PR: GANTIMPALA THEATER FOUNDATION INC. ALL SET TO OPEN “KANSER@35 THE MUSICAL” ON AUGUST 28

In line with its 38^th Season, Gantimpala Theater Foundation Inc. proudly presents “KANSER@35 THE MUSICAL” based from the novel Noli Me Tangere by Dr. Jose Rizal with libretto written by Jomar Fleras, music by Jed Balsamo, and choreography by Paul Alexander Morales under the direction of Franniel Zamora.

           

Today, KANSER is the longest running play in Philippine theater history and to mark its 35th year, “KANSER@35” will be presented for the first time as a full length musical theater production beginning August 28, 2015 at the AFP Theater, Camp Aguinaldo Q.C.

Noli Me Tangere is Dr. Jose Rizal’s expose of corrupt friars from who have made the Catholic religion as instrument for enriching and perpetuating themselves in power by seeking to mire ignorant Filipinos in fanaticism and superstition. Instead of teaching Filipinos true Christianity, according to Rizal; they control the government by opposing all progress and persecuting members of the ilustrados unless they make themselves their servile flatterers. The novel lampooned, caricatured and exposed various elements in the colonial society.

            Over the years, this work of fiction have had many incarnations and considered, as one of its most important versions is KANSER, which Gantimpala Theater Foundation Inc. produced back in 1979.

           

In “Kanser (Noli Me Tangere),” Crisostomo Ibarra returns home after his European studies and rekindles his romance with childhood sweetheart Maria Clara. His return triggers an old rift with the town friar, Padre Damaso. As the play progresses, Ibarra realizes that the malady of oppression and colonial brutality has been killing not only his town, but his motherland as well.

            Palanca award-winning playwright Jomar Fleras noted that “Back in 2005, when KANSER celebrated its 25^th year, director Franniel Zamora and I casually dreamt of turning this play into a musical when its turns 35. It was really a whimsical dream, knowing that making a musical is not only ambitious but expensive. So when Franny reminded me last year that Kanser was already turning 35 and he wanted to “cash in” on my “promise,” I just dropped everything and started working on the libretto for about 3 weeks.”

            “ When I wrote the libretto, I wanted to make it as close to the straight play as possible. However, we also added new scenes and new perspectives which serve to make the audience understand better the soul and message of Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere. There is also a grandness in the design which the straight play did not have. The original script was written for chamber theater so there is a sea of difference from the concept to the musical.”

            “ And from my libretto and the newly composed music by Jed Balsamo, the actual pre-production took several stages. After the rigorous auditions held last February, the cast for KANSER@35 is relatively young and a lot of them were not even born during the first stagings of Kanser. It was an imperative that the cast should know what this novel is all about through a lot of reading sessions with the objective that we want them to perform in a serious musical and not a concert. We also gave an overview regarding the evolution of Kanser and how they were produced by Gantimpala Foundation through the years. And most importantly, we also tackled the nuances of the different characters of the novel. And how to immerse into the role they were to portray,” Fleras added.

           

There had been other Noli musicals and plays but most of them delved on the love story between Ibarra and Maria Clara. “Kanser@35 will reiterate its focus on the discourse between reform and revolution. The vision of “Kanser@35” from the very start is that it should be able to show parallelisms between the social realities of Rizal’s era with that of the present.

            Portraying the lead roles of Kanser@35 are Michael Pangilinan and Jacob Benedicto (Crisostomo Ibarra), Myramae Meneses (Maria Clara), Bodjie Pascua (Pilosopong Tasyo), Vien Alen King (Elias,) Kate Alejandrino and Michaela Fajardo (Sisa), Carlo Angelo Falcis (Padre Damaso), Carlo Mañalac (Padre Salvi), William Serrano (KapitanTiago),  Queen Mia  (Dona Victorina), Meldea Flor Chua (Consolacion). 

            The supporting cast include Albert Daniel Silos (Basilio), Angelo Gabriel Ilustre (Crispin), Joey de Guzman (Tiburcio), and Norman Peñaflorida (Alperes).

            The ensemble is composed of Glenda Liao (Sinang), Roxy Aldiosa (Tia Isabel), Jobeth Rozul, Iona Ventocilla (Maria Clara, understudy) Ma. Victoria Mina, Princess Perez, Francis Cruz III, Dusty Suarez (Lucas), Angelo Moratilla, Jonel Velado (Bruno), Jovito Bonita, Michael Galang, Roby Malubay (Tinyente Guevarra) Michael Jullian Musa and Syd Calam (Padre Salvi, understudy).

            The artistic team of Kanser@35 are Jomar Fleras (Playwright/Librettist), Franniel Zamora (Director), Gean Allain de Leon (Associate Director), Joed Balsamo (Composer/Musical Director), Paul Alexander Morales (Choreographer), Joseph Matheu (Lighting Director), Rards Corpus (Sound Engineer), Albert Figueras (Costume Designer), Joseph the Artist (Sand Art Visuals) and  Sonny Anecito (Set and Graphic Designer).

            The production team is composed of Charyl de Guzman (Production Manager), Roselle Buenaventura (Stage Manager), April Anne Dolot (Assistant Production Manager), Romer Gumban (Deputy Stage Manager)  Kielvin Recaido, Christian Lilagan and Riant Hernandez (Assistant Stage Managers), Neil Geronimo (Audio Spinner), Jovs Bonita (Dance Master), Vangie Inocencio (Wardrobe Mistress), Nonoy Ambriosio (Set-up Master), Diane Obado (Assistant LD/Boardman), Toots Tolentino (Publicist), Gean Allain de Leon (Social Media Manager), Jojit Lorenzo (Photography / Press Release), Amiel Kabigting, Rice Ramos (Photography /Collateral Materials), Patrick Layugan, Paulo Layugan, Jonille Dayal, Shax Siasoco (Videography).

The venue and performance schedules of KANSER@35 are as follows:

AFP THEATER, CAMP AGUINALDO, QC: August 28 (Fri.),
Aug. 29 (Sat.) --- 9 am, 12 pm and 3 pm ;

STAR THEATER, STAR CITY: Sept. 4 (Fri.) – 9 am, 12 pm, 3 pm;

CINEMA 3 , SM SOUTHMALL
Sept. 11 (Fri.), Sept. 12 (Sat.) – 11 am, 2 pm
For more information, booking reservations, and show buys, call GANTIMPALA Marketing Office at tel. numbers: 998-5622 and 872-0261 or text at mobile number 0921-251 3733 or send email to gantimpalatheatermarketing@yahoo.com.

Connect to KANSER@35 online through the following social media networks:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gantimpala
Twitter: @gantimpalatf
Instagram: @gantimpalatf

See you at the theater! 

Enjoying Your Greens The Healthy Way - Malipayon Farms and Chateau Hestia

This is the second of articles showing my pleasure during my stay at Chateau Hestia.

Chateau Hestia is known to serve good healthy food.  To start with a good healthy plate, one needs to have a good source of all the ingredients and what better source but from a farm where everything is done the "old way".

When I talk of the "old way", it only means doing things without the chemicals.  Making use of Nature's gift is the only way in this farm near Chateau Hestia - Malipayon Farms.  From natural pest repellent to fertilizers, everything that is used here is from Earth herself - no man-made chemical touching this farm, that is for sure.

For each plate that comes out from the kitchen of Chateau Hestia, you are assured that everything that is on your plate is edible.  The greens, the herbs and the flowers that you see on your plate are all edible and organic and comes from this farm that is not that far from the chateau itself.

Below are some of the images of Malipayon Farms.  Enjoy your greens!

Chateau Hestia, Home Away From Home

If pearls are made on land, then I would say Chateau Hestia is a pearl hidden in Silang, Cavite. Since pearls are made in water, then I would say the Goddess truly smiled down unto the place since it bears tribute to and for her . . . the goddess of the hearth of Greek Mythology.

Located in Silang, Cavite, is a place of rest and relaxation, a bed and breakfast that also offers hearty lunch and dinner should you wish to experience the magic of their restaurant under the management of Executive Chef Natalia Moran. Let this the first of a series of articles describing-trying to capture in words- the beauty of Chateau Hestia.

As you transverse the main road leading you to the place you will definitely see a signage telling you that you are near. A little twist and a turn you are now entering the wooden gates of Chateau Hestia. Initially what you would see are greens, greens and greens! It is like a wild garden with no known structure, but in reality the place was designed in such a way to blend in with nature. Then  you see an arc leading you to a plant covered pathway towards the main building of the place – the reception, deli, restaurant and kitchen.  The main building also houses their function room, located at the second level, that is capable of serving near to a hundred guests. The deli is well stocked of wines, from the old world, cheeses and kitchen creations that you would love aka dips and sauces.

Outside of the restaurant is their open garden where events can be made whenever weather allows. From here you would also see pathways leading to the different casitas (the rooms). One thing that is quite impossible for you not to notice is the type of material used to border each step and pathway . . . the empty wine bottles.  Not only used to serve as borders but they also made use of some of the empty wine bottles as light ornaments.  Some of you may ask as to what happened to the corks . . . they also made use of it as part of table decoration in one of the lodging area.

There are actually two pathways leading you to the casitas.  You may take either of the two depending on the location of your casitas.  From the main building, you would see a bridge that has a pool of koi underneath and it serves as one of the pathway going to three (3) of the casitas - Bamboo, Capiz and Sampaguita.  The other pathway is the one from the garden area; this would lead you to the Loft, the Suite and another pathway leading you to Casa Carmen and Garden Casitas.  That is a total of 7 living areas that couples and a small family would love!

The interior design of the casitas (Bamboo, Capiz and Sampaguita) is not for the faint of heart since the bathing area and the toilet is simply divided from the resting area with a panel in which you can still see clearly, not silhouette, what is happening on the other side. If you are a bit demure, you can ask the staff to strung along a curtain to keep things private.  One thing is definite, you will love the four-poster bed with the drappings.

The structure of the Loft is a wonder!  It is a two-floor structure that has two entrances!  If you wish to enter/exit via the room (bed), you may do so.  If you suddenly have the urge to use the loo or simply wants to clean first before hitting the sack, then you may enter via the first floor door.  The first floor door leads to the bathing/loo area and a spiral staircase leads you to the bedroom that has a bed -good for 2, covered with a mosquito net set in a spiral pattern (2nd level).  There may be no cabinets in this casita's but it sure is one delightful room to stay in. 

Should you wish to have a place that has everything, then book the Casa Carmen.  It has everything!  A sitting area, a small dining table, a cabinet, a mini-kitchen area, an outside sitting and a big bed! It may be situated a little off from the main Chateau but it is worth staying at.  This is pure comfort place!  Better than a hotel room because it has character and classic taste.  The garden area is also well managed in this area.

Let me answer some of the questions that you may have.

Can you bring your pet with you?

YES!  You can bring your pet with you as long as you bring along all the needs of your pet such as bedding, pet bowl and a leash.

Can I order food from the restaurant delivered in my room?

YES!  Just inform the people concern should you wish to enjoy a breakfast on bed.

I am a PWD. Is the place equipped for my needs?

I didn't saw any ramps but I think they would be able to assist you with your needs.  Before we left the place, I did saw an elderly on a wheelchair enjoying her lunch in the restaurant which means, they were able to assist her and make it enjoyable for her.

Can I have assistance going there?

As long as you know how to reach certain areas in Tagaytay, you will be able  to reach the place even if you are a commuter.  You can also call them to pick you up at a certain point and bring you to the Chateau. - talk about service!

Can I smoke?

As long as you are not in your room, then you may smoke.  Not in the room. The bar area of the restaurant is a smoking area also.  Airing out a room is not easy that is why smoking is not encouraged inside the sleeping area.  Remember, you are surrounded with plants and Carbon is something that plants need during photosynthesis.  

Below are some of the images taken of the place during my stay there.

ENJOY!

The beauty of the place:

The casitas (interior and outside)

Inside of Casa Carmen

Inside of Casa Carmen

Casa Carmen

The Loft

The tub/jacuzzi in Sampaguita

The main building (Reception - Deli - Restaurant)

Reception Area

The wine in the deli/shop area

The sauces and dips in the deli shop

The cheese selection in the deli

The Function Area