Jack 'n Jill Magic Crackers launches Magic Cracker mobile app to experience #MagicMoments anytime, anywhere.

Jack ‘n Jill Magic Crackers launches their new mobile app on Sept 1 at Trinoma Activity Center. The launch was attended by Jack 'n Jill Magic Crackers Celebrity ambassador John Lloyd Cruz. Everyone has their Magical Moments while trying out the game booths and raffling out Magic Crackers items to the audience.

 You can download the Magic Cracker app on the App Store or Google Play

“In line with our effort to go digital, we launched the Magic Cracker mobile app to give Filipinos a wonderful opportunity to experience Magic Moments anytime, anywhere. It is also a way for the brand to connect with its consumers and update them with exclusive events and promos,” said Bixie Sese, Jack ‘n Jill Magic Crackers brand representative.

During the #MagicMoments event held recently at the Trinoma Activity Center in Quezon City, Jack ‘n Jill Magic Crackers gave mall visitors an extraordinary experience with a variety of games, prizes and surprises.

Upon downloading the free Magic Crackers app from the Apple Store or Google Play, mallgoers were able to try out the different activity booths such as Magic Match, Magic Toss and Magic Hunt, life-size versions of the games and features that can be found in the app.

The event was truly made more Magical as the brand’s endorser, John Lloyd Cruz, surprised everyone and gave away prizes to raffle winners. These raffle winners enjoyed a special dinner with him; took home Magic Cracker loot bags and a limited edition Magic Cracker jacket, while three lucky winners even received P10, 000 cash prize each.

Expect more fun and thrilling surprises as Jack ‘n Jill Magic Crackers continues to roll out its #MagicMoments.  Stay updated and experience Magic anytime, anywhere by downloading the free Magic Crackers app today.

For more information, follow Magic Crackers at Facebook, www.facebook.com/magiccracker. 

Singapore Tourism Board unveils “Passion Made Possible” brand

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) jointly unveiled recently a unified brand, Passion Made Possible, to celebrate Singapore and showcase it as a home to many places, people, and experiences that inspire. This new destination brand puts forth Singapore’s unique attitude and mindset: a passionate, never-settling spirit of determination and enterprise that constantly pursues possibilities and reinvention.

“With Passion Made Possible, STB is presenting a brand that can tell a fuller Singapore story beyond just tourism. This brand articulates what we stand for as a country and supports the telling of many stories about this destination and its people. It will allow us to build a deeper and more personal connection between Singapore and our fans and friends, even when they are not actively thinking about travel. This brand is in line with Quality Tourism as it will appeal to the more sophisticated tourists who are seeking more aspirational value propositions in their travel” said Mr Lionel Yeo, Chief Executive of STB. 

Mr Lionel Yeo, Chief Executive of STB. 

       

Dr. Beh Swan Gin, Chairman of EDB, added, “Singapore is making the shift from being primarily an investment-driven economy to one that will be led by innovation. In particular, local and international companies are seeking to create new products, services and solutions that will have a stronger impact in Asia. It is timely to send a strong and clear signal that companies can do this successfully from Singapore and turn possibilities into reality. Singapore and Singaporeans are where we are today because we pushed the limits of what’s possible, and did not allow constraints to hold us back.”

The Passion Made Possible Global Campaign
Following its debut, Passion Made Possible will be unveiled worldwide in various cities throughout Asia-Pacific, Europe and the United States of America through consumer launches, trade events, industry partnerships, and global marketing campaigns featuring campaign films and visuals to bring to life how Singapore is Passion Made Possible.

For the Philippines, a Singapore Travel Showcase will be held in Manila at the SM Megamall Fashion Hall from September 15 – 17. The showcase will feature collaborations between Singapore – Passion Made Possible brand personalities and Filipino key opinion leaders and personalities. It will also serve as a platform to share how Singapore can enable Filipino travelers and visitors to realize their passions and dreams. Aside from attractive airfare and travel deals for Singapore, visitors to the 3-day fair can also expect an exciting line up of activities, performances and programmes featuring some of Singapore’s best offerings, attractions and brands such as Irvin’s Salted Egg, Naiise, and Benjamin Barker.

Lets have a #DatewithLoloandLola this September at SM Malls

Its about time you celebrate Grandparents Day with the love of your life, your Lolo and Lola! I would be celebrating mine with my tatay and nanay at where else but at SM San Lazaro, as they are near this #happyplace and its the coolest mall they have been frequenting every Sundays and Mondays.  My seniors would always prefer to eat out at their favorite Savory Restaurant and watch a movie after. But the next Saturday I would surprise them to participate in the Art Activities with their favorite apos and dance to the grooves in the 60s fitness party zumba style in the mall.

SM Supermalls launches SM Grandparents Day with celebrity lolas Ms. Jackie Lou Blanco and Ms. Angeli Pangilinan Valenciano, and SM Supermalls top executives at SM Arena Annex on August 31. Just like every lolas, both celebrities would want to celebrate it with their doting apos at a restaurant inside SM Malls.

This September, SM Supermalls underscores this meaningful bond as SM celebrates Grandparents’ Day in 63 SM malls nationwide. Recognizing our beloved seniors’ tenderness towards the family, this season also allows grandparents to express their love for their grandkids through a host of fun-filled activities at SM.

Starting August 29, “grand” treats and activities for lolos and Iolas include exciting shopping and dining deals, and the Sounds of the 605 Fitness Party, where mallgoers can join our elderly as they get fit with fun fitness classes. 

Also not to be missed are the App with Apo (Sept. 2, 3, 9, 10), an activity where grandparents can learn useful mobile apps with their grandkids at SM Cyberzone; and the Art with Apo (Sept. 9, 10), where lolos and lolas can enjoy meaningful bonding moments with their apos through arts and crafts. Come Grandparents’ Day (Sept. 10), there will be a special blessing for grandparents after the Sunday Mass. 

Mallgoers can also join the digital promo where they only need to share on Facebook their plans on how they will spend their family’s happiest #DateWithLoloAndLola for a chance to win PhP10,000 worth of SM GCs.

With the nationwide Grandparents’ Day celebration, SM promotes new and fun experiences in the malls, as well as enables customers of all ages to create memorable, family-first moments for everyone to enjoy and cherish in the years to come.

Catch the Spartan: Ultimate Team Challenge premiere on September 2 at RTL CBS Extreme

RTL CBS Extreme launches Spartan Ultimate Challenge on August 30 at Fitness First SM The Block. 

In preparation for the race on September 16 at the Timberland grounds in San Mateo, Rizal. Fitness First Philippines, the official fitness partner of Spartan Race Philippines, offers a 45-minute Spartan SGX program to help Filipino hopefuls overcome the race. Headed by elite SGX coaches, each session trains participants in a range of movements—from sprints and squats to lifts and lunges—to prepare against any imaginable hurdle while improving physical performance.

 I got to participate doing some of the SGX program together with blogger Ms. Michelle of Rockstar Momma. It was intense, we didnt get to win but it was a fun afternoon stretching,  doing the threadmill and the moves in Retro class .

Even the most seasoned triathlete will falter in an obstacle course as brutal as the Spartan Race without ample preparation.

Across rugged terrain stretching three to over 13 miles, the Spartan Race sends contenders plowing through a series of 20 to 30 grueling challenges including mud, fire, and barbed wire to push mind and body past the limit. For every hardened Spartan, the race is no mere event; it is a way of life.

“Spartan Race is 50 percent physical and 50 percent mental—physical training is going to get you there, but it’s designed to test you mentally,” shared Michael Reyes, Director of Spartan Race Philippines. “So keep an open mind, push yourself hard and know that we are not creating something impossible. We’re doing something that anyone can do. It will be hard but know that you can do it,” he added.

Discipline on top of determination will be essential to reach the finish line in one piece. With the first-ever Reebok Spartan Race in the Philippines happening this September 16 at the Timberland grounds in San Mateo, Rizal.

Here are a few expert tips for Filipino Spartan hopefuls who want to conquer one of the most formidable obstacle courses on the planet.

Be ready for anything
Personal trainer Kristin Rooke of BuiltLean warns Spartan Race newbies to get ready for anything since race coordinators don’t release the course map until the event itself. With every race a surprise, would-be participants must build endurance, speed, as well as upper and lower body strength so they can prepare for any obstacle.


Burpees, burpees, burpees
Surviving each obstacle is one thing; surviving the penalties for failure is another. Obstacle racing documentary Rise of the Sufferfests director Scott Keneally recounts the pain of having to do 30 burpees for every failed challenge, which made him quit the race midway.

Rooke reiterates the importance of the burpee and urges Spartan Race contenders to include this much-maligned workout in training routines, in case they fail or skip an obstacle.

Eating right
Proper diet is fundamental to overcoming the Spartan Race. Eating like a Spartan is an entire philosophy that prescribes pH-balanced, primarily plant-based meals with whole ingredients that consider seasonality, availability, sustainability, and affordability, along with nutrient density, taste, and impact on the environment.

To succeed in an obstacle race where upper-body strength is crucial, Torey Armul of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics also recommends plenty of carbohydrates that can fuel large muscle groups. Similarly, dietician Natalie Rizzo suggests extra protein during strength training, as well as chicken or chocolate milk after workouts to beef up the upper body.

Inspiration for Filipino Spartans
Rigorous training and proper diet are only part of the equation to a successful Spartan Race. For the resolve to take on and complete the arduous run, inspiration is critical.

American sports competition series Spartan: Ultimate Team Challenge delivers motivation with Spartan Race-inspired obstacles that only the strongest, fastest, and most united teams can surpass for the grand prize of $250,000. Catch the premiere of Season 2 on September 2, Saturday at 9:35PM, first and exclusive on RTL CBS Extreme.

RTL CBS Extreme is available on SKYcable HD channel 209, Destiny Cable Digital channel 104, and Cablelink HD channel 310.

Filipino boyband 1:43's "Trapik Tralala" enjoys heavy airplay on FM radio stations

Love in the time of traffic gridlock in 1:43's comeback single "Trapik Tralala"


TRAFFIC congestion wastes your precious time. And it may also cost you your love life.

This is the bittersweet theme of revitalized Filipino boyband 1:43’s comeback single titled “Trapik Tralala,” which speaks of a young man’s growing exasperation as he finds himself stuck in traffic on his way to see the girl of his dreams.

Composed by OPM icon Jim Paredes and arranged by Sonic State Audio Studio’s Jonathan Ong, “Trapik Tralala” was originally a part of the APO’s 1996 album Dating Alternatib but which was not released as a single, then.

“Pagod na pagod, inis na inis, sa haba ng trapik, sa tulo ng pawis / banas na banas mukhang hindi aabot / Inip na inip sa kahihintay, na-lowbat ang cellphone wala pang powerbank / Walang magawa kundi maghintay lamang,” goes the song’s intro.

The guy fails to make it to his date but what the hey, he opts to look at the brighter side of things—he composed a song while stuck in traffic.

“Sa tagal ng trapik nalanta ang sabik, ang balak na pag-ibig ay naunsyami / nasayang na ang gas, pagkakatao’y nawaldas / Hindi na umabot, hindi na nakita, ang balak na pag-ibig ay na-tralala / Di bale, okay lang, nakagawa naman ng kanta,” the ditty goes.

Although it has yet to be released on various digital music platforms, “Trapik Tralala” is already enjoying heavy airplay on FM radio stations nationwide. On September 1, Friday, it will be available on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon Music, and Deezer in over 240 countries worldwide.

Chris Cahilig, 1:43 founder and manager, is confident that “Trapik Tralala” will resonate with millennials, young office workers, and the new generation of music lovers whose professional and romantic lives are often jeopardized by the metro’s worsening traffic problem.

“Trapik Tralala is a song so close to home that nearly everyone can relate to it. After all, it shows that love can be tricky—when traffic gets in the way. The band had a great time recording it, and the fact that it is an original APO composition shows how 1:43 is totally committed to promote OPM,” Cahilig relates.

He further points out that despite the horror stories involving traffic, “Trapik Tralala shows that there are ways to turn things around and making music is one of them.”

The revitalized 1:43 features four talented and charismatic young men in the persons of Art Artienda, Ced Miranda, Jason Allen Estroso, and Wayne Avellano. The band bagged the 2013 Star Awards for Music Song of the Year for the monster hit “Sa Isang Sulyap Mo” and scored the “Most Promising Performing and Recording Group” recognition in the Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation’s 45th Box-Office Entertainment Awards.

Aside from the monster hit “Sa Isang Sulyap Mo,” 1:43 also popularized the songs “Hayop Sa Ganda,” “Pag-Ibig na Kaya,” and “Ang Saya-Saya,” which became the official theme song of the GMA-7 sitcom “Ismol Family.”

1:43 is co-managed by Cahilig and Mario Colmenares of Primetime Events and Talent Management. For booking inquiries, interested parties may send a message at chriscahilig@gmail.com or primetimetalents@gmail.com, or through the 1:43 Facebook page.

City of San Jose Del Monte lights up the whole city on Sept 8 for the Tanglawan Festival

At the mention of “sustainability”, environmental awareness and conservation comes to mind. While these concepts are well and good, the City of San Jose Del Monte (CSJDM) believes that another ingredient is needed to achieve complete sustainability: a sense of community fostered through cooperation.

Last year, CSJDM launched the Tanglawan Festival. The festival’s name, which is derived from the root word “ilaw” or light, celebrates the genuine cheerfulness of the residents as they work together towards becoming a “Sustainable City”. Now on its second year, the message is no different, but it will be delivered with more festive and meaningful activities throughout the eight-day festival.

The festivities start off on September 3, 2017 with a Mass in honor of the Lady of Lourdes, a famous religious icon in the city. It will then be capped off by an Animation Light Show and a performance by Parokya ni Edgar on September 10, 2017. In between, there will be various activities like livelihood workshops, performances, cooking demos, and many others.

Also, on September 8, 2017, the city will attempt to break the Guinness record for the World’s Largest Lantern Parade, which is expected to be a glowing spectacle of lights and creativity. Singapore currently holds said record with a total of 10,568 participants.

“Through the [Tanglawan Festival’s] activities we hope to enrich the lives of our city’s residents and to foster a culture of cooperation,” said Hon. Florida “Rida” P. Robes, District Representative of CSJDM.

“It’s also an opportunity for us to get together and show that San Joseño’s can do great things, like become a sustainable and cheerful city, if we do it together,” she added.

The Tanglawan Festival will be held in many different venues in the city on September 3, 2017 unitl September 10, 2017. More information on the Tanglawan Festival and its activities are available on the CSJDM Official Website (http://csjdm.gov.ph).

“TRIP NAMIN NI NANAY” WINNERS FINALLY ARRIVE

LAST July 28, 2017, classes in all levels were suspended. Government offices had to close down due to heavy rains in Metro Manila because of Typhoon Gorio. But this did not stop the winners of “Biyaheng Proud Nanay, Trip Namin ni Nanay” selfie contest to troop to Manila to receive their prizes.

The selfie contest which follows the theme of "mother and child" is a collaboration between Make Your Nanay Proud (MYNP) Foundation, Inc. and Genesis Bus Transport Service. The selfie should be taken inside the bus with a caption that answers the question, “Why do you consider this travel unforgettable?” MYNP received 50 entries from different destinations of Genesis and Joy Bus.

Ms. Bemz Benedito, MYNP Managing Director, Gizella Martinez, Sarah Grace Codilla, Dr. Boy Abunda, Filipinas Bagorio, Ms. Loren Zubia, Assistant Marketing Manager of Genesis Bus Transport Service


Filipinas Bagorio is a 39 year old mother from Baguio City. When she heard that she won the contest, she immediately called the office of Joy Bus to make a reservation. Filipinas has three kids and she works in an insurance company for motor vehicles. “Tuwang tuwa po ako na ako’y nanalo dahil sa dami ko nang sinalihan ay ito ang pinaka una kong panalo,” Bagorio said.

Another winner is a CCTV and telephone operator of an electronic company from Cabuyao, Laguna. Nanay Gizella Martinez is 34 years old and has three children. She said that upon seeing the flyers inside the bus about the contest, she immediately posed with her daughter and sent it to MYNP and wrote a caption coming from her heart “Unang pag bisita sa pamilya at mga kaibigan sa norte. Salamat Genesis Bus sa safe na biyahe.” She added that she chose Genesis because she feels safe and comfortable.

On the other hand, another mother from the summer capital of the Philippines was very lucky during the rainy season as Genesis officials picked her entry. Nanay Sarah Grace Codilla, 25 years old has two children. She’s a native of Bukidnon in Northern Mindanao but settled in Baguio. Her work entails travel from Manila to Central and Northern Luzon as an insurance broker. She admits that there were times when she had to bring her daughter to her trip, Manila especially, where she has relatives too. “Genesis is always my travel buddy,” Codilla quipped. “Accomodating pa ang mga staff sa loob ng bus,” she added.

The awarding of prizes to the winners were attended by Make Your Nanay Proud (MYNP) Foundation, chairman Dr. Boy R. Abunda, MYNP Managing Director, Ms. Bemz Benedito and Ms. Loren Zubia, Assistant Marketing Manager of Genesis Bus Transport Service.

The three winners received a good for two all-expense paid vacation at Costa Pacifica Resort in Baler, Aurora and Php10,000.00 cash. The winners were very excited to their getaway vacation to rejuvenate with nature in picturesque Baler. After all, moms need a break, too.
​

John Herrera collaborates anew with EPSON PH featuring his "Armada" Spring/Summer 2018 Collection

It was truly John Herrera's lucky year when he won Britain's Top Designer (BTD) 2017 in London, England showcasing his "agila" collection inspired by the Philippine Eagle and tribal art. It was a winning collaboration with EPSON PH. 

This time around Epson PH collaborates anew with award-winning designer John Herrera in creating “Armada” - a 30-piece apparel for women for his Spring/Summer 2018 collection.  John Herrera showcased some of the Armada collection on August 29 at TWG Teahouse Shangri-la Plaza.

The newest John Herrera creations will be globally presented during Fashion Scout in September 2017, the international showcase for fashion pioneers and UK's largest independent showcase for emerging and established design talent during the 2017 London Fashion Week.

“The inspiration for the Armada collection came from the very first map in history that included the Philippine islands. This map by Diogo Ribeiro shows the world circa 1529.   With the help of Epson’s digital textile printing technology, I was able to render parts of this medieval map and present designs on opaque and translucent fabrics.  The combination of sheer and stiff materials with soft fabrics create new silhouettes will remind us of sailing to new worlds,” explains John Herrera.

Fresh off his win as  Britain’s Top Designer 2017 (BTD) at the 5th season of fashion’s finest event for emerging talent in British fashion for his Aguila collection, his first collaboration with Epson, Herrera delves back into history and Philippine pride in creating these new digitally-printed masterpieces.

Before heading to London for Fashion Scout, John Herrera will officially be sent off courtesy of Epson Philippines at the TWG Tea Salon & Boutique in the East Wing of EDSA Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong City. Special guests and close friends of John Herrera, as well as invitees from the Philippine lifestyle media were able to show their support and send their well wishes as he showcases his newest collection, Armada.

In a nod to the Spanish colonial heritage, Herrera also enhanced the collection by integrating in the design elements of costume and fashion from the era of King Phillip of Spain, the monarch whom the country was named after.  Hues of sepia and brown were combined in the digitally printed fabrics to infuse the feel and look of this historic time.

“This is the second time that John Herrera has tapped Epson’s digital textile printing technologies to create a totally different concept in fashion and design, and we are very happy to collaborate with him once again.

As the brand ambassador of Epson Philippines’ Professional Printers Group, he has truly given us the world’s attention with his ingenious marriage of art and technology. This latest collection called “Armada” is John’s  avant-garde  take on our history and roots; a creation that we are confident will put the Philippines on the map once again,” said Ed Bonoan, Senior General Manager and Marketing Head, Epson Philippines.

Epson’s digital textile printing technology enables designers to achieve their artistic vision with advanced technology that understands the intricacies of fabric and design.  With this innovation, world-class designers like John Herrera, have successfully translated their vision onto high quality digital textile prints driven by Epson’s PrecisionCore printhead technology, one of the fastest inkjet delivery technologies in the world. Its print nozzles deliver ultra-precise control of ink droplets for superior image sharpness across a wide range of ink and media, producing outstandingly vivid and unique prints.

The complete John Herrera Spring/Summer Collection will be globally showcased in London’s Fashion Scout in September 2017.

Aiko Melendez and her trending memes

This is my 2nd time to meet Ms. Aiko Melendez aka as Emilia Torillo in Wildflower, in person.  She talks fondly about her son, her memes, her ketogenic diet and the role she plays as Emilia on a fun afternoon on Aug 24 at Limbaga Restaurant.

For Aiko Melendez, who plays Emilia in the hit drama “WildFlower,”she finds her trending memes very flattering.

“I find them flattering, even though some of them are aimed at bashing me,”  Aiko told media  in a recent lunch meet organized by Asian Artists Agency  a talent and booking company.

Aiko’s Emilia Ardiente-Torillo, is the conniving  and attention-seeking archnemesis of lead character Ivy Aguas (played by Maja Salvador).

“Emilia’s reactions are often big and exaggerated, that’s why people like toying with her. I even have some of the memes saved in my phone,” Aiko said showing us some of the photos.

“The one where the cast members are pointing guns at each other and asking: ‘Who farted?’ and the one with her supposedly asking: ‘Nag-deo ka ba? Ang baho eh!’” are among her favorites.

“Grabe yung effort na ginagawa nila to make these meme’s and I think it just shows na people are watching and are interested in the show, and that they appreciate Emilia.

Aiko said she is having the time of her life portraying Emilia.  “I wanted to put a different twist to portraying a kontrabida. Emilia is a villain you will hate, but, at the same time, laugh at. I also want people to pity her because, if you trace her backstory, her father and husband never
 really loved her. Kaya ganun ang nangyari sa kanya.

Aiko only has good words for fellow actress Maja Salvador even if they often have physical confrontations and Maja already injured her eye.  “I  think we’re soulmates, when it comes to acting, because we can read each other’s minds with just one look. I have high regard for Maja—she’s always ready with her lines, and is even conscious of the colors of both our nails for continuity’s sake. She’s amazing!”

As to the eye gouging incident, Aiko shared “Maja was supposed to smear the cake I was holding on my face. We were both wearing high-heeled shoes, and we slipped because of the icing on the floor, and she hit me by accident.”

 Aiko was brought to the hospital, where doctors said she sustained a blood clot. She added that the injury was only a dot away from her cornea, which, if damaged, could cause her to go blind.

“We still got to finish taping the scene. I guess it’s because of adrenaline, but I didn’t feel pain until Wendell saw the redness in my eye,” When Maja learned about it she cried pa nga because she felt guilty–pero accidents happen kaya now we have this joke na kapag may confrontation scene dapat may nakastand by na na ambulance.

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.