ROEDER CAMANAG REPRISES ROLE OF DON SIMOUN IN “EL FILIBUSTERISMO” FROM NOV. 14 – 28, 2014

Fresh from his critically-acclaimed performance as the sublime paralytic in “Ang Huling Lagda ni Apolinario Mabini,”  ROEDER CAMANAG

shall once again reprise his role in Gantimapala Theater’s EL FILIBUSTERISMO.

            “ EL FILIBUSTERISMO ” --- the novel of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal written by noted playwright Jomar Fleras narrates the return of the protagonist of Noli Me Tangere, Crisostomo Ibarra, under the guise of the wealthy jeweler named Don Simoun.

            The role is being essayed by multi-talented actor Roeder Camañag who is stepping into this role for the 7^th time for Gantimpala Theater Foundation. His foray as Don Simoun started in 1998 and then again in 2005, 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2013. Indeed, Roeder’s celebration of his 27^th year as an artist in the entertainment and theater industry is being etched  with very significant roles in the legitimate stage. He also won the 2013 Aliw Awards for  Best Actor (Musical) for “Stageshow” under Tanghalang Pilipino.

            “El Filibusterismo, whose alternate title is The Reign of Greed, is a very dark novel, it was set in a dark time, written during the dark days of the Spanish tyranny, the themes progression is wheeled by an unseen dark force, a force that is so powerful that it controls even the characters trivial actions and choices that often lead to nothing but tragic endings. This unseen and destructive force is greed,” said director Jose Jeffrey Camañag.

            “It is the intention of this production to reconstruct the face of greed as painted by the great Jose Rizal in this novel and to resonate Rizal’s definition of greed as the key evil that chains and enslaves the mind, heart and soul of a society away from the real path toward genuine freedom,” Camañag continues.

            “Through creative staging, powerful visuals, clear storytelling and moving music, we hope to usher and challenge the audience especially the students who will be watching this show as an aid to their curriculum, to look beyond the entertaining value of our production and try to listen to the remarkable messages embedded in Don Simoun’s confessions to Padre Florentino,” states Camañag.

            The artistic team of EL FILIBUSTERISMO include Joel Lamangan (Artistic Director), Jose Jeffrey Camanag (Director), Andy Villareal (Lighting Director), Joey de Guzman (Set Designer), Pauwie Garcia (Production Manager), and Kate Butch Weaver (Stage Manager). 

PLAYDATES:

November  14 & 15 - AFP Theater 9AM/12NN

November  21 & 22 - STAR Theater 9AM/12NN

November  28 - SM Southmall Cinema 3 11AM/2PM

For tickets, call Gantimpala Theater at 998-5622 or 872-0261. 

SCROOGE THE MUSICAL - A JOYOUS CHRISTMAS SPECIAL ALL SET TO OPEN ON NOVEMBER 21

Repertory Philippines release material

Repertory Philippines proudly announces its special holiday treat for the entire family with the new production of SCROOGE THE MUSICAL live on stage.

            SCROOGE THE MUSICAL is set to open on November 21, 2014 at Onstage, 2/F, Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas cor. Legazpi St., Makati City.

            Renowned writer-composer-lyricist Leslie Bricusse has adapted the classic Charles Dickens tale, A Christmas Carol, into the hit musical. SCROOGE THE MUSICAL closely follows the classic story with the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge undergoing a profound experience of redemption over the course of a Christmas Eve night, after being visited by the ghost of his former partner Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmas past, present and future.

           

            Based on the 1970 film musical of the same name, the original production of SCROOGE THE MUSICAL opened in 1992 in Birmingham, United Kingdom. After a series of UK tours, the show opened at the London Palladium in 2005 where stage veteran Tommy Steele took on the leading role. The production continued on tour and was revived again for the 2012-2013 Christmas season at the London Palladium. The musical features all the songs from the film, including the Oscar nominated song ‘Thank You Very Much’, written by Leslie Bricusse.

            The Repertory Philippines’ production of SCROOGE THE MUSICAL will be directed by Ms. Baby Barredo, the company’s artistic director.

The cast of SCROOGE THE MUSICAL and the characters they portray are as follows:

Miguel Faustmann and Chinggoy Alonso will alternately play the role of Ebenezer Scrooge –  a stingy, chilly, cowardly, grumpy and money-hungry businessman. While he is much more benevolent than before his “caroling” experience, he is still uncertain as to the reason behind generosity in general.

            Raul Montesa will play the role of Jacob Marley – the business partner of Scrooge who died seven years ago.

            Cara Barredo plays the role of Ghost of Christmas Past – the first of the spirits foretold by Marley who shows Scrooge his past Christmases.

             Oliver Usison plays the role of Ghost of Christmas Present – the second of the spirits foretold by Marley that shows Scrooge Christmas celebrations in the present time.

            Dwight Angelo Vito Cruz plays the role of  Ghost of Christmas Yet-to-Come – the third spirit foretold by Marley that shows Scrooge Christmases in the Future.

            Chino Veguillas plays the role of Bob Cratchit – Scrooge’s clerk.

            Gabo Tiongson and Soleil Luna Bueno will alternately play the role of

Tiny Tim – the crippled son of the Cratchits who is the beneficiary of physical therapy paid for by Scrooge.

            The other cast  members are Justine Peña as Ethel Cratchit, Ashlee Factor as Kathy,  Arnel Carrion as Young Ebenezer,  Christine Flores as Isabel,  Noel Comia as Ebby (child Ebenezer), Steven Conde as Tom Jenkins,  Alexander Cortez as Mr. Fezziwig and Sheila Francisco as Mrs. Fezziwig. 

            The ensemble is composed of  Andee Achacoso, Khevin Almario,  Rachel Coates, David Shawn Delgado, Daniel Drilon, Natalie Everett, Thea Gloria, Vien Alen King, Bianca Mauricio, Chill Ocampo, Jay Pangilinan, Joshua Ramirez, Albert Silos and Dwight Angelo Vito Cruz.

The artistic team of SCROOGE THE MUSICAL is composed of  Baby Barredo (Director), Natalie Everett (Assistant Director), Onyl Torres (Musical Director),  Jason Zamora (Choreographer),  Miguel Faustmann (Set Designer),  Valeen Vicente (Costume Designer),  John Batalla (Lights Designer) and the Manila String Machine (Orchestra).

            SCROOGE THE MUSICAL runs until December 14, 2014 with shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and matinee shows on Saturdays and Sundays at 3:30 p.m.

            Come and share the wonder and magic of SCROOGE THE MUSICAL.  We guarantee your heart will be blessed, your toes will be tapping, and you will be humming as you leave the theatre, full of the “Spirit of Christmas (Past, Present, and Future!).”

            For details of the show, you may contact us the following ways:

            By phone      :           843-3570 and 451-1474

            By e-mail       :           shows@repertoryphilippines.com

            By Internet   :           http://www.repertoryphilippines.com

Tickets are available through Ticketworld at 891-9999, or via http://www.ticketworld.com.ph.

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

           Facebook      :           www.facebook.com/repertoryphilippines

Twitter           :           www.twitter.com/repphils

Instagram     :           www.instagram.com/repphils

YouTube      :           www.youtube.com/repphils

Repertory Philippines would like to thank the City of Makati, BusinessWorld, Ticketworld, Raintree Restaurants: Mr. Jones, Kabila, MOMO Café and Museum as well as Art Magazine, WhenInManila, Chihuahua Restaurant, Astroplus, AstroVision, Lane Moving and Storage, Greenbelt, and Ayala Malls for their continuing partnerships.

            SCROOGE THE MUSICAL is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.

            See you at the theater!!!

Pure Love ends on November 14. Presscon coverage

After 19 weeks approximately, Pure Love is going to take a bow from television  as the local adaptation ends on November 14. One time, I was privilege to see the cast while on the set and now I got to attend the presscon as the cast and the production thanks the audience and the media for the support. The event was based on a Q & A.

GIVEN A CHANCE, HOW DO YOU WISH YOUR CHARACTER WOULD END IN THE STORY?

Joseph Marco: More time with Diane(Alex's character).

Yen Santos: More time with Jake(Matt Evans, The Scheduler's real name).

Matt Evans: Would like to extend.

HOW DID YOU BENEFIT FROM THE SERIES?

Anna Luna: The bonding with the cast. I was received well because it's my first project in the network.

Yen: It was my big break.

Yam Concepcion: Fulfilled. I like playing the part of an anti-heroine. Especially when I developed a conscience in the end.

It is also director Veronica Velasco's first time to do an adaptation from a Korean series and she shares that it is faithful to the original story. Expect new twists and more character developments not only with Diane and Ysabel but also with other characters.

For more TV series updated from ABS-CBN, follow this blog or like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

adidas Originals by NIGO FW14

Known to many as the man behind some of streetwear’s most seminal labels, few names hit as hard as NIGO. For two decades the Japanese style icon has carved out the landscape of youth culture with his unforgettable clothing and creations, and for Fall/Winter 2014 adidas Originals joins forces with the street pioneer for a special collaborative collection – adidas Originals by NIGO.

True to his passion for classic and vintage clothing, NIGO has handpicked and re-interpreted pieces from the adidas Originals archives, blending a sportswear aesthetic with contemporary street style to create new street classics. The apparel collection features unforgettable adidas Originals pieces alongside staples of American sportswear such as coach and varsity jackets.

With the rich and impassioned history of adidas Originals alongside NIGO’s own iconic legacy as a pioneer of clothing and culture, one thing is clear – it will be Original.

Global release dates:
Launch dates: 1^st  of November. Available at leading adidas stores in the Philippines.

adidas.com/nigo

WALLY WATTHEAD AND HIS LOST GLOW FROM FINLAND ALL SET TO OPEN NOV. 14

Press material

JANNE RAUDASKOSKI is one of Finland’s most radiant professional magicians.

            In addition to traditional magic, he is known for his magic theater productions that have charmed audiences both home and abroad

.

            As a Finnish and Nordic champion in magic, he has worked as a professional magician since 1997. 

            Janne has created two magic theater performances:

---        The Outsider ( for adults and teenagers )

---        Wally Watthead and His Lost Glow ( for family audiences )          

            In his first solo production, Wally Watthead and His Lost Glow, Raudaskoski is researching combining the magic, theater, clownery, mime and different kinds of special effects with video.  Raudaskoski aims to create a performance which is a powerful experience for both children and adults, and that is easily translated into any language.

            Recently, he has worked in several art projects combining new circus, theatre and magic.  Raudaskoski has also played the protagonist in plays such as Werewolf (2009) in the City Theatre of Lappeenranta and Phantom of Theather (2007) in Åbo Svenska Teatern.

A Conjurer Par Excellence (Question & Answer)

Janne Raudaskoski is one of Finland’s most radiant professional magicians. In addition to traditional magic, he is known for his magic theatre productions that have charmed audiences both home and abroad.

Q: Magician Janne Raudaskoski, where can one study magic?

A: Tricks can be learned from books, magic can be learned by studying the history of magic and performing can only be learned by performing. Or if you find a good magic school you should definitely apply.

Q: Is Harry Potter your idol? If not then who is?

A: I prefer Pippi Longstocking to Harry Potter. Pippi does what she pleases, just as I do in my art. She has the right kind of attitude. I also belong to the Phantom Fan Club of Finland – my member number is 3557 if I remember it right.

Q: Why are magicians always men?

A: Is it perhaps because of Harry Potter? Well, I have also seen some very good female magicians.

Q: What do you do if one of your magic tricks fails on stage?

A: It happens very rarely because I always do my homework, but when it does happen, improvisation helps.

Q: Who pays the magician’s salary?

A: My greatest reward is captivated eyes, smiling faces, gasps and laughter – in other words the energy I get from the audience. The person who ordered the performance also pays me money.

Q: Why didn’t you become a clown if you enjoy entertaining people?

A: I did become a clown too. Both of my theatre productions, Wally Watthead and The Outsider, combine clownery, theatre and magic.

Q: What is the difference between a clown and a magician?

A: Clownery is an instrument of humor, but it can also be used to examine serious matters. It can be used to reflect on the ways of the world is a childlike way. Charles Chaplin was a clown. If a clown also knows magic, it opens up a world of new possibilities for his or her performances. Oh, but you asked about the difference? Well, the magician is usually the more boring of the two.

Q: What and where was your worst performance as a magician and why was that?

A: A professional performer must be able to finish the show no matter what the circumstances are. They have certainly been quite challenging sometimes: technical problems, the audience getting too drunk, hands freezing, things like that.

Q: Tell us something about the life of a magician that nobody knows.

A: The magician sometimes enjoys singing punk rock.

Q: Janne , do you know any magic tricks nobody else in the world knows?

A: I have conjured up two theatre productions that represent a new kind of magic. I combine magic, clownery and narrative in my performances using methods such as video, black theatre techniques and various kinds of special effects. I call it experiential theatre.

Q: Does a magician have any colleagues?

A: Sure. In theatre productions they are the director, the sound designer, the costume designer, the lighting designer, the set designer, the special effects technician, the dressmaker, the producer, the theatre manager, the technicians and the stage hands. Basically everyone I work with.

Q: What do you do most of the day on an average day in the office?

A: When I work on a new production I make plans, write, build things, rehearse, shoot rehearsals on video and make more plans. If I am performing on that day then I sit in a car or an airplane, build the show, perform, pack the show and sit in a car or an airplane. If I am not doing either them I’m usually sitting in meetings, planning new things, and answering questions like this.

Q: What was the magician supposed to become when he grew up?

A: A pilot, a magician or an actor. Now I spend my time flying on theatre stages combining magic and theatre, so I guess I got all of my dream jobs.

Q: Are magic tricks useful in everyday life?

A: When I was young I used to cheat at supermarket checkout by conjuring the money from behind the cashier’s ear. Luckily I have rid myself of that habit.

The Amazing Race Philippines Season 2 Blog Exclusive: Team Mag-Ama

Part 1 of the Amazing Race Phils. feature

Amazing Race brought in a new innovation in reality shows which patterned many team building exercises. The franchise TV5 brought in television gave the show a local flavor not to mention the sights around the country.

I finally got to meet the eight remaining teams. After watching the current episode, I interviewed each team. The first team I interviewed was the father-son tandem.

AJ and Jody Soliva are both baseball players. Jody is playing since elementary and his dad is a coach and done many sports bonding ever since until college. Jody was a fan of the show which is why he joined but his friend backed out and his dad joined him instead. A father-son team is what the show needed to make it more appealing.

In the current episode before the interview, we saw this team arguing after the last obstacle. Dad AJ explained that they were both driven to win which is natural since they are both athletes. This is still a competition and they are a team.

Their tactic: Brains, physique and luck to win.. Their weakness is the to think under pressure. For the team, the only team that may keep them from winning Matt and Phoebe(Team Dating Couple) since they are winning every obstacle they encounter.

Check out my next team feature and keep watching Amazing Race Phils. Season 2 on TV5 every weeknights at 9PM. For more updates, follow this blog or like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.