Category: Press Releases

Relive the Battle of Manila through the Transitio Festival

8th Manila Transitio Festival in Intramuros.

Know more about the Battle of Manila through this day-long festival, right at the heart of where it happened–Intramuros!

See, hear, feel, smell, and even taste what 1945 was in this historic event. Relive that long forgotten battle in the Manila Transitio Festival 2017.


Press Release:

THE 8th MANILA TRANSITIO FESTIVAL
FEBRUARY 26, 2017
SUNDAY
BALUARTE SAN DIEGO, SANTA LUCIA CORNER MURALLA STREET, INTRAMUROS

3:00PM to 11:30PM

ENTRANCE FEE: PAY WHAT YOU CAN

In February of 1945, at the close of the second world war, “The Battle of Manila” devastated the capital city of the Philippine Islands. Caught in a clash between the armed forces of the United States and Japan, Manila, once known for it’s architectural beauty and gracious citizens, had been battered and brought to her knees. Collateral damage in a war not of her own making.

By March, the districts from Caloocan to Malate lay in ruins; the 300 year-old walled city of Intramuros was reduced to rubble, and over 100,000 of the city’s civilians lay dead.

But the worst loss of all would happen after the war. In the decades that passed, the people of Manila chose to forget “The Battle of Manila”. Instead of rebuilding the city’s grand churches and monuments, the survivors of this tragedy chose to remove themselves. By the 1980s, the city of Manila, once called the Pearl of The Orient, had become mess of uninspired commercial developments, parochial gated communities, and indigent informal settlements. Manila’s heritage sites fell into neglect and her history dropped from consciousness. A huge gap was blown into the collective national memory. Until today, seventy two years later, there is still no national holiday nor monument dedicated to “The Battle of Manila” nor the 100,000 souls who perished.

For the last eight years, Intramuros Administration, #vivamanila, and Carlos Celdran have hosted a gathering called Manila Transitio as a way of remembering the “Battle of Manila”. This yearly commemoration is defined by a public picnic, an art exhibition, a community ritual, and an open air concert held inside one of the many gardens of Intramuros. This event hopes to remind Manila’s residents that they once lived in a proud, beautiful city and that the memory of the 100,000 civilians who died in the battle should be honored.

Ultimately. Manila Transitio is really all about recognizing the city’s changes; Manila’s transitions from what it was, to what is, and to what it can possibly become in the future.

DETAILS:

Guests of Manila Transitio can bring their own blankets, picnic baskets, dogs, friends and family.

Guests can set their blankets out on the grass and spend the day into night watching the concert in front of them, appreciating the art surrounding them, and sharing a community spirit.

There is no dress code; cosplay is encouraged. Filipiniana is recommended.

Food and drink will be available from vendors on-site.

Quiapo candle ladies will also on site to grant wishes and add a spiritual element to the evening.

As a highlight, there will be a surprise community ritual as a symbolic gesture.

Our theme for this year’s memorial is: “Folk Art. Folk Traditions. Folk Music”. Work by artists: Russ Ligtas, Mitch Garcia, Ian Madrigal, Martin Lorenzo De Mesa, Mars Bugaoan, Jodee Aguillon and Hataw, Leeroy New, Derek Tumala, GA Fallarme, Denis Lagdameo, Rosa Mirasol Esguerra Melencio, and Tad Ermitaño will be set all around the gardens.

In line with this year’s theme. the main stage will spotlight the “Tres Marias”, a trio consisting of Bayang Barrios, Cookie Chua, and Lolita Carbon. Three powerful women considered to be the country’s foremost voices in rock, folk, soul and protest music.

Paolo Garcia (Parallel Uno) will DJ music between sets.

This year’s food and drink vendors: XO1946, Edgy Veggy, Ralph’s Wines, Distileria Limtuaco, Curry Wurst Meister, Ziazan Mezze/THC, V Hotel, Public School/Kalsada Coffee.

At the door, guests will pay an entrance fee of any amount at their discretion. One peso is appreciated just as much as one thousand pesos. Pay what you can.

We hope to see you there.

Hashtags: #manilatransitio #vivamanila

VIVA MANILA!

Contacts:
Carlos Celdran
09088975515
vivamanila1@gmail.com

“Sueño de Manila” by Carlos Celdran

 

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

Barbie Dreamtopia Festival

My sister and I are certified Barbie girls, having a few Barbie doll collection as young kids.

It is no surprise that my daughter likes Barbie dolls, too. And this event on the first two days of October was a great way to celebrate dreams coming true.

Barbie’s Dreamtopia Festival celebrated Pink Power last October 1 and 2 at the Robinsons Place Manila. The two-day event was filled with surprises for every little (and big) girl who came. My daughter had fun in the different Barbie stations, which has stuff such as these.

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Cute crown headband, colourful hair extensions, and glitter activity station were just some of the highlights of the event.

They even had quick contests where my daughter won some prizes (with the help of my sister).

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Prizes!

And, her much-awaited (which I, sadly and unfortunately, missed, boohoo! Because of work) mini-fashion show happened in the afternoon of October 2. She’s got the whole family though in tow for the activity).

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The first timer rehearsing on the catwalk with her beautiful gown.
Finale with all fashion show participants.
Finale with fashion show participants.

This was all made possible by the number 1 Fashion Doll in the world, that is Barbie. Because with Barbie, You Can Be Anything. Barbie Dreamtopia core dolls have a wide range of assortments that include the Fairytale Gift set, a Barbie that can turn into a fairy, a mermaid and a princess. The Rainbow Princess that has lighting feature on its gown and hair, and the Snap ‘n Style which lets kids twist, snap and braid Barbie’s hair. Barbie Dreamtopia dolls are exclusively distributed by Richprime Global Inc. and are available at all leading toy stores nationwide. Follow Barbie on Facebook and get to know more about products by visiting Richwell Club on Facebook and website at www.richprime.net.

Toy Kingdom’s Amazing Toy Expo 2016

Hooray! Been waiting for this event. The toy lover in me cannot help it. And great that it happens in my side of town. See you there!

Toy Expo Poster

Toy Kingdom once again brings the most amazing gathering of toys in the Philippines in its Toy Expo 2016 at the 2nd Level of the SMX Convention Center from August 19-21, 2016.

Experience the thrill of being one of the first to have the newest and upcoming toys in the market. These come with special price offers and freebies- a perfect treat for your early Christmas shopping.

Fun booths of branded toys with life size 3D character statues welcome guests to the Toy Expo. Each booth comes with an exciting activity wherein kids can explore and play with the toys they love.

They can also have a sneak peek – and have the first pick – of the latest toys for the Holiday season! These include toys from Trolls, Suicide Squad, Star Wars, classic Disney Junior; and the first Filipino Plush toys Plush and Play.

Kids will love the new Barbie You Can be Anything collection and My Little Pony. There will also be a Betty Spaghetti Launch and Meet and Greet sessions of Shopkins and Cartoon Network’s Power Puff girls. They will enjoy Marvel’s Avengers Metals Die Cast, the latest Lego Nexo Knights and Transformers. They will also have a thrilling ride at the Hot Wheels Treasure Hunt series, and be able to meet and greet the famous squad of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

During the event, kids can also Meet and Greet well loved characters from Nickelodeon’s Paw Patrol, the Grossery Gang, and more.

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Check out Toy Kingdom’s Toy Expo 2016 at 2nd level of the SMX Convention Center from 10am to 10pm on August 19-21, 2016. Visit www.toykingdom.ph; official event hashtag: #TKToyExpo2016; follow ToyKingdomPH on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Barista Course at Barista and Coffee Academy of Asia

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Judging by the amount of coffee shops and other restaurants that serves good coffee, there really can’t be any adult in this great big world that has never tried coffee.

Now, if we are to look beyond those coffee beans and grounds we see in these coffee shops around town, and wanting to learn and appreciate more about what goes inside those mugs and cups, the Barista & Coffee Academy of Asia is the center that teaches one to look beyond the cup. Short courses are being offered by the BARISTA & COFFEE ACADEMY OF ASIA on Brewing Practice, Barista 101, Brewing Practice, Coffee Business Management, Menu Development, Café Operations. High Tea, and Cocktails this August.

Coffee has become a serious business all over the world and providing a big impact in the economic development of the coffee farming and the business industry.

The next time you are sipping a java and seriously considering putting up your own coffee shop, make sure that a good bean is the first step toward achieving a perfect cup of coffee. Reinforcing the standards of specialty coffee links everyone in the supply chain with an integrity that shows pride in the product.

The Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) have created a system where coffee is graded. Coffee that is free of primary defects or unclean odors and scores 80 or above on the SCAA cupping form is considered Specialty Grade. There are two kinds of Coffee Quality Graders—Arabica and Robusta. These graders are licensed by CQI as they have passed several sensory, coffee origin cupping skills, triangulation skills, Olfcatory skills and calibration exams. While many variables in roasting and brewing affect the taste of coffee, Q Coffees confirm that the beans being used are Specialty and among the highest quality in the world.

The Board of director of the Barista and Coffee Academy, also the General Manager of Equilibrium Intertrade, Rosario “Cherry” Cruz is the Philippine’s First woman who holds the license for both Arabica and Robusta Quality Grader. She took her Arabica Q grading classes with Samuel Gurel last June 2015 when BCAA held the first Q grading classes in the country. One year after, she took the Robusta Grading class under Dr. Manuel Diaz in Chang Mai, Thailand.

The interest for becoming a specialty coffee grader is growing around the world! BCAA will be holding another Q grading class on September 13-17, and 19 under the instruction of Jodie Weiser of the Gather Coffee Company (USA).

Jodie worked with Willem Boot, and the Boot Coffee Team, as a quality consultant and trainer for 7 years. Now, she is a licensed Q Grader Instructor, as well as a Certified Instructional Trainer for the Specialty Coffee Association of America and will be BCAA’s instructor for this year’s Q Grader program. An advance roasting class will also be held under the same instructor on September 20 and 21.

Just like wine, coffee has its own distinct lingo. If you have been thinking of combining your love of coffee with your entrepreneurial spirit, make sure you are headed to the right academy who will provide you trouble shooting strategies in order to achieve your java goals.

For further information about the coffee courses and schedules the BARISTA & COFFEE ACADEMY OF ASIA is offering, please log on to : www.coffeeschool.asia or call them at : (02) 5707649 or email : classes@coffeeschool.asia.

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. 

Masflex Cookware: Celebrating 25 years For the Love of Cooking

The Masflex brand recently celebrated 25 years in the Philippines.

I received an invitation to join Masflex’s celebrations, and it was an afternoon filled with food, cooking, and some surprises.

Products were displayed all over the venue. I was seated near the cookware displays, so I took this video:

A video posted by Em Alcantara (@touringkitty) on

What best way to showcase Masflex’s products than to try them yourself! We were given a chance to do some Pancake Art (which, I think, I didn’t fare well, haha, so much for the non-visual artist musician!).

Pancake Art

This was actually a contest of the best pancake art, and the winners did really pretty designs!

And, live cooking demo, of course! Masflex also introduced its newest Brand Ambassador, Nancy Reyes Lumen. Who else but the Adobo Queen can show off Masflex Cookware’s versatility through her cooking!

Ms. Nancy Reyes - Lumen (Brand Ambassador together with the Host, Mr. Hiren Mirchandani - VP for Marketing
Ms. Nancy Reyes – Lumen (Brand Ambassador together with the Host, Mr. Hiren Mirchandani – VP for Marketing

Ms. Nancy showed us three recipes – Adobo sa Beer, Kinulob, and Bibingka Crepe. She even showed a bonus recipe, called Rodrigo’s Roast, which became timely then because of the name of the new Philippine President.

Adobo sa Beer
Adobo sa Beer.
Kinulob
Kinulob.
Bibingka Ube Crepe Cake
Bibingka Ube Crepe Cake.

She invited guests to be “chef of the day” who assisted her in her cooking of each dish.

Chef Jaja, who is also an art teacher, assisted us in the Pancake Art area.

At the end of the program, the big box onstage filled with Masflex items were won by one lucky guest! 

Awarding of Grand Raffle

Before marriage, I wasn’t that keen on my cookware. What we have at home, we use. But now that I have my own family to cook for and feed, I was checking on the brands of my cookware, ensuring they are of high quality and will last for a long time. I think I’ve found where to invest my money on for cookware and kitchenware.

We are on the process of shifting into induction cooking, which some of my friends say, is more cost efficient and safe considering we live in a condo unit. Gotta change cookware as well, and I know which ones to get from the Masflex line.

Congratulations, Masflex Cookware!

Before I end, a final photo:

Touringkitty with Mr. Mirchandani and Ms. Reyes Lumen for a final photo op. I was so shy to come up onstage at first but I did, and even introduced myself to Ms. Nancy whom I first met during the Teresa production of their Alma Mater, St. Theresas College last year.

All photos supplied by Masflex.

Website: www.masflex.com.ph
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/MasflexCookware
YouTube channel: MasflexCookware

~ Touringkitty

Shopkins Shopville Manila

My little bunny likes toys. Just like me, I like collections. Though not large scale, I allow her to buy a few of stuff she likes.

Then these came. Pencil toppers, she says. Justifiable, since she does use them as such sometimes. But most often, she just plays with them. I join in, too.

So happy was she to learn about this event. And even happier that we got an invitation from Toy Kingdom and Richville Prime Global. And happiest that it was just at the Mall of Asia!

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Pocket activities happened in the two-day event.

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Look at that happy kid!

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Plus, Shopkin toys everywhere!

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She even met the Shopees!

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Thank you, Toy Kingdom and Shopkins for this really fun event! Until the next.

GH Mums: Good Housekeeping Philippines’ Mothers Day event at MOA

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How did you spend the special day for your moms? Mine was almost a whole month celebration, attending events for moms like this one.

Just as the month for mothers was about to end, Good Housekeeping Philippines, a magazine of Summit Media, had this one afternoon event for urban moms like me, in my side of town– Mall of Asia!

Called GHMums (or Modern Urban Moms of Manila), the event featured booths, workshops, and prizes for its attendees, mostly mothers, who took this time to relax as they shop, learn, and enjoy.

I did. Here are some of the things I did that afternoon:

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SHOP from 30 concessionaires offering the latest products covering beauty and wellness, food, kids, and home, among others.
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LEARN from a series of talks from Good Housekeeping editors and experts.
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ENJOY games, raffles, prizes, entertainment, and booth activities. I had this makeover by Maquillage Profesionnel.

Here’s more about the event, which I really hope would happen again next year. Hapoy Anniversary, Good Housekeeping Philippines!

Good Housekeeping Philippines, the leading family and home magazine in the country, in partnership with SmartParenting.com.ph and Yummy magazine, recently held the newest gathering of Modern Urban Moms (MUMS) on May 28, Saturday, from 1:00 to 6:00 PM, at the SM Mall of Asia Main Mall, Atrium.

For hardworking moms who don’t want to compromise style and beauty, Elaine Natividad, Beauty and Features Editor of Good Housekeeping, shared “10 Ways to Style Your Scarf,” while Ara Fernando, Lancome PH Ambassador for Make-up, conducted a “Basic Brow Masterclass.” For moms who face the perpetual problem of clutter, Editor-in-Chief Tisha talked about organizing homes with “Say Goodbye to Kalat.” Simple physical exercises at home were presented by Managing Editor Angela Constantino Aquino in “Health Hacks,” while Anika Ventura, professional travel and lifestyle writer and editor, talked about “Everyday Fitness.” Roselle Miranda, Good Housekeeping’s Food Editor, demonstrated some no- cook dishes for moms pressed for time. And lastly, a calligraphy class was conducted by Staff Writer Nicole Sindiong, together with professional teacher and calligraphy artist Paola Esteron.

Good Housekeeping MUMS of Manila was presented by: SM Supermalls and Scotch Brite, with Major Sponsors: Pioneer Epoxyclay and Baby Company; and Minor Sponsors: Downy Baby Gentle and Goldilocks.

For more details, follow Good Housekeeping on Facebook: facebook.com/goodhousekeeping.ph, and on Twitter and Instagram: @goodhousekeepingph. Good Housekeeping is available on newsstands, and in bookstores, convenience stores, and supermarkets nationwide. A digital edition of Good Housekeeping is also available for download through Apple Newsstand, Buqo, and Zinio.