Category: Concerts

Noli Me Tangere the Opera marks 60th year at CCP

Ten Days. Yes, we’re counting ten more days before the Opening Gala Night!

Mixed emotions, just like Sisa, whose character I am playing, is what I feel, now that we’re stepping in the ten-day mark of the show.

But more than that, it is the hard work and love, above all, that everyone has put in, is what and will be the driving force of this production.

Do watch Noli, if you remember this from high school. Watch it even more if you have forgotten it. Bring in your children, your families, and appreciate the poetry, the music, the set design (really excited to see this!), the teachings.

I will be playing Sisa on January 29 2pm and February 2 8pm. See full Press Release of the opera below, as well as contact details for tickets.


PRESS RELEASE
The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and J&S Productions Inc. announce the full cast and creative team for the 60th-anniversary production of the Philippines’ first full-length opera, Noli Me Tangere, an opera by National Artists Felipe de Leon and Guillermo Tolentino, directed by Jerry Sibal, featuring the the newly formed 53-piece Noli Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Herminigildo Ranera.
Renowned tenor Ronan Ferrer in the role of Crisostomo Ibarra will the lead the cast, together with Bianca Camille Lopez (Maria Clara), Stephanie Anne Aguilar (Sisa), John-Andrew Fernandez (Padre Damaso), Greg de Leon (Elias), Mari Yapjoco (Basilio), and Santino Juan Santiago (Crispin).

Based on Dr. Jose Rizal’s 1887 classic novel of the same name, Noli Me Tangere, The Opera, premiered at the Far Eastern University in 1957 and made its CCP debut in 1974. This production, which recently had critically-acclaimed engagements in New York, Washington D.C., and at the Resorts World Manila, will feature more than 200 opera singers, musicians, and crew, 16 scene changes, a brand-new staging, and new sets and costumes.

Noli Me Tangere, The Opera follows the story of Juan Crisostomo Ibarra, who returns to the Philippines after pursuing scholarly studies in Europe. He plans to open up a school and marry Maria Clara, his betrothed. However, parish priest Padre Damaso, the archenemy of the Ibarras, is out to hinder Crisostomo’s plans, which creates a dramatic storyline of forbidden love, betrayal, and revenge.

Both the novel and the opera depict the abuses suffered by the native Indios at the hands of Spanish tyrants. Both forms also paint a clear picture of the so-called “social cancer” such as the rotten system of governance, the illicit ways of the church, and the unfavorable trade of the privileged class, which is still very much relevant today.

The cast also includes Nomer Narito Nival, Aretha Angcao, Jade Rubis Riccio, Nerissa de Juan, Mary Louise Alcantara, Irene Quiso-Ednave, Charina Althea Balmores, Rachelle Jasmine Balunes, Elisanta Gregorio Cortes, Mecho Joy Manlangit, Thea Perez, Katrine Jamar Sunga, Jillbert Chua, Jan Briane Astom, Eugene de los Santos, Erwin Dimaculangan, Harold Nikko Forton, Paul Dominique Galvez, Allison Rose Cervantes, Anne Abigail Garza, Jane Florence Wee, Ruzzel Adrian Clemeno, Renz Nathaniel Cruz, Radnel Ofalsa, Octwen Jade Cabilan, Rare Jireh Columna, Ivette Vanerrie Salas, Courtney Gomley, Marianne Maxielom, Claudine Nitura, Grace Pedrocillo. Larian Villamarin, Francisco de Guzman Jr., Nestor Estoque, Thomas Julian Hollon, Matthew Vallo, Earl Cristobal, Mark Anthony Cruz, Frederick Maturan, and Inno Angelo Montellano.

 

 

Besides musical director Ranera and stage director Sibal, who is also designing the new sets and costumes, the production’s creative team also includes assistant director Jose Jeffrey Camanag, sound designer Edwin Mendiola, and lighting designer John Batalla.

For special ticket deals and discounts to the 60th-anniversary production of Noli Me Tangere, The Opera, contact J&S Productions Inc. (0926) 038 0548, (0921) 890 3816, (632) 998 2356, or the CCP Box Office (632) 832 3704/06, or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Media partners include Business Mirror, Jamtrx Multi-Media Productions, Manila Broadcasting Company, WhenInManila.com, and ProShift Media.

For more information, visit NoliMeTangereTheOpera.com or Facebook.com/NoliOperaManila.

Date & Time: January 28 and February 1-3, 2017 at 8 p.m. | January 29 and February 3, 2017 at 2 p.m.

Venue: Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

Tickets: P3,500 | P2,500 | P2,000 | P1,500 | P1,200 | P1,000

Ticket Outlets: J&S Productions Inc. (0926) 038 0548, (0921) 890 3816, (632) 998 2356, or the CCP Box Office (632) 832 3704/06 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

#NoliOpera60th

Korean Baritone sings Schubert’s Winterreise in debut recital

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“Winterreise”

In 1827, Franz Schubert produced his song cycle “Winterreise” based on Wilhelm Mullers poems from “The Posthumous Papers of a Travelling Hornplayer”. Winterreise is a perfect vehicle of musical expression for the male voice and piano, but the scope of its complexity elevates it to the level of a musical drama; in it, a young man, despondent over a spurned love, is forced to travel alone on foot through the bleak wintry landscape.

And thus begins the chilling journey of the lovelorn wanderer as he braves the cold night, narrating his plight in song after song.

Witness the artistry of eminent international Baritone, Park Byeong In (In his Philippine debut solo recital) and distinguished Pianist Najib Mabaning Ismail as they take you to the winter journey of Winterriese.

Adding to the visceral drama and emotional impact of their presentation that will feature staging crafted by noted Manila Director, Jaime Del Mundo and the lighting will be a product of award winning Lighting designer, John Batalla. Also appearing on stage in her first non-speaking/non-singing role is our baritone’s spouse, soprano Rachelle Gerodias-Park, as the Lover/Maiden thus accenting the allure of the production.

Part of the proceeds of the concert will go to the Rachelle Gerodias Music Foundation Inc., a foundation giving scholarships to talented church musicians who cannot afford a formal music education.

Tickets are now available at all Ticketworld outlets and the CCP Box Office. Please call Ticketworld: 02-8919999 and CCP Box Office: 02-8323704

Musicartes Stages Opera Intima

Musicartes Inc. launched its Opera Intima series on July 22 with other shows on July 30, August 28 & 30  at the Mirror Theatre Studio, SJG Centre, Kalayaan Ave., Makati, featuring La Voix Humaine (The Human Voice) with Soprano Kay Balajadia Liggayu and concert pianist Rudolf Golez. 

Francis Poulenc-John Cocteau’s La Voix Humaine is the first of this opera series. Poulenc’s tragédie lyrique was first performed at the Theatre National de L’Opera-Comique in Paris on 6 February 1959.
Multi-awarded international director Dr. Anton Juan directs this rarely performed operatic monologue which portrays a woman on her telephone:
“The telephone is still a new invention in this world. But already it has become the instrument for love and lies. On the line for the last time with her ex-lover, a woman turns the phone into a weapon.”

The venue for the performance is The Mirror Theatre Studio in Makati City. 

Liederabend: a night of singing and classical guitar music

Lieder. It’s one of my favourite musical genres. Mozart, Bach, Schubert, and Schumann music were, for me, very intersting to study and sing. And I look forward to listening these music, as delivered by this duo of the male voice and warm guitar strings.

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Ayala Museum and IPAV, Inc. in partnership with Lufthansa, Official Airline, present

Liederabend:
A Night of German Songs

An Ayala Museum GuitarNights Feature

featuring LIED DUO
Knut Schoch & Carsten Linck
June 2, 2016 |  6:30 PM | Ayala Museum Ground Floor Lobby

In the 19th century, the “golden age” of the guitar, songs with a guitar accompaniment was the most popular form of vocal music-making. Innumerable compositions for this combination – not only in German – appeared at this time, true masterpieces in a virtually inexhaustible repertoire of songs. It was only from the 1830s that this position on the “popularity scale” was increasingly assumed by the piano, and the guitar song was gradually pushed into the background.

           To this day, the wistfulness of the guitar, its sensitivity and delicacy, still reveal a very personal and rather intimate view of the songs of love, passion and death. The listener often finds these settings of poems dealing with romantic feelings or the descriptions of nature popular at the time to be more authentic, and especially in the quieter ranges, more subtle.

           The concerts given by the LIED duo (Knut Schoch and Carsten Linck), are always received with enthusiasm by their audience on account of their freshness and intensity, demonstrate the value of reviving the treasures of the guitar song genre from this period. Their usual repertoires include both original compositions from the 1800s and original arrangements of works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert, Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, and Johannes Brahms.

           The duo’s captivating concert appearances, enhanced by short introductions to the works and their respective composers composers, give an unforgettable insight into rarely heard but exciting repertoires. In addition, transcriptions such as of the song cycle Die schöne Müllerin by Franz Schubert provide an opportunity to discover new perspectives to old familiar works.

           For these song recitals, Carsten Linck plays a 19th century guitar replica by Johann Georg Staufer which has a very similar sound to a fortepiano of the period. As the guitar is played standing, the player can perform in an informal narrative style, creating a very lively performance for the audience.

TO READ MORE ABOUT THE LIED DUO, CLICK HERE.

ABOUT THE CONCERT SERIES

GuitarNights is a new addition to the list of musical experiences offered by Ayala Museum and Independent Philippine Art Ventures, Inc. (IPAV), gathering some of the country’s foremost and international classical guitarists, bringing the familiar and beloved instrument to a whole new light.

TICKET PRICES AND HOW TO PURCHASE

P 700 Regular
P 560 Discounted Rate*
P 500 Senior Citizens
P 300 Students

Tickets available for sale at the Ayala Museum ticket counter, open during museum hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 9 AM to 6 PM.

* Discount applies to Ayala Museum Members, Ayala Rewards Circle, and AGC Employees.
 

Terms and Conditions for purchasing tickets:

Pre-event

Tickets are now available for sale at the Ayala Museum, Makati Avenue corner De La Rosa Street, Greenbelt Park, Makati, open from Tuesday-Sunday, 9 AM to 6 PM.Kindly present a valid ID to avail of applicable discounts.Cash payment is preferred.Limited seats available. In the event the maximum seating capacity is already reached, succeeding buyers will be duly informed of standing room only status and can purchase tickets at the minimum price (P 300).It is best to call 759 82 88 local 31 or 35 to get the latest update on the availability of tickets.

During concert date

Counter for unclaimed and/or unsold tickets (if any) will open on June 2, 2016. Gates will open at 5:30 PM.Ticket holders who were guaranteed seats (purchased before reaching maximum capacity status) during the sale period may sit anywhere. Please note that there are no seat assignments and that seating is first-come, first served.All tickets sold for the June 2, 2016 concert is valid only during said date.

For inquiries and reservations:
CALL: 759 82 88 local 31
EMAIL: concerts@ayalamuseum.org

The Russian Romanticism of Manila Symphony Orchestra

unnamedThe beauty of Russian Romanticism is that it’s hard to pin down. Sensuous in certain parts, exuberant in others, it is both textured and simple, intense, but controlled. To define it into a word or a phrase is a disservice to its identity and heritage; so what better way to showcase the true qualities of this genre than by attempting to breathe life into it?

On June 4, 2016, the Manila Symphony Orchestra, with acclaimed Artistic Director and Principal Conductor, Professor Arturo Molina, highlights the beauty of Russian Romanticism with a performance at the Power Mac Center Spotlight.

As the Manila Symphony Orchestra celebrates their 90th year, the performance ushers in the season for  #90YearsYoung—a celebration of a new decade in music that cements the country’s most revered orchestra’s legacy of Filipino musical heritage.

With Maestro Arturo Molina at the helm, they are putting the spotlight on the saxophone—a novel addition to traditional orchestral programs that speaks of the genre’s heritage and Molina’s mastery of the symphonic repertoire of the great Russian composers.

The evening will draw works from two of the five great composers of the Romantic era, namely Borodin and Mussorgsky. The pieces selected have been curated around the Glazunov Saxophone Concerto, a 15-minute piece, keeping with the themes of Russian Romanticism – colorful, passionate, and exotic.

“It’s an honor to be part of such a great milestone for the Manila Symphony Orchestra and to be able to share their genius and talent to music and theater enthusiasts around the city,” says Mel Ignacio, Ayala Land Assistant Vice President. “We look forward to seeing you at Power Mac Center Spotlight to witness this great event live.”

 

For ticket inquiries and more information, like and follow Power Mac Center Spotlight on:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PMCSpotlightOfficial

Instagram: pmcspotlight_official

#KoristaAko: Jhoan Ayos

Korista Ako

Happy (Chinese) New Year! I know, I had backlogs for #KoristaAko. The last quarter of the year had always been busy, busy busy! But it was very musical, and I hope yours was, too.

Now, on with my latest post! Last October, my husband and I (being part of the Philippine Choral Directors Association) were invited to attend a Culminating Recital event of the Plan W Sing Philippines Choral Leadership Program at the PICC in Pasay City. Plan W is a project led by Diageo Philippines, in cooperation with the Andrea O. Veneracion Sing Philippines Initiative.

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Plan W participants from all over the Philippines in a culminating choral concert. My voice teacher, Bechie Valena, was one of their voice teachers during the weeklong camp.
Plan W participants from all over the Philippines in a culminating choral concert. My voice teacher, Bechie Valena, was one of their voice teachers during the weeklong camp.

One of the participants is someone I knew prior this project, as our choirs were supposed to be part of one project last year (still hoping for a collaboration in the future!). And we shall get to know her more and her Plan W experience here at Korista Ako!

Photo source: Facebook
Photo source: Facebook

Jhoan Ayos is a budding conductor from Cavite. She handles the Melodic Symphony Children’s Choir, which will be having its concert on February 28. This is the second phase of Plan W, where the choirs of the participating women conductors will showcase what they have learned in a concert-recital in their own hometowns.

Indeed a Dream Come True for these little angels and their conductor.
Indeed a Dream Come True for these little angels and their conductor. Click photo for event details.

She relays, “I started singing when I was five years old, for an Easter Sunday celebration. My cousins eventually asked me to join the choir. I continued, but they didn’t.”

“Almost three years ago, Fr. Ariel Lisama, a priest in our church, asked me if I could teach the kids. I accepted it and thought it was easy, but it wasn’t. That decision changed my life.”

Her choral heroes include Mark Carpio of the Philippine Madrigal Singers, who is also the Artistic Director of the Plan W Sing Philippines Program. She describes the Madz Choirmaster as musically gifted, very kind and patient, and exudes good vibes all around (wait, he’s my conductor, too! And yes, he is these ;D). Another is Steve Collado, her conductor in CVSU Pansayang Sining, which had brought her to places, as well as the Madz et al Choral Festival. Another conductor favourite for her is Davidson Sy, her church choir conductor, who taught her the meaning of service. She said she experienced singing for four Masses straight when they were the only choir at that time in their parish. It may be tiring and unrewarding, but she still enjoyed serving for the Lord.

I asked her more questions about the Plan W. Here is a Q and A we did over Facebook (edited some parts for clarity and conciseness, but retained most Filipino parts):

TOURINGKITTY (TK): How was the overall experience?
Plan W Sing Philippines has been a life changing experience for me. It made me realize that music is really my calling and made me ask myself, what took me so long? I once dream of inspiring people. Little did I realize I am already inspiring the children I am teaching through singing and serving. I felt so grateful and blessed to be chosen as one of the 34 scholars around the Philippines. I knew God has a purpose why I was able to be part of this a once in a lifetime experience.
I am so honored to be able to attend training with the finest mentors in the field of singing. Araw-araw siksik, liglig at umaapaw ang learnings from the mentors. They have different styles of teaching but then all of them are effective. Namamangha ka na lang na yung mga inaaral ng matagal sa schools and other trainings nagawa ng mga mentors na isqueeze sa time allotted for them. Aside from the technical stuff, there were also lots of inspiring stories from the mentors. Yung good vibes ang lakas makamagnet effect. Mapapasabi ka na lang din na ang sarap mangarap! Na someday you can experience kahit ilan lang sa mga stories na shinare nila.

Aside from the passion and love for music there is one more thing in common among all the mentors: they are all humble. Iba talaga yung galing na may kasamang right attitude.

My experience would not be the same without my co-scholars. We came from different parts of the Philippines. The youngest is 18 and the oldest is 60 but we share the same passion for music. I was roommates with Ate Vivian from Capiz and Ate Laarni from Butuan City. They made my stay more enjoyable. All 34 of us were able to have bonding moments also from breakfast to breaks and even going out at night. I love how we shared insights, knowledge and experiences. Most of them have many years of experience but never did I feel any competition. We were able to build friendships from the week long camp (Oh my I miss them) but until now most of us are still connected through social media and text messages.

 

TK: What were your most favourite part/s of the one week program and why?
The whole experience was memorable, though my favorites were:
Day 01 – I was so excited and at the same time so nervous. Before going to UP some of the parents of the kids I am teaching said “galingan mo Jho umaasa sayo ang mga bata.” It was both negative and positive for me. Positive because I know they are just wishing me well, negative because I can feel the pressure. Upon arriving at the hotel I was able to meet my co-scholars. Hearing all their experiences I was like, “Bakit ako nandito? Dapat ba ko dito?” Comparing my background to them, it was nothing. I cried on my first night and prayed. I was crying at comfort room thinking I am letting the kids down kasi hindi ako makasunod sa tinuturo ng mga mentors tapos maalala ko pa sinabi ng parents ng kids. Here comes my favorite part. While reviewing at the hotel one of my roommates, Vivian Berjamin from Capiz came to me and asked alin ba yung hindi mo maintindihan? baka matulungan kita nagbiro pa sya saying “akala mo naman magaling ako eh no” sabay tawa. Just a few minutes after my silent prayer, God gave me the answer. That gave me so much hope that’s why the next days have become more fun and easier to understand. This training is not just about the best mentors sharing their knowledge to us. It is also about us scholars sharing our experience and knowledge.

Day 07 – Culminating concert. I love performing and after 3 years I was able to perform again. A day before the concert, I have some tunes and lyrics on my mind then I started to arrange it. My co scholars ate Gisella from Imus Cavite, Ate Marife from Laguna and Ate Love from Las Pinas helped me to finish the song entitled “Sing Philippines.” It was my first composition and was shocked when Sir Mark told us, “you should sing this in the concert”. Seeing my choir members and my family during the concert was so priceless! Hearing my youngest brother shouting “Ate ko yan!” sobrang sarap sa pakiramdam. To be able to see how the audience liked our performance and some of them telling us thank you for insipiring us, grabe! Speechless kami! (Check out the video at the end of this post!)

TK: Three things (or more, or less) from your mentors that you think will be very useful for your conducting career.
“The Backbone of the music is the text” – Teacher Malou Hermo
Sometimes we tend to focus on the melody of the song. Maganda nga yung tunog pero yung text hindi na maintindihan. We should give importance to both.

“Teach music the way it is developed” – Teacher Joy Nilo
There are different ways on how to teach music but for them to understand music deeper you should teach on how it was developed.

“The most important discipline in the art of singing is breathing” – Sir Mark Carpio
All of us know how to breathe but only few know the proper way to breathe.

TK: Where will this training lead you to?
This training gave me empowerment, hope and more determination which leads me to dreaming many things for my choir. I want to learn more about music and share more to other people. I will continue what I have started. Two weeks after the training I already see improvements of how I rehearse with my choir and will still continue to improve in the coming days, months and years. It made me dream big for my choir. I want the kids to experience many things about performing and music.

TK: Anything you’d like to say to female conductors like you who aspire to be better at what they’re doing?

I started as “walang alam” in music, just the passion, kaya minsan na din akong napanghinaan ng loob pero hindi pala dapat. When you’re doing the right thing all problems, struggles are just temporary. God will provide! Tiwala lang dapat at wag susuko. Most of the time we conductors don’t realize how much we inspire our choir members. We fail to realize how they give importance to whatever knowledge we impart to them. Sometimes you’ll be shocked to hear them say “gusto ko din pong maging katulad nyo”. Our simple wish to share what we know caused chain reaction to our members to their future members. Keep the passion burning! Let us continue to share and inspire other people. You are on the right track! Keep going!

Thank you, Jhoan, for sharing your thoughts! We learned a lot from your stories, and we, too, can’t help but to feel proud of what you have achieved in those days.

If this is not enough, then check this. She even managed to write a theme song of the project, which, along with her co-participants, was performed during the culminating activity! Watch video here.
Sing Philippines buong Bansa tayo’y umawit
Sing Philippines musika sa puso natin
Dadating ang Araw, kapayapaa’y makakamtan
Kababaihan! Ating simulan.

Sing Philippines

Jhoan Ayos, composer

 

#KoristaAko is powered by Touringkitty. Tune in for the latest post every last Wednesday of the month. Follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates.

 

Judicael Perroy in Manila: From Bach to Villa-Lobos

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Another great guitarist is coming to town: Judicael Perroy will have a concert on November 12 at the Abelardo Hall Auditorium, UP College of Music in Diliman, Quezon City. See more details below.

The Independent Philippine Art Ventures (IPAV) and Alliance Français de Manille (AFM) present an outstanding French guitarist in a concert at 7pm on November 12, Abelardo Hall, UP College of Music in Diliman, Quezon City.

Perroy is one of the most sought-after classical guitarists on the world stage. He has had rave reviews not only as a concertist but as an inspiring teacher as well. His students have also won prestigious international awards.

To open the concert on November 12, are outstanding and multi-awarded Filipino guitarists Roneil Santos and Aaron Aguila.

Perroy will also hold a master class for the country’s most promising young guitarists to teach them theory and technique in one-on-one sessions.

IPav was founded by classical guitarists and enthusiasts and has formed a solid alliance with AFM to promote classical music in the Philippines.

Concert tickets are at 1,000php (Patron), 500php (Regular) and 250php (Student). Tickets are available at TicketWorld, AFM and IPAV.

Inquiries regarding masterclasses and ticket reservation may also be addressed to ipavinc@gmail.com.

Know more about the artist:

Follow Perroy on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/judicael.perroy

Check his website: http://www.judicael-perroy.com/

Know more about Perroy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COxR2V6MGvA

Listen to his music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-a_VlVvL_b8

Touringkittyps: Three unique (and meaningful) Halloween events for your kids

Real talk. I am not that keen in celebrating Halloween, even now that I have a kid. Besides, isn’t it that Halloween celebrations here in the country started just in the past decade?

As kids, our Halloween–make that All Souls Day– celebrations include the traditional viewing of a special “Magandang Gabi Bayan” episode on a Saturday night, either in our home or on one of our cousins or friends in the same compound. We’d scare each other out with the stories in the show, or literally playing “mumu,” or ghosts complete with blankets as makeshift costumes and flashlights as props. We’re happy crazy with that.

And now, so many Halloween events have sprouted, and even establishments are garbed up in orange/black Halloween fashion. Let’s celebrate it, with meaning and purpose! Here are three unique and meaningful events where you can take your children to.

1. Celebrate with orchestral music

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Our favourite orchestra, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra with its conductor, Maestro Olivier Ochanine, will have a special performance with…volcanoes?! “Tricks and Musical Treats, A PPO Family Concert” will feature a musical storytelling of Flowanda, the explorer of the land of Volcano Milava at the Cultural Center of the Philippines on Sunday, October 25, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater) at 4:00 PM. There will be pre-concert activities starting at 2:30 PM which include a musical instruments petting zoo wherein children can experience playing different orchestral instruments assisted by the members of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. There will also be trick or treat and lobby activities. The children are encouraged to come in their costumes.

This is a good way to introduce orchestral music to our children, and children at heart. Not only that, watching this concert also shows your support for our local artists, music, culture and arts.

For more information, please call the CCP Marketing Department at 832-3704 or Ticketworld at 891-9999.

2. Celebrate with saints

Halloween is the eve of All Saints, which is the first day of Allhallowtide, the third day being All Souls’ Day (November 2nd). In the previous years, we get to celebrate this with a homeschooling group, called Rockers Philippines. Last year, Aria came in as St. Cecilia, patroness of musicians.

Aria as St. Cecilia. With some of the Rockers Kids at St. Rita de Cascia church in Philam Homes.
Aria as St. Cecilia. With some of the Rockers Kids at St. Rita de Cascia church in Philam Homes.

Christ the King Parish in Greenmeadows will have their Kingdom of Heaven Fair on October 31. Visit their Facebook page for more details.

 

3. Celebrate as a superhero


Trick or treat for a cause! UNICEF is calling on all superheroes to raise funds for children in need. Visit any Toy Kingdom branch to get your Trick or treat kit, or UNICEF Philippines website for details.

Take your pick, or do all three! And celebrate a unique and meaningful Halloween with your family.

Looking for more activities? While it might seem dangerous skating is a great activity for kids, check out Skate Hq’s “kids hockey gear” to learn more.

 

~ Touringkitty

Acapellago performs at Enchanted Kingdom on September 13

My daughter and I have been listening to a lot of a cappella music lately. Apart from choirs, we like small ensembles of about five or six members.

We love singing. We are fascinated with how the human voice alone can produce such harmonies. My five year old sees and hears me teach voice so she imitates when we vocalize or sing. She likes a cappella acts who does covers of pop songs like Cimorelli and Pentatonix. I let her listen to these great groups like The CompanY, Swingle Singers or King’s Singers, and she appreciates them as well.

Our recent discovery is from our own country, and they have given pride already by winning top prizes both here and abroad.

*Photo from Interaksyon.com’s news article about their recent win.

Their name sounds familiar? It’s a good nameplay of a cappella (what their music is) and archipelago (what our country’s structure is like). They’ve won the 2013 Akapela Open presented by One Meralco Foundation and PLDT-Smart Foundation. Two months ago, they won the Gold Award and was declared champion in the International Category of the 2015 A Capella Championships held in Singapore.

They will be back to Singapore on October for the International A Cappella Festival. Get your tickets for their October 31 concert on this link.

Check this sample video on their page and listen to them. They like Pentatonix, too!

Want to hear more from them? You can, too! They are set to perform this Sunday at Enchanted Kingdom in Laguna.

Weekend shows at Enchanted Kingdom. From the Enchanted Kingdom Facebook Page.
Weekend shows at Enchanted Kingdom. From the Enchanted Kingdom Facebook Page.

Our favourite local theme park is turning 20 already! And you can get a chance to WIN tickets to Enchanted Kingdom so you can get to watch Acapellago! How?

LIKE, SHARE and WIN 5 tickets (Unlimited Rides) to ENCHANTED KINGDOM and watch ACAPELLAGO Live on September 13, Sunday!

How? Like Acapellago’s FB Page and share the poster on your walls with the hashtags ‪#‎acapellago‬ ‪#‎acapellagoatenchantedkingdom‬ ‪#‎EKcountdownto20withVIVA‬ ‪#‎mtvpilipinas‬

Link to poster here: https://www.facebook.com/enchantedkingdom.ph/photos/a.163836406977967.44937.152635924764682/1129625210399077/?type=1

The more shares, the more chances of winning. 2 winners of 5 tickets each will be electronically drawn on Sunday morning.

 

Mabuhay ang a cappella music!

 

~ Touringkitty

CONCERT: Ang Soap Opera ng Buhay Ko: Voices of Healing

Poster (1)

 

One night featuring top artists in the music industry, performing for a noble cause. What more can you ask for?

Choral groups will take part as well. The Ateneo Chamber Singers (where my husband sings currently), the UP MedChoir, and Mass Appeal, along with other solo artists and performers, and the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, will join forces for the UP College of Medicine Academic Center.

Hope you could support this concert! Full details below.

The University of the Philippines Medical Alumni Fund, Inc. (UPMAF) will hold a concert called “Ang SOAP Opera ng Buhay Ko” (The Concert: Voices of Healing) at the new Marriott Grand Ballroom on August 26, 2015 to raise funds to create the New UP College of Medicine Academic Center,  a 7-story multi-million peso undertaking.

The dinner concert will feature several of the biggest names in the international and local concert scene, including the 50-piece ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Gerard Salonga, this special night will bring together Lea Salonga, Ryan Cayabyab, Jed Madela, Vice Ganda, Mark Bautista, Cris Villonco, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Bituin Escalante, Pinky Marquez, Franco Laurel, The Tux, Caisa Borromeo, Baihana, Catherine Fisher, among others, as they join the community in a collective voice of healing. A 70-strong chorus composed of The Mass Appeal, Ateneo Chamber Singers and UP Medicine Choir will also fill the grandiose ballroom.

This will be Lea Salonga’s last concert before she flies to New York to star in a show called “Allegiance,”  which previews in Broadway on October 20!

For ticket and sponsorship inquiries please contact, Dr. Melfred L. Hernandez (0917) 815-2029), Overall Chair, Dr. Karin Estepa (0922) 825-3146, Chair, Business Committee, or Ms Kareen Tapia (0923) 8568043 of UPMAF (02) 5264255, upmaf.secretariat@gmail.com.