ELHA NYMPHA Does Theater Debut in INDAY The Musical

Hearing the name ELHA NYMPHA for this interview made me so proud as we grew up in the same town. She continues to soar in the music industry, but is now is delving out of her comfort zone, taking strides in a theater piece called INDAY The Musical. This is under Studio A Productions, the same people who did Tulog Na: Musical, Makara, Kaning Itime and a few more.

Elha says "This is about family, friendship, and the people quarreling inside your homes. I was expecting to be part of the support cast but when I asked them who's playing Inday, they pointed to me. I was in disbelief, totally didn't expect that because this is the first time I'm doing a musical, my theater debut. They assured be there's going to be a lot of training involved and we started doing that in September. I won't have alternates, and the music is not new to me because I'm an old soul. I've been listening to cassette tapes often. We're doing the song of the Boyfriends in a dark way, making it a little ballad which is right up my alley. Inday is fierce, and independent." 

Here's our talk with Elha that afternoon:

 

The musical will have it's limited run at the RCBC Plaza in Makati this coming October 16-18 (but heard they opened a few more dates because they've been selling out!). Aside from Elha, they also have vocal supreme Katrina Velarde, veteran theater actors Chris Fong, Basty Batistis, Jude Gamaliel, Eunice Somintac, Cherry Morena, Jeremy Manite, Primitivo Moscare, Aina Salazar, Nicollo Gutierrez and an awesome ensemble cast. They're going to utilize songs from 70's Manila Sound group Boyfriends. To give you a glimpse, here's Elha and the ensemble cast doing one of the songs for the show:

The piece is dark, and talks about local folklore, particularly the "Mangkukulam" and the families that are connected with it. They will also discuss memories, generational secrets, doing the music in different ways and interpreted in extraordinary ways. Music for this theater production was made by Jeremy Manite and arranged by Jason Tung. Book and Lyrics was also made by Danna Bernardino (who was there during the press preview). Choreography is also done by Teacher Georcelle of G-Force, so expect dance to be an integral part of it. Tickets are sold at studioAshows.com and they've been running out of it, they've opened shows til the 25th.

Judging from the music we heard that afternoon, this deserves to be watched. Again, tickets run out fast. I'm super proud of Elha! Don't say I didn't warn you!

(REVIEW) Watching Stars with the LUMOS FLOAT EVO Home Cinema Projector

This week, we've been very busy covering several movies, events and runs among others. For starters, some of the country's brightest love teams are having their first movie out, something their fans are raring to show up for. Then there's the Sparkle Run over at Luneta Park that had GMA's biggest stars doing it to fund various charities that they support. This also is a time for them to personally interact with their fans, something they'd been looking forward to do every year. With this schedule, we're so excited to take a few days off to get some needed rest and recreation. I wanted to watch stars where it's more private, air conditioned, and got to use our LUMOS FLOAT EVO Home Cinema Projector.

This is a smart projector, pretty much installed with YouTube, Netflix, and several TV Box Apps. It is also 4K video capable, and can do 270 degree rotation to get those movies projected from different view points. It's also got auto Keystone + auto focus that can check your walls and angles, and automatically adjust views when needed. I watched with it on my projector screen, but if I'm a little lazy, do it with our bare wall or ceiling.

This can also connect to 5G, has Bluetooth, USB and in built applications such as Netflix, YouTube, and a whole lot more. If you're a little meticulous, you can watch 4K videos on it and see sharper videos, more lively colors and better details on 4500 lumens brightness. They also delivered this quite fast, quite affordable at Php 9,999.00, as they got 50% Off its original price. Get the LUMOS FLOAT EVO Home Cinema Projector here.

Having this in my room means I get to enjoy all the content that I love. I get to watch things from a joe's point of view, including interviews we've done with stars recently. The LUMOS Float EVO Home Cinema Projector also has really good audio built in stereo speakers, all 5W without distortion. This is available in Silver and Gold (which I got) so if you're a little picky of design and things you put in your room, they've got you covered.  

Whether you want to watch in the comforts of your own room, or with a few guests, or a whole room of people, the LUMOS Float EVO Home Cinema Projector can get you do that massive display up in seconds. I'm planning to put this as a permanent fixture in one of our rooms since I've been planning to do a theater, for personal use. I can watch ALL THE STARS in my own little refuge, because I think I deserve it. If you're thinking of getting one, see their website for the full specifications. They've also got it at a good price, so don't be too complacent! It's time you do yourself a favor and get it.

MAKANA Set To Do Encore Performance This Weekend!

Seeing the visuals, I already knew this was going to be good. Folks who missed seeing "MAKARA" will have the chance to do so as they do an encore run this coming June 6 and 7 at the Proscenium Theater at Rockwell Center in Makati. 

Described by theater goers as mysterious, haunting and emotionally charged,  you get to see it for only 2 days, and get yourself captivated by this Studio A produced stage production. They've been quite successful even if they've done things by word of mouth, but it needs to be seen by all so you could experience how it feels in their world, that does deserve this repeat. It is immersive, filled with mystery, and drama. You'll be asking yourself some really good questions after the curtains close. 

Fair warning, there are only a few tickets left over at StudioAShows.com. Go get them before they're gone! 

Go watch MAKANA on the weekend! 

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!