Aleron Launches Christmas Album Dakilang Hiwaga

Aleron: 1. (Latin) Winged one. 2. An all-male choral group.

Working regular jobs by day and after working, around 25-28 gentlemen converged in a Quezon City residence to sing some choral pieces. Not a bad way to get some time off. Aleron members have one passion despite their variations in their careers and that is singing.

Originally, most of the members are members of the Ateneo Glee Club from different batches. Hanging out one time, one member said; “Why don’t we form a choir?” They got the name Aleron for the group of the emblem of their alma mater, Ateneo de Manila which is an eagle.

From what was started as an alumni choral group and is no longer exclusive to Ateneans as long they have the same passion for singing. They’ve been joining choral competitions and were given recognitions whenever they perform.

They launched their album last Saturday, Dec. 17 at their base of rehearsals which is a residence of one of their members in Quezon City. Their album consists of Christmas songs that we all know and love but with new arrangements and some unfamiliar carols that will surely awe you. Mr. Christopher Ong Arceo is Aleron's ensemble director.

For 2017, Aleron is now preparing for the international choral competition in Barcelona, Spain which is considered the Olympics in choral singing. For updates in the choral genre, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

IMAGINE DRAGONS LAUNCHES NEW SONG “LEVITATE” FOR “PASSENGERS”

Press release

Multi-platinum, GRAMMY® Award-winning rock band IMAGINE DRAGONS have released their song Levitate and is available for digital download and streaming via all participating digital retailers.

The song is featured in the upcoming Columbia Pictures film Passengers in Philippine cinemas January 08, 2017.

From the director of the Oscar Best Picture nominee The Imitation Game and the screenwriter of Prometheus comes Columbia Pictures' action-adventure Passengers starring Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt.

Aurora (Lawrence) and Jim (Pratt) are two passengers onboard a spaceship transporting them to a new life on another planet. The trip takes a deadly turn when their hibernation pods mysteriously wake them 90 years before they reach their destination. As they try to unravel the mystery behind the malfunction, they begin to fall for each other, unable to deny their intense attraction... only to be threatened by the imminent collapse of the ship and the discovery of the truth behind why they woke up.

Passengers is directed by Oscar-nominee Morten Tyldum, written by Jon Spaihts, produced by Neal H. Moritz, Stephen Hamel, Michael Maher and Ori Marmur.

The film also stars Michael Sheen (“Underworld” franchise) and Laurence Fishburne (“The Matrix” franchise).

Passengers is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Use the hashtag #Passengers

SoundTrack – Pinoy talents take on the LRT-1 station stage

Press release

To exhibit Filipinos’ talent and inject new life to one of the metro’s major transport lines, international media and marketing agency PHAR Partnerships, in partnership with the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), introduces SoundTrack—a new, exciting experience featuring up and coming artists to entertain the riding public in LRT-1. This busking program launched just in time for the season of merriment. It features performances that promise to give commuters a reason to have fun and relax as they go through their daily commutes – reinventing the public space of the of the city’s major transport.

Noting the breadth of Filipino talent, PHAR handpicked homegrown performers with the help of indie-music and creative partners to enthrall Metro Manila’s entertainment-loving commuters.

“Metro Manila’s commuters spend a lot of time on the road, and they deserve great experience while on their journey. With so much talent in the Philippines, we decided to do a search – a fun and engaging way of tapping great potentials out there. We were amazed at the sheer diversity of submissions, and for the launch, we are proud to have chosen those who we think will make the audience stop, relax and smile,” said PHAR Managing Director for Asia, Prem Bhatia.

Six buskers have been selected to perform at the Doroteo Jose station, one of the busiest stations in the heart of Manila. Performance started last November 25, and will continue in the next two Fridays of December – 2 and 9.

Chosen after a rigorous talent search, the winning street performers now get to show off their talents and engage the commuting crowd. Selected talents will belt out pop favorites, Christmas tunes and some original compositions. Together, their talent and energy are expected to cheer up the stage and riders amidst the hustle and the bustle of the station.

“Filipinos love Christmas and they love to have fun, and this is exactly the mix we want to offer them, perhaps to relieve them of the stresses of traffic and provide them the kind of entertainment they would appreciate. SoundTrack will completely redefine commuters’ experience on the road. We are sure people will enjoy our treat,” Bhatia concluded.

PHAR is the newest international media and marketing agency in the Philippines. It has worked with AirAsia, London City Airport, Transport for London, Manchester City Council, Premier League, and other international organizations and institutions in the past. With its extensive experience abroad, PHAR is capable of developing campaigns, initiatives, and platforms to effectively reach the target audience. The SoundTrack Busking Program is just one of its many endeavors to reinvent the transport experience and effectively connect with the Filipino people, and it certainly won’t be the last.

Ballet Phils.' Awitin Mo At Isasayaw Ko"

For the holidays and before the year closes, Ballet Philippines gets the groove back with “Awitin Mo At Isasayaw Ko” featuring the songs of VST & Company. Vic Sotto was one of the songwriters for VST and he shared that the songs were patterned from the style of Bee Gees. They just wrote the songs because they needed the work. They never expected that they will be hit makers.

The songs of VST & Company are considered the music of Manila before there was Original Pilipino Music. Until now, the songs remained timeless. Awitin Mo At Isasayaw Ko is actually a musical within a ballet production with collaboration with today’s popular OPM artists.

The stories takes place of two elderly people living in different locations and are considered ill because one is a diabetic and the other is a cancer patient. But the two are drawn back to the past at the hype of “disco fever”.

Then the past flashes back during the time of Martial law era Manila. A construction worker named Victor and a college girl named Teresa met in the most difficult of times.  After Manhid, The Pinoy Superhero musical, Ballet Philippines is reunited with Sandino Martin and joined by Karylle, Michael Pangilinan, Cooky Chua , Markki Strom and the Voice Kids’ Kyle Echarri, and Noel Comia, Jr. with Viva Voce for the chorus.

To make the music more lively and grand, the ABS-CBN Orchestra will accompany all the songs. Surely this is something that you will reminisce.  The singers are not the only guest artists. Ballet Philippines’ legendary couple Nonoy and Edna Froilan alternates with Butch Esperanza and premier ballroom dancer Ednah Ledesma.

One of the choreographers Carissa Adea said the good thing about the production material was you can infuse hip hop with ballet since there are already early stages of the dance genre in the 70’s. Also choreographing are James Laforteza and Patrick John Rebullida. The story was written by Bibeth Orteza. She was also present during the initial recordings of VST & Co. of the songs we all love.

Relive the disco era as Awitin Mo At Isasayaw Ko will make you reminisce the 70's from Dec 2 to 11 at CCP Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater). For more BP media launch coverage, follow this blog and like https://www.facebook.com/LENSblogs/ For buying tickets online, go to ticketworld.com 

STARS ALIGN TO CREATE MOVING SOUNDTRACK FOR “MOANA”

Press release

With film credits like “The Little Mermaid” and “Aladdin” under their belts, filmmakers John Musker and Ron Clements clearly enjoy telling stories with music. Their lates film, Walt Disney Animation Studios' “Moana” is no exception.

Lin-Manuel Miranda, Auli'i Cravalho, and Dwayne Johnson

The diverse and dynamic team behind the film’s inspired music includes Tony®-, Emmy®- and Grammy®-winning lyricist/composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, who counts among his credits Broadway’s Pulitzer Prize-winning and multiple Tony-winning “Hamilton” and the Tony-winning “In the Heights.”

“I really related to Moana in a lot of ways,” says Miranda, who was “transported” by the Clement-Musker-helmed feature “The Little Mermaid” at age 9. “She has a family that she loves, an island that she loves, but there’s a voice inside that’s calling. The idea of quieting life enough so that you can hear that inner voice was something really worth writing about for me because I think it’s so important.”

Three-time Grammy®-winning composer Mark Mancina created memorable scores for films like “Speed,” “Tarzan” and the Oscar®-winning “Training Day,” and also co-wrote songs, produced and arranged the score for Broadway’s musical production of “The Lion King.”

Opetaia Foa‘i, the founder and lead singer of Te Vaka, is a winner of numerous world music awards, including the Senior Pacific Artist award for his contribution to Pacific music.

Photo credit: Walt Disney Pictures

The soundtrack features seven original songs, plus two reprises, as well as two end-credit versions of songs from the film. Written and performed by Foa‘i and Miranda, “We Know the Way” showcases the rich and vibrant voyaging life of Moana’s ancestors. “After meeting with [directors] John and Ron in 2013, I actually started writing that song on the flight home,” says Foa‘i. “It came quite naturally. Then Lin added his beautiful lyrics and it just came to life.”

“How Far I’ll Go” is Moana’s song. “It’s intimidating to write an ‘I want’ song for a Disney animated movie,” says Miranda. “You think of Ariel with ‘Part of Your World’ or ‘Reflection’ from ‘Mulan.’ This is Moana’s chance to say for herself how she feels and where she belongs.”

“Where You Are” is written by Miranda, Foa‘i and Mancina and performed by Christopher Jackson, Rachel House, Nicole Scherzinger, Auli‘i Cravalho and Louise Bush. The song introduces the audience to Moana’s village and the key players.

Written by Miranda and performed by Dwayne Johnson, “You’re Welcome” showcases the colorful personality of Maui. “I just thought that it would be really fun to hear The Rock sing ‘You’re welcome for my existence. You’re welcome that you get to meet me,’” says Miranda. “Dwayne has such incredible charm and he totally delivers the character’s confidence and cockiness.”

Jemaine Clement was tapped for “Shiny,” a song written by Miranda and Mancina that spotlights Tamatoa, the 50-foot crab with trust issues. “Disney has some great villains like Jafar, Scar, Cruella and Ursula,” says Miranda. “Tamatoa is mean and ostentatious, so we really wanted to create the anti-lesson of the movie. If Moana’s journey is listening to her inner voice, Tamatoa is there to say, ‘It doesn’t matter. Who cares? It’s really about how you look.’ He’s from the deepest, darkest part of the sea and feels his armor is important. You got to be shiny.

“I Am Moana (Song of the Ancestors)” was written by Miranda, Mancina and Foa‘i and performed by Rachel House and Cravalho. “The song marks a really important moment in the film when Moana is doubting her decision to take on this huge challenge,” says MacDougall.

With music by Foa‘i, Miranda and Mancina, and lyrics by Foa‘i and Miranda, “Know Who You Are” is performed by Auli'i Cravalho, Vai Mahina, Olivia Foa‘i, Foa‘i and Matthew Ineleo. The song is heard late in the film as Moana’s journey nears its culmination.

Opening across the Philippines on Nov. 30, Moana is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Like us on Facebook, WaltDisneyStudiosPH; follow us on Twitter, @disney_phil; follow us on Instagram, @disney.phand use the hashtag #MoanaPH.

Musical Feature: Mula Sa Buwan

My first encounter with the story Cyrano de Bergerac was from the movie Roxanne. Instead of the traditional French Renaissance era, it was set in a modern day U.S.  I later found out that it was an adaptation when a Tagalog version was played by Dolphy in the right timeline.

Nicco, Boo, Director Pat. KL, and Fred.

It is also the same with the musical adaptation Mula Sa Buwan. The story was set in 1940’s Manila before the Japanese occupation. Cyrano is now one of the soldiers enlisted in the early days of ROTC where the young men are tested for their love for country.

For those who are not familiar the story, Cyrano is a person who can almost do anything.  But his only flaw was his nose which was deforming long. In traditional productions, his nose was similar to the Japanese spirit called tengu. What he lacks in looks, he can make it up of poetic words. When the love of his life Roxanne got attracted to Christian because of his looks, Christian seeks Cyrano’s help because of his poetic tongue.

This is the second time it is going to be staged. Title character was played by Nicco Manalo and Boo Gabunada. It is the first time Boo is playing the part.  Boo says both of them will wear one prosthetic nose per performance. For Nicco, who is playing the part for the second time, the challenge was to make the prosthetic nose won’t get off during performance. He has to put in on 90 minutes before performance. Nicco adds that his version of Cyrano was not like a skilled fighter but a tough one. He can take on someone taller and look straight in the eye if he has to.

Fred Lo and Edward Bezonia alternates as Christian and KL Dizon plays Roxanne. Music by William Elvin Manzano and direction by Pat Valera. Watch Mula Sa Buwan in Irwin Theater, Ateneo De Manila University, Katipunan, Quezon City from December 2 to 4 with 6 performances at 3PM and 8PM.

For more musical stage productions, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

RELEASE OF DISNEY’S “MOANA” THEME SONG IN SOUTHEAST ASIA LOCAL LANGUAGES

Press release

11th November 2016, Singapore – Disney’s latest animation title, Moana, will feature the lead song, “How Far I’ll Go” and the track will be adapted into five Southeast Asia local languages – Bahasa Indonesian, Bahasa Melayu, Thai, Vietnamese and English. 

Five singers from Southeast Asia, namely Janella Salvador from the Philippines, Maudy Ayunda from Indonesia, AydaJebat from Malaysia, Myra Molloy from Thailand and MinhNhu from Vietnam were selected to cover the song in each of their local languages. 

Launch dates of the local version of the music videos as follow:

•           9th November - Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesia), Bahasa Melayu (Malaysia) and 

Vietnamese (Vietnam) 

•           15th November -             Thai (Thailand) 

•           18th November -             English (Philippines) 

All five singers performed the song together for the first time at the Disney’s Moana press junket held in Singapore on 8th November and also present at the event were Auli’ICravalho (voice of Moana), OsnatShurer (Producer), Roger Lee (Singaporean Lighting Artist) and Griselda Sastrawinata (Indonesian Visual Development Artist). 

Alessia Cara’s version of the song is out now, and the Southeast Asia local languages to be released on all digital music services on 18th November. 

 

Photo courtesy of Disney Pictures

Disney’s Moana opens in cinemas across the Philippines on Nov. 30, 2016.

About Disney’s Moana

For centuries, the greatest sailors in the world masterfully navigated the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, 3,000 years ago, their voyages stopped for a millennium – and no one knows exactly why. From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated feature film about an adventurous teenager who is inspired to leave the safety and security of her island on a daring journey to save her people. Inexplicably drawn to the ocean, Moana (voice of AuliʻiCravalho) convinces the mighty demigod Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson) to join her mission, and he reluctantly helps her become a wayfinder like her ancestors who sailed before her. Together, they voyage across the open ocean on an action-packed adventure, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds, and along the way, Moana fulfills her quest and discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity. Directed by the renowned filmmaking team of Ron Clements and John Musker (“The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “The Princess & the Frog”), produced by OsnatShurer (“Lifted,” “One Man Band”), and featuring music by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mark Mancina and OpetaiaFoa‘i, “Moana” sails into theaters in the Philippines on Nov. 30, 2016.  For more information, visit http://www.disney.sg/, like us on Facebook, WaltDisneyStudiosPH; follow us on Twitter, @disney_phil; follow us on Instagram, @disney.ph and use the hashtag #MoanaPH. 

THE ADDAMS FAMILY: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL ALL SET TO OPEN ON NOV. 9

Press release

In line with its silver anniversary, the Ateneo Blue Repertory goes creepy and topsy-turvy as they present “The Addams Family: An American Musical” with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice for its Newbie Production.

Set in the Addams family home in the middle of Central Park, The Addamses are once again at their graveyard doing what Addamses do, but something has gone horribly wrong, or worse—horribly right. Charming little Wednesday who once poisoned her little brother for a ride in the ambulance is in love-- with a boy from Ohio. The question of “Will Wednesday stay loyal to the darkness inside of her, or is this the end of the Addams family as we know it?” will haunt the audience as they go through the family’s wills and woes.

            The leading cast of THE ADDAMS FAMILY are as follows: Bryce Palafox – Gomez Addams; Arianna Norton – Morticia Addams;  Trisha Balan and Ashe Uy– Wednesday Addams; Janine Idquival – Pugsley Addams; Jolo Fernando and Michael Ubamos – Fester Addams; Mar Argente – Grandma Addams; and Adrian Chio – Lurch.

The supporting cast of THE ADDAMS FAMILY are as follows: Don Mabalot and Anthony Peralta – Lucas Beineke; Kirk Kierulf – Mal Beineke; Sofia Santelices – Alice Beineke; and Alexa Prats – Alice Beineke.

The ensemble of THE ADDAMS FAMILY are as follows: Polo Buenafe – Conquistador Ancestor; Matthew Fernandez – Caveman Ancestor; Sari Avedillo – Soldier Ancestor; Lulay Santiago – Puritan Ancestor; Yanni Bunagan – Saloon Girl Ancestor; Adrie Amante – Courtesan Ancestor; Tara Oppen – Flapper Ancestor; Jam Binay – Indian Ancestor; Frances de Guzman – Cousin Helga; Shawn Landayan – Aunt Herman; Lexi Cruz – Acrobat Ancestor; and Migs Lim – Gambler Ancestor and Grim Reaper.

            THE ADDAMS FAMILY: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL is under the direction of Darrell Uy, a blueREP alumnus holding a degree in BS Management Engineering from the Ateneo de Manila University. Working with the Ateneo Blue Repertory, he was the assistant director of the company’s run of Urinetown: the Musical alongside Missy Maramara in 2015 and Breakups and Breakdowns by Joel Trinidad, also in the same year. Mr. Uy has also worked with the Ateneo Fine Arts Department as assistant director in multiple productions, including Authorial Intent (2015), Purgatorio (2016), and Iphigenia and Other Daughters (2016).

            Alongside Darrel Uy, is the Artistic Team composed of Mia Fortugaleza as Assistant Director, Abi Sulit as Musical Director assisted by Nicole Chiang and Senanda Gomez, Evee Raypon assisted by Marcel David for choreography, Kayla Teodoro as Set Designer, Miguel Panganiban as Light Designer, and Mikka Espino for costumes and makeup whose teams will help bring the dead back to life.

            Watch the Addams family in action as they face a massive threat to their family’s name. Join the Ateneo Blue Repertory in this year’s newbie production as we test the notions of ‘normalcy’ in our day-to-day lives and be with us as we hold our family first and family last.

            THE ADDAMS FAMILY: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL will run from November 9 - 23, 2016 at the Rizal Mini Theater, Ateneo de Manila University. Tickets will cost Php 300 each. During weekdays, shows will be at 8 pm; on Saturdays, the production is scheduled to begin at 3 pm and 8 pm. For ticket inquiries, please contact Rion Reyes at 09175089706.

            The production team of THE ADDAMS FAMILY are as follows: Kassandra Barnes – Production Manager; Pia Ronquillo – Assistant Production Manager; Jesse Lim – Head Technical Director; Mikee Alvero – Heas Stage Manager; Steph Escuadro – Assistant Head Stage Manager; Rion Reyes – Front-of-House Head; Mikka Espino and Kyla Frencillo – Costumes & Makeup Technical Directors; Miko Castro – Lights Technical Director; Pilar Matoto – Sounds Technical Director; and Isyan Sandoval and Mine Sandoval – Set & Props Technical Directors.

The committee heads of THE ADDAMS FAMILY are as follows: Johnason Wei – Chief Finance Officer; Justine Narciso – Design and Publications Head; Gab Mesina – Design and Publications Art Director; Pam Villareal – Logistics Head; Czarina Tiongson and Ar-j Castelo – Documentations Heads; Maia Dapul – Corporate Relations Head; and Clarisse Infante – Public Relations Head.

You may also visit Ateneo Blue Repertory’s official website: http://www.bluerepertory.org and follow its accounts on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueREPERTORY, Twitter: @_blueREPERTORY and Instagram:bluerepertory. 

SWING BACK INTO DISCO FEVER WITH BALLET PHILIPPINES IN “AWITIN MO AT ISASAYAW KO”

Press release

From December 2 to 11 at the CCP Main Theater, celebrate the holidays with “Awitin Mo At Isasayaw Ko”, Ballet Philippines’ new dance musical featuring the songs of popular Filipino disco group, VST & Co. The show is an exciting collaboration with ABS-CBN and the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Gerard Salonga.          

“Awitin Mo At Isasayaw Ko” tells the story of the forbidden love between Teresa, a high-class kolehiyala and Victor, a construction worker. They are brought together and torn apart amidst the backdrop of the Philippines in the late ‘70s – brimming with disco fever but within the confines of Martial Law.

The show features Filipino disco favorites such as “Rock Baby Rock”, “Magsayawan”, and “Ipagpatawad Mo”, along with Bert de Leon’s “Hindi Ko Akalain, Roger Rigor’s “Ikaw ang Aking Pasko”, and Celso Llarina & Roger Rigor’s “Puwede Ba?”, all woven together by a libretto by Bibeth Orteza and transformed into dance by choreographers Carissa Adea, James Laforteza, and PJ Rebullida. It will be directed by BP artistic director Paul Alexander Morales.

Taking the lead roles of Victor and Teresa are two of Ballet Philippines’ legendary principal dancers: Nonoy Froilan and Edna Vida Froilan. Their younger selves will be portrayed by Jean Marc Cordero, Rita Angela Winder, Denise Parungao, and Garry Corpuz.

Joining them are two casts of singers culled from the ABS-CBN talent pool and distinguished actors from the Philippine theater scene. The gala cast from ABS-CBN is comprised of Michael Pangilinan, Karylle, Markki Stroem, and Kyle Echarri. They will be alternating with Sandino Martin, Cooky Chua, Jef Flores, and Noel Comia.

“This has been a rather fortuitous undertaking,” shares Morales. “Jed Balsamo had the idea to do a show with the music of VST and Co., then ABS-CBN approached us to do a project together... We’re very lucky that all of these pieces came together so easily.”

A Filipino disco group prominent in the late 1970s, VST & Co. is one of the pioneering groups of the music genre known as the Manila Sound. The group is composed of Vic Sotto, Spanky Rigor, Tito Sotto, Val Sotto, Celso Llavina, Monet Gaskell, Male Rigor, Roger Rigor, Jun Medina, Joey de Leon, Homer Flores, Chito Ilagan, Ben Escasa, Fred Concepcion, Boy Alcaide, and Clod Baria. Their impressive collection of hits has left a legacy that endures to this day.

“Awitin Mo At Isasayaw Ko” will be staged at the CCP Main Theater (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo) from December 2 to 11, 2016. Ticket prices range from Php 500 to Php 3500, with discounts for students, senior citizens, and government employees.

Connect to Ballet Philippines online through the following social media networks:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/balletphilippines

Twitter: @balletph

Instagram: @balletphilippines

YouTube: balletph

To join in the Ballet Philippines conversation, use our official hashtags: #balletph, #awitinmoatisasayawko

Insights from Ebe Dancel

Previously, I was able to see the launch of Pioneer Insurance’s Campus Caravan. This time, the target is the aspiring songwriters.  Last year, it was for playwrights and the year before that was for short movies. For this Caravan, I was able to attend at University of the Philippines- Los Banos campus.

I was only going to document the event but I never thought I will get insights from Ebe Dancel. I was never a fan but I got to appreciate his music that he wrote for mainstream artists and he also does workshops just like this caravan.

For Ebe Dancel, songwriters are also storytellers. This I agree. We Filipinos have a heritage of minstrels especially in harana (serenade) which is not far from Ebe’s songs.  He shared that in his younger years, there was no internet yet and he is in the province, airwaves are limited and his only source of songs is the songs that his mother sang. Then he sang a couple of lines of Moon River. This was the first time I heard him sang in English because most of his original works are in Tagalog.

Back to his talks, one of the tips that he points out was that a song writer should be an observer. He shared that most of his songs gets content from his immediate surroundings. His base of residency, Los Banos, is an ideal place for observation especially the campus setting. This is also true for a blogger like me, I also like to observe.

There are lots of interactions from the audience which are mostly students. They were eager and asked the right questions. The organizers said that this was one of their best caravans that produced results. Even a high school student aged as young as 16 participated in the discussion. It was a mutual and informal workshop. There were 140 participants.

Yael Yuson also shared his insights and hosted the caravan. I will not publish all what Ebe pointed out because you might also want to attend his workshops and my blog post will get long. Pioneer Insurance has a songwriting contest with the theme, #MoveOnLang. This was made possible by Pioneer Insurance and FILSCAP. The contest is extended until November 15. For more events from Pioneer Insurance, follow this blog and like https://www.facebook.com/LENSblogs/ . I got to check out Entablado next time I get back in Los Banos.

CHANGING PARTNERS THE MUSICAL review

A musical usually makes you feel good but with PETA’s Changing Partners the musical, it is the other way around. The musical shows why relationships fail in general and it has two characters. But what makes it unique was it was played by a cast of four and it all happened in one straight act and no intermission. How is it possible, you might ask? Watch it again when it reruns.

With Ms. Agot Isidro

The composer Vince de Jesus provided the songs and also accompanied during the show run. Even though there is always a trademark of Vince’s music, he is the only one who could create songs for this kind of musical.

The musical is so heartbreaking that I also joked that PETA should provide tissues after the show for those who can relate. Even I am not exempted because I feel the pain of the characters. The set is simple with just blocks that formed walls and dividers in a condominium it only requires a smaller stage because they don’t need to change set. 

The cast of Changing Partner are Agot Isidro, Jojit Lorenzo, Anna Luna and Sandino Martin. Directed by Rem Zamora. For more musical productions, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

BERLIN-BASED VIOLIN VIRTUOSO ISKANDAR WIDJAJA AND WORLD-RENOWNED PIANIST ITAMAR GOLAN COMES TO MANILA

Press release

The Philippine Suzuki Association (PSA) proudly presents the one-night-only first Philippine concert titled " PASSION FLIGHT” featuring ISKANDAR WIDJAJA, Berlin-based violin virtuoso and ITAMAR GOLAN, world-renowned collaborating pianist on November 30 at 4 pm - Fleur de Lis Theater, St. Paul  University Manila, Pedro Gil, Malate.

" PASSION FLIGHT " is a Fundraising Concert of the benefit of PSA Teacher Development Program, Scholarships, and the forthcoming 2018 Asia Region Suzuki Conference in Manila.

Born in Berlin, Iskandar Widjaja began playing violin at the age of four, at first with the Suzuki method under Susan Mann. At eleven, he was accepted as an extraordinary student at the College of Music in Berlin, where he studied with Ursula Scholz and Joachim Hantzschk. Furthermore, he studied at the Julius Stern Institute Berlin– the pre-college division for the highly musically gifted. After completing secondary school, he studied violin at the University of the Arts in Berlin with Prof. Uwe-Martin Haiberg and Prof. Ilan Gronich, which he completed in 2010.

Iskandar’s debut CD “Bach ‘n’ Blues” was released worldwide by OehmsClassics in 2011 to great critical acclaim by press and recommendation by Bavarian, Hesse, and Northgerman broadcast.

His second album ,"Precious Refuge-Works by J.S.Bach", recorded with the Berliner Camerata, was released in April 2014 with notable reviews and recommendations by FonoForum, NDR, BR Klassik, Deutschlandradio Kultur, the Strad, Pizzicato magazine and was named "CD of the month" by Rondo magazine.

Additionally, Iskandar plays Tango with his Trio "CAYAO". Their debut album was released in October 2014 and reached the Classical Bestseller Charts Top 30 after a TV appearance on arte with star tenor Rolando Villazon.

Furthermore, Iskandar has been the face for Indonesia’s high-end coffee brand “JJ Royal“ as a brand ambassador and TV commercial model for three years. He has been on the cover of indonesia’s “High End“ magazine, Fashion-TV magazine, the Jakarta Post, to name a few.  Recently he collaborated closely with the VOLKSWAGEN group. His concert wardrobes are officially sponsored by Tommy Hilfiger.  Photoshoots for Cosmopolitan, InStyle, Mens Folio or the Volkswagen Magazine round out his profile as a modern classical violinist.

He plays a Franciscus Geissenhof from 1793 and a Stradivarius from 1734, on loan by Florian Leonhard.

On the other hand, Itamar Golan for more than two decades, has been partnering the most outstanding instrumentalists of our time.  His work has brought him great critical acclaim, and he is one of the most sought-after pianists of his generation, playing on the most prestigious stages around the world.

Born in Vilnius, Lithuania, Itamar’s family emigrated to Israel when he was a year old.  He started his musical studies there, and at the age of seven, he gave his first concerts in Tel-Aviv. 

He was repeatedly awarded scholarships from the American-Israel Cultural Foundation which enabled him to study with Emmanuel Krasovsky and Chaim Taub, his chamber music mentor.  Later, under a full scholarship from the New England Conservatory in Boston, he was chosen to study with Leonard Shure.

Since his early years, Itamar Golan’s passion has been chamber music, but he also has appeared as soloist with some of the major orchestras, including the Israel Philharmonic and Berlin Philharmonic under the direction of Zubin Mehta, Royal Philharmonic under the direction of Riccardo Muti, and Philarmonia Orchestra under the direction of Lorin Maazel.

Over the years, Itamar has collaborated with Vadim Repin, Maxim Vengerov, Julian Rachlin, Mischa Maisky, Shlomo Mintz, Ivry Gitlis, Ida Haendel, Kyung Wha Chung, Sharon Kam, Janine Jansen, Martin Frost, and Torleif Thedeen, among many others.  He is a frequent participant in many prestigious international music festivals, such as Salzburg, Verbier, Lucerne, Tanglewood, Ravinia, and has made numerous recordings for  Deutsche Grammophon, Warner Classics, Decca, Teldec, EMI and Sony Classical labels.

In 1991, Itamar Golan was nominated to the faculty of the Manhattan School of Music, making him one of their youngest teachers ever.  Since 1994, he has been teaching chamber music at the Paris Conservatory.  He resides in Paris, where he is involved in many different artistic projects.

            The Philippine Suzuki Association, Inc. is a non-profit organization of Suzuki teachers, parents, and students. It aims to foster, promote and advance the understanding of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki’s philosophy and methodology.  Through the Mother Tongue Approach, it provides students the opportunity to learn music at an early age.  PSA's current president is Prof. Carolyn Kleiner-Cheng and its founding president is Prof. Carmencita Guanzon-Arambulo.

PSA Inc. promotes fellowship and interaction among its members as well as with other Suzuki organizations all over the world.  Its goal is to reach out to the people; to uplift their lives and to bring happiness to all children through music.

PSA Inc. is duly accredited by the Asia Region Suzuki Association (ARSA) and the International Suzuki Association (ISA).  By affiliation, all members of PSA Inc. are automatically members of the Asia Region Suzuki Association (ARSA) and the International Suzuki Association (ISA).

Ticket prices at P3000, 2000, and 1,000.

For reservations, please call PSA Office/ Greenhills Music Studio at 7240705, 7242543, 0922-828-0377, 0922- 837-5454.

JANELLA 'S MUSIC VIDEO OF “MOANA” SONG “HOW FAR I'LL GO”

Press release

Walt Disney Studios Southeast Asia has chosen fast-rising, multi-talented star Janella Salvador to sing and appear in the music video of “How Far I'll Go,” the lead song from Walt Disney Animation Studios' 56th animated feature “Moana.”

“How Far I'll Go” is one of seven original songs from the “Moana” soundtrack and is written by the Tony Award-winning “Hamilton” composer Lin-Manuel Miranda.

The inspirational song boasts a soaring chorus and lyrics that echo the film’s plot of a young woman who leaves her South Pacific island to restore her people’s ancient role as master voyagers.

The Philippines localized music video aims to deliver the inspirational and positive message of “Moana”, which is to have courage, determination and compassion, while keeping a sense of adventure and a never-say-die attitude.

This local adaptation is in line with the studio’s approach to dream, create and celebrate the most magical stories and adventures, each woven around a relatable, empowered local idol who delights everyone and especially inspires girls to realize their full potential.

Janella is one of five singers from Southeast Asia, namely Maudy Ayunda from Indonesia, AydaJebat from Malaysia, Myra Molloy from Thailand and MinhNhu from Vietnam, who were selected to cover the song in each of their local languages.

About Disney’s Moana

For centuries, the greatest sailors in the world masterfully navigated the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, 3,000 years ago, their voyages stopped for a millennium – and no one knows exactly why. From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated feature film about an adventurous teenager who is inspired to leave the safety and security of her island on a daring journey to save her people. Inexplicably drawn to the ocean, Moana (voice of AuliʻiCravalho) convinces the mighty demigod Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson) to join her mission, and he reluctantly helps her become a wayfinder like her ancestors who sailed before her. Together, they voyage across the open ocean on an action-packed adventure, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds, and along the way, Moana fulfills her quest and discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity. Directed by the renowned filmmaking team of Ron Clements and John Musker (“The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “The Princess & the Frog”), produced by OsnatShurer (“Lifted,” “One Man Band”), and featuring music by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mark Mancina and OpetaiaFoa‘i, “Moana” sails into theaters in the Philippines on Nov. 30, 2016. For more information, visit http://www.disney.ph/, like us on Facebook, WaltDisneyStudiosPH; follow us on Twitter, @disney_phil; follow us on Instagram, @disney.ph and use the hashtag #MoanaPH.

Tiendesitas celebrates 11th year with month-long OPM festival

Press release

Festival to feature Sandwich, 6cyclemind, Kitchie Nadal, Itchyworms,
and Up Dharma Down

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - This year, Tiendesitas fetes its 11th anniversary with a month-long celebration featuring top-charting Pinoy music artists. Every Saturday for the month of October, visitors of Tiendesitas can enjoy the music of Sandwich, 6cyclemind, Kitchie Nadal, Itchyworms, and Up Dharma in Tiendesitas’ OPM Festival.

Tiendesitas, one of the metro’s top shopping and family entertainment destinations, is bringing some of OPM’s big names in partnership with the Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM) and Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA). Fans of Filipino music can troop to the 2^nd Floor of the Food Village and jam with these artists on the following dates:

• October 8 – 6cyclemind
• October 15 – Kitchie Nadal
• October 22 – Itchyworms
• October 29 – Up Dharma Down

Admission is free, as attendees get to sing along to the artists’ hits while enjoying the array of food and retail finds at Tiendesitas. Indeed, it’s time to get on an #OPMHigh for all Saturdays of October only at Tiendesitas.

SAN PEDRO CALUNGSOD THE MUSICAL SET TO OPEN OCTOBER 15

Press release

Propagate the Sainthood of a Visayan and the Second Saint of the Philippines, SAN PEDRO CALUNGSOD, through a Beautiful and Inspiring Musical Play about His Life and Faith !

This is the First English and Original Version of the Musical written by LUIGI NACARIO with Original Music by EUGENE BELBIS.

We are inviting all Devotees and Believers to Watch and Be Inspired of His Holiness!

Date: October 15, Saturday at 2PM and 6PM

Venue: St. Cecilia's Hall, St. Scholastica's College Manila

BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!

call TicketWorld Manila at 891.9999

www.ticketworld.com.ph

For Sponsorship and Showbuying call 507.3396 / 0915.4478959

kidsactsphilippines@yahoo.com.ph