standard and was made truly classy.

The contestants sashayed on the runway wearing creations by Eric de los Santos (Casual Wear), Barge Ramos (Barong Tagalog), Freego (Jeans) and Rickie Abad (Swimwear). They were judged according to their looks, physique and personality that reflected during the interview portion.

The contestants were trimmed down to eight and those who made it to the short list were: Leo Reyes, Bryan Baculi, Ryan Roberts, Ian Leonel Porlayagan, John Bardo “JB” Espiritu, Sary Alsiyed, Jeff Surio and Christian Ang-Cayabyab. The eight were then individually asked a question to test their intelligence. The host told the finalists that language proficiency is not a measure of intellect. Finalists were encouraged to speak the language they are comfortable withg. The questions were asked in English and then repeated in Filipino.

The complete list of 15 who made it through the stiff selection process were: Leo Reyes, Bryan Baculi, Ricswartz “RS” Sibal, Mike Lee, Ryan Roberts, Ian Leonel Porlayagan, Gilbert Lopez, John Bardo “JB” Espiritu, Sary Alsiyed, Jeff Surio, Juan Lorenzo “Enzo” Quitiquit, Aaron Jimenez, Dennis Torres, Philip Ramos and Christian Ang-Cayabyab.

As people in the audience (who were mostly men or looks can really be deceiving) drooled while the 15 gentlemen paraded and flaunted their chiseled torso during the swimwear competition, proportionally, 15 judges as well made crucial decisions in choosing the country’s legitimate representative to the upcoming international pageant.

The board of judges was chaired by Bohol socialite Lani Schoof. Other judges were A.Venue’s Nancy Coo, celebrity columnist Crispina Belen, designers Paul Cabral, Barge Ramos, Ricky Abad and Renee Salud, Aficionado’s Joel Cruz, Manila Times Entertainment editor Ricky Gallardo, PR man Donnie Ramirez, entrepreneur Caloy Varela, Malayan Bank executive Chris Jalandoni, dermatologist Joni Dizon, and fashion and events director Robbie Carmona.

Historical inaccuracy in The Tudors

2008-09-06T20:27:00.000-07:00

05 September 2008 / Manila Standard Today

Most critics look for precise details when someone dares to recreate the past through an elaborate production, either in the movies or television.

This element some filmmakers disregard and instead choose to create a different reality to satisfy visual, the artistry that they think will mesmerize their audience.

This month, HBO Signature features the story of a 15th century dynasty that shaped the history of England.

The Tudors, which kicks off its first season 10 p.m. tonight on HBO Signature on SkyCable, is about the early years of the infamous reign of England’s King Henry VIII. The 10-episode television series will flip back the pages of history to uncover the early turbulent years of this monarch played by Irish film and television actor Jonathan Rhys Meyer.

Filmed entirely on location in Ireland, this sexy scintillating Emmy Award-winning drama series also stars Maria Doyle Kennedy as the Queen Katherine of Aragon; Jeremy Northam as Sir Thomas More; Sam Neill as Cardinal Wolsey; Natalie Dormer as Anne Boleyn; Henry Cavill as Charles Brandon; Callum Blue as Anthony Knivert; Henry Czerny as the Duke of Norfolk; and Gabrielle Anwar as Princess Margaret Tudor, Henry VIII’s sister.

The Tudors creator and writer Michael Hirst, best known for his 1998 film Elizabeth, delved into history in a new and exciting way by portraying the king in a way that has never been done before—young, sexy, intriguing, romantic and infinitely more complex.

This might be the reason some critics say that The Tudors does not seem anywhere near as raunchy or as glamorous as they are currently being portrayed by Hirst. King Henry VIII had been known as an obese ruler who married six times and had a voracious appetite for food and beer.

Hirst’s contemporary version of the 15th century monarchy does not erase what had been written in history books, he just stepped back a little further and showed the other side of the infamous king of England when he was still young, attractive, and could play real tennis or go hunting.

According to Hirst, The Tudors is first and foremost about an exciting and overlooked historical figure. It deals primarily with two, interlinked, triangular relationships, both of which involve Henry. The first concerns his private life, the marriage to his dead brother’s wife, Katherine of Aragon, and his growing obsession with the young Anne Boleyn. The second is concerned with Henry’s role as king and his relations with the pious and moral Sir Thomas More and his politically cunning and imperious chancellor Cardinal Wolsey. As a royal, he appreciates the importance of tradition. As a restless young man with absolute power, he will not bow to authority.

“Michael [Hirst] has written 10 hours of drama but it’s sharp—not a slow 10 hours of period puke. Nobody wants a history lesson. It’s boring. He has this period down. He understands how these people felt, how they thought, their sexuality, their repression, their superstitions,” lead actor Meyer says about the series’ writer and creator.

The intriguing tale of King Henry VIII as narrated by Hirst comes with a question on how to handle encompassing power. It is the same question that Hirst is being confronted by. With his intuitive writing, he made royal characters breathe a new life. The Tudors is not a historical documentary that is being presented like a lesson in a history class. The drama, the glamour, and the romance definitely give it the distinction.

The Tudors will premiere with the first two episodes directed by Charles McDougall and Steve Shill. Episodes 3 to 6 will be shown on Sept. 9 and episodes 7 to 10 on Sept. 10. Encores will air at 8 p.m. from Sept. 22 to 26.

Christian, Karylle, and Joanna sing Leonard Bernstein’s classic hits

2008-08-29T20:42:00.000-07:00

Think of putting top-notch actors, talented and creative people, and a moving love story in one stunning venue like the Meralco Theater. What you get is a world-class stage production.

One of the most highly anticipated productions in the local performing arts is the Manila re-staging of West Side Story featuring Christian Bautista to play the lead role Tony, and Karylle and Joanna Ampil to share the plum role of Maria.

On Sept. 5, local production company Stages will raise the curtain at the Meralco Theater for the musical that transports the classic tale of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet to the turbulent streets of the Upper West Side in 1950s New York City.

West Side Story was first staged by Repertory Philippines in 1981, where Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, who now directs the musical, played the role of Maria while executive producer Audie Gemora played Riff.

The multi-million re-staging of this production also has Gerard Salonga leading the FILharmoniKA orchestra as musical director. Part of the creative and technical staff are Mio Infante (scenographer), John Batalla (lighting director), Bobbit Jacinto (sound designer) and Eric Pineda (costume designer).

Veteran theater actor Gemora is excited about the revival of this musical, which is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International in New York and will precede a new Broadway production in 2009.

“Anything live is spectacular, and the best thing about a theater version is that everything is well written. Staging West Side Story is also a challenge for us because we had to get actors who can both sing and dance. And this production is not just about living the essence of the story alone, it’s about the whole cast and the people behind it,” Gemora said.

Gemora is more than glad to have Joanna Ampil in the production. He said that having Joanna adds up a certain level of polish to the entire ensemble.

“We have a bunch of neophytes, but equally great actors. But when you put Joanna with the rest of them, she simply stands out,” he revealed.

Gemora related to Karylle as a joy in the musical while Christian as a talented actor who made dramatic improvement through proper training.

“Karylle is such a joy. She is very sweet and looks fitting for the role. She really looks like Maria. With her, there’s a certain demand vocally. She is used to doing pop so she had to be trained singing in soprano. While with Christian, he is really into it, we see his dedication and focus,” he added.

West End’s Joanna Ampil who left the country 16 years ago to star in the Sydney and London productions of Miss Saigon arrived in July for the rehearsals. She also shared her excitement for the role she is going play. When she heard the news that West Side Story is going to be staged here in Manila, she personally contacted Audie Gemora to audition.

“It’s always been my dream to perform with Filipino audience. That’s why when I perform abroad and there are Filipinos in the audience, I feel like I have an unspoken connection with them. I will never feel complete without performing here in my country and with Filipino of course,” Joanna shared her enthusiasm.

Christian Bautista, who Gemora believes is suited to play the lead role, underwent different trainings to prepare particularly for the role of Tony. Bautista considers his role in the West Side Story as a great learning experience and that it has transformed him into a versatile performer.

“Well aside from vocal trainings, I started working out because I need to look big on stage. This is my first leading role in a stage production, and in a big venue, so I studied everything and focused on intense acting,” Asian pop heartthrob Christian explained.

According to Gemora, there is a great possibility of bringing the production on a tour in Asia next year. It all depends on the success of the show at the Meralco Theater that runs from Sept. 5 to Oct. 12.

Completing the stellar ensemble of West Side Story are Rowena Vilar, Pam G, Jake Macapagal, Jeff Singson, and Gian Magdangal, Jordan Aguilar, Marielle Alonzo, Jed Amihan, Rosanne Araneta, Earl Baer, April Luz Belarmino, Caissa Borromeo, Joanna Marie Cabrega, Red Concepcion, Napoleon Ching, Pom Decena, Carlos Deriada, Guji Lorenzana, John Philip Martir, Francis Matheu, Beth Munar, Michelle Murenec, Mikaela Padilla, Anthony Ong, Vinia Pamplona, Sam Prudenciando, Rizza Ribo, Bobby Superales, Jay-Anne Tensuan, Erwin Villanueva, Gerald Yranon, Noel Zabala, and theater veterans Richard Cunanan, James Paoleli, and Jaime del Mundo.

For tickets, call Ticketworld at 891-9999 or Stages at 818-1111 local 225. Ticket prices range from P500 to P1,200.

Mister International Philippines: A classy male pageant

2008-08-28T18:14:00.000-07:00

By Nickie Wang/ Manila Standard Today

The fashion and entertainment industries teem with beautiful women who often grace the television programs and advertisements, magazine covers and gigantic billboards. They have been heralded as the epitome of beauty.

Yet their male counterparts, once overlooked by the public, can now claim their share of ogling eyes from, don’t raise your eyebrows, not only women but men as well.

Mister International Philippines 2008 candidates

On Sept. 1 at 7:30 in the evening, 18 dashing men will parade in the Activity Area of posh A. Venue Events Mall in Makati City to vie for the title of Mister International Philippines 2008.

The winner in the pageant will represent the country in the prestigious Mister International 2008 in Kaoshiung, Taiwan on Nov. 23.

Since its emergence in the beauty pageant arena in 2006, Mister International has become an international annual tradition with countless young men all over the world vying for the title. This Singapore homegrown pageant has evolved into a powerful, year-round organization that advances and supports the contestants.

Today, the Mister International titleholder is also the official ambassador of men in the world who continues to stand proud breaking boundaries and defining what it means to be man of the 21st century.

“A lot of people will condemn me for saying this but there is a clamor for a classy male pageant. Mister International Philippines is not just a sleazy male beauty contest. This year, we are bringing this pageant into a new level of legitimacy,” Mike Lim, pageant organizer and producer, told the Standard Today.

Lim added that the winner of the local pageant will be exposed to different charity events and outreach programs in a larger scale and will be a spokesperson who will promote the organization’s advocacy.

Mister International is an annual search for the most beautiful men from different countries, but last year’s Philippine representative Ian Leonel Porlayagan was not able to compete in Malaysia.

“Alan Sim, the president of the international competition, was not very pleased when the country failed to send our representative. For seven months, he had lost contact with the local organizers, so he personally contacted me to handpick a delegate. But I thought of conducting a real pageant instead,” Lim revealed. “We are also giving last year’s winner Ian Porlayagan a chance to join the pageant again because we believe that everybody deserves another chance since he expressed his desire to compete and represent the country,” he added.

Three official screenings were conducted and more than 200 hopefuls showed up during the selections. Lim disclosed that they reserved three more slots for the fourth screening held early this week. They decided to do another screening to complete the final 18 candidates.

Right now, the 12 men who officially qualified in the pageant’s high standards are Marvin Miranda, Ian Leonel Porlayagan, Jeff Surio, Juan Lorenzo Quitiquit, Leo Reyes, Christian Ang-Cayabyab, Philip Ramos, John Bardo Espiritu, Mike Lee, Ricswartz Sibal, Dennis Torres, and Norman Mallare. They will be judged in three categories: swimwear, evening wear, and interview.

The board of judges will be chaired by Bohol socialite Lani Schoof. Other judges include Venice Jeweler’s Judy So, A. Venue’s Nancy Coo, celebrity columnist Crispina Belen, designers Paul Cabral, Barge Ramos, Ricky Abad and Renee Salud, Salon Prive’s Joef Simpson and Aficionado’s Joel Cruz.

Renowned designer Barge Ramos will be providing the barong tagalog for the finalists, with Ricky Abad for the swimwear, Eric delos Santos for the party wear and Jeff Rogador for the suits. Freego will be the official jeans sponsor and Philosophy for Men for the club wear. Victor Ortego will be doing the hair and makeup.

“This pageant is like a fashion pageant. It will be fast paced. There will be no special awards. After the swim wear and formal wear competitions, we will cut the finalist in half then we will proceed to the Q and A, then the announcement of the winner will follow. The first and second runners-up will get P5,000 and P10,000, respectively, and the winner will receive P20,000,” Lim concluded.

Jimmy Kimmel Live! in Asia

2008-08-28T02:01:00.000-07:00

By Nickie Wang/ Manila Standard Today

“Do you know Jimmy?”

“Jimmy who?”

In the streets of Singapore, Star World has been doing an advertising campaign asking local people if they know Jimmy Kimmel. “Jimmy who?” would more often than not has been the answer.

Yet, that advertising campaign heralded the premiere of Jimmy Kimmel Live! in Asia.

Hosted by Emmy-winning comedian Jimmy Kimmel himself, the show is now airing exclusively on Star World.

Weekdays at 10 p.m., cable viewers in the Philippines can have a different late night viewing experience through one of the most innovative and irreverent talk shows on the planet.

“We were brainstorming on how to add up spice on our programming and we all thought that adding something to the late night viewing will be better. Jimmy Kimmel is very popular in the US so we decided to bring the show here in Asia. We are the very first to bring the show outside the US,” shared Nini Yusof, Star regional vice president for affiliate marketing.

The talk show has been famed for having high-profile actors, athletes, musicians and politicians on its guest list. It also features elaborate and innovative stunts such as having Quentin Tarantino and J.J. Abram guest-directing an entire episode or picking up Paula Abdul, Flavor Flay, and Feist using the Big Blue Bus (a municipal bus operator in LA).

Early this year, a video-sharing Web site has helped propel Jimmy Kimmel Live! to new heights with now an infamous video. The video contains an episode wherein Sarah Silverman, Kimmel’s ex-girlfriend, surprised the audience (and Kimmel) with a video clip featuring Matt Damon detailing their affair.

A month later, to counter punch Silverman’s video, Kimmel came up with a stellar lineup of stars in a parody that reveals his affair with Matt Damon’s pal Ben Affleck. Both video clips have been seen by over 100 million YouTube users.

“Philippine viewers are very intelligent. I think we are ready for a different kind of humor like that of Jimmy Kimmel’s” said Adel Chik, marketing manager of Cable Technology Asia Corp.

In the show’s early episodes, Jimmy Kimmel served beer to his guests and let his audience drink in the studio’s bar before the show. When somebody in the studio audience threw up in the middle of the program, one of the staff had to carry that person out of the studio. It was the last time they saw alcohol on the show.

Also during the first episodes, Kimmel sported casual attire. In October 2005, he suited up and started wearing a tie and jacket. The makeover worked: in less than two months, the rating had climbed by 15 percent.

As the name suggests, when the show debuted in 2003, it went to air live in the US. But when some guests used indecent language or behaved badly (rapper Snoop Dogg famously flipped his middle finger on camera), it was decided to have a one-hour delay between the taping and the telecast.

The show, which had just celebrated its 1,000th episode, is filmed at Hollywood’s El Capitan Entertainment Center, across the Kodak Theatre, home of the Oscars. Jimmy Kimmel says: “We love doing the show there. It’s a great spot. We could make a bit out just pointing the camera outside and talking to people as they walk by. Not too many shows have that luxury.”

Intramuros concert pays tribute to the Katipunan

2008-08-22T18:29:00.000-07:00

By Nickie Wang/Manila Standard Today

In a candle-lit room, members of the Katipunan denounced the abuses of the Spanish government and swore to fight colonial oppression. The Katipunan or Kataas-taasang, Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (Supreme and Venerable Society of the Children of the Nation), one of the successor organizations of La Liga Filipina that was founded by national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, was a revolutionary organization founded by the great plebeian Andres Bonifacio.

One hundred sixteen years later, Intramuros Administration (IA) staged Mabuhay, Pilipinas! Alay sa mga Anak ng Bayan, a concert dedicated to the Filipinos who valiantly fought during the revolution against Spain for the liberation of the Philippines.

Compared to the humble place where Katipunan was established, the program on Aug. 13 was held in a grandiose colonial house influenced by the architectural styles of art noveau and art deco. The venue of the concert was the Casa Blanca at the Plaza San Luiz Complex in Manila’s Walled City.

“Every month of August, we pay homage to our national heroes who died fighting for Philippine independence,” Intramuros administrator Anna Maria Harper said. “I am greatly honored to welcome everyone to this concert that honors our brave heroes,” she added in her opening remarks.

The one-hour concert directed by Felipe de Leon Jr. celebrated beautiful classical and patriotic songs of the 19th century, composed by Filipinos regarded as strong pillars of the Philippine music and who established the nationalist tradition. Nicanor Abelardo, Francisco Santiago, Julio Nakpil, and carried on by the next generation of composers among whom were Antonio Molina, Juan S. de Hernandez, and Felipe de Leon are included as well.

Their works are rarely performed and heard in the concert stages these days. One of the goals of the concert was to generate awareness of the various aspects of the 19th century music aside from honoring brave heroes who risked their lives just to gain independence.

Among the musical pieces performed included: “Alerta Katipunan” by the Lyceum University Chorale; “Mula ng Mauso ang Damit,” an 1873 folksong of General Trias, Cavite, sung by baritone Jonathan Badon: and “Jocelynang Baliuag,” rendered by former Central Bank governor Jaime Laya.

The concert also featured pianist Nena del Rosario-Villanueva who impressed the audience with her version of A. Doronila’s “Philippine Rhapsody.” Pianist Jourdann Petalver, soprano Camille Lopez, and violinist Coke Bolipata were also outstanding in entertaining the mostly elite audience. The program ended with the singing of Felipe de Leon’s “Ako’y Pilipino” sang in unison by all the performers.

Tourism Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque and National Commission for Culture and the Arts’ Vilma Labrador were the nationalist concert’s guests of honor. Also present in the event were president of Heritage Conservation Society of the Philippines Gemma Cruz-Araneta and fashion designer Pitoy Moreno.

Rediscovering Boracay through Fairways and Bluewater

2008-08-21T05:37:00.000-07:00

By Nickie Wang/ Manila Standard Today

What else could we enjoy in Boracay?

Touted as one of the 10 best beaches in the world by Yahoo Travel for its pristine blue water and blindingly white sand, Boracay has more than relaxation, clubbing, and beach activities to offer.

During the first Fairways and Bluewater Resort Golf and Country Club Amateur Golf Media Invitational, local press discovered something normal Bora goers have hardly experienced before. We visited the resort to learn how to play golf yet the experience turned to be serendipitous. As first-time golfers we had our own funny wind shots, yet we met new friends, stuffed ourselves with good food and had an adventure while basking in the tranquil panorama of the island paradise.

From the domestic airport in Manila we boarded in a 20-seater propeller type plane. The plane was quite noisy and it hurts our ears while landing at the island’s port of entry in Caticlan. But the auditory torture was alleviated because Fairways and Bluewater has its own lounge at the airport. Visitors of the resort can wait there before they are shuttled to the resort’s posh welcome center, which is just less than a five-minute ride.

Friendly and attentive staff greeted the press with a welcome drink—our initial taste of the resort’s superb hospitality— and gave our designated room numbers.

“You can feel the difference from the time you arrive at the airport. We would like to enhance the arrival experience of our guests and members,” resort general manager Gregg Pearson said during his sit-down with the press.

The exclusive welcome center of Fairways and Bluewater, a facility that other resorts also use for a fee, transports the visitors directly to the resort complex via private ferry boats in a blissful 15-minute ride.

Spacious and finely furnished rooms and condotels will welcome the guests after their trip. The resort complex has an array of accommodation options. The vast expanses of greenery surrounding the villas are simply mesmerizing. The units are self-sufficient and feature panoramic views of the manicured surroundings and the sandy white beach. The apartment-style guestrooms are equipped with sophisticated facilities just like at the Balaihara Villatel where we stayed for two nights and three days. The opulent accommodation includes air-conditioning, a balcony overlooking the golf course, satellite TV, direct dial telephone, fully equipped kitchen, coffee/tea maker, and a luxurious bathroom.

Aside from the golf course, guests also have access to private beach coves and the white beach of Boracay, the nine Balaihara Villatels are spread along the fairways of holes 1, 2 and 8. Each building has 30 rooms with an area of either 50 square meters or 70 sq m each (the biggest space you can find in the island).

Pearson said there are condotels that have the most scenic view of the resort; they are named Villa Maria, Villa Margarita, Villa Sofia, and Villa Ysabel. They are first-class condotels that offer buyers with ownership of their Fairways and Bluewater units in Boracay. These buildings also have a view of the Sibuyan Sea. Designed to accommodate the discriminating taste of holiday visitors, suites have all the amenities of home. The spacious two-bedroom, one-bedroom and studio units accommodate families or groups without sacrificing privacy.

… the golf

A day before the Amateur Golf Media Invitational, we had an ocular tour of the entire golf course with Steve Polastri, who also patiently instructed us during the golf clinic.

Designed by Australian master golfer Graham Marsh, it is a spectacular 18-hole par 72 world-class golf course blanketed by lush greens and fairways that compliment the tropical surrounding of the island. The cemented golf cart pathways that snake through the entire complex ease the way of traveling around.

It is surprising that in the little island of Boracay, there is a resort that offers this kind of amenity. The golf course alone constitutes 70 percent of the entire area of the resort complex. The resort itself is 120 hectares or 10 percent of Boracay’s total land area. It spans the entire width of Boracay, creating not just one but three stunning stretches of splendid white beaches.
The golf course was designed to test one’s skills. The developer, Fil-Estate Properties Inc., did not alter the natural landscape of the island when they constructed the resort to create rolling and undulating terrains. It is a tough test for golfers but an exhilarating experience of teeing off feeling the sea breeze and the magnificent warmth of the Boracay sun.

… the gulp

It was an exciting night at the resort’s clubhouse when we had our dinner at the Andaluz Restaurant, which specializes in Spanish-Moroccan cuisine. After our sumptuous meal, we headed to the poolside where the resort holds “The Thirsty Thursday.” This is a drink-all-you-can event at the clubhouse where golfers and gulpers alike can have some nice chats.
The clubhouse is located conveniently inside the complex; it serves meals and scrumptious snacks. It is also home to a freshwater infinity swimming pool, a children’s pool, a game room, an open-air deck patio, a grill restaurant, and a conference/events room.

Just beneath the clubhouse is the Paradise Cove that provides beachfront cabanas and lounge chairs where golfers can soak up the sun. This was the venue of the luau party organized by the resort to the participants of the golf invitational. It is just a perfect place to see the stars and walk along the secluded beach while having a private time with someone special.
Just above the clubhouse is the Pirate’s Den where La Terreza is situated. La Terreza, as the name suggests, offers buffet meal where guests can dine and enjoy the spectacular view of the Bulabog Beach.

… and the adventure

We had the chance to ride ATVs (all terrain vehicles) and drove at the westside of the resort complex. We experienced seeing the real beauty of the island while raising our way to reach both ends of the resort. The vehicles provided an exciting new adventure for the press people. These machines are easy and dependable to ride and can reach even inaccessible areas.
The more vigorous guests of the resort can try horseback riding and a variety of water sports such as jet skiing, scuba diving, snorkeling, para-sailing, mini-cruising, island cruising, wind surfing, among others.

In 1993, Noel “Toti” Cariño and other founding members of Fil-Estate Properties Inc. envisioned to build a world-class golfers resort complex in Boracay. Now, their vision is to make Fairways and Bluewater Resort Golf and Country Club one of the best resorts not just in the Philippines but also in the entire region.

“They [other resorts in the island] don’t have what we have, here our guests have the option to get away from the hustle and bustle here in Boracay,” Pearson affirmed.

Whether you are a professional or an amateur golfer or even if you’re not a fan of the sport, Fairways and Bluewater is a perfect access to the islands most precious offering. It’s not just the golf, the gulp or the adventure that people will remember when they leave the island, it’s the experience and the moment they shared with people they love in a small piece of heaven where everything is just splendid and beautiful.

Model search ‘Face of the Year’ is back

2008-08-20T21:42:00.000-07:00

By Nickie Wang /Manila Standard Today
21 August 2008

Being discovered by a talent scout while strolling in a mall, or just sweeping the sidewalk perhaps, or serving a customer in a fast-food restaurant is a far too common an anecdote of models, movie/TV stars now basking in fame and fortune.

A modeling search is the one of the best ways to meet people in the fashion industry for connection. It is also the venue where you can meet the media who can give you free publicity, and or meet producers who could be willing to gamble on you and transform you into a big star.

Face of the Year, a modeling search founded and organized by semi-retired talent manager Jojo Veloso, is back after seven years, but this time, it is under a new management. The franchise of the modeling contest is now owned by budding actor and young entrepreneur James Radd Amado via his Faces International Management Agency.

“I want to try different things. Producing this contest is something new and challenging for me. Although I am a people person, staging Face of the Year is a big task considering that this contest has been in a break for seven years,” 24-year-old James said during an interview at the Great Mall of China where the selection of the contest’s Press’ and Photographer’s Choice Awards was held.

Twenty dashing young men and 20 gorgeous young women sashayed before the press on Aug. 16. Their youthful faces are set to vie for the title 2008 Face of the Year and 2008 Model Discovery of the Year in the grand coronation night slated on Sept. 18 at the Pagcor Theater.

“Our goal is to make this model search bigger than ever. We are eyeing international competitions where we can send the winners. Our agency has been in constant communication with other international agencies. I hope the inter-agency competition we are setting would push through because this could give our talents international exposure,” James explained.

From several hundreds who auditioned, 20 beautiful young girls made it to the official list of candidates and they are Mary Grace Imperial, Maria Aishelle Sanchez, Vanessa-Jane Revilla, Kristine Marie Manicad, Joyce Ann Quizon, Venus Ann Baluya, Ma. Isabelle Mendoza, Jennifer Robertte Fajardo, Divina Beceril, Russelyn Reguin, Allysa Grace Silverio, Roxanne Ortiz, Rachel Luzon, Sarah Misa Hernandez, Elaine delos Santos, Atheena Taccad, Chanela Mira Limpin, Princess Joy Palma, Christine Joy Eugenio and Carla Janine Lao.

The official candidates for the male division are Peter Paul Danganan, Marvin Angeles, John Christian Lopez, Christian Wilfred Gonzaga, John Michael Villanueva, Michael Estorninos, Lester Buna, Jervy Arahan, Lennard Marvin Cruz, Luis Miguel Acosta, Rafael Tolentino, Justine Royce Dizon, Mark Unrubia, Paulo Dy, John Paul Regodon, Rafael Morales, Gabriel Inigo Uy Garcia, Peter Vander Muelen, Yuri Novelli and Mc Carlou Timbol.

These 40 good-looking candidates will visit Subic Bay Yacht Club on Aug. 30 to 31 for the swimsuit competition; they will also face another round of scrutiny for the Cover Girl and Cover Boy competition on Sept. 13 at the Elbow Room in Metro Walk Alabang; and another one for the Glamour Award competition at the Sofitel Philippines Plaza Manila a day before the final night.

Winners of the title Face of the Year and Model Discovery of the Year will be the country’s official delegates to the Faces International Model Search to be held in Los Angeles sometime next year.

The winners will endorse Great Mall of China, located along Macapagal Avenue, and Netopia for one year. They will also receive cash prizes, educational plans from STI and contracts under Viva Films.

Changing moods and shifting modes

2008-08-19T06:13:00.000-07:00

By Nickie Wang /Manila Standard Today
19 August 2008

How do you start your day?

Some people prefer to jump-start their day with loads of fun and laughter. Others devote their time focusing on the most important things need to be done. Amid the high rocketing prices of basic commodities, the only way to get by is to smile and throw some chuckles because no matter how we contemplate on every possible way to budget our meager income, it will not solve the problem because higher inflation seems to be a perennial trend.

So, before the problem lingers and turns into a full-scale crisis, let us appreciate the value of laughter by listening to the wacky tandem of Chris Tsuper and Nicole Hyala. Being optimistic, however, is still recommended with sanguine and propelling songs of Bonggo.

Perky road trip

You won’t mind riding an FX with a harum-scarum driver if the radio’s tuned in to 90.7 Love Radio. Commuting has never been so wacky with Chris Tsuper and Nicole Hyala (a.k.a. Tambalang Balasubas at Balahura), tossing out-of-this-world punchlines.

A lot of commuters and even those who just stay at home listening to the popular duo are already familiar with their opening spiel: “Tambalan Na! Si Nicole Hyala po, ang balahurang classmate nyo! Boses ko pa lang pang-almusal nyo na, at si Chris Tsuper, ang balasubas na kambyo king! Sigla ng tawa ko pati bangkay nagigising! Dito sa tambalang pilit na ginagaya ngunit di makuha ang timpla!”

The hilarious duo teams up with Ivory Records in releasing HeyTambalan Na! D’ Nakakalurkei! Na Album. It includes the best of “Tambalagtasan,” a segment in their program in which they put some kind of naughty spin to anything out of the ordinary. The quick-witted duo would use words (from the country’s multi-lingual regions in all possible ways. Like agpapukis (an Ilocano word that means to have a haircut, pukis is the root word); pukiyi (a Chinese word that means not allowed); and keki (a Japanese term for cake).

Aside from the “Tambalagtasan,” they also included the best of Salawikain (proverb) and Kakatukan Stories. To understand these words, better listen to the album, but be cautious enough as Nicole Hyala warns: “Ang mamirata at magdownload, mababaog!”

The album also includes “Kadyot and Kukurukuku” and their chipmunk-sounding spiels that have been a staple sound bite on Love Radio.

The actual tracks that anchor the album—“Biyaheng Jeepney,” “Shala-shala,” “Jowadik,” “Ka-chervahan” and “Nakakalurkei”—are from the campy gay vocabulary, except for the first one.
With “Biyaheng Jeepney,” they are able to depict the real jeepney-riding experience with seats for eight being occupied by nine people, and the reverberating music, not to mention the shouting and the yelling of drivers and passengers.

The thing with their songs, which are actually very few because most of the tracks in the album are just compilation of the best segments of their program, they don’t rhyme lyrically but the essence is there. Nothing musically outstanding, yet most of the messages they convey mirror the peculiarity of Filipino behavior. We will not be surprised if Chris Tsuper and Nicole Hyala would come up with another album where we would hear them recite, or, in their case, sing their heart out.

The album is critiqued as just an extension of the tandem’s radio program but the positive side of it is that if you enjoyed their program, with their CD, you would have all the time in the world listening and laughing with them. Admit it or not, albeit the stereotype that the program is “baduy,” a lot of people enjoy listening to this fantastic pair. After all, everyone has his own little “jologs” inside him.

Bingo Mayor Bonggo

Bonggo is Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. of Olongapo City. The beloved patriarch of the former United States naval base is Fighting for Excellence.

This may sound like his campaign platform, but this is actually the title of an album. Yes you read it right. Mayor Bong Gordon is a musician, a politician and a visionary.

His passion for music started as a member of Ateneo Glee Club and eventually had his talent shared with all other politicians who enjoy music and playing instruments. Thus, the band Houseboys was born. The band was composed of representatives who were also musicians.
But Mayor Bong’s passion for music does not stop with just playing guitar and writing songs, he utilizes the talent to affect people and to mobilize their vast potentials.

Fighting For Excellence is a perfect slogan that heralds the visions of this public servant. The album itself contains seven tracks written by Mayor Bong with the help of his band Bonggo, formed in 1996 to further entertain colleagues and friends that in the long run became a band he uses to educate his constituents through their performances.

The album’s nationalistic approach reflects the willingness of Mayor Bong to bring about change. “Sibit-sibit,” a boat used by old folks for fishing, is a song that narrates the tale of Olongapo’s transition from a simple rural town to a bustling city.

The satiric track “Balimbing” sounds strange because it comes from a politician. It pertains to people in the government who blatantly shift loyalty (another common occurrence in the government).

“May Mga Tao Sa Subic,” is a cry for recognition. It is actually a tribute to the 8,000 volunteers who have unselfishly dedicated their skills and talents in boosting the economy of Central Luzon, yet somehow have now been marginalized.

If you are fond of oldies, “Songs Of Love” is for you. However, it does not have the same impact as the other songs in the album. Similarly, “Pinoy! Check ng Check” falls into the same pit.
Mayor Bong made it contemporary by collaborating with a rapper. We bet, this is the track in the album that even his constituents wouldn’t listen to. Sometimes, no matter how deep the message is, when the melody isn’t too pleasing, the song will remain nothing but a statistics.

Fighting for Excellence, which is also the title of the promotional track, and “Pilipinas Bayan Ko” are the most striking songs in the album. The first recognizes the government thrust to motivate people to fight for excellence, and the latter, which has become the anthem of people who still believe that there is hope in this country, creates a stronger impact in the hearts and in the minds of people who happened to hear the song.

Truly, delivering a message and advocacy can be channeled through different media. Mayor Bong’s strategy is an example. Instead of doing the conventional way, music, as a form of communication, is another effective method to relay a message. Bingo!

Award-winning playwright stages production at CCP

2008-08-15T22:03:00.000-07:00

By Nickie Wang /Manila Standard Today
16 August 2008

Asian-American dramatist David Henry Hwang is here in Manila to present his story of a 19th century Chinese family coping with living in a life being shaped by a deluge of influences from the West.

“This production is a coming-home of many sorts. It’s a coming home of David and the coming home of an experience. There will be actors from New York and they will collaborate with our local artists here,” CCP artistic director Chris Millado said during the press conference.

Directed by Obie awardee Loy Arcenas, the play will run for four weeks in two versions. It will be presented in English for the first two weeks. The Filipino version will be staged in the last two weeks of the schedule that will end on Sept. 7. Dennis Marasigan, artistic director of Tanghalang Pilipino and award-winning filmmaker, provided the translation.

Golden Child premiered at CCP’s Little Theater as the Tanghalang Pilipino’s 22nd theater season opening. It has a powerful ensemble including Irma Adlawan, Liesl Batucan, Tess Jamias, and Leo Rialp. They are joined by New York-based Tina Chilip and Art Acuña (an Obie winner for Magno Rubio), plus the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors’ Company.

“Golden Child is an oral history of my family and it is a major piece of writing I did as a kid. It is based on the story that my grandmother told me 40 years ago,” David told the press. “It’s really thrilling for me to do this production here because I have my roots here in the Philippines. I was 10 years old when my grandmother has fallen ill. So I asked my parents to let me spend my summer vacation here to visit my grandmother in Cebu. At the back of my mind, if she passed away, I wouldn’t be able to retrieve the story of my family,” the playwright added.

The Golden Child

“Golden Child is the title because the lead character refers to his daughter as his golden child or lucky charm in business or whenever he gambles,” David said.

The play is about a Chinese patriarch whose three wives worry about the effect of his apparent interest in Western ways on a household where ancestor worship is observed and traditional rituals are practiced, setting off a power struggle among them.

He decides to turn his back on Chinese customs and converts to Christianity, and his wives’ worries become more pronounced because in Christian tradition, a man has only one woman to call his wife.

His decision results in unexpected consequences he does not plan for nor remotely expects. It is his prized offspring, his golden child, who encourages him to go back to the Philippines and promises to tell great stories about how he made them all born again.

“My mother said that there are lots of events that didn’t happen in our family, but I am just narrating what my grandmother told me,” David laughed.

He added that the pleasant irony about his writing the Golden Child is that his maternal grandmother who has fallen ill didn’t pass away. His grandmother even saw the production in LA and liked it.

The golden playwright

Born and raised in Los Angeles, David Henry Hwang is a contemporary Asian-American playwright who has been acclaimed as one of the most prolific and most successful dramatists in the US.

He was critically acclaimed for his 1988 Tony Award-winning M. Butterfly, which ran for two years on Broadway. The production also won Drama Desk, John Gassner, and Outer Critics Circle Awards, and was also a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. The play enjoyed a one-year run on London ‘s West End and has been produced in over three dozen countries to date.

David’s Broadway musicals include his new book for Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Flower Drum Song, starring Lea Salonga, which earned him his third Tony nomination in 2003 for Best Book of a Musical. He co-wrote the book for Disney’s international hit Aida, with music and lyrics by Elton John and Tim Rice, which won four 2000 Tony Awards and ran over four years on Broadway, and was the book writer of Disney’s Tarzan, with songs by Phil Collins, which is currently a smash hit in Europe.

His play Golden Child premiered off-Broadway at the Joseph Papp Public Theater, received a 1997 Obie Award for playwriting and subsequently moved to Broadway, where it received three 1998 Tony nominations, including Best New Play. The Manila production of this play is produced by arrangement with Hal Leonard Australia Pty. Ltd., on behalf of Dramatists Play Service Inc., New York.

The regular ticket price is P600 and P300 pesos for students.

For more information, call 832-3661, 832-3704 or 891-9999.

Visual artist talks about environment, social imbalance

2008-08-09T02:37:00.000-07:00

By Nickie Wang /Manila Standard Today
o9 August 2008

Socio-realism is the term used by artists to depict their works that focus on the everyday life of the working class and the impoverished people.

It could be just an artistic style, but for local artist Gene de Loyola, it’s more than just an approach or a detailed form of color and other elements, it is an avenue where he can promote balance and development using his paint and his brush.

With his fourth solo exhibition at the Alab Art Space in the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IP Philippines) in Makati City, socio-realist visual artist De Loyola drives home a message of keeping the balance in the environment and bridging the gap between the social classes.

Entitled Ugnay, De Loyola explained that the exhibition aims to open a new level of awareness.

“Ugnay tells the truth. It reflects our society… Katotohanang may mayaman at mahirap. And between the two, there’s a dominant force. What Ugnay wants to do is to keep the balance because if there’s a balance, there’s a strong majority, tayo’y magiging matatag,” De Loyola said in an interview.

De Loyola was born on Sept. 10, 1956 in Naga City and started drawing at a tender age of four. When he was six years old, he was introduced by his father to Broulio Roman Dayao, who happened to be their neighbor in Quezon City. Dayao, a graduate of UP Fine Arts, was known then for his landscapes and portraiture. De Loyola was so impressed with the maestro that almost everyday from school, he would proceed to the studio of Dayao to watch him paint.

“He gave me a watercolor and a paper. Since then yung passion ko for art developed. Dun din nagsimula yung pagpipinta ko ‘on the spot’,” the artist shared.

Inspired by the beauty of nature, De Loyola’s latest offering mirrors the development in the province of Rizal where he now resides. Over 50 paintings in soft pastel, watercolor, acrylic and oil on canvass are on display at the Alab Art Space. The most outstanding displays are: Tampisaw sa Batis (35” x 45”); Pulutong (watercolor, 35”x45”); and Gubat Batlag Sapa (35”x 45”).

In 2006, the Pacheco Artists Program conferred the Gawad Artista ng Bayan Award to De Loyola. He was likewise given the prestigious Huwarang Pilipino Award for the Arts in 2003 presented by Radyo ng Bayan in cooperation with Huwarang Pilipino Foundation for his contributions to the art industry.

Known for his efforts to uphold the development of Philippine art and culture, De Loyola jointly founded Buklod Sining in 1980 with the late Papo de Asis. Buklod Sining presented the real situation of Philippine society through the visual arts.

This exhibition also aspires to encourage respect for intellectual property, particularly those in the creative sector. De Loyola’s exhibit is among the collaborative initiatives between IP Philippines and the creative industries.

“Alab Art Space was established to help the organization of budding artists. We provide the exhibition space for free. We conduct seminars to inform these groups about their rights as copyright owners,” director for Documentation, Information and Technology Transfer Bureau of the IPP Carmen Peralta shared in an interview.

Alab Art Space is an alternative venue to showcase the works of budding artists. According to Peralta, the space for exhibition is free of charge, the arrangement between them and the artists is just a 10-percent commission that will go to the development of the venue and for the seminars being conducted by the IPP.

Transformation and musical journeys

2008-08-06T09:40:00.000-07:00

By Nickie Wang /Manila Standard Today
o6 August 2008

We always think that a new album coming from artists who had produced exceptional records and anthemic tracks would always equal their previous works. The pressure to maintain or at least live up to the expectations of the public is a tough task for Aiza Seguerra and Yeng Constantino. Smash hits “Pagdating ng Panahon” and “Hawak Kamay,” by Seguerra and Constantino, respectively, both paved the way for the artists who make guitar-oriented musical compositions. We can still recall how these records created an LSS (last song syndrome) among young people.

Inspired melody

Aiza Seguerra is no longer the child star we know. Her appeal as a child sensation lost its sheen during the latter part of the ’90s. But in 2001, she made a phenomenal comeback via “Pagdating ng Panahon.” This album etched an indelible mark on the local music scene, and for some reason, became her ticket to openly discuss her sexuality.

The unprecedented success of Aiza’s now quintuple platinum- selling album, gave her a new-found fame, but was she able to maintain the popularity?

With “Para Lang Sa ‘Yo,” her album inspired by Judy Ann Santos’ series Ysabella where she also starred in, the listening public was again moved by her angelic voice that never tries hard to impress. Even the most discriminating ears will agree that less voice is more conducive to listening than those records of artists that screech with vocal gymnastics.

“Para Lang Sa ’Yo,” which is also the title of the promotional track, has a romantic theme that both men and women could relate to. “Sana Di Puro Lang Sana” furthers the emotion conveyed by the previous track, but what really serves as an extension of the first song in the album is “Sa ’Yo Lamang.” Whether intentionally or not, this has the same story conveyed in “Para Lang Sa ’Yo.”

“Walang Sayang” is the irony of the track title, this is one of the songs that will bore the listeners, the other one is “Kasama.” The first doesn’t offer something special aside from the fact that it looks like it was taken from a karaoke’s more than a decade-old playlist.

“Kasama” is lyrically poor, high school students can write better lyric.

For first-time listeners who would play the whole album from start to finish, “Persistent Rain” will not disappoint them. The timing is right for the rainy season but whether the rain pours or not, this track will appeal to anyone who is on the verge of letting go and in the first phase of moving on.

“Mahagkan Kang Muli” and “Huwag Mong Iiwan Ang Puso” are the best tracks in the album not because Nyoy Volante and Ogie Alcasid are the respective brilliant composers who shared their talents to complete this project. “Mahagkan…” is a love note written with very simple words yet expresses a deeper meaning. Ogie’s “Huwag Mong…” is a song with a stronger impact as it communicates the emotion of an honest heart.

Aiza made two revivals in the album. Her rendition of “I’ll Be There” is actually better than the original. The message of the song is more felt with easy and soft vocal. That is actually the effect when the attention of the listeners is focused on the message of the song and not to the vocal dynamics. The other cover that is really worth mentioning is “Bakit Ako Mahihiya.” Reliving this Didith Reyes’ classic is Aiza’s affirmation of her sexuality. She gave it a new flavor, a contemporary touch that didn’t fail to give the song a new life.

The album tells a story, a love story everyone could relate. However, the sales of “Para Lang Sa ’Yo” can tell that Aiza failed to equal the success of her previous project. With a new album underway, we can say that she matures only enough to keep her audience from listening to her music.

The big dreamer

Young and sensational! Yeng Constantino made waves with her anthemic “Hawak Kamay,” the single that became more popular than her name. It’s part of her debut album released in 2006 after winning the ABS-CBN reality show Pinoy Dream Academy.

She is touted as one of the most poetic artists in the field of music writing. Considering her age, she was able to write songs that stirred the emotions of her contemporaries and even the older ones. With Journey, her latest offering, Big Dreamer Yeng tries to prove that she is becoming a mature artist.

“Di Na Ganun” opens the 12-track album that hinges on the definition of local pop-rock genre. With this track, Yeng initially shows her authentic talent. She establishes her sound then attracts the listeners with her writing flair. She will entertain you with her playful yet assuring “Ikaw Lang Talaga” before she slows down with a friendship song. “Promise” is different from the other tracks in the album. It is slow-paced and different from the usual sound we hear from Yeng.

Infectious with its positive outlook, “Pili Ka Lang” will affect the emotion of the listeners of the next song with strong conviction “Tao Lang Ako.”

What is noticeable about Yeng with her compositions is that she doesn’t try hard to sound perfect for the pop-rock genre. There are people who would argue that she doesn’t have a perfect voice to be a diva but she utilizes her talent in creating materials that soothe her vocal style. “What About Us,” “If You Go” and “Why Can’t You” are perfect examples for that. But it is not all praises for her. “Tala” and “Bakit Nga” should have been excluded in the album. She could rearrange them, add new flavor, and include them to the next album that she will have. Not that they don’t sound good but while listening to them, the only move the listeners would want to do is to skip and move on to the next track. Same thing goes with her cover of Asin’s “Himig Ng Pag-ibig.” One of the risks in doing revivals, most especially if the song is a big classic, the artist must equal what the song did before; otherwise, it will only sound like an ugly distortion.

The last track in the album is “Habambuhay.” This one is so outstanding that people wouldn’t mind hearing it over and over again (sad to say, Yeng didn’t write this song).

Generally, most of the songs made good impressions. The guitar is so polished that people would really think Yeng is a genius, but actually she plays with the help of her band Morning Glory.

She may have evolved as a mature artist but examining her sound and image, she just looks and sounds like a foreign lady rocker. Wonder who she is? Visit Youtube and check out the most viewed video of all time.

The role of media in modern societies

2008-07-29T21:23:00.000-07:00

By Nickie Wang /Manila Standard Today
30 July 2008

The Asian Media Information and Communication Centre (AMIC) 17th annual conference, the largest and most prestigious gathering in Asia and the Pacific region to tackle the United Nations 8 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), was held at the historic Manila Hotel from July 14 to 17.

On the first day of the four-day event, Vice President Noli “Kabayan” de Castro delivered the keynote address while Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim welcomed the more than 600 delegates who were media industry professionals, heads and members of government agencies, communication leaders, scholars, experts and students all over the region.

AMIC, under the chairmanship of A/P Ang Peng Hwa, is a non-profit NGO and a registered charity in Singapore with the mission of spearheading the development of media and communication expertise in Asia within the broad framework of economic, social and cultural development.

With this year’s theme “Changing Media, Changing Societies: Media and the Millennium Development Goals,” AMIC is not just privileged to serve the media but also more importantly the public. As it continues to provide relevant and credible information analysis of media issues and their impact on the development in the Asian region, the key focus of this year’s conference is to see how an active and vibrant media can help in achieving the MDGs.

“Holding this conference here in the Philippines is just right. We could actively participate in the discussion because the MDGs need focus and consideration, these are very crucial things,” stated by Miriam College Department of Communication Arts professor and chairman of organizing committee of AMIC Manila 2008 Gerardo Josue. “This conference sets the focus of our action so that we will be able to know where to begin and how to work. 2008 is the half-time mark to the deadline year of 2015, at which point the eight MDGs should have been reached,” he added.

Prof. Josue explained that the conference is the dynamic way to maximize the power of the media to influence the dissemination of the messages of the 8 MDGs that all UN member states have pledged to solve by the year 2015. These goals are: eradicate extreme poverty and hunger; achieve universal primary education; promote gender equality and empower women; reduce child mortality; improve maternal health; combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases; ensure environmental sustainability; and develop a global partnership for development.

Co-organized by the Philippine Association of Communication Educators (PACE), this year’s conference also highlighted the honoring of two great Filipinas who made exemplary contributions in the field of communication. Dr. Nora Quebral, a pioneering figure in the discipline of development communication in Asia and often referred to as the “Mother of Development Communication,” and Dr. Florangel Rosario Braid, constitutionalist and communication scholar, both received the Asian Communication Award.

Aside from the awards given during the conference, AMIC also gave way to the launching of six new book titles: The Fourteenth Paw: Growing up on Iowa farm in the 1930s , a memoir by Everett Rogers; Asian Communication Handbook 2008, edited by Indrajit Banerjee and Stephen Logan; Media & Conflict Reporting Asia, edited by Shyam Tekwani; Free Markets, Free Media Reflections on political economy of the press in Asia, edited by Cherian George; South Pacific Islands Communication: Regional Perspectives, Local Issues, edited by Evangelia Papoutsaki and Usha Sundar Harris; and Media & Development in Asia: Regional Perspectives, edited by Indrajit Banerjee and Madanmohan Rao.

“During the 1970s, thousands of books in communication were published; all of them came from the West. These were the books that educated the Asian people particularly the students, so AMIC provided books in Asian perspective. The launching of six new books here at the conference reminded me on how AMIC worked to provide relevant information. We are so fortunate that AMIC is around,” Prof. Josue added.

To further Prof. Josue’s statement, AMIC secretary-general Dr. Indrajit Banerjee stressed during the conference that these books are aimed at enriching scholarly publishing and in promoting Asian perspectives on issues regarding media and society.

Jay is Cinemalaya’s best

2008-07-24T01:39:00.000-07:00

By Nickie Wang /Manila Standard Today
24 July 2008

“Assistant director lang po ako ng Diyos [I’m just God’s assistant director],” young director Francis Pasion said in his acceptance speech after Jay, the video he directed, was named Best Film (a misnomer considering it hasn’t even been converted to 35mm film) in the full-length category during the festival’s awards night held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines last Sunday.

Furthermore, the director explained that there were scenes that happened unexpectedly that (possibly) contributed to the success of the film.

Jay, a story about a gay TV producer documenting the family of a gay hate crime victim who happens to be his namesake walked away with two other awards including Best Editing and Best Actor for Baron Geisler.

After nine days of successful screening, drawing a larger audience this year, most of the awards were expected including this year’s Best Director Chris Martinez who had more than one trophy to flaunt. 100, a flick that chronicles the last three months of a cancer stricken woman who has a list of things to do before she dies (shades of Bucket List, huh!), won the Audience Choice Award, the technical award for Best Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress for Eugene Domingo, and Best Actress for Mylene Dizon.

Early favorite Brutus by Tara Illenberger, which tells a story of two Mangyan kids hired by illegal loggers to smuggle wood from the mountains of Mindoro, received the Special Jury Prize and the Best Supporting Actor Award for Yul Servo.

The jury who made critical decisions to come up with fair picks was headed by French critic Max Tessier, Kim Ji-Seok of Pusan, Ansgar Vogt of Berlin, Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino member and a professor at University of Santo Tomas Lito Zulueta, and actor Cesar Montano.
The technical awards given out were: Best Sound Design (Allan Hilado, Ranchero), Best Musical Score (Joey Ayala, Brutus), Best Production Design (Cristina Honrado, Baby Angelo), and Best Cinematography which Jay Abello (Brutus) and Dan Villegas (Huling Pasada) shared.

As festival finalists, the 10 full-length films received an initial seed investment of P500,000 from Econolink Investments Inc. The final winning entry, Jay, directed by Chris Martinez, was given an additional grant of P200,000. The winner in the short film category walked home with a P100,000 grant plus a trophy.

Short feature films

Actress Angel Aquino, who was the host of the event, had her share of limelight. From being adjudged Cinemalaya Best Actress in 2006, the short film God Only Knows directed by Mark V. Reyes in which the actor/model also starred received the Audience Choice Award and the Best Director trophy. But the real crowd drawer was Andong by Milo Tolentino.

Andong was cited for its “devoted and humorous look at a boy’s obsessions.” It won the Best Short Film and the award for Best Original Screenplay.

This year’s Special Jury Award went to My Pet by Anna Bigornia, while the Special Jury Citation was given to Angan-angan, directed by Sheron Dayoc.

Miss Real Estate Philippines : A beauty pageant of a different kind

2008-07-21T20:53:00.001-07:00

By Nickie Wang /Manila Standard Today
22 July 2008

Summer is over but the temperature is still rising, particularly at the Philippine Real Estate Festival as it presents 24 gorgeous young women vying for the title of Miss Real Estate Philippines on July 25 at the SMX Mall of Asia.

The second annual beauty pageant intensely screened over 200 young women before coming up with the list of official candidates who will represent the country’s top real estate builders and developers.

In the process, these young women will immerse in all areas of the real estate industry. They have been busy with a crash course on the state of real estate, and with seminar-workshops that educate them on why real estate industry is a vital in Philippine economy.

During the press presentation of these real estate beauties at the Lancaster Suites in Mandaluyong City, the media had a closer look at each of the candidates as they strutted their stuff and flaunted their curves in skimpy yellow bikinis.

“Believe me, Miss Real Estate Philippines is more than just a beauty pageant. It’s beauty pageant for a cause. The winner will be the ambassadress of real estate industry in the Philippines. She will help and spearhead the outreach projects that will provide homes to the most disadvantage social sector,” PREF chairman Rosemarie Basa said.

The top 24 who made the official list of candidates are: Theresa Baltazar, Glaiza Bilas, Amit Bhopal, Glenda Cabailo, Ferina de Paz, Shamaine del Rosario, Angelee de los Reyes, Richel de los Reyes, Mirasol Dianco, Paula Figueras, Mean Flores, Jeff Gaitan, Cherry Kubota, Mary Ann Laggui, Andrea Laurel, Christine Mayor, Elizabeth Naluz, Sandra Palma, Jennifer Recto, Katrina Rigets, Alex Roces, Bernadette Solero, Jesusa Torres and Camille Rodriguez. They will face the judges during the pre-pageant on July 24 (also at the SMX).

Filipino-Australian Rose Cel Aguilar, last year’s winner, will relinquish her crown to the winner who will receive valuable prizes that include cash and a house and lot. She will also represent the country in the first-ever Miss Real Estate Asia pageant that will be held in November.

Miss Real Estate Philippines is just one of the components that anchors the 2008 Philippine Real Estate Festival. The rest of the activities will officially open on July 26.

This three-day spectacular event will commence with an exhibit that will bring together 150 of the country’s biggest and most trusted real estate development companies and projects, finance institutions, suppliers, contractors, and professionals.

Other events include: the launch of the 2008 BREW (BizNews Asia Real Estate Who’s Who) Awards; Free seminar-lectures concerning a wide array of topics including identifying practical investments, constructing dream houses on a tight budget, detecting fake land titles, how to avail of housing loans, and even feng shui; Dedicated sessions for OFW groups, real estate brokers, and the Filipino Inventors Society; and Fiesta Pinoy set on the last day of the festival.

Fiesta Pinoy, which serves as the official closing of the festival, will combine indoor games, contest, raffles, disco dancing, mini-parade, and a musical concert for the amusement and entertainment of exhibitors, patrons, and guests.

Kristine Hermosa: Loveless lady

2008-07-20T21:17:00.000-07:00

By Nickie Wang /Manila Standard Today
21 July 2008

Visit Athens and you’ll be mesmerized by the magnificent relics of a once glorious civilization. Greek sculptures, particularly, have put many in a trance with how artists had carved meticulously in perfect form human anatomy. Perfect beauty is what the Greeks of ancient civilization had defined.

If people thought that a perfect beauty is impossible to achieve, that only gods and goddesses can have the perfect body lines and curves, then they must listen to what one of the most beautiful faces in the country has to say.

Kristine Hermosa is one of the most admired faces in the local entertainment. Her face of a goddess landed her in major TV series and movies. According to Dr. Francis Decangchon, medical-surgical director of Aescultura, she exemplifies the real meaning of true beauty that radiates from inside out.

“She has the face and body of a goddess, and we are bold enough to bring her here and have Aescultura be endorsed by her. We have great confidence and trust on her for she embodies the idea of beauty that we, in Aescultura, have in mind… the challenge for us is to maintain her beauty that people see every day on television,” Decangchon expressed during the media launch of Kristine Hermosa as the very first endorser of medical and beauty clinic Aescultura.

If the medical clinic gives its trust on the beautiful actress, Kristine is more than thankful for the confidence the medical clinic gives her. She has been consulting the clinic for more than a month now and she avails of treatments, like body scrub and facial.

“I think it’s about time that I endorse again kasi ang tagal na rin na hindi ako nag-endorse. I’m glad I was chosen. I trust them too because alam ko naman na sobrang experience [sic] ang mga doctors natin dito and they really take care of me and their patients,” she told the press.

The intense pressure to always look impeccable to the public eye is what Kristine considered in endorsing the beauty clinic. Not that she wanted to alter something in her body, but as the doctors in Aescultura said: “In the right hands even minor physical changes can foster renewed confidence, increase self-respect and restore a positive outlook in life.”

Located at the heart of Quezon City, Aescultura, with a Greek-themed clinic, offers surgical and non-surgical procedures that come in reasonable prices. Aside from highly trained medical and surgical professionals and customer-oriented staff, the clinic also puts premium on the privacy of its clients.

Lovely yet loveless

After just a short hiatus, 24-year-old Kristine will be seen on TV again. This time, she will take a break from doing dramatic scenes and tries her flair in giving out comic punch lines. She is topbilled together with Anne Curtis and Valerie Concepcion for the comedy show Banana Split.

Kristine, who maintains her slender body by working out, taking Pilates and boxing classes with Oyo Boy Sotto, dismissed any romantic inclination with the actor. If asked about her love life, she just said that she enjoys being single. She is not ready to fall in love yet for she hasn’t found the same connection and compatibility she had with former husband Diether Ocampo.

Practical and daring acts of musical reinvention

2008-07-14T21:36:00.000-07:00

By Nickie Wang /Manila Standard Today
15 July 2008

Reinvention is the word that best describes the reappearance of a prominent rock band, and the daring move of an artist who attempts to make a solid niche in the world of music. Battle-scarred Rivermaya, with new vocalist Jayson Fernandez, bounces back with a new album entitled Buhay, and Nancy Jane spruces herself up as the queen of Philippine house music with a self-tilted album. Turn on your CD player and let’s listen how they justify the word reinvention.

New life for Rivermaya

It became difficult for the rest of the members of Rivermaya to resurface on the music scene after losing front man Rico Blanco and being dropped by its record label. But, with a televised search for a new member, the band showed it was hell bent in reclaiming its position as one of the country’s prime band, even without Blanco.

Buhay may be the affirmation of the band’s continued existence, but it does not really equal the level of artistry of the previous albums (with Blanco still with the band) it had released. Take “Nice To,” the album’s opening track, as an example. Obviously, the vocals is not impressive even for a rock band. But for those girls who have seen Jayson Fernandez, they will insist that he is more than just a pretty face.

Fernandez’s raw, albeit unemotional style, works though with the other tracks in the album. While “AM” sounds as a good jingle for a toothpaste commercial, listeners will get bored with “I Want You,” “Pure” and “All For You.” They sound nothing more than the ordinary, and don’t have any of the elements that can easily attract our attention. The impression they make is they are love songs but they are actually to say something else.

Rivermaya, instead of narrating what it had gone through, switched to a more positive attitude, and that is evidently reflected in the lyrics of most of the tracks in the album. “Ligawan Stage (Nerbyoso Part 2)” is one catchy track, so is “Sugal ng Kapalaran,” which in a way comes close to the level of musicality of band’s pre-Jayson Fernandez phase. While it poses questions that we normally ask ourselves, the track has an excellent intro, not to say the imaginative arrangement. This also goes the same with “Closer” and “Maskara.” The first sounds like bubble gum rock, but repeated listening tells us that it is mature enough for many people to appreciate. The latter hinges it on simple arrangement, just drums and guitars.

Other notable tracks in this post-Blanco album are: “Checkmate” that resembles the sound of a British rock band; the classic- thudding “Restless”; the proud and confident “Hindi Ako Susuko”; and feel good “Piping Tom.” The track “Kemikal Reaction” gives the album a different flavor but somehow sounds not so like Rivermaya.

It’s interesting for ’Maya to come up with something slow yet still support its identity as a rock band. “Alone” is perfect example. It is the longest track, also the most emotional and quite a nice companion piece to “Sleep,” the album’s last track.

Who’s that Jane?

It’s Nancy Jane, and this year, as far as reinvention is concern, she is the only person to change her image with a certain degree of success.

Nancy Jane Castiglione wants to prove that she’s not just a pretty face.

With a self-titled album, Nancy Jane gambles to explore an ocean other artists would never dare to sail on. So, she comes up with a pure House Music album. House Music as defined by Answers.com, is a style of electronic dance music strongly influenced by soul and funk-infused dance music style of disco.

For those who have heard and seen “Love Song” in YouTube, they would agree that this song was made especially for Nancy. It’s not as impressive as the other tracks in the album but it creates a certain appeal that defines her reinvented image.

Opening track “Deep Inside” is unmistakably a club sound but this is a kind of music club-goers don’t actually listen to. It’s one of those tracks played by DJs to patch up dead air. “Attraction/Connection,” just like the previous track, doesn’t offer anything notable aside from collecting all the words in the dictionary ending with suffix “ion.” “My Perfect Diet” could somehow attract listeners with its title alone but it would disappoint you for it doesn’t offer something special.

Rivermaya’s former vocalist Rico Blanco lent his creativity by providing the music and lyric of the song “Control,” which has two versions in the album, the other one is from Leon Chaplain. “Control” mirrors Blanco’s ingenuity. The track can be arranged to perfectly suit other genres. Chaplain added digitally produced sounds to give the track a more vivid club essence.

If Beyoncé can convey to her audiences her being a strong and independent woman through her single “Irreplaceable,” Nancy Jane has her own version of women who can survive without men—“Without You.” Men would really run after her when they hear “(Driving Around) So Good Together” but they really go wild upon hearing “Moonlight Mood.” “Moonlight”… is perfect club sound for it can create a romantic midnight mood through its sensual lyric and innocently sexy vocal style.

Other great tracks to listen to are “When You Play Around,” “Hold You Close” and “Rock It.” Listen to them once and you’ll forget about Britney Spears. “Hold You Close” is a very sexy sound. Contagiously dance track “Rock It” proves that Nancy Jane can compete in the international market. Her vocal resembles that of Kylie Minogue’s.

It’s all praises for Nancy Jane. House Music in the Philippines has a very narrow target market and she is so brave to release this kind of material. Don’t be surprised if you would hear her tracks being played when you visit clubs in Singapore or Thailand, because her new image and sound simply resonate with international appeal.

West Side Story: Tony finds his Maria

2008-07-10T06:01:00.000-07:00

By Nickie Wang /Manila Standard Today
10 July 2008

Finally, Tony has found his Maria.

This was announced recently by Stages, the production company that is mounting an all-Filipino cast of the Broadway classic West Side Story.

This musical offering, which will be staged at the Meralco Theater from September to October, is anchored by a strong ensemble headed by Christian Bautista, Karylle and London West End’s Joanna Ampil.

After rigid auditions that took two months, whose mix of aspirants emerged not only from the Philippines but also from other countries like Singapore, Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom, Stages has finally completed the show’s cast of singers and dancers.

Crooner and Asap ’08 mainstay Christian is Tony while singer and host Karylle shares the plum role of Maria with London West End’s Joanna Ampil, who is currently playing Fantine in Les Miserables.

West Side Story is Joanna’s first musical theater assignment in Manila after 16 years of playing lead roles in London, which includes Kim in Miss Saigon, Eponine in Les Miserables, Mimi in Rent, to name a few. Joanna has agreed to share the role of Maria with Karylle because she has long wanted to perform for her countrymen who cannot easily afford to go to London to watch her in a musical.

Gerard Salonga leads the FILharmoniKA orchestra as musical director. Audie Gemora wears the hat as executive producer while Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo steps in as a first-time stage director. Interestingly, West Side Story was originally staged in Manila in 1982 with Gemora as Riff and Lauchengco-Yulo as Maria.

“This musical is a classic. Some people, most especially the young ones don’t know the story and they tend to get out of the theater because they cannot relate. So the challenge now is to make it contemporary that’s why we would like to thank the people who agreed to share their talent here,” Gemora told the media during the press conference for the musical.

West Side Story is the third major musical production of Stages after Footloose in 2005 and High School Musical On Stage in 2007.

The story in New York’s West Side

West Side Story is an energetic, melodramatic musical, a modern-day retelling of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Instead of feuding families in Verona, the conflict is between rival street gangs in the Upper West Side of New York City.

Young Tony who belongs to an American gang in Manhattan, falls in love with Maria, the sister of the leader of a rival Puerto Rican gang. Things are looking good for the young lovers in the beginning, but when Tony accidentally kills Maria’s brother while trying to break up a rumble, violence erupts.
West Side Story is one of the best musicals of all time with music by Leonard Bernstein, and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. It has many show-stopping numbers and songs that have become classics, like “Somewhere,” “Tonight,” “One Hand One Heart,” “ America,” and “Something’s Coming.”

Network rivalry on hold

Just like the story of this theater musical, Christian and Karylle belong to different worlds: Christian is Kapamilya, while Karylle is Kapuso (even if her mom, Zsa Zsa Padilla, is a card-bearing Kapamilya). The two singers said that they are not involved in the ongoing network war, they are merely talents in their respective stations.

“There’s a mutual support. We don’t really feel pressured because there’s a lot of excitement all around,” Pinoy Idol Extra host Karylle said before the press. Karylle, who has to sing in soprano, has been undergoing voice lessons with Pinoy Dream Academy mentor Kitchie Molina.

Christian, who is trying to bring his Josh Groban style particularly for his role as Tony, said that he wants to work with different people and that they don’t feel the rivalry as they help each other out.
“It is a rare situation for rival Philippine TV stations ABS-CBN and GMA-7 to be very enthusiastic towards a major musical project. Both networks have actually laid out their respective plans on how to maximize support for Christian and Karylle. GMA-7 is even lending Gian Magdangal of SOP Rules to play Riff to Christian’s Tony,” said Carlo Orosa, Stages marketing director for the musical.

Lea Salonga to try on Cinderella’s glass slippers

2008-07-05T03:04:00.000-07:00

By Nickie Wang /Manila Standard Today
5 July 2008

Tony award-winning Broadway singer Lea Salonga continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

This month, she plays a beautiful girl rescued from a life of drudgery by her fairy godmother and eventually marries a handsome prince in the lavish production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella.

Running for a month at the Cultural Center of the Philippines starting July 29 (it closes on Aug. 14), this Broadway Asia Entertainment (BAE) production is directed by top-caliber music theater helmsman Bobby Garcia with Michael Duff as musical director, and Vince Pesce choreographing the dance numbers. The opulent designs are the result of the work of a team led by renowned Italian fashion designer Renato Balestra.

The production will also be engaged in a 30-week Asian tour. After running in the Philippines, the Cinderella ensemble and creative team will mount the musical in China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.

A whole new world

Lea gained international stardom for her award-winning role as Kim in both the London’s West End production of Miss Saigon and on Broadway. She eventually landed coveted roles on and off Broadway, including Les Miserables, Into the Woods, My Fair Lady, and Flower Drum Song among many others.

She also rendered her talent as the singing voices of Jasmine and Mulan in Disney’s blockbuster animation flicks Aladdin and Mulan, respectively. Now, she is in the thick of things of the preparations for Cinderella as she gives life on stage to one of the most beloved music theater characters.

“Well as we know, here there’s a struggle between two powers: it’s good versus evil, that Cinderella found her prince and they live happily ever after. The getting to that point of the story is really going to be fun to watch,” Lea said during the press conference at the CCP Main Theater Lobby. “I think what the audience will be able to expect is coming away with having seen something magical and wonderful. It’s really about that. Bobby [the director] explained that this is the type of magical production that would tame the audience’s eyes and this would make them say: ‘wow that’s a visual trip!’,” the international theater star added.

Lea announced that she will be playing Cinderella eight times a week and the rehearsal for the production that started June 23 has given her an opportunity to discover a lot more about the character. She revealed that she does not have any apprehension in performing before a mostly Filipino audience, albeit feeling more at home with a crowd that instantly reacts when she drops a punch line.

“I feel more comfortable. I do know where the punch lines are going to land. It’s like playing a football game at the home stadium. You are with people that you know. So it’s comforting for me to actually be performing the show here at the CCP,” she shared.

During rehearsals, Lea brings her two-year-old daughter Nicole to the set. The little kid doesn’t really know that her mother is playing the role of a chimneysweep-turned-princess character but is actually aware that her mother is Princess Jasmine.

As a child, Lea doesn’t know if she ever fantasized wearing glass slippers or really buying the fairytale. In reality, she doesn’t even know how a glass shoe feels like on her feet.

“Now that I am going to play this character, during acting exercises I was able to figure out who she is so I have to keep her very lively because she’s good through and through,” she told the press.

When asked if there was ever a point in her life that she could relate herself to the character she is playing right now, she said that being cast in a major West End musical is the closest thing coming to that.

The prince charming

In every fairytale where there is a prince charming who marries the princess to live happily ever after, Cinderella has found her prince, and he is originally from Brisbane, Australia.

Peter Saide was recently seen as Tony in Saturday Night Fever.

The tall and dashing Australian will play the role Prince for the whole Asian tour of this BAE production. During the press conference at the CCP, Saide and Lea treated the media to a song from the show entitled Ten Minutes Ago. Saide, who is in the country for the first time, expressed his excitement to perform with Lea and work with director Bobby Garcia.

“There is more excitement than apprehension. Lea is much more than an Asian superstar. I am tremendously excited to perform with her. This is a whole bunch of first. This is my first time in Manila and my first time to work with a Filipino director. I can’t wait to work with Bobby Garcia. I am very excited to go on with the rehearsal process,” he said before inviting everyone to watch the show.

Cinemalaya gears up for 2008 festival

2008-06-25T09:40:00.000-07:00

By Nickie Wang
Contributor /Manila Standard Today
25 June 2008

“Anong kuwento mo? (What’s your story?)”

This question is the tagline of the advertising campaign created by Cinemalaya filmmakers to kick off this year’s Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and Competition on July 11 until the 20th at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

From a total of 194 entries submitted by independent filmmakers, 20 features shot on digital video have been selected to compete in the festival now on its fourth year.

Ten features will compete in the full-length category. These are: 100 by Chris Martinez; Baby Angelo by Joel Ruiz and Abi Aquino; Boses by Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil; Brutus by Tara Illenberger; Concerto by Paul Alexander Morales; Huling Pasada by Paul Sta. Ana; Jay by Francis Xavier E. Pasion; My Fake American Accent by Onnah Valera; Namets by Emilio “Jay” Abello; and Ranchero by Michael Christian Cardoz.

The other 10 will compete in the short feature category, and they are: Andong by Rommel “Milo” Tolentino; Ang Ibang Mga Pamilya by Joel P. Ruiz; Angan-Angan (Dreams) by Sheron R. Dayoc; Diamante sa Langit by Vic Acedillo Jr.; God Only Knows by Mark V. Reyes; Huling Biktima by Vitaliano A. Rave; My Pet by Anna G. Bigornia, Panggaris by Dexter B. Cayanes; Trails of Water by Sheron R. Dayoc; and Tutos by L.A. Yamsuan.

These features on video will be shown at CCP’s Main, Little, and Dream theaters, Tanghalang Huseng Batute, Silangan Hall, and the MKP Hall.

This year’s festival will be highlighted by the screening of world premieres, director’s cuts and the most outstanding Filipino independent films on wide-ranging and controversial topics. Close to a hundred films will be on exhibition during the entire festival period including the finest and exceptional films from Cinemalaya 2005, 2006, and 2007.

Major events

Apart from the screening of the features in competition, the organizers of Cinemalaya are preparing for the Cinemalaya Film Congress on July 15 to 16 at the CCP Little Theater with the theme “Spreading the News: Promoting, Distributing and Exhibiting Indie Films.” On this two-day event, film artists, technicians and businessmen will discuss the following topics: Making Indie Films: Self Expression, Social Commitment, Compromise; Promoting Indie Films: Building Audiences for Indie Films; Distributing Indie Films: Systems Legal to Illegal; and Exhibiting Indie Films: From Cine Katipunan to Cannes.

This year, Cinemalaya introduces the children’s section which aims to encourage the development and production of culturally-relevant content for Filipino children. Nine films will be competing for the Rene O. Villanueva Prize, in honor of the late children’s book author. Presented in cooperation with the National Council for Children’s Television, the Cinemalaya Children’s Section will be dedicated to short narrative features made for viewing of children ages three to 13.

Also new this year in Cinemalaya is the tribute to Manuel Conde, a pioneer in Filipino independent filmmaking who produced, wrote, directed and acted in his films. Conde is credited with introducing Filipino films abroad, at the Venice Film Festival. Six Conde films will be shown during the festival, namely: Genghis Khan (1950), Ibong Adarna (1955), Verganza (1958), Señorito (1953), Cruz na Kawayan (1956) and El Robo (1957). The book The Cinema of Manuel Conde by Dr. Nicanor G. Tiongson will be launched on July 16 during the festival.

New awards at stake

As festival finalists, the 10 full-length films received an initial seed investment of P500,000 from Econolink Investments Inc. The final winning entry, which will be announced in an awarding ceremony at the CCP on July 20, will be given an additional grant of P200,000 plus the Cinemalaya trophy. While the winner for the short film category will walk home with a P100,000 grant plus a trophy.

Aside from the usual acting and technical awards that Cinemalaya has been giving out, this year, in partnership with the CCP, Film Development Council of the Philippines and Econolink Investments Inc., awards for Best Music, Best Supporting Actor and Actress will be given for the first time.

Edu Manzano: From vitamins to mobile phones

2008-06-23T23:20:00.000-07:00

By Nickie Wang
Contributor /Manila Standard Today
23 June 2008

Veteran actor and TV host Edu Manzano is endorsing a new line of mobile phone products from China’s leading television and mobile phone manufacturer Konka Group.

With more than 1.6 million units of mobile phone sold in China alone, the Konka Group gears up for international expansion by establishing production bases in India, Indonesia, Mexico and recently in Turkey. The company aims to widen its market by introducing TV and mobile phone products across the globe starting in Asia and in the US.

Now, the Konka Group is trying to tap the Philippine market by introducing Konka mobile phones together with the other electronic products it manufactures. In the recent media launch of the new mobile brand at the Manila Hotel, “Papaya” dance craze proponent Edu Manzano officially endorsed the new line of mobile phones that clings to its tagline: “World-class quality need not to be expensive.”

“Before we do not embrace technology, but now, technology is part of our everyday life.
Two months ago, people from Konka asked me to try their product and the mobile phone instantly impressed me. It’s lightweight, the screen is so clear, not to mention that it is touch screen, and it has impressive features. It impressed me because the phone comes in a very reasonable price,” Manzano shared during an interview with Standard Today.

Manzano stressed during the media launch that Konka mobile phones can provide consumers true and long-lasting value for their money because the products are not just cheap they are of high quality supported by international acknowledgments. In 1997, Konka was the first Chinese TV producer to obtain both the International and Domestic ISO9001 and ISO14001. In January 2000 at the Las Vegas International Consumer Electronic Fair, Konka won the award for Innovation.

“I would never endorse alcohol or cigarette, I am more for something that allows me to communicate real message to the consumer, something that is useful to them,” Manzano revealed. “Timing is essential. Konka has a phone that has a dual SIM feature and surprisingly both of them work actively. You can receive a call while talking to someone and all you have to do is just put him on hold,” he added.

With three world-class R&D centers in China and one in the US, Konka is successfully developing a series of new generation electronics and telecommunications products with high market adaptability and competitiveness, including large-screen color TV, Combo TV, Digital TV, LCDTV, and Plasma screen.

The Konka phone

Konka Group president Nu Wei Dong, who was also present during the event, stated that Konka is a technology within your reach for the products are of prime quality yet still affordable.

For its initial offering for the Filipino consumers, Konka Group introduces: T808, the most expensive phone with a price at around P8000, is a mobile TV with 3-inch screen that receives free channels, an FM radio with dual speaker (3D stereo) and operates without a headset, a 2.0 mega pixel camera, a mobile phone with MP3 and MPEG 4 player and functions with dual Bluetooth; E111, the cheapest phone that costs at around P2,000, functions as an FM radio with MP3 and MPEG 4 playback; E222 phone works with a dual SIM/dual active support feature and is also a 1.3-mega pixel camera; E167 is a versatile phone that stores more than 500 phonebook entries; and E169 model that only weights only 80 grams, functions as an FM radio, and an MP3 and MPEG 4 player.

The Konka Group is optimistic that Filipino consumers will patronage its mobile product. Dong was pleased to announce that T808 is already sold-out after its release two months ago.

French filmfest at the Shang

2008-06-23T00:09:00.000-07:00

By Nickie Wang
Contributor /Manila Standard Today
23 June 2003

When talking about France, the first things that come to mind are: the Eiffel Tower, which has become a venue of marriage proposals (remember Tom Cruise’s marriage proposal to Katie Holmes?); street cafes, where lovely and fashionable couple are seen dining; and of course the famous French kiss that has dominated romantic films in Hollywood.

To bring the infectious romantic atmosphere of France, The Shangri-La Plaza in collaboration with the Embassy of France to the Philippines held the 13th French Film Festival at the Shang Cineplex 1.

The festival kicked off on June 11 with the premiere of Un Baiser s’il vous plaît (Shall We Kiss?) by Emmanuel Mouret. The gala opening was attended by celebrities like Robin Padilla and Boots Anson Roa, prominent personalities like Imee Marcos, French Ambassador to the Philippines Gerard Chesnel, Philippine Ambassador to Switzerland Rora Navarro-Tolentino, designer Kate Torralba, Jackie Aquino and Cutie del Mar.

As a tradition in the festival, Filipino films that had been invited to film festivals in France were shown during the fesitval. This year, Brillante Mendoza’s Serbis, and Raya Martin’s Now Showing, were screened on June 12.

Tranche de vie (Slice of life)

The festival screened nine films that affirm France, most especially Paris, as the honeymoon capital of the world. The films showed slices of life in France and gave us a glimpse of how the French fall in love.

Un Baiser s’il vous plaît” (Shall We Kiss?) by Emmanuel Mouret is a movie about a woman named Émilie who encountered Gabriel in a suburb outside Paris. Although they’re both attracted to each other, they each already have someone in their life. What’s more, they know that they will probably never see each other again. Even so, Gabriel would like to kiss her. She would also like to kiss him. But something prevents them from doing so: a story of a married woman and her best friend overcome by the effects of a kiss, a kiss that should have been of no consequence.

Another film by Mouret is Changement d’Adresse. It’s about a guy named David, a shy, awkward musician who has just moved to Paris, falls madly in love with his young student, Julia. He tries everything to win her heart.

Other films screened were the romantic comedy Qui m’aime me suive (Whoever loves me, follow me) by Benoît Cohen; the rib-tickling Ma Vie en l’Air (Love is in the air) by Rémi Bezançon; the musical drama Clean by Olivier Assayas; the thrilling crime story Roman de Gare (Crossed Tracks) by Claude Lelouch; an unconventionally funny film Je crois que je l’aime (I think I love her) by Pierre Jolivet; and Ah! Si j’étais riche! (If I were a rich man) by Michel Munz and Gerard Bitton.

Multi-awarded dramatic musical La Môme - La Vie en Rose by Olivier Dahan, an inspired portrayal of the extraordinary life of the French songbird, Edith Piaf, will be the closing feature film of the festival.