Change That Keeps Hope Alive

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Tomorrow, we will be concluding the six years of the Aquino presidency - six years of hard work for many who joined the campaign to reclaim government institutions from the throes of corruption and impunity. Six years of hard work as well for those who stayed outside, in the ranks of civil society, to offer counsel and critique during the toughest times of the outgoing administration. The past six years gave us much hope that with Aquino’s leadership, we would achieve much and more.

Akbayan Youth witnessed how this hope came to life - from the passage of the SK Reform Law which Akbayan Youth has campaigned for almost two decades, to the implementation of Abot-Alam and expansion of the CCT to cover secondary education to ensure that all young people can get access to education opportunities. We saw the passage of the RH bill and the Sin Tax Law that secure the youth from preventable diseases. We were witness to the government that strived to achieve much and more.

In the last few hours under President Aquino, we thank him for his hard work. He was an imperfect man, his was an imperfect administration. But he stood by us, in a time when we could not fully give our trust to our government.

We thank the people who worked in government, the people who put faith and partook in the project of shaping the government we needed.

And as we say goodbye, we welcome to the new administration under President Rodrigo Duterte. We look forward to having a Philippines where Filipinos especially the youth have secure jobs and incomes, a Philippines were we take care of the environment, a Philippines where there is genuine peace, a Philippines where the LGBT and women have their due space and recognition.

But we stand firm as we engage the new leadership, our new president, and the people who will join him in government, and urge them to move towards deepening democracy and respecting human rights.

Akbayan Youth will continue its work to constructively engage the new dispensation, always mindful of the kind of change we want to advance - a change that is founded on social justice, a change that makes us better persons for each other, a change that will make us truly equal and free.

Suicide Incorporated - A Play to Help Raise Mental Awareness All Set to Open on July 15

Wazzup Pilipinas!

How can a theater company help raise mental health awareness by staging a play that tackles the theme of depression, suicidal tendencies and suicide itself ?????.

Catch Twin Bill Theater’s eye-opening production aimed to shed light and raise awareness on mental health issues to its audiences in “SUICIDE INCORPORATED”--- a 2010 tragicomedy by brilliant Off- Broadway playwright Andrew Hinderaker.

Imagine a world where a company that edits suicide notes exists. Now imagine being part of that company. SUICIDE INCORPORATED centers around a company that makes money by drafting suicide notes. The business is Hallmark gone Wall Street, turning a profit by bullishly pushing its clients to perform the unspeakable. The CEO speaks, in an advertiser’s tongue, about cornering the market by targeting those suicide victims least likely to leave notes: Men. It turns out all these men are emotional mice when it comes to discussing matters of the self.

SUICIDE INCORPORATED will be directed by Steven Conde.

Six topnotch actors coming from different theater backgrounds have bonded together to essay the pivotal roles in this dark comedy exploring the perils of depression, coping with loss, guilt and redemption, 

Darren Espanto Conquers Singapore

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Darren Espanto, the so-called Total Performer, is not only making waves in the Philippines but has been conquering the international scene as well. The most recent, in Singapore.

This kid with amazing pipes recently had a promo tour from June 16 to 19 in Singapore, as his sophomore album "Be With Me" was released in the Lion City under Universal Music Singapore. Darren's day started with radio tours at Singapore's top English stations 987FM and Power 98 as well as a Press Conference at Ngee Ann Polytechnic where he was joined by US singer Greyson Chance and Malaysian girl group De Fam. The next day was spent with interviews with Singapore media then an explosive performance at Universal Music Singapore’s private event where he performed alongside Universal Music artists Greyson Chance (United States), De Fam (Malaysia), Micapella (Singapore) and Gentle Bones (Singapore). He opened the show for Greyson Chance for “A Rooftop Affair” event at MyVillage@Serangoon on the 18th and on the 19th, he formally launched his album “Be With Me” via an album signing session at Junction 8 Mall. Darrenatics in Singapore lined up to have their albums signed till stocks were sold out, as the retailer had to accommodate preorders for the album for fans who wanted to see Darren in the flesh.

“I am so thankful to be given a chance to be in Singapore again this time promoting my album. Never have I imagined that my album will be released on CDs in Singapore and it feels good to be there and meet my Singapore fans,” Darren said.

After Singapore, what’s next? Find out soon.

Aside from promoting the album, Darren also recently held a major concert entitled “D Total Experience” last June 25, 8pm at the Kia Theatre.

"Be With Me" CDs are out under MCA Music, now available at Astroplus and Astrovision outlets. The album can also be downloaded and streamed via Spinnr, iTunes, Apple Music, and Spotify. For inquiries, contact MCA Music artist management at 9162504 local 107 or 0920 9682991 or email mcabookings@umusi.com. For more updates on Darren, like or follow MCA Music via facebook, Instagram (mca_music), Twitter (mca_music), Snapchat (mca_music) or Vine (mca_music).