Livin' La Vida Imelda by Carlos Celdran!

Since 2004, performance artist and cultural activist CARLOS CELDRAN has been performing his multi-media 1970's Philippine history and disco themed Livin' La Vida Imelda tour/ performance at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex. His performance explores issues of Cold-War geopolitics, the global influence of Hollywood, Philippine Post-colonial cultural identity and it's constructs, the ideals of democracy in developing nations, and the creation of what CELDRAN likes to call: "State sanctioned arts & culture". 

This gossipy performance is framed by the biography of the Philippine's flamboyant former first lady Imelda Marcos and set to disco music. 

In lieu of the setting provided by Mrs. Imelda Marcos' commissioned architecture, CELDRAN will be using handmade visual guides, multi-media and selected artworks among the Silverlens collection as a jumping point for the Livin' La Vida Imelda narrative. This is the third time CELDRAN has transposed the performance to a gallery setting. "Livin' La Vida Imelda - The Performance" premiered in 2011 at Twist Gallery in Toronto, Canada.

There will be 19 show dates, these are scheduled on: 

February 13*, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28 

March 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16

All shows start promptly at 7:30 pm and will be held at Silverlens Gallery located at the 2/F YMC Building II, 2320 Don Chino Roces Extension (formerly Pasong Tamo Extension), Makati City. Regular tickets sell for PhP1,100 while student tickets sell for PhP550. The performance runs one hour and forty minutes long with a 15-minute intermission. 

TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT SILVERLENS: 2320 PASONG TAMO EXT., MAKATI CITY, PLEASE CONTACT KATH PUNONGBAYAN AT imelda@silverlensgalleries.com OR TEXT 0916-335-8018. 

Visit here: http://www.silverlensgalleries.com/

Repertory Philippines: No Way To Treat A Lady

Repertory Philippines proudly announces its second offering for the year 2013 with “ No Way To Treat A Lady ” - a musical comedy thriller with book, music and lyrics written by award-winning author/composer Douglas J. Cohen.

Directed by Audie Gemora, “ No Way to Treat a Lady ” is a dark, energetic and funny musical about good boys, bad boys, and the women who shape their lives focusing on themes like betrayal, death, friendship, Jewish/Yiddish issues, love, parenting / family.

The musical was based on the 1964 novel of the same name by William Goldman which was made into a motion picture in 1968.

The dynamic cast of five ( portraying seventeen characters ! ) features Audie Gemora as Christopher ‘Kit’ Gill; Joel Trinidad as Morris Brummel; Carla Guevara-Laforteza as Sarah Stone; Sheila Francisco as Flora Brummel; Pinky Marquez as Alexandra Gill; and Jamie Wilson as Christopher Gill (Stand In).

Set in summer 1970’s New York City, “ No Way to Treat a Lady ” tells the story of Christopher "Kit" Gill (Audie Gemora), an unsuccessful actor turned serial killer - a maniac with mommy issues who is on a rampage, and the NYPD detective on his trail, Morris "Moe" Brummell (Joel Trinidad). Brummell is a Jewish bachelor, who still lives with his overbearing mother, in the shadow of his successful brother, the doctor.

The detective leads a rather unexceptional existence, and yearns for a way to make a name for himself. His goal is shared by an unlikely person, a serial killer seeking notoriety and attention from the police, the press and the city at large. The killer phones Moe one day and the two begin a taunting game of cat and mouse that results in a strange dependence on one another.

Moe's plan to track and eventually trap the killer is temporarily waylaid when he meets a beautiful, rich society girl who lives in the apartment building of the first victim. Woven into the main story of cop vs. killer are two subplots ---- what made Kit a killer and Moe's relationship with his mother and his new girlfriend.

NO WAY TO TREAT A LADY received a Fred Ebb Award for Musical Theatre Songwriting, a Richard Rodgers grant, and a nomination for Best Revival by the New York Outer Critics Circle.

Co-presented by the City of Makati, the artistic team of “No Way To Treat a Lady” is composed of Baby Barredo (Artistic Director); Audie Gemora (Director); Liesl Batucan (Assistant Director); Dingdong Fiel (Musical Director); Mio Infante (Set Designer); Raven Ong (Costume Designer) and John Batalla (Lighting Designer).

The production team of “No Way To Treat a Lady” is composed of Juno Henares (Officer in charge); Gidget Tolentino (Production Manager), Gold Soon (Stage Manager); Denis Lagdameo (Technical Director), Pol Roxas (Sound Technician), Pablito Salvador (Lighting Technician) and Adul Lasin (Set Execution and Scenic Artist).

The marketing, sales and publicity of “No Way To Treat a Lady” is led by Toots Tolentino (Publicist), Charlie Barredo with Oliver Usison, Letty Barredo, Marie Talay and Rose Silva (Marketing and Sales).
“No Way To Treat a Lady” a kooky, clever musical --- very entertaining and a fun way to treat an audience.

“No Way To Treat a Lady” is presented through special arrangement with Samuel French Ltd. Inc.

Contact Details:

For details of show, please call (63 2) 571-6926, (63 2) 571-4941 or email: info@repertory.ph or Ticketworld at (63 2) 891-9999.

Venue: Onstage Theater
2nd Level, Greenbelt 1, Greenbelt
Paseo de Roxas cor. Legaspi St., Ayala Center
Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines

Show Dates:

Friday March 1, 2013 8:00 PM

Saturday March 2, 2013
- 3:30 PM
- 8:00 PM

Sunday March 3, 2013 3:30 PM
Friday March 8, 2013 8:00 PM
Saturday March 9, 2013
- 3:30 PM
- 8:00 PM

Sunday March 10, 2013 3:30 PM
Friday March 15, 2013 8:00 PM
Saturday March 16, 2013
- 3:30 PM
- 8:00 PM

Sunday March 17, 2013 3:30 PM
Friday March 22, 2013 8:00 PM
Saturday March 23, 2013
- 3:30 PM
- 8:00 PM

Sunday March 24, 2013 3:30 PM

8th Nihongo Fiesta 2013

Gear up this February as the 2013 Nihongo Fiesta goes rock with the Japanese band Uchusentai: NOIZ.   Nihongo Fiesta is the yearly event of the Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM) that showcases  Japanese language, arts and culture through events like the speech contest, quiz bee and musical concerts. 

This year, the fiesta presents three (3) events that will surely excite the otakus and the general public alike:  the 40th Nihongo Speech Contest, 5th Quiz Bee - Nihongo for High School Students and the much awaited rock concert of Uchusentai: NOIZ.

  

Uchusentai: NOIZ is a visual kei rock band from Japan. Formed in 1999, the group is composed of Angel Taka, Masato, Kyo, Kotaro and Yamato.  They are known for their energetic music, wild cosplay-like outfits and live shows full of energy and on stage antics.  The free concert will be held on February 23 (Saturday), 7:00 pm at the SM City North EDSA Skydome.

The 40th Nihongo Speech Contest gathers Filipino students and professionals from all over the country to prove their excellence in the Japanese language through speech.  An all-expense paid week-long study tour in Japan awaits the Champion and the Outstanding Performance Awardee.  It will be on February 23 (Saturday) at 10:00 am.  The 5th Quiz Bee – Nihongo for High School Students brings together high schools from Metro Manila as well as other regions to best each other in a game of knowledge of Japanese language and culture.  The quiz bee will be held on the same day from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm.  Both events will be held at The Block Cinema 1 at the SM City North EDSA in Quezon City. 

The 2013 Nihongo Fiesta is part of the celebration of the 40th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation.  All events are open to the public. For more details and inquiries, please contact the Japan Foundation, Manila at (02) 811-6155 to 58; email@jfmo.org.ph  or visit www.jfmo.org.ph . The 2013 Nihongo Fiesta is made possible with the support of the SM City North EDSA, the Embassy of Japan, Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines, Inc. (JCCIPI), The Japanese Association Manila (JAMI), Japan Overseas Enterprises Association (JOEA), Association of Filipino Nihongo Teachers (AFINITE), Animax, Japan Airlines, UNIQLO, Canon Marketing

TOHOKU Photo Exhibition at the National Museum

The Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM) in cooperation with the National Museum of the Philippines, the Embassy of Japan and The Photographic Society of Japan brings to Manila the traveling exhibit TOHOKU－Through the Eyes of the Japanese Photographers, an exhibition composed of 123 photos representing the different aspects of life in Tohoku from its past, present and the future. 

The Tohoku Region is the northeastern section of Honshu, the largest island in Japan.  It is divided into six (6) prefectures:  Aomori, Iwate, Akita, Yamagata, Miyagi and Fukushima.  The region is blessed with a beautiful and abundant natural environment of seas, mountains, rivers and forest.  On March 11, 2011, an earthquake of magnitude 9.0 hit Japan and the worst damaged was concentrated in the region.  The media coverage of the destruction made many people familiar with the names of Tohoku cities and prefectures, but few are likely to have a broad knowledge of other aspects of the region.

The exhibition is composed of works by nine (9) photographers and one (1) photographers’ group:  Teisuke Chiba, Ichiro Kojima, Hideo Haga, Masatoshi Naito, Masaru Tatsuki, Hiroshi Oshima, Naoya Hatakeyama, Meiki Rin, Nao Tsuda and the group led by Toru Ito.  Curated by Kotaro Iizawa, a recognized photography critic in Japan, the exhibit showcases the natural and cultural backdrop of Tohoku as well as its people and their way of life.  Photographs taken in the early 50s and 60s are presented together with photos of the present Tohoku to illustrate the varied points of view and generation of each individual photographer.

“TOHOKU－Through the Eyes of the Japanese Photographers”will be on public view at the Gallery XVIII, Old Legislative Building at the National Museum from January 30 to March 17, 2013.  An Art Talk from Mr. Kotaro Iizawa and Mr. Nao Tsuda will be held on March 9 (Saturday).  Film screenings will also be held during the exhibition run. The National Museum is located at Padre Burgos Avenue, Manila. The museum is open every Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The exhibition is part of the celebration of the Japan-ASEAN 40^th Friendship Year.  For inquiries, please contact the Japan Foundation, Manila at telephone numbers (02) 811~6155 to 58 or email@jfmo.org.ph or visit www.jfmo.org.ph

7th Spring Film Festival

Now on its seventh year, the Ateneo de Manila University’s Ricardo Leong Center for Chinese Studies together with Confucius Institute and Credit Suisse, with the cooperation of Ateneo Celadon and Shangri-La Plaza, brings you the Spring Film Festival this February 1-10, 2013. 

The festival is organized every year to promote Chinese language and culture in mainstream Philippine society particularly among young Filipinos so that they may become bridges between China and the Philippines. This year’s festival features different faces of Chinese society. 

The films for this year include Piano in a Factory (Best Actor, 23rd Tokyo International Film Festival; Best International Movie, 28th Miami International Film Festival; Special Award of Jury, 28th Golden Flower Movie Festival); Storm Warriors (Best Visual Effects, 29th Hong Kong Film Awards), Golden Times, Jasmine Women (Grand Jury Prize, 7th Shanghai International Film Festival; Best Actress, 13th Golden Rooster Awards), 2Become1, and Space Dream. Admission is free. 

Also during Spring Film Festival, there will be a Chinese Painting Exhibit at the Grand Atrium of the Shangri-La Plaza Mall from February 1 to 10, 2013 that display is the latest works of seasoned artists from the International Studies for Chinese Arts and the students of the Confucius Institute at the Ateneo de Manila University Chinese Painting class. Started in 2009, this annual exhibit aims to promote Filipino-made Chinese paintings and to encourage the emergence of new talents that will continue the rich legacy of the ancient art in the Philippines. 

There will also be the On the Wings of Culture Chinese Photo Exhibit that contains images and scenes that depict a new wave of cultural reform is taking place in China, which includes improving cultural infrastructures; burgeoning cultural industries; greater creativity in arts, literature, design and high-tech applications; safeguarding of cultural heritage; cultural innovation, dialogue and youthful exchange. This exhibit is a cooperation of the Cultural Section of the Chinese Embassy and the Confucius Institute at the Ateneo de Manila University. The photo exhibit will be at the 4th floor of the Shangri-La Plaza Mall from February 1 to 10, 2013. 

Sponsors of the 7th Spring Film Festival include: Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Confucius Institute, Ateneo Celadon, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Credit Suisse, Film Development Council of the Philippines, Limketkai Center, ChaTime, Richprime Global Inc., CitisecOnline Financial, Chevrolet, Flexo Marketing, Raphyten Marketing, Lyric Piano, Baby Mossimo Kids, First Estan Trading, Teresa Marble, Footzone Greenhills, Xavier University- Ateneo de Cagayan University, Sacred Heart School- Ateneo de Cebu, Ateneo de Davao University, University of San Carlos, Ateneo de Ilo-ilo- Santa Maria Catholic School, Business World, Chalk Magazine, HerWord.com and Chinoy TV. 

The screening schedule is as follows: 

February 1, 2013 
2Become1: 12:30PM 
Piano in a Factory - 3:00PM 
Storm Warriors - 5:30PM 
Jasmine Women - 8:00PM 

February 2, 2013 
Piano in a Factory - 12:30PM 
Space Dream - 3:00PM 
Golden Times - 5:30PM 
Storm Warriors - 8:00PM 

February 3, 2013
Space Dream - 12:30PM 
2Become1 - 3:00PM 
Jasmine Women - 5:30PM 
Piano in a Factory - 8:00PM 

February 4, 2013 
Storm Warriors - 12:30PM 
Golden Times - 3:00PM 
2Become1 - 5:30PM 
Space Dream - 8:00PM 

February 5, 2013 
Golden Times - 12:30PM 
Jasmine Women - 8:00PM 

February 6, 2013 
Storm Warriors - 12:30PM 
2Become1 - 3:00PM 
Piano in a Factory - 5:30PM 
Golden Times - 8:00PM 

February 7, 2013 
Jasmine Women - 12:30PM 
Golden Times - 3:00PM 
Space Dream - 5:30PM 
2Become1 - 8:00PM 

February 8, 2012 
2Become1 - 12:30PM 
Jasmine Women - 3:00PM 
Piano in a Factory - 5:30PM 
Space Dream - 8:00PM 

February 9, 2013 
Storm Warriors - 12:30PM 
Space Dream - 3:00PM 
2 Become 1 - 5:30PM 
Golden Times - 8:00PM 

February 10, 2013 
Golden Times - 12:30PM 
Storm Warriors - 3:00PM 
Jasmine Women - 5:30PM 
Piano in a Factory - 8:00PM

Contact Details:

For more information, please call Ateneo de Manila University Ricardo Leong Center for Chinese Studies at (63 2) 426-6001 locals 5208, 5209, 5280 and 5284. For tickets, please call Shang Cineplex at (63 2) 633-2227.

Ballet Philippines: A Midsummer Night's Dream

After the critical and box-office success of Rama, Hari, which had its full-house audiences giving rousing standing ovations after each performance, Ballet Philippines once again takes on an old-time favorite and gives it a new twist in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM.

Running for one weekend only from February 15 to 17, 2013 at the CCP Main Theater, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM is a new ballet adaptation choreographed by Hong Kong-based award-winning Filipino choreographer Carlo Pacis. Based on the timeless romantic comedy of William Shakespeare and the music of Felix Mendelssohn, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM is a world premiere, and is Pacis’ first full-length ballet for Ballet Philippines.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream weaves together the lives of mortals and fairies. Oberon, the King of the Fairies, and his Queen, Titania, are fighting over an Indian changeling. To punish her, Oberon instructs the mischievous Puck to place the juice of the Love-in-Idleness flower on her eyes so she falls in love with the first living thing she sees. Oberon also instructs Puck to place the juice on a young mortal man, whom he sees spurning a young woman.

But Puck makes a mistake and his folly creates madness and mayhem in the forest. He puts the juice on Lysander, in love with Hermia, instead of Demetrius, who spurns Helena’s love because he pines for Hermia. Lysander awakens, sees Helena and falls in love with her. To correct his mistake, Puck places the juice on Demetrius’ eyes, who also sees Helena when he awakens. Meantime, Titania, after getting juice on her eyes, awakens and sets her eyes on a man with a donkey’s head. The result is an unforgettable romantic comedy of errors between man and magical beings.

While Rama, Hari is heroic and epic in scale, centered on a prince who is an avatar of a god, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is fun and youthful. It is the interplay of humans and fairies, with mischief-maker Puck at its focal point.

“Fairies have no morals, they want it, they want it now,” says Pacis, whose short work for Ballet Philippines, “Shifting Wait,” won Outstanding Choreography at the Philstage Gawad Buhay Awards.

“The youthful energy of the company will be perfect!” he says. With this, he builds his characters, and uses it to bring out the “fun” and “comedic” nature of the ballet.

While Rama, Hari showcased the dancers’ strength in modern dance, A Midsummer Night’s Dream will let the dancers’ classical ballet technique shine. But Pacis wants to go beyond ballet and infuses more modern, contemporary and non-ballet elements to the dancing. He wants to “push the envelope as far as pas de deux work, musicality and all that.”

Pacis also wants to tell the story with multimedia, sets (by Ricardo Cruz) and costumes (by fashion designer Eric Pineda).

“For me, the underlying theme is love, and I think that being a universal experience to us all, the audience can hopefully understand the story,” Pacis says.

The world premiere of Carlo Pacis’ A Midsummer Night’s Dream runs at the CCP Main Theater on February 15 (3pm and 8pm); February 16 to 17 (2pm and 6pm).

Bulk and group sales are also available for schools, classes, organizations and corporations.

For tickets and inquiries please contact Ballet Philippines at (02) 551-1003 and (02) 551-7919 or Ticketworld at (02) 891-9999.

Ballet Manila: Sinderela

Ballet Manila offers a modern take on the classic fairy tale Cinderella in its Christmas production, combining the elements of love, magic and dance in a fun and enchantment-filled package perfect for the holidays.

In Sinderela, the prince becomes matinee idol Al Principe who holds a search for his leading lady through a grand dance audition. With the help of her fairy godmother Tita Nia, Sinderela gets to show off her dancing skills which are far more refined than those of her wicked stepsisters. But at the stroke of midnight Sinderela hurriedly departs, leaving behind her slipper and an awestruck Al to figure out who its rightful owner is.

With libretto/story adaptation and choreography by Hazel Sabas-Gower, Sinderela will have its world premiere on November 30 at the Aliw Theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City. Shows are also scheduled on December 1, 2, 8 and 9.

Prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde steps into Sinderela's slippers, with Jennifer Rose Olayvar and Sofia Sangco-Peralta as alternates. Taking on the role of Al Principe are Nazer Salgado, Romeo Peralta and Rudy de Dios. Hana Oh dances as Tita Nia, the beggar-woman who turns out to be a nature enchantress.

Using music by Sergei Prokofiev, Sinderela is based on the classic tale by Charles Perrault and the Grimm brothers. Libretto editor is Scott Gower, with set design by Katsch Catoy and costume design by PJ Aranador.

“This 21st century Pinoy interpretation of a well-loved fairy tale is not to be missed,” promises Macuja-Elizalde, who is also Ballet Manila's artistic director. “Sinderela has all the familiar elements, but with a twist they can relate to. Instead of a grand ball, we have a dance audition reminiscent of the reality talent competitions we see on television today. Then we have garden spirits and time spirits that will also be entertaining to watch.”

Along with Sinderela, Ballet Manila also presents Sonata, its tribute to the 150th birth anniversary of Sir Edward William Elgar. With choreography by Ballet Manila artistic associate and rehearsal master Osias Barroso, the homage in dance is set to Elgar's Sonata in E minor, opus 82 for Violin and Piano.

Featured in select performances are guest violinist Robert Atchison and pianist Olga Dudnik. Mylene Aggabao and Eileen Lopez are the restagers of Sonata.

The world premiere of Sinderela is presented by the Manila Broadcasting Company, Ballet Manila and Aliw Theater in cooperation with Bank of Singapore, with special thanks to First United Travel, Star City, Ralph's Wines and Spirits and Island Rose.

Contact Details:

For ticket inquiries and other information, please contact Ballet Manila at (63 2) 525-5967, (63 2) 400-0292 or Ticketworld at (63 2) 891-9999.

Saturday December 8, 2012
- 10:00 AM
- 1:00 PM
- 3:00 PM

Sunday December 9, 2012
- 10:00 AM
- 1:00 PM
- 3:00 PM

Mabuhay Germany 2012: Step Forward + Have Fun

On October 12 to 14, 2012, the German community with its companies and institutions operating in the Philippines will once again gather at the Bonifacio Global City for the annual Mabuhay Germany celebrations.  Now on its 5th year, this year's theme, "Step Forward + Have Fun," demonstrates the German community’s commitment to promote a better life and at the same time provide enjoyment for Filipinos through German opportunities, products, services, culture and influences.

With their more than 140 years of presence in the country, German influences and practices are not only felt through business, trade and education—these have also been integrated into the Filipino culture by way of food and music, among others.   The annual Mabuhay Germany festivities,organized by the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Inc. (GPCCI), allow the German community in the Philippines to showcase its businesses, products, and community building initiatives through a weekend celebration during the German month.

This year’s celebration kicks-off with a VIP Opening Ceremony for the diplomatic corps and business representatives of Germany and the EU member states and their Filipino counterparts and a breathtakingopera performance by “Frankie & Friends.” The Saturday activities include an experttalk from Goethe Institut entitled‘How German helps your career‘,the 3^rd GPCCI Table Soccer Cup, and the “Groovy Doovy German Party Night”with the Authority Band and German- Filipina DJ Badkiss. Sunday activities include the traditionalCatholic mass followed by a German brunch with live music entertainment, a Broadway performance by German school kids, a “Move to the German Groove” singing and dancing contest, and a German Movie Night featuring ‘Kokowääh.’  Throughout the three-day event, kids will also be invited to several activities at the Hänsel and Gretel Haus. 

German food, prepared al fresco, like grilled sausages with potato salad, cabbage and Schnitzel with Bavarian beers, home-made desserts, cakes, and cookies will be served during the event. Concessionaires in this 5th annual event include the German Club, Giger’s, BrummsWein, Säntis Delicatessen and DusitThani Hotel.There will also beWursty-Wursty, a fast-growing and popular restaurant which serves authentic German food enjoyed by locals and Booze On-Line, which brings to the country various German beers that Filipinos enjoy.

This year’s Mabuhay Germany exhibitors, which will showcase a comprehensive collection of German products, services, culture, and lifestyle in the Philippines, includeAyala Land Sales, Inc.,BASF Philippines, Inc., Club Paradise Resort, Palawan, CONTINENTAL, Doehle Ship management Phils. Corp, The German Embassy Manila, German European School Manila, Lufthansa German Airlines, Deutsche Gesellschaftfuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Lufthansa Technik Philippines, MAN Automotive Concessionaires Corporation, MATEC Maschinen Technik,Robert Bosch, Inc., Schenker Philippines Inc., andTriple I Consulting Inc.

The affair is sponsored by BAGElectronics,Cats Motors/Mercedes Benz, Doehle Ship managementPhils.Corp., Deutsche Gesellschaftfuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Greenpowerphils, Inc.,Hansa Meyer - ATS Projects Inc.,Hapag-Lloyd Philippine, CONTINENTAL, MAN Automotive Concessionaires Corporation, SSI Schaefer, STEAG State Power Inc., and TüVRheinland Philippines.

More information about the 5th Mabuhay Germany is available at www.gpcci.org