Ikebana International Manila Chapter 108, after a three year hiatus, will be celebrating its 56th Year with an exhibit at the Shangri-la Plaza on March 24-26, 2023.
The Chapter was not spared from having to cancel its exhibit last March 2020 due to the pandemic. In 2022, the chapter went digital with an online exhibit commemorating its 55th anniversary and in 2023, it is excited to return in Manila with a person to person event.
The theme for this year’s exhibit is “TRANSCENDENCE: Going Beyond The Limit” which emphasizes the chapter’s commitment to the art of Ikebana despite the challenges and adversities facing it. Demonstrations by the different Ikebana schools will also be showcased during the exhibit.
The Ikebana International Manila Chapter 108 was born on March 9, 1967 and a total of 24 presidents have served. The Chapter currently has 70 active members and continues to meet each month to inspire its members with workshops and demonstrations. To learn more about the chapter, visit www.ikebanamanila.com or the chapter’s Facebook page.
Bonifacio Global City (BGC)’s doors are always open to those in need for an adventure. From wanting to hunt down the latest coffee shops, going for a morning cycle, to being constantly inspired by street art that add vibrancy to its streets, you’re sure to always come out of BGC feeling more refreshed and content than ever.
To initially celebrate this culture long enjoyed at BGC, the district first launched its Coffee Festival in 2022, bringing all coffee lovers into one space as they enjoyed a range of local coffee merchants. Now following this success, BGC brings the community together once more as it holds this year’s Coffee Festival – now more jam-packed by also celebrating the best of arts and biking culture.
Wheel your way towards High Street South from March 18-19, 2023 and be surrounded with coffee merchants, bike shops, and a number of art installations all while being serenaded with musical performances; To let every visitor easily access and delight in these attractions, entrance to the festival is free.
The place to be for coffee lovers
Go beyond your usual cup of coffee and explore the various merchants joining the festival. Whether you’re looking at new flavors to try out or wanting to support small businesses and local farmers, enjoy brands such as Elephant Grounds, harlan + holden Coffee, Single Origin Coffee & Tea, Malongo Atelier Barista, Coffee Lab, Pocofino, Luntian by Luna, Figaro, Paik’s Coffee, Supersam, Caravan Black, Twenty Four Bakeshop, and Tiger Sugar.
Aiming to put the spotlight on more merchants, the fest is also welcoming more shops around the metro, including De’ja Brew, Ten-Four Coffee by Overlandkings, Sspace Coffee, Wideye Coffee, Kombi Brew, Commune Coffee, Gourmet Farms, Kaulayaw Coffee + Gringos– perfect for those who’d like to try something different than their usual coffee order.
For coffee aficionados, don’t miss out on the Growing Coffee Culture talk session featuring Calibre Magazine Editor-in-Chief Carl Cunan; El Kapitan Coffee Owner and Operator Raymond So, and Coffee Commune Chief Extractor Rosario Juan, as well as an Outdoor Brewing Demo by Alex Aranzanso of Ten-Four Coffee by Overlandkings, both happening on March 18.
Inspiration starts with art
As BGC bustles with creativity, the festival is not leaving out what breathes the area to life everyday – art. Everyone is encouraged to decorate the FreedomCup installation that will find its home at the fest. There will also be an Art Section featuring the works of the Baraks collective, consisting of Archie Oclos, Tsarlyboy, Apok, Epi, and Bato Manila, who will be doing live murals on March 18 for visitors to witness their art process from start to finish.
For those looking for a sign to take the plunge and get inked, a tattoo popup by Crimson River Tattoo will be waiting to finally bring attendees’ design dreams into reality.
The ‘B’ in BGC stands for something else, too
Biking culture has seen rampant growth and love among Filipinos over the years; and BGC itself has been a haven for bikers. That said, the festival has you covered for the equipment to jazz up your future sessions, with merchants such as R.O.X, adidas,2Wheel Nation Cycling, Specialized Philippines, Built Cycles, Blocks, Passe, Everyday Camo, The Breakaway, Team ABC.
To cap off each festival day, attendees can also witness a variety of musical performances from Pedicab, Party Pace, The Espasouls, The Buzzer Beaters, The Diegos, and DJ Honey.
Meet you there? See you from March 18 to 19 and get a taste of everything BGC – from coffee to bikes to art – all in one place. For more information, be sure to follow BGC on Facebook and Instagram.
BGC COFFEE FESTIVAL is presented in partnership with Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation (FBDC) and Bonifacio Global City Estate Association (BGCEA).
DREAM THEATER, an American progressive metal rock band composed of James LaBrie (vocals), John Petrucci (guitars), Jordan Rudess (keyboards), John Myung (bass), and Mike Mangini (drums), will be performing live at the Smart Araneta Coliseum for the “Top of the World Tour” concert on Thursday, May 4, 2023. The show starts at 8 p.m.
In 2019, the two-time Grammy nominated quintet embarked on a sold-out tour in support of both “Distance Over Time” and the 20th anniversary of “Scenes from a Memory” planned to stretch well into the next year. Nevertheless, a Global Pandemic foiled those plans. The musicians found themselves at home with LaBrie in Canada and the rest of the group in the States. As fate would have it, they’d just finished construction on Dream Theater Head Quarter—a combination live recording studio, rehearsal space, control room, equipment storage, and creative hive. It proved to be a Godsend for recording, Pandemic or not.
“The tour had just stopped, and we were on hold,” recalls John. “We weren’t going to sit around and do nothing though. I broke in DTHQ with my solo record and a Liquid Tension Experiment record, so we absolutely felt like we could do a Dream Theater album there. It’s our home, and it sounds great. Looking ahead, I don’t see any reason why we’d go anywhere else to record. After being pent up for so long, we were all just happy to be playing, writing, and doing what we love together. The ideas flowed. Everyone brought his A-game. To a degree, it was influenced by revisiting “Scenes from a Memory” on the last tour as well as incorporating modern elements from Distance Over Time. Despite the state of the world, we were in a positive headspace.”
(Photo Credit: Rayon Richards)
“It was awesome to have our own place,” Rudess grins. “We didn’t have to deal with the pressure of being in a studio with time limits. I could sit, compose, take my time, and deliver what I feel is some of my best work.”
With LaBrie in Canada, he initially wrote with the band via ZOOM on a monitor in DTHQ. In March 2021, he flew down to New York, quarantined, and recorded his vocals face-to-face with Petrucci. The album ultimately threaded together lean and uncompromising hooks with tried-and-true technical proficiency.
Despite the COVID 19 pandemic the band kept the music going, creating another incredible studio album, highlighted in their current world tour.
On their fifteenth album, A View from the Top of the World, the New York quintet rush forward at full speed again with seven tracks equally steeped in articulate arrangements, groove-laden guitars, and skyscraping melodies. The tracks included in the album are; The Alien (9:32), Answering The Call (7:35), Invisible Monster (6:31), Sleeping Giant (10:05), Transcending Time (6:25), Awaken The Master (9:47), and A View From The Top Of The World (20:24).
The band won a GRAMMY award for “The Alien” in the Best Mental Performance Category, and for almost four decades together, Dream Theater continues to spread their mind-boggling and jaw-dropping performances all over the world.
“We approach every album like it’s our first,” adds LaBrie. “It’s been such a great ride, but we’re not going to stop. These guys are my brothers. We’ve been through ups, downs, and everything in between. To be able to experience this together is beyond words.”
The studio album’s single “Invisible Monster” hinges on a head-nodding mid-tempo trudge offset by cinematic keys, lyrical shredding, and a sweeping refrain. “It’s about how anxiety plagues people,” Petrucci explains. “It’s like there’s an invisible monster beating you. You don’t see it, but it’s haunting you all the time.”
The cinematic “Sleeping Giant” reaches its apex with some signature solo trading between Petrucci and Rudess. It pairs this virtuosity with yet another chantable refrain uplifted by LaBrie.
“Transcending Time” translates “the flow state” into a sonic rollercoaster. Elsewhere, Petrucci employs an 8-string guitar for the first time on the simultaneously crushing and soaring “Awaken The Master.” However, the title track remains not only the crown jewel of the record, but a crown jewel in the band’s catalog.
A 20-minute epic of uncompromising scope, “A View from the Top of the World” highlights the interplay of the group as it twists and turns through lush keys, gravity-defying guitar, brain-numbing rhythms, a moment of heavenly reprieve, and vocal fireworks.
“We went in with the goal of writing a crazy epic,” grins Petrucci. “There’s no ballad on the record, but ‘A View from the Top of the World’ does have a breakdown in the middle. It helps create a story and dynamic flow. I was thinking of people doing dangerous things like surfing 80-foot waves, slacklining across canyons, deep sea diving, scaling Everest, and climbing up mountains free solo. I’m always like, ‘What drives you to do that?’ One wrong move, and you’re dead. Besides being addicted to adrenaline, it makes them feel more alive—perhaps the most alive they’ve ever been. I wrote this along the lines of when you’re on the brink of death, you’ve never felt more alive. Our extreme is being in this band. We’re just not going to die while doing it,” he laughs.
In the end, the view right now is pretty good for Dream Theater.
“When you hear this, I hope you get the very best Dream Theater has to offer,” Rudess concludes. “We tried to build a vital sonic experience. None of us have slowed down. If anything, we’re moving faster.”
“Even with everything going on, this was meant to be positive,” LaBrie elaborates. “We can’t wait to get back out in front of everyone and play these tunes.” – Rick Florino, June 2021
“Music has the power to speak to you on an emotional level,” Petrucci leaves off. “If we’re connecting with listeners emotionally through this record, I don’t think we could ask for anything more.
In all their songs, the listeners can really feel not just only the technicalities of the band but also the passion and the musicianship that they are putting into their odd music, heavy riffs, and rock rigs just to connect to their listeners emotionally.
Their upcoming concert in Manila will be promoted by Ovation Productions with TAPGO TV as official media partner; tickets at P7250, 6750, 5750, 4750, 2750 (plus ticketing charges) are available via Ticketnet.com.ph
“Today, we express our love once again to our special friends in our midst. Today, we show that we care about their well-being. Today, we show that we shall always walk in solidarity to ensure that they have a bright future.”
This was one of the key points of SM Cares Program Director for Persons with Disabilities, Engr. Bien Mateo’s speech at the 2023 Happy Walk for Down Syndrome of the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI); which took place last February 26 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City.
“We walk today because we seek to foster love, understanding, and hope through this yearly activity, because we act to get integration of persons with disabilities in our community. We want to bring positive change to ensure that people with Down Syndrome have opportunities to contribute and have their rights guaranteed,” Mateo said in his speech.
The recently concluded event marked its 20th year overall and the 16th year that DSAPI held it in partnership with SM Cares. This was also the first time that it was held physically after three years, and was held simultaneously in Manila, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, and Bacolod.
Among the key individuals who graced the event, aside from Mateo, were DSAPI President Luis Harder, DSAPI Chairman Elmer Lapena, and the Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime Hans Sy. Representatives from various Down Syndrome communities and advocacy groups were also present during the event.
A total of 3768 participants attended the Manila leg this year, while Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, and Bacolod posted final counts of 580, 140, and 250 participants, respectively. Overall, the nationwide event garnered 4,738 participants.
A total of 354 SM employees and companions for Manila Happy Walk from SM Supermalls, SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc., SM Engineering Design and Development, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp., SM Markets, SM Prime Holdings Inc., SM Development Corp., SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc., and SM Family Entertainment Center Inc. also joined the event.
One of the highlights was the Happy Walk Parade wherein people with Down Syndrome and their loved ones walked together throughout the SM Mall of Asia Complex. An annual tradition, the parade is a way for people with Down Syndrome and their families to promote awareness, acceptance, and appreciation for those with the condition.
Prior to the parade, the National University Pep Squad gave a rousing performance and led a cheer for Down Syndrome awareness. Later during the event, actor and Down Syndrome awareness advocate Andrea Torres performed special song and dance numbers that wowed the crowd. She also shared a short message on the importance of caring for people with the condition, being sister to one herself.
Another notable part of the event was the Dance ShowDOWN, wherein several children with Down Syndrome showcased their groovy dance moves on stage. Various booths with activities for the participants, such as drawing and games, were also present throughout the half-day event. To make it even more exciting, there were also raffle draws, where gift cheques, insurance packages, gadgets, and a 4K smart TV were given away to winners.
The event was capped off with a dance number to Ronnie Lee’s song “Natatanging Nilalang” performed by children with Down Syndrome. Composed with a fondness for those who have the condition (he himself has a nephew who has Down Syndrome), Lee’s song highlights all the characteristics that make these individuals special, and is one of empowerment not only for them, but also for their loved ones.
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome is a yearly event that gathers persons with Down Syndrome and their loved ones into a day-long family-oriented event filled with fun activities and entertainment. Held every February as part of the celebration of National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month, it aims to promote awareness and better understanding of those living with the condition.
“This SM Cares Program on Disability Affairs is something that is etched already in our business. We don’t just do programs for short-term. If we may mention, this is our 16th year of partnership with DSAPI,” Mateo said. “We are not doing this just for fun. We are doing this because we believe this is the right thing to do.”
Happy Walk is just one of the many ways SM Cares is supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly “SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.”
Other PWD-friendly initiatives from SM Cares include the annual Angels Walk in partnership with Autism Society Philippines, held every January in celebration of National Autism Consciousness Week; the annual Sensitivity Training for Customers with Different Needs, which educates mall staff and security personnel on how to care for PWDs; and the annual Emergency Preparedness Forum which educates PWDs and senior citizens on what to do during emergencies.
SM Cares is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, with programs that support communities, promote social inclusion, and care for the environment. Aside from the program on PWDs, its advocacies include Programs for the Environment, Women & Breastfeeding Mothers, Children & Youth, Senior Citizens, and the SM Bike-friendly initiative.To learn more, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.
FIBA global partner Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is all set to bring the world’s biggest basketball tournament and the brightest stars of the sport to the Philippines as the country plays host to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 (FIBAWC 2023).
With Smart as a global partner, the Philippines will have a full homecourt advantage when it comes to epic basketball fan experiences lined up for the rest of the year, leading to the competition’s final phase in August 2023.
Representing one of the host countries, Gilas Pilipinas has already booked a slot at the FIBAWC 2023. Coming on the heels of their February 24 and 27 games at Philippine Arena, the Philippine team holds a 6-4 win-loss record entering the final phase, ranking third in Group E of the Asian Qualifiers after New Zealand (8-2) at No. 1 and Lebanon (7-3) at No. 2.
SLOVENIA and Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic is looking forward to his participation in the FIBAWC 2023 happening in August here in the Philippines. Slovenia is part of the final 32 teams advancing to the final stretch of the FIBAWC 2023
The biggest basketball event in Philippine history
For the first time in its history, basketball’s most prestigious international sporting competition will be hosted by multiple nations in Asia: the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia. As the country prepares to welcome the best players from all over the world, every Filipino basketball aficionado can easily participate, show support, and enjoy a 360-degree, epic basketball fan experience powered by Smart.
“After nearly five decades since the country first hosted the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 1978, the world basketball stage finally returns to the Philippines. The biggest basketball event in Philippine history comes home and is within reach of every Filipino basketball fan. This is really for the supporters of the game. At Smart, we are thrilled to be part of the team that brings everyone closer to where it all happens,” said Alfredo S. Panlilio, President and CEO of PLDT and Smart, Head of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 local organizing committee, and Second Vice President of the FIBA Asia Central Board.
“For Filipino basketball fans, this is the best time to be a Smart subscriber. As a global partner of FIBAWC 2023, Smart will be raffling off game tickets, streaming FIBAWC games live on the Smart LiveStream App, and providing an experience of a lifetime with perks and privileges leading up to the final World Cup games,” said Francis E. Flores, SVP and Head of Consumer Business Group – Individual at Smart.
Fans who want to witness Gilas Pilipinas up close and personal, experience the eagerly awaited matchups, and see some of the world’s best basketball players in action may join ticket raffle contests to be announced with and through Smart’s official social media accounts.
Smart subscribers can also stream all the upcoming FIBA games, as well as watch replays of the previous games, via the Smart LiveStream App, the go-to app for exclusive live sports and music events as well as on-demand video content.
Now downloadable on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, the Smart LiveStream App is designed for optimized streaming wherever you are, transforming your smartphone into an electrifying sports arena, allowing fans to be virtually part of the large and live FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 crowd cheering at the Philippine Arena, Mall of Asia Arena, and Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Smart LiveStream App is available to all Smart Prepaid, Smart Postpaid, Infinity, TNT, and Smart Bro subscribers, who only need mobile data to access high-quality videos, anytime and anywhere. Non-Smart users may also stream the games live via their PLDT Home Wifi accounts.
Register your Smart and TNT SIMs now
To qualify for all Smart’s ticket promos and perks for the FIBA Basketball World Cup lined up for the rest of the year, subscribers must register their SIM cards in compliance with the SIM Registration Law.
Smart Prepaid and TNT subscribers may register their SIMs at https://simreg.smart.com.ph/portal, while Smart Postpaid customers simply need to confirm the personal information and IDs they submitted for their postpaid plan application by texting YES to 5858 and wait for the confirmation message from Smart.
Know more about the latest FIBA promos by following Smart’s official accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
Get ready to groove to the beat as former Himig Handog Grand Finalist, Singer-Songwriter Jeff Cifra celebrates his 10th Anniversary in the OPM Entertainment Industry and Himig Handog journey! This special show, aptly called “JEFF CIFRA: DEKADA Sampung Taon ng Musika at Pagkanta Featuring The Boxers Band,” promises to be a night to remember.
Mark your calendars for March 23, Thursday, at 8PM, as the TakeOver Lounge (located at No. 31 Xavierville Avenue, Quezon City) plays host to this unforgettable event. With a door charge of only PhP700, you can get your hands on a ticket and join the fun.
In addition to being an incredible night of music and entertainment, a portion of the net ticket proceeds from the show will also be donated to 5-year old Baby Kendrick, who is battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. By attending the show, you’ll not only be enjoying great music but also supporting a great cause.
Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-decade celebration of Jeff Cifra’s amazing journey in the music industry. Get your tickets now and be a part of this unforgettable night!
The event is present to you by TakeOver Lounge, The GrandewCorp, Haring Bagoong, and MonkinPh, in partnership with Acuatico and Acuaverde Beach Resorts, in cooperation with DNA Music Philippines, RV Shots Multimedia, and Groomed Premium Skin Care for Men. This show is also brought to you by ClickTheCity.
Door charge is only PhP700. For reservations and further information: Please text or call Jhuvi of TakeOver Lounge at 09774535650.
The FEU Theater Guild (FTG), the longest-running organization in the University-Belt, celebrates its 89th founding anniversary. Known from titular productions such as Usapang X, Confession, Ang Pinakamakisig sa mga Nalunod sa Buong Daigdig, and Kung Paano Maghiwalay and widely regarded of both the Far Eastern University (FEU) and guests.
Despite theater’s two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the organization aimed to reintroduce itself to the FEU Community with its theater laboratory, Tamdula V: Muli. FTG’s return and reacquaintance was successful in reestablishing its place in the performing arts. In preparation for its 90th anniversary in the following year, FTG wholeheartedly offers its major production “Halu Halo”.
Mr. Dudz Teraña, director of “Halu Halo” is one of the senior members and directors of the Philippine Educational Theater (PETA), one of the established theater-based organizations in the country. He is known for his directed productions in PETA such as “Tagu-taguan Nasaan ang Buwan”, “Batang Rizal”, and “Living Voices” a PETA documentary. He has also been an actor in “Care Divas, Under My Skin” and the television series “Niño, Niña”. As FTG’s artistic director, his goal is to reintroduce the incensed emotions of theater to the FEU community, throughout the University-Belt, and of Non-FEU community.
“Halu Halo” contains ten short plays that are divided into two and shown every Friday and Saturday.
Set A every Friday:
“Arte Ka”, is adapted from the writing of R. Orloff and discusses the elements of writing in the entertainment industry.
“Recess” originally written by Teraña, is about familial issues, particularly of a father abusing his family.
“Walong Letra”, adapted from J. Johnston’s play explores the relationship of a couple with a dent in their union.
“Nang Mag-Suicide ang Langgam” from the original writing of Mr. Teraña, plays around with the social issues behind working in fast food retail.
“6.5 – 7”, derived from the writing of C. Reeve, is a playful story of a badly-timed elevator malfunction and a frantic woman’s contriving of her unfortunate situation.
Set B every Saturday:
“Bakit Laging Buntis ang Cashier ng Mercury?” From the adaptation of A. Weiss’s work. It delves into the mental state of an individual and their pursuit of sanity.
“Sabay Tayong Mag-Grab”, inspired from the writing of C. Pospisil, attempts to portray the serious trials of Filipinos in the field of mental health.
“Thank You Ha” is an original play from the artistic director, and talks about relationships. It tries to tell the story of repressed feelings from a sudden-ended relationship.
“Comfort Room” adapted from the writing of A. Woo revolves around the story of a man on his different dates and even more distinct characters that want to be with him.
“Dating Apps” adapted from the stage play of T.S. Wilson tackles the range of possibilities in meeting people through different dating applications. It displays the stories and pasts of each character.
In recognition to the people behind the stage, featured are the artistic talents of Abegail Esquierda Head Production Manager, Shamira Arguelles and Gabriel Hachero as Head Stage Managers, Jester Cortes as Head of Production Design, Alyssa Sarmiento as Technical Director, with Andre Gonzales as Lights Designer, and Sound Designer Raffaelle Pascua.
The accumulated work of each member in this production was invaluable to the show’s complete fruition and development.
The ticket is priced at 200 pesos for FEU community (and other branches of FEU), FTG alumni, and FEU alumni (with alumni ID), and 300 pesos for non-FEU community.
The Set A play dates are on March (every Friday) 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, April 14, 21, and 28.
Set B shows are on March (every Saturday) 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1, 22, and 29, 2023 at 6:00 PM.
Venue of the performances: FEU Center for the Arts Studio, Ground Floor of Engineering Building, FEU Manila, Nicanor Reyes Street, Sampaloc, Manila, 1008 Metro Manila.
For more details, you may visit FTG’s social media pages:
Far Eastern University Theater Guild on Facebook, @FTG1934 on Twitter, and FEU Theater Guild Official on Instagram and Tiktok.
Solaire Resort Entertainment City presents an unforgettable night with legendary hitmaker David Foster as part of its 10th anniversary celebration. “David Foster and Friends, Live at The Theatre at Solaire” is the first of its kind – an eight-show residency happening on March 21 to 26, 2023.
David Foster’s career has spanned over 4 decades which has garnered him the title of “THE HITMAN”, having written and produced many chart-topping songs that have propelled several artists to star status and have gone down the music industry’s history as legends, such as Whitney Houston, Madonna, Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, and Michael Bublé.
He has created culture-defining soundtracks for blockbuster films including Joel Schumacher’s coming-of-age motion picture St. Elmo’s Fire, James Bridges’ 1980 flick Urban Cowboy, and Mick Jackson’s The Bodyguard starring Whitney Houston for her acting debut. He’s also the genius behind timeless holiday tunes that have become the anthem of the season like Josh Groban’s “Noel”, Michael Bublé’s “Christmas”, Celine Dion’s “These Are Special Times”, Rod Stewart’s “Merry Christmas Baby”, and Andrea Bocelli’s “My Christmas”.
His record-breaking work in the industry awarded him 16 Grammy Awards, an Emmy, and Golden Globe award, 3 Oscar nominations, and the famous star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame to state a few. He ventured into television as a judge for Asia’s Got Talent for 3 seasons and for the first season of Chinese station Hunan TV’s World’s Got Talent. Foster’s popularity in Asia proves to be unmatched with sold-out shows at every stop of his David Foster & Friends Asia Tour.
In recent years, the world-renowned entertainer has toured across the United States to stage various performances of his show “An Intimate Evening with David Foster” some of which have been broadcasted on television across the country. He returns to Manila for a special 8-show visit as part of Solaire’s 10th-anniversary festivities where fans and the audience can expect to hear some of his greatest hits sung and interpreted by his guest artists.
Together with David, show-goers will also hear singer and actress Katharine McPhee who became a household name after her successful run on the 5th season of American Idol. Her first single, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/My Destiny,” debuted at #2 on Billboard’s Hot Singles Sales chart, while her 2007 self-titled album debuted at #2 on the Billboard Top 200 propelled by the gold-certified single, “Over It”. As an actress, she starred in the spy drama SCORPION (2014-2018) as ‘Paige Dineen’, and as one of the leads in the award-winning musical series SMASH (2012-2013), executive produced by Steven Spielberg. Her latest starring role is in the Netflix comedy series, Country Comfort (2021). In Spring 2018, Katharine made her Broadway debut as ‘Jenna’ in the hit musical Waitress, featuring music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles.
Another artist joining Foster is Pia Toscano who was one of the frontrunners on American Idol’s Season 10 run for her powerhouse voice and head-turning looks. Toscano performed alongside Jennifer Lopez in her Vegas Residency, “All I Have”, and regularly tours with David Foster and Andrea Bocelli. Pia released her first album, “I’m Good” with originally written music including a collaboration with Usher. She’s headlined her own show in Las Vegas which was filmed as a PBS special and has released a musical film entitled “1660 Vine”.
Also joining McPhee and Toscano is Daniel Emmet who appeared on America’s Got Talent with his spellbinding and commanding operatic voice. His wide range of expression spans musical genres from rock to pop, to opera, all the while singing in seven languages. Emmet released his acclaimed single “True Reflection” which debuted at #1 on the iTunes Classical Chart and has headlined shows in Las Vegas at Caesars Palace, T-Mobile Arena, Paris Las Vegas, and Westgate Las Vegas. He has toured with Marie Osmond, and most recently returned to America’s Got Talent this past season for a viral performance as the singing voice of Simon Cowell for the act of artificial intelligence company Metaphysic. Daniel regularly tours with David Foster and Katharine McPhee and recently held his highly anticipated new concert special “Daniel Emmet & Pia Toscano, Simply the Best” at the iconic International Theatre at Westgate Las Vegas.
“David Foster and Friends, Live at The Theatre at Solaire” will also feature some of the most prolific Filipino voices showcasing the distinct and world recognized Pinoy showmanship to an already incredible performance lineup. The Philippines’ Concert King Martin Nievera will join the hitmaker on stage every show, while Asia’s Phoenix Morissette enchants with her voice from March 21 to 22 and March 24 to 26 at the 8PM shows.
For more updates on Solaire Resort Entertainment City’s 10th Anniversary celebrations and for “David Foster and Friends, Live at The Theatre at Solaire”, follow Solaire’s social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @solairesort.
The global jazz icon is set to perform in two major cities in the Philippines this March 2023. He will first visit the Queen City of the South – Cebu this March 25, 2023 at the SMX Sky Hall Seaside Cebu. This will mark the first time that the jazz icon has performed in Cebu City. Promising to bring Kenny’s signature brand of jazz to the live stage, Cebuanos can expect a performance of songs that capture the ‘heart and soul’ of those beloved Jazz Standards.
Tickets for Kenny G Live in Cebu 2023 are now available via SM Tickets (www.smtickets.com). Tickets are available for Php 11,260 which also includes a guaranteed chance to meet the icon after the show; Php 10,130 for VIP, Php 7,320 for CAT 1 and Php 5,070 for CAT 2.
The Manila show is slated to happen on March 29, 2023. More details to follow soon.
Kenny G Live in Cebu is brought to you by JP Entertainment, Red Spade. Organized by Jasper Entertainment Production and MakeitLive. Supported by AC Music Entertainment. Special thanks to SMX Sky Hall Cebu and Nustar Resort and Casino.
Kenny G is an award-winning saxophonist, the biggest selling instrumental musician of the modern era, and one of the best-selling artists of all time. With global sales totaling more than 75-million records and 1.5 billion streams, the jazz icon has accumulated a staggering 24-award nominations throughout his almost 50-year career and has taken home a Grammy Award, American Music Award, NAACP Award, and two Soul Train Music Awards. With classic, top-selling studio albums including Duotones, Silhouette, Breathless, Miracles: The Holiday Album, Heart and Soul and Brazilian Nights, Kenny has maintained a high level of creative excellence through decades of unprecedented commercial success.
As a song dedicated to people with Down Syndrome, Ronnie Lee’s “Natatanging Nilalang” highlights all the characteristics that make these individuals special. Composed with a fondness for those who have the condition (he himself has a nephew who has Down Syndrome), Lee’s song is one of empowerment not only for these individuals, but also for their loved ones.
Empowering people with Down Syndrome and their families has been one of the advocacies of the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI). Since its establishment in 1991, the organization has been active in implementing initiatives that cater to these people, one of which is the Happy Walk for Down Syndrome in partnership with SM Cares.
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome is an annual event that gathers persons with Down Syndrome and their loved ones into a day-long family-oriented event filled with fun activities and entertainment. Held every February as part of the celebration of National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month, it aims to promote awareness and better understanding of those living with the condition.
“Happy Walk for Down Syndrome is all about bringing those with the condition and their families together. More importantly, the goal of the event is to give them a platform for their voices to be heard, so that the everyone can know more about them, about the challenges that they encounter every day, and what all of us can do to make life better for them,” said Engr. Bien C. Mateo, SM Supermalls Senior Vice President and SM Cares Program Director for Disability Affairs.
After a three-year break, DSAPI and SM Cares are once again holding a physical version of the long-running event this coming February 26 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City. Among the activities that the attendees can expect at this year’s event are the Happy Walk Parade and the ShowDOWN segment, where those with Down Syndrome can show off their talents. They can also expect games and fun activities offered at booths within the venue.
Interested participants may register through DSAPI’s official Facebook page or register onsite on the day of the event by visiting the SM Employees Booth at the Mall of Asia Music Hall from 7:30AM.
SM Cares is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, with programs that support communities, promote social inclusion, and care for the environment. Aside from the program on PWDs, its advocacies include Programs for the Environment, Women & Breastfeeding Mothers, Children & Youth, Senior Citizens, and the SM Bike-friendly initiative. To learn more, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.
