Franco Laurel plays 'Joseph the Dreamer' in extended run Oct. 31, 2006 Franco Laurel continues to endear audiences with his youthful yet sensitive portrayal of Joseph in Trumpets' longest-running musical "Joseph the Dreamer," which has run for more than 130 performances since the show's debut in 1989, and slated for additional performances on Nov. 11, 18, and 25 at SM Megamall Cinema 4, Manila. Based on Cam Floria's cantata,"Dreamer: What Really Happened to Joseph," writer/director Freddie Santos mounts a tighter production, which runs for less than two hours. It features familiar praise songs such as "Praise His Name," "Like Father, Like Son," "In Moments Like These," "He Opens A Window," among others. "Alert, boyish and possessed of a sweet tenor, Franco is ideally scaled to this frisky "Joseph," said theater critic Gibbs Cadiz. "Joseph the Dreamer's" overt devoutness can only be played by actors with enough affinity for this material. That much can be intimated from Franco and the rest of the cast's performances, which glow with a joyful, genial sincerity…" "Joseph the Dreamer" premiered at St. Theresa's College Auditorium in Cebu 17 years ago with Audie Gemora in the title role. In 1999, this Trumpets' signature musical marked its 10th anniversary with a casting coup that had Pure Energy Gary Valenciano alternating in the role of Joseph with Audie Gemora. The new production opened last September with Franco Laurel sharing the role of Joseph with Trumpets president Alvin dela Peña. "I never saw either Gary or Audie perform the role of Joseph. While Audie was playing Joseph, I was finishing my studies at Keio University in Japan. When Gary was doing it, I was busy with my own TV and recording assignments," said Franco. "But I know they did excellent jobs because I respect them both as performers." Franco's love affair with the theater began with "Rama at Sita," where he played Rama's younger brother Bharata in 1999. After which, he played Ugly in another Trumpets' production "Honk, The Ugly Duckling" in 2003, which won for him Best Actor in a Musical at the Aliw Awards. He then went on and essayed the role of Fred Tinawid in Dulaang UP's grand production of "St. Louis Loves Dem Filipinos" last year. "It has been very fulfilling playing the role of Joseph. Every performance is like the first time. We minister to people with this show. God speaks to each one of us every time," shared Franco. Also in the cast are Jaime del Mundo, Raymund Concepcion, Boyd Tinio, JC Gotinga, Johann dela Fuente, PG, Ems Bolaños, Ashley Imler, Ring Antonio, Butch Montejo, Felix Rivera, Jepoy Ramos, George Gabriel, Maita Ponce, Shanda Lim, June Veras, Jandy dela Cruz, Lloyd Young and Moon Cairo Peralta. Trumpets' "Joseph the Dreamer" will have additional performances on Nov. 11 at 3 p.m., Nov. 18 at 3 &7 p.m., and Nov. 2 at 3 & 7 p.m. at SM Megamall Cinema 4, Manila. For ticket inquiries, you may contact Trumpets at (632) 635-4478, 636-2842, 0927-3777783, 0910-3777773. Ticket prices at PhP 350 and PhP250. Sponsors include Uva, Wella Professionals, The Bellevue Manila, JobsDB.Com, 88DB.Com, ClickTheCity.Com, The Edge Radio, Shell Card, Metro Magazine, Pink Magazine, Working Mom, Fitness First, The Beat Magazine, 105.1 Crossover, Monster Radio RX 93.1, Wave 89.1, Jam 88.3, Magic 89.9, 99.5 RT, K-Lite 1035, Trumpets Playshop and Musicademy. East meets West in Leyte Benefit Concert Oct. 28, 2006 East Coast Filipino-American bands The Kuwagos, The Happy Analogues and Bleud will fuse their music with West Coast artists for a noble cause at the Leyte Benefit Concert to be held at Club Romeo, San Pedro, California on Nov. 11, 2006. This landmark concert is to be spearheaded by Leyte Benefit prime mover Perf De Castro to raise funds for the families and victims of the Leyte mudslide, which literally buried the small towns of St. Bernard and Guinsaugon in Leyte, Philippines early this year. The concert will support the sale of "Leyte: The Benefit CD," produced and compiled by Perf De Castro, which was released last summer. The CD contains songs from Filipino and Filipino-American artists aimed at helping the families and victims of the calamity. It boasts of songs performed by Bleud, Raincrowd, Piece of Mine, Beatrice Gomez, Zigbin, Ritchie Lapaz, Basti Artadi, Perf De Castro, Ben Paltik, Rubberband, A.D.D., The Happy Analogues, The Kuwagos, and the Third Element. "Upon hearing the Leyte disaster, I threw out the idea of a benefit CD to my fellow musicians and artists here in the US, and they responded enthusiastically. They have sent in donations in forms of their songs. Some were written with the benefit in mind, and some were works that have been pulled out from their archive," said Perf De Castro. "The Leyte Benefit Concert, on the other hand, which will feature bands from both Filipino-American scenes from the East and West Coasts, is a rarity." West Coast artists participating in the benefit concert include Piece of Mine, Ben Paltik, Ice Candy, Ritchie Lapaz, Raincrowd, Paco Arespacochaga, Jonathan Buencamino, Glenn Jacinto, and Perf de Castro. Ticket to the concert is at $15.00 each, which comes with a Leyte Benefit CD, $8.00 each on pre-sale, $10.00 each at the door. You may get tickets from Rich Rosales of Piece of Mine with email add. Richard.Rosales@phlb.org or pieceofminemusic@yahoo.com For more information about the benefit CD and concert, visit www.leytecd.org. You may reach the writer at e-mail add. stages_pr@i-manila.com.ph. Reymond Sajor captivates audience at star-studded 'S Magazine' Anniversary Show Oct. 27, 2006 First 'Philippine Idol' finalist Reymond Sajor easily won the audience's praise with his soaring rendition of OPM favorite 'Ikaw,' at Aster Amoyo's 'S Magazine' and 'Inside Showbiz Magazine' anniversary show at SM Mall of Asia, Music Hall held this afternoon. "His strong and clean legit pop singing voice set him apart from all the singers who performed today," said a member of the press at the anniversary gathering. "He does not deserve to be prematurely eliminated in 'Philippine Idol.' Great things await this one of a kind singing talent." Big stars and singers performed in the free show, which started at 4 p.m. Guests and performers included Marvin Agustin, Say Alonzo, Cogie Domingo, Lovi Poe, CJ Muere, Ryza Cenon, Rachel Alejandro, Dion Ignacio, Sex Bomb Dancers, Mike Tan, Jonalyn Viray, Richard Merk, OJ Mariano, Aya Medel, Lara Morena, Lance Raymundo, Shane, Sheryn Regis, Faith Cuneta, Ricky Davao, Kish Band, Kris Lawrence, Top Suzara, Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski, Jessa Zaragoza, Eva Eugenio, The Dawn, and many more. An exclusive fashion show featuring Gener Gozum's holiday collection ended the star-studded affair on a high note. Event host Wilma Doesnt did a great job in holding together the nearly 4-hour musical extravaganza. Mega Magazines & Publications, Inc. organized the grand celebration as a fitting welcome to 'S Magazine,' 'Inside Showbiz Magazine' and 'Celebrity Living Magazine' to its growing list of titles. My heartfelt anniversary greetings to Aster Amoyo, Joseph Peter Gonzales, Bong Godinez and Glen Sibonga! More power to your magazines! Maraming salamat for your unflinching support to our talents in STAGES and Trumpets. You may reach the writer at e-mail add. stages_pr@i-manila.com.ph. Greenpeace and SolarGeneration install solar power module at Apo Island Oct. 25, 2006 Apo Island (Dauin, Oriental Negros), one of the world’s best examples of community-managed marine reserves, signified its support to clean energy with the installation of a solar power module in the community’s elementary school library Sunday morning. Greenpeace and SolarGeneration Pilipinas installed the solar panels as part of their campaign to address climate change by shifting away from filthy fossil fuels, and switching to clean energy sources like solar and wind power. Greenpeace celebrity volunteers Juddah Paolo and Angel Aquino were present during the solar power module turnover to Apo Island Elementary School. Apo Island barangay captain Mario Pascobello, Apo Island Elementary School teacher-in-charge Harold Suan, and Apo Island Elementary School students and their parents and relatives participated in the solar power module installation ceremonies. “Climate change endangers small coastal communities like Apo Island. Aside from threats of sea level rise, increasing global temperatures also imperils the fragile coral ecosystems by causing coral bleaching,” said Greenpeace Climate and Energy campaigner Abigail Jabines. “Installing this solar power module will help the island explore its great potential for solar power, and will also wean the island away from complete reliance on dirty fossil fuel energy sources, which cause climate change.” Greenpeace and SolarGeneration Pilipinas, a youth organization advocating for clean, renewable energy, are pushing for massive uptake of renewable energy in the country by asking the Philippine government to make use of at least 10 per cent of the country’s energy needs from renewable sources, like solar and wind, by 2010. The country’s potential for renewable energy can provide more than five times the country’s current energy needs. But the government has tapped only 1 per cent of this vast potential. In 2002, Greenpeace and SolarGeneration Pilipinas joined the province of Negros Occidental in launching “Mabuhay 100% Renewable Negros,” which mandates that 100 per cent of Negros’ energy needs shall be supplied by renewable energy sources. The renewable energy efforts in Apo Island fully support this initiative. “The installation of this solar module is a step to harness our island’s full renewable energy potential. We would like to thank Greenpeace and SolarGeneration for their help,” said Apo Island barangay captain Mario Pascobello. Greenpeace is an independent, campaigning organization, which uses non-violent, creative confrontation to expose global environment problems, and to force the solutions, which are essential to a green and peaceful future. You may get in touch with Greenpeace Philippines at tel. no. (632) 434-7034 loc. 104, or visit web site at www.greenpeace.org.ph You may reach the writer at e-mail add. stages_pr@i-manila.com.ph. First-rate cast in Repertory Philippines' "The Sound of Music" Oct. 24, 2006 Repertory Philippines' (REP) new production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's stage classic "The Sound of Music," which is slated to open at REP's Globe Theater at Onstage, Greenbelt One, Makati City, Manila on Nov. 11 will highlight performances of some of the biggest names in Philippine theater, opera and cinema. Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and Monique Wilson will alternate in the lead role of Maria, the novice who falls in love with her employer. Menchu has played some of the greatest roles in musical theater since she was first cast as one the seven children in REP's first production of "The Sound of Music." She went on to play lead roles in "West Side Story," "Passion," "Evita," "The Baker's Wife," "Company," "Into The Woods," "Oliver," "Les Miserables," "The Kiss of the Spider Woman," "Man Of La Mancha," among others. She also played Ellen in the Manila production of "Miss Saigon" and has played many roles with Actor's Actors, Inc., the latest as Ezrulie in "Once On This Island." Monique, also after appearing as one of the seven children in the first REP production of "The Sound of Music," went on to do other roles until she was chosen to be one of the lead players in the original London cast of Cameron Mackintosh's "Miss Saigon." Her last two appearances in Manila were in the New Voice Company's productions of "Cabaret" and "Aspects of Love." She resides in London but will return to Manila to do "The Sound of Music." Joining the cast to sing the beautiful aria "Climb Every Mountain" is one of Manila's well-known opera singers Camille Lopez-Molina and movie/recording/musical theater artist Pinky Marquez. Audie Gemora and Michael Williams --two of Manila's best-known musical theater stalwarts will alternate in the role of Captain Von Trapp just as they alternated in the role of Don Quixote in last year's "Man of La Mancha." Movie actress Cherie Gil, who was seen recently in the Manila production of Tony-winning play "Doubt," will alternate with Cannes Film Festival's Best Supporting Actress nominee Rina Reyes as the baroness opposite Miguel Faustmann and Bonggoy Manahan who will alternate in the role of Max. Philippine Theatre icon Baby Barredo, who essayed the role of Maria twice before, will direct this new production. Rodgers and Hammerstein's "The Sound of Music," which will run until Dec. 17, is a production of Repertory Philippines, The City of Makati, and The Manila Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Professor Arturo Molina, with artistic grants from Globe Telecom and Ayala Cinemas. For information on performance dates, curtain time, and ticket prices call Manila at (632) 8870710 or check out TicketWorld at www.tickeworld.com.ph. Some dates are still open for fundraisers or other special performances. You may reach the writer at e-mail add. stages_pr@i-manila.com.ph. Lara Morena does ala Paris Hilton and Beyonce Oct. 20, 2006 Sexy actress turned singer Lara Morena is all set to stage a pre-Halloween special dubbed "Rated L: Guilty with Pleasure" evening of Oct. 27 at MetroBar, West Avenue, Quezon City, Manila. Lara will do covers of Paris Hilton, Beyonce, Pussy Cat Dolls, among others. Lara Morena's long list of special guests would include Regine Tolentino, Alyssa Alano, Lance Raymundo, Nino Alejandro, Aliya Martel, Speed Dancers ("Eat Bulaga," "SOP" and "Shall We Dance"), Athena Soler ("Born Diva"), Musica Cristobal ("Star For A Night"), and the new batch of VIVA HOTMEN (now known as Men of Provoke). Alvin Anson, Pretty Trizha, and Rey Pumaloy will host. "I'm really happy and excited with this show because it has everything in it -- lots of singing and dancing! Plus we have Alvin, Rey and Pretty Trizha as hosts. It's going to be the ultimate party! We guarantee an evening of extreme pleasure and high spirits!" says Lara. Although Lara readily admits that she's now concentrating on her singing, she cannot really stay away from acting. In fact, she'll shoot a suspense-thriller film next month (with an independent film outfit), and a movie project with Octo Arts Films early next year. Bacolod bursts with beautiful girls and contagious smiles Oct. 18, 2006 It’s no wonder that Bacolod is well known across the archipelago as the “City of Smiles.” We recently experienced such unique mark of hospitality from the Bacoleños when we took part in their MassKara Festival two days ago. Upon the invitation of Michelle Ku and Mikki Gonzalez of ABS CBN Regional Group, we flew to Bacolod last Monday with popular balladeer Christian Bautista and “Super Inggo’s” Machete Derek Ramsey. Christian was tasked to serenade the finalists of the 2006 MassKara Queen Pageant’s coronation Monday night. While Derek, together with Bacoleñas Carmela Gamboa and Mel Yanson, was designated to host the event. The 2006 MassKara Queen Pageant big night was held at the jam-packed University of St. La Salle Coliseum, aired live over at ABS CBN Bacolod, and soon on TFC. 10 beautiful finalists showed their best form, with chic styling by ABS CBN Bacolod’s Jeffrey Javines. The candidates were Eamay Apostol, 16; Mary Grace Delfin, 16; Tara Delos Reyes, 20; Sheen Liberty Cuenza, 16; Christer Mari Taclobos, 17; Christia Balajadia, 16; Michelle Talapiero, 16; Novie Profeta, 19; Kristina Fernandez, 18; and Angelique Robles, 18. TV director Barney Molino came out with a very tight, fast-paced presentation of the pageant’s coronation night capturing the festive colors and grandeur of the “City of Smiles,” from the MassKara Festival Parade-inspired opening number to the ladies’ classy formal wear competition. Romantic balladeer turned Asia’s Pop Idol Christian Bautista made the candidates nearly swoon to his hit ballad “Everything You Do” as he sincerely crooned to each lady one at a time. His upbeat number “She Could Be,” made the lively audience at St. La Salle Coliseum bobbled their heads along with the charismatic singer. The grand pageant night’s big winner was 18-year old mestiza beauty Angelique Robles, who was crowned 2006 MassKara Queen. Renowned Filipino film director Peque Gallaga chaired the panel of distinguished judges. A post-event celebration was held at ABS CBN Bacolod’s main station, wherein wearable and giant MassKara Festival masks were on display. Our group, together with Christian Bautista and Derek Ramsey, took time for some photo keepsakes with these amazing hand-made festival masks. Bacolod’s MassKara Festival has been running since Oct. 1. The festivities will end with the highly anticipated street dance competition on Oct. 20-22 broken down into school, barangay, and open categories. You may reach the writer at e-mail add. stages_pr@i-manila.com.ph. Guitarist Jerome Rico debuts with ‘Guitar Shop’ Oct. 17, 2006 Jerome Rico joins Warner Music Philippines’ roster of talents with his debut album, “Guitar Shop.” The new album contains 18 tracks composed of local and international hits from the ‘80s to the present. All selections were re-arranged to match Jerome’s ingenious musical style, which is much influenced by great jazz instrumentalists – Tuck Andres, Tommy Emmanuel, George Benson, Dave Koz, Kenny G, Lee Ritenour, and David Benoit. The album’s carrier single is a remake of an Astrud Gilberto classic hit, “Agua de Beber,” featuring Bossa Nova queen Sitti on backup vocals and finger snaps. Jerome further plucks away the strings of your heart with his rendition of recent laid back hits that include: “Moonlight Over Paris,” “The Way You Look At Me,” and “Love Moves In Mysterious Ways.” Born in Bataan, Jerome started playing the guitar at 16 when he began to listen to standard songs and collect the works of his favorite jazz artists. His musical talent further intensified when he enrolled in a classical guitar program at the University of the Philippines. In between his studies, he appeared in gigs with Kyla, Paolo Santos, Nyoy Volante, and Nina. “It gives me satisfaction when I strum my guitar. I find serenity in the sound of the guitar. It’s something I love to do and will be doing all my life,” said Jerome. You may reach the writer at e-mail add. stages_pr@i-manila.com.ph Christian Bautista to do movies with Regal Films Oct. 14, 2006 Asia’s Pop Idol Christian Bautista signed this morning an exclusive, multi-picture contract with Regal Entertainment Inc. Christian’s first film foray will be the romantic comedy “Mano Po 5: Gua Ay Di (I Love You),” where he will play the third party of a love triangle with popular GMA 7 Network tandem of Angel Locsin and Richard Gutierrez. In his movie debut, Christian will play a famous Chinese Filipino singer (a role very much close to his real life) who had been betrothed by his parents to Angel in a fixed marriage. Regal Matriarch “Mother” Lily Monteverde and her daughter, producer Roselle Monteverde-Teo, enthusiastically welcomed Christian into the ever-growing Regal family during the contract signing held at the film outfit’s new corporate headquarters in Ortigas Center. Also present were STAGES’ big bosses Carlo Orosa (Christian’s manager) and Audie Gemora (acting coach). “With Christian’s international popularity and boundless talent in the fields of recording, live concerts and TV, I’m overjoyed to welcome him into the Regal family,” said Mother Lily. “We’re sure Christian will light up the big screen with his widespread appeal and dreamy charisma,” said Roselle, “not only in "Mano Po” but in all the movies he will do for Regal Films.” Christian's sophomore international album, "Completely," recently reached platinum status in the Philippines and Indonesia. Three of the album’s songs will be used in "Mano Po” with one ditty being adapted as the Metro Manila Film Festival entry’s theme song. Joel Lamangan directs. “Mano Po 5” is Christian’s second major acting job after appearing as Lorenzo in ABS-CBN’s soap “Kampanerang Kuba.” You may reach the writer at email: stages_pr@i-manila.com.ph or blog site: http://oliverpublicist.blogspot.com