Pangarap Ng Isang Gabi sa Gitnang Tag-Araw theater review

I first saw an interpretation of William Shakespeare’s Midsummer’s Night Dream in a stage production done by Ateneo theater guild in the Metropolitan Theater back in high school as a school requirement. Seeing students doing theater made it appealing for me which why I am now writing reviews for theatrical productions.

The four lovers: Helena, Lysander Hermia and Demetrius played by Lhorvie Nuevo,Marco Viana, Antonette Go and JV Ibesate.

I also saw the movie version that sets the Shakespeare comedy in a 19^th Century Italy that stars Kevin Kline, Michelle Pffeifer, Rupert Everett, Calista Flockhart, Christian Bale, Stanley Tucci and more. In the stage productions, I already watch Tanghalang Pilipino interprets Shakespeare play in different worlds like World War II Germany and Kabuki theater style.

This year marks the 400^th death anniversary of The Bard and what better way to give tribute than doing one of his comedies “The Midsummer’s Night Dream. Before you read my review, read my media launch conference post here.

Entitled in Tagalog as “Pangarap Sa Gabi Ng Gitnang Tag-Araw”, Director Carlitos Siguion-Reyna interpreted the comedy as a contrast to chaos and order. The stage design shows the castle as orderly and the forest below as chaotic. It is the balance of chaos and order. After all, there would be no order if there’s no chaos.

Even the costumes show order and chaos. The kingdom of Theseus is well-dressed with a touch of Westernized clothing while the female cast are dressed in traditional Greek as it was supposed to be. The faerie realm is the mixed up of the two which is also chaotic.

But to add more chaos to it, this is the first time I watch a play that is totally bilingual. Some lines were in English and some in Tagalog. But the story is quite clear. Comparing to the many versions I’ve seen, this is the best and the funniest. Even though Midsummer’s night is a comedy, it is still best to be seen for R-13 audience. It can be compared to sexy comedy. The characters of this Shakespeare piece are all sensual.

What makes this production unique is the immersive experience. Forget the traditional set up of theater where the stage is upfront. The stage is right in front of the audience and the actors can pass by your seat in the duration of the play.

For Mr. Siguion-Reyna, he would love to do Shakespeare again. He would like to do Corolianus because it is a political piece and very timely. Watch Pangarap Ng Isang Gabi ng Gitnang Tag-Araw  with Audie Gemora as Oberon, Jackie Lou Blanco as Hypolita, Liesl Batucan as Titania on a limited run at CCP Tanghalang Huseng Batute (side entrance of CCP). For more theatrical stage productions, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook .

The Ampalaya Monologues Is Back

About a year ago and long before the word “hugot” became a common expression among Pinoys, there is already a series of monologues that tells about heartaches. The Ampalaya Monologues follows suit from The Vagina Monologues and put it in context for the Filipinos.

Each single vignette is written by Mark Ghosn. Mark start gathering this stories because he has not been in an official relationship. The monologues were presented in bars, cafes, bookstores, schools, and museums one year ago to promote and orient people about theater. It became the talk of the town or in online terms, it got trending.

On it’s one year anniversary, The Ampalaya Monologues will be presented once again for one night only. This time, it will be in the theater. The idea for this is to bring people to theater after educating people about theater.

Each vignette varies not just for being heartbroken from romance but also from perspectives of a best friend, widow, from the one who expects and moved on. Each vignette is a standalone piece that has no continuity.

From what I heard, the audience find it therapeutic because some can relate to the vignettes. The Ampalaya Monologues will be staged at PETA for one night only on October 15, 2016 at 6PM. Don’t miss this for anything. For more theater productions follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

THE NEXT WAVE IS HERE: ADIDAS BASKETBALL ADDS EIGHT TO 2016 ROOKIE CLASS

Press release

Adding to an already impressive 2016 Rookie Class, adidas Basketball welcomes eight new members to the hoops family.  

“I’ve known some of these guys for a long time. We enjoy being in each other’s presence and at the same time, we’re fierce competitors. I feel like everybody else wants to fit in and for what? We’re born to stand out,” Jaylen said. “The whole brand, the whole movement – I’m here to create. That speaks to me on so many levels. I’m someone that wants to be different and respected for generations to come. That’s what I’m here for.”

Thon Maker of the Milwaukie Bucks, Taurean Prince of the Atlanta Hawks, Wade Baldwin of the Memphis Grizzlies, DeAndre Bembry of the Atlanta Hawks, Ivica Zubac of the Los Angeles Lakers, Cheick Diallo of the New Orleans Pelicans, Patrick McCaw of the Golden State Warriors and Isaiah Cousins of the Sacramento Kings join the ranks of our initial draft class highlighted by Brandon Ingram of the Los Angeles Lakers, Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics, Dragan Bender of the Phoenix Suns, Kris Dunn of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets.

“I chose adidas to be different. Everybody wants to wear the same brands but at the end of the day, I want to set the tone. I’d rather form a bond and get to the top together than go where everyone else goes,” Taurean said. “Being with these other rookies is like growing up with your brother with those dreams to do something great. Once you’re able to accomplish that – it’s like it was meant to be.”

Seven of adidas’ newest partners stopped by the adidas Village in Portland, Oregon for a special welcome to the brand. Ingram, Brown, Murray, Maker, Prince, Baldwin and McCaw participated in product feedback sessions, footwear testing and an employee meet-and-greet.

“It truly means a lot to be a part of adidas, and we’re just going through this journey together,” Brandon explained. “The group that I’m with today – it’s just a lot of high character guys. So this new wave, all of the product and everything that’s coming is really just going to take things over.” 

The latest three stripe partners will play a collaborative role in driving performance insights to create new footwear and apparel. They will also be featured in upcoming brand campaigns, activations and global tours.

It’s a pet date this Sunday at Tiendesitas

Press release

Metro’s pet haven to hold blessing and activities for pets and pet lovers 

In celebration of the feast of the patron saint of animals, St. Francis of Assisi, Ortigas Malls' pet haven Tiendesitas, will hold a Pet Blessing onOctober 2, 11AM, at the 2^nd floor of Building C. Pet lovers are all invited to join this gathering, as all furry, feathered, and scaly pets receive a special blessing on this day dedicated especially to them.

In partnership with BetterDogs, US-certified canine trainer and behavior specialist Jojo Isorena will also talk about how humans, specifically pet owners, can better appreciate dogs as social animals. Highly-trained BetterDog graduates will be also be present to perform different tricks and show off their skills in dog speed, obedience, and agility.

The pet date continues for pet owners and their canine companions as Tiendesitas prepared an exciting line-up of games. Five games, to be played individually or in teams, are set to provide an unforgettable bonding activity for dogs and their owners.

So get your pets ready as they take on the spotlight this Sunday at Tiendesitas. Bring them for a blessing, activities, and lots of fun in the metro’s top hub for all your pet’s needs – Tiendesitas.

adidas Originals = PHARRELL WILLIAMS Hu

Press release

Philippines – This Autumn, Pharrell Williams and adidas debut Hu, a collection of apparel and shoes that explores humanity and celebrates cultural diversity around the world. Hu represents Pharrell’s vision of connecting people through love, passion, energy, and color.

‘Hu is short for human – human being, human race, humankind,’ said Pharrell. ‘But Hu, itself is also a reference to color. As human beings, we all have a color. We all look different, we all speak different languages, but we’re all connected.’

Building on the limited-edition NMD that launched in July, Pharrell and adidas return with a diverse range of full-color footwear. Celebrating a spirit of equality, acceptance, co-existence and understanding, the collection features flags, stripes, and translations of the phrase “Human Race” in English, French, and Japanese. Pharrell sums up the collection’s message simply: ‘I play for the human race.’

With the launch of Hu, Pharrell looks to shine a spotlight on communities around the world, sharing stories and traditions of humanity. In this first collection Native Americans from North Dakota invited Pharrell into their community to share their stories of compassion and culture, carrying on traditions of language, prayer, celebration and knowledge from one generation to the next.

‘I am so thankful to the people of MHA Nation who shared their journey and experiences with me. I want to use my platform for people to tell their stories and help empower people no matter where they’re from. By understanding humanity’s past, we will build a bridge to its future.’ Pharrell Williams

Footwear from the Hu collection follows the precedent set by the yellow NMD trainer debuted in July 2016, but now offers 5 new colorways: scarlet, black, sharp blue, green, and tangerine. The shoes feature adidas Primeknit™ uppers, energy-returning white adidas Boost™ midsoles, and a breakthrough lacing system in which laces are woven through the stabilizer of the shoe’s cage, offering both support and freedom. The shoe also boasts an internal toe cap for a unique shape and a new modernized curved collar. Each color is printed with its own split slogan, such as “Hu Race,” “Human Species,” or “Hue Man.” Instantly eye-catching with their bold visual language, these pieces form the foundation of the adidas Originals = PHARRELL WILLIAMS wardrobe for the coming season.

adidas Originals = PHARRELL WILLIAMS Hu launches globally on September 29, 2016.

Points of sale of footwear in the Philippines are Sole Academy, Commonwealth, adidas Glorietta, and adidas Uptown. Each pair retails at P9,995.

Co-Work Space: The New Working Lifestyle in this Digital Millennium

The workplace varies now because of today’s technological mobility and communication. I remember a TV plug years ago that shows this example. Two guys hanging out on a beach when they suddenly had a call from their mobile phone and suddenly they shifted to work mode.  It was revealed that they were consulted and answered an inquiry and they also have their laptops with them. After the inquiry, they are back to relaxation.

Left to Right: Penbrothers Operations Manager Eshna Esu, Business Development Manager for Dell Phils. Michelle Juliano, IT Trainer John Irwin Magno, Microsoft Phils. Innovative Enterprises Lead Tovia Va'aelua and Commercial Marketing Lead Frank Rich

You may not find it a suitable workplace but it is not far from happening. The business office are now getting smaller than you imagine not just in office space but also There are co-working spaces where you can see that different kind of businesses are operating under one roof. Don’t be surprise if one table occupies different services offered.

Co-working Spaces enables an entrepreneur operates in a minimal working space like a desk or shared tables but with wide contacts around the same room. If an entrepreneur is offered a project, the amount of resources may be just across the room or within a mobile phone call away. One example of a co-working space is Pen Brothers in Makati.

Microsoft recently introduced Office 365 and it shows how practical it is and ideal to co-working spaces like Pen Brothers. The idea of co-working spaces is suitable with the Office 365 that is why together with Dell Philippines, partnerships like these are very convenient.

What I appreciate about co-working spaces is the mobility of working even if you are alone in the business. All you just need is a space to work on, a computer, mobile connection and you are set but it also helps deliver the services rendered to the client.

I was oriented and briefed about Pen Brothers and how Office 365 can do wonders for the co-working space environment in this millennium. For more updates, follow this blog and like the L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.