Get a chance to win FREE tickets for 2 when you shop and dine at select Robinsons Malls from April 1-24, 2024
“We are as thrilled and as excited as the millions of followers and supporters of Popoy and Basha, whose love story has stirred the hearts of so many Filipinos, encompassing decades of classic storytelling,” says Jess Zulueta, Robinsons Malls Senior Marketing Director.
Robinsons Malls, a staunch advocate of the arts, has always championed the many passions of its customers. This is evidenced by its different projects and initiatives, from its collaborations with Jefre and Erwin Wurm to ARTablado, which gives visual artists from all over the Philippines the platform to showcase their work. Robinsons Malls is also home to great entertainment, consistently hosting exciting live performances and giving mallgoers the chance to see their favorite performers up close. It has also become a place where fresh talent is discovered and developed, thanks to the RMalls Academy.
Mr. Joel Lumanlan, Robinsons Malls’ Vice President for Marketing and Operations, signs the partnership agreement alongside Ms. Beng Santos-Cabangon, Executive Director of PETA.
This time, Robinsons Malls is giving local theater a boost with its partnership with PETA. There’s another layer to the partnership—the musical will tell the unforgettable story of Popoy and Basha and their barkada using the songs of the hugely popular band and Robinsons Malls brand ambassadors, Ben&Ben.
“One More Chance, The Musical,” which opens at the PETA Theater Center on April 12, has already set records, selling out 50 shows months before opening night. Due to overwhelming demand, PETA added more shows and released new tickets but those too were gone in an instant.
One More Chance the Musical will feature the hits from Robinsons Malls brand ambassadors, Ben&Ben
No tickets yet? No problem. Robinsons Malls gives you “One More Chance” to get tickets to the highly anticipated musical. You can win the hottest tickets in the country with Robinsons Malls’ Shop and Dine Promo, happening at Robinsons Galleria Ortigas, Robinsons Metro East, Robinsons Las Pinas and Robinsons Galleria South.
Spend a minimum of P2,000 in a single transaction at any store in Robinsons Galleria Ortigas, or P1,000 at any store in Robinsons Metro East, Robinsons Las Pinas, and Robinsons Galleria South to receive one (1) e-raffle entry. Additionally, a single-receipt purchase of P5,000 from Robinsons Supermarket in any of the four participating malls also earns you one (1) e-raffle entry.
Robinsons Malls looks forward to the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership with PETA
Promo runs from April 1 to 24, 2024. Winners will get 2 tickets to “One More Chance, The Musical” shows in May-June 2024.
The cast of “One More Chance, The Musical” will also be coming to select Robinsons Malls to give a glimpse of the musical and give away exciting prizes. Follow the official Facebook and Instagram accounts of Robinsons Malls for more information.
The time is now, ARMY! Get ready to see the brightest stars in your universe, because Araneta City’s B★VERSE “BTS, Singing the Stars” Immersive Exhibition General Sale has begun!
Fans of the beloved supergroup BTS will be treated to an immersive virtual reality experience, which includes vivid recreations of BTS’ iconic The Fact Music Awards performances, a Seven Planets showcase that feature each member in unique and personal themed rooms, a dazzling mapping show, and more.
With B★VERSE Manila’s general ticket selling under way, ARMYs can choose between two types of passes for the exhibit. Regular passes, which will allow entry only during their chosen date and time, are priced at Php1,500.
For ARMYs with schedules as crazy as the boys, a Flexi-Pass is also available. At Php1,900, fans with the Flexi-Pass can come in at any time during their chosen date. Don’t waste time, though – slots for the Flexi-Pass are limited!
B★VERSE Manila is set to run starting May 17 to August 15, at Level 4 of the New Gateway Mall 2.
Shine, dream and smile with other ARMYs at B★VERSE Manila by booking your tickets on Ticketnet Online now! Check B★VERSE Manila’s official social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X, and TikTok for more information.
To know more about the latest promos, activities, and happenings at Araneta City, please visit www.aranetacity.com. You may also like and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.
Easter’s hopping closer, and Glorietta is transforming the Activity Center into the coolest Olympic Village EVER! That’s right, from March 30th to April 3rd, get ready for five days of egg-cellent fun and games for the whole fam.
Whether you’re a tiny tot or a grown-up goofball, there’s something for everyone. Think thrilling competitions, awesome play areas, and enough prizes to fill your Easter basket to the brim!
Dust off your bunny ears and unleash your inner bunny-baller! Score the perfect slam dunk and become a hopping legend at the Hoop Hoppin’ Slam Dunk.
Take to the Furry Football Kickoff field and dribble your way through this exciting soccer challenge.
Channel your inner Olympian and throw like you’ve never thrown before! See if you can out-toss the competition and win epic prizes at the Eggtastic Javelin Throw event.
Hop your way to gold by putting your jumping skills to the test as you leap your farthest to snag some seriously awesome swag at the Great Easter Jump.
The Bunny Bolt Relay will have you teaming up with friends and family to crack the competition and race to victory in this adrenaline-pumping relay.
Little Olympians can embark on endless adventures and fun at the Egglympic Adventure Park, a specially curated play area designed just for them. And while participants engage in the festivities, parents can relax and unwind at the Fueling Station, a dedicated lounge area where they can wait comfortably during playtime.
No one leaves empty-handed! Test your luck at the Pyre of Prizes, a life-sized Olympic torch, and walk away with amazing prizes. In addition to the exhilarating activities, participants will also receive a commemorative Easter goodie bag and a customizable cap, ensuring they take home cherished memories of the event.
Participation in the Easter Egglympics 2024 is open to all who meet the requirements. Customers can join by presenting accumulated or single-purchase receipts from any Glorietta store. The number of participants is determined by the value of the receipts, with various time slots available for different age groups. Additionally, free play days offer opportunities for individuals to join in the fun with a single-purchase requirement.
So grab your calendars, round up your crew, and get ready to experience the thrill of victory at Glorietta’s eggstraordinary Easter Egglympics! It’s going to be an Easter celebration you won’t forget!
To celebrate International Women’s Month, Hard Rock Cafe Manila and Hard Rock Cafe Makati are joining Hard Rock International for its “WE ARE” initiative honoring its ongoing commitment to championing women’s health and empowerment. Through its charitable arm, Hard Rock Heals Foundation®, the company is raising funds throughout the month, benefitting two organizations working to support women and women’s health: Global Gift Foundation and Magee-Womens Research Institute, through nearly 1,000 woman-led performances at locations around the world, food & beverage offerings, in-room music experiences and more for guests to participate in.
Activities at Hard Rock Cafe Manila and Hard Rock Cafe Makati throughout International Women’s Month include the following for guests:
Women Who Rock Concert Series: Attend women-led performances featuring our in-house band, CIRCA, for a Taylor Swift Cruel Summer Tribute Night on March 15 at Hard Rock Cafe Manila and Miley Cyrus Flowers Tribute Night on March 22 at Hard Rock Cafe Makati.
Limited-Time Cafe Food & Beverage Offerings: Enjoy the Pink Lace Margarita and Run The World gin-based cocktail during International Women’s Month and in April. A portion of proceeds from the cocktails will be provided to Magee-Womens Research Institute and the Global Gift Foundation, which aims to create a positive impact for women, children and families in need. In addition to the cocktails, Hard Rock Cafe Manila and Makati will offer a special, limited-time menu through April including: Spring Pasta, Halibut Sandwich, Mango Peach Salad, and Coconut Almond Sundae.
“We’re proud to be part of Hard Rock’s celebration of ‘International Women’s Month’ to empower our guests and local community to engage with women-led music, menu offerings and other activities with proceeds impacting important women’s health & wellness organizations,” said Ms. Jamille Ferrer, Marketing Manager at Hard Rock Cafe Manila and Makati, The Bistro Group.
For the full Hard Rock International Women’s Month performance schedule, visit www.hardrock.com/women. For information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com.
Calling all champions! Alabang Town Center is hatching an egg-cellent Easter celebration designed to unleash the inner champion in every child. It’s more than just fun and games; it’s about mental and physical challenges, creating lasting memories, and shared joy for the whole family.
Running from March 30 to April 1, the Easter Egglympics 2024 bursts with activities to keep kids on their toes. The action goes down at the Egglympics Arena. Kick it up a notch with a digital track run and a basketball shootout, where young athletes can showcase their speed and accuracy. Plus, get ready for giggles with wacky noodle soccer and noodle spear throw, testing coordination skills in a hilarious way. An Easter Egglympics stub—earned with a P3000 single or accumulated receipts from any store—gets your child an armband and a loot bag filled with treats.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! Imagine your child becoming a star athlete for a day! The Cheer Cam will also capture their cheering moment, displayed on a mini LED billboard for everyone to see.
For those who like surprises, the Easter Egg Vending Machine is where it’s at. It’s like an Easter egg hunt, but with a high-tech twist. Exchange those P2000 single or accumulated receipts for some Giant Egg Coins to start playing. Both the Egglympics Arena and Easter Egg Vending Machine are exclusive to kids between three years old and 14.
Feeling artsy? Swing by the Easter Egg Painting station. For a P1500 single or accumulated receipts, you get everything you need to create colorful Easter egg masterpieces.
Even the mightiest champions need a break! For little ones who need to recharge, the Soft Play Area is a haven of fun. A minimum P1000 single or accumulated receipts get your kids playtime access.
To get in on the action, mark your calendar from March 25 to April 1, 2024, and roll up during mall hours to register. Each activity has its own set of redemption rules, but hey, it’s all part of the game.
Alabang Town Center’s Easter Egglympics 2024 is not just an event—it’s the hottest ticket in town. So, gather the crew, lace up those sneakers, and go for gold! Let’s make this Easter one for the books. See you there!
Follow @alabangtowncenter on Instagram for updates.
Nicole Laurel Asensio is all set to release a new original composition for International Women’s Month in tandem with fellow empowered and multi talented women in music — Saxdiva, Vanessa Celestial (trombone), Yanni Diola (backup vocals) and Yuna Reguerra (bass).
Be the first to listen LIVE at the pre-launch party at 12 Monkeys, Estancia Mall on March 19 with renowned women acts Jika Marie and Keiko Necesario.
The digital launch will be on March 29 in all digital platforms under Warner Music Philippines.
“I wrote this song during the pandemic without the usual jam-sessions with co-writers, but instead by using samples and loops. It was during that time that I also first met a brilliant artist, composer and producer Sam Akins online. We clicked immediately and went on to writing a few songs even without meeting each other in person yet. It was only three years later that I let him listen to the initial rough demo for “I Know My Worth” in a studio session. I sang it for him, Sam’s eyes seemed to light up at that moment. I had always wanted to work with him! He’s prolific! — the moment seemed right. So we decided to pursue the rest of the production then and there. Sam’s pop sensibilities and prowess in singing, composing and playing several instruments instantly swayed me to partner up with him for this production, and a number more in the near future.” – Nicole Asensio
“I first met Nicole online during the pandemic. She is a marvel of an artist and definitely one of a kind, to be candid. Writing with her is easy because not only is she a great collaborator, she is also in tune with herself and knows what she wants. She isn’t afraid to test the waters and try new things, which to me are the markings of longevity in the entertainment industry. I can see her climbing to the top of her game and doing this for many years to come. I have so much love and admiration for her.” – Sam Akins (Producer)
“I met Nicole Reluya (Saxdiva) and Vanessa Celestial about 8 years ago during one of my first shows with the AMP bigband. Witnessing their sheer talent playing the saxophone and trombone was unbelievable, plus they are such skilled singers as well. Yuna Reguerra and I met over a decade ago and I have always admired her skill and style, but this is the first time I had the chance to work with her. As she was recording I kept thinking to myself “why haven’t we worked together sooner? she’s amazing!” Gabe Dandan also recorded multiple guitar parts for the track under the direction of Sam Akins, it was a nice dynamic seeing two producers work together and Gabe who is usually a musical director, sit back and play under the direction of Sam. Gabe took over most of the backup vocal arrangement duties this time. Gabe’s good friend Yanni Diola from the band “Morning Goodness” spent an afternoon with us to add her touches to the vocal stacks. We then sent the track to in-demand Engineer and Producer Joseph Gregory for Mixing and Abbey Road UK for mastering. This team coming together is a real blessing and one that I am thoroughly grateful for. I am grateful to have met each artist involved at different points in this musical path.” – Nicole Asensio
“This song is very powerful, and Nicole Asensio did an exceptional job with it. This inspired us greatly to create and collaborate with her. It felt like more of a party than work…Vanessa and I incorporated a lot of funky phrases and improvised parts of the song. I also added a number of solo saxophone lines.” – Saxdiva
“Typically, as a producer, I am used to playing most if not all the instruments on the track, but for this song I got to collaborate with incredible musicians. I enjoyed letting their musical inclinations and ideas run wild. I think collaboration is something we all can afford to explore more as artists, it oftentimes takes a project to a whole new level. I am immensely honoured to have the opportunity to work on this incredible piece of music.” – Sam Akins
During our recording sessions, conversations would spark here and there about the challenges of being a woman working non stop in the music industry.
“Being a woman in the music industry is difficult. Regardless of how well you perform or how skilled you are, there will always be people who attribute your success to your gender. However, I no longer let these circumstances affect me.” – Saxdiva
“I agree, it can be very challenging considering that the many corners of the music industry are still somehow dominated by male artists and music business personalities. I also feel like my instrument, the trombone is not commonly used by women, at least not here. Despite the challenges, I find it very inspiring whenever I get to perform with other high caliber female artists— it motivates me even further to work hard and excel in my chosen craft.” – Vanessa Celestial
“I am not a woman, but I look around me and see a whole lot of pressure on women and a lot less appreciation for their skill and hard work. I have been opportune to work with some incredible women in the industry, and they do inspire me, but I also can’t help but notice the disparity. For example when I glance at the current 10 most streamed artists in the Philippines at the moment, there is currently only one woman on the list, I feel like more women need recognition.” –Sam Akins
“I can’t count how many times I have been degraded on and off stage simply because of my gender— catcalls, lewd gestures awful chauvinistic comments online… all because I am a woman… I am sure many other owmen in the industry have similar stories. The funny thing is— usually the negativity has nothing to do with the music or the story behind the song… it’s all a power-trip sometimes, and that is why I felt like writing these very simple straightforward lyrics to remind fellow women to know our worth—we are vessels of our creator’s love and power and that should be celebrated. We must know our worth, we must tell our stories and we must never let anyone put us in a box because of gender, race, age, appearance or social status, music transcends all of that and more.” – Nicole Asensio
“Do your work with great pride and passion in order to raise the bar of the quality of female artists in the music industry. And trust me, It’s not easy but it will always be worth it. Know your worth” – Vanessa Celestial
“I Know My Worth” is a fierce and fiery anthem for the modern bond-girl who won’t take B.S. from anyone who makes her feel like less than her worth. With Big, bold brass and string arrangements, upright bass and cinematic nuances resting upon a modern backbeat, the track is a perfect blend of old and new, classic and modern- a true trademark of Nicole Asensio’s signature style for several years now. The vocals range from slick and smooth to textured and feisty highlighting the persona behind the intention of the track—a woman who knows her worth.
Compassion fatigue, a silent struggle faced by many women, takes center stage at Glorietta’s Women’s Month campaign, “How She Blooms: A Tribute to Thriving Women.” Learn how Glorietta’s initiatives aim to empower women’s well-being through nurturing activities and retail surprises that cater to heart, body, and mind.
Join the dialogue on March 16, 1:00 to 3:00 PM, at the Palm Drive Activity Center, where Glorietta partners with leading mental health app, Mind You, to host a free coffee and therapy group session. Featuring Mind You’s resident psychologist, Rea Celine Villa, the session offers insights and support for combating compassion fatigue. The session is complimentary and includes coffee and pastries, emphasizing Glorietta and Mind You’s shared goal to reach and create a supportive and safe space for women. Seats are limited and registration for the coffee and therapy group session will be at the Palm Drive Activity Center starting on March 15.
Avail yourself of 10% discount vouchers for Mind You app sessions and 10 complimentary sessions to 100 customers for sessions booked through the Mind You app. Drop by the Mind You wellness lounge at the Palm Drive Activity Center from March 15 to 17. Ensure registration on both Zing and Mind You apps to unlock these valuable mental health resources.
Apart from mental health, physical and emotional health are also integral facets of a woman’s overall wellness. Join Pound workout sessions at 10 AM on March 15, 16, and 17. Slots fill up fast, so secure your spot early to experience the invigorating blend of exercise and rhythm.
For those seeking a creative outlet, Glorietta is hosting art sessions with Art Nook, requiring only a single receipt worth P1500 from any Glorietta merchant (excluding groceries) for participation. From March 16 to 17, between 1:00 to 7:00 PM, attendees can express themselves on canvas and alleviate stress through artistic expression.
In addition, a special workshop on Young Living essential oils will take place on March 17 at 4:00 PM. Delve into the natural and holistic approach to self-care, and learn about various essential oils, their application, and their therapeutic benefits.
A woman can thrive and bloom wherever she is planted, truly, and Glorietta hopes to help every woman flourish by nourishing her mind, heart, and body.
To find out more, follow @iloveglorietta on Instagram. For mental health services, and activities or to connect to a certified mental health practitioner, you may download the Mind You app for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. You may also find out more, by following @mindyoumhs on Instagram.
Get ready to immerse yourself in a celebration of art and creativity as Art in the Park 2024 makes its highly anticipated return this Sunday, March 17. Held at the Jaime Velasquez Park in Makati City, this free-to-enter event promises a vibrant immersion into the captivating world of Filipino artistic expression. Art in the Park continues to benefit the Museum Foundation of the Philippines in support of its projects and programs for the National Museum of the Philippines and its network.
A Showcase of Diverse Talents
This year’s iteration of Art in the Park boasts an impressive lineup of over 60 exhibitors. From established galleries and renowned art collectives to independent art spaces and student groups, the fair provides a comprehensive platform for diverse artistic voices. Whether you’re a seasoned collector seeking that perfect piece or a curious newcomer embarking on your art exploration journey, Art in the Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover and connect with the rich tapestry of Filipino contemporary art.
Accessibility at Its Core
One of the hallmarks of Art in the Park is its unwavering commitment to making art accessible to everyone. For its 18th edition, Art in the Park gathers over 60 exhibitors representing galleries, art collectives, independent art spaces, and student groups to present a vibrant showcase of diverse talents and to offer an opportunity for fair-goers to engage, interact, and immerse themselves in Filipino creativity. Most artworks are priced at or below P70,000, with many finding happy homes for even less. This ensures that the joy of owning and appreciating art is attainable for all art enthusiasts.
Encountering Masterpieces: Special Exhibits
Art in the Park 2024 elevates the experience further by presenting curated special exhibits featuring esteemed Filipino artists. From the enigmatic portraits of Demi Padua to the abstract narratives of Pepe Delfin and Clarence Chun’s biographical explorations, each artist brings a unique perspective to the canvas, leaving viewers mesmerized and inspired.
A Closer Look at the Featured Artists
Demi Padua, a rising star in the contemporary art scene, is renowned for his captivating portraits. His large-scale canvases showcase striking compositions where faces dominate the space, blurring the line between abstract and figurative elements. These enigmatic visages spark curiosity and invite viewers to discover their own personal interpretations within them.
Pepe Delfin utilizes the language of abstraction to explore a world of emotions and experiences. Through a captivating interplay of geometric shapes, squiggles, and lines, each meticulously placed element weaves a visual narrative. Delfin’s vibrant hues and structured compositions create scenes that evoke a sense of solitude and a kaleidoscope of emotions.
Clarence Chun employs abstraction as a tool to tell stories of his personal connections and relationships with the places he’s called home. Water plays a prominent role in his work, a reflection of his childhood spent in Leyte and his current life in Hawaii. Chun’s pieces offer a glimpse into his journey as a first-generation immigrant, weaving biographical narratives into his captivating visuals.
Complementing the vibrance of the art presented at the fair, visitors seeking refreshments or a dining experience will have ample options to choose from, whether they’re craving a quick bite or aiming to savor cocktails leisurely. A variety of food and beverage concessionaires will be at the fair, offering fairgoers the opportunity to indulge in familiar favorites or explore new offerings.
Groove to the Sounds of Any Name’s Okay and Soulful Mood
As you soak in the creative ambiance, let the music elevate your experience. Throughout the day, enjoy live performances by Any Name’s Okay and Soulful Mood, setting the perfect backdrop for your art-filled day.
A Celebration of Filipino Artistic Talent
Prepare to be overwhelmed (in the best way possible) by the sheer number of talented artists showcasing their work at Art in the Park 2024. This year’s roster includes established names like Ang INK, Archivo 1984, Arnold Art Collection, Art for Space, Art LAB, Art Toys PH, Art Underground, Art Verite, Artbeat Collective, Artery Art Space, Authenticity Zero Collective, Avellana Art Gallery, Boston Art Gallery, Cartellino, Cevio Art Haus, Cornerstone, FA Gallery, FotomotoPH, Fuse Projects, Galería de las Islas, Galeria Paloma, Galerie Anna, Galerie Artes, Galerie Stephanie, ILCP Art Space, ISTORYA STUDIOS, J Studio, John and Tessy Pettyjohn, Kaida Contemporary, Kalawakan Spacetime, KASIBULAN, Komiket, Kulay Art Group, Kuta Artists Group, Looking for Juan, MAG, Metro Art Gallery, MONO8, Nineveh Artspace, Orange Project, Pintô Art Museum and Arboretum, Qube Gallery, Redlab, Resurrection Gallery, Sheerjoy, Sierra Madre Gallery, Space Encounters, Superduper Gallery, The Mighty Bhutens, Thursday Group, Tin-Aw Art Projects, Tiny Canvas, UP Artists Circle, UP College of Fine Arts, Urban Sketchers, Village Art Gallery, Vinyl on Vinyl, Vmeme Contemporary, White Walls Gallery, and Ysobel Art Gallery.
Art in the Park is organized by Philippine Art Events, Inc. The fair continues its mission of supporting the Museum Foundation of the Philippines with support from Globe Platinum and Bank of The Philippine Islands, as well as partners MACEA, Barangay Bel Air, and the Museum Foundation of the Philippines, whose contributions make this artistic celebration possible.
ART IN THE PARK 2024 17 March 2024, Sunday 10 am – 10 pm Jaime Velasquez Park, Salcedo Village, Makati
Ready to embark on your art-filled adventure? Visit www.artinthepark.ph for more details, and be sure to follow Art in the Park on Facebook (@artinthepark) and Instagram (@artintheparkph) for the latest updates and sneak peeks. See you there!
The Asia Foundation celebrates Women’s Month with a special trade fair, Lokalakalan 2024: Kultura, Kababaihan, Kabuhayan on March 15-17, 2024 at two locations – Rockwell Powerplant Mall in Makati City, and Alabang Town Center in Muntinlupa City. Jointly organized by the Accelerate Women’s Entrepreneurship for Peace and Prosperity in Mindanao initiative (Accelerate PH) andCommunity Crafts Association of the Philippines, the fairwill feature traditional weaves and handcrafted products from the Accelerate program, including11 women artisans from communities across the Bangsamoro region.
Accelerate supports more than 2,500 women in Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, and Basilan, including both current and aspiring entrepreneurs and women in the workforce across 13 project locations. They include former women combatants, spouses and family members of combatants, survivors, those at risk of gender-based violence, indigenous women, technical-vocational and college graduates, and overseas female workers who returned home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beyond just a market-selling activity, the event highlights the creativity, innovation, and perseverance of women artisans and the diverse ethnic cultures and identities in the Bangsamoro region. Perlita Laguan, a participating women entrepreneur and President of South Upi Monom Organization (SUMO), an organization of women weavers from the Teduray-Lambangian indigenous tribe in South Upi, Maguindanao del Sur shared how trade fair activities, like Lokalakalan, contribute beyond generating sales and market leads. “We became visible – within our families, our community, and the outside world. Our products offered a distinct identity drawn from generations of experience working with what nature gave us. The increasing demand for our products proves that SUMO is doing good, and we can offer more. Now we have a growing number of supporters because they see we can deliver – we are trying,” she said.
Accelerate and its partners envision a community where women take pride in their cultural heritage and can use the skills and knowledge acquired across generations of weaving to promote women’s economic participation. Along with participation in trade fairs, Accelerate provideswomen with skills and business development training, connects women entrepreneurs to markets and other business opportunities, and provides capital to help women participants grow their businesses.
More Than Sales: Women Weavers Find Community and Purpose in Lokalakalan
Emilyn Pia, the President of Maligue Bamboo-Based Crafts and Creatives (MBCC), highlighted the interconnectedness between what the women entrepreneurs value as individuals and as a collective, such as nurturing nature, working together, and using their creativity to uplift the lives of their families and community. When asked about the significant change in their lives thus far, women bamboo weavers from Maligue, Isabela City shared that restarting their bamboo handicraft production in 2022 made them feel more integrated into the larger community.
Women weavers of Meh Tubuan Megtetennun Dem Parangbasak in Lamitan, Basilan – renowned for their expertise in weaving intricate designs of the Tennun, orwoven cloth in Yakan – look forward to expanding their customer base beyond the province and Zamboanga City. More visibility of their weaving means more opportunities to continue the Yakan weaving tradition. Products from both MBCC and Parangbasak women weavers will be showcased at the Lokalakalan event.
Repertory Philippines (REP) raises the curtain for its 87th season with the Manila premiere of Betrayal, a renowned play by British theater icon and Nobel Prize-winning playwright Harold Pinter, running from March 1 to March 17 at the Carlos P. Romulo Theater in RCBC Plaza.
A recipient of The Olivier Award and New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award, Betrayal employs a reverse-chronological structure to tell the poignant tale of an extramarital affair involving Emma, Robert, and Jerry, who is Robert’s best friend. Inspired by Pinter’s own seven-year affair, the play is a three-hander and takes place in London and Venice over a nine-year period.
Directed by critically acclaimed actor and theater director Victor Lirio, Betrayal features a cast of London-based Filipino actors James Bradwell, James Cooney, and Vanessa White who all boast extensive experience on stage and on screen, and beyond.
New York and London-based Lirio has directed several productions in New York and London. He was most recently Resident Director on Dr Semmelweis in the West End starring Oscar winner Mark Rylance at Harold Pinter Theatre in London. He was the former artistic director of Diverse City Theater in New York.
Bradwell has performed at prestigious venues in London such as Shakespeare’s Globe and The Royal Court Theatre, and has played various TV roles including a part in Netflix’s Bridgerton. Cooney has played lead roles in several productions at The Royal Shakespeare Company, The Old Vic, and, most recently, The Almeida Theatre in London. Finally, White, also a former member of English-Irish girl group The Saturdays, returns to her theater roots having performed in the West End productions of The Lion King and The King and I.
They will be joined by Manila-based actors and Philstage Gawad Buhay awardees Regina De Vera and Jef Flores. Betrayal will feature set design by Miguel Urbino, lighting design by John Batalla, sound design by Fabian Obispo, and costume design by Becky Bodurtha.
“I am thrilled to be directing my first production in my home country and at Repertory Philippines,” Lirio says. “We will be exploring Betrayal from the second-generation Filipino immigrant experience in London and set it in the contemporary time. Though born in England, actors James Cooney’s and Vanessa White’s families are from Davao and James Bradwell’s from Naga City. My family is from Batangas. And we will mine our Filipino roots to re-tell this beautiful and complicated story.”
REP presents Betrayal as part of The Bridge Project, a collaboration among global professional theater practitioners of Filipino descent from New York, London, and Manila. Launched by Lirio in June 2020 in London and currently in partnership with REP in Manila, this global undertaking serves as a skills exchange platform. The Bridge Project will offer free Knowledge Sharing Sessions that will touch on theater topics like Shakespeare text rhetoric, text & scene study, script analysis for visual designers, voice and theater experience, as well as a speaker series forum and some staged readings. The classes will be held at MINT College, Mckinley Hill and Ortigas Campus. Registration begins the first week of February. Interested parties may download application forms at repertoryphilippines.ph and their social media channels.
“I sense a real commitment and passion from REP for a global collaboration among Filipino artists,” adds Lirio. “I’m grateful to REP President and CEO Mindy Perez-Rubio for supporting The Bridge Project’s ethos and for having the London-based Filipino actors and me. We’re all very excited to collaborate with fellow theater artists in Manila in presenting one of Pinter’s most extraordinary plays.”
