Tiny Beautiful Things: Finding Familiar Communities with Anonymous Voice

Making its Philippine premiere, TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS: A Play About Life – In Letters will serve as The Sandbox Collective’s season finale this November 2024, capping off the theatrical company’s 10th-year anniversary season, #SandboxNowandTen.

Cast of Tiny Beautiful Things: (L-R) Rody Vera, Ketchup Eusebio, Jenny Jamora, Iza Calzado, Gabby Padilla, Regina De Vera and Brian Sy

Straddling the line between fiction and non-fiction, TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS: A Play About Life – In Letters draws its plot from author Cheryl Strayed’s stint as an anonymous advice columnist. Director Jenny Jamora sought to create a set that was at once nebulous and familiar, while never straying from the physical constraints of Sugar’s apartment, noting the collaborative journey both the actors and the artistic team have taken to create the world of TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS. “How much Sugar shares of herself is reflected in how she and the letter writers share the physical space,” she shares. “The space is physically the same, but toward the end of the play the way they use it should also reflect the community this group of people has become.”

TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS will feature Iza Calzado in the role of Sugar. She will be joined by three other cast members who will portray a revolving door of letter writers, all seeking advice from Calzado’s character. Although the characters maintain anonymity by using code names in their letters, their stories reflect the wide human experience–with all the highs and lows–that will strike a familiar chord with the audience.

Iza Calzado as Sugar

Joining Calzado are Rody Vera, Gabby Padilla and Ketchup Eusebio as the letter writers. Rounding out the cast are Gawad Buhay awardees Regina De Vera and Brian Sy (swing/letter writer at certain performances).

At the helm of the production is Gawad Buhay awardee Jenny Jamora who will be directing the show. Joining her in the artistic team are Marcel David as assistant director, Kayla Teodoro as set designer, Kiefer Sison as lighting and technical director, Arvy Dimaculangan as sound designer, Krystal Kane as costume stylist, and JV Rabano as photographer.

Leading the production team is Toff De Venecia as managing artistic director, alongside Anna Santamaria as finance and operations director, Sab Jose as marketing and PR director, and Maine Manalansan as design director. Joining the production team are Charyl De Guzman as production manager, Pachot Festejo as head stage manager, Loreta Arroyo as marketing and PR manager and Marielle Filoteo as social media manager.

TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. The play is based on the book by Cheryl Strayed, adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos, and was co-conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos.

TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS will run from November 16 to December 8, 2024 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater, Circuit Makati. Friday shows will begin at 8 PM, while Saturday and Sunday shows will run at 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM. 

Tickets are available at Ticket2Me (bit.ly/tinybeautifulmnl) and through our official show buyers.

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Dulaang UP: “Nanay Bangis” fiercely opens this November 2024!

Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas is staging Nanay Bangis as its first offering for its 47th theatre season this November 15 to December 1, 2024. Directed by J. William Herbert Sigmund Go and adapted by Rody Vera from Bertolt Brecht’s “Mother Courage and Her Children,” Nanay Bangis is the story of a mother who loses her children to the conflict between the MNLF and the Philippine army from 1971 to 1981.

 This DUP CLASSICS’ Brechtian staging brings together returning UP alumni, now industry professionals, and young emerging talents from the theater program in this collaboration. Ge Malacaman Villamil leads as Nanay Bangis together with Air Paz, Rona Rostata, and Fred Layno. J. William Herbert Sigmund Go, former Tanghalang Pilipino Artistic Director and Virgin Labfest Co-founder also returns to Dulaang UP as director and mentor for theatre students.

Founded in 1976 by National Artist Tony Mabesa, Dulaang UP serves as the production arm of the UP Department of Speech Communication and Theatre Arts. In its 47th theatre season—subtitled “Amihan at Habagat,” DUP looks into how Filipinos are at the center of political and ecological precarity. Just like the amihan and habagat, this season’s productions show the push and pull in the critical zones of the Philippines today.

Presenting both tradition and innovation, this season introduces two banners under Dulaang UP: DUP CLASSICS and DUP INNOVATE.

Catch Nanay Bangis at the IBG-KAL Theater, University of the Philippines Diliman, on the following dates:

• November 15, 22, 29 (7:30 PM)
• November 16, 23, 30 (2:30 PM & 7:30 PM)
• November 17, 24, December 01 (10:30 AM & 2:30 PM)

For tickets, check [bit.ly/NanayBangisTickets]. PWDs and senior citizens may also enjoy a discounted rate of PHP 800. Regular, non-discounted tickets are also available via TicketMelon [ticketmelon.com/dulaang-up/nanaybangis].

For inquiries on show buying, audience sponsorship, and bulk tickets, contact Christen Perez at dulaangup.marketing.upd@up.edu.ph. Additional information will be posted at the Dulaang UP Facebook page.

*additional contributions by Marc Stanley Mozo and Jonas Gabriel Garcia

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DITO Powers Up Clark International Airport with High-Speed Wi-Fi

Mr. Eric Alberto, DITO Telecommunity Chief Executive Officer with Mr. Noel Manankil, LIPAD President and CEO during the ceremonial turnover of DITO's WiFi services held on November 7

DITO Telecommunity, in partnership with Luzon International Premiere Airport Development (LIPAD) Corporation, elevates the digital experience at Clark International Airport with a PHP 50 million investment in high-speed Wi-Fi services for the next two years. This collaboration aligns with the airport's vision of becoming a world-class air gateway by providing passengers and stakeholders with reliable high-speed internet connectivity powered by DITO's 5G infrastructure.

With the launch of DITO’s free Wi-Fi at Clark International Airport, passengers can experience secure, seamless, and optimized use of fast internet access, letting them stay connected, stream content, and work efficiently before boarding their flights. This connectivity supports the airport's mission to provide domestic and international passengers with a globally competitive travel experience.

DITO Executives, Ret. Maj. Gen. Rodolfo Santiago, Atty. Adel Tamano, Chief Revenue Officer-Enterprise; Mr. Eric Alberto, CEO of DITO Telecommunity with LIPAD Executives, Mr. Noel Manankil, President and CEO; Ms. Gina Gopez, Chief Financial Officer; Ms. Evangeline Tejada, Vice President, and Mr. Dante Basanta, Head of Operations

Eric Alberto, President and CEO of DITO Telecommunity, shared, "At DITO, we are driven by a vision of a brighter future for the Filipino people, powered by our 5G technology. We now serve millions of Filipinos and actively engage in community-building efforts, government programs, and cultural celebrations nationwide. Adding to this mission is to ensure we also provide convenient and accessible internet access to tourism gateways in the country. This partnership with Clark International Airport symbolizes our shared commitment to innovation and excellence, showcasing what we can achieve when we unite our strengths."

Mr. Eric Alberto poses as Clark International Airport is now powered by DITO Telecommunity

To further elevate passengers' experience, DITO deploys working tables, charging stations, and SIM vending machines at key locations inside the airport. Working tables are equipped with charging stations that allow passengers to charge their devices while relaxing or working on the go. Kiosk-type charging stations offer quick and accessible solutions for passengers needing a battery boost for their travels, while SIM card vending machines are also available for travelers to easily purchase DITO SIM cards for reliable connectivity upon arrival.

DITO's live speedtest at Clark Airport with speeds of nearly 150Mbps.

As the travel and tourism industry steadily recovers from the pandemic, DITO is committed to improving services for Filipinos and welcoming tourists to the country. In 2022, Clark International Airport recorded 629,000 international tourists and 140,000 domestic passengers, highlighting its role as a key regional transport hub. This year, the total passenger count is already at 948,608 for the first half and is expected to reach 2 million by year-end.

DITO Telecommunity executives at one of the DITO working stations inside Clark International Airport

By making the internet accessible and inclusive, DITO helps welcome visitors to the Philippines, contributing to the nation's advancement and supporting the growth of the tourism industry. This partnership also indicates DITO's dedication to backing the country's economic progress and recovery post-COVID-19 pandemic.

"As we look ahead, DITO remains committed to bridging the digital divide and contributing meaningfully to the betterment of our nation. Our focus will always be on empowering our fellow Filipinos and ensuring that we uplift our country together. Thank you once again for joining us today as we begin this exciting new chapter. Together, let us embrace the power of connectivity and pave the way for a brighter future for all," Alberto concluded.

DITO is still the #1 Rated Mobile Network in the Philippines based on Ookla Speedtest Intelligence data analysis from Q3-Q4 2024 and Q1-Q2 2024.

For more details about DITO Telecommunity, check out @DITOphofficial on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok or visit https://dito.ph/.

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Ready, set, shop! Enjoy savings of up to Php 70,000 at LG's Online Brand Store 11.11 Mega Sale

Shop ahead for the holidays with exclusive savings on TVs, speakers, monitors, and various appliances such as microwave ovens and air purifiers from November 11 to 17 during the 11.11 Mega Sale at the LG Online Brand Store.

With the use of various coupons, shoppers can get discounts of up to 41% off from regular SRPs. These are just some of the products that can be purchased at slashed prices during the sale:

• 25L NeoChef™ Smart Inverter Objet Microwave Oven in Beige (MS2535GIK) - SRP Php 8,195, slashed price down to Php 6,995
  
  
  
  
  
• LG PuriCare™ Aero Furniture in Cream White (AS20GPHK0) - SRP Php 29,995, slashed price down to Php 19,500
  
  
  
  
  
• LG XBOOM Go XG7QBK - SRP Php 9,490, slashed price down to Php 6,990
  
  
  
  
  
• 31.5" Full HD Curved monitor with AMD FreeSync™ (32MR50C) - SRP Php 13,999, slashed price down to Php 9,995
  
  
  

Get additional savings on top of the slashed prices with the Php 500 Welcome Coupon for New Customers, and the 11.11 Welcome Coupon worth Php 300. Explore the LG Online Brand Store and discover the exciting offers across LG’s products from November 11 to 17 during the 11.11 Mega Sale. https://www.lg.com/ph/

* Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-205273 Series of 2024

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DITO Wins Five Awards at the 21st International Business Awards

DITO Telecommunity, the fastest-growing telco in the country, continues to prove its grounds as it recently bagged five awards at the recently concluded 21st International Business Awards (IBA) held in Istanbul, Turkey.

DITO won two silver awards- Influencer Marketing Campaign of the Year and Communications or PR Campaign of the Year-Social Media-Focused - for its Galing DITO 2024 campaign, which was launched early this year and headlined by the emerging Pinoy Pop boy group Alamat.

Moreover, DITO's commitment to innovation was recognized with three bronze awards- Marketing Disruptor of the Year, User-Centered Redesign Drives Conversions Category: Achievement in User Experience, and Fastest-growing Company of the Year in Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. These awards underscore DITO's relentless pursuit of enhancing connectivity and customer service experience for the Filipino people.

According to Evelyn Jimenez, DITO Chief Revenue Officer for Consumer Business, these internationally acclaimed awards reinforce DITO's position as a dynamic force in the Philippine telecommunications industry.

"As a young telco, we're honored by these global recognitions that not only validate our team's hard work and dedication but also cement our position in the Philippine telco industry," Jimenez said.

"The GalingDITO campaign, which champions Filipino talent and excellence, was one of our key initiatives this year. This campaign is more than just an avenue to spotlight homegrown talents but also a reflection of our continuous commitment towards empowering more Filipinos powered by our inclusive, next-generation technology,” Jimenez added.

The IBA, also known as the "International Stevies," is the world's premier business awards program, recognizing outstanding achievements in various industries worldwide.

For more information, check out @DITOphofficial at Facebook and Instagram or visit https://dito.ph/.

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MGA KUWENTO NI JUAN TAMAD to premiere on November 10

MGA KUWENTO NI JUAN TAMAD is the latest addition to Alice Reyes Dance Philippines' expansive repertoire of Filipino works, this time designed specifically for Children's Dance Theater.

Renzen Arboleda as Juan Tamad

This new offering marks a significant milestone for one of ARDP’s talented choreographers, Erl Sorilla, who has crafted both the book and his first full-length choreography.

The production is brought to life with a captivating musical score by award-winning singer-songwriter Toto Sorioso, and magical sets and costumes designed by the renowned Filipino Director and Broadway Designer, Loy Arcenas.

Under the mentorship of National Artist for Dance, Alice Reyes, and ARDP Artistic Director, Ronelson Yadao, this production promises to be a magical experience for young audiences.

The story follows the adventures of Juan Tamad, the misunderstood boy in town, and his loyal monkey companion, Matsing. Aided by Juan’s unique ability to converse with animals and his innate love for nature, they set out to find the village’s most prized treasure, the fruit of all their hard-work and labor stolen by the greedy ‘Buwaya,’ the ‘Gintong Niyog.’ A challenge he must complete to win the hand of Maria Masipag.

Along his journey, Juan encounters a variety of animals, including those from the stories of ‘Pagong at Kuneho,’ ‘Ang Gamu-gamu at ang Lampara,’ and ‘Buwaya at ang Paboreal.’ Through these encounters, Juan learns valuable moral lessons that guide him on his path. With the help of the animals, Juan grows in character, and ultimately finds the ‘Gintong Niyog.’ Inspired by the classic Filipino children’s stories of ‘Juan Tamad,’ this production brings a new twist to the beloved tales.

The new work will feature ARDP company dancers Renzen Arboleda as the titular Juan Tamad, with Karla Santos as Maria Masipag. Dan Dayo will take on the role of Juan’s trusted sidekick, Matsing, with John Ababon as Pagong, Monica Gana as Kuneho, Earl John Arisola as Buwaya, Krislynne Buri as Paboreal, and Francia Alejandro as Lampara,. Also featured are ARDP trainees Gianna Hervas and Crizza Urmeneta as the Gamu–gamu.

Karla Santos as Maria Masipag

This production is specifically created for students, as it aligns with Grade 1-10 and High School subjects, including Filipino, Arts, Music, Humanities, Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao, Personal Development, Araling Panlipunan, Physical Education. Through dance and storytelling, MGA KUWENTO NI JUAN TAMAD offers an enriching, multidisciplinary educational experience.

MGA KUWENTO NI JUAN TAMAD premieres on November 10, 2024, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater as part of the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Children’s Biennale. Admission is on a Pay-What-You-Can basis. Please stay tuned on Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Social Media Pages for registration links.

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Step into the enchanting world of “Wicked” in the newest featurette

“Oz represents a place of magic, so to be able to invite an audience into this beautiful world is exciting.” Jon M. Chu welcomes fans and moviegoers to the wonderful world of Oz, in the highly anticipated adaptation of the hit musical Wicked, in the newest featurette.

Watch the featurette here:
Cynthia Erivo, who stars as Elphaba, feels that Oz is the land of endless possibilities. “The things you think are impossible, the things you are dreaming about, aren’t impossible at all,” she says.

In the world of Oz, nothing is as straightforward as reality. “Nothing is just one dimension, in the world of Oz,” Erivo explains. “That special magic is palpable,” Jonathan Bailey, who plays Fiyero, adds.

Alongside Erivo is Ariana Grande, who stars as Glinda, and she talks about how their characters both search for their inner magic within this world. “Glinda, just like Elphaba, just wants to find her magic,” she says. Erivo also talks about the power within Elphaba. “It isn’t about relying on someone else, it really is about harnessing the power she has, and figuring out how to use that to do good the way she needs to,” she says.

“That’s the most magical part of the whole thing,” Grande adds.

Tickets out now! Head to your local cinema, or check out their ticketing sites to reserve your seats for Wicked, in Philippine cinemas on November 20.

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