Sheila Francisco, Michael Williams and Bituin Escalante in Triple Threats

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Performing artists Sheila Francisco, Michael Williams and Bituin Escalante headline in TRIPLE THREATS: Leading Men and Women of Philippine Musical Theater from August to October 2014 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater) at 7:30pm. This event comes after the successful series run in 2013 that featured Nonie Buencamino, Audie Gemora and Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo.

TRIPLE THREATS: Leading Men and Women of Philippine Musical Theater is a series of solo concerts featuring the stalwarts of Philippine Musical Theater. Each concert is an intimate evening of beautiful music, personally selected by the artists themselves, from their vast repertoire of favorite songs from Broadway, West End, original Filipino musicals and the movies. Dubbed as a series of “concept concerts”, the narrative of the performance is dictated by the song choices. It is a rare opportunity for the audience to see a different facet of the acclaimed theater, television and film artist being featured. The definition of a “triple threat” is someone in a particular field who exhibits the three skills that are necessary to excel – can act, can sing and can dance.

Opening the series on August 21, 2014 is acclaimed stage actress Sheila Francisco in her first solo concert entitled “Once in a Lifetime”. She was handpicked by no less than Sir Trevor Nunn to play Bloody Mary in the Royal National Theatre’s production of “South Pacific” in 2002. She is the first Filipino to perform in the prestigious Olivier Theatre to rave reviews. After five years, Sheila reprised her role as Bloody Mary in UK Productions’ “South Pacific” (UK tour). In the last four years, she starred in Singapore’s most successful musicals: “Forbidden City – Portrait of an Empress”, “Twist of Fate” and “Snow Queen”. Sheila has performed in Japan, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Malaysia and Brunei. Back in Manila she did Mother Abbess in “Sound of Music”, Dolores in “Rivalry” and the wacky Flora in “No Way to Treat a Lady”. In 2013, she played the role of The Queen in Resorts World’s production of “Cinderella”. She also starred in Repertory Philippines’s production of “August: Osage County” under the direction of Chris Millado.

Stella Abrera: Filipina Soloist of American Ballet Theater to Perform as Giselle on September 19 Gala

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Ballet Philippines, the country’s premier classical and contemporary dance company proudly announces the return of “ GISELLE ” from September 19 - 21, 2014 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines -Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater).

Touted as one of ballet’s greatest, “ Giselle” is a classical romantic tragedy of loss, forgiveness, and love beyond death. Her story is a familiar one – two men are in love with her, but she chooses to surrender her heart to Albrecht, the suave newcomer who, as Giselle later finds out, is engaged to be married.

Ignoring her own suspicions and the well-meaning advice of Hilarion, her other suitor, Giselle eventually discovers the truth and ultimately, her heartbreak results in her demise. Yet she chooses to forgive her lover and save his life.

Re-staged by Nonoy Froilan, the Philippines’ premier danseur, GISELLE starts off the Blue Moon Series, a two-week mini festival celebrating the Ballet Company’s sapphire milestone.

Fresh from their recently-concluded performances in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia are guest artists from the American Ballet Theater Soloist Stella Abrera and Principal Dancer James Whiteside essaying the roles of Giselle and Albrecht respectively.

Infinity Resort: The Finest Accommodation in Puerto Galera

Wazzup Pilipinas!

To continue with our Puerto Galera adventure where we visited the Infinity Resort, we found ourselves in an almost paradise-like environment where the resort is surrounded by the natural beauty of the mountains and the sea.

The owner of the resort did not go stingy on making this place a wondrous work of art. From the gate of the resort to the facade of the buildings, their architectural designs are modern yet embracing a cultural perspective. We all swooned over the spectacular 400 sq. meter picturesque infinity pool, their soothing spa treatments at their Malasimbo Spa, plus the other amenities within this 2 hectare property. But the fascination doesn't end there.

You'll see different kinds of wood used in the creation of these masterpieces indicating how the owners appreciate mostly natural materials in the construction of their resort. Words are not enough to fully express how amazing these structures are because every building stands proud with great character of its own.

If you were amazed of the lavish exteriors, wait until you see the insides of the villas or rooms. This makes the 20 well-appointed accommodations equally admirable for a very comfortable and cozy stay over the weekend or for several days just to let loose and enjoy the pleasures of life made more beautifully when you stay at Infinity Resort.