Meet the stars of “Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag, The Musical”

The  much awaited  “Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag, The Musical” will be staged on September 30, 3:00pm and 8:00pm (Gala), October 1,2017 3:00pm and 8:00 pm October 4, 2017 8:00pm, October 5, 2017 8:00 pm, October 6, 2017 3:00pm and 8:00 pm at Kia Theatre. 

The musical is directed by award winning director Joel Lamangan and stars by Sheila Valderrama-Martinez,  Lara Maigue. alternating as Ligaya Paraiso and Arman Ferrer as Julio Madiaga.



“Maynila… The Musical” was a brainchild of Lamangan and Gantimpala Theater Foundation.

It is but fitting that award-winning auteur Joel Lamangan is helming the stage musical version of the Edgardo Reyes novel which spawned the Lino Brocka classic film version that starred Bembol Roco and Hilda Koronel.

Based on the Edgardo Reyes novel and inspired by the Brocka film adaptation, the initial challenge for Lamangan and his artistic staff was to synthesize the prose into a two-act, two-hour play featuring soaring music and brilliantly choreographed dance routines. “Dapat ‘yung mga tauhan ay lumabas na mga tunay na taong may puso, kaluluwa, at damdamin na kumakanta at sumasayaw,” shares Lamangan. “Dapat na maramdaman ng mga manonood na nagkukuwento sila ng ukol sa kanilang mga agam-agam, hinaing, siphayo, at pangarap.”

To realize his vision of a realistic depiction of the great, if doomed love story of Julio Madiaga and his inamorata Ligaya Paraiso, Lamangan gathered an artistic staff composed of people that he trusts can deliver the goods: Von De Guzman (Composer and Musical Director), Jose Victor Torres and Em Mendez (Libretto), Joey Nombres (Lights Designer), Douglas Nierras (Choreographer), and Jun Flavier Pablo (Production Design). Full House Asia Productions, Inc. acts as line producer.  

Musical Director Von De Guzman has collaborated with Lamangan in many of the latter’s film projects. He has done musicals meant for school productions but “Maynila…” will be his first mainstream musical of this scope. “Direk Joel wanted memorable melodies for the play,” relates De Guzman, “so the ballads will have the feel of a George Canseco and/or Willy Cruz composition, the fast numbers we have incorporated very Filipino elements of singkil, ati-atihan chants, mostly percussion-driven kind of music. And then we have the strains of kundiman in the other numbers.”

De Guzman adds, was to merge OPM romanticism with the orchestral power of a Stravinsky. De Guzman also utilized Filipino instruments that we seldom hear like the banduria.

The next step was to find powerful singers from the leads to the chorus. “They have to have lungs of steel,” notes De Guzman.

Valderrama-Martinez and Maigue are alternating as Ligaya Paraiso. “I was excited to join this production because I wanted to work with Joel Lamangan whom I’ve never worked with before,” says Valderrama-Martinez. Maigue is burning the midnight candles, so to speak, to bring justice to her interpretation of Ligaya Paraiso, a victim of circumstance. “I’ve been watching Hilda Koronel in the Brocka movie over and again and I’ve been talking to friends from UP where they worship before the shrine of ‘Maynila Sa Mga Kuko Ng Liwanag."

 “Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag, The Musical” is a musical theater event that shouldn’t be missed and worth saving the ticket price for. “It’s a musical told from the point of view of the novelist,” says Lamangan. “It features wonderful composition from Von De Guzman, topnotch dance from Douglas Nierras, three-dimensional characters, heartfelt moments, stirring scenes meant to enthrall and entertain.” 

In restless times like the one we are living through, “Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag, The Musical” resonates even more. “It shows that in the midst of the squalor, despair, and violence, pure love still exists like the one shared by Julio Madiaga and Ligaya Paraiso,” says Joel Lamangan. 

Giving life to the other important characters in the 

musical are Floyd Tena (Pol), Noel Rayos (Atong), Rafa Seguion-Reyna and Joseph Puducay (Imo), Aicelle Santos and Rita Daniela (Perla), Jim Pebanco/ Joseph Billezar (Mr. Balajadia), Khalil Kaimo (Gido), Jeffrey Camanag (Omeng), Romcel Binquis (Benny), Randy Rey (Frank), and Dulce and Ima Castro alternating as Mrs. Cruz.

Performances are scheduled on September 30, 3:00pm and 8:00pm (Gala), October 1,2017 3:00pm and 8:00 pm October 4, 2017 8:00pm, October 5, 2017 8:00 pm, October 6, 2017 3:00pm and 8:00 pm,  Venue is at the KIA Theater in Cubao, Quezon City. 

Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag, The Musical” is made possible through the generous support of KIA Theater, Cibo, Epson, Erase Placenta, SvelT’I Health & Beauty Centre, and Mr. Swabergers.

For ticket inquiries, contact Ms. Bards Lapid at mobile number -09178466704, landlines 897 7142. 890 0853, 890 6067 or Ticketnet -9115555.

Goldilocks Foundation partners with ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc.’s (ALKFIs) for "Kabuhayan Bakery"

While Lobo, Batangas has earned a reputation as a hotbed for mining, the municipality is likewise home to a rich marine sanctuary. Unfortunately, excessive mining has threatened this ecology, and efforts have been made to reduce Lobo’s dependence on the income from mines.

Goldilocks Foundation, in partnership with ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc.’s (ALKFIs) Bantay Kalikasan and Nutrition Center of the Philippines, took part in this endeavor by donating a fully-functional “Kabuhayan Bakery” located in Masaguitsit-Banalo National High School.

In order to create a ripple effect of livelihood opportunities, the bakery will be managed by the locals, who were given the appropriate training to make a variety of breads and simple pastries. These products can then be sold either on a retail or wholesale basis.

“My dream is to eradicate poverty in Lobo, while keeping the environment and Lobo’s natural resources as healthy as possible,” noted ALKFI Managing Director Gina Lopez. “I hope that the teachers will teach their students how to love one another and also Mother Nature. Let us be responsible and commit to being earth warriors,” she added.

On the part of Goldilocks, the country’s number one bakeshop intends to make the Kabuhayan Bakeshop an integral part of its Foundation’s advocacy. “This is the first Kabuhayan Bakery that we launched, but it certainly won’t be the last. We hope to replicate this model in a number of key locations, and expand this program in the coming years,” said Cherry Caluya, Marketing Director of Goldilocks.

Other sponsors include Honda Motors Philippines, who donated a motorcycle to help the community in delivering bread all around the city, San Miguel Mills, and the Local Government Unit led by Lobo Municipal Mayor, Atty. Gaudioso Manalo.

For more information about the initiatives of Goldilocks Foundation, follow Goldilocks on Twitter or Instagram at @GoldilocksPH, the Goldilocks Facebook page, or at the official Goldilocks website at www.goldilocks.com.ph.

Avida Land partners with Yummy.ph in welcoming new homeowners of Avida Towers Altura

Avida Land, one of the leading mid-market real estate developers in the country, launched a handy cookbook in partnership with Yummy.ph to welcome new homeowners of the recently completed Tower 1 of Avida Towers Altura.

Chef Francis Lim

We got to try out their new dishes and participated in the cook off with Mystery Box Cooking Challenge where we created quick-fix meals using only the ingredients inside the box. We cooked banana cake using the rice cooker. It was tasted good and I should try this out at home. Chef Francis Lim together with Yummy.Ph top executives, and new homeowners witnessed the cooking challenge.

The cookbook titled “40 Best Quick-Fix Recipes for Your New Home” collates easy-to-do recipes of homemade comfort food, some of which are shared by Chef Francis Lim of Tipple and Slaw fame, and includes a map of Avida properties and the nearby groceries and shopping centers. The cookbook will be given as part of the turnover kit for new homeowners to enable them to create delightful experiences at their new home at Avida Towers Altura.

The launch was held on August 19, 2017 at the Avida Showroom South Park District and was followed by an interactive cooking demo of comfort dishes by Chef Francis Lim. Attendees also got a chance to participate in the. Attendees were also able to appreciate a dining room set-up that exhibited a beautiful way to present your home cooked meals for special occasions. They also received special gift baskets from NutriAsia containing iconic Filipino sauces and condiments that would complement any food preparation or meals at home.

“In any Avida community, we always aim to provide our residents with avenues to experience a more fulfilling lifestyle. We know that moving into your new home can be challenging especially for the newly independent ones. Our collaboration with Yummy for this cookbook will be a valuable tool in our residents’ day-to-day living, with easy recipes that any newbie home cook can follow to create delicious meals they can enjoy at home,” says Tess Tatco, Avida marketing head.

Avida Towers Altura is the latest addition to the vibrant South Park District, Ayala Land’s master-planned, mixed-use development, located in the relaxed yet dynamic environment of Alabang, Muntinlupa. With Tower 1 units now ready for turnover to its residents, as well as the top-off of Tower 2, a comfortable and holistic southern living experience awaits those who choose to reside in this convenient, practical and fun environment. Avida Towers Altura Tower 1 units are included in the overall total of 3,062 units to be turned-over by Avida this year.

Anyone will be able to experience rest and relaxation at Avida Towers Altura. The thoughtfully designed units, ranging from studio to one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, provide utmost comfort which matches the peaceful outdoor environment. The condominium’s amenities, specifically designed to encourage interaction and a healthy lifestyle among homeowners, include a clubhouse, swimming pools, a children’s play area, and an outdoor gym.

Beyond the residential towers, not only will Altura residents be met with a different kind of Southern lifestyle, but they will also enjoy the various establishments that make South Park District a sustainable community.


The 6.6-hectare district perfectly bridges urban city life with the necessity for nature. It has  well-planned residential buildings, its own Ayala-operated South Park Mall where residents can effortlessly shop and dine, South Park Corporate Center with BPO offices for those who want to work closer to home, an operational transport terminal that makes it easier to access various locations in the Southern Metro, and a not-to-be-missed expansive Central Park featuring iconic art pieces from world-renowned sculptor Reginald Yuson including a large steel composition of interconnected conical forms, and a sprawling composition of free-flowing 3-dimensional tubes reminiscent of doodles which inspire vibrancy, movement and playfulness while keeping a sense of peacefulness and tranquility.

Various weekend activities are also scheduled at the park such as the Mobile Flea Market held every payday weekend between 12 noon and 9 P.M. With all these, South Park District is poised to become an ideal enclave for comfortable and convenient living in the South.

South Park District is located along the National Road of Alabang, less than a kilometer away from the South Luzon Expressway.

*Event partners for the cookbook launch event include NutriAsia, Robinsons Supermarket, Unifab and Uratex.

Althea Petal Velvet Powder Unboxing

As the old saying goes;"They say It takes a village to raise a child."

And would you believe that age old proverb is also kinda applicable when choosing makeup?

I guess it also takes a village or maybe even a city to try and test out a product first before I finally decide if its worth trying.

I'm not just talking about lab testing but rather the collective comments and reactions of the people who have been able to try the product first--and not just from those so-called experts whose only basis for rave reviews are the number of free product samples they've been given.

That's why I try to read real consumer reviews as skin care products don't come cheap. And why I'm also sharing my thoughts on the products I use--and buy.

Some of the products I am really careful about buying are liquid foundation, powder foundation, concealer and a blot powder. I "google" reviews first before even checking it out at the mall.










If I am really itching to have the product, I'd try it out, walk around for a few minutes and get a feel for it. And if I like the effect that's the only time I'm going back to buy it.. (A word of advice though, make sure to ask the sales assistants to reserve one or hold it for a few hours just to make sure you still have something to come back to.)

Just so you know, I'm  NC-25-30ish and have a combo skin type. I have an oily T zone. That's why I always carry blotting papers inside my bag. The trick is just pat blotting papers instead of reapplying your powder. This is to prevent oil to accumulate in your face and not to caked.

My beauty regimen is just like everyone else's. Before going out, I put on my HG favorite toner (rose mamonde) , daily moisturizer, sunscreen, concealer and my liquid powder foundation. Then set it off with my new blot powder Althea Velvet Powder. 

Althea PH  recently introduces their first beauty product Althea Velvet Powder. It is a finely milled translucent loose powder. It goes on matte when you pat the powder in your face. The thing is, it conceals oiliness and imperfections when you use it as your finish powder. I always carry it in my bag and retouch after blotting. I love that it mattifies and soften my liquid powder foundation. It glides on perfectly and is affordable too.

Infused with oil from Althea seeds, this powder works to keep sebum production at bay without drying out the skin for a radiant, fresh look, all while giving out a gentle scent.

I had it swatch on  my upper left hand and see the difference it makes! I have been using it everyday.  I know I have to hoard this week and re stock.

If you are on the lookout for a blot powder that blurs out oiliness and imperfections then its time to purchase Althea Petal Velvet Powder from Korea.

Enjoy amazing K-Beauty products at the lowest prices, plus free shipping!
its available online at  http://ph.althea.kr/ .

Snowbinge-ing at Snowbing

I always thought our "halo halo--" with all those different ingredients were the best thing to happen to iced desserts--besides ice cream of course. Then comes
"bingsu," a Korean shaved ice dessert with sweet toppings that could include chopped fruit, milk, fruit syrup, cereal flakes and ice cream. Okay its still like "halo-halo" just a bit more refined--especially once you take that first spoonful of shaved ice.

And once you try it, I swear you'd be calling out "Cheat Day" a lot more often.

The first time I heard about bingsu was last year. When I saw these  teenagers coming in and out of one bingsu store in Makati. I was curious with what they're eating so I decided to try one-- which I must have finished in record time.  It was the best smooth shave desserts that I had.  It was heaven and for during 15 minutes or so, I didnt care about anything else.

Choco Brownie php188

Last week, I got invited (August 14) to try Snowbing in SM North EDSA . I said yes right away because not only was it near our house, but also because I've been hearing a lot of good things about Snowbing.

Tropical Fruit Bingsu php168

I came from another event and was quite famished when I arrived at their very well lit store.  It as a good thing they also served pasta and pizza!

As for my bingsu I decided to order the Tropical Fruit for my bingsu (thinking the fruits would at least make me less guilty).  I was surprised that their bingsu was way more affordable starting at php168 an order.

So I decided to order two!

Korean Pasta php198

Pepperoni Pizza php99

But before that, let me tell you about their pasta. They have three types, Kimchi, Korean and Salted Egg Pasta. For those who like their pasta spicy, I suggest you go for the Kimchi pasta. It was spicy, tasty and the pasta al dente. Just like the way I want it. If you are feeling a bit less adventurous you can try their Korean pasta or the more creamy Salted Egg pasta.  Each order is good enough for one person so I suggest you also order a slice of pizza.

What I love about Snowbing is that everything in the menu is budget-friendly and does not compromise taste and quality. What you see is what you get. That's why I ordered a cheezy mango bingsu next after tropical fruit. Okay, I know i must have "snowbinged" a little bit.

My favorite however turned out to be the Choco Brownie. Of all the other flavors I tried, it was the best, not too sweet and the brownie chunks add a bit of texture to the shaved ice and ice cream.

Salted Caramel

Cheezy Mango

Korean Pasta 

Salted Egg Pasta php198

*Photo Images from Ed Uy of WhereIsEdUy.com

Visit Snowbing now at the UGF City Center of SM City North EDSA! 

Proud Pinoy Success

At the start of July 2017 The British School Manila student, Liezl Bitas, proudly received her International Baccalaureate Diploma score of 45 points, the top mark that can be received by a Diploma student and the culmination of two years’ hard work and study. Of the 159,400 students who completed the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme across the world in 2017, Liezl was one of only 218 to receive a perfect score of 45 points, a fantastic achievement.


Liezl, a proud Filipino, joined the British School Manila in August 2015, with her intellect, passion and energy, along with high levels of humility and self-reflection she was perfectly balanced and certainly ready for the rigors of the IB Diploma. As she embarked on the two year IB programme, she immediately earned the respect of teachers and students, with her passion for learning and her ability across all subjects, particularly shining when finding opportunities to merge her academic abilities with her love of film.

Liezl is a storyteller, a student with a unique gift of words and the ability to create spellbinding narratives and engaging film work. It was no surprise that Liezl chose to apply to study Film at University; her work and ideas deserve to be seen by a wider audience and she is determined to both learn her craft and develop her own voice and we look forward to watching her evolve over the coming years. ‘Best Director’ sometime in the future?

Despite receiving an impressive array of offers from US Universities, Liezl has chosen to continue her studies at the College of Saint Benilde in the Philippines. She has a passion for giving her own country and culture a voice, although she one day dreams of being able to study overseas where she can gain a greater perspective of her own place within the wider world, an experience she believes will enhance her ability as a Pinoy storyteller.

Liezl Bitas is a name to be watched, a Philippine talent to be nurtured and developed.

Warner Bros. releases poster for the new epic thriller Geostorm

Check the one-sheet art below and watch Geostorm in Philippine cinemas October 18, 2017.

In the film, after an unprecedented series of natural disasters threatened the planet, the world’s leaders came together to create an intricate network of satellites to control the global climate and keep everyone safe. But now, something has gone wrong—the system built to protect the Earth is attacking it, and it’s a race against the clock to uncover the real threat before a worldwide geostorm wipes out everything...and everyone along with it.

Dean Devlin (writer/producer, Independence Day) makes his feature film directorial debut with suspense thriller Geostorm, starring Gerard Butler (Olympus Has Fallen, 300), Jim Sturgess (21), Abbie Cornish (Limitless), Alexandra Maria Lara (Rush), Daniel Wu (The Man with the Iron Fists, Warcraft: The Beginning), Eugenio Derbez (How to Be a Latin Lover), with Oscar nominees Ed Harris (The Hours, Apollo 13) and Andy Garcia (The Godfather: Part III).

Geostorm is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment company.