About the author Oliver Oliveros is one of Manila's top publicists in the fields of arts, music, culture and entertainment. A self-confessed Broadway baby, he drools over publicity projects that are Broadway-related. Practicing and teaching public relations for over 15 years now, he has handled accounts for the Manila productions of "Death and the Maiden," "The Last Five Years," "Godspell," "Footloose," 'Once On This Island," "Oleanna," "Art," "The Sound of Music," "Children's Letters to God," "High School Musical On Stage," "West Side Story" and “Sweeney Todd,” as well as projects with Broadway and West End stars Lea Salonga, Joanna Ampil, and Stephanie Reese, among others. Oliver heads publicity for STAGES Manila and for some of the Philippines' top recording and concert artists. He has also handled publicity for award-winning independent films, original musicals, operas, Filipino-American finalists on "American Idol," and the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Hollywood, California. He is also head author for the Philippines in BroadwayWorld.com (New York), a premier theatre resource on the Web. Oliver is set to pursue Graduate studies at New York University School of Continuing and Professional Studies (NYU SCPS – M.S. in Public Relations and Corporate Communications) in 2010. http://oliverpublicist.blogspot.com http://broadwayworld.com Oliver Oliveros Senior Public Relations Officer/Consultant STAGES Manila Head Author for the Philippines BroadwayWorld.com New York U.S. mobile no. 18185541415 Manila Office Unit 606 Greenbelt Mansion Perea Street, Legazpi Village Makati City, PHILIPPINES Tel no. 632 8181111 loc. 225 Mobile no. 639287725254 stages_pr@i-manila.com.ph Relics of St. John Mary Vianney, Patron Saint of Priests, Arrive for 2nd National Congress of the Clergy Jan. 18, 2010 St. John Mary Vianney, the patron saint of priests, and on whose 150th Dies Natalis the Catholic world celebrates the "Year of the Priests," will be venerated through his relics in time for the 2nd National Congress of the Clergy on January 25-29, 2010 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. Theme of the congress is “Faithfulness of Christ, Faithfulness of Priests,” which the Pope has chosen as the official slogan for the celebration of the “Year of the Priests” (2009-2010). The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) through its Episcopal Commission on the Clergy is organizing the retreat-style national congrses, which will be facilitated by Preacher to the Papal Household, Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, OFMCap. A part of the body together with his stole and breviary relics of St. John Mary Vianney will arrive from France accompanied by two French priests. The relics will be on display at the congress and in parish churches from January 23 to February 1, 2010. The exposition and visit of the relics of St. John Mary Vianney will officially begin at the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart in San Antonio Village, Makati and end at the St. John Mary Vianney Parish in Barangay Cembo, Makati, two churches that were decreed “Pilgrim Churches on the Year of the Priests.” This means that people who undertake pilgrimages and pious exercises at these churches during the "Year of the Priests" are granted plenary indulgence (under the ordinary conditions) as decreed by the Apostolic Penitentiary of the Holy See. The schedule of the relics’ exposition is as follows: (January 23) Arrival at NAIA at 9:30 a.m., National Shrine of the Sacred Heart at 11 am; (January 24); EDSA Shrine at 12 noon; (January 25-29) 2nd National Congress of the Clergy at the World Trade Center; (January 29) Sto. Niño de Tondo Parish at 12 noon; (January 30) Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene or Quiapo Church/St. John The Baptist Parish at 12 noon; (January 31) St. John Mary Vianney Parish at 12 noon; and (February 1) Departure at NAIA at 11:30 a.m. St. John Mary Vianney (May 8, 1786 – August 4, 1859) was a parish priest in Ars, France. He is known for his priestly and pastoral work in his parish, whose members and pilgrims grew from a mere 200 to around 20,000. Catholics attribute this phenomenon to Vianney’s saintly life, mortification, and persevering ministry in the sacrament of confession. N.O.A.H. returns after the floods by Audie Gemora Jan. 11, 2010 “Did I hear you right? N.O.A.H. got cancelled due to floods?” a U.S.-based friend humorously asked on Facebook minutes after I posted that the last weekend of TRUMPETS’ musical “N.O.A.H. (No Ordinary Aquatic Habitat)” had to be cancelled because of “Ondoy.” It was highly ironic – cause for amusement and deserving of sarcasm - but that was early on Sept 26, 2009 and neither of us had any idea what kind of devastation “Ondoy” would wreak throughout the day. A month later, TRUMPETS actors and production people gathered to “assess the damage,” so to speak. Many had been affected by the floods and had harrowing stories to tell. Our make up artist, Johann dela Fuente, recounted how he and his father had to swim to a building under construction to escape the raging waters that had engulfed their house. Our dance captain, Rizza Ribo, braved floods to get to Meralco Theatre only to find the show had been cancelled - all the while tearfully worrying whether her dog was able to reach higher ground as her family had done. Then there was Mr. Noah himself, Carlo Orosa. His 70-year old mother and infant nieces were trapped in neck deep murky waters in Cainta, Rizal and were saved by a resourceful nephew who floated them to safety on a bed mattress. Yet each distressing tale was capped with how God had given them the strength to get through their ordeals, sent strangers – like angels – to help and protect them in their time of need and, afterwards, provided an outpouring of love and assistance through caring friends. Despite their traumatic experiences, they were all one in acknowledging that God had indeed saved them and their loved ones from even greater harm. Through the tears and – yes - laughter, the cast and crew were even more convinced that TRUMPETS needed to perform “N.O.A.H. (No Ordinary Aquatic Habitat)” so more people could hear its timely message of hope in the face of disaster! Trumpeteers were divided into different groups – each group tasked to come up with ideas on how to get this prophetic show seen by more people. There were great ideas like - translating the musical into Pilipino so it could be performed for the a broader audience base, doing a school run and coordinating with local governments to do community-based productions. For starters – TRUMPETS will be bringing back “N.O.A.H. (No Ordinary Aquatic Habitat)” to the Meralco Theatre this January 16, 2010, Saturday 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. and January 17, 2010, Sunday 3:30 p.m. Tickets of cancelled shows last September 26 and 27, 2009 will be honored on the corresponding days of this special run. Those interested may buy their tickets at Ticketworld (632) 891-9999 or TRUMPETS (632) 631-7252. See more about N.O.A.H. below in Oliver Oliveros' articles from August & September 2009 N.O.A.H. musical gets interactive when it opens September 4 Sept. 1, 2009 Trumpets embarks on a new journey with its newest musical N.O.A.H. (No Ordinary Aquatic Habitat) by making sure this particular show, like all its other megamusicals (“Little Mermaid,” “The Lion, the Witch and Wardrobe”), will be no ordinary experience for the theatergoer when it opens at Meralco Theater on September 4, 2009. Aside from an updated, funny take on the classic story of Noah and his Ark with book and lyrics by director Jaime del Mundo, and stunning production design by Mio Infante, Trumpets is introducing another creative innovation with N.O.A.H. -- audience participation! Unlike most stage productions where audience participation is limited to a segment of the show, in N.O.A.H., audience interaction will be for the whole duration of the production. Audience members who will “sign up for Ark duty” play the part of the animals in the Ark. Each is given a cleverly designed animal hat to wear. For theater students, teachers or those who have always wanted to be part of a big theater production, this is an opportunity not to be missed. After all, how many times do you get the chance to be onstage with veteran actors Carlo Orosa, Sheila Francisco, Sam Concepcion and the rest of N.O.A.H. cast? Only 20 “Ark seats” are available for every show at PhP 350/seat. This promo is open to 7 years old and above. Children below 10 should be accompanied by a grown up. If you are interested to be part of the Ark, call Trumpets office at 631-7252 (Cherrie) or 0918-9396065 (Eva). Sam Concepcion joins the cast of N.O.A.H. Aug. 12, 2009 Multi-talented artist and youth role model Sam Concepcion joins the cast of Trumpets’ major family musical N.O.A.H. [No Ordinary Aquatic Habitat] as the Narrator. He will share the role with theater newcomer Fred Lo beginning September 4, 2009 at the Meralco Theater. Sam is not a stranger to Trumpets. At the tender age of 9, he took on the demanding role of Edmund in Trumpets’ THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE. Sam’s performances were even then highly acclaimed and no one was surprised when he went on to win the grand prize on ABS CBN’s “Little Big Star” (2006). Since then, he has graced kids and teen magazine covers (KZone, Candy), teen TV (Myx, Boystown), teen dance group Gigger Boys, various print and TV endorsements (Bench, Smart My Sandbox), the cast of Disney’s “High School Musical On Stage,” the soundtrack of Dreamworks’ hit animated movie “Kung Fu Panda,” among others. He was also awarded hottest “Candy Cutie” for three consecutive years (2006-2008), Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards’ Pinoy Wannabe Awardee (2006), and more recently United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNAP) Young Achiever Awardee for Entertainment (2009). But despite all his successes in the “show biz” scene, Sam’s heart has never left the theater. In 2004, he recorded the voice of Japeth for the puppet version of N.O.A.H., which featured the vocal talents of Gary Valenciano and Bituin Escalante. Sam deemed the experience “enjoyable” but “not the same as performing on stage.” It is no wonder then that he jumped at the chance to play the Narrator. Now he goes live onstage in the full-scale production of N.O.A.H. under the stage direction of theater stalwart Jaime del Mundo. In N.O.A.H., Trumpets retells the classic story of the Biblical patriarch and his famous ark with wit and humor, heart and compassion, hope and joy, and of course, fun! Sam will be alternating with Fred Lo, a standout in del Mundo’s Playshop 2009 Advanced Musical Theater class. N.O.A.H. is his first professional theater gig. Though a relative newbie, Fred’s performances promise to be just as stellar as his more senior counterpart. So set sail with Sam in N.O.A.H. [No Ordinary Aquatic Habitat] opening at the Meralco Theater on September 4 and will run till September 27 with shows every weekend in between.   Repertory Philippines opens 2010 Season Jan. 5, 2010 For 2010, Repertory Philippines has picked an exciting selection of shows sure to stimulate local theatergoers. Repertory’s new Season starts off with the Philippine premiere of Peter Quilter’s new romantic comedy, DUETS. Scheduled for mid-January to the end of the month, DUETS is four different vignettes with four sets of characters. Set in glorious comedy, the play explores the hilarious nuances of love in seemingly impossible, but extremely funny situations. Joy Virata and Miguel Faustmann take on all four sets of characters, providing rollicking entertainment as they go through costume and character changes onstage. DUETS is directed by Ana Abad Santos. Playdates are January 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30 at 8 p.m. with 3:30 p.m. matinees on January 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 and 31. Still high on love and laughter, February is ROMEO AND BERNADETTE, Mark Saltzman’s musical comedy. Directed by Joy Virata, the story promises to be uproariously funny. A take-off from good old Shakespeare, you’d think Romeo died? Well, he didn’t. He just took a sleeping potion and wakes up on Broadway in 1960. And he doesn’t fall in love with dear Juliet; instead he runs after someone he thinks is Juliet, but is not. Because she’s Bernadette and she just happens to be the daughter of a local mobster. That being said, this musical is sure to be a bag of real fun for everyone. Catch it on February 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27 at 8 p.m. with 3:30 p.m. matinees on February 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28. As stark contrast to the lightness and gaiety of the first two offerings, the month of July brings on EQUUS, Peter Shaffer’s powerful, riveting drama that invades the dark corners of the human psyche. The play focuses its light on the naked reality of what contemporary society can do to the beauty that once was the human soul. This now considered classic of our time will be performed on July 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 and 24 at 8 p.m. with 3:30 p.m. matinees on July 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 and 25. Repertory has always had a special place for young audiences through Children’s Theatre. In 2010, Repertory brings the adaptation of the well-loved fairytale SLEEPING BEAUTY. With book, music and lyrics by Jim Eiler, this show is sure to set the hearts of everyone, both old and young alike, singing to the melodies that include “I’m So Mad,” “It’s Lovely To Be A Troll” and “Spinning Song.” SLEEPING BEAUTY is set for August 14 to December 10. As a perfect ending to the Company’s Season, Repertory presents LITTLE WOMEN, a Louisa May Alcott classic. With music by Jason Howard, lyrics by Mindi Dickstein and book by Allan Knee, the musical is an exceptional offering for the merry season of giving and loving. The story, with its warm, feel-good theme focuses on the March family, Marmee and her four girls, and is a timeless reminder of what family is truly all about. Directed by Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, LITTLE WOMEN is set for November 19 to December 12. All Repertory performances are at ONSTAGE, 2nd floor, Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas corner Legazpi St., Makati City. For tickets and inquiries, call (632) 887-0710 or log on to repertory.ph. Tickets are also available at Ticketworld at (632) 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. JNBM and DepEd launch 2009 PaperClay Nationwide Art Competition; first celebrity endorser Sam Concepcion Nov. 23, 2009 JNBM Amazing Arts Philippines, Inc. (JAAPI) and the Department of Education (DepEd) recently launched "Husay Ng Batang Pinoy" 2009 PaperClay Nationwide Art Competition, and its first celebrity endorser Sam Concepcion at the Manila Ocean Park. JAAPI has been offering art workshops for kids and the entire family like basic drawing, painting, sculpting, and other creative crafting. In 2005, JAAPI launched its PaperClay Art, a one of a kind proudly Philippine made product. PaperClay is an art medium that has the consistency of moist colored paper with a hint of clay that could be applied to any surface - be it wood, paper, glass, ceramics or even metal. Using two sticks for its application, without the need for adhesives, PaperClay will turn into a beautiful piece of embossed textured art. "Husay Ng Batang Pinoy" 2009 PaperClay Art Competition with theme "Ako Para Sa Kalikasan" is open to all Elementary and High School students (both in public and private institutions) enrolled in the current school year. The competition has three rounds: (1) Competition among DepEd Divisions (October 19 to December 31, 2009), (2) Regional Selection (January 4 to 31, 2010), and (3) National Selection (February 1 to 13, 2010). Each contestant will be given a JNBM PaperClay Art competition kit. Contestant can mix PaperClay with other art media, including poster paint, acrylic paint, water color, poster color, colored pen and pencils, and other recycled materials. Criteria for judging are as follows: (1) Adherence to the Theme (30%), (2) Originality, Freshness, Novelty, and Inventiveness (25%), (3) Creativity, New Forms, and Imaginative Interpretation (20%), and (4) Composition, and Combination of Elements (15%), and (5) Visual Impact (10%). Grand winners from the Elementary and High School divisions will win P50,000 each. Sam Concepcion, DepEd youth ambassador, endorses JNBM PaperClay Art and the nationwide competition. "I usually explore my creativity through music by playing the piano or guitar or performing onstage. PaperClay Art is my newest creative outlet. It stimulates the imagination, and encourages self-expression, and quality bonding time with family members," Sam said. "I strongly encourage the youth to join the 2009 PaperClay Art Nationwide Competition. It will be a very effective way to channel their creativity into something that can make a difference. Not only will they be able to hone their talents in the process, but they will also be able to spread the word about the conservation of the environment." Sam, a STAGES/Star Magic talent, won the grand prize on ABS CBN's "Little Big Star" (2006). Since then, he has graced kids and teen magazine covers (KZone, Candy), teen TV (Myx, Boystown), teen dance group Gigger Boys, various print and TV endorsements (Bench, Smart My Sandbox, Tang Fruiteaz, now JNBM PaperClay Art), the cast of Disney's "High School Musical On Stage" and Trumpets' "N.O.A.H," the soundtrack of Dreamworks' hit animated movie "Kung Fu Panda," among others. He was also awarded hottest "Candy Cutie" for four consecutive years (2006-2009), Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards' Pinoy Wannabe Awardee (2006), and more recently United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNAP) Young Achiever Awardee for Entertainment (2009). He is set to launch his newest solo album under Universal Records in early 2010. For more details about the JNBM and DepEd's 2009 PaperClay Art Competition, contact 502-7423, 496-8849 or 496-9100. You can also email jnbmartcafe@yahoo.com.ph or visit www.jnbmamazingarts.multiply.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 Animation Council of the Philippines honors Zabala Nov. 22, 2009 The Animation Council of the Philippines, Inc. (ACPI) honors Jose Zabala Santos with a posthumous lifetime achievement award in the 3rd Animahenasyon Pinoy Animation Festival, which is slated to run on November 25-28, 2009 at the Gateway Mall, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City. Two years ago, the lifetime achievement award for animation was given to Larry Alcala. The main objective of this award is to recognize the pioneers of Philippine animation, and the underlying motive behind this is discovering our own animation identity. What is truly an original Filipino animation? Little has been written about Philippine animation. In fact, the prospect of writing a comprehensive animation history of our country is still in its abstract stages. Most archival magazine and newspaper clippings published from 1930 to 1970 would inform and reveal the names of Larry Alcala, Nonoy Marcelo and Jose Zabala Santos at the fore. These artists are respected names in the local cartoon & komiks industry. “Their resounding achievements particularly in animation served as obvious choice for candidates on the first three years of Animahenasyon,” explains Ricky Orellana, Animahenasyon 2009 festival programmer. “Zabala,” as he is best known in the industry, was the uncle of equally famous cartoonist Severino “Nonoy” Marcelo. He and Marcelo first collaborated on the latter’s full-length animation production titled “Tadhana” in 1978. According to a magazine interview that same year, Marcelo mentioned that his uncle Jose has been in the field of animation ever since he was 14, and it was his uncle who was Marcelo’s closest collaborator. Zabala officially began his career in 1932 with “Sampaguita” magazine when then editor Amado Hernandez saw his potential. The pre-war period saw the introduction of characters and cartoons such as “Titina,” “Lukas Malakas,” “Sianong Sano” and “Popoy.” In 1935, he popularized "Lukas Malakas" in "Liwayway" magazine. The war put his career in the back seat in 1941. A year later, he ventured into the advertising world with the Manalang advertising agency. He was part of its art department until 1948. Advertising introduced him to animation in which he most enjoyed. A year after Manalang, he joined Philippine Manufacturing Company (PMC). The notable “Juan Tamad” animation that he worked with Francisco Reyes in 1955 eventually immortalized Zabala. However, the six-minute pioneering animated short film for a PMC product shot in 35mm and processed in the U.S., is believed to have never had a commercial run. Through the years, Zabala has been associated with such big names as Vicente Manansala, Tony Velasquez, Mauro Malang Santos, and Francisco Coching, among others. He was a recipient of numerous awards and honors such as the Komiks Operation Brotherhood or KOMOPEB Life Achievement Award and the 4th Gintong Parangal ng Malabon’s Gawad ng Katangian both in 1984. Zabala was born in Calumpit, Bulacan on July 20, 1911. He is known as “Mang Pepe” to his neighbors in Kuatro Kantos, Malabon where he grew up. His innate talent and drawing skills may have come from his mother who was into painting. Zabala decided to take up Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines. When he learned that there was no course in cartooning which was his primary interest, he decided to quit. To fulfill his dream, he enrolled instead in a U.S. correspondence course on cartooning, which gave him his diploma. Zabala left the industry that he loved most at the age of 74 on September 7, 1985. At present, there are no written guidelines for the Animahenasyon lifetime achievement award. “In order to institutionalize the proceedings,” Orellana continues, “the succeeding lifetime achievement awards after this would require nominations from any animation/film historians or advocates representing the local animation industry, the academe, and the independent animation and arts community. A process shall be created and the proponent would present to a committee some documents or a list of contributions and achievements of his/her nominee. This committee will then decide whom to bestow the next lifetime achievement award for animation in 2010 and the years to come.” Oliver Oliveros Senior Public Relations Officer/Consultant STAGES Unit 606 Greenbelt Mansion Perea Street, Legazpi Village Makati City, PHILIPPINES Tel no. +632 8181111 loc. 225 Mobile no. +639287725254 stages_pr@i-manila.com.ph http://oliverpublicist.blogspot.com