About the author It feels great to be onboard CarouselPinoy.Com! And I’d like to share this great feeling to all the loyal followers of this widely-read Pinoy Entertainment Portal in the US! For the past 12 years, I’ve been writing, handling public relations (PR) projects, and even teaching the science of PR to prospective practitioners at De La Salle University-Manila. It started out really serious for me as young professional to be handling corporate PR accounts for Pepsi Philippines, Dao Heng Bank, PICOP Resources, and some land and investment holdings in the first 8 years of my practice. I definitely learned a lot from the experience. But, hey, I feel I needed to let my hair down! Heaven-sent Philippine theater stalwarts Bart Guingona (Actor’s Actors Inc.) and Audie Gemora (STAGES) came into the picture to “rescue” me. I tried it out first as a freelance publicist to Guingona and Gemora’s theatrical production of Off Broadway hit “The Last Five Years.” The theater bug finally bit me and ‘til now I’m handling a huge slice of the pie of the biggest theater shows in the Philippines like Trumpets’ productions of “Mr. Noah’s Big Boat,” and “Joseph the Dreamer;” Actors’ Actors Inc.’s productions of Broadway shows “Oleanna,” “Art,” “Once On This Island,” and “Death and the Maiden;” Dulaang UP’s grand production of “St. Louis Loves Dem Filipinos;” and of course my homebase – STAGES’ production of hit Broadway musical “Footloose,” and the upcoming full stage production of Disney’s “High School Musical.” Moreover, my post in STAGES as resident publicist and PR consultant, has been paving the way for me to work on the publicity needs of big mainstream artists such as Christian Bautista, Gary Valenciano, “Little Big Star” grand prize winner Sam Concepcion, Heart Evangelista, Rachelle Ann Go, Bituin Escalante, Lara Fabregas, Franco Laurel, Philippines’ premier rock band The Dawn, among others. The chance to also work on the much-needed publicity for independent films like Clodualdo del Mundo's “Maid In Singapore,” and “Pepot Superstar,” Denisa Reyes and Mark Gary’s “Sandalang Bahay, and more recently Adolf Alix’s “Donsol,” and Mike Sandejas’ “Tulad Ng Dati came into my way. PR works for marine resources and whale shark (butanding) conservation in partnership with Greenpeace Philippines, and underwater cinematographer Carina Escudero have definitely fueled in more passion into my practice. When Carousel Pinoy’s publisher Terry Badiola offered me a column space on his highly popular portal, I just couldn’t say no. I firmly believe that the Philippines has been blessed with amazing talents, arts and culture, travel destinations and marine resources; and the rest of the world must know that. Sadly, most of our kababayans in the US are not even aware of these amazing tidbits about the Philippines. I hope that my column “STAGESCOPE” will be a worthy expanded avenue for our kababayans in the US and for that matter all over the world to appreciate more of the Philippines. The Philippines is not as bad as what you read in the papers or watch on TV. Allow me tell you the other side of the story. I urge you to read on, and the great wonders of the Philippines will unfold. God Bless. I love the Philippines. Oliver Oliveros stages_pr@i-manila.com.ph Dante Nico Garcia, a proud Cuyonon behind 'Ploning' May 14, 2008 When "Ploning" opened in cinemas a few weeks ago, which also celebrated Judy Ann Santos' 30th birthday, moviegoers has been curious about the director, Dante Nico Garcia. "Before I was given the project, I was asked by my director-friends and producers "what is the one and only film that you want to do in your life?" My answer was "Ploning." It's the story of my hometown, my youth, and my life," Garcia said. Garcia is native of Cuyo, an island in southernmost part of Palawan. "Ploning" is a story he developed from a Cuyonon folk song of the same title. It tells the sad tale of a Cuyonon lady who has been waiting for the man she loves for many years. It was said that the man left for the city with a promise to return but never did. Ploning refuses to love again and continues to wait. "I've proposed it to Judy Ann about eight years ago, when she was doing films she said she didn't like. I think it was election time and she was doing campaign materials. More so, her contemporaries were into serious roles and sensible films already so she asked me to come up with a serious storyline that will make a memorable role for her," Garcia recalled. Believe it or not, Garcia developed the storyline of "Ploning" by hearing stories from the old maid-nurses in Cuyo's one and only hospital. "When I was a child, we lived in a house beside the town's hospital. My mother, who went to Manila to deliver seaweeds and other marine products, used to "deposit" me in a nearby hospital. I was left under the care of these old, single nurses. Unknown to them, I listened to their "chismisan'" and from their tales, I came up with a longer story concept for Ploning." Garcia stayed and lived in Cuyo until sixth grade but those years were very memorable for him. He recalled how he savored the movies on betamax tapes that influenced his love for filmmaking, with special focus on production design. He recalled memorable titles like "The Sound of Music" and the James Bond series. Among the locals, he credited the fantasy films of Mike Relon Makiling and something like "Pepeng Shotgun," starring Rudy Fernandez. For purists, these may not be the usual opus that a filmmaker would mention to impress viewers but Garcia was honest enough to admit it, though he was quick to add, "What can I do, there were only about ten available betamax tapes we watched for one month." In high school, he studied in San Sebastian College in Manila, where his fate to enter the world of showbiz and filmmaking started. "I met Gladys Reyes there. We were part of this book lover's club, where I served as president," he recalled with fondness, "Eventually, it was she who introduced me to Judy Ann." From then on, his friendship with Judy Ann was nurtured. "During her Mara Clara days, we would wait outside the set, sitting on the cold pavement from midnight till daybreak. We would talk a lot about anything under the moon. I know everything about her, including her love life," he revealed and quickly added, "which you will see in 'Ploning.'" He proposed the story to acclaimed director Joyce Bernal but she declined, saying only he can direct "Ploning." In preparation, he attended a crash course in scriptwriting and filmmaking under the veteran Armando Lao. Garcia spent 20 days in Palawan to write the script. For the shooting phase, he spend 36 days spread in two months. It was rather fast for a neophyte director but with all the cast in one island, there were no distractions. And all's well that ends well. "…Notwithstanding the many difficulties attendant to the making of a film in a predominantly-island setting and with the remoteness of Cuyo, the producers, director and the entire cast of "Ploning" laboriously went into the filming of what can be considered as a true "Cuyuno" film," cited in a resolution by the Government of Palawan. "Ploning" is still showing in SM Megamall, Fairview and Bacoor, Sta. Lucia and Ever Gotesco malls, and some provincial theaters. Visit www.ploningthemovie.com. The Standards…In Bituin May 7, 2008 The timelessness of the world's most beloved standards comes flaringly back to life with the soulful rendition of one of today's most respected vocal talents, Bituin Escalante. Join her at the Captain's Bar, Mandarin Oriental Hotel on May 17 and 24, 9 p.m., in her solo concert series "The Standards… In Bituin." Listen to the classics and flow back through memory and time. Let Bituin bring back the good old days of music as she takes on the songs of Billie Holiday, Janet Siegel, Tony Bennett, and the many others that ushered in the golden age of jazz. Tickets are available at selected National Book Store branches, selected major Robinsons Department Stores, Greenbelt 1 and Glorietta 1 Ticket World offices. Call 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph or call the Mandarin Oriental 750-8888 loc. 2446. Tickets are at P1,000 and P800. For queries, you may contact Oliver Oliveros, Senior Public Relations Officer/Consultant, STAGES, at tel. no. 818-1111 loc. 225, mobile no. 0928-7725254, email add. stages_pr@i-manila.com.ph or web site http://oliverpublicist.blogspot.com "Ploning: The Making" book launch May 4, 2008 Real-life sweethearts Ryan Agoncillo and Judy Ann Santos formally launched "Ploning: The Making," a coffee-table book featuring black and white photographs of Agoncillo, at M Café, Ayala Museum on Sunday night. With foreword by Tony Mabesa, and main text by film director Dante Nico Garcia, the book is a perfect companion to the Graded A film "Ploning," which will be shown in more cineplexes this week, including SM Cinemas, Robinson's Galleria and Ermita, Metro East, Ever Gotesco, Sta. Lucia malls, plus various provincial theaters. The book includes about 200 photographs taken during the film's principal photography on Cuyo Island, Palawan. "Ploning: The Making" is one of Agoncillo's many gifts to his girlfriend who's turning 30 on May 11. The book is available in the flower shop of Roberto Antonio at Sgt. Esguerra Street, Quezon City with telephone numbers 4260119 and 9270332. More sales outlets will be announced on the film's web site at www.ploningthemovie.com. For queries, you may contact Oliver Oliveros, Senior Public Relations Officer/Consultant, STAGES, at tel. no. 818-1111 loc. 225, mobile no. 0928-7725254, email add. stages_pr@i-manila.com.ph or web site http://oliverpublicist.blogspot.com Judy Ann Santos and friends go all-out for 'Ploning' April 21, 2008 First-time film producers Judy Ann Santos and Panoramanila Pictures Co., cast and crew, friends from local show business, and fans go all-out support for the film "Ploning." From contributing personal investments to committing time to promote the film on two major TV networks, in the malls, and on the Internet, the support from these people seems extra-special. "Ploning" is beyond the common undertaking for this is Judy Ann's 30th birthday film project. Aside from taking part in the story conceptualization, "Ploning" also brings many firsts for its lead actress, making things even more special for the birthday girl. This is the first time for Judy Ann not to have a leading man. This is her first attempt to shoot using live sound, because in all her other film projects, she would normally dub in post-production. This is Judy Ann's first time to release a film with a tie-in coffee table book, among others. Perhaps the most interesting 'first' for Judy Ann though is learning a new dialect. Since the whole film is shot in Cuyo, Palawan, and it's inspired by the popular Cuyonon folk song, "Ploning," Judy Ann was asked to learn Cuyonon. "When we were learning Cuyonon," she shares, "we had to understand what we were talking about because we needed to convey the right emotions of the characters. We had to learn the intonation, and how they (the locals) deliver the lines if they were to say the dialogues." Judy Ann was given a CD to listen to for the accent and intonation familiarization, but she says, "I even got more confused listening to it, because Cuyonon sounds like German. But when I reached Cuyo to start shooting, I got immersed in the environment and got to interact with the local people. It made learning Cuyonon a lot easier." "Ploning" is 40% in Cuyonon , and 60% in Tagalog. Ploning is a beautiful woman who patiently waits and holds on to the promise of her beloved's return. "Ploning" is a story of loving and waiting, of healing and forgiving. Playing the role of Ploning also didn't come easy for Judy Ann. The character requires her to be timid, and not to smile and talk too much. She must be able to communicate her emotions and reactions through her eyes and actions only. "This is very far from the real Judy Ann," she says laughingly. "There was even a scene that I had to postpone shooting because I felt that I couldn't deliver it that day. It's the esposada (bridal shower) scene, which is the most important scene in "Ploning." I had to study it for a day. But when I finished shooting all the sequences after three nights, I wanted to cry because I was able to deliver what the director wanted in one of the most difficult scenes in the movie." "Ploning" is directed by Dante Nico Garcia, a production designer in ABS-CBN, who is also one of Judy Ann's best friends. While Judy Ann feels comfortable and happy with the idea that she'll be working with her best pal, Direk Ga (as he is often called), she also feels nervous. "I really thought it would be easy working with people I'm very close to, but it's difficult to become Ploning when you are surrounded by your friends. The "real you" tries to outshine the role you are portraying, especially since Ploning and I are really opposites." Despite what Judy Ann says about the polar differences between Ploning and her, she actually had a hand in the characterization of her role. Even if Ploning is based on real life people, she was still able to provide her own insights and creative input in the filming process. "The character of Ploning is actually based on three special women closest to Ga's heart," Judy Ann reveals, "his grandmother, surrogate mother, an real (biological) mother. I already know Ga's real mother so I just met with his surrogate mother when I got to Cuyo. Judy Ann was also able to meet the real Nanay Juaning who is played by comedienne Eugene Domingo. "And the character of Digo is the young lad Ga in real life," she discloses with a smile. While Judy Ann was filming "Ploning." her very supportive boyfriend, Ryan Agoncillo, was also shooting behind the scenes as part of the "Ploning" coffee table book that he is doing. This could also be considered a first in Philippine cinema that a film is accompanied by a book. Real-life friend Ogie Alcasid also composed a love ditty for "Ploning." "Ploning" is more than just an inspiration of the folk song. It's a collective story of personal recollections of heartaches, memories, and friendships. "It's a film coming from the heart," adds Judy Ann. "When I was reading the whole script, I was laughing hard, because most of the scenes actually happened to us some years back. But ironically, after other people have read the script, they said that it made them cry. The selfless contribution of every person involved in the film is born out of genuine friendship." "Ploning" is one project that she really wants to do. "I think it's about time that I choose films that I want and don't want to do," she shares. "It's not really about being a diva or star, but it's about developing my craft as an artist." This is also why she has agreed to co-produce the film through an equity-sharing scheme. "For now, Ms. Santos and our key production staff are enjoying this kind of arrangement," says Jourdan Sebastian, executive creative producer. When the film earns, the investors also earn based on the shares allotted to them. Judy Ann shares the billing with a powerhouse cast and real-life friends in "Ploning." Gina Pareno, Mylene Dizon, Meryll Soriano, Ces Quesada, Tony Mabesa, Crispin Pineda, Eugene Domingo, Tessie Tomas, Ketchup Eusebio, Ronnie Lazaro, Joel Torre, Beth Tamayo, Jojit Lorenzo, Spanky Manikan, and local actors Cedric Amit, Lucas Agustin, Ogoy Agustin, Boodge Fernandez make up this dream project of Judy Ann and Panoramanila. Catch "Ploning" in your favorite theaters as it opens on April 30, 2008. See the beauty of Philippines beyond its third world poverty, and experience a "labor of love" in a different light through the eyes of Ploning. Visit http://www.ploningthemovie.com For queries, you may contact Oliver Oliveros, Senior Public Relations Officer/Consultant, STAGES, at tel. no. 818-1111 loc. 225, mobile no. 0928-7725254, email add. stages_pr@i-manila.com.ph or web site http://oliverpublicist.blogspot.com Arnee Hidalgo launches "You Got It All" deluxe edition CD April 11, 2008 RnB vocalist Arnee Hidalgo launched her "You Got It All" deluxe edition album at Eastwood City in Libis last weekend. Arnee aptly started off the night by singing her single, "You Got It All," which was followed by another ditty from the album,"What Might Have Been." In between Arnee's spots, disc jockeys from Magic 89.9 enumerated top five things about Arnee while her brother, Jeffrey Hidalgo (the show's producer and director), talked more about Arnee by showing snippets of her past and new music videos. Arnee went up the stage again and sang "Cold Summer Nights." Originally released by rapper Francis M., this song catapulted Arnee to fame as the Philippines' RnB siren in 2003. She then performed a heartrending version of Chris Walker's "How Do You Heal A Broken Heart?," which is a new song addition to her repackaged album. A medley of songs from Arnee's favorite RnB/pop singers – "Big Girls Don't Cry" (Fergie), "Irreplaceable" (Beyoncé), "No One" (Alicia Keys), and "Umbrella" (Rihanna) - sung as a duet with Kris Lawrence - delighted the Eastwood City crowd. Afterwards, Arnee rendered her carrier single called "I Try." Originally by Macy Gray, Arnee made the song her own by belting out notes that sent goose bumps on everyone. She then slowed down with "Again," a Janet Jackson-original. Arnee also did a medley of popular tunes, which included "So Sick," "Don't Matter," and "Beautiful Girls." Apart from singing, Arnee is currently working as Vice President for Finance of the family's business: Cutting Edge Asia Products, makers of "Mismo." She is also about to enter her senior year at the Southville International School, where she is pursuing her degree in Business Administration. Discovering Cuyo, Palawan April 10, 2008 Palawan is made up of 1,768 islands, is the second largest province of the Philippines. Its total land area is spread between the main island where Puerto Princesa, the capital city, is located and among the peripheral islands of Busuanga, Culion, Linacapan, Dumaran, Cagayanes, Balabac and group of about 40 islets and islands collectively known as Cuyo. Cuyo is divided into two island groups. Up north is the Quiniluban group to which Pamalican island where the 89-hectare, ultra-exclusive Amanpulo Resort belongs. To the south are the Cuyo islands, where the village of Cuyo is located. An hour and 30 minutes by air and 24 hours by sea from Manila, Cuyo is a 4th class municipality composed of 17 barangays. With a population of 18,257 people (2000 census), it is one of the unexploited islands in the country. Home to a fort—which shelters a church and a convent in its high stone walls—constructed during the Spanish period to protect its population from Moro Pirates, Cuyo has one of the most ancient forts in the Philippines. Incidentally, Cuyo became the second capital of Palawan from 1873 to 1903. An island where flowers do not grow due to the coastal climate and strong seasonal winds, Cuyo is nonetheless a place blessed with nature's beauty. Secluded and quiet, it is covered with cashew and coconut trees that gracefully sway to the wind. Thick clumps of bamboo abound. And of course, the vast blue seas—home to a myriad of corals and sea creatures— that seem extend to eternity. The island would appeal to hardy, outdoor types of people who enjoy taking walks, swimming and discovering a unique local culture, rather than indulging in material pleasures. And forget five-star hotels; there is only one on the island—Cuyo Place. Cuyonons live on the basics and hardly complain. They are very resourceful and have found ways to make the best of what they have like making tuba from coconut and cashew brittle their specialties. Life is slow, timeless and the epitome of "rural living" in its simplicity, the kind that grows on people who visit the island. In fact, during the filming of Judy Ann Santos' highly anticipated film "Ploning," the staff and crew had a blast making bonfires and feasting on banana-cue (skewered bananas cooked in oil), kamote-cue (skewered sweet potatoes cooked in oil and coated with a little sugar) and small crabs called peye laid on banana leaves. The film's actors instantly fell in love with the place. Judy Ann , Mylene Dizon, Meryll Soriano and Ces Quesada even called themselves adopted daughters of Cuyo. "Ploning," shot entirely on the island uses some of the lovely town's areas as sets— the unfinished pier served as the waiting place of Ploning (played by Judy Ann), basketball court of Igabas served as the place where Rodrigo (played by first-time actor Cedric Amit) and Celeste (played by Mylene) meet for the first time, and the Intigban beach where Ploning and Rodrigo walk while holding hands among others. Further, unique practices of Cuyo like making cashew nut brittle and harvesting salt will also be shown in the movie. Panoramanila Pictures Co., the film's producer, took great pains to ensure the authenticity of the film and in fact, 40 percent of the movie will be in the Cuyonon dialect. Screenplay writer and director Dante Nico Garcia, a native of Cuyo, made sure to bring out what are socially and culturally unique about the islands. There is nothing to be lost in Cuyo except perhaps one's heart. Its untouched beaches, gracious townsfolk and simple life are its gems. Rare are places where the concept of excessive materialism does not exist yet people are thankful and welcoming, where happiness is equated with putting value on love and life, and living means working with nature and not trying to change it. Cuyo is also ideal for kite flying and windsurfing for those tired of the overcrowded Boracay. If only for these things, Cuyo is a traveler's dream. For queries, you may contact Oliver Oliveros, Senior Public Relations Officer/Consultant, STAGES, at tel. no. 818-1111 loc. 225, mobile no. 0928-7725254, email add. stages_pr@i-manila.com.ph or web site http://oliverpublicist.blogspot.com Sam Concepcion: MYX's youngest 'favorite new artist' April 5, 2008 Multimedia star Sam Concepcion recently bagged the 2008 MYX Music Awards' Favorite New Artist title. The 15-year old singer is the youngest recipient of the award, to-date, and a runaway winner garnering a majority of MYX viewers' votes in the said category. "I am very happy to receive this award and I know I have to work harder. Thanks to the Samsters (Sam's fans), for their time and resources," declares Sam. Songs from his self-titled debut album continue to enjoy warm reception in MYX's daily countdown. His recent award gives a strong boost to his career as a STAGES/Star Magic talent, as Sam equally loves acting and singing on stage or on television. Even if he is the youngest MYX Favorite New Artist, Sam has taken on some big responsibilities of his own. With his current role as DepEd's spokesperson for the youth, Sam has just finished touring some 40 schools nationwide, inspiring young people to excel in school. He is also the celebrity spokesperson for b4usurf.org's online campaign promoting cyber-ethics and cyber-safety among young Internet surfers. Sam's latest single from his album, "I'll Find Your Heart," is still playing on MYX. Panoramanila makes its first film, 'Ploning' Updated April 4, 2008 Panoramanila Pictures Co. "Ploning" starring Ms. Judy Ann Santos www.ploningthemovie.com Philippine Premiere (Filipino Subtitles) April 26, 2008 Philippine Theatrical Run April 30, 2008 World Premiere (English Subtitles) Manila, Philippines May 10, 2008 Cuyo, Puerto Princesa, New York,London, Dubai, Singapore May 2008 Panoramanila Pictures Co., a new film outfit composed of young Filipino filmmakers emerging from both independent and commercial film industries, is looking forward to the Philippine and international premiere of its first feature film, "Ploning." The film, shot entirely in Cuyo Island, Palawan, stars popular Filipino actress Judy Ann Santos. Panoramanila fuses independent cinema spirit with commercial filmmaking sensibilities. It has its sight on an emerging inspired age of Philippine Cinema with creative and production excellence, elevating the industry as a major player in the Asian Region. The new company is committed in producing feature films that are values laden, culturally rich, well acted, fully marketed and business driven. And to address capital constraints, it developed an equity-sharing scheme (joint venture agreements) among its cast and key production staff and raised funds through investors, mostly private individuals. When the film earns, the investors also reap profit based on the shares allotted to them. "For now, Ms. Santos and our key production staff are enjoying this kind of arrangement," said Jourdan Sebastian, executive creative producer. Popular Cuyonon folk song, "Ploning" is the main inspiration for the film. It presents the story of a Cuyonon woman's promise, her struggle with hope and love told from the point of view of a young boy. "For this maiden project, Panoramanila intends to portray a more beautiful and scenic Philippines. It wants to veer away from the stereotype images of third world poverty, sex and gambling trade and violence proliferating from current crop of Filipino films recognized in international film festivals," added Sebastian. There has been a dip in mainstream film productions in the late '90s to the present, which prompted the renaissance of independently produced local films. With ready access to more affordable video and new media technologies, more and more of the Philippines' independently produced films, mostly in digital format, are exhibited in a number of international film festivals. But most of these films were made with no sound business plan intact. Most of the filmmakers behind these films would naturally go back to square one, scavenging necessary funds for their next film. Panoramanila looks into long-term and sustained business strategies in order for the film outfit to produce more cultural and values laden films in the coming years. "Ploning" is independently produced but will be marketed and distributed commercially in the Philippines and internationally. It is shot with live sound and in the traditional 35mm film format. "Ploning" coincides its lead actress' 30th birthday and opens in cinemas across the Philippines on April 30. Watch 'Ploning' teaser/trailer on YouTube For more information about the film, visit www.ploningthemovie.com. The CompanY 'gives back' in summer workshop March 26, 2008 Twenty-three years in the music business has taught Moy Ortiz, Annie Quintos, Sweet Plantado, Cecile Bautista and Jay Marquez-collectively known as The CompanY-a lot of things, which they are eager to pass on to the next generation of performers this summer through Trumpets Musicademy's "Star Power" workshop. "Star Power" workshop is not a basic voice workshop. Rather, it will teach students how to enhance the other aspects of live performance, from writing and delivering spiels to imaging. It will also touch on managing finances, bookings, dealing with the media, repertoire-building, microphone techniques, staging and choreography, and even recording a demo. In short, if you intend to make singing a career-and want to become successful at it-these are things you need to learn to acquire true 'star power'. Classes will be held at The Podium and will run from April 2 to May 31 and will be open to teens and adults who should already have had the benefit of basic vocal training in pop singing, whether it's R n B, standards, or straight up pop-jazz. Explains Moy: "What we're going to be doing here is more along the lines of a master class. It's more of mentoring, of shaping the song and giving advice. It's very hands-on. We want to make them [the students] aware of what they're up against, and what it takes to succeed at a singing career." All the members of The CompanY agree that they have indeed learned a lot in the more than two decades that they've been in the business. "It takes a lot of hard work and vision," says Annie. "Also passion," says Cecile. "Along the way, there have been lots of challenges. Fortunately, for us, Moy has that vision, and he has enough passion for all of us." Adds Moy: "Basically, it's a combination of persistence and vision. Plus you've got to work hard and be willing to go the extra mile. Siyempre, nandiyan na rin yung talent. You have to have talent to give-and to that, you add the hard work and vision." That, in a nutshell, is what they will be passing on to their students in the "Star Power" workshop. They are eager to start the workshops, having had a taste of it when they became 'teachers' during the first season of Pinoy Dream Academy (PDA), whose second season is about to be launched by ABS-CBN. There is so much to learn, says Moy, that there are even plans for the workshop to have a Part Two once Part One gets off the ground. So if you want to learn how to be a star this summer, sign up for The CompanY and Trumpets Musicademy's "Star Power" workshop. For details, visit or call Trumpets Musicademy, 5/F, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, 636-2842 or 0917-896-4034. You can also check web site www.trumpetsplayshop.com. Christian and Sarah on 'Balitang America' March 25, 2008 Christian Bautista and Sarah Geronimo were recently featured in Gel Santos' television program "Balitang America" on TFC. The singers talked about their concerts in the US dubbed "Night of the Champions" in Houston, Texas on March 29 and Anaheim, California on March 30. Christian and Sarah, together with fellow singing champions Rachelle Ann Go and Mark Bautista, just finished their 3-week concert tour in Canada. Christian shared to "Balitang America" viewers that he will star in the Manila production of Broadway musical "West Side Story." Auditions for principal and supporting cast will be held on March 29 to 30, whereas Sarah announced her upcoming film project that Viva and Star Cinema will be producing this year. Growing Up with Playshop March 23, 2008 Trumpets Playshop, the trusted name when it comes to honing young talents through various arts workshops, celebrates its 15th year this summer. Looking back at all its fruitful years, Playshop has earned the loyalty of its "regulars" - Sam, Cheska, Micah and Mikki. What keeps them coming back every year is no longer a secret. Sam Concepcion, now 15, started attending Playshop classes when he was just 8. He is now a STAGES/Star Magic talent; has appeared in numerous commercials and shows; and made it to his first solo album under Universal Records. Sam is thankful for Playshop because it has helped him enter mainstream entertainment. "Playshop has taught me and is still teaching me how to have longevity as a performer whether on stage or on television." Sam cannot forget the time he learned about the dictum, "Practice makes Permanent." Sam claims, "Practice doesn't make everything perfect. But I always remember that if you keep on practicing one thing, whether you have the right or wrong technique, that's what you'd keep on doing. That's why I value my lessons at Playshop because they show me the right techniques." Cheska Ortega, STAGES/Viva's new artist, started going to Playshop when she was just in grade school. She did not even like theater back then. She has been an incurably shy kid and will not even talk in class, but not after the summer she went to Playshop. Looking back, "Playshop made me realize that there's no need to be shy at all, but instead, I should shine." At 15, Cheska has played Gabriella on the stage production of Disney's "High School Musical;" has starred in several stage plays and music videos; and will come up with her own album very soon. Micah Pineda, an accomplished thespian at a young age and is taking up Theater Arts in UP, has much to say about Playshop's role in her life. "It has railroaded my life. I'm in UP taking up Theater Arts because Playshop made me realize what I want to become - an artist." Mikki Villa, a pioneer of Playshop Alabang, and who has constantly graced innumerable plays and musicals, landed into Playshop by fate. "I just knew one day that my sister enrolled me. I grew to love it and enrolled every summer since then. Playshop's schedule is so flexible that I still have time to do other stuff. I guess, the key to enjoying fully is to be open-minded, be open to learn." All four of them admit to being "scared" during their first day of attending their workshops in Playshop. "Not that the teachers are scary, but it is more like going in to your class in school for the first time, you don't know who you'll meet," explains Mikki. But the four of them almost broke into a chorus into saying that the teachers of Playshop are amazing. "They are so willing to pass on their knowledge and they teach you how to respect the craft," emphasizes Sam. While all four of them claim that Playshop has been life changing in a positive way, they are quick to note that expectations should be levelled. Playshop does not promise that everyone will hit high note, or be able to kick their foot over their head, or make us cry with a dramatic interpretation. But each summer workshop participant is required to stretch their limits. Young as they are, since Playshop admits kids as tender as four years old, they learn to work as artists - testing ideas and techniques, finding what does work and what does not work. In Playshop, there is room for singers who don't dance, actors who don't sing and dancers who don't act. Practically, a room for everyone to grow. Trumpets Playshop opens more branches this year. The summer workshops are available at The Podium, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Alabang Town Center, Glorietta, My Study Partner in Katipunan and Fully Booked at The Fort from April 2 to June 1. For inquiries, call 636-2842. You may download complete list of courses and schedule at www.trumpetsplayshop.com. For queries, you may contact Oliver Oliveros, Senior Public Relations Officer/Consultant, STAGES, at tel. no. 818-1111 loc. 225, mobile no. 0928-7725254, email add. stages_pr@i-manila.com.ph or web site http://oliverpublicist.blogspot.com On Going: 2008 WCOPA (Hollywood Olympics) Manila Auditions March 11, 2008 Filipino dancers, singers, actors, models, instrumentalists and variety artists of all ages may try-out. Call Judith or Ireen of STAGES at tel. no. (632) 818-1111 loc. 225 for audition schedule and requirements. 2008 WCOPA (Hollywood Olympics) will be held at the Universal City Walk, Hollywood, CA and Westin Bonaventure, downtown LA on July 19-26, 2008. Past grand winners include Jed Madela, Aria Clemente, Reymond Sajor and the Cercado Sisters. The Office of the President supports the 2008 WCOPA Team Philippines. More info can be found at www.worldchampionships.tv Oliver Oliveros STAGES PR Department Unit 606 Greenbelt Mansion Perea Street, Legazpi Village Makati City, Philippines (632) 818-1111 loc. 225 stages_pr@i-manila.com.ph