Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas presents Rizal X on July 12-August 14, 2011

In celebration of the 150th year Dr. Jose P. Rizal, Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas brings an original musical play entitled Rizal X. The musical was directed, conceptualized and choreographed by Dexter M. Santos, the director behind Orosman at Zafira and with original music by William Manzano, it will be presented at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, 2nd floor Palma Hall, University of the Philippines – Diliman in Quezon City on July 20 - August 14, 2011.

Rizal X aims to rediscover and reintroduce the relevance of our national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal especially to the younger generation. Dulaang UP brings compilations of different points of view towards Rizal, his works and his life, in a collaboration of text, dance, music, animation and film culminating into a performance, which will refresh dreams and aspirations with a blend of popular media and modern music to make it more appealing to the younger crowd and make them understand more.

Karylle and Christian Bautista join the cast of "The Kitchen Musical"

Filipino talents shine once more as ABS-CBN stars Karylle, Christian Bautista, and Joseph “Thou” Reyes topbill the first ever pan-Asian television musical drama series, The Kitchen Musical.  An original production by The Group Entertainment, the series is set to launch in the Philippines on Studio 23 and in 19 countries across Asia this October.

(TGE CEO Nelia Sutrisno, Thou Reyes, Karylle, Christian Bautista and Studio 23 programming head Vince Rodriguez)

A multi-million dollar franchise featuring a titillating blend of drama, popular music, sizzling dance sequences and even mouthwatering recipes, The Kitchen Musical is served in 13 one-hour episodes revolving around the exciting world of culinary arts.  It is a story about a rich, young girl fresh out of culinary school in Paris who embarks on a journey of self-discovery when she starts working for the Avilon, her father’s restaurant.

Orosman at Zafira: A story of love, justice and sacrifices

"Buwan man o taon ang bilangin, pag-ibig, pag-ibig at pag-ibig pa rin!" This is how Orozman at Zafira of Francisco "Balagtas" Baltazar struck me when I first saw it in University of the Philippines Diliman last 2010. Gladly, Dulaang UP and Bit by Bit Development Company of Darwin Mariano brings it to a more mainstream audience to appreciate the art and legacy that Balagtas left in the Philippine literature. Now, Orosman at Zafira will run in all Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays of February 2011 at SM Centerstage Theater in SM Mall of Asia.

The masterpiece of Balagtas follows the story of a Zafira, a princess from the tribe of Marruecos who thirst for justice after her father Mahamud was murdered by a Tedenst. Like a Romeo-Juliet set up, Zafira fell in love with Orosman, one of the sons of Boulasem, leader of the enemy tribe. With Gulnara, Zafira asked help from Zelim, the leader of Duquela to slay the murderers of her father. This how the quest for justice and love of Zafira and Orosman had started.

Just when I thought, Dulaang UP and all the performers had shown their best in 2010 that really amazed me. The 2011 production really surprise me from the costume, effects, fight scenes and how actors portrayed their roles. Let me discuss it one by one; the costumes were improved it gave more distinctions between tribes, which unlike before the only thing I can recall was Maurrecos are those with red stitches and accessories, while the remaining tribe it is hard to distinguish. With a bigger space it gives the actors move freely to execute fight scenes including with the props and acrobatic stunts which was rare to do in the UP campus.

Music and lighting effects helps to add with the emotions of each character. I really love how the group of Dexter Santos (Director) and Carol Bello (Musical Director) combines regional instruments with the modern equipments and create wonderful music and it goes very well with the actors singing, acting and choreography. It just when I saw Orosman at Zafira last Friday (Feb 4), I can barely hear some actors because the music is louder and their voices. I just hope the group could correct that in the succeeding performance.

I'm still fascinated with the vocal prowess of Tao Aves (Zelima), and Jean Judith Javier (Gulnara) which are still doing their roles this year. I saw them singing in 2010 and their voices are so powerful. While Maita Angeli Ponce and Sarah Delfine Buencamino who played Zafira alternates were great in doing their roles; Maita was the Zafira last Feb 4, while I saw Delfine perform the prayer during the press conference last January.

Orosman at Zafira, tells the story how women can be brave and strong. The Balagtas' creation gives the limelight to women and how they can empower themselves and fight for their right and justice.That is why this play is worth watching as it reaches out to the main stream audience.

Orosman at Zafira includes performers like Jay Gonzaga (Orosman), Maita Ponce and Delphine Buencamino (Zafira - alternate), Tao Aves (Zelima), Roeder Camañag (Abdalap), Red Concepcion (Aldervesin), Kevin Concepcion and Acey Aguilar (Zelim - alternate), Jacinta Remulla (Gulnara), Jean Judith Javier (Gulnara), Nazer Salcedo (Boulasem), Neil Tolentino (Mahamud), Felipe Ronnie Martinez (Ben-Asar), and the Dulaang UP Ensemble. The artistic team of OROSMAN AT ZAFIRA includes Tuxqs Rutaquio (Production Designer), John Ilao Batalla (Lighting Designer), Anril Tiatco, Katte Sabate, and Patrick Valera (Dramaturgs), Mara Marasigan (Assistant Director), Via Antonio (Associate Choreographer), Irish Pangilinan (Associate Musical Director), and Lao Rodriguez (Accessories Designer). The production team is composed of Atty. Darwin Mariano (Executive Producer), Carlo Francia (Associate Producer), Toots O. Tolentino (PR/Publicity Consultant), Ida Elopre (Production Manager), Ohm David (Technical Director), Loraine Macatangay (Stage Manager), Cherry Bong Edralin (Marketing Manager), and Jojit Lorenzo (Photography).



Orosman at Zafira will be presented at the Centerstage in SM Mall of Asia on Feb 4 (8pm), Feb 5 (10am, 3pm and 8pm), Feb 11 (8pm), Feb 12 (10am, 3pm and 8pm), Feb 18 (8pm), Feb 19 (10am, 3pm and 8pm), Feb 25 (8pm), and Feb 26 (3pm and 8pm). For non-Metro Manila, according to Mr.Mariano he is currently coordinating with SM Malls for staging Orosman at Zafira in other regions like in Visayas and Mindanao. But for now tickets for Orosman at Zafira is available at the SM Ticket booth. For more information visit http://www.orosmanatzafira.com.

Dulaang UP brings back Francisco Baltazar's Orosman at Zafira in SM Mall of Asia Centerstage Theater

Finally, another original Filipino story is working its way to the main stream. In partnership with Bit by Bit Development Company , Dulaang UP brings Francisco Baltazar's Orosman at Zafira at the Centerstage in SM Mall of Asia in all weekends of February. The presentation is directed and choreographed by Dexter M. Santos.

The original Filipino production follows the journey of Zafira, a princess from the tribe of Marueccos who wages war against the tribe of Tedenst who murdered her father. In quest for justice she met Orosman, one of the sons of Boulasem the ruler of the rival tribe and the person behind her father's death. Zafira and Orosman fell in love with each other. With Gaudala, she asks for the help of Zelim, noble leader of the Duquela, a tribe filled with warriors. Love flourished amidst of war; Zafira and Orosman and Gulnara and Aldervesin. Keeping the core idea of the play “Pag-ibig, pag-ibig, at pag-ibig pa rin” this unique Romeo and Juliet like story of Francisco “Balagtas” Baltazar will bring the theater afficionados to a bigger treat that they will never forget.

The production of Orosman at Zafira contains music collaboration from indigenous and modern instrument to add more emotions in all scenes.The musical direction is headed by Carol Bello. Aside from the music, Orosman at Zafira also features the new generation of stage and musical petticoats including Tao Aves (as Zelima) the daughter of Grace Nono and Delphine Buencamino (as Zafira alternate) the daughter of Noni Beuncamino. Dexter and Darwin promise a bigger performances and additional scenes on the February presentation.

Orosman at Zafira was first presented by Dulaang UP in 2008, and had a re-run in 2010, this was the time when I saw the play for the very first time. The presentation in 2010 struck my heart and left me stunned i my seat. With the promise of the producers and directed, I am expecting a lot on February.

To give you idea here’s the clip of their performance during the media launch in SM Mall of Asia IMAX Entertainment Area:





Here is the plug of Orosman at Zafira which is showing as a pre-roll in all movies shown in SM Cinemas in Metro Manila:





Orosman at Zafira includes performers like Jay Gonzaga (Orosman), Maita Ponce and Delphine Buencamino (Zafira - alternate), Tao Aves (Zelima), Roeder Camañag (Abdalap), Red Concepcion (Aldervesin), Kevin Concepcion and Acey Aguilar (Zelim - alternate), Jacinta Remulla (Gulnara), Jean Judith Javier (Gulnara), Nazer Salcedo (Boulasem), Neil Tolentino (Mahamud), Felipe Ronnie Martinez (Ben-Asar), and the Dulaang UP Ensemble. The artistic team of OROSMAN AT ZAFIRA includes Tuxqs Rutaquio (Production Designer), John Ilao Batalla (Lighting Designer), Anril Tiatco, Katte Sabate, and Patrick Valera (Dramaturgs), Mara Marasigan (Assistant Director), Via Antonio (Associate Choreographer), Irish Pangilinan (Associate Musical Director), and Lao Rodriguez (Accessories Designer). The production team is composed of Atty. Darwin Mariano (Executive Producer), Carlo Francia (Associate Producer), Toots O. Tolentino (PR/Publicity Consultant), Ida Elopre (Production Manager), Ohm David (Technical Director), Loraine Macatangay (Stage Manager), Cherry Bong Edralin (Marketing Manager), and Jojit Lorenzo (Photography).

(With Tao Aves playing the role Zelima)

Orosman at Zafira will be presented at the Centerstage in SM Mall of Asia on Feb 4 (8pm), Feb 5 (10am, 3pm and 8pm), Feb 11 (8pm), Feb 12 (10am, 3pm and 8pm), Feb 18 (8pm), Feb 19 (10am, 3pm and 8pm), Feb 25 (8pm), and Feb 26 (3pm and 8pm). For non-Metro Manila, according to Mr.Mariano he is currently coordinating with SM Malls for staging Orosman at Zafira in other regions like in Visayas and Mindanao. But for now tickets for Orosman at Zafira is available at the SM Ticket booth. For more information visit http://www.orosmanatzafira.com.


Like this post? Subscribe on my blog by clicking HERE!
Become a Facebook Fan to get more updates from In My Opinion!
You can follow me on Twitter.com/FlowGalindez

Subscribe to my RSS Feed via email! Enter your email address below:


Delivered by FeedBurner

Upstart Productions presents Breakups and Breakdowns on February!

Celebrate Valentines Day with Mark, Derek, Nina and Sandy in Upstart Productions’ Breakups and Breakdowns. The musical play will run on February 18 to March 12 at the Teatrino in Greenhills San Juan. Joel Trinidad, the founder and artistic director of Upstart Productions wrote the lyrics of the musical comedy with the help of musical director Rony Fortich.

Upstart Productions introduces four characters that everyone can relate; Mark, Derek, Nina and Sandy. Mark is young playwright trying to finish his play and just came from a breakup with Nina, this is where the premise of Breakups and Breakdowns begins. Nina, unknown to Mark is beginning to miss him but will there be a second chance for the two of them. As for Derek, Mark’s friend and a certified playboy will be bumping to Sandy in a party scene. Sandy is the female version of Derek, gorgeous, flirtatious, loves The Game and not interested with commitments. But will there be a spark between the two of them and change their minds about commitments if they find connections to each other.

Breakups and Breakdowns is a musical play that everyone can relate with. Here is the video of the cast talking about the making of the play.




Cast includes Joel Trinidad as Mark, Carla Guevara-Laforteza as Nina, Ruben Uy as Derek and Emerita Alcid as Sandy. Giving you a glance of how Breakups and Breakdowns will be on February, here is a short clip of their performance during their launch at the The Establishment in Fort Bonifacio last October 2010.




Breakups and Breakdowns will run on on February 18 to March 12 at the Teatrino in Greenhills San Juan. For tickets and reservation email upstarttickets@gmail.com and visit upstartproductionsinc.com for more details.

Like this post? Subscribe on my blog by clicking HERE!
Become a Facebook Fan to get more updates from In My Opinion!
You can follow me on Twitter.com/FlowGalindez

Subscribe to my RSS Feed via email! Enter your email address below:


Delivered by FeedBurner

Cher returns to the big screen in Columbia Pictures’ Burlesque

Cher is back on the big screen to do a musical drama movie with Columbia Pictures entitled Burlesque. The film was written and directed by Steven Antin. Aside from Cher, the movie includes Christina Aguilera, Eric Dane, Cam Gigandet, Julianne Hough, Alan Cumming, Peter Gallagher, Kristen Bell and Stanley Tucci. It will be shown in all cinemas here in the Philippines on February 2, 2011.

The movie follows the journey of two women who is deeply in love with music and by accident they met each other in the Burlesque Lounge. Ali Rose (Aguilera), who followed her dream to be a singer and found herself as waitress in the lounge. And Tess (Cher), the owner of the Burlesque Lounge who hired Ali Rose to be a waitress in her place and later discovered her talent. But both women is having their own problem in life; Tess seeing her club going bankrupt and Ali Rose having enemies as she goes up to reach her dreams.

Cher, who already proved herself in acting where she won awards from the Golden Globe and the Academy from the 1987 movie, entitled Moonstruck where she played the iconic Loretta Castorini. According to the filmmakers of Burlesque, Cher would respond to the role of Tess because the character is both familiar and contemporary, somebody with a lot to give who’s in danger of having her dream taken away. “Tess is one of a zillion people losing their shirt. That’s a very real thing happening right now and I thought it was an interesting thing for this character to be experiencing.” Antin added.

Antin also explained that Cher embodied the character of an empowered woman who can face all the ups and downs of her life and take all the challenges that comes her way; good or bad. In this way Cher compliments to the flow to the story and with the character played by Aguillera.

Finally, Cher, through her incomparable voice, her trademark wit, and her charismatic presence, has established herself as a tireless, compelling performer of inestimable talent and unstoppable drive. Her contributions in music, television, stage and film have garnered countless accolades and awards and the admiration of generations of fans.

Burlesque will be showing in all cinemas nationwide beginning February 2, 2011 and it is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit
www.columbiapictures.com.ph for trailers, exclusive content and free downloads. Like us at www.Facebook.com/ColumbiaPicturesPH and join our fan contests.

Like this post? Subscribe on my blog by clicking HERE!
Become a Facebook Fan to get more updates from In My Opinion!
You can follow me on Twitter.com/FlowGalindez

Subscribe to my RSS Feed via email! Enter your email address below:


Delivered by FeedBurner

Rockwell Powerplant celebrates 10th Anniversary with Rent the Musical

 In line with the celebration of its 10th Anniversary, Rockwell Powerplant will stage 9 Works Theatrical Presentation of Jonathan Larson’s Rent the Musical. Rent will only run for a limited time only at the Rockwell Powerplant Cinema 2 on December 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 (8PM) and December 10, 11 & 12 (4PM).

In line with the return of Rent the Musical, 9 Works Theatrical named the actors and actresses who will replaced Ring Antonio, Raul Monteza, Noel Rayos, Cara Barredo, Nicole Asensio, Anna Santamaria and Carla Guevara who were part of 9 Work’s presentation in the first quarter of 2010. Carla and others has prior commitments and could not join the December production of Rent. New performers include: Sheree Vidal Bautista and Ampy Sietereales for Mimi Marquez, Mian Dimacali as Maureen Johnson and Lorenz Martinez as Benjamin "Benny" Coffin III. Actors from the early 2010 production who will reprised their roles include; Fredison Lo (Mark Cohen, Gian Madrigal (Roger Davis), OJ Mariano (Tom Collins), Job Bautista (Angel Dumott Schunard), Jenny Villegas (Joanne Jefferson), and Gary Junsay, Harold Cruz, Johann Dela Fuente, Mark Tayag and Peachy Atilano as part of the ensemble.

Rent the Musical is a celebration of love, friendship and acceptance created by Jonathan Larson. Unfortunately, Larson died and hasn’t seen his creation which is now one of the most awarded and most loved Broadway show in the world. Rent gives popularity to the song “Seasons of Love”, where the song implies the importance of loving those who important to us because we don’t know when the time will come. Rent reminds its viewers the importance of loving and acceptance, Jonathan gives voices to the people with AIDS like Roger, Mimi, Tom and Angel who wanted to enjoy life and find comport in the hands of those who love them. He also shows the side of the 3rd sex, how they can be happy and contended with their life like Maureen, Joanne and Angel. Above all, Rent the Musical is a celebration of Angel Dumott Schunard, the HIV Positive drag queen who teaches each one to love, accepts and lives (each character) to the fullest.

Honestly speaking, I am a fan of Rent the Musical. I don’t mind listening to the sound track all over again. The musical is one of those I know that everyone can easily convey with the plot and the characters. I am glad that even in a limited time Rockwell Powerplant will be presenting Rent the Musical with 9 Works Theatrical December 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 (8PM) and December 10, 11 & 12 (4PM). For tickets, call 898-1440 or 898 1441 or visit http://www.9workstheatrical.com for more details

9 Works Theatrical will stage Rent the Musical again at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in the RCBC Plaza, Makati City on February 12 to March 16, 2011.


Like this post? Subscribe on my blog by clicking HERE!
Become a Facebook Fan to get more updates from In My Opinion!
You can follow me on Twitter.com/FlowGalindez

Subscribe to my RSS Feed via email! Enter your email address below:


Delivered by FeedBurner

Spotlight Artists Centre presents Nestor Torre and Gines Tan’s Magsimula Ka on November

Spotlight Artists Centre, the performing arts school brings their first musical presentation at the Music Museum on November 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27, and December 2, 3 and 4, 8:00 p.m., with matinees on November 20, 27 and December 4 the remake of Nestor Torre and Gines Tan’s Magsimula Ka. The Filipino musical was first presented at the CCP Little Theater during the 80’s in the golden years of OPM. Magsimula Ka is directed by Robert Seña.

Cast from the 2010 presentation of Nestor Torre and Gines Tan’s Magsimula Ka includes Ciara Sotto, Myke Salomon, Poppert Bernadas, Fred Lo and Kyla Rivera, ably supported by theater luminaries Ana Feleo, Tricia Amper-Jimenez, Sherwin Sozon, Sheng Belmonte, Gerald Napoles, Sophiea Reyes, Cheeno Macaraig, Rafael Sudayan, Ava Santos, Kakki Teodoro, Heidi Arima, Carlos Canlas, Pamela Imperial and Migs Ramirez.

Magsimula Ka is produced by Isay Alvarez-Seña, Tricia Amper-Jimenez and Carl Balita, with Boni Juan, set designer; Georcelle Dapat, choreographer; JonJon Villareal, lighting design and Krina Cayabyab, vocal coach. For more details, visit www.spotlightartistscentre.com or call 899-8089. Tickets are available at http://www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Subscribe to my RSS Feed via email! Enter your email address below:


Delivered by FeedBurner

Xanadu in Manila: When wheels are in motion

“I’m alive!” and thanks to Atlantis Production in bringing Xanadu, a 2007 Broadway Musical Comedy at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium RCBC Plaza in Makati City from September 3-19. Xanadu is based from the 1980 movie featuring Olivia Newton John and Cliff Richard with the same title. In the Philippine presentation of the musical comedy it stars Rachel Alejandro as Cleo and Felix Rivera as Sonny Malone.

Xanadu the Musical Comedy follows Sonny Malone a struggling chalk mural artist in Venice Beach who became frustrated for not finishing his works. Cleo along with the rest of her sister muses descended to earth to inspire Sonny and to achieve the biggest and greatest artistic works in his life – to build a roller disco. Cleo disguises as Kira as an Australian tourist who wears roller skates and leg warmers to convince Sonny and other ordinary people that she is not a muse.

Watching Xanadu it brings back the 80’s era where roller skates and very short pants is considered fashionable and hip along with the bandanas and stripped white socks. The musical comedy is a collaboration of popular and easy to the heart songs and also my personal favorite like Suddenly, Magic, Don’t Walk Away and I’m Alive. As for the character, hands up to Rachel who did a wonderful performance in doing the role of Cleo, in a one-act play like Xanadu, putting 3 personality in one character and roller skating in most of the scenes is very hard especially in a stage that has small space. I also enjoyed the performance of two evil sisters Chari Arespacochaga and Yael Pineda and of course the rest of the muses who do double roles. Everyone should not missed the double, should I say more than two roles of the muses, running for costume change in between scenes is hard and challenging not to mention the mythical creatures. When I saw the performance on the VIP, partners and press preview night yes there are some technical glitches which I think they polished it on the actual performance, such as sounds and some actors almost lost balance while on their roller skates.

My verdict, Xanadu will always be a happy musical play, aside from the easy to remember songs that appeals to its viewers along with the humor that each character possessed. I enjoyed the musical comedy and I love the songs so much. The Altantis Production also includes performers like Noel Trinidad, Leo Rialp, Bea Garcia, Anthony Ong, Alys Serdenia, Glen Llanes, and Robbie Zialcita with set design by Lawyn Cruz, costume design by Twinkle Zamora, choreography by Cecile Martinez, musical direction by Ceejay Javier, lighting design by Jonsy Reyes and vocal coaching by ManMan Angsico.

For those who wanted to catch Xanadu in Manila they should call Atlantis Productions at 892-7078 or 840-1187 for ticket sales and reservations for more information about the seating arrangement and prices they should visit. visit www.atlantisproductionsinc.com

Subscribe to my RSS Feed via email! Enter your email address below:


Delivered by FeedBurner