MUSICA FEUROPA 12 and Concert of Champions set virtually this May

Musica FEUROPA, Far Eastern University’s annual choral festival with the European Union Delegation in the Philippines as its principal partner proudly presents Musica FEUropa 12, a virtual series of concerts for the first time on May 15, 22, 29 and 30, 2021.

Musica FEUROPA 12 will celebrate the power of music with choral groups sharing their virtual performances to showcase both Philippine and European pieces for the public to see, hear and enjoy.
Musica FEUROPA aims to elevate the standards of participating choirs by using the European guidelines for competitions. It prepares Filipino choirs to participate in European choral competitions and fosters an openness to cultural exchange.

 

pna.gov.ph

The main purpose of Musica FEUROPA is to make it one of the definitive festivals in the choral circuit, first in the Philippines, then in the world:

• To promote the European Union in the Philippines, particularly through its music during the European Union Month of May;
• To expose Filipino choirs to the works of European composers; and
• To give equal importance to the works of Filipino composers.

As in previous years, highly respected Adjudicators from the Philippine choral circuit will be present in the first three concerts to provide constructive feedback to each of the selected choirs.

The adjudicators are as follows: Anna Abeleda-Piquero, Mark Anthony Carpio, Dr. Ed Manguiat, Ramon Lijauco, Jr., Jonathan Velasco, and Dr. Maria Theresa Vizconde-Roldan.

Some of these adjudicators will return for the finale on May 30 to conduct their choir in the Concert of Champions.

The latter will feature various Filipino choirs who have won not just in Musica FEUROPA but bigger competitions in the Philippines and abroad.

Invited choirs will submit videos of past or virtual performances of one piece in an official EU language by a composer from the EU, one in any Filipino language or dialect by someone of Filipino descent and the Ode to Joy in German.

The deadline for submission of entries is May 18.

Musica FEUROPA 12 will happen via Zoom.

All Musica FEUropa 12 concerts will also be posted on its YouTube Channel and that of the FEU Center for the Arts.

Musica FEUROPA 12 is also brought to you by 98.7 DZFE, official media partner.

 

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Miss Celia Diaz-Laurel launches a book on her thespian life

How do we immortalize our life? Many would like to become legends and those we look up to open the pages and write themselves a book. On her 93rd birthday, Ms Celia Diaz-Laurel gives as a read about her life in marriage with the arts in a coffee table book called "My Lives Behind the Proscenium" - something that she has worked on this time of pandemic and we think that it could be a good time to share her story.

A mother, wife, philanthropist, writer, painter, thespian, theater production and costume designer, she dedicates her book to the women and men whose encouragement and confidence helped her become an actress namely: Mother IMMACULADA (Assumption Convent); WILFRIDO MA. GUERRERO (UP Dramatic Club, University of the Philippines); SONIA RIFKIN and DOÑA TRINING LEGARDA (Manila Community Players); JAMES B. REUTER S.J. (Ave Maria Players and The Cathedral Players); CONSTANCE WELCH (Drama Department, Yale University); BEHN CERVANTES (who persisted in urging her to write this book about her life in the theatre); and husband SALVADOR ‘DOY’ LAUREL, who understood her calling and allowed her to grow not only as an actress but as a person.

 

The book chronicles the life that Celia Diaz Laurel led with chapter titles: Stage-struck at Five, Wartime Years, Dramatic UP Days, Yale Years, Back to the Stage at Repertory Philippines.

“Celia has written an entertaining story about her theatrical life in a straightforward, simple, style that not only will give the curious reader an insight into her life and the social milieu of her time but is a historical narrative of the early years of Manila theatre and the personalities who were part of it. She writes about her early personal life as the background for the successful career she carved out for herself—not only as an actress but as a set and costume designer,” wrote Joy Virata in the foreword of the book.

 
Celia Diaz Laurel shares her insights about her book -- how she so much enjoyed her life as an artist, how she impacts the people she works with, and most of all, to share art to the audience.

MY LIVES BEHIND THE PROSCENIUM is edited by Suzie Laurel-Delgado and Cocoy Laurel; Dulce Festin-Baybay (Editorial Consultant), Miriam R. Castillo (Project Coordinator), Sarah L. Sanz (Photo Editor), Nestor Amador Malgapo Jr. (Book Design and Cover). Printed by GA Printing.

For book reservations and inquiries, kindly please contact Ms. Jenn Tejada c/o 88697298 Mon. - Fri. 1pm - 5 pm. Online orders can be placed on May 29 Facebook Live launch www.facebook.com/CeliaDiazLaurel.

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The scenes Steven Spielberg's captured in West Side Story 1961

I've just seen West Side Story of 1961. So I tried to look back on the trailer released a few weeks ago that was directed by Steven Spielberg.

I think it will capture almost all the iconic moments, shot by shot, from the 60s movie in his adaptation of the West Side Story in a modern day setting and West Side fans will have a trip on memory lane in these scenes. Let me break some of them for you from Act 1.

Maria prepares for her first dance in the United States. She is hesitant to wear a simple white dress but Anita helps her to wear it and she will be the most beautiful maiden in the event.

The dance event where everyone will be enjoying

Tony glances at Maria for the very first time 

Maria looks back towards Tony.

Tony visits Maria and meets him at the balcony after the dance despite the dangerous fate in store for both of them.

Have you spot more scenes that look similar from the 1961 and this year's version? Tell them in the comments below. Steven Spielberg's West Side Story features Ansel Elgort as Tony, Rachel Zegler as Maria, Ariana Debose as Anita, David Alvarez as Bernardo of the Sharks gang, Mike Faist as Riff of the Jets gang and more.

Opening December 10, 2021 in theaters worldwide, a Christmas musical event from Disney.

 

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Why we can't stop watching PETA's Rak of Aegis online

It will be a delight for OPM fans to get back to Villa Venezia and relive the story of Aileen, Ken, Mary Jane, Kiel, Jewel and the rest of their neighbors singing the songs of Aegis in Rak of Aegis, one of my most loved musicals from the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA). Now, everyone will got the chance to see it as it will be streamed online on July 31, August 1, 7 and 8, 2021 via www.ticket2me.net.

This run is a fundraising drive to help PETA's community of dedicated artists survive that has been greatly affected by the pandemic. The lack of shows, events, workshops and the painful layoff of artists, staff, and crew made them decide to do this initiative in this trying times.

Rak of Aegis' story has a similarity in today's pandemic that Aileen (Aicelle Santos), Tolits (Pepe Herrera), Ken (Poppert Bernadas), Mary Jane (Isay Alvarez), Kiel (Robert Sena) and the rest of Villa Venezia who faced a challenge by helping each other during a calamity -- a scenario which is very similar today that needs to be addressed as everybody are struggling their ways to survive in the crisis brought by COVID-19.

Pepe Herrera (Tolits) and Aicelle Santos (Aileen)

Isay Alvarez (Mary Jane) and Robert Sena (Kiel)

Poppert Bernadas as Ken

It is also a celebration of OPM music, with the songs of rockband Aegis that crosses the borders of social class. This online show will feature subtitles, and yes, you can sing-along to the top of your lungs octaves higher than Luha, Halik, Sinta, Basang-basa sa Ulan and more. The drama, humor, music and messages of hope, resiliency, family and community will now be available to everyone who wants to see it around the world! 

Tickets are now ON SALE when you visit www.ticket2me.net and choose the following pay-per-view options:

• Livestream at Php 350 - 8:00 P.M to 11:00 P.M. (Philippine Standard Time)
• Video On Demand at Php 500 - 24-hours streaming from 10:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. the next day (Philippine Standard Time)
• Video on Demand Premium at Php 1,000 - 24-hours streaming from 10:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. the next day (Philippine Standard Time) plus exclusive access to the Rak with Aegis LIVE virtual concert on August 8, 8:00 P.M., featuring the Aegis Band and select cast of Rak of Aegis.

Get full Rak of Aegis experience with an Aegis concert! 

You can also help PETA and the artists and keep the arts alive by donating through their bank and Gcash accounts below:

For bulk tickets and partnerships, contact Mitch Go, mitchgo@petatheater.com, 0917-5391112. For more information, follow PETA’s social media pages: Facebook www.facebook.com/petatheater; Instagram @petatheater; Twitter @petatheater; YouTube www.youtube.com/petatheateronline or visit www.petatheater.com/rakofaegis.

*images courtesy of PETA

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In The Heights character posters

Warner Bros. Pictures just released the character posters of the cast of the In The Heights movie, directed by Jon Chu (Crazy Rich Asians) and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Check out Usnavi, Vanessa and the neighbors of Washington Heights in these photos:

In The Heights tells the story of the block of Washington Heights, where a kaleidoscope of dreams and passion rallies in this vibrant community. A magnetic bodega owner Usnavi collects his memories and sings of hopes, dreams and imagination as he saves his every penny in his daily grind. 

“In the Heights” fuses Lin-Manuel Miranda’s kinetic music and lyrics with director Jon M. Chu’s lively and authentic eye for storytelling to capture a world very much of its place, but universal in its experience.

“In the Heights” stars Anthony Ramos (“A Star is Born,” Broadway’s “Hamilton”), Corey Hawkins (“Straight Outta Compton,” “BlacKkKlansman”), singer/songwriter Leslie Grace, Melissa Barrera (TV’s “Vida”), Olga Merediz (Broadway’s “In the Heights”), Daphne Rubin-Vega (Broadway’s “Rent”), Gregory Diaz IV (Broadway’s “Matilda the Musical”), Stephanie Beatriz (TV’s “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”), Dascha Polanco (TV’s “Orange is the New Black”) and Jimmy Smits (the “Star Wars” films).

Opening in June 11 in theaters and HBO Max.

*images from Warner Bros. Pictures
 

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Home gadgets to give your mom this May

With most members of the family spending more time at home, keeping it clean and bright is a challenge for our moms. This Mother’s Day, let's surprise them with exciting innovations from SM Home that will make her home-works a breeze and give her more time for herself.

Me who shares the cleaning chores at home, these smart cleaners like robotic vacuums are recommended to work on dusty floors, stained fabrics, stinky corners and kitchen clutter in half the time we spent in our usual cleaning routine. We want our homes spotless and squeaky clean so these power scrubbers will do the job for us; while UV sterilizers sanitize and disinfect bed linens and dinnerware to protect your family from unwanted viruses. Check out the available items from the SM Home catalog:

Clean with style with Eufy HomeVac S11 Go, a cordless and lightweight stick-vacuum cleaner that allows you to maneuver into the corners and around furniture.

Save time from washing the dishes and keep your dinnerware germ-free with Hanabishi

Dishwasher with UV Sterilizer.

Eufy HomeVac H11 is a mini vacuum that offers practical solutions in your home’s cleaning needs.

Let this Eufy RoboVac G10 Hybrid takes charge of mopping and sweeping in half the time as Mom relaxes.

This Crossett Air Purifier is equipped with HEPA filter that ensures cleaner air for your home.

Kokubo Bottle Sponges for long bottle and glasses and dust off the mites from your bed with this Dowell UV Mites Cleaner.

Sanitize and disinfect your home with this Landlite UV- C Sterilizer Portable Lamp and Pocket Stick.

This May, get discounts and online coupons on select home essential items and furniture from SM Home. Shop for your mom and place your order online through the SM Store’s Call to Deliver (#143SM) and ShopSM app. For more info and updates, follow SM Home at the SM Store in Instagram or visit  thesmstore.com website.

 

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Marvel Studios launches Phase 4 with new movies release dates

Marvel Studios celebrates the movies by continuing the saga of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with their updated dates of releases.

We've seen WandaVision and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier which ushered the new phase with exciting movies and stories of the superheroes we all loved. Starting with Black Widow, after a year of delay due to the pandemic, we will finally see Natasha's story. Joined in with Rachel Weisz, Florence Pugh, Robert Downey Jr (Tony Stark) and David Harbour. Opening in theaters, July 9, 2021.

Scarlett Johansson as Natasha

And Shang-Chi: The Legend of the Ten Rings with Simu Liu, Awkwafina as Katy, Michelle Yeoh as Jiang Nan, Florian Munteanu as Razor Fist, Tony Chiu-Wai Leung as Wenwu and more to be released on September 3.

Simu Liu as Shang-Chi

Watch the trailers and see release dates below -- with a touching VO from Stan Lee✝ himself.

We also had a footage of Eternals, featuring Angelina Jolie, Richard Madden, Gemma Chan, Kumail Nanjiani, Ma Dong-Seok, and more. Eternals will be in theaters November 5.

That's not all, Marvel surprised us with a reboot of Fantastic 4 entering the MCU. It's definitely something to watch out for.

We would really hope that the pandemic would be over soon so we'll all be able to see these movies in the theaters. See you at the movies.

 

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