Category: Events

Straits Interactive and Analytics and AI Association of the Philippines (AAP)Spearhead Philippines’ First National AI Prompt Design Challenge

Following the success of the inaugural Singapore National AI Prompt Design Challenge last year, Data and AI governance experts Straits Interactive is partnering with the Analytics and AI Association of the Philippines (AAP) to launch the competition for the first time in the Philippines.

The challenge is open to business professionals and students who have no coding knowledge but want to learn how to build generative AI tools to future-proof their careers. This nationwide competition aims to elevate generative AI skills in the Philippines by introducing participants to the basics of prompt engineering – the backbone that enables generative AI tools to generate insights, automate tasks, and solve real-world problems across different business areas such as education, legal, marketing and training.

Open to Filipinos from All Walks of Life
“This prompt competition is not targeted at data scientists and coders, but instead at people who hold the domain expertise to guide the Large Language Models (LLMs) to create robust AI assistants. Our goal with this competition is to harness the immense potential of Gen AI while ensuring that its development remains grounded in ethical principles and responsible practices. By engaging students, professionals, and innovators from diverse backgrounds, we aim to democratize AI and make its benefits accessible to everyone.” says Kevin Shepherdson, CEO and Founder of Straits Interactive.

A past winner from the Open Category of the National AI Prompt Design Challenge in Singapore last year shared their experience. “As a business owner, I was amazed how quickly I could build practical in-house IT solutions that cut development and troubleshooting time. With the skills we learned from the bootcamp, I believe that everyone can do it if you just put in the time and effort,” said Ronald Soh, Business Development Director, NSIT Training, who was able to create an IT Support Technical Advisor app with his team. The app is designed to provide cost-effective technical support for Singapore SMEs.

The National AI Prompt Design Challenge also follows the national government’s thrust to establish the Philippines as a center of excellence in AI R&D, reflected in the Department of Trade and Industry’s creation of the Center for AI Research (CAIR) and the launch of the National AI Strategy Roadmap 2.0.

How the Challenge Works

Participants will begin with a comprehensive 3-hour bootcamp, where they’ll learn best practices in generative AI prompt design, ethical AI applications, and security considerations. They will then take on a hands-on challenge, using their skills to develop Gen AI-powered tools and apps. The teams that create the best gen AI tools will be awarded cash prizes and industry recognition.

The challenge is open to individuals and teams from various backgrounds, including business professionals looking to integrate Gen AI into their operations, educators who want to develop and deploy gen AI-powered learning tools, legal experts exploring Gen AI’s role in law and compliance, and students interested in learning prompt engineering, an essential skill of the future workforce.

Now Open for Registration

Registration runs from March 28 – May 25, 2025 while the competition runs from June 17-20, 2025 with its venue partners Asian Institute of Management (AIM), Angeles University Foundation (AUF) and Mapua Malayan Colleges Laguna. Interested participants may sign up at https://ai-promptchallenge.com/ph

March 28, 2025
Kitchie Nadal brings OPM Classics to Hard Rock Cafe Manila this March 27

Don’t miss Kitchie Nadal this March 27 at 9:30 PM as she performs live at Hard Rock Cafe Manila. This special show is part of Hard Rock Cafe’s Women’s Month Celebration featuring some of the country’s most popular and endearing female artists.

The renowned singer-songwriter is responsible for timeless songs like “Huwag na Huwag Mong Sasabihin” and “Bulong!” Let the good times roll at Hard Rock Cafe Manila with a standout one-night-only performance this chart-topping icon.

Catch Kitchie Nadal live! on March 27, 2024, at 9:30 PM, at the Hard Rock Cafe Manila in S Maison, Conrad Hotel, Pasay City. Door charge is P1,600 (P1,000 entrance fee; 600 consumable). For inquiries & reservations, contact (02) 8990-9809 or +63 917-144-9400. Limited seats available!

#KitchieNadalLive
#HardRockCafeManila
Follow @hardrockcafemanila

March 25, 2025
Mariah Carey: The Celebration of MIMI Live in Manila 2025

The best-selling female artist of all time, MARIAH CAREY is bringing THE CELEBRATION OF MIMI tour to MANILA on October 14, 2025 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Presented by Wilbros Live. Ticket details will be announced soon and will be available via SMTickets.com and SM Tickets outlets nationwide.

Mariah Carey is an author, entrepreneur, philanthropist, producer and multiple award-winning artist and songwriter. She has sold more than 200 million albums to-date and 19 Billboard Hot 100 #1 singles (18 of which are self-penned) – more than any solo artist in history. With her distinct five-octave vocal range, prolific songwriting, and producing talent, Carey is truly the template of the modern pop performance. Mariah is also an inductee to the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and has been recognized with multiple Grammy Awards, numerous American Music Awards, three Guinness World Record titles, both Billboard’s “Artist of the Decade” and “Icon” awards, the World Music Award for “World’s Best Selling Female Artist of the Millennium,” the Ivor Novello Award for “PRS for Music Special International Award,” and BMI’s “Icon Award” for her outstanding achievements in songwriting, to name a few.

Carey’s cultural impact has transcended the music industry to leave an indelible imprint upon the world at large. In 2009, Carey was recognized with the Breakthrough Performance Award at the Palm Spring International Film Festival for her critically acclaimed role in Lee Daniels’ “Precious.” A Congressional Award recipient, Carey has selflessly donated her time and energy to a range of philanthropic causes near to her heart including Save the Music, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, World Hunger Relief, and the Elton John AIDS Foundation, among many others. A tremendous supporter of children’s charities, both domestic and international, Carey founded Camp Mariah in partnership with the Fresh Air Fund, a retreat for inner city children to explore career development. In 2020, Mariah’s riveting memoir The Meaning of Mariah Carey was recognized as a New York Times #1 bestseller upon release.

Follow @WilbrosLive on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.

March 24, 2025
Art in the Park 2025 – 19 Years of Filipino Art at Jaime Velasquez Park

If you’re wondering how to make your Sunday extra special, here’s your answer: Art in the Park is back today, March 23, 2025, at Jaime Velasquez Park in Makati City. Now in its 19th year, this beloved affordable art fair is pulling out all the stops from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, bringing you a day packed with creativity, community, and good vibes. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-timer, let’s get into what makes this year’s event a must-visit!

19 Years Strong and Still Affordable

For nearly two decades, Art in the Park has been the go-to spot for art lovers. Organized by Philippine Art Events, Inc., this one-day fair keeps its heart in the right place—raising funds for the Museum Foundation of the Philippines to support the National Museum and its network. This year, 61 exhibitors, including galleries, collectives, and indie art spaces, are showcasing their best works, all capped at P70,000. Better yet, plenty of pieces go for much less, making it a dream come true for anyone hunting for a steal. It’s like a treasure chest of Filipino talent, and after 19 years, the thrill of the find is still alive and kicking!

Meet the Stars of the Show

One of the coolest parts of Art in the Park? The special exhibits featuring hand-picked Filipino artists. For 2025, the lineup is pure fire. There’s TRNZ, a multimedia visual artist who’s all about breaking the mold. Then you’ve got AR Manalo, a contemporary mixed-media master whose pieces spark curiosity and awe. And don’t miss Carlo Tanseco, a designer and artist blending innovation with style.

These exhibits are a big reason why the fair’s been a hit for 19 years—they’re a window into what’s fresh and exciting in art right now.

A Party Vibe You’ll Love

Art in the Park isn’t just about admiring canvases (though there’s plenty of that). It’s a full-on experience, and this year’s vibe is dialed up to 11. Imagine wandering through the park, soaking in the art, while live music fills the air. The lineup? Leanne and Naara, the singer-songwriter duo with soulful harmonies, an all-vinyl DJ set from Mario Serrano of EST City, and chill jazz vibes courtesy of Soulful Mood.

Local food stalls will be dishing out everything from quick bites to hearty meals. Whether you’re craving a refreshing treat to beat the heat or a full-on lunch to fuel your art-hunting, there’s something for every palate. It’s the perfect excuse to grab a friend, find a shady nook, and soak in the day.

Perks for BPI Cardholders

If you’re a BPI Credit Cardholder, you’re in for a treat. Spend at least P3,000 at the fair, and you can enjoy up to six months of Real 0% interest through BPI’s Special Installment Plan. Need more time? Opt for the Buy-Now-Pay-3-Months-Later deal—your first payment won’t hit until June! Plus, qualified cardholders get a 100% Bonus Madness Limit on installment purchases. It’s a smart way to bring home that artwork you’ve been eyeing.

Why You Should Go

Here’s the best part: Art in the Park is free and open to everyone. No tickets, no fuss—just show up and enjoy. Whether you’re a seasoned art buff or just curious, this is your chance to connect with Filipino creativity in a laid-back, welcoming setting. Bring your family, your barkada, or even fly solo—there’s no wrong way to experience it.

The event’s got heart, too. Every purchase supports the Museum Foundation of the Philippines, so you’re not just scoring a cool piece—you’re helping keep our cultural heritage alive. How’s that for a win-win?

Plan Your Day at Jaime Velasquez Park

Happening today, March 23, 2025, Art in the Park is the ultimate Sunday plan. Jaime Velasquez Park in Makati is easy to get to, and with 12 hours of art, music, and food (10:00 AM to 10:00 PM), you’ve got plenty of time to explore. Pro tip: wear comfy shoes, bring a reusable water bottle, and don’t forget your sunblock—March can get toasty!

Big thanks to Globe, Bank of the Philippine Islands, MACEA, Barangay Bel Air, the Museum Foundation of the Philippines, and Chandon for making this day possible. It’s a community effort that shows just how much Filipinos love their art.

Art in the Park 2025 is more than an event—it’s a celebration of who we are as Filipinos. From stunning artworks to live tunes and delicious eats, it’s a day that’s all about creativity, connection, and giving back. So, what are you waiting for? Head to Jaime Velasquez Park today and see why this fair has captured the hearts of so many. Who knows? You might just walk away with a new favorite piece—and a story to tell. See you there!

March 23, 2025
Must-Watch Movies About Women as Featured on the CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art

Filipino women, specifically those engaged in the arts, have been an unstoppable force since time immemorial. From female National Artists (i.e. Marilou Diaz-Abaya, Nora Aunor, Edith Tiempo, Salvacion Lim-Higgins, Francisca Reyes Aquino, Alice Reyes, Leonor Orosa Goquingco, Lucrecia Reyes-Urtula, Agnes Locsin, Lucrecia Kasilag, Jovita Fuentes, Andrea Veneracion, Honorata “Atang” dela Rama, Fides Cuyugan-Asensio, Daisy Avellana, Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio) who made significant contributions to nation building and excelled in their respective fields, to today’s up-and-coming modern Filipina artists, they epitomize empowerment and gender equality.

In celebration of the National Women’s Month, the Cultural Center of the Philippines puts the spotlight on the treasured works by some of the best Filipino women filmmakers. Culled from CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Arts (CCP EPA), the country’s most authoritative and comprehensive source of arts and knowledge, here are some of must-watch classic films on women, for women, by women.

Amy Austria and Jay Ilagan in Brutal, 1980 (Cesar Hernando Collection)

BRUTAL (1980)

Directed by National Artist Marilou Diaz-Abaya | Screenplay by National Artist Ricky Lee

Monica Real became a suspect of the murder of her own husband, Tato, and two other men. While in jail, she refuses to speak and withdraws herself from the world until Clara, a bold journalist, dives deeper into her case and discovers a grotesque truth.

Brutal is the first Filipino film to address gender-based violence as a feminist issue within the context of Philippine patriarchal society. It is the first of the trilogy of movies about women made by Diaz-Abaya and Lee.

Lorna Tolentino, left, Sandy Andolong, Anna Marin, and Gina Alajar in Moral, 1982 (Photo courtesy of ABS-CBN Sagip Pelikula)

MORAL (1982)

Directed by National Artist Marilou Diaz-Abaya | Screenplay by National Artist Ricky Lee

Joey, Maritess, Slyvia, and Kathy are best friends who are exploring their lives hand in hand until the resistant demands of their own individual lives get ahead of them. As they struggle and realize the risks that they need to take, the four women go their separate ways, each indulging in their newfound individuality.

Phillip Salvador and Cecille Castillo in Karnal, 1983 (Photo courtesy of ABS-CBN Sagip Pelikula)

KARNAL (1983)

Directed by National Artist Marilou Diaz-Abaya | Screenplay by National Artist Ricky Lee

A couple, Puring and Narcing, settled in his hometown where she met Gusting, Narcing’s father. Gusting immediately takes interest in Puring after finding similarity to his then dead wife, which eventually led to family tension and tragedy.

Gina Alajar and Dennis Roldan in Salome, 1981 (Cesar Hernando Collection)

SALOME (1981)

Directed by Laurice Guillen | Screenplay by Ricky Lee

The film follows Salome, a married woman who fatally stabbed her persistent suitor. As the film progresses, three conflicting versions of the crime unfolds.

Sharmaine Arnaiz and Dante Rivero in Milagros, 1997 (Cesar Hernando Collection)

MILAGROS (1997)

Directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya | Screenplay by Rolando S. Tinio

A bar dancer who goes by Lagring has been hungry for her father’s love, but things took a turn after she found out that her beloved father had died and left her and her overbearing mother in debt. To her resolve, her father’s creditor with his three sons took her in as a maid. She found a type of belonging she could never get from her late father.

Scene from Madrasta, 1996 (Photo courtesy of ABS-CBN Sagip Pelikula)

MADRASTA (1996)

Directed by Olivia M. Lamasan | Screenplay by Ricky Lee and Olivia M. Lamasan

Mariel finds herself adapting to her new life as a wife when she married a single father with three children.

Mara Lopez in K’na, the Dreamweaver, 2014 (Photo courtesy of Cinemalaya and Ida Anita del Mundo)

K’NA THE DREAMWEAVER (2014)

Direction and Screenplay by Ida Anita Del Mundo

The film is set in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, where K’na, a T’boli princess, inherits the power of dreamweaving from her grandmother. In the community, dreams are visions bestowed by the abaca goddess to select T’boli women to interlace the fibers into the most exquisite patterns of t’nalak, a sacred fabric.

Sunday Beauty Queen, 2016 (Photo from Voyage Studios)

SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN (2016)

Directed by Baby Ruth Villarama | Produced by Chuck Gutierez

The documentary is dubbed as modern-day Cinderella story as it follows the everyday life of five female OFWs in Hong Kong, wherein one day each week, they are granted a moment of beauty, joy, and dignity in a local pageant.

Janine Gutierrez in Rae Red’s Babae at Baril, 2019 (Photo from Cignal Entertainment and Epicmedia Productions)

BABAE AT BARIL (2019)

Direction and Screenplay by Rae Red

A saleslady realizes the gravity of owning a gun when she finds one left on the street after seeing a man flee from a shooting near her house.

Photo from PBS, Frontline, and Sundance Institute

A THOUSAND CUTS (2020)

Direction and Screenplay by Ramona Diaz

The documentary follows Rappler co-founder Maria Ressa in her experience as a journalist who becomes a target of the administration while reporting on the war on drugs, extrajudicial killings, and the election.

The women portrayed in these films highlight the complexities of the female existence in different aspects of life. Their existence may be fictional in a sense, but their stories do exist and are actual realities of the women in our society.

CCP EPA

THE CCP EPA: OUR CULTURE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

Staying true to its mission of being a source of knowledge on Philippine arts and culture, some of the CCP EPA’s content are films that serve as catalysts for inclusivity and change, not only for women, but for society as a whole.

The CCP EPA provides over 5,000 articles and video excerpts from dances and musical performances straight from the CCP Archives. Its digital edition, the CCP EPAD, also contains the same 5,000 articles, and over 5,000 photos of the printed edition.

This collective and carefully sourced information is the legacy of the Center’s campaign to make art matter to every Filipino as we progress through this fast-paced, modern society.

Subscribe to the CCP EPAD through its official website epa.culturalcenter.gov.ph /encylopedia with rates from Php75 per month to Php675 per year. Email epa@culturalcenter.gov.ph to purchase a copy of the CCP EPA print edition and/or USB.

March 21, 2025
ANISAMA World 2025 Live in Manila Unveils Artist Lineup
Animelo Summer Live, known as “Anisama,” is Japan’s largest anime music festival, and it’s making its way to Manila. The “Anisama World 2025” concert is scheduled for June 7, 2025, at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

So far, three of the eight performing artists have been announced:
- ASH DA HERO: Known for tracks like “Judgement” from Blue Lock and “Beast Mode/Octave” from Blue Lock: Nagi.
- Ave Mujica: A girl band from the BanG Dream! series.
- Mayu Maeshima: Former lead vocalist of MYTH & ROID, recognized for songs such as “Styx Helix” from Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World and “Sayonara, Subarashiki Sekai yo” from No Longer Allowed in Another World.
More artist announcements and event details will be shared in the coming weeks. For the latest updates, follow Wilbros Live on their official social media channels.
March 19, 2025
Burn the Floor Brings Explosive Ballroom Magic to Manila This July

Manila, mark your calendars because something spectacular is about to sweep you off your feet! From July 10 to 15, 2025, the global dance sensation Burn the Floor: Ballroom Reinvented will light up The Theatre at Solaire with a show that’s anything but your typical ballroom affair. If you think waltzing is all about stiff collars and polite claps, think again—this is ballroom with a fiery twist, and it’s coming straight to our shores.

For 27 years, Burn the Floor has been rewriting the rules of dance, blending the elegance of ballroom with a rock-and-roll edge that’s left audiences buzzing from Broadway to London’s West End. Now, it’s Manila’s turn to experience the passion, the rhythm, and the sheer talent of what’s been dubbed “the toughest dance company in the world.” Ready to feel the heat?

A Dance Revolution Like No Other

Picture this: the graceful sway of a Slow Waltz meets the sultry strut of a Samba, all dialed up to eleven with heart-pounding energy. Burn the Floor takes classic ballroom dances—think Tango, Viennese Waltz, and Foxtrot—and infuses them with Latin flair like the Cha-Cha, Rumba, and Jive. The result? A performance that’s equal parts discipline and daring, tradition and rebellion.

Since its debut in 1999, this show has been on a mission to shake up the dance world. Founder and producer Harley Medcalf sums it up perfectly: “I wanted to create a showcase that fuses the traditions of ballroom dancing with the creativity and energy of a rock-and-roll production.” And trust us, they’ve nailed it. With a mantra of “No fear, no boundaries,” Burn the Floor pushes every limit, turning a night at the theater into an all-out celebration of movement and music.

Why Manila’s Going to Love This

If there’s one thing Filipinos know, it’s how to appreciate a good performance. From our love for videoke showdowns to cheering on local dance crews, we’ve got rhythm in our DNA. That’s why Harley Medcalf is so excited to bring the show here. “Manila is a city with a deep love for performance and dance,” he says. “We can’t wait for Filipinos to experience our world-class dancers’ energy, passion, and brilliance.”

And who can blame him? This isn’t just a dance show—it’s a full-on spectacle. Imagine dazzling costumes, jaw-dropping choreography, and a soundtrack that’ll have you tapping your feet long after the curtain drops. Whether you’re a die-hard dance fan or just looking for a fun night out, Burn the Floor promises to deliver something unforgettable.

A Global Legacy Lands in the Philippines

This isn’t Burn the Floor’s first rodeo. The company has toured over 180 cities across 30 countries, wowing crowds in places like Japan, Australia, South Africa, and the USA. They’ve shared stages with legends, brought down houses on Broadway, and earned a rep for being unstoppable. Now, after years of globe-trotting, they’re ready to make Manila their next big stage.

Running for six nights only from July 10 to 15, 2025, this is a limited chance to catch a world-class act right in Parañaque. The Theatre at Solaire, known for hosting top-tier shows, is the perfect spot to experience this explosive production brought to us by GMG Productions and Dance Partner Productions.

What to Expect When You Go

o, what’s in store when you snag a seat? Expect a rollercoaster of emotions—sensual slow dances that tug at your heartstrings, fiery Paso Dobles that get your pulse racing, and playful Jives that’ll leave you grinning ear to ear. The dancers aren’t just performers; they’re storytellers, pouring every ounce of commitment into moves that feel raw and electric.

The production value is off the charts, too. Think cutting-edge tech paired with choreography that’s been polished to perfection over decades. It’s the kind of show that makes you want to jump up and dance along (though maybe save that for your living room after-party!).

How to Get Your Tickets

Ready to secure your spot? Tickets go on sale March 20, 2025, exclusively through TicketWorld. With only a handful of shows scheduled, you’ll want to act fast—these seats are bound to disappear quicker than lumpia at a family reunion. Prices and showtimes will be announced closer to the date, so keep your eyes peeled.

For the latest updates, check out www.burnthefloor.com or www.gmg-productions.com. You can also follow @burnthefloorofficial and

@gmg.productions on social media to stay in the loop. Trust us, you won’t want to miss a beat of this one.

Why This Is Your Must-See Event of 2025

Let’s be real—life in 2025 is busy. Between work, family, and trying to keep up with the latest TikTok trends, it’s easy to let fun slip through the cracks. But Burn the Floor is the kind of experience that reminds you to slow down and savor the moment. Whether you’re 25 or 55, there’s something magical about watching world-class talent light up the stage.

For couples, it’s a perfect date night. For friends, it’s a chance to bond over something new. And for solo adventurers, it’s a treat-you-deserve kind of outing. Plus, it’s happening mid-year, so why not make it your big plan for July? Pair it with a dinner at Solaire’s fab restaurants, and you’ve got a night to remember.

Get Ready to Move, Manila

Burn the Floor: Ballroom Reinvented isn’t just a show—it’s a vibe. It’s about celebrating the beauty of dance, the power of music, and the thrill of pushing boundaries. As Manila gears up to welcome this global phenomenon, one thing’s clear: our city’s love for performance is about to meet its match.

So, dust off your dancing shoes (or at least your clapping hands) and get ready for a week of pure, unfiltered excitement. July might seem far away, but with tickets dropping soon, now’s the time to start planning. See you at The Theatre at Solaire—let’s burn the floor together!

March 13, 2025
Abracadabra! Lady Gaga Announces Highly Anticipated Return to Singapore
Klook is thrilled to announce our role as the Official Experience Partner for Lady Gaga’s highly anticipated return to Singapore. Performing in the country for the first time in 13 years since her 2012 Born This Way Ball Tour, the four-show run at National Stadium kicks off on Sunday, May 18, 2025, with additional performances on May 19, 21, and 24. Singapore is the only stop in Asia.

Exclusive Presale: March 19-21 – Only on Klook

Klook members will have exclusive access to the presale through the Klook app from 19 Mar (Wed), 10am to 21 Mar (Fri) 9:59am. Each package includes a pair of concert tickets and a one night or two nights stay at top 4* 5* hotels starting from $589 and $728 respectively —ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience from check-in to showtime.

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Important details around booking:
- Please note that ticket purchases are limited to a maximum of six per user.
- All Klook Experience Packages are available on the Klook app only (version 7.15.1 and above)
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience. For more information and to book your package, visit https://www.klook.com/tetris/promo/lady-gaga-in-singapore/
March 11, 2025
Theater Review – ‘Niyebe: Isang Experimental Na Musikal’ Finds Its Footing with the Strength of Its Two Leads

Dudz Terana’s and Vince Lim’s musical adaptation of Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s short story, ‘The Trail of Your Blood in the Snow’ called ‘Niyebe: Isang Experimental Na Musikal’ is running until March 27 at the FEU Center for the Arts Studio. Dubbed as an “experimental musical,” the play is a wonderful showcase for the blossoming talent of the Far Eastern University Theater Guild (FTG) and their incredible range of singers who masterfully bring to life the beautiful songs of the play.

Taking much from the source material, ‘Niyebe: Isang Musikal’ tells the story of the Colombian couple, Billy and Nena, who fall in love, get married, and in their honeymoon, travel to Spain and then to Paris where a tragedy befalls them.

Nena suffers a cut from a thorn of a rose and, very much like the magical realism of Latin American literature, the wound never heals, and Nena is taken to a hospital in Paris where Billy is left outside to wait for news as the visitation hours in the hospital are only once a week. Alone, in Paris, Billy suffers alone while waiting for news of his ailing wife.

As a short story, it’s an easy read, but in a play, Terana (who wrote the book and the lyrics and directed this staging) expands the world to fully detail the couple’s childhood, which include the Colombian conflict in 1964. The play is experimental as the story is told in a non-linear manner. Even with a narrator, the narrative jumps from their childhood to Billy waiting for news in the streets of Paris, jumping again to when Billy and Nena are falling in love while in school and so on and so forth. It goes beyond just a storytelling effect when, in one scene, the younger versions of Nena and Billy have conversations with the older versions of themselves: a four-way conversation between what is essentially just two people. It’s moment like this, in the play, when the brilliance of the material’s theatricality really captures the audience’s interest.

The music, in of itself, is wonderful and melodic. The play is almost completely sung through, with a few parts for dialogue. Luckily, the whole cast are excellent singers – not just the three leads – but an exciting ensemble who enter and exit as various individuals within the story all building a fully-fleshed out world while providing set changes, bringing in and out of props, and creating the clamor needed for certain scenes. There’s a lot of good happening here.

On the other hand, while everyone are such good singers, there’s a need to sharpen their movement quality. A number of them need to learn to finish their extensions, while some need to pin down their timing. Some need to put intention and story behind every movement. There’s quite a number of dancing here, excellent choreography by Carlon Matobato, but some understand the intention while others are just doing steps. And while a lot of them are fully committed to their roles, the fact that the characters and the milieu is Colombian and the themes are in the realm of the existential, there are times when the performers sometimes does not quite capture the nuance of the moment. But this is an issue of maturity. What they can process from their own experience is enough to capture the moment. It’s going to be very interesting to see them grow more as artists when they gain more experience and a larger worldview.

But what really grounds the work and makes it incredibly enjoyable is the power and charisma of its two leads – Dave Bambang and Kesiah Aritao as Billy and Nena, respectively – who are not just magnetic performers but incredibly talented singers. As they navigate the demands of their songs, they infuse with a lot of passion and emotions that the play feels connected by the bond they create for their characters. You might get lost with the non-linear narrative storytelling, but Bambang and Aritao anchors it in their love story. These two have such a strong presence that it keeps you rooted and can stop the play from falling out of orbit.

There’s a roughness to the FTG’s production of ‘Niyebe: Isang Experimental Na Musikal’ that also gives it its charm but what the show really showcases are the gorgeous songs of this musical and the powerful voices of the FEU Theater Guild.

My Rating:

Niyebe: Isang Experimental Na Musikal will run until March 27, 2025 at FEU Center for the Arts(FCA) Studio, Ground Floor, Engineering Bldg., FEU Manila. Get your tickets at here.

March 10, 2025
Alice Reyes Dance Philippines Opens Its 2025 Season with Pagdiriwang at The Globe Auditorium
Alice Reyes Dance Philippines launches its 2025 season with PAGDIRIWANG: Sayaw Alay sa Sining, a mixed bill program that showcases the company’s versatility. Set to take the stage on April 4 and 5, 2025, 2:00 and 7:30 PM at the Globe Auditorium, Maybank Performing Arts Theater, this landmark production promises an unforgettable evening of dance, featuring masterful works by renowned choreographers.

Now on its 4th season, Alice Reyes Dance Philippines continues its commitment to elevating Philippine dance by presenting a repertoire that spans classical ballet, neoclassical, modern, and contemporary works.

The program includes a selection of works from some of the most celebrated names in dance, led by National Artists for Dance Alice Reyes, alongside internationally renowned choreographers:
- AMADA (Filipino Modern Dance), choreography by National Artist for Dance, Alice Reyes, Music by National Artist for Music, Lucrecia Kasilag
- SONGS OF A WAYFARER (Modern Dance), choreography by Norman Walker, music by Gustav Mahler
- MUYBRIDGE/FRAMES (Contemporary), choreography by Denisa Reyes
- The world premiere of C’EST LA CIE, a neo-classical choreography by Agustus ‘Bam’ Damian III
- GLINKA’S VALSE (Classical Ballet), choreography by Adam Sage, music by Mikhail Glinka
- NOCTURNE (Neo-Classical), choreography by Carlo AC Pacis and
- MOON (Contemporary), choreographed by Kun-Yang Lin, music by Dead Can Dance
Candice Adea, multi-awarded Filipina ballerina who had been performing with the West Australian Ballet was a former Principal Dancer of Ballet Philippines. For this performance, Adea will take on the titular role in Alice Reyes’ AMADA, delivering a poignant farewell to the Philippine stage, as she commences her retirement from dance.

Don’t miss this extraordinary season opener! Catch the performances on April 4 and 5 at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM. PAGDIRIWANG: Sayaw Alay sa Sining is made possible through a partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines, CCP Professional Artists Support Program, BGC Arts Center, Century Tuna, Office of Senator Pia Cayetano, Steps Dance Studio, and the support of Blackbird at the Nielson Tower, and McDonalds Philippines.

Tickets will be available on www.ticketworld.com.ph.

PAGDIRIWANG: SAYAW ALAY SA SINING

April 4 & 5 | 2:00 & 7:30 PM
Globe Auditorium, Maybank Performing Arts Theater, BGC
ardancephilippinesinc@ardp.ph | 09671536173

TICKET PRICES:

Level 1 – Php 3,000
Level 2: Center – Php 2,500
Level 2: Side – Php 2,000
Level 3: Center – Php 1,500
Level 3: Side – Php 1,000

Celebrate the best of Filipino artistry and talent! For more information, check @ARDancePh on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
March 7, 2025