Queen of Soul JAYA To Stage "JAYA ALL HITS" Concert, Introduces Daughter SABRIYA

She's been out of the scene for a while but here she comes with a concert called JAYA ALL HITS to be held at the New Frontier Theater this September 14. Taking on her most popular songs that have been heavily missed, she's going to give one memorable night that only an icon could do. The Queen of Soul's show will be directed by John Prats with Musical Direction by Jem Florendo.

She will be joined by guests Ogie Alcasid, Erik Santos and Jason Dy. This is going to be one exciting night of vocal supremacy, reminiscing, and fun!

Ms. Jaya says "God is so good because when I went to the US, we had the pandemic. After that, producers wanted to do shows so from 2021 til now the concerts didn't stop. There are a lot of Filipinos there and they have supported artists, they want to go back to listen to artists like me for nostalgia too. I had work, even do wakes singing beside coffins. I wanted to sing for any reason. My son is Sophomore, want to also take college courses, God has his plans for me. I'm currently doing businesses here, have a laundromat in Dasmariñas, cook too, and they wanted to do have someone who will fall in love with the business."

She also adds "We were worrying about a lot of things during that time but we sold the house, we assessed things, and it was because my family which is why we left. Back in Folk Arts, I had my Mom and Ms. Pilita to be with me on stage and that was super good. Now I'm going to introduce my daughter SABRIYA. I'm a little frazzled because of the time because the concert will be this Sunday."

Here's more of what we talked about this evening:

 

SABRIYA is a 19yo singer, composer and music producer. She was supposed to do college but had the courage to do music in the Philippines and bought tickets last minute. She's also very talented because she can play a lot of instruments. She also admits to have a different kind of genre compared to her mom Jaya, and grandma Ms. Elizabeth, and plans to do everything she can. You'll see her perform in the concert too, so there's a lot to look forward to.

This is produced by Cornerstone Concerts, L-Squared Production and CAL Studios. Tickets are available through Ticketnet.com.ph so get them before they run out fast!

Understand the Complex Heart of a Writer in Ricky Lee's "PARA KAY B"

The Ricky Lee masterpiece "PARA KAY B" is doing a run at the Doreen Blackbox Theater in Ateneo (ARETE). We watched their gala performance a couple days ago, done by LA Prod House, Fire and Ice Live! and their partner Tunog at Liwanag Sa Teatro Inc.

 

It's pretty loyal to the literature of our National Artist Ricky Lee (who was there and celebrating his birthday btw!), and I like what they did in modernizing some of the scenes. This made it relatable, current and a heck of a lot entertaining. The story revolved around the life of Bessie, and her love personas that lived in Ester, Sandra, Irene and Erica. Lucas was the writer, making sure he dedicated his time to make Bessie's characters come to life.

I'd say the actors who portrayed them did over and beyond what is expected. If you watch the show, you'll get yourself involved because chances are, you'll see yourself in one or more of these characters. This was crafted in a way that even if you didn't get to read the book, you'll still root for them and their story.

Set design was simple, efficient and used well to tell the story. There wasn't much music (as this isn't a musical), but effects were apt and utilized projectors most of the time. I'd say you would spend a few hours after the show to talk about your favorites, and who you would connect to. You would feel small about your burdens, because some of them here are crazy to think about... but it does happen.

Let's not spoil it for you, because if you are hungry to see a great show... they've got show dates on the 21st at 7PM, 22nd and 23rd at 2:30PM and 7PM, 28th at 7PM and on the 29th and 30th at 2:30PM and 7PM.

See the many ways of how the heart of a writer works. Make sure you get tickets online via Ticket2Me.net and see the show where Ricky Lee's best selling book gets interpreted on stage. 

Congratulations Direk Yong Tapang, and to the cast, you deserve the applause you got from that show!

Ricky Lee's "PARA KAY B" Gets Stage Run This March

Super good news for those who adore Ricky Lee's works, as LA ProdHouse and Fire and Ice Live! takes the best selling novel "PARA KAY B" to theaters this coming March 14 to 30 at the Doreen Black Box Theater, ARETE Wing of the Ateneo De Manila University. This is a stage adaptation of the well loved story (stories that is) that talks about love, romance and some hurt in between. Surely this will be a very interesting take on something a lot of people were able to relate to even after years of its inception.

We got to talk to the stars of "PARA KAY B" plus producers Ice Seguerra and Liza Diño-Seguerra this morning about the show and they're equally excited to see it, here's our video coverage! 

This is created for the stage by Ejay Castro Deldoc (a Palanca awardee) and directed by Yong Tapang (who's done remarkable production in the past). They also are partnering with Tunog at Liwanag sa Teatro. But there's certainly more interesting things to see in the show.

5 women named Bessie, Ester, Sandra, Irene and Erica divulge their life stories with a front row seat to their different kinds of love, relationships and realities. They had us see a glimpse of it, and it was crazy... crazy good.

Ice says "Different people, different ways of looking at love. Some are fools, some believe in forever, some remain cynical. Do you believe only 1 out of 5 people get a happily ever after?"

National Artist Ricky Lee pronounced "To tell you the truth, out of the multitude of novels I had, this is the best selling one up to this date. I made this in 2008, I suppose people like to read something that would give them pain. I think if they're too happy, it wouldn't be as adventurous. I think if its more painful, they could remember and carry it more. I've seen and heard people read it multiple times, pick it up when there's a typhoon, to read it all over again."

It's interesting, feisty, and fun to see it on stage. If you would want to see more of it, go see "PARA KAY B" at the ARETE in Ateneo De Manila University. People loved the novel, and surely, you would love the things they plan to execute at the theater. See if you'll get to be one of Lucas' characters, relate in it in so many ways.

Tickets are available via Ticket2Me.net or the app with the same name if you wish to watch the show.

GERALD SANTOS Takes The Stage with "COURAGE" Concert

Only 2 days left before the big show as Gerald Santos takes the stage in his concert entitled "COURAGE" which takes place at the SM North Edsa SKYDOME this coming January 24th. 

The profound singer, actor and theater phenom will also perform with greats such as Erik Santos, Sheryn Regis, Elish, PPOP group ASTER, and lovely Aicelle Santos. He's going to give this his all and include a very good cause called "COURAGE MOVEMENT' aimed to help victims of abuse. As you may understand, this is very personal for him and ultimately, wants to help give a platform for those who have been silenced of this crime. He will also be launching his newest single "HUBAD'", and perform it live. 

This is produced and conceptualized by Antonino Rommel Ramilo and Echo Jam  and Visionary Entertainment. You can still get tickets via smtickets.com. Come see him perform on Friday!

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BIANCA DEL RIO is in MANILA for DEAD INSIDE Asia Tour

The nastiest (nicest in real life) and smartest queen in the Ru Paul's Drag Race franchise is in Manila for one night to do her DEAD INSIDE Asia Tour, her 113th show since starting this in February last year. She's the 6th queen to ever hold the crown, hailing from New York, the one and only BIANCA DEL RIO. 

Talk about CLOWN realness, Bianca had us laughing from the first second she stepped on stage during this interview. She wore a really shiny black gown, no white line under her eyes (or did she), and an orange wig that she changes each show. 

Bianca Del Rio and some of the RPDR Philippines queens.

Bianca says I'm still in drag from last night (she kids), can you imagine if I flew like this? I've been here a couple of times, and I'm wearing this orange hair to know what tour I've been doing. With the DEAD INSIDE tour, expect the unexpected. It depends on how much wine I've already had. They say never trust a drag queen who doesn't drink, there's always a secret waiting to be uncovered. Well it changes depending where you are, there are certain things that you can't do in the UK and things that you can't do in the US, same goes with Brazil, Hawaii and the Philippines. You have to find the little pockets of fun. So yeah, expect the unexpected!"

Here's our press conference this morning, and yes I got to ask about the iconic Orthopedic Shoe and her relationship with Adore Delano. 

There are only a few tickets left where you can purchase through the venue's box office. This is produced by LA COMEDY LIVE. See you if you're going there because I'm quite sure I'm seeing the show!

NINA Set to do "LOVE MATTERS" Concert at New Frontier Theater this Valentines Season

The one and only Asia's Diamond Soul Siren Nina has been heavily missed and this February 7th, she's ending that with her very own concert titled "LOVE MATTERS" which will be at the New Frontier Theater at Araneta City.

Nina says "You have to stay with your roots, it's challenging for an artist and singer. Even if it's your sound, you change it to what is current so you remain relevant. Folks should sing, interpret it the way the audience would feel it too. People listen, and it could be technical but they should know how to make folks people feel the love. My daughter has been noticing how people are approaching me and take photos. She's got clues now."

She adds "I haven't found any challenging song because I really do learn it first before recording. Maybe if I could do Through The Fire, put a spin on it that is more acoustic rather than belting. I still get nervous, I think every time I do get nervous because I always want to put out a great performance. I don't drink, nor smoke, so I take good care of my voice. I don't eat pork and beef, I eat everything else that makes me happy."

She tells us "There will be new songs, perhaps this year a new single or album. Love Moves was the one I got to really enjoy in the Nina Live album. We will certainly celebrate all kinds of love in the Love Matters concert."

Here's more of our interview with her:


 

If you want to get tickets, visit Ticketnet.com.ph now before they run out!

This is produced by Heavenly Desserts by Chef Jeng and will be Directed by John Prats. This is also co-presented Essentials, Vera Group and District One. Thank you Cornerstone Concerts for having us!

Anthony Rosaldo Takes On "Ang Huling El Bimbo"

Anthony Rosaldo has been working hard these previous years and has definitely been making a name for himself. His stature has gone leaps and bounds from when he started, and this time he's adding another feather to his hat as a theater actor. He will be joining the cast of "Ang Huling El Bimbo" which he watched a few years ago.


Anthony says "Ang Huling El Bimbo is actually my first time to do a play. Theater needs discipline, I'm quite new. It's like I'm doing a workshop everyday. After scenes, we comment on what we have done the whole day. My brain needs to be on point, your lines, your queues, everyday you have to be guided because theater is different. It's a huge challenge, a big step in my career. Within the musical there are a lot of scenes for Hector which I play, I know how I need more stamina because the dance numbers are not a joke. Old Hector will be played by Gian Magdangal. It's a challenge to do songs and dance at the same time. I lost a lot of weight, I think I got my ideal weight because of it. I don't offended with indecent proposals which I see on my filtered messages, I don't get offended. Jeremiah and I almost went in showbiz the same time. I know how good he is, he is very involved and I will push everyone to support." 

He's very thankful about the opportunity and will have to do a lot shows during this run. It'll certainly be a hit like its predecessor, and hope it will continue to open even more opportunities for him. Make sure you get tickets as early as now because it will be a fun night! Show starts April 21st at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City.

Hear, See and Feel The Male Perspective on D**kTalk

There are surely a lot of talk about this particular original theater piece by Edwin Vinarao and Christian Clemente called D***kTalk. You can say it's a little more like V****a Monologues but for the male form. This is written by Benj Cruz, Ara Vicencio and is still in the script development stages but they gave us early access, not to tease, but just to get a little taste of it.

Edgardo Boy Vinerao says "It's something I was excited about, this is our dream project. This is out of the box, and we meant it because this is talking about it, d***s. It's pretty taboo here, but there are so many good things to talk about, and understand. You'll be hearing voices of it, just like each and the rest of us. Parts of the line they do mirror real life. They are just one powerful cast. Hope to see you at the RCBC theater when shows start in April.

Direk Phil Noble adds "This is our first time to showcase the elements and text of our actors, and how their characters evolve. The questions of manhood, machismo, how big the body is, or how huge their d*** is. This play wants to spark talk on perspective of one's manhood, on what he goes through just like women. The thing is like the heart, we need to take care of it. It will be heard repeatedly until it becomes organic."

Yes, the talk delves more into measuring one's manhood. Filipino terms for it actually sound more vulgar but they went ahead and introduced it to the audience, to later, have it feel more normal and start a little discourse about it especially amongst adults which the performance wants to reach.  There will be no mansplaining,or maybe a little, and a few instances of talking about IT and how it differs in every generation. 

Jake Cuenca plays Peter, Mikoy Morales is Cecile, Nil Nodalo plays Rob, Gold Aceron is Junjun and Archi Adamos plays Doodz. They're in different stages in their lives, one is using his for work, the other for proof of sexuality, the other is wondering why it's shaped oddly. Then another one gets depressed if it doesn't work as efficiently, then another proves you don't need one at all. It was just the tip of the... iceberg and they didn't even touch on some personal issues, in jest, in angst, or just plain letting it all out on stage. In a Philippine setting, talk about this would really be unsettling for some but somehow, it needs to be said, it needs to be done so they're just doing it. 

This would be really tough to pull for actors since it involves a lot of TALK. It's going to be doubly harder to also keep YOU interested in what they're saying, and make you feel uncomfortable at times, but still listen to their message (like putting their d*** on your ear) for entertainment, education or your own realization.

 

The 10 shows will be mounted at the huge RCBC Theater from April 15-23, 2023. This excerpt of D**kTalk already have had the press, showbuyers and theatre folks lead to the conversation, and there's even more they plan to do on the actual show. If you're a bit artsy and don't mind a little discomfort on the tête a tête you'll have with the cast, get your tickets via ticketworld.com.ph and see what nice things you should hear, see and feel at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium starting on April 15th.

Whether you are a man, woman, LGBTQIA++, as long as you are 18 and above, you be sure to connect with one or more of the characters and make the premise of talking about the d***s (or maybe show it if they feel like it) as casually as they can on the day of the show. This is produced by V-Roll Media Ventures.

The Male Form Issues on Stage This April

Gold Aceron, Nil Nodalo, Jake Cuenca, and Mikoy Morales comprise the cast of D***Talk

Looks like the men will take the stage this coming April as V-Roll Media Ventures and its sister company Trifecta Band Lab does a theatrical production does a run of DIC*TALK. Directed by Phil Noble (who's done several movies and TV shows) this show will tackle mostly the male form, masculinity, manhood, and the male organ. Tickets are out now on TICKETWORLD for shows from April 15, 16, 18-21, and the 23rd.

Performers include multi awarded actor Jake Cuenca, esteemed indie actor Gold Aceron, singer and actor Mikoy Morales, theater actor Archi Adamos plus trans man Nil Nodalo who will be doing the LGBTQIA+ role on the show. Surely this will be something that will be a little uncomfortable for some to tackle, but they will anyway. The show was created by Edwin Vinarao and writers Ara Vicencio, Benj Cruz Garcia. Much of the talk will be relatable, current, funny and less preachy, this will be intereseting to see on stage.

You can liken this to the previous hit show Vag*** Monologues but of course will be talking about the opposite one. Much of which will be no holds barred, very revealing way. Make sure you get tickets at premier.ticketworld.com.ph and seats range from Php 2000-Php 3650, this will be at the RCBC Theater in Makati. Go do it!

SING GALING To Do Back to Back Finale at THE MANILA METROPOLITAN THEATER

It was so fun to have been able to go out and cover events again. As restrictions ease in Manila, TV5 invited us to the grand dame of theaters, The Manila Metropolitan Theater. This place was officially opened last year and this is officially the first time that a live event for TV is being held here as SING GALING is doing back to back grand final events this coming March 5 and 12.

This is possible as they've forged a partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. They gave us a peek on what will happen to the Ultimate Pa-Sing-Katan for the celebrity edition and Kantastic Finale for the regular edition. They had all the contestants for the regular edition present and a Chuckie Dreyfus, Boobsie Wonderland and Aljur Abrenica too. The celebrities will also have their chosen charities benefit from it so the stakes are definitely higher.

Check out this video I made of our visit there!

I'll be doing a separate video for the tour of The Met, so subscribe and stay tuned for that. Meanwhile, you're going to also see Pepe Herrera, Jerald Napoles and Patrick Quiroz for the finale. You also have the chance to choose what song they'll be singing through their Facebook page plus the ability to vote for the winner through Facebook Messenger. They partnered with Meta's Facebook just for that. QR Code for voting will appear on the show and posted on their social channels. Up for grabs is a 1 Million prize and a house and lot so it's going to be a serious battle. It'll be livestreamed on https://www.facebook.com/singgalingtayo/ https://www.facebook.com/TV5manila/ and their official YouTube account.

What struck me most was the judges, as the contestants told us, pretty much loved the time they spent together. They felt like equals, and Mr. Rey Valera even made them their own single, in hopes of releasing an album with them on it. Doesn't that fell like pieces falling together for OPM? Oh surely, it'll be a good time to watch the show at 6PM on those dates.

Ticket2Me Launches New Ticketing and Video Platform

My first encounter with Ticket2Me was about a little over 2 years ago when I watched a musical in PETA here in Quezon City. Back then, they were still in their infancy but I could tell they've handled online ticket sales quite nicely. It was fast, easy to use, and secure. I got my taste of shows and could get tickets mighty fast as soon as they're listed on the app and platforms.

As you might have guessed, they're bound to be heavily affected by the closures of entertainment areas and theatres as this pandemic didn't spare any business. True enough, they had to transform their business model, innovate to survive. It was in March 2020 wherein they started the lockdown period, and it earmarked efforts by Ticket2Me and their Founder/CEO Darwin Mariano to cooperate with the Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership and find ways to aid the country’s health sector frontliners. They started a huge fundraising campaign and worked with the Office of Vice President Leni Robredo in the hopes of raising funds to supply personal protective equipment and food and care packages for these health workers. In just a span of a few days they got to raise millions surpassing their goal by a mile and got to help thousands of people and mobilize help where it's needed, a noble gesture indeed.

Ticket2Me then also started the Open House campaign which they did together with Artist Welfare Project, Philstage, SPIT MNL, Third World Improv and the Theater Actor’s Guild to benefit of the performing arts community which also got heavily affected by the COVID19 outbreak. It was one of 20 they did with different organizations including one for displaced film and performing arts professionals plus funds to build emergency quarantine facilities in Metro Manila, a tough hot spot for the dreaded virus.

Recently, they also catered to the demand of online events. Adapting to the new normal meant they also need to launch their own pay gated video platform so they can hold concerts, theatrical productions, workshops and more. They also launched Dok2Me, a patient-doctor platform so they too would be able to do online consultation. They will also start production of their own online series called Boys' Lockdown come this September. 

With over 11,000 combined cash and online payment options throughout the country, Ticket2Me is achieving its goal to be one of the largest ticketing and events tech company. They can help you manage your transitions to online processes. Download it off the App Store or Google Play now or visit their site Ticket2Me.net to try it out and find more information about them.

Sounds good.

 

On Pointe! with Ballet Manila at the ALIW Theater

I was in Aliw Theater last year for the showcase of shows of Ballet Manila. It was so inspiring to see on stage several local original shows, and this season proves they’re not about to let go yet of that success. They call this On Pointe! and they got us in comfy glass chairs in S Maison at the Mall of Asia grounds for a little treat featuring Ballet Manila’s prime dancers.

Lisa Macuja Elizalde says “This is our 24th season and I can’t believe it. This morning you will get a glimpse of the 4 productions we will do this year. As you see with the excerpts later, it is the fitting theme in the kind of shows Ballet Manila wants to put together. Our season will open with Snowhite, a visit to my princess trilogy, including Sleeping Beauty. We will also be showcasing Giselle which is romance in two acts, plus a collaboration with Osias Barroso, the Carmina Burana and La Traviata. This will end our season on a high note.”

Giselle is much about heartache, romance, death, but a pretty fine piece for classical ballet. It was enchanting to see it live. Sleeping Beauty also has original choreography by Ms Lisa Macuja Elizalde, stunning to see characters come to life, it was like children’s book turned fantasy turned movie on stage. Sleeping Beauty is also about romance, it’s highs and lows, it’s journey, a more fun interpretation of it. World class ballet, opera and live orchestra music makes this Carmina Burana and La Traviata double bill a great presentation of gigantic leaps, fun songs, and a short trip to the bull ring with matadors and maidens. There is also human emotions, so Ms Lisa take it as the hardest to do because it’s all original work.

Lisa added “The 25th season will be carefully curated, we won’t be doing over the top productions that the 26th won’t be able to do. We have plans to take Ibong Adarna in other places in the country and it’s where we want our resources to concentrate on. We also have been invited in several places like Israel, Cyprus, other places but we have to do more here.”

Abigail from Giselle says “We rehearse this ballet in one go, it’s how quickly you can change, you can’t hide flaws so this is the hardest to do among the lineup.”

Cinderella, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty had different degrees of difficulty especially since Snow White didn’t have music to begin with. There were no other choreography either but on Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty, there exists shows and music with it. Wether there will be more, it can only be answered soon!

Snow White will be on September 7 2pm and 6pm, September 8 at 3pm. Giselle will happen on October 19, 2pm and 6pm and October 20 at 3pm. Sleeping Beauty will happen on December 7 2pm and 6pm, December 8 at 3pm whilst Carmina Burana will be next year February 29 2pm-6pm and March 1 3pm (as double bill) at the ALIW Theater in Pasay City. You may also get tickets via Ticketworld 8919999 or call 8777696 (for bulk tickets). You may also email them at info@balletmanila.com.ph.