PR: The Artistic Team of MANHID, 2015's BP Production

Wanting to know more about "MANHID- The Pinoy Superhero Musical"?

First staged in 1991 in the University of the Philippines, Diliman Campus, this production has evolved in so many ways.  From its cast to its present day collaborators, MANHID, is now a Ballet Philippines production; perfectly capping off its 45th Theater Season.

Wait no further as I present to you the "brains" behind the 2015 Ballet Philippines staging of this wonderful production.

The Collaborators

Paul Alexander Morales

Director, Choreographer

Paul Alexander Morales unites his varied interests and experience in the arts in the service of dance. Morales graduated from the University of the Philippines where he majored in theater directing, mentored by Prof. Tony Mabesa. In UP, Morales was first able to study ballet under Tita Radaic and Steve Villaruz of Dance Theater Philippines. He further pursued dance with Ballet Philippines as a scholar and member of the pioneer batch of Ballet Philippines II under Agnes Locsin, concurrently while pursuing his college degree. After graduation, with the support of BP’s former director Denisa Reyes, the CCP and the British Council, Morales became a scholar at the Laban Center in London.

As director and choreographer, he has created works for Dulaang Talyer, Airdance, Ballet Philippines, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), E-Dance Theater, Myra Beltran Dance Forum, Philippine Ballet Theatre, Repertory Philippines, Tanghalang Pilipino as well for mainstream and independent films. As an independent filmmaker, he won Best Screenplay Adaptation at the 6th Golden Screen Awards for his first feature film, ‘Concerto.’ The film was also a Cinemalaya finalist, was graded ‘A’ by the Cinema Evaluation Board, and received the Bamboo Camera Award from Kidlat Tahimik. In 2010 Paul’s short video was one of the winners of the online video contest of the acclaimed Martha Graham Dance Company.

Artistic Director of Ballet Philippines since 2009, Paul has choreographed ‘Tales of the Manuvu’ and the contemporary ballet, ‘Crisostomo Ibarra’ which was awarded Outstanding Dance Production at the 2010 Gawad Buhay! Awards. His works typically involve multi-media collaborations that combine his many interests.

Leading BP in its Main Theater season was his childhood dream, a dream he feels that was made a reality by the skills and talents he had honed in pursuit of his artistic dreams, talents strengthened by the mentoring, sharing, exploration and celebration of his fellow artists.

KANAKAN-BALINTAGOS
Writer, Composer

Kanakan-Balintagos, the filmmaker formerly known as Auraeus Solito, is an internationally acclaimed and award-winning Palawán-Filipino filmmaker. His feature films have been shown in major film festivals around the world including Cannes, Sundance, Toronto, Montreal and Berlin. His first film Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros (The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros) earned 15 international awards. He is also the first Filipino to make it to the premiere independent film festival in the world, the SUNDANCE Film Festival. His other films include Tuli, Busong and Baybayin – all of which have won awards both locally and internationally.

A filmmaker of all genres, he has also worked on documentaries, short films and a music video “Ang Huling El Bimbo” by the Eraserheads which won the Asian Viewer’s Choice Award at the MTV Video Music Awards.

He is also a playwright, actor and director of Theater when he was a student at the University of the Philippines, was founder of the UP Tropa Experimental Theater Company and was touted the “enfente terrible of Philippine Theater” during his time in the University.

He comes from a lineage of Shaman-Kings from the indigenous Palawán of South Palawan. He is now using his tribal name Kanakan-Balintagos which was dreamt by his shaman-uncle which means “Hunter of Truth”.

VINCENT DE JESUS
Composer   

Vincent de Jesus is one of the country’s most versatile composers. He is a Filipino composer, librettist,[1] musical scorer, and musical director for theater, television, and film. He is also a writer, lyricist, actor, singer, and educator. He attended the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Music, and majored in piano and voice. He is a member of the Philippine Educational Theater Association since 1985.

He has been awarded three Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino Gawad Urian Awards, two Film Academy of the Philippines Luna Award, three Philippine Movie Press Club Star Awards, two Entertainment Press Golden Screen Awards, and one Gawad Tanglaw for Best Achievement in Film Music.

He is a recipient of the Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Award for Literature for a one-act play. He won two Philstage Gawad Buhay Awards for Outstanding Original Libretto (for “Skin Deep” in 2008 and “Si Juan Tamad, ang Diyablo at ang LImang Milyong Boto” in 2009), one for Outstanding Musical Direction (for “Batang Rizal” in 2008), one for Outstanding Original Composition (for “Si Juan Tamad, ang Diyablo at ang LImang Milyong Boto”), and two for Outstanding Musical (for “Skin Deep” and “Si Juan Tamad, ang Diyablo at ang LImang Milyong Boto”).

His works have been used for theatre, television and films. In a time when foreign acts dominate the music scene, de Jesus is just one of the Filipinos who continuously keeps OPM alive.

THE ERASERHEADS
Composer

The Eraserheads is one the biggest, most successful and most influential bands in the history of OPM. The band is composed of Ely Buendia on vocals, Marcus Adoro on guitars, Buddy Zapala on bass and Raimund Marasigan on drums. Despite the band’s separation in 2002, their music continuously lives on. In fact, a tribute album called Ultraelectromagneticjam!: The Music of the Eraserheads has been released in honour of the band. And thanks to their reunion concerts, fans from all over the world get to witness the band’s eminence.

Alden Lugnasin

Choreographer

Alden has bought to life a wide range of characters showcasing his versatility as a dancer since he joined Ballet Philippines. In 1998, he was guest choreographer-in-residence for the International Dance Festival at Connecticut College, USA.  He progressed and became very prolific in developing moving and innovative works.

Exposed to world class ballet masters and choreographers, he is strongly motivated and has created some of the most stirring dance works such as Impasse, Life is a Rope, FireWaterWoman, and Buhay.  The latter was performed in Cambodia during the ASEAN Culture Week.  In December 2000, his piece Aku, was awarded the silver medal in solo category at the Concours International de Danse de France.

Alden was the Philippine representative to participate in the Asia Pacific Performance Exchange Artist Program (APPEX) organized and administered by the University of California, Los Angeles-Center for the Intercultural Performance which was held in Bali, Indonesia last June to August 2004. In September 2012, Alden became the first overseas guest choreographer of Observe Asian by the National University of Singapore Dance Ensemble.

He is also currently the Artistic Director of BP2, Ballet Philippines’ junior performing company.

Francis de Veyra

Musical Director

            Not only is Francis de Veyra a multi-awarded composer, arranger, and musical director, but he is also the bass guitarist of the band Radioactive Sago Project. He finished his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Composition at the University of the Philippines College of Music, and is currently teaching Music Production and Multimedia Music at the De La Salle College of Saint Benilde School of Design & Arts and St. Scholastica’s College, respectively. He has also served as visiting faculty/consultant at the Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA) in Los Baños, Laguna.

Radioactive Sago Project

Live Band

            The nine-piece ensemble from the suburbs of Quezon City plays a critically acclaimed mélange of spoken word poetry, bebop, free-jazz, punk, soul, funk, afro-Latin, rock, and a mad sundry of musical styles sprinkled with massive doses of humor and irony.

            The Radioactive Sago Project’s perennially surprising stylistic excursions have earned them a cult following, from critics to art fans, even to discerning rock audiences. The band is fronted by four-time Palanca Award-winning writer Lourd de Veyra, along with alumni from the UP College of Music, two-time Gawad Urian awardee for Best Music, Francis de Veyra on bass, Jay Gapasin on durms, Junji Lerma on guitars, Pards Tupas on trombone, Arwin Nava on percussions, and Wowie Ansano on trumpet. Eventually, the band added Roxy Modesto (tenor and baritone saxophone) and B-boy Garcia (turntables) to beef-up the lineup.

Zard Eguia

Set Designer

Zard Eguia received his degree in Production Design at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.While finishing his degree he has worked with well known artists in the industry and has acquired professional credits on different fields. He is currently working as a freelance Production Designer for print, events and film and is the interim Scenographer of Theater Down South. He has recently been nominated for “BEST OUTSTANDING SET DESIGN” in the GAWAD BUHAY! 2012 PHILSTAGE AWARDS FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS for Ballet Philippines’ Neo Filipino: Anting.

VICTOR URSABIA

Costume Designer

            Victor Ursabia is a choreographer, coach and ballet master. Victor studied and trained dance pedagogy under Noordin Jumalon, William Morgan, Agnes Locsin, Denisa Reyes, Edna Vida and Norman Walker among others. In 1988, he went to Atlanta Ballet School on a scholarship grant from Maniya Barredo and later, studied at the Boston Ballet School. He also had a scholarship to dance at the Centre de Danse du Marais in Paris, France. Victor is also a dance photographer and production designer. A Fine Arts graduate from the PWU Institute of Fine Arts, his designs have been seen in Ballet Philippines’ productions such as La Revolucion Filipina, Medea, Neo Filipino, and CCPDS productions. As a competition mentor, he has coached his students to victory in both local and international competitions. He coached BP’s successful delegations to the NAMCYA, as well as the USA International Ballet Competition, Varna International Ballet Competition, and Helsinki International Ballet Competition.

Roman Cruz

Lighting Designer

Roman is currently the Theater and Venue Facilities Management Coordinator of Cultural Arts Office in De La Salle University. He is also a senior member of Philippine Educational Theater Association or PETA. One of the PETA productions in which he was the lighting designer and technical director was PETA Arts Zone’s “Rated PG.”  Roman has also been a technical director and lights designer for various theater productions. In 2006, he was technical director and lights designer of Green Papaya Art Project’s Anatomy of Humiliation and Desire and “Extended Periods of Waiting,” a dance showcase which was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2007.  In 2010, Roman worked with Green Papaya once again with the same job title for their production “No Bleeding Hearts Club.” Roman has also worked with two of the finest Philippine artists, Grace Nono and Bob Aves for their concert “Songs For The Beloved” in 2010 held in Singapore as technical director and lights designer.

PR: “MANHID: THE PINOY SUPERHERO MUSICAL” CAPS OFF BP’S SAPPHIRE SEASON IN FEBRUARY 2015

Comic book fanatics, musical theater lovers, and political activists are bound to be moved by Ballet Philippines’ newest venture, “MANHID: The Pinoy Superhero Musical”. Inspired from comic book super heroes of the 60 - 90’s – MANHID introduces a new generation of Filipino super heroes redefined for today’s times. Set in an alternate present day Philippines where the EDSA revolution failed, this musical features heroes and villains with superpowers, and a people sick with Kamanhiran (Apathy). “MANHID” is the final production in BP’s 45^th anniversary season.

Super-powers, entertaining scenes with well fleshed out characters and an exceptional score spells the rare formula for MANHID. MANHID has already achieved cult status because the Eraserheads – the band who helped compose the music and performed it in the original production in 1992 performed at the University of the Philippines – have gone on to become one of the country’s leading pop groups. They released “Kailan”, one of the songs from MANHID, which became a top selling hit.

The main author of the work is Kanakan-Balintagos (a.k.a. Aureaus Solito) multi-awarded film director of Ang Pagdadalaga Ni Maximo Oliveros and Busong. Noted film, TV and stage composer Vincent de Jesus also co-composed the musical.  Ballet Philippines artistic director, Paul Alexander Morales directs the musical and shares the choreography with Alden Lugnasin, BP’s resident choreographer.

MANHID is a musical take on comic books. It is divided into three “books” that are patterned on classics of the comic book genre; 1. the origin issue 2. the “dark/crisis” issue and 3. the all-out / good versus evil battle episode of the “annual”. 

The play is about the battles of two groups of super–heroes: the Maragtas headed by tabloid writer Bantugan Buenaventura and the lady activist Lam-ang Panganiban versus the Tulisan ng Bayan headed by General Apolaki Regalado.

The Tulisan are employed by Mamalahim-ma a demonic Minister of Humanity who plans on enslaving whole generations of Filipinos with her epidemic of Kamanhiran. The heroes and villains, as children of their native land receive their powers when they were named after the gods and heroes of Philippine myth as a protest for the Masaker ng Taong Bayan. In their battles these opposing teams fight for the future of the Philippines.  

The cast is led by Sandino Martin as Bantugan, who recently won Best Actor at the Cinema One Originals Awards Night for his role in “Esprit de Corps”. He alternates with BP apprentice Mark Anthony Grantos. The female lead, Lam-Ang, is played by recent UP Diliman Theatre Arts graduate Teetin Villanueva, and award-winning Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company member Regina De Vera. Also starring in this production are Gold Villar, Kim Molina, Jean Judith Javier, KL Dizon, Ronah Rostata, Fredison Lo, Ricardo Magno, JV Ibesate, and Mayen Estanero.

Ballet Philippines dancers also take on the challenge of portraying the roles of comic book heroes and villains. Featured are Jean Marc Cordero, Katherine Trofeo, Richardson Yadao, Earl John Arisola, Cyril Aran Fallar, Emmanuelle Guillermo, Timothy Paul Cabrera, Rita Angela Winder, Denise Parungao, Kazier Policarpio, Ma. Celina Dofitas, Victor Maguad, and Erl Emmanuel Sorilla.

The artistic and creative teams of MANHID: The Pinoy Superhero Musical are led by Paul Alexander Morales (Director and Choreographer), Alden Lugnasin (Choreographer), Francis de Veyra (Music Director), Zard Eguia (Set Designer), Victor Ursabia (Costume Designer), Roman Cruz (Lighting Designer), and the Radioactive Sago Project (Live Band).

“MANHID: The Pinoy Superhero Musical” will have a three-weekend run at the CCP Main Theater on February 20-22, February 27-March 1, and March 6-8, 2015.

For bulk reservations, show buys, and inquiries, visit www.ballet.ph or call Ballet Philippines at 551-1003. For tickets, call the CCP Box Office at 832-3704 or Ticketworld at 891-9999.

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

Facebook:    www.facebook.com/balletphilippines

                        www.facebook.com/manhidthemusical

Twitter:          @balletph

Instagram:    @balletphilippines

YouTube:     https://www.youtube.com/user/balletph

The 45th Anniversary Sapphire Season. Rare scenes of power and grace. Love, valour and redemption. Under the artistic directorship of Paul Alexander Morales, this is a toast to 45 years of dance excellence!

See you at the theater!

PR: SCI + CSB Presents HARING LEAR This February

Studio Connections International recently announced the Celebrity Night Premiere of its initial production, in partnership with the School of Design and Arts –De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, a revival of PETA’s HARING LEAR at the SDA College of Saint Benilde on February 27, Friday, at 7:30 pm. The Filipino adaptation of William Shakespeare’s famous tragedy, written by National Artist  Bienvenido Lumbera and restaged by Nonon Padilla, received critical-acclaim at the recent Kuandu Arts Festival with a stellar cast led by Bernardo Bernardo as Lear, together with PETA’s renowned Kalinangan Ensemble. The play’s scheduled regular run include evening performances (Friday, March 6 at 7:30pm; and, Saturday, February 28 and March 7 at 7:30 pm) and matinees (Saturday, February 28 and March 7 at 2:00pm; and, Sunday, March 1 and March 8 at 2:00pm)

Terry O'Reilly, Artistic Director of New York’s famed Mabou Mines, underscored regarding  HARING LEAR: “ All roles are major in Lear. The play demands a company of truly great actors. This is what PETA's Haring Lear gives us with a relentless pace in portrayals that are relentless as our lives, but dare I say, larger than ours.”  The cast also features: Abner Delina Jr (Cordelia/Lakayo), Garry Lim (Regan), Buddy Caramat (Goneril), Lambert De JESUS (Kent), Renan Bustamante (Duke ng Albanya), Roi Calilong (Hari ng Francia), Jeff Hernandez (Duke ng Cornualles),  George De Jesus III (Oswaldo), and Jason Barcial (Duke ng Burgonia).

The abridged production runs for two hours and 15 minutes. As Hollywood producer and Taipei National University of the Arts film professor, Randy Finch wrote: “An exhilarating production. Sentiment and compromise have been scoured away in this unforgettable and deeply relevant production. . . . Fearless actors and inspired design choices coalesce into a landmark production of Shakespeare’s relentless tragedy: Haring Lear resonates long after the curtain falls.”

Production designer Gino Gonzales gives vivid life to director Padilla’s theatrical vision, reimagining the play as set in a post nuclear landscape to highlight the dramatic descent of the king into madness.

For ticket reservations, show-buying, sponsorship, and other inquiries, please contact 
Cherry Bong Edralin, Marketing Director, Studio Connections International
at 0917-750-0107/ 0918-959-3949 (Email:cherry_edralin888@yahoo.com). Or, contact TicketWorld at 891-9999. https://www.ticketworld.com.ph/Online/outlets

Scenes Teaser:

(Photos provided by SCI)

PR: STUDIO CONNECTIONS INTERNATIONAL - Create, Educate and Connect

STUDIO CONNECTIONS INTERNATIONAL: the new player in town. With a core group that has more than 40 years of combined experience and expertise in production, talent development, events and marketing. We are committed to "Create, Educate, and Connect" the very best in the performing arts. As we join the many outstanding players in the industry, we are aiming to achieve even higher benchmarks of excellence; knowing that in the end, it is how you play that counts

THE VISION To help form alliances among performing arts companies in order to raise professional and artistic benchmarks in educational Philippine Theater.

THE MISSION Studio Connections, to this end, will: • Develop skills and art of theater artists by giving them opportunities for training and performance  • Bring the best of Philippine and global tradition to the experience of both artists and audience. • Awaken the cultural consciousness of the Filipino audience through educational theater • Help to raise the benchmark of excellence in performance and production through quality shows

OBJECTIVES This it will do through the following concrete measures:

CREATE. Studio Connections commits itself primarily to the development of a larger audience for Filipino theater by utilizing the Filipino language as its primary medium and by actively reaching out to the community through non-traditional performance venues and spaces—not only locally but overseas where Overseas Filipino Workers are in great numbers.

Apart from presenting original Filipino works, as well as classic and contemporary translations and adaptations of theater materials, Studio Connections will also produce concerts, fashion shows, events, TV shows, and indie films that celebrate the Filipino experience.

EDUCATE. Studio Connections aims to discover, develop, and manage talents guided by the highest standards in artistic discipline, technical skill and professional conduct. 

Through Summer Workshops and special seminars, Studio Connections will conduct theater education and training programs such as acting for singers, musical theater, dance, voice, movement, improvisation, and scene study. Additionally, there will be advanced training programs in acting, directing, playwriting and production management. These programs will be made available to students, non-professional theater enthusiasts, corporate clients and professional theater practitioners.

CONNECT. Studio Connections dedicates itself to help cultivate greater awareness of Filipino culture and history through the performing arts by supporting and forging a union with other production outfits with a similar sense of responsibility to our art and responsive mindset to the challenges of our evolving contemporary society.

One of the signature strengths that Studio Connections prides itself in, is its unabashed commitment to provide linkages to talent pools, marketing services, endorsements, referrals, sub-contracting options, co-production possibilities, and the best of professional connections.

THE LOGO:   Studio Connections International has adopted the circle as the dominant image—a universal symbol that represents wholeness. The circle as a “golden egg” encompasses the totality and value of connections .The Mistral font, evoking the personalized cursive, is used for the word “Connections” –which, itself, moves forward beyond the boundaries of the circle.  Within the circle, the dominant color is red--the color of passionate love. Yellow, optimistic and cheerful, is the color of the mind and the intellect, and, importantly, it is placed over the red of passion. The Bauhaus 93 font used for Studio is both modern and solid; its white color symbolizes wholeness and completeness—white is the color produced by the combination of all the colors in the visible spectrum.

The predominant red “S” is a visual wink to “red carpets”—the special treatment with which Studio Connections intends to virtually “walk its walk,” so to speak, as the new player in town.

STUDIO CONNECTIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATE TEAM

BERNARDO BERNARDO President and Artistic Director

ROBERT ENCILA VP for Talent Development

CHERRY GO VP for Finance

CHERRY BONG EDRALIN VP for Sales & Marketing

NICK GUILA Production Manager

NONON PADILLA Consultant

The people of SCI

PR: TANGHALANG ATENEO’S 36TH SEASON PRESENTS "GODOT5: FIVE RUMINATIONS ON SAMUEL BECKETT’S ‘EN ATTENDANT GODOT’"

Tanghalang Ateneo, the longest-running theater company of the Loyola Schools of the Ateneo de Manila University, will end its 36^th Season: Navigating Identities this February with "GODOT⁵: Five Ruminations on Samuel Beckett's 'En Attendant Godot'". The production, an exploration of the tragedy of waiting and of hope, will use both the English translation of the play by Nobel Prize Winner for Literature Samuel Beckett and a new Filipino translation by Palanca winner Guelan Varela-Luarca. 

A brief synopsis: Vladimir and Estragon meet near a tree along a road. They converse, bicker, argue, laugh, and agree on several topics of conversation; all of which are merely distractions to help them wait for the arrival of Godot. While waiting, two other men arrive, Pozzo and Lucky. They join Vladimir and Estragon for a while but eventually leave. After they do so, a boy arrives and tells Vladimir and Estragon that Godot won't be arriving today but will surely do so tomorrow. After the boy leaves, Vladimir and Estragon decide to also leave. But they remain where they are, waiting.

The production will feature 5 interpretations of Samuel Beckett’s modern classic:

Set A: Men Waiting (Xander Soriano, Paolo Apagalang, Miguel                            Morales, Jerome Flor, Jose Delos Reyes)

           

Set B: Women Waiting  

                        Set B - English (Tin Amante, Kat Buted, Erica Esteban, Sabrina                                     Basilio, Geo Celestino)

                        Set B - Filipino (Gel Basa, Cindy Lopez, Erica Esteban, Mailes                                         Kanapi, Sabrina Basilio)

           

Set C: College Graduates Waiting (Joe-Nel Garcia, Chris Dagsil,Cindy Lopez, Gel Basa, Brian Ramos)

         

Set D: Queer Folks Waiting (Charles Yee, Acey Aguilar, Bunny Cadag, Miguel Lizada, Geo Celestino) 

Set E: Old Folks Waiting(Jojit Lorenzo, Joel Saracho, Mailes Kanapi, Bodjie Pascua) Note: Act 1 of this set will be performed in English and Act 2 in Filipino.

            The artistic team of the production is composed of JK Anicoche (Director), Guelan Varela-Luarca (Translator), Ralph Lumbres (Production Designer), Teresa Barrozo (Sound Designer), Ninya Bedruz (Lights Designer) and Niki Calma (Graphics Designer).

                       

"GODOT⁵: Five Ruminations on Samuel Beckett's 'En Attendant Godot'" will go onstage at the Black Box Theater of the Ateneo de Manila University this coming February 3-7, 10-14 and 17-21, 2015. Weekday shows will be the usual two hour play at 7pm. Saturday shows, on the other hand, will feature a loop of four consecutive performances featuring different interpretations of the play at 10am, 1pm, 4pm, and 7pm.

"GODOT⁵: Five Ruminations on Samuel Beckett's 'En Attendant Godot'" is the finale of three productions--Han Ong's "Middle Finger" and Glenn Sevilla Mas's "Rite of Passage: Sa Pagtubu kang Tahud"-- comprising Tanghalang Ateneo's 36th Season: Navigating Identities.

            For details of the show, please contact Madel Juliano at 0917-631-4387 or email ta.mpc78@gmail.com.

            Connect online with Tanghalang Ateneo through the following social media networks:

Facebook:    www.facebook.com/TanghalangAteneo

Twitter:          www.twitter.com/TAOfficial_

YouTube:     www.youtube.com/user/tanghalangateneo

            See you at the theater!

PR: Notte D’ Eleganza THE ANTICA MURRINA VENEZIA PHILIPPINE LAUNCH

World-renowned Italian Brand Antica Murrina Venezia © ™, makers of fine Murano Jewelry and accessories is now proudly launched here in the Philippines by Mr. and Mrs. Nardone of Porta Lucerna Trading. It is with excitement and flair of a night of fashion, that the introduction to Antica Murrina Venezia © ™,  was sparkling in glamour and elegance, here in Makati at the Buddha-Bar.

The marriage of the artistry of the East and the West was highlighted with a very colorful Jewelry fashion show that showcased the exquisite pieces of Antica Murrina Venezia © ™, and a collection of classic and colorful resort collection by fast rising designer Ryan Madamba. High note of the night was, that all the dresses were made of local fabric “Abel Iloco”, a hand-loomed cloth proudly made in the Northern Province of Ilocos Norte.  The owners, Jenny and Mom Nardone together with Ryan Madamba were the soul curators of the Antica Murrina Venezia © ™, pieces that was showcased during the show highlighting unique Murano jewelry and its craftsmanship through the 31-piece Murano Jewelry collection line, personally chosen from the Autumn/ Winter 2014 collection Antica Murrina Venezia © ™. All of this paired with the dresses for chic casual looks to the most glamorous evening parties for women of varied ages by Ryan Madamba. The event was held at Buddha Bar, hosted by charming and witty Issa Litton and was well attended by Manila’s Who is Who from society circles, fashion, politics, show business and industry leaders including Ms. Imelda Marcos, several Ambassadors and several Misses of the Beauty pageant world.

Murano is known for glass-blowing since the 12th century. It’s famed Maestros as glassblowers creating vast and elaborate chandeliers, wondrous mirrors, and especially at Antica Murrina Venezia © ™, timeless and beautiful Jewels. Visiting Murano and Venice, is like watching an art from another world, as skilled Italian craftsmen and women shape light and color into the unique beauty of each Murano jewelry. Antica Murrina Philippines is proud to represent its beautiful collection, which cleverly combines a tradition of craftsmanship, with contemporary design and an awareness of current trends.

Notte D’ Eleganza which means “A night of Elegance” in Italian, is underlining a premium accent on local artistry and what better way to present these beautiful creations by way of a spectacular fashion & Jewels, combines in one show,  graced by some of the most fashionably chic women of today.  Manila’s beautiful and known ladies from different facets of society sashayed the runaway as muses of the night wearing each of pieces from the latest Antica Murrina Venezia collection in the likes of Tessa Prieto Valdez, a certified muse in the social scene who is a writer and an interior designer, fashion-savvy Editor in Chief of Mega, Peewee Reyes- Isidro, Divine Lee a media personality and popular endorser and blogger, young actress Ritz Azul of TV 5, Kylie Padilla of GMA 7 and pop royalty, Keana Valenciano from ABS CBN, Rica Peralejo Bonifacio, an actress, singer and blogger, Charmagne Laconico – Beauty Editor of Metro Magazine, Rocio Olbes – one of Manila’s It-Girls and social advocate for welfare of livelihood projects for women in need, the beautiful and fashion-savvy socialites, Jerika Ejercito and Camille Farinas Mathay, Abby Asistio, a musician and social advocate for Alopecia Awareness alongside the top models headed by Asia’s Next Top Model’s Jodilly Piendre ending the glamorous night together with the brand ambassadress, the Face of Antica Murrina Philippines, Ms. Maggie Wilson-Consunji, who walked in beautiful Abel Iloco creations and accent unique masterpieces from Venice.

For the Fashion collection, Ryan Madamba explains his inspiration, “having known the owners personally, Jenny and Mom Nardone who were inspired with the unique craftmanship of  Murano jewelry during their travels to Venice, enlightened me with surprise and awe when they shared how the craftsmen of Antica Murrina Venezia © ™ blow and handcraft each piece by hand,  painstakingly to come up with all these one of a kind jewelry and all its unique colors inspiring a colorful yet classic and clean design in my head. Their expressed love and appreciation for handcrafted creations likewise reminded me of the artistry of Abel Iloco from my home province of Ilocos Norte. Immediately I thought there was no better way to welcome such an esteemed Italian brand but to marry it with our own. During the creative planning of the show, Mom and Jenny made sure that the handcrafted jewelry and accessories we perfectly partnering with the creations of classic and clean lines of each dress from my colorful collection. We wanted to showcase that whether you are dressing up for the beach, work, a casual tea with friends, a walk in the mall or attending a black-tie gala, the Antica Murrina Venezia © ™ collection will accompagny and dress you up in elegance and glamour each and every time.”

Mr. and Mrs. Nardone, who are the driving soul behind Antica Murrina’s arrival to the Philippines , and who are also the creative purveyors behind the interior design firm Porta Galleria      (www.portagalleria.com) here in Manila, offering an unique world of Fusion interiors, and lighting solutions inspired from world class brands, thought it was timely and such a perfect addition to the elite lifestyle pieces that complement people with taste for unique and timeless, classy pieces. And Antica Murrina Philippines was born .

“The goal for this event is to spread knowledge of this unique and extraordinary creativity, craftsmanship and artistry that make authentic Murano craftmenship a choice of excellence for a Made in Italy product which is another milestone and special highlight in the many successful and well loved brands under Porta Galleria” - when asked how she feels about bringing Antica Murrina in the country, Mrs. Jennifer Nardone, replied with so much enthusiasm. A jewelry designer herself, she believes in the timeless elegance of each Antica Murrina jewelry hence deciding to bring the brand to the Philippines, so more Filipinas could be mesmerized by its collection.  As Jennifer Nardone will put it, “when my husband introduced me these hand crafted Jewels, if I may say, I was right away attracted and caught by its flawless beauty and uniqueness. The vivid colors, the melting crystalline perfection and the elegance are beautiful accents to every stylish women’s wardrobe.”

One of the guests of honor, flying in from Italy was Antica Murrina Venezia © ™ CEO, Robert Ciotti, who could not keep his excitement throughout the show. During the event he on his Blackberry sending photos and real time updates to his team in Italy calling the launch a fashion event that could have been staged and rival events in Europe. “I was blown away,” he says. “I came knowing it will be a great event but this exceeded my expectations. And as we are looking into more presence in Asia, I could not have asked for better representation for Antica Murrina Venezia © ™, as Mom and Jenny Nardone who are our partners now in Philippines.  The dresses were beautiful and did perfectly complemented our Jewels from Murano. Such a beautiful collaboration that makes me even more excited for a brighter future for Antica Murrina Venezia © ™ here in the Philippines.

Mom and Jenny Nardone focused on the experience of bringing “Venice jewels” here to the Philippines and gave a glance to everyone, on how master glass makers perfect every piece of jewelry through an exciting fashion show, complete with enchanting music and dramatic lighting, lush and elegant theme that mesmerize the senses. This event was co-sponsored by Ledcore , Porta Galleria, Okee Vitamin Drink, Bestworld Beverage International Inc, Cygnal Travel & Tours, Light Skin Organics, It Figures Skin Care Clinic, and Iphor Trading Inc.

When asked Mr. Mom Nardone, the President of Antica Murrina Philippines, what separates Antica Murrina Venezia © ™ from other jewelry and he was very delighted to say “Each Antica Murrina Venezia © ™ Jewelry is handcrafted, so every piece is literally an UNIQUE PIECE. For me Antica Murrina Venezia © ™, is more than just a Jewelry brand. It is a lifestyle, it is Luxury per se, it a slice of Venice and “la dolce Vita Italiana” in each of the pieces, that comes along, when a woman wears Antica Murrina. And that alone, is priceless!”

Antica Murrina Philippines Flagship store is located at the New World Hotel Galleries , right on Makati Avenue, corner Esperanza Street, in the centre of Makati City . Tel : (02) 810 0105  09285202881 www.anticamurrina.com.ph , contact@anticamurrina.com.ph

The Models: