Ballet Philippines Presents Noli-Fili Double Bill this October 21-23

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In Ballet Philippines’ “Crisostomo Ibarra” and “Simoun”, the protagonists of Jose Rizal’s “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo” leap off of the page and onto the CCP Main Theater stage for one weekend only. Both shows feature original music by Jed Balsamo, choreography by Paul Alexander Morales, and the live performance of the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra – a quintet for “Crisostomo Ibarra” and the full orchestra under the baton of Maestro Gerard Salonga for “Simoun”.

Told through the language of dance, the narration takes the audience into the psychological worlds of the novels’ protagonists and strips bare the epic story that underscores the continuing relevance of Rizal’s work. The year 2016 marks the 120th death anniversary of the national hero, and the 125th anniversary of the publication of “El Filibusterismo”. This production is supported by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

Paul Alexander Morales and Jed Balsamo are the moving forces of BP’s “Crisostomo Ibarra” and “Simoun”. They also recently collaborated in Gantimpala Theater Foundation’s “Kanser@30: the Musical”, which Morales choreographed and Balsamo composed music for. 

Premiered in 2010, “Crisostomo Ibarra” highlights the life of an idealist reformer, a man striving to make a change in a society living under corruption and oppression. It takes an introspective look at the life of a hero sacrificing his personal happiness for love of country. The ballet was awarded the distinction of Outstanding Dance Production at the 2010 Philstage Gawad Buhay Awards.

“Simoun” is a world premiere, presenting a fresh take on the motivations, dreams, and fears of the cynical and vengeful lead character described as a saboteur, giving insight and depth to his actions. The ballet highlights themes that are still palpable and relevant to today’s audiences – cynicism versus hope and the constant challenge of stagnation or change and revolution.

Top-billing “Simoun” are Ballet Philippines dancers Jean Marc Cordero, Denise Parungao, Rita Angela Winder, Erl Sorilla, Garry Corpuz, and Jemima Reyes. “Crisostomo Ibarra” features Victor Maguad, Monica Amanda Gana, Jessa Tangalin, Eugene Obille, Ramon Victoria, and Ballet Philippines II.

“Crisostomo Ibarra” will be performed on October 21 at 3:00PM, October 22 at 2:00PM, and October 23 at 10:00AM, and “Simoun” on October 21 at 8:00PM, October 22 at 6:00PM, and October 23 at 3:00PM at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater). Ticket prices range from Php 2000 to Php 300, with discounts for students, senior citizens, and government employees.

Connect to Ballet Philippines online through the following social media networks:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/balletphilippines
Twitter: @balletph
Instagram: @balletphilippines
YouTube: balletph

To join in the Ballet Philippines conversation, use our official hashtags: #balletph, #CrisostomoIbarra, #Simoun

Berlin-Based Violin Virtuoso Iskandar Widjaja And World-Renowned Pianist Itamar Golan Comes to Manila for the First Time in “ Passion Flight ” on November 30

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Philippine Suzuki Association (PSA) proudly presents the one-night-only first Philippine concert titled " PASSION FLIGHT” featuring ISKANDAR WIDJAJA, Berlin-based violin virtuoso and ITAMAR GOLAN, world-renowned collaborating pianist on November 30 at 4 pm - Fleur de Lis Theater, St. Paul University Manila, Pedro Gil, Malate.

" PASSION FLIGHT " is a Fundraising Concert of the benefit of PSA Teacher Development Program, Scholarships, and the forthcoming 2018 Asia Region Suzuki Conference in Manila.

Born in Berlin, Iskandar Widjaja began playing violin at the age of four, at first with the Suzuki method under Susan Mann. At eleven, he was accepted as an extraordinary student at the College of Music in Berlin, where he studied with Ursula Scholz and Joachim Hantzschk. Furthermore, he studied at the Julius Stern Institute Berlin– the pre-college division for the highly musically gifted. After completing secondary school, he studied violin at the University of the Arts in Berlin with Prof. Uwe-Martin Haiberg and Prof. Ilan Gronich, which he completed in 2010.

Iskandar’s debut CD “Bach ‘n’ Blues” was released worldwide by OehmsClassics in 2011 to great critical acclaim by press and recommendation by Bavarian, Hesse, and Northgerman broadcast.

His second album ,"Precious Refuge-Works by J.S.Bach", recorded with the Berliner Camerata, was released in April 2014 with notable reviews and recommendations by FonoForum, NDR, BR Klassik, Deutschlandradio Kultur, the Strad, Pizzicato magazine and was named "CD of the month" by Rondo magazine.

Tatlong Linggong Pag-Ibig All Set to Open on Nov. 11

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Naaalala mo ba yung tamis ng unang halik ? Eh yung pait ng una ‘mong break-up ? Yung first date mo ? Yung huling beses na masaya kayo ? Yung maliliit na away na biglang lumalaki? Nung tight budget ang dates niyo pero ang saya-saya niyo parin ? Hayaan niyong iparanas namin sa inyo ang first love, first break-up, first toot, first away, at lahat ng iba ‘pang first sa inyong buhay pag-ibig. Sama-sama tayong maglakbay sa nakaraan, kasalukuyan at hinaharap. Umiyak, Tumawa, Magwala, Humugot, Ma-sawi, Mag-reminisce, at Mag-ultimatum kayo sa pinakabagong handog ng DALANGHITA PRODUCTIONS.

Tunghayan ang inyong Past, Present at Future selves sa usapin ng pag-ibig! Sama-sama tayong umibig sa loob lamang ng tatlong linggo. Oo, Tatlong linggo lang!

Dalanghita Productions proudly presents its 2016 production “Tatlong Linggong Pag-ibig” – a three weekend theater treat of six original one-act Filipino productions in a musical or a play featuring the country’s noted playwrights, directors, musical directors and actors.

“Tatlong Linggong Pag-ibig” is set to open on November 11 and shall run until November 27 at Power Mac Center Spotlight - Level 2, Circuit Lane, Circuit Makati, A.P. Reyes Ave., Brgy. Big Carmona, Makati City.