2nd Season Offering of Red Turnip sponsored by FILA

For me any theater invite is fun to attend at.  And what fun it is to attend to one that is teamed with the dynamic identity of a known sports brand. 

Theater and sports?

 They do match my dear.  They are both dynamic, active and deliver a punch.  That is what  Red Turnip Theater season opening press conference preview, sponsored by FILA is; a press conference with a punch.

Held last June 16, 2014 at 2^nd’s Restaurant in Bonifacio Global Center, the 2^nd season preview launch of Red Turnip was well attended by both media and social media practitioners.  The whole event was a collaboration among Red Turnip, FILA and PR practitioner, Toots Tolentino.

For this season, Red Turnip is again offering two straight plays and a short re-staging of last season’s piece which is Cock.  Still maintaining true to their vision, both plays are bombastic with emotion and tackles things that touches everyone regardless of race, gender and orientation.  Starting this season is Rabbit Hole, 2007 Pulitzer Prize winner.

Poster of Rabbit Hole

Teaser Poster for Time Stand Still 

Written by David Lindsay-Abaire, “Rabbit Hole” was a Broadway hit that garnered several Tony nominations

and a win for its lead actress, Cynthia Nixon. It was then adapted into a critically-acclaimed film with Nicole

Kidman in 2010 and earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress.

The story revolves around Becca and Howie, a couple who lose their four year old son to a car accident, and

the grief that slowly threatens to tear them apart. Shifting between humor and heartbreak, “Rabbit Hole”

explores the way people deal with loss and how this affects those closest to them; their families.

The Manila premier has film and television star Agot Isidro in the role of Becca, with theater veteran Michael

Williams as her husband Howie. This production marks Agot’s return to theater after notable turns in

Tanghalang Pilipino's "Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah", Atlantis Productions' "Baby" and Trumpets' "Honk!". Williams'
long list of credits include starring roles in "Jekyll and Hyde", "Les Miserables" and "Man of La Mancha" for
Repertory Philippines.

         

Joining Isidro and Williams are Che Ramos-Cosio (Tatlong Maria, Dogeaters) as Becca’s sister Izzy and
Sheila Francisco  (South Pacific, August Osage County) as their mother Nat.  Dulaang UP's Ross Pesigan
(Ang Nawalang Kapatid, Titus Andronicus) rounds off the eclectic cast as Jason, the young boy
responsible for the tragic loss of their son.

This is also the directorial debut of Topper Fabregas.

"Rabbit Hole" opens on August 1, 2014 and runs all weekends of August.

Log on to https://www.facebook.com/RedTurnipTheater for complete show schedules.

My Thoughts

Face-to-face with a good number of theater practitioners, it sure is both overwhelming and humbling at the same time.  Overwhelming because, these are people who gives life to a playwright’s work and humbling because of the passion for their craft that you feel it emanating from them.  Coming from a former theater practitioner, this is one event worth keeping in my mind and heart.

Red Turnip Theater

Red Turnip is a small but growing group.  A group composed of five unique individuals bonded by their love and passion for the theater/stage.  Basing it on our interview with them, speed dating style, you would see their different personalities, outlooks and love for the stage.  With the cast of Rabbit Hole, the interview session was fun, dynamic and full of information.  The entire artists were candid and really open to answer queries that may get thrown to them.  Seeing Nonie Buencamino, Michael William, Agot Isidro, Che Ramos, and the rest of the Red turnip people answer questions in their socially relax manner is a treat that day.  Besides Rabbit Hole and a re-staging of Cock, their second offering for this season is Time Stand Still, whose lead characters are to be given life by Nonie Buencamino and Ana Abad Santos.

Here are some sample questions thrown that day:

For Cris Villonco:

“Will you be directing for Red Turnip?”

-“As of the moment, no.”

Topper Fabregas & Jenny Jamora

For Topper Fabregas:

“What would be the best color to describe Rabbit Hole?”

-“Blue.  It is that shade of blue that is not dark, nor bright.  It is something in-between.  You would see it in the poster.  That shade of blue.”

For Ana Abad Santos:

Ana Abad Santos with
Nonie Buencamino

“How do you detach from your character?”

-“At times I cannot for it is there.  It is part of me.”

Lines coming that day that caught my attention were from Rem Zamora.  He said, and I quote: “ . . . that stage in life when people look for their identity in life, regardless of what age.” – a line so true in life,  and; “It has to be that perfect marriage or union.  From the playwright to the actors, then with the audience.” -  that perfectly said formula of a theater production.

When asked to describe a colleague, here is what Jenny Jamora has to say about debuting director Topper Fabregas. –“Topper is so into details. As a director he is will not feed you what you need to do but rather ask you. He is fun to be with!  Makulit!”

For Agot Isidro, this is a comeback in the theater world.  When first offered to do a reading and informed of the schedule of the play, she immediately agreed to do it even if she is not yet aware of the material.  Why?  According to her, and I quote: “I will be working with friends.”  It is a good element to have when working but also difficult when faced with a character that needs tension and friction.  Such is the case of Agot’s character, Becca, in connection with her husband Howie, played by Michael William, and the people around her.  Agot and Michael are good friends in real life but due to character demands, friction and tension must be made present and tangible for the audience come curtain rise.

Red Turnip with cast of Rabbit Hole & Time Stand Still

Rabbit Hole is a story about people coping with their loss.  The story is, yes dramatic but balanced with a sense of humor given by the playwright to the actors and delivered to the audience.  A humor that some would say, “only a family can get away with it”.   

It is a joy to know that the art of straight-play production is back!  It has been a long period of musicales and such that even school guilds went into that path.  Thank you Red Turnip for bringing it back!  Thank you FILA for supporting the arts.

“You can never bleed a turnip but you can always paint it red”   

(Some information used is from the press kit provided by Red Turnip & Toots Tolentino)

)

PR: RED TURNIP THEATER LAUNCHES ITS SECOND SEASON

From center top-clockwise:
 Rem Zamora, Cris Villonco, Jenny Jamora,
Ana Abad Santos & Topper Fabregas

In the span of a year, Red Turnip Theater has made its mark in the Philippine theater scene. The band of five actors that make up Red Turnip (Ana Abad Santos, Topper Fabregas, Jenny Jamora, Cris Villonco and Rem Zamora) wanted to come up with a maiden season that would re-introduce Philippine audiences to the straight play while putting their own stamp on the theatrical experience. Their first production, “Closer”, was a bruising and honest take on modern day relationships and their follow-up, “Cock”, was a biting comedy about sexual identity. Both productions went on to acclaim with critics and audiences alike.

The five are back with their second season and are excited to unveil their line-up.

             Jenny Jamora: We are still reeling from the overwhelming response generated by our first season. When we got together to form Red Turnip, we knew it was gonna be a risky venture. But we also knew there was an audience out there hungry for the straight play. We never expected the enthusiasm that people have for our little company! We are staying true to our vision by promising the sort of productions that have put us on the map--great writing coupled with fantastic ensemble performances. Our second season shows our "softer" side and we couldn't be happier with our line-up!

They kickstart their second season with the 2007 Pulitzer Prize winner, “Rabbit Hole”. Written by David Lindsay-Abaire, the story revolves around Becca and Howie, a couple who lose their four year old son to a car accident, and the grief that slowly threatens to tear them apart. Shifting between humour and heartbreak, “Rabbit Hole” explores the way people deal with loss and how this affects those closest to them; their families. Variety calls it “an intensely emotional examination of grief, laced with wit, insightfulness, compassion, and searing honesty”.

Official poster of Rabbit Hole

"Rabbit Hole" stars Agot Isidro, Michael Williams, Che Ramos-Cosio, Sheila Francisco and Ross Pesigan and runs all weekends of August; directed by Topper Fabregas.

Next is a re-run of "Cock" by Mike Bartlett. A critical darling during its premiere last March, the original cast reunites for a limited run at Whitespace. Topper Fabregas, Niccolo Manahan, Jenny Jamora and Audie Gemora reprise their roles under Rem Zamora's direction. "Cock", heralded as "a triumph" and "a theatrical gem", will run from October 3 - 5.

Capping off the season is "Time Stands Still" by Donald Margulies in February 2015. A Pulitzer Prize nominee, it tells the story of a photojournalist who is forced to return home from a war zone. She must then come to terms with her professional and personal life and her place in the world. Ana Abad Santos and Nonie Buencamino lead the cast. Rem Zamora directs.

Teaser poster of Time Stands Still

AGOT ISIDRO RETURNS TO THE STAGE IN RED TURNIP THEATER'S "RABBIT HOLE"

Agot Isidro returns to the stage after a seven year absence from the Philippine theater scene. She made her musical theater debut back in 2003 with "Honk!" for Trumpets and went on to notable turns in Atlantis Productions' "Baby", "Footloose" for Stages and "Zsazsa Zaturnnah" for Tanghalang Pilipino (originating the role of Queen Femina Suarestellar Baroux). Agot's long list of film and television work include roles in Tayong Dalawa, One More Try, Lobo, Ang Mumunting Lihim and Way Back Home. She most recently won Best Actress at the 2013 Metro Manila Film

Festival (MMFF) for her role as a schizophrenic mother in the film Mga Anino ng Kahapon.

She makes her theatrical comeback with the Pulitzer-Prize winner "Rabbit Hole" for Red Turnip Theater. She headlines the play in the role Becca, a mother grappling with the loss of her son. “Rabbit Hole” was a Broadway hit that garnered several Tony nominations and a win for its lead actress, Cynthia Nixon. It was then adapted into a critically-acclaimed film with Nicole Kidman in 2010 and earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress.

Agot Isidro: I'm a little nervous about going back to theater 'cause it has been seven years since my last production (Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah). But I am excited at the same time, because I know it will be a welcome and enriching break after years of TV work. I am especially on the edge about 'Rabbit Hole' because this is my first straight play. With musicals, there's a certain comfort in knowing that, at some parts, I burst into song. So a straight play is all new to me. But I am looking forward to the process.

Joining Isidro is theater veteran Michael Williams as her husband Howie. Williams' long list of credits include starring roles in "Jekyll and Hyde", "Les Miserables" and "Man of La Mancha" for Repertory Philippines. He currently stars in "Priscilla, Queen of the Dessert" for Resorts World Manila.

            Michael Williams: I am very much looking forward to working with Red Turnip on their production of ‘Rabbit Hole’. It’s an amazing script and based on their previous productions, no doubt this one will also be handled with a high degree of sensitivity.

          

Che Ramos-Cosio (Tatlong Maria, Dogeaters) and Sheila Francisco (South Pacific, August Osage County) co-star  as Becca's sister Izzy and their mother Nat, respectively. Dulaang UP's Ross Pesigan (Ang Nawalang Kapatid, Titus Andronicus) rounds out the eclectic cast as Jason, the young boy responsible for the tragic loss of their son.

Topper Fabregas makes his directorial debut:

          Apart from it being a brilliant script, we Turnips also chose ‘Rabbit Hole’ as our second season opener because were hungry to show a different side to us. ‘Closer’ and ‘Cock’ defined our first season as these fantastic, in-your-face experiences. ‘Rabbit Hole’ takes the (deceptively) gentler approach but will knock you out just the same. It’s also a great showcase for its cast, and you don’t get any better than these five actors. We are excited to have them on board. We are also very thrilled to be back at Whitespace!

           

Cast of Rabbit Hole
with director Topper Fabregas

"Rabbit Hole" opens on August 1, 2014 and runs all weekends of August. Log on to https://www.facebook.com/RedTurnipTheater for complete show schedules.

Tickets are available through TicketWorld (891-9999 or www.ticketworld.com.ph) or Red Turnip Theater (redturniptheater@gmail.com or https://www.facebook.com/RedTurnipTheater)

CREATIVE STAFF

Direction: Topper Fabregas

Technical Direction & Lighting Design: John Batalla

Set Design: Faust Peneyra

Sound Design: Jethro Joaquin

Venue: Whitespace is located at 2314 Chino Roces Ave. Extension (formerly Pasong Tamo Extension), Makati.

Heaven & Eggs = Food with an Attitude and Comfort

When first introduced to Heaven & Eggs some years back, it was love at first bite.  It was late night and I was with friends; we where in Eastwood then.  I was craving for some sunny side-up and my friend (Thank you Kristin!)introduced me to this food place.  A bright, light colored place amids the dark smoky atmosphere of its neighboring food/bar place.  I honestly can’t remember what I ordered then but onething is for sure, my craving for sunny side-up was satisfied 100% that night.  C’mon let’s face it, what food place offers sunny side-up at the middle of the night in a bar/gimik area? None!  But lo and behold, Heaven & Eggs was there!  Saving us timeand gas and satisfying my craving.

Years after having that first bite, Heaven and  Eggs went on a restyling both in looks and in menu.  They still have that comfort food touch but more with an edge:  The Rockstar!  From blue and white in color to a daring red and black combination.  From homey to artsty.

This year, Heaven and Eggs decided to come back into their more original appeal but still keeping that edge to maintain par in the market.  From homey rustic to artsy edgie to a cozy but artsy homey appeal in terms of looks in the months to come.  But for now, the food is what matter most.

From your typical continental breakfastofferings, to salads, to sandwiches, to lunch and dinner entrees and now kid-friendly and appealing dishes.  Heaven and Eggs is re-establishing its foothold in the kid & family market.  This year, Heven and Eggs has made some adjustments in their food line-up.  From 80 food entry, not counting the beverages and other stuff, they have taken the best of the best in their Artsy look and added the standard H&E comfort food group.  I did mention a more kid friendly food line-up.  They are now offering meals set for kids to enjoy and bring to school.  Bring to school?  Yes, bring to school!  It comes in a to-go-box that parents can order and have their kids bring to school.  Planned  well for their target audience, who says lunch school food needs to be boring?  Let your kid enjoy their offering of Doggie in a Blannket, Waffle Burger and Spaghetti and Chicken.

One of their hot . . .very hot item being sold are those breads from Baguio Country Club.  The saying, “it’s selling like hotcakes!”,  is an understatement.  I was there for roughly 2 or so hours and the people who comes in just to buy those breads are many to say.  So if you are craving for those Banana Breads and Raisin Breads from BCC, then you now know where to buy one in Makati.

For steak lovers, H&E happens to have a dare for you.  If you can consume more than 5 servings of their steaks and eggs (not counting the initial 2 servings) then you could have your steak and egg meal for free!  Thats a total of 7 plates of steaks with either eggs or mash potatoes as your meat accompaniment.  Are you bold enough for this dare?

This Father’s Day, celebrate it with Heaven and Eggs.  For every Php800 worth of food order, your dad is treated to 6 pieces of dollar pancakes and refillable coffee absolutely FREE!  Come and enjoy that special day with H&E and let your Dad feel special.

Food Review:

Last June 10, 2014, I was invited to join and do a food review of the food selection of H&E.  Coming from lunch, this is no easy feat, so the first thing to ask for was a cup of cafe latte.  We all thought that there would be a definite food selection to be tasted and reviewed but no . . .it was an order what you want scenario.  Tummy  . . .READY . . .FIGHT!

1st on the list . . .Apple-Walnut Salad.

Greens . . . .check!

Blue Cheese crumble . . . .check!

Vinaigrette . . . .. check!

Walnuts . . . .check!

Apples . . .hmmmmm

Is one fine salad. My only concern is the standardization of the level of apple sweetness.  My experience with this salad is a hit-and-miss thing.  During my first plating, I got 2 slices of apple (the apples were thinly slice-with a crunch). One of the slices was bland, while the other has a low level of sweetness. Having that with the blue cheese crumble and the vinaigrette is a definite miss.  Two strong flavors versus a bland or very low level apple sweetness; not a good marriage in my mouth.  My 2nd plating of the same salad is a hit.  Right apple sweetness, walnut crunch, the dressing and crumble works well.  A union indeed!  Do I hate it? No.  Do I like it? It depends.  It depends on the apple.

Next waffles, pancakes and crepes.

Top Left Clockwise:  Maria Clara, Chocolate Chip Waffle,
Salmon Crepe, Oreo Pancakes, Apples-Cinnamon Pancakes,
 Filipiniana Crepe

A pancake well named after a Filipino character in literature, Maria Clara is one delicate thick fluffy pancake creation.  Instead of your normal syrup, you get to use condensed milk . . .very Filipino!  A perfect way to eat any given day.

Oreo pancakes and Apple & Cinnamon pancakes, two divine creations regardless of the type of eater.  Both pancakes is served with their respective topping namesakes and cream.  Served with condensed milk instead of the usual marmalade or syrup, this fluffy creation is still yummy.  May it be eaten now or later, H&E made it sure that it will still be divine to consume; when I say later, I meant a night after it stayed in the refrigerator and you then heat it up.  If food like that is still good, then that is quality.

The Filipiniana Crepe and Salmon Crepe are two must eat in this restaurant!

The Filipiniana Crepe is your usual mango crepe but instead of thinly slices mangoes, you have a good thick slices.  The crepe is definitely freshly made.  Not gummy nor thin; it has the right texture and thickness that can hold any juicy filling.  Mangoes are sweet. Drizzled with chocolate that is not overpowering bitter, it serve as a nice counterpoint to the mangoes.  Perfect ender for any meal.

The Salmon Crepe is definitely different! Pink juicy salmon wrapped in a perfectly cooked crepe could either be your appetizer or a light meal

The Chocolate Chip Waffle is one item that you would like to think about eating on your own.  It is one thick waffle!  The waffles that you see in SB is just a third in terms of thickness. Just a third! Served with cream and sprinkled with choco chips, then bathe it in condensed milk and it is simply divine to consume.

Next stop, the meat and eggs selection of H&E.

Steak & Eggs:  a slice of tenderized angus meat with two perfectly cooked sunny side-up eggs, fries and gravy.  Do I like this dish?  Not 100%, thats for sure.  The eggs are perfect! No comment to say about that component.  The meat, that is where the 1st challenge is.  The actual meat is flavored right and made tender for easy eating.  The fat of the meat is another matter.  Its a bit tough and gummy and I was using a steak knife.  The fries are good.  Not oily and seasoned right with rosemary(?) and light salt. They serve it at equal length and thickness which shows consistency in the preparation.  The hashbrown is too salty for my taste (2nd challenge).  The gravy is something that I need to think about (3rd challenge).  Its not in watery form which is good; nor is it in paste form which is bad.  Visually speaking, it looks like a thick paste but it flows and not in clumps.  It has the right flavor which is good.  It is simply the visual impact of that gravy that makes me undecided whether it is good or bad.

Manila Steak:  a thick slice of meat, bathe in barbecue sauce, accompanied with java rice, atchara and salted egg.  This is one good creation. Why not perfect?  Because of the rice. I want flavor in the rice and the only way for you to get it is when you take spoonful of it along with the sauce of the meat. The meat is really good.  Soft and flavored even without the sauce.  The meat slides off the bone.  It is that soft!  The sauce has the right level of flavors that you get a touch of heat and sweetness that spells barbecue.  The atchara and salt eggs are simply the right side flavors to this dish and making it Manila indeed.







We definitely have to try two new additions to there menu, the Fish and Chips and the Raisin Bread French Toast.

Fish and Chips:  fish cutlets soaked and fried in beer batter, with fries and tartar sauce.  For me, it should  be fish and fries but who am I to complain when everything in this dish is perfectly spot on.  The beer batter is perfect!  Not soggy, definitely with a light crunch and flavor.  The fish is divine!  I don't care what type of fish was used for it was definitely cooked the right way.  It is flacky and juicy at the same time.  Cooked with the heat of the oil cooking the batter, and not by the oil itself, making the fish retain its juiciness.  The tartar sauce is not overpowering unlike some in the market.  It makes the fish the star of the meal and not an upstager.

Raisin Bread French Toast:  raisin bread with cream cheese and green apple chunks at the center, served with a good dollop of cream.  Depending on your mood, you can have a scoop of vanilla ice cream with it but definitely best with hot coffee.  This is one food the spells comfort in a different level.  For me, it has all the right ingredients:  bread, raisins, cream chesse, apples and a touch of cinnamon and cream.  The ice cream is simply a plus.  The coffee is definitely the perfect companion to this dish.  The cream cheese simply gives the bread the right moisture.  The tartness of the apple adds another flavor to the dish.  The bread is with raisins and treated right, giving it the right crunch.  Then the dollop of cream is there to add some more moisture to the bread and tie everything else. It is a sin to consume it by oneself but it is more of a sin not to enjoy it when served.

Chef Lara Lopez

True to say that some of the food has challenges for me but as a whole, the experience was a good one.  I would like to thank the whole H&E team of Glorietta 4 for welcoming us and being open to feedbacks.  Thank you Chef Lara Lopez for being there to explain things and being open to feedbacks coming from food lovers such as me.

Heaven and Eggs is indeed a place of good food and comfort; something that is above, under and beyond the rainbow.

Bar Dolci . . .New Store, New Gelato Experience!

June 7, 2014was the opening of the next store of this delightfully delicious gelato place named Bar Dolci at Blue Wave Walk in Pasay City.  For once, I will not raise an eyebrow when an establishment claims they are No.1 when it comes to their market for  Bar Dolci is not lying about it.  They are really that good!

And when I say good, I don’t simply mean fair or even above fair goodness, I really mean GOOD!  The best there is in the market of gelato here in the Philippines!  I tasted their creations and it is to die for.  Exaggerated?  Try tasting their Salted Caramel Gelato, Limoncello and Mojito Sherbet and then you tell me if I am exaggerating.  The Salted Caramel is true to its name.  Caramel and salt combined to perfection.  Not too sweet, with the right level of salt; perfection!  The Limoncello  has the right tartness that is not overpowering.  It is simply refreshing!  For those who appreciate that refreshing effect with a slight kick then try the Mojito Sherbet. Then you would know why people take this treat on any day of the week, may it be in drink form or in this case, in sherbet.  This is the best in the Philippine market!

Besides the usual gelato, this new location now serves panini and other bread creations to match your gelato cravings.  And what perfect way to match your gelato by getting one of their macaron creations.  You can buy it in singles or in 10’s, which comes in with a box designed to keep your macarons safe and carcked free when you are travelling.With various flavors to try, it will take some trips to finish their selections.  A must try flavor:   Black Sesame Seed!  Flavor so clear and distinct!  I have tried other stores having the same macaron flavor but they all fall into same with Bar Dolci’s.  One thing is for sure, they are not crimping on the flavor.  You get the flavor from the moment it touches your tongue till the last bite and gulp.

When someone claims that they are the best in the market, you either have the following reactions: you doubt the claim or you try it out to prove that they are indeed the best.  Bar Dolci doesn’t have any problem with that.  The title was given to them by various groups in the Philippines and was indeed reviewed by people with distinctive taste.  With ingredients coming only from the best source – straight from an organic farm that is, it is no wonder that their product is soooooo good!!!!

 

Definitely something that is above, under and beyond the rainbow.

(I wonder if they can make a rainbow flavored gelato?)

Slime Cup!

What is the perfect way to end the summer?  Go to the beach?  Attend a party?  Sing and dance in the rain?  Well, Nickelodeon has the perfect answer for that.  The Slime Cup!

First time ever in the Philippines,   Nickelodeon announced the launch of the Slime Cup , bringing their unique brand of fun for kids and families through playtime that promotes a healthy lifestyle at the slimiest sports festival over the summer vacation.  The whole event is for kids age 6 and above and their families.  It was held at the SMX Convention Center last May 31, 2014.

It was indeed a day set for fun, games and slime!

About Nickelodeon

Now on its 35th year globally and 16th year in Asia, it is one of the most globally recognized and widely distributed multimedia entertainment brand for kids and family alike.  It has a portfolio that includes television programming and production around the world, plus special events, consumer products, digital offerings, recreation books, feature films and pro-social initiatives.  Nickelodeon is a brand seen in more than 450 million household in over 100 territories via more than 70 locally programmed channels and syndication.  A brand for kids.

This whole day event is free of any entrance fee and was graced with the performance of your well-known Nick characters such as Spongebob and Patrick Star, Dora the Explorer and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle.  Hosted by DJ Nicki and Troy Montero, the whole event was indeed set for kids.

Below are pictures that I have personally takjen during the event to show you how fun it was.

Like any kids, I get to bring home some goody items!  I am indeed a kid at heart.  A kid looking above, under and beyond the rainbow of fun created by Nickelodeon.

Photos:

Slide away

Troy Montero & Nicki

TMNT in the house

Soccer with Patrick Star
and Spongebob

Dora, The Explorer

Saving Lives, One Toilet At A TimeCampaign . . .Domex!

Before the school year started, Domex-Unilever along with its partners, spearheaded a campaign for health named ”1 Million Clean Toilets; Saving Lives, One Toilet At A Time”.  The aim:  to have a cleaner public toilet where people, especially the kids, are safe from disease causing bacterias or germs.

This drive was not simply to campaign the use of a product but also to drive awareness on how people can avoid catching germs by using the right product, using the right cleaning method and by giving pledge to the community drive program of Domex.  The community drive program is designed to help people have better public toilets by simply clicking on to the FB Domex page and for every pledge, Domex will give 5Php to the UNICEF’s Sanitation Program.  Just a click and Domex-Unileve will do the rest.  Their way of giveing back, our way of giving back-free of charge.

During this event, the host school was Gen Gregorio Del Pilar Elementary School in Manila.  Headed by Principal Bautista, parents and teachers a like were present to here out the campaign, be informed of proper health management and simply have fun with games and prices set for them. 

Part of the campaign is a demonstration on how to properly sanitize your toilets and the do’s and don’ts of toilet cleaning. Actual presentation was done by the brand manager of Domex Philippines himself.

Below are the proper steps to clean the toilet:

(source image:  Domex leaflet)

Gawad Buhay . . . Alive Because of Life,Thank You!

It was a night camaraderie and glamour.  Last June 6, 2014, Philstage in cooperation with the Cultural Center of the Philippines has staged the annual awarding event for theater practitioners.  This is that one night when all theater groups are together to celebrate and remember the year that was in the world of theater.

It was held at the CCP, Nicanor Abelardo Theater (Little Theater) and was well attended by theater practitioners and lovers as well.  This year, the celebration was opened with a performance from Christian Bautista and Karylle, performing an excerpt from the musicale Cinderella.

The 1st set of awards were initially given out by Richie Chan, dressed in a stylish silver costume representing the now being shown theater production of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. 

All through out the night, awards and recognition was being given out to those who really gave their all on stage.  Performances of excerpts from various theater and dance works were also shown in-between set of awards.  Excerpts from Grease-The Musicale (9 works), The Wonder Twins of Bo-Ac (PETA), Ibalong (Tanghalang Pilipino), Nutcracker (Ballet Manila), Rock Supremo (Ballet Philippines), Sandosenang Sapatos (TP) and the Producers (Rep), to name a few.

To quote the present Artistic Director of the CCP: " . . . it is a world that is insanely beautiful.", and this is true!  The theater is a world that is insane, beautiful and definitely full of people who are driven to make it more insane and beautiful at the same time. 

For Audie Gemora, founder of The Trumpets and president of Philstage, pointing out the various aspects of his life in and out of the stage is one inspiring moment.  Knowing that this people did gave more than sweat to continuously give life to the theater.  This is a call to support the arts in all its form.  May it be visual or not, art is art and it is our lives reflected in it.  For some, it is their life. 

It was indeed a night full of fun, humor and friends.  Fun because of the presentations made.  Humor because of all the witty banter made by presenters and host. Friends because the world of theater is one big community or for some it is family.

Let us not forget that this a night of recognition.  A night to honor and recognize two individuals who gave their all on stage and has touched and influenced the life of many through their given craft, in acting and in dancing respectively.  Recepients of the Natatanging Gawad Buhay Awards are Prof. Naty Crame-Rogers (Acting) and Steve Basilio Villaruz (Dance). 

(To those who doesn’t know me, I am a theater practitioner since I was a child.  I started being on stage at age 8.  It could either be as an individual competitor or part of the choral declamation team.  Come HS, I was part of the theater guild which continued until college.  It was diverse for me in college for even if I was part of the guild, I was also part of the dance troupe.  After college, I continued being a theater practitioner, now as a profesional.  Yes, I acted, directed, designed and coached other people about the life in the sacred halls of the theater. It stopped when I entered the corporate world.) 

Meeting  those two recepients brought back memories, the pride in me and hope; especially Prof. Naty Crame-Rogers, whom I interacted with and even saw her performance years ago.  Memories of the life in that field.  Pride because I was once part of this community.  Hope because like what Kyla (another theater practitioner that I met that day)said: “Theater would always be there for you.”

There is always a rainbow and you can be above, under  or beyond it.

Photos of the Event:

Some of the Awardees:

Natatanging Gawad Buhay Recepient:

Prof Naty Crame-Rogers

Steve Basilio Villaluz

The Masters of Ceremony:

Richie Chan

Karylle and Christian Bautista

The Performances:

Excerpts from Cinderella

Cinderella

Excerpt from Grease, The Musicale

The Opera Company

A scene from Ibalong

A sample piece from The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker

Kyla singing to those whom
we lost in the world of theater

Rock Supremo

Rock Supremo

Sandosenang Sapatos

Audie Gemora - The Producers

The Producers