Mar. 29-30 Auditions: “West Side Story”

STAGES presents Christian Bautista in “West Side Story.”

We’re now casting Maria, Bernardo, Riff, Anita, etc. and a strong ensemble of dancers.

Auditions for singers and dancers age 17-30 years old: Stand Studio, Brahma Bldg., 172 Mabini St., Addition Hills, San Juan, Manila, Mar. 29-30, 2008, 10 am to 5 pm. Bring 3R colored photo, resume and minus one CD.

Call Judith at STAGES, (632) 818-1111 loc. 225 for further queries.

STAGES’ production of Broadway musical, “West Side Story,” runs at the Meralco Theater Sept.-Oct. 2008.

We’re now talking with fundraising groups, block buyers, corporate and media partners.

Panoramanila makes its first film, ‘Ploning’

Panoramanila Pictures Co., a new film outfit composed of young Filipino filmmakers coming from both independent and commercial cinema industries, is looking forward to the Philippine and international premiere of its first feature film, “Ploning.” The film, shot entirely in Cuyo Island, Palawan, stars popular Filipino actress Judy Ann Santos.

Panoramanila fuses independent cinema spirit with commercial filmmaking sensibilities. It has its sight on an emerging inspired age of Philippine Cinema with creative and production excellence, elevating the industry as a major player in the Asian Region.

The new company is committed in producing feature films that are values laden, culturally rich, well acted, fully marketed and business driven. And to address capital constraints, it developed an equity-sharing scheme (joint venture agreements) among its cast and key production staff and raised funds through investors, mostly private individuals. When the film earns, the investors also reap profit based on the shares allotted to them. "For now, Ms. Santos and our key production staff are enjoying this kind of arrangement," said Jourdan Sebastian, executive creative producer.

Popular Cuyonon folk song, “Ploning” is the main inspiration for the film. It presents the story of a Cuyonon woman’s promise, her struggle with hope and love told from the point of view of a young boy.

“For this maiden project, Panoramanila intends to portray a more beautiful and scenic Philippines. It wants to veer away from the stereotype images of third world poverty, sex and gambling trade and violence proliferating from current crop of Filipino films recognized in international film festivals,” added Sebastian.

There has been a dip in mainstream film productions in the late ‘90s to the present, which prompted the renaissance of independently produced local films. With ready access to more affordable video and new media technologies, more and more of the Philippines' independently produced films, mostly in digital format, are exhibited in a number of international film festivals. But most of these films were made with no sound business plan intact. Most of the filmmakers behind these works would naturally go back to square one, scavenging necessary funds for their next film.

Panoramanila looks into long-term and sustained business strategies in order for the company to produce more cultural and values laden films in the coming years.

“Ploning” is independently produced but will be marketed and distributed commercially in the Philippines and internationally. It is shot with live sound and in the traditional 35mm film format.

“Ploning” coincides its lead actress’ 30th birthday and opens in cinemas across the Philippines on April 30.

For more information about the film, visit www.ploningthemovie.com.

Sam Concepcion is “B4USurf” ambassador in the Philippines

Sam Concepcion, theatre, film and TV actor, recording artist and current Department of Education (DepEd) role model for the youth, is also the official spokesperson for the Philippines’ “B4USurf” campaign.

The Business Software Alliance (BSA), an international, non-profit organization promoting a safe and legal digital world, launched its regional campaign “B4USurf” in the Philippines. The campaign aims to promote the importance of cyber ethics, cyber safety and cyber wellness among educators, parents and the youth.

“Students like myself are heavy Internet users. We go to it for researching, gaming and social networking. It’s therefore a good thing to know the possible dangers we could encounter while we are online,” observed Concepcion.

“Being aware of the basics of cyber ethics and cyber safety through the “B4USurf” website will surely contribute to our growth as responsible Internet and computer users,” added Concepcion.

The main component of the campaign is the “B4USurf” website (www.b4usurf.org), which is divided into three sections – one for educators, one for parents and one for the youth. Each section contains materials, resources and activities covering topics ranging from intellectual property and Internet safety to the use of software tools in monitoring online activities.

“We recognize the massive influence of the Internet today as well as the need for disseminating information on proper Internet usage, cyber ethics and cyber safety. We have put up this website to make such information available to anyone who needs it especially parents, educators and young people,” said Tarun Sawney, BSA Director for Anti-Piracy for Asia.

BSA’s partners in launching the campaign in the Philippines include key information and communications technology (ICT) industry players, namely the Intellectual Property Coalition, the Philippine Internet Services Organization (PISO), Chikka Asia, Inc. and Bidshot.

The campaign also garnered support from the public sector, with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IP Philippines) extending their endorsement to the campaign.

ACNielsen estimates that the number of Internet users in the Philippines will reach 24 million this year, mainly because technology has become more accessible and affordable through Internet cafés and low-cost computers.

Prior to the Philippines, the BSA launched "B4USurf" in China, Malaysia, Singapore and is also scheduled to launch the campaign in Taiwan.

Sam Concepcion: the debut album review

This kid is dripping with self-confidence. Of course, his clean, good looks are a big factor. In short, the kid has star quality that it’s no surprise he’d win contests left and right. After all, charisma and the overall package count. A lot. This album banks on that, and needless to say, it fairly succeeds.

You can tell the boy is playing ball here, instead of working up and trying hard to make an impression. He really enjoys what he’s doing. After all, it’s no joke pulling it off as the male lead of the local run of The High School Musical, right? Doing this album must have been a breeze to him.

I like his fresh and pure voice. And I think that the themes picked for him are just right for a boy in the early stage of adolescence. The strongest among them would be "Even If," which is a huge and instant radio hit. I like "Hanggang Tingin" too because it has the same popular appeal.

Towards the end of the album, the songs are not as memorable, but I think we should at least give Sam props for his non-twangy Tagalog and happy, non-high-pitched voice. Overall, his sound is a fresh alternative in these days of competing stratospheric voices.

With this album, Sam shows that he can be a potential boy-band material like Aaron Carter or a successful male solo artist after he is weaned from being the pre-teen (now called tween) or teen idol that he is now.

-- Resty Odon for www.titikpilipino.com

'Transformation in the Workplace' seminar on Feb. 29

A “transformation in the workplace” seminar will be held on Feb. 29, Friday, 7 p.m., at GCF, Ortigas Center.

Henry and Richard Blackaby, father-and son team, will be the resource persons. Both are very inspiring Christian leaders, and deeply committed in teaching the Word of God. They are the co-authors of “Experiencing God Day by Day,” and “Spiritual Leadership.”

About 400 seats are still available. You may reserve seats from Nestor or Allyn at tel. no. (632) 372-7777 loc. 223 or at the World Vision office, 389 Quezon Ave. Seminar fee: PhP 200 only.

Wagi: A terrific show

SUNDRY STROKES By Rosalinda L. Orosa
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
The Philippine Star


“…In Wagi, Filipino popular entertainers, who repeatedly won in world competitions, performed at the CCP main theater and what a terrific show they staged! The combination of pop and classic was fantastically gratifying.

Outstanding were Dulce who sang Memory, Jed Madela (2005 World Champion, Hollywood) who rendered The Impossible Dream, the Philippine Allstars whose show-stopping precision dancing was absolutely riveting, the Madrigals who demonstrated how and why they keep garnering international awards. Ballroom dancer-medalists in the 24th SE Asian Games DanceSport — Judith Anne Melencio-Renato Rener, Mercado Dearlie Gerodias-John Erolle Melencio, and Maira Rosete-Emmanuel Reyes – were excellent: light-footed, graceful, arrestingly agile.

The very young Aria Clemente — she can’t be more than 12 — could be the next Lea Salonga. She is 2007 World Champion, Performing Arts, Los Angeles, US. In her singing of Don’t Rain on My Parade, she exhibited striking poise assurance, vocal and acting talent. Other distinguished singers were Reuben Laurente, Reymond Sajor and countertenor Mark Anthony Carpio, soloist in Ryan Cayabyab’s Gloria from Misa 2000.

Not to be overlooked was Cayabyab himself, music director-conductor-pianist who assisted many of the singers, who wielded the baton over the spirited Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, and whose many song compositions and orchestration of Paraiso and the finale Hallelujah dominated Wagi. Further, Cayabyab was the show’s pivotal figure, his commentaries holding the diverse numbers together.

Completing the ensemble were the KJWAN consisting of three guitarists and a pianist-percussionist — his music was rather ear-splitting — the UE Chorale, Coro de Sta. Cecilia, Novo Concertante, Sta. Teresita Parish Chorale and the Mandaluyong Children’s Choir. Together, the choirs created massive, cohesive, stirring sounds.

Alexander Cortez was Wagi’s director; Floy Quintos, writer; Monino Duque, lighting designer. The heavy shower of glittering confetti celebrated Filipino talent which, given the opportunity, is second to none — as Wagi illustrated.”

Reality bites in Valentine movie, “Endo”

ufo Pictures' award-winning digital film “Endo” (End of Contract) opens tomorrow, Feb. 13, in Gateway, Glorietta 4, and SM digital cinemas in Metro Manila.

We attended the film’s celebrity premiere at SM Megamall last night. Its effort to veer away from formulaic Pinoy lovestruck flicks has been very refreshing. A reality-grounded screenplay brings out impressive performances from its main players Jason Abalos and Ina Feleo.

Graded "A" by the Cinema Evaluation Board (CEB), “Endo” is the story of Leo (played by emerging Star Magic heartthrob Jason Abalos), a contractual worker who is used to the temporary. Typical of many young Filipinos, he hops from one contractual job to the next in order to earn a living for himself and his family. His relationships are similarly fleeting. When he meets the spirited dreamer Tanya (played by stage actress Ina Feleo), he is suddenly faced by the promise of a better future, but he doesn't seem equipped to handle it.

“…"Endo” shows a certain pride in indie filmmaking that is... very timely, very human," said the CEB. "The problem of labor contractualization, though a glaring truth both in real and reel, is brilliantly crafted by the director in a style that is understated and unobtrusive."

CEB lauded Abalos and Feleo for their "very real and excellent" performances. Feleo won Best Actress in the 2007 Cinemalaya Film Festival, where the film premiered.

Jade Castro directed the film and wrote the screenplay with Michiko Yamamoto and Raymond Lee.

More information on “Endo” can be found at http://endomovie.com

Sam Concepcion challenges over 100,000 students to excel in school

For the past three months, multimedia tween star and Department of Education (DepEd) spokesperson for the youth Sam Concepcion has been inspiring young Filipino high school students in his "SAMa-SAMa sa Eskwela" nationwide school tour.

Sam, who was named DepEd's ambassador for the youth last year, has visited a total of around 30 schools, and over 100,000 students so far. The tour aims to visit 50 private and public schools by March, and has been to various points in the country like Pampanga, Laguna, Cebu City, Cagayan De Oro City, and Davao City.

"I am really enjoying it," admits Sam. "I feel so privileged that I get this rare chance to remind, and inspire my fellow youth to not neglect their studies, and their dreams."

In "SAMa-SAMa sa Eskwela," Sam holds a mini-concert cum dialogue with the students that lasts for about an hour. The program highlights the importance of literacy, English proficiency, finding one's talent, and excelling in school.

In the mini-concert, Sam dishes out some of the memorable cuts from his self-titled album from Universal Records like "Even If," which is currently topping the charts for over three weeks now in Megamixx 101.9 FM, a radio station in Guam, and his latest single "Happy."

He also performs songs from “High School Musical On Stage,” which Sam performed in the hit musical, like "Breaking Free" and "We're All In This Together." Interestingly, Sam sings these popular duets with a female student singer from every school he pays a visit.

Before the end of the program, Sam leads the whole studentry into reciting the "Pledge of Commitment" that states that the participants will do their best to respond to the challenges posed by the school tour.

"DepEd chose a good spokesperson in Sam," says Maia Azores of Canossa College, San Pablo, Laguna. "He is eloquent, energetic, and charming. Students really listen to him."

Sam’s next stops will be at Concepcion Integrated School and Marikina High School on Feb. 18; Tanong High School and Sta. Elena High School on Feb. 20; Parang High School and Marikina High School on Feb. 22; and Concepcion High School and Marikina Heights National High School on Feb. 27.

Sam is currently attending the home school program of Alpha-Omega International Academy. He is in grade 9.

Aside from the school tour and the promotion of his album, Sam has his hands full with MTV Music Revolution, a 30-minute weekly TV program that allows viewers to be updated with the current music trends in Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.

“SAMa, SAMa sa Eskwela” has been supported by PLDT SMART Foundation, and STAGES, in cooperation with Rep. Roman T. Romulo, Universal Records, Bench, Karate Kid, Elijah Dental, Skechers, Trumpets, Kiseki, and Monami Writing Instruments.

Sam is a STAGES/Star Magic-managed artist. STAGES also manages Christian Bautista, Aria Clemente, Cheska Ortega, and Raki Vega. For further inquiries, call 818-1111 loc. 225 or visit www.samconcepcion.net

The "winningest" Filipino Artists go onstage at the CCP

The year 2007 was a year of many triumphs for Filipino performers in various international competitions. To celebrate these victories, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) gathers the winners---“silang mga nagwagi”---and brings them together for a memorable command performance under the musical direction of Ryan Cayabyab in “WAGI”, on February 15, 2008, 8 PM at the CCP Main Theater. The concert is one of the highlights of the February National Arts Month celebration at the CCP. The National Arts Month will be a tribute to the Filipino artist.

“WAGI” will be top billed by the following artists:

Jed Madela, winner of the Senior Grand Champion Performer of the World title in the 2005 World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in LA, California. The award is the highest prize in the WCOPA where he also won two Champion of the World Plaques, One Star trophy for the award Grand Champion of the World in the Singing division and the diamond trophy for the most coveted top prize as Grand Champion Performer of the World. Madela also won six golds in the pop, original song, Broadway, pop duet and gospel genres.

Aria Clemente, winner of the Junior Grand Champion Performer of the World title in the 2007 WCOPA. She also won the Grand Champion, junior vocals, garnering one industry award, five plaques, four golds and a silver.

Reymond Sajor, Grand Champion, senior vocals, in the 2007 WCOPA. He also won one industry award, two plaques, three golds and two silvers.

Reuben Laurente, winner of the Gold Medal (Broadway), three Silvers (pop), R & B and world music) and a bronze (gospel). Laurente won these awards in the 2007 WCOPA thirty and above group.

Dulce, one of the country's most respected singers, is a recipient of various musical awards both here and abroad. She also starred in musicals and performed extensively both in the Philippines and abroad. Dulce won the Grand Prize in the Asian Singing Competition in Hongkong in 1979 for the song "Ako ang Nasawi, Ako ang Nagwagi” by George Canseco. She was also the recipient of the "Lifetime Achievement Award" given by ALIW Foundation in 2003.

KJWAN Band, winner of the Ikon Asean award. The Ikon Asean is a regional music award designed to showcase and recognize talented artists from countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. The First Ikon Asean was held on August 2007 in Malaysia, where the Kjwan and another Filipino artist Vina Morales won the first title of Ikon Asean for Solo and Group categories, respectively.

Philippine Madrigal Singers, winner of the 2007 European Grand Prize for Choral Singing in Arezzo, Italy, the first and only choir to win the grand prize twice in the competition's entire history. The multi-awarded Madrigals first won the European Grand Prize for Choral Singing in Tours, France in 1997. In 2006, it won the grand prize of the Florilege de Tours choral competition, which qualified them to compete in the 2007 Arezzo competition.

Six prizewinning choirs will perform in “WAGI.” These choirs are:

UE Chorale, winner of the Gold Prize, Classical Category, Grand Prix, Busan Choral Festival and Competition in 2007; Novo Concertante, winner of the Gold Medal, Folklore Category of the 23rd Takarazuka International Chamber Choral Contest in Japan in 2007; Sta. Teresita Parish Chorale, winner of the 2007 Grand Prize in the "A Voyage of Songs " International Choral Festival 2007 in Pattaya, Thailand; Hail Mary the Queen Children's Choir, Champion in the Music of the Religions Category of the 3rd Choir Olympics in Bremen, Germany in 2004; Mandaluyong Children's Choir, winner of the Silver medal in the Children's Choir Category and the Bronze medal in the Contemporary Music Category of the 2002 2nd World Choir Olympics in Busan, Korea; Coro de Sta. Cecilia (Top prizes, Asian open of the 1st Asian Choir Games in Jakarta, Indonesia in November 2007, Golden Diploma, Musica Sacra Category and Silver Diploma in the Mixed Vocal Ensemble Category).

The Philippine Allstars, which was named the 2006 World Hip Hop Champion, Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, the national orchestra, and the 24th Southeast Asian Games Dancesport Medalists are also slated to perform in the concert.

Highlights of “WAGI” include the “Gloria” from "Misa 2000", which is dedicated to all Filipino artists and will feature the winning choirs in a show stopping performance. The finale will be a rousing rendition of “Paraiso”, as rearranged by Ryan Cayabyab and reinterpreted by the soloists and the different chorale groups.

“WAGI” is directed by Alexander Cortez, with Floy Quintos as writer, Monino Duqueas Lighting Designer and Ricardo Cruz as Production Designer.

Tickets are priced at P1,000 P800 P500 and P200.

For more information, please call the CCP box office at tel. no. (632) 832-1125 local 1409 and 832-3704 or Ticketworld at (632) 891-999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph

Camera work steers ‘Cloverfield’

A monster/disaster movie set against the backdrop of Manhattan is not a novel idea to moviegoers anymore. But presenting the narrative and characters from the POV of a handheld "Cloverfield" camera spells a big difference.

“Cloverfield” empowers the camera as the main actor in the film. What it captures through its lens is what you get. Mostly jarring camera movements especially as the scenes moved out to the chaotic streets of New York; camera lens get soiled after a major explosion; camera lens get drenched with blood upon close encounters with monsters, among others -- all made the viewing experience much more real and personal, and definitely more terrifying.

Our first flowerhorn, Brasco

My mom celebrated her 60 plus birthday end of January, which turned out to be not too pleasant – our 8-year old gold arowana joined our Lord. Huhuhu. As a birthday present, my family got her a really big, and our very first flowerhorn fish from Cartimar bargain market in Libertad, Manila.

The flowerhorn fish was first sold in Malaysia in the 1990s and soon became really popular in Asia, including the Philippines. We got ours at PhP 2,000.

It is believed that the flowerhorn fish brings good fortune, especially in business. The hump that the adult male fish develops is said to resemble the Chinese god of longevity. The owner’s luck will grow if the fish's hump grows. (Hmm, o really?)

It has distinctive horizontal markings on its sides, which can be interpreted as recognizable Chinese symbols.

The flowerhorn fish is very territorial. It kills another flowerhorn fish placed in the same water tank. Wicked!

Trumpets Playshop celebrates 15 years

Trumpets Playshop -- the country’s biggest talent workshop hub, which consistently draws in over 3,000 students in summer alone, celebrates 15 years with loads of new workshops.

Children’s theater for toddlers, digital fashion photography, anime production, VJ hosting, baking, professional make up, stage direction, rehearsal techniques, voice workshops, and choreography for non-dancers add up to Playshop’s all-time favorite children’s musical theater, teens and adults’ musical theater, street dance, modeling, public speaking and hosting, master class, and theater production workshops.

“At 15, Playshop is still growing and opening up to exciting new things. New students and Playshop graduates are all invited to attend our first Playshop Expo, and a tribute show by the end of summer. We make Playshop accessible at the Podium, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Alabang Town Center, and possibly two more venues in Makati City,” says Audie Gemora, one of the pioneering minds behind Playshop.

There have been countless performing artists and personalities who attended Playshop and Musicademy, Trumpets’ school for voice, instruments, stage performance, and languages. Asia’s Pop Idol Christian Bautista; tween heartthrob Sam Concepcion; Hollywood Olympics’ champions Aria Clemente and Reymond Sajor; The Playshop Kids; recording artists Bituin Escalante, Kyla, Cheska Ortega, Raki Vega, Joaqui Valdes and Gian Magdangal; news reporters Carlo Lorenzo and Nina Corpuz; thespians Maita Ponce and Red Concepcion; TV personalities Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Bettinna Carlos, Heart Evangelista, PJ Valerio and Say Alonzo; even cosmetic surgeon Manny Calayan finished at least one of the courses Playshop and Musicademy have been offering.

“The key to Playshop’s success all these years lies in a strict adherence to an excellent curriculum; competent and inspiring faculty; and a premium on values. The Playshop syllabus has an unwritten rule that more important than techniques and skills, are the core values students must learn to truly succeed. These values include love for God, discipline, friendship, and character,” says Playshop director Lani Mabilangan-Ligot.

“It is not enough that they are taught, students have to be able to implement what they learned,” adds Ligot.

Outstanding Playshop students are encouraged to join productions that Trumpets and STAGES, its sister company, have been producing. Some Playshoppers auditioned and were cast in the recent productions of Disney’s “High School Musical On Stage,” and Trumpets’ original musical “First Name.”

Playshop is accepting enrollees this early. Workshop rates are at P5,500 for musical theater, and public speaking and hosting; P6,000 for street dance; and P7,500 for modeling. Call (632) 636-2842 for other queries.

Trumpets Playshop this summer '08 will run from April 2 to June 1.