First Pinoy-original musical STILL now on Viu

Stuck in a camp while the world is being shut down by the pandemic, a group of artists explore their creativity through music and art. That's what the new all-original Pinoy-series STILL offers that's now streaming on Viu.

Leading the campers are estranged best friends Laura, always the relentless dreamer who fights for herself, for the people she loves and for the limelight (played by Julie Anne San Jose, Asia’s limitless star), and Sab, the voiceless writer who wants to follow her dreams but can’t (played by Gab Pangilinan, Philippine theater princess). The two instantly become friends with veteran camper Iggy (Mike Shimamoto), always ‘the happy pill’ Tugs (Abe Autea) and tired-but-still-a-fighter Leigh (Lance Reblando). Along with their mentors Nikolas (Christian Bautista, Asia’s romantic balladeer) and Annette (Bituin Escalante, veteran stage and concert singer), the campers’ lives and stories intertwine through powerful and poignant music. Through song and stage, they hope and rage to prove to the world that they still have a voice – that they still matter.

STILL was created by Palanca-awardee Pat Valera, who is known for award-winning shows Dekada ‘70 the Musical and Mula Sa Buwan. Theater industry greats Giancarlo Abrahan and Nicco Manalo co-created the series with Valera. On the director’s chair is Treb Monteras II of the internationally-acclaimed rap musical Respeto. Multi-awarded screenwriter, director, producer and editor Monster Jimenez produced the series.

We can also listen to the show’s 13 original songs performed by the country’s best talents via Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer and Tidal.

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Theater Review: Himala is a blessing

Sandbox Collective's Himala: Isang Musikal is not just a revival of an iconic film but a blessing. I was able to watch on a preview last February 9 and it's like living in a piece of heaven with the talented cast of Himala.

I must say that I am not fully aware of the story of Himala until last night. Power Mac Spotlight Center transformed into Barangay Cupang giving it an immersive theater experience. The wonderful set of dry twigs and the sight of poverty through their barong-barongs reminds us that heaven is not all something comfortable and good. It includes hardships that desperation that the neighborhood in Cupang has experienced.

Getting not too technical with just lighting and accompanied by a piano on the side, the cast and ensembles showed power that left me speechless on my seat and attentively listening on every song and script delivered. Aicelle Santos leading the cast as Elsa has proved more of herself as a sensational siren. From Katy, to Ang Larawan, she has has acting on the right track and owned the Elsa role.

Elsa's neighbors and so-called "believers" earned my cringe for their hypocrisy and exploits to their blessings. Congrats neighbors for being so effective. Alongside with her co-cast members, Bituin Escalante (Nanay Saling), Kakki Teodoro (Nimia), David Ezra (Orly), Neomi Gonzales (Chayong), Sandino Martin (Pilo) and all of the members of the ensembles is a powerful acting and singing collection of great talent. No lapels, no mics, just their amazing vocals could be heard by the angels.

Final Scene - Himala Isang Musikal

The final scene was unforgettable. Even though it may leave a messy stage after every show, I was also in delight to see a real shower that will give Cupang hope.

And seeing it is as special as seeing the Superstar Nora Aunor in the flesh.

Cast of Himala Isang Musikal with Nora Aunor and Ricky Lee

Himala Isang Musikal is a story by Ricky Lee with songs and lyrics by Vincent De Jesus, directed by Ed Lacson Jr. It runs from February 10-March 4, 2018. For inquiries and tickets, contact 0917.5545560, 586.7105, sab@thesandboxcollective.com, or Ticketworld at 891.9999.

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50 Shades closes this weekend

It's very hard and sad to say bye-bye to my first musical for the year, 50 Shades! The Musical Parody. Definitely one of my favorites. And from March 18 to 20, 50 Shades will have 6 performances with a whole package by the riotous and amazing cast. Read my review [here].

Catch their hilarious and super-restricted show on these dates:

• Friday, March 18 at 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday, March 19 at 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
• Sunday, March 20 at 2:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m.

Since its Manila debut a month ago, the hilariously cheeky spoof of the erotic blockbuster novel “Fifty Shades of Grey” has been a smash hit with Filipinos. As its acclaimed run comes to a close, this sexy, one-of-a-kind production was successfully able to draw in its share of celebrity fans. These stars could not stopraving about 50 Shades! The Musical Parody:

• “It’s very very funny, really really hilarious! One funny funny show that you guys shouldn’t miss.”- Michael de Mesa
• “The show is so fabulously rude and it’s sexy. So much fun! If you just want to have a good time, this is the show to watch.”- Joanna Ampil
• “What can I say? I’m still laughing from ear to ear.”- Pinky Marquez
• "I didn’t expect it to be that much fun.”- Mark Bautista
• “The songs are really catchy and it was really fun to watch!" – Carla Humphries
• "Please come and watch 50 Shades! The Musical Parody. It's a great laugh!” –Epi Quizon
• “You guys should watch from start to finish! You will have a good time!” –Gian Magdangal
• "I got hungry after I saw this." -Omar Itay (BAWAL KUMONTRA!)

I want to share the video below which is one of my favorite songs. There's A Hole Inside of Me as performed by Brenna Wahl as Anastasia Steele.

THERE'S A HOLE INSIDE OF ME

Feeling empty? Let your inner hole be filled by the joy brought to you by the fun, sexy, and hilarious production of 50 Shades! The Musical Parody.“There’s a Hole Inside of Me” (featuring Brenna Wahl as Anastasia Steele) is just one of the eleven original songs featured in the adults-only hit show that will surely make you laugh out loud! Don’t miss the last three days of 50 Shades! The Musical Parody happening on March 18, 19, and 20 at the RCBC Theater. Tickets are available through TicketNet, Ticketworld, and SM Tickets. For more information, visit www.50shadesmanila.com

Posted by 50 Shades Manila on Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Tickets for the final weekend run of 50 Shades! The Musical Parody are available from Ticketworld, TicketNet, and SM Tickets. VIP tickets include premium seating for the show as well as a photo opportunity with the cast onstage after the performance. For more information, visit www.50shadesmanila.com or call (02) 470 6956. This show is not associated with, endorsed, or authorized by E.L. James or Vintage Books.

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50 Shades Manila heats up

Hope that you're more than ready, physically and emotionally, when you watch 50 Shades: the Musical Parody that's opening on February 12. The perfect Valentine event not just for couples out there but for the whole mature audience. Content is very much explicit but incredibly funny so you have to prepare a lot of tissues to wipe tears of laughter and who knows what else. LOL

The book club opens the our senses with the book and getting into the universe where we explore the mind of Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey in a lighter way. This twist disses the book and movie with the hilarious music, incredible and sexy cast comprised of foreign and our local artists that will make us ask for more with no inhibitions. Don't worry that even if you didn't read the book or no idea at all about 50 Shades of Grey, you will surely enjoy the Book Club, Anastasia, Jose and Katherine Kavanagh, most especially because of Christian Grey. But I'm still glad that all of the characters have equally shared the limelight and you'll love all of them.

50 Shades's music includes a lot of metaphors and directly mentions all dirty things you can imagine and you'll love it. Tunes are very catchy and memorable but you don't want to play it on loud speaker. You'll be clapping excitedly and laughing out loud on songs, especially "I Wanna F*" by Christian Grey.

50 Shades releases not only the inner goddess but also the alpha male and will leave you hungry for more. It will leave you imagining all possibilities but make sure to "focus" on what things should be done. Hahaha! Congrats to the cast and director Al Samuels who also wrote the hilarious songs. The local cast and creative team, continue to sprit some fun to the audience.

Running for "69" minutes with a 15-minute "quickie," 50 Shades the Musical Parody turns the temperature up from February 12 to March 5 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City. Presented by Vivre Fort Entertainment and 9 Works Theatrical.

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50 Shades! for Valentines Day

Here's how to spend your Valentine's Day: Invite your partner for some show that will help you set the mood and go all the way! I mean it literally and figuratively. As Vivre Fort Entertainment and 9 Works Theatrical bring the worldwide hit 50 Shades! The Musical Parody, based on the erotic novel of EL James following the story of Anastasia Steele into the secret world of Christian Grey.

The unlikely hit comes to Manila from February 12 to March 1 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in RCBC Plaza in Makati City and it's something to be more excited about as they continue to count more than 1000 shows and great talents from the original off-Broadway, US, Canada, London, Australia and China runs will be joined by our premiere Filipino theater talents in this one fun and incredible show.

Featured in the company is a mix of international thespians, including performers from the Off-Broadway and Las Vegas productions of 50 Shades! The Musical Parody, plus some homegrown stage and screen talents. Leading the foreign artists are Brenna Wahl, Greg Kata, Chloe Williamson, Kaitlyn Frotton, Chris Hodgson, Casey Renee Rogers, and Isaac Saleh. Rounding out the cast are seasoned Filipino theatre stars Bituin Escalante, Karel Marquez, Lorenz Martinez, George Schulze, and Julz Savard. Watch these excerpts performed by these artists:

50 Shades the Musical Parody - Bituin Escalante
Bituin Escalante belts out a tune in #50ShadesManila. Watch here.
Posted by Ohmski on Saturday, January 16, 2016

50 Shades the Musical Parody - Open Your Book
You'll love the 50 Shades Book Club. #50ShadesManila
Posted by Ohmski on Monday, January 18, 2016

50 Shades the Musical Parody - There's A Hole Inside of Me
Karel Marquez joins the cast of 50 Shades Manila as Anastasia Steele. #50ShadesManila
Posted by Ohmski on Thursday, January 21, 2016

Al Samuels, who co-wrote and directed the off-Broadway, UK and US tour productions of the musical, will also direct the Manila production. Robbie Guevarra co-directs the show with musical direction by Onyl Torres and choreography by PJ Rebullida. Mio Infante creatively transports us to the Charlie Tango, the mansion and the Red Room of Pain with his stage design.

We have a good representation with our talents for 50 Shades, as director Al Samuels would describe. We are thankful for the selection and they are ready to give us a titillating and a very much enjoyable show.

Tickets are now available at SM Tickets, Ticketworld and Ticketnet outlets. Only limited tickets are available so secure your tickets now. For more information about the show, visit www.50shadesmanila.com or call (02) 470 6956.

Here are the ticket prices for 50 Shades! The Musical Parody:
VIP Front Row PHP 5000*
VIP PHP 4500*
Orchestra Center PHP 4000
Orchestra Sides PHP 3500
Loge PHP 2500
Balcony PHP 1500

* VIP Ticket is inclusive of Meet & Greet Opportunity with the Cast of 50 Shades! The Musical Parody. Please keep ticket and present during Meet & Greet session after each show.

This show is recommended for mature audiences only, ages 18+. Like the book series, 50 SHADES! The Musical Parody is surely not for those under the age of 18, but does not cross boundaries that would make general audiences squirm. All guests require a ticket, regardless of age.

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Get tittilated in laughter as Mr. Grey comes to Manila!

Have you read the book? Have you seen the movie? Well see Christian Grey closer as 9 Works Theatrical brings the hilarious musical in Philippine soil starting February 12, 2016 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City.

50 Shades! The Musical Parody is a parody of EL James' best-selling novel and 9WT co-produced with Vivrefort Entertainment, featuring mostly foreign actors in a funny adaptation of the novel. For the tour, they also feature our very own Karel Marquez, playing Anastasia Steele, Lorenz Martinez and Bituin Escalante.

50 Shades! the Musical Parody gets awesome reviews in the U.S. "Hilarious!" as by New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, Cosmopolitan and more. It is also regarded as "The play for your inner goddess, your book club and your mother-in-law can all agree on" by the New York Times. For me, I will just be expecting how the Red Room of Pain would look like and how they aim to please. LOL * sidenote: If you like to come in full Christian Grey effect, can you come in #GrabHeli?

This musical is strictly for mature audiences only, obviously, so no one below 18 years old may be admitted.

For tickets and inquiries, contact 0917.554.5560 • 586.7105 • info@9workstheatrical.com.
Show dates:
12Feb2016/FRI/8PM
13Feb2016/SAT/2PM, 5PM, 8PM
14Feb2016/SUN/2PM, 5PM, 8PM
19Feb2016/FRI/8PM
20Feb2016/SAT/2PM, 5PM, 8PM
21Feb2016/SUN/2PM, 5PM
26Feb2016/FRI/8PM
27Feb2016/SAT/5PM, 8PM
28Feb2016/SUN/2PM, 5PM

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KPANLL flies to new HQ

Manila, get ready to be avenged as Dalanghita Productions brings back the sold out musical, Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady, to a new headquarters.

From July 3-26, 2015, Onstage at Greenbelt 1, Makati City. Let's relive the story of Mely, the maid of the country's superheroes, Fuerza Filipinas, and follow her adventures and matters of the heart. Also bringing back the clash of Fuerza Filipinas with the insecure villains, Kayumanggilas. Watch the videos below from the media launch of the first run.

KPANLL was lauded by theater critics, even veterans and is composed by talents from different theater companies locally. Lead by Mely played by Bituin Escalante and Frenchie Dy as alternate, Markki Stroem and Hans Eckstein as Leading Man. Joining them are Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and now, Shiela Martinez as Madre de Dios, the leader of Fuerza Filipinas, and more.

Also save a lot of money if you want to grab a copy of the Original Cast Recording with music and lyrics by the Musical Director, Maestra Vince De Jesus.

Here are the ticket prices as per Ticketworld:
Price Zone 1
Orchestra Center
P 1,563

Price Zone 2
Orchestra Sides
P 1,250.40

Price Zone 3
Balcony
P 833.60

For more information, you can check Dalanghita Productions' Facebook Page, Twitter and Instagram.

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Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady review

There may be some spoilers in this review but I can't wait that you will be able to watch Dalanghita Production's Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady that will be showing from May 7 - June 7 at PETA Theater. It is like Marvel with many Easter Eggs and why did I have this feeling that I have to watch after the end credits? LOL

I am ready for the spectacular show in store as I've read the comics by Carlo Vergara based on his one-act play. I also attended the press conference that made me fall in love with the songs created by Vince De Jesus. Not to mention that it is also directed by another entertainment superhero, Chris Martinez, you just have to sit back, relax and enjoy.

I love how the playwright extended the one act play, introducing Mely (Bituin Escalante) and giving the back story of all the characters and giving new twists towards the end. We are also introduced to the new set of villains, the Kayumanggilas that gave our heroes something to work on aside from Viva. The musical is full of laughs, emotions and thoughts as colorful as the world of superheroes.

The songs are lovable and It's like an opening or closing billboard of any Marvel or Japanese superhero show. Watch them here.

Bituin Escalante nailed the role as if it was really made for her. Seeing her from the other productions, her expressiveness and vocal power will captivate the audience. You'll laugh, cry and relate to her hugot spiels. She and Markki Stroem, Leading Man, gets onstage chemistry and they are both to admire. Markki transforms his innocent look into Mely's object of desire which makes them both effective and entertaining.

With Markki Stroem (Leading Man)

You also have to admire the Fuerza Filipinas' costumes that let them expose their powers and the actors to project and emulate and channel their favorite western superheroes:

Fuerza Filipinas (Photo by Axl Guinto)

Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo - Madre de Dios - Phoenix
Caisa Borromeo - Windang Woman - Rogue
Jef Flores - Bazooka Man - Megaman
Gianinna Ocampo - Nena Babooshka - Jubilee
Chesko Rodriguez - Popoy Pusakal - Catwoman

But the villains are lovable too. Their issues against Fuerza are backed up with the humor and great acting especially when you have Nar Cabico to lead. His Senyor Blanko is memorable like he was in ZsaZsa.

Kayumanggilas (Photo by Axl Guinto)

There are many unexpected twists that you are about to see in KPANLL. In the 3-hour production, your imagination will also travel into the new universe created by Carlo Vergara. I am beginning to think of all possibilities that Carlo Vergara may soon release given that this will be a big franchise Taray! Para ka nang si Stan Lee. It's powers will surely struck you visually and to the heart. You really shouldn't miss this.

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Move over Marvel, here's our league!

It's very exciting that we will be adding more to the likes of Darna and Captain Barbell in our league of local superheroes. Thanks to Carlo Vergara and his amazing imagination coming up with ZsaZsa Zaturnnah and her villains from the past musical which also turned into a movie. Two years ago, he introduced us with a new concept that makes us think, "Who cleans up the mess after a big fight?" Yes, that question has been answered with his one-act play, Kung Paano Ako Naging Lady (KPANLL) which was part of the Virgin Labfest.

This year, in collaboration with three other great minds, Tuxqs Rutaquio and Vince De Jesus who both played Ada in ZsaZsa Zaturnnah, and director of Kimmy Dora, Chris Martinez, KPANLL is now a musical! And from May 7 - June 7, I think that this will divert the attention of Manila from the western superheroes to our local production. Thanks to Dalanghita Productions for making this possible. You're already big with their very first musical.

I'm really looking forward to see Bituin Escalante doing the top bill in the cast as Mely, the maid, alternating with Frenchie Dy. Markki Stroem and Hans Eckstein play as Leading Man, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and Astarte Abraham as Madre De Dios, the leader of Fuerza Filipinas.
Know the other members of the superhero league, Fuerza Filipinas:

Fuerza Filipinas

• Giannina Ocampo as Nena Babushka
• Caisa Borromeo as Windang Woman
• Chesko Rodriguez as Popoy Pusakal
• Jeff Flores as Bazooka Man

If there's superheroes, there must be trouble, know the trouble makers who have issues with Fuerza Filipinas, calling themselves as Kayumanggilas:

Kayumanggilas

• Nar Cabico / Domi Espejo as Senyor Blangko
• Red Nuestro as Marakas Marko
• Red Concepcion as Itak-Atak
• Elliot Eustacio as Jeryc Sans Rival
• Vince Lim / Mikoy Morales as Henyotik

The musical will have wonderful songs, even some of it are "hugot." Go to my Youtube channel to see and hear some songs.

KPANLL will play in the PETA Theater Center. For tickets, please call 0917-706-3533 for inquiries or visit http://tinyurl.com/leadingladytickets

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