BINONDO: A TSINOY MUSICAL review

As I walk inside the halls of The Theater at Solaire last Thursday for another theatrical preview, I was already prepared for cultural understanding despite of what's happening in the country today. Setting aside my political views and keep myself focused on appreciation of this work.

Joel Lamangan's Binondo: A Tsinoy Musical revolves around the love story of a man of pure Chinese descent and a Chinese-Filipina who embraced the foreign culture in search of love. The opening is expected to be grand and full of color, and delivered almost everything we know about the Chinese and the Chinoys in Binondo: that their network is so common, every one knows everybody and all their actions are based on feng shui mixed with religious faith.

Shiela Valderrama-Martinez plays Lily, a hopeful romantic singer at Lotus Bar makes a wish to the Chinese God of Love and finds Ah Tiong (Arman Ferrer) as he continues a song which she had forgotten a line. From there, things went fast and they both try to get across obstacles. But then there's Carlos (Noel Rayos), Lily's childhood friend who's secretly in love with her and shy to tell what he feels. As long as he sees the two together, he hides his pain. Though the story is about Ah Tiong and Lily, I am for Carlos on this one. If not for the political climate which stole the promise of returning back to China for some unfinished business, Lily will not be with Carlos. However, I think that Carlos has made huge sacrifices and that I think is true love.

That story line might be a huge spoiler for you who haven't seen Binondo. You will still enjoy the songs and production that this musical can offer. There are good laughs, cheesy romantic lines and colorful story. You can still see Binondo: A Tsinoy Musical today July 14, 3PM at the Theater at Solaire. For tickets, call TICKETWORLD at 891 9999.

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A Christmas Carol 2017

When Globe Live's Joe Caliro mentioned that we should be making a new Christmas tradition, I thought, what else would be greater than all the family gatherings, carollings, parties, etc? I am pretty satisfied with what already is going on with Filipinos -- but then I saw 9 Works Theatrical's A Christmas Carol, now I believe that there should be more ways to celebrate Christmas.

Seeing it in front of the stage, I can clearly see everything that was happening. And I say, there's quite a lot. Note the special effects when Ebenezer Scrooge (Miguel Faustmann) was haunted by ghosts with Jacob Marley, and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come is something that I have never seen in previous production of A Christmas Carol.

From waltzes to tap dances and grand ballets, prepare for the spectacular show especially during the Fezziwig Christmas Ball. The grand party has a lot of surprises. But the whole show is a feast to the eyes and ears. The cast, costumes and everything there is in this production will be a constant reminder of Christmas to everyone.

And what is Christmas without the promise of snow inside the theater? Bring back a child in you and experience snow from the theater. A truly magical experience that will touch families and individuals alike.
Watch A Christmas Carol by 9 Works Theatrical and Globe Live until December 27 at the BGC Amphitheater. Also take the opportunity to help the families of fallen heroes in the Marawi Siege by buying a handmade parol for P200 and hang it on the Christmas tree at the theater. A Christmas Carol is

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A Christmas Carol brings more miracles this 2017

Don't miss another run of the highly-acclaimed "A Christmas Carol" by 9 Works Theatrical and Globe Live Entertainment. The show runs from December 7-27 at the Globe Iconic Theater in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

This Christmas, relive Charles Dickens' famous novel brought to life by our great actors lead by theater veteran, Miguel Faustmann as Ebenezer Scrooge who has done the role in countless performances. He assures us that he will give us a show apart from the previous ones that will make every theater experience special.

Joining the cast are theater stalwarts, Franco Laurel (Ghost of Christmas Past), Noel Rayos (Jacob Marley), and Tricia Canilao-Buser (Mrs. Cratchit). Theatre's golden boys Laurence Mossman (Young Ebenezer) and Arman Ferrer (Fred) also join the cast alongside Nico Dans (Ghost of Christmas Present), Rissey Reyes (Ghost of Christmas Future), Krystal Brimner (Grace Smythe), among many others.

Featuring Jaime Manahan-Yupangco and Elai Estrella, alternating as Tiny Tim, this Christmas musical is sure to warm everyone’s hearts. You got to love these kids that were asked what is the meaning of Christmas for them. It is my great delight that their answer didn't go far from knowing that Christmas is actually the birth of Jesus Christ.

It will be a more meaningful Christmas when you bring the whole family to see the show even on Christmas day. Spend the Christmas night with love, friendship, and values. Directed by Robbie Guevara together with Onyl Torres as assistant director, Daniel Bartolome as musical director, PJ Rebullida as choreographer & Yek Barlongay for additional tap choreography, Ed Lacson as set designer, Dong Calingacion as technical director, Myrene Santos as hair and makeup designer, and Ian Cartalaba as costume head.

Laurence Mossman, Miguel Faustmann and ensembles of A Christmas Carol

Franco Laurel with ensembles of A Christmas Carol

Cast and Creative Team of A Christmas Carol

Here is the schedule of the show:
December 7-9, 14-16, 21-22, 26-27 at 8:00pm
December 10 and 17 (Sundays) at 7:00pm
December 25 Christmas Show at 7:00pm.

Buy tickets at Ticketworld.com.ph or call 891-9999. For more information, you may follow 9 Works Theatrical or Globe and their official hashtags #TheMiracleWithin and #GlobeLive9WTACC.

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