| 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
Reality bites in Valentine movie,
"Endo"
Feb. 12, 2008
ufo Pictures' award-winning digital film "Endo"
(End of Contract) opens Feb. 13, in Gateway Cinemas, Glorietta 4, and SM
digital cinemas in Metro Manila.
 We attended the film's celebrity premiere at SM Megamall last night.
Its effort to veer away from formulaic Pinoy lovestruck flicks has been very
refreshing. A reality-grounded screenplay brings out impressive performances
from its main players Ina Feleo and Jason Abalos.
Graded "A" by the Cinema Evaluation Board
(CEB), "Endo" is the story of Leo (played by emerging Star Magic heartthrob
Jason Abalos), a contractual worker who is used to the temporary. Typical
of many young Filipinos, he hops from one contractual job to the next in
order to earn a living for himself and his family. His relationships are
similarly fleeting. When he meets the spirited dreamer Tanya (played by stage
actress Ina Feleo), he is suddenly faced by the promise of a better future,
but he doesn't seem equipped to handle it.
"…"Endo" shows a certain pride in indie
filmmaking that is... very timely, very human," said the CEB. "The problem
of labor contractualization, though a glaring truth both in real and reel,
is brilliantly crafted by the director in a style that is understated and
unobtrusive."
CEB lauded Feleo and Abalos for their "very
real and excellent" performances. Feleo won Best Actress in the 2007 Cinemalaya
Film Festival, where the film premiered.
Jade Castro directed the film and wrote the
screenplay with Michiko Yamamoto and Raymond Lee.
More information on "Endo" can be found at
http://www.endothemovie.com
The "winningest" Filipino Artists go
onstage at the CCP
Feb. 10, 2008
 The year 2007 was a year
of many triumphs for Filipino performers in various international competitions.
To celebrate these victories, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP)
gathers the winners---"silang mga nagwagi"---and brings them together for
a memorable command performance under the musical direction of Ryan Cayabyab
in "WAGI", on February 15, 2008, 8 PM at the CCP Main Theater. The concert
is one of the highlights of the February National Arts Month celebration
at the CCP. The National Arts Month will be a tribute to the Filipino artist.
"WAGI" will be top billed by the following
artists:
Jed Madela, winner of the Senior Grand Champion
Performer of the World title in the 2005 World Championships of Performing
Arts (WCOPA) in LA, California. The award is the highest prize in the WCOPA
where he also won two Champion of the World Plaques, One Star trophy for
the award Grand Champion of the World in the Singing division and the diamond
trophy for the most coveted top prize as Grand Champion Performer of the
World. Madela also won six golds in the pop, original song, Broadway, pop
duet and gospel genres.
Aria Clemente, winner of the Junior Grand
Champion Performer of the
 World title in the 2007 WCOPA. She also won the
Grand Champion, junior vocals, garnering one industry award, five plaques,
four golds and a silver.
Reymond Sajor, Grand Champion, senior vocals,
in the 2007 WCOPA. He also won one industry award, two plaques, three golds
and two silvers.
Reuben Laurente, winner of the Gold Medal
(Broadway), three Silvers (pop), R & B and world music) and a bronze
(gospel). Laurente won these awards in the 2007 WCOPA thirty and above group.
Dulce, one of the country's most respected
singers, is a recipient of various musical awards both here and abroad. She
also starred in musicals and performed extensively both in the Philippines
and abroad. Dulce won the Grand Prize in the Asian Singing Competition in
Hongkong in 1979 for the song "Ako ang Nasawi, Ako ang Nagwagi" by George
Canseco. She was also the recipient of the "Lifetime Achievement Award" given
by ALIW Foundation in 2003.
 KJWAN Band, winner
of the Ikon Asean award. The Ikon Asean is a regional music award designed
to showcase and recognize talented artists from countries such as Malaysia,
Indonesia and the Philippines. The First Ikon Asean was held on August 2007
in Malaysia, where the Kjwan and another Filipino artist Vina Morales won
the first title of Ikon Asean for Solo and Group categories, respectively.
Philippine Madrigal Singers, winner of the
2007 European Grand Prize for Choral Singing in Arezzo, Italy, the first
and only choir to win the grand prize twice in the competition's entire history.
The multi-awarded Madrigals first won the European Grand Prize for Choral
Singing in Tours, France in 1997. In 2006, it won the grand prize of the
 Florilege de Tours choral competition, which qualified
them to compete in the 2007 Arezzo competition.
Six prizewinning choirs will perform in "WAGI."
These choirs are:
UE Chorale, winner of the Gold Prize, Classical
Category, Grand Prix, Busan Choral Festival and Competition in 2007; Novo
Concertante, winner of the Gold Medal, Folklore Category of the 23rd Takarazuka
International Chamber Choral Contest in Japan in 2007; Sta. Teresita Parish
Chorale, winner of the 2007 Grand Prize in the "A Voyage of Songs " International
Choral Festival 2007 in Pattaya, Thailand; Hail Mary the Queen Children's
Choir, Champion in the Music of the Religions Category of the 3rd Choir Olympics
in Bremen, Germany in 2004; Mandaluyong Children's Choir, winner of the Silver
medal in the Children's Choir Category and the Bronze medal in the Contemporary
Music Category of the 2002 2nd World Choir Olympics in Busan, Korea; Coro
de Sta. Cecilia (Top prizes, Asian open of the 1st Asian Choir Games in Jakarta,
Indonesia in November 2007, Golden Diploma, Musica Sacra Category and Silver
Diploma in the Mixed Vocal Ensemble Category).
The Philippine Allstars, which was named the
2006 World Hip Hop Champion, Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, the national
orchestra, and the 24th Southeast Asian Games Dancesport Medalists are also
slated to perform in the concert.
Highlights of "WAGI" include the "Gloria"
from "Misa 2000", which is dedicated to all Filipino artists and will feature
the winning choirs in a show stopping performance. The finale will be a rousing
rendition of "Paraiso", as rearranged by Ryan Cayabyab and reinterpreted
by the soloists and the different chorale groups.
"WAGI" is directed by Alexander Cortez, with
Floy Quintos as writer, Monino Duqueas Lighting Designer and Ricardo Cruz
as Production Designer.
Tickets are priced at P1,000 P800 P500 and
P200.
For more information, please call the CCP
box office at tel. no. (632) 832-1125 local 1409 and 832-3704 or Ticketworld
at (632) 891-999 or visit
www.ticketworld.com.ph
Trumpets Playshop celebrates 15
years
Feb. 2, 2008
 Trumpets Playshop -- the country's
biggest talent workshop hub, which consistently draws in over 3,000 students
in summer alone, celebrates 15 years with loads of new workshops.
Children's theater for toddlers, digital fashion
photography, anime production, VJ hosting, baking, professional make up,
stage direction, rehearsal techniques, voice workshops, and choreography
for non-dancers add up to Playshop's all-time favorite children's musical
theater, teens and adults' musical theater, street dance, modeling, public
speaking and hosting, master class, and theater production workshops.
"At 15, Playshop is still growing and opening
up to exciting new things.
 New students and Playshop graduates are all invited
to attend our first Playshop Expo, and a tribute show by the end of summer.
We make Playshop accessible at the Podium, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Alabang
Town Center, and possibly two more venues in Makati City," says Audie Gemora,
one of the pioneering minds behind Playshop.
There have been countless performing artists
and personalities who attended Playshop and Musicademy, Trumpets' school
for voice, instruments, stage performance, and languages. Asia's Pop Idol
Christian Bautista; tween heartthrob Sam Concepcion; Hollywood Olympics'
champions Aria Clemente and Reymond Sajor; The Playshop Kids; recording artists
Bituin Escalante, Kyla, Cheska Ortega, Raki Vega, Joaqui Valdes and Gian
Magdangal; news reporters Carlo Lorenzo and Nina Corpuz; thespians Maita
Ponce and Red Concepcion; TV personalities Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Bettinna
Carlos, Heart Evangelista, PJ Valerio and Say Alonzo; even cosmetic surgeon
Manny Calayan finished at least one of the courses Playshop and Musicademy
have been offering.
"The key to Playshop's success all these years
lies in a strict adherence to an excellent curriculum; competent and inspiring
faculty; and a premium on values. The Playshop syllabus has an unwritten
rule that more important than techniques and skills, are the core values
students must learn to truly succeed. These values include love for God,
discipline, friendship, and character," says Playshop director Lani
Mabilangan-Ligot.
"It is not enough that they are taught, students
have to be able to implement what they learned," adds Ligot.
 Outstanding Playshop students
are encouraged to join productions that Trumpets and STAGES, its sister company,
have been producing. Some Playshoppers auditioned and were cast in the recent
productions of Disney's "High School Musical On Stage," and Trumpets' original
musical "First Name."
Playshop is accepting enrollees this early.
Workshop rates are at P5,500 for musical theater, and public speaking and
hosting; P6,000 for street dance; and P7,500 for modeling. Call 636-2842
for other queries.
Trumpets Playshop this summer '08 will run
from April 2 to June 1.
For any 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
World Champion's music video premieres
on Myx
Jan. 22, 2008
 Aria Clemente, 2007
Hollywood Olympics' Junior Grand Champion Performer of the World, launches
her first music video, "Climb Every Mountain," on Myx Music Channel.
Aria's remake of the song from the "The Sound
of Music" is a cut from certified Platinum album, "Kris Aquino: Love &
Inspiration," under Universal Records. Directed by young digital video director
Mo Zee, the video showcases the pretty and talented 12-year old as she skims
through a visual gallery that tells her story leading to her triumph at the
World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Hollywood, California.
Featuring mostly archival images, the video
reels off by revealing Aria's formal training in Trumpets Playshop succeeded
by her competing days in ABS CBN's "Little Big Superstar." By midway, a segment
mentions the young singer's earlier dilemma in raising the means necessary
to compete in WCOPA.
Later on, Aria is shown performing in the
Independence Day ceremonies at the Quirino Grandstand where she wowed the
crowd, Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
This prompted the Offices of Tourism and the President to immediately grant
financial support to Aria's quest in Hollywood.
The nearly 4-minute video serves as an awareness
vehicle about the annual Hollywood Olympics participated in by over 5,000
performers (vocalists, instrumentalists, dancers, actors, and models) from
over 50 countries. Hollywood and Broadway jurors hailed Aria as most entertaining
and marketable junior contestant in 2007 WCOPA. Aria competed in 5 solo vocal
categories including Pop, Gospel, Latin, Broadway, and Rock.
To further highlight Aria's triumph in Hollywood,
she will take part in the
 Cultural Center of the Philippines' (CCP) "Wagi!"
a musical celebration of Filipino victories in the performing arts with fellow
WCOPA Grand Champions Jed Madela and Reymond Sajor under the musical direction
of Maestro Ryan Cayabyab. The concert will happen on Feb. 15, 8 p.m. at the
CCP Main Theater.
Aria serves as one of the spokespersons for
2008 WCOPA Team Philippines, which will hold initial auditions in Manila
on Feb. 9, Sat., starting at 10 a.m. in STAGES, Unit 606 Greenbelt Mansion,
Perea Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City. Singers (solo or group),
intrumentalists (solo or group), dancers (solo or group), actors, and models
may try-out.
Apart from Aria's work for WCOPA, she is taping
for "PareKoy," an upcoming comedyserye on ABS CBN. She is also set to wax
a solo album to be distributed by Star Records.
For more information on Aria and WCOPA Manila
auditions, call Judith Bueno at (632) 818-1111 loc. 225 or (63)917-8011565
or email
stages_pr@i-manila.com.ph.
STAGES talents soar in
2008
Jan. 13, 2008
 STAGES-managed talents
Christian Bautista, Sam Concepcion, Aria Clemente and Cheska Ortega are looking
forward to a hectic 2008 with new recordings, live concerts in the Philippines
and abroad, stage musicals and television shows.
Christian Bautista, Consumers Choice Awards'
2007 Top Star Entertainer, ushers into the New Year with a major Valentine
concert with fellow singing champions Erik Santos, Sarah Geronimo and Rachelle
Ann Go at the Araneta Coliseum on Feb. 13. Produced by ASAP Live and Viva
Records, the concert billed as "Ol 4 Luv" is set to tour the United States
and Canada.
Christian is currently selecting materials
for his fourth album under Warner Music Philippines. Christian's live album,
"Christian Bautista Live! Just A Love Song," is closely approaching the Double
Platinum mark especially after the release of the repackaged Christmas edition
of the album containing his remake of Gary
 Valenciano-original "Pasko Na Sinta Ko."
"The Christian Bautista Show," a musical talk
show set to go on air on Makisig Network, will showcase the hosting abilities
of the balladeer and multi-brand endorser.
Christian will also return to his musical
theater roots when STAGES' major production of Broadway's beloved musical
"West Side Story" raises its curtain at Meralco Theater by the third quarter
of 2008.
Sam Concepcion, who is last seen in Regal
Films' "Shake, Rattle and Roll 9" at the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF),
continues to wear his new hat as the Department of Education's (DepEd) youth
spokesperson. His team will visit more schools in Metro Manila and the provinces
including Siena College Quezon City on Jan. 18, Rizal High School and
Pinagbuhatan High
 School on Jan. 21, San Joaquin High School and Eusebio
High School on Jan. 23, Sagad High School and Manggahan High School on Jan.
25.
Sam's debut album has been doing really well
not only in the Philippines but internationally. His carrier single, "Even
If," made it to No. 1 spot on MegaMixx 101.9 FM, KTKB, in Guam on the week
of Jan. 4. Sam is poised at shooting another music video for this third single
from his self-titled debut album under Universal Records.
World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA)
Hollywood Hall of Fame titleholder, 12-year old Aria Clemente is working
on her debut album tied up with Star Records. Her music video, "Climb Every
Mountain" from the Platinum awarded Kris Aquino album "Love and Inspiration,"
will soon premiere
on Myx Music Channel.
Aria joins fellow WCOPA winners Raki Vega
and Reymond Sajor and directors Carlo Orosa and Oliver Oliveros in touring
the Philippines to audition talented Pinoys for 2008 WCOPA Team Philippines.
Aria, whose sweet singing voice was featured
as the young Lea Salonga in the new Enfakid television commercial, will also
star in afternoon soap operas on ABS CBN.
Sam and Aria will perform as special guests
of Christian Bautista in a concert at Albay Astrodome in Legazpi City on
Feb. 16. Christian will also hold concerts in Ormoc City on Feb. 15 and Dagupan
City on Feb. 23.
Meanwhile, Cheska Ortega, one of the best
finds in the local production of Disney's "High School Musical On Stage"
will be co-managed by STAGES
 and Viva Artists Agency. Eyed to be the next big
star in 2008, Cheska is set to wax a studio album and do some acting chores
on television and film.
Up and coming rock songwriter and singer,
looker Greggy Santos also recently joined STAGES' growing stable of musical
talents.
STAGES' talent group has been holding regular
VTRs and auditions. For booking inquiries or more information, you may call
818-1111 loc. 225, 0917-8011565, 0917-8822838 or email
stages_pr@i-manila.com.ph.
STAGES' office is located at Unit 606 Greenbelt Mansion, Perea Street, Legazpi
Village, Makati City.
For any 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
“Ol 4 Luv,” a major Valentine
Concert with Christian, Rachelle Ann, Sarah and Erik
Jan. 11, 2008
 Be part of Viva Records
and ASAP Live’s Valentine Concert “Ol 4 Luv” as popular singers
Christian Bautista, Rachelle Ann Go, Sarah Geronimo and Erik Santos give
their most romantic renditions of popular love tunes on Feb. 13, Wed., 8
p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum, Cubao, Quezon City.
After the likes of Martin Nievera, Gary
Valenciano, Lani Misalucha and Zsa Zsa Padilla, these four performers are
set to be the next concert royalties in Pinoy pop music scene.
“Ol 4 Luv” showcases the four phases
of a romantic relationship namely: Courtship, Being In Love, Falling Out
of Love and Waiting for Love. It promises to be a love-struck evening as
Christian, Rachelle Ann, Sarah and Erik sing Filipinos’ most favorite
love songs.
ASAP Live is known to have produced sold out
and well-applauded concerts last year including “You and Me” with
Christian Bautista and Rachelle Ann Go; the comedy monologues “Rock
the Vote” with Pooh, Chokoleit, Candy Pangilinan, John Lapus, Jon Santos
and Tessie Tomas; and “Heartthrobs” with Piolo Pascual and Sam
Milby, which even toured abroad.
“Ol 4 Luv” has Marvin Querido as
musical director and Georcelle Dapat as choreographer and stage director.
Special guests are stand-up comedian Pooh and the dance group G-Force.
For ticket inquiries, call TicketNet at tel.
no. (632) 911-5555 or log on to www.ticketnet.com.ph. Sponsors include Belo
and Bed Head products.
Dulaang UP tackles Francisco
Baltazar’s "Orosman at Zafira"
Jan. 6, 2008
 Dulaang UP opens
2008 season with its theatrical presentation of Francisco Baltazar’s
komedya, “Orosman at Zafira,” interpreted with music and movement.
The production, which will run from Feb. 13 to Mar. 2 at the Wilfrido Ma.
Guerrero Theatre in the University of the Philippines (UP), marks noted
choreographer Dexter Santos’ first venture into stage directing.
Arnold Reyes and Lex Marcos alternate as Orosman.
Maita Ponce and Cris Villonco alternate as Zafira. Also in the cast are Jean
Judith Javier, Tao Nono, Red Concepcion, Joel Molina, Natasha Cabrera, Hazel
Maranan, JC Santos, Ricky Ibe and the Dulaang UP ensemble.
Carol Bello of the Pinipikan Band composes
the music for this presentation. Professional lighting director John Neil
Ilao Batalla and production designer Tuxqs Rutaquio are part of the impressive
creative team.
Dulaang UP’s holistic approach to the
staging of plays provides students with a fuller and deeper understanding
of theatre. Having been thoroughly trained in Dulaang UP’s productions,
graduates eventually join various professional theater companies or organize
their own theater groups or join the Academe. Dulaang UP gets unwavering
financial support from the UP Office of the President, Office of the Chancellor,
and occasionally from the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the National
Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and other private institutions.
Dulaang UP continues to stage productions
of outstanding quality to bring world dramatic literature to the University
community and beyond. The organization encourages Filipino playwriting to
add to the wealth of material in Philippine literature.
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
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You may reach the writer at email:
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