After a long two-year hiatus, PLUS63 Festival is back and raring to go with a stellar line-up. This February 18, 2023, catch Joji, Kehlani, Paul Pablo, The Sundown, Sansette, and DJ Short at the SM Seaside Complex Cebu.
The annual music & arts festival brings together international and local acts, creating an exciting multicultural, multi-genre sonic atmosphere that’s not to be missed. Named after the Philippines’ country code (+63), PLUS63 Festival is putting the country on the world map of must-experience festivals with its dynamic concert experience. Set against the vibrant cultural landscape of Cebu, this city meets the sea festival is a one- of-a-kind gathering designed for the curious and free-spirited creative soul.
Headlining PLUS63 Festival Cebu are world-class acts Joji and Kehlani, two of this generation’s most accomplished artists.
Joji, whose wildly popular single ‘Glimpse of Us’ was up until very recently a pop culture moment, is arguably one of the internet’s most well-loved personalities. The singer- producer-rapper-comedian boasts over 5 billion streams to date, making him one of the most widely streamed artists of the digital era of music.
R&B siren Kehlani, who is currently on a world tour promoting her latest album Blue Water Road, will be capping off her tour at PLUS63 Festival. With two Grammy nominations and a multiplatinum title under her belt, the young star has made a name for herself in the music industry. The prolific singer-songwriter-dancer has also collaborated with the likes of Justin Bieber, Zedd, Calvin Harris, Post Malone, Cardi B, Charlie Puth, and Ty Dolla $ign.
Festival-goers can also expect to catch Davao’s rising electropop star Paul Pablo, Cebu-based pop-rock bands The Sundown and Sansette, and Cebu’s crowd favorite DJ Short. PLUS63 Festival Cebu has previously been headlined by world-famous acts like Steve Angello, Steve Aoki, Showtek, Kid Ink, Dada Life, and LANY.
Tickets are available starting at 11 am on December 10 at www.PLUS63Festival.com. For VVIP tables, you may reach out to hello@PLUS63Festival.com.
After the announcement of the Eraserheads‘ final reunion concert dubbed Huling El Bimbo, Pinoy rock fans just knew that the answer to Alapaap‘s timeless line “Gusto mo bang sumama?” is a resounding “YES!”
Now that we’re just a few days away from the much-awaited concert which will happen this December 22, 8:30 PM at the SMDC Festival Grounds, Parañaque City, fans across different generations are sure filled with excitement to see frontman Ely Buendia, drummer Raymund Marasigan, bassist Buddy Zabala, and guitarist Marcus Adoro back together on stage.
But given Eraserheads’ legendary status in the OPM scene, this reunion concert is sure to deliver more than just the performances that we all missed and love. Alongside concert producer Francis Lumen and director Paolo Valenciano, the band joined the recent press conference for Huling El Bimbo where they shared some of the things we could expect from the once-in-a-lifetime concert happening this holiday season.
Nostalgia meets modern technology.
Eraserheads would surely evoke nostalgia in many fans, reminding us of everything “old school” through their timeless hits, but the concert also elevates this experience through modern technology.
Aside from drone shows, the band will also be joined by the late King of Pinoy rap Francis Magalona through hologram technology. Francis M was regarded as the fifth member of the Eraserheads and was supposed to perform alongside the band in their reunion concert in 2009, but the OPM icon lost his battle to leukemia before the concert happened.
“On December 22, we’re going to revive [Francis M], and you will see him perform with the Eheads through the technology of hologram,” producer Francis Lumen told the press. “That alone my friends, that is something that would give you goosebumps.”
On rehearsals and an orchestra playing with the band.
Asked about how their rehearsals are going for their upcoming concert, Raymund Marasigan shared how it was a far cry from how they did it back in the day.
“Rehearsals are weird, because we haven’t played in a long time, but we’re getting the hang of it. It’s different because when we started, we rehearsed in a little studio beside our dorm in Molave in Diliman, we probably paid P80 per hour and it’s just the four of us.
“But now you know, we’re playing with a real sound system, real crew, real amps, a good theater, nice equipment, nice guitars, and we’re working with really professional people,” explained the band’s drummer.
Buddy Zabala agrees, stating that “Playing together is like riding a bicycle. You just get on the bike and pedal, and if you get enough momentum I think you’re okay… So right now I think we’re finding our momentum. We’ve removed the training wheels, we’re going fast– we hope to go faster, we hope to go in one direction all the way to December 22.”
“I think the stuff that we’ve learned the past 30 years on our own with these little detours, we’re going to bring it on December 22. I think we’ve grown as musicians, I think we’ve matured as performers. This is the first time we’re going to be doing this. We hope to keep it fun, to keep it light,” added Zabala.
But the band members aren’t rehearsing alone. It has also been revealed during the press conference that they are already rehearsing with the orchestra that will back up their classic hits during the concert. “Even though we’re a small band from Diliman, we have punk roots to begin with, most of our songs kasi super layered talaga… I think this is the first time, that we’re gonna be able to play the songs as we intended,” shared Ely Buendia.
More surprises to look forward to.
Aside from these arrangements that promise to blow us away come the 22nd, the band also teased an Easter Egg for the hardcore Eheads fans out there.
“There’s actually a Hidden Mickey sa buong show,” said Marcus Adoro. “Only the hardcore fans ang makaka-decipher. Nakita namin kanina yung preview presentation ni direk, we’re like ‘Wow!’ sa maliit na screen palang nakakamangha eh, mind-boggling.“
Of course, there’s a lot more that attendees could expect when the beloved band finally steps into the stage after so many years. As director Paolo Valenciano put it, it would be something that Filipinos could really be proud of.
“I really feel, in terms of like, the global stage, what we put together for the band is something that I feel you could really be proud to know that it is Filipinos that are putting this show together,” shared Valenciano. “I’m just really excited because it’s very personal for everyone involved.”
Ely Buendia also talked about the experience: “For the most part, there are no tears, only, probably tears of joy because this is such a mindblowing experience even for old geezers like us who, we thought we’ve seen it all. Sometimes we just have to pinch ourselves na ‘Are we really doing this? Can we really get this for the show?’ It’s like a genie out of the bottle. It’s such a great experience for the band.”
Producer Lumen also teased that fans will get a closer look at the making of the concert through a documentary that they plan to roll out in cinemas, cable TV, and streaming platforms.
With all the hype and excitement, many fans are probably wondering, would this really be the last for the Eraserheads? While Huling El Bimbo is dubbed as their final concert in the country, producer Lumen also confirmed that they are discussing plans to hold a world tour next year.
Eraserheads’ Huling El Bimbo is surely one for the books, and fans of the band and OPM, in general, would not want to miss this event. With the venue capacity expanded at the SMDC Festival Grounds after the high demand from fans, you can now purchase tickets to the concert via SM Tickets, with ticket prices ranging from P1,222 (Angkas) to P17,260 (Moshpit). The concert will also be streamed via the Smart LiveStream app for Pinoys at home, and iWantTFC for Filipinos abroad.
After a hiatus of two years, one of Metro Manila’s most enduring holiday traditions – The Peninsula Manila’s “Christmas Concert at The Pen” – is back! On December 4th, Sunday, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, The Lobby of The Peninsula Manila will once again resound with the joyous sounds of Christmas as it is transformed into a grand concert hall.
The famed “Christmas Concert at The Pen” concert – now on its 37th season – has always been regarded as The Peninsula Manila’s Christmas gift to the community. And this year, the hotel has put together a memorable musical repertoire (one with many firsts) that is sure to get festive spirits rightly tuned for the days of celebration ahead.
Wielding the baton and directing the much-loved musical extravanganza for the very first time in its long history is National Artist for Music Maestro Ryan Cayabyab.
Maestro Ryan Cayabyab
Maestro Ryan Cayabyab will be teaming up at the concert with the Manila SymphonyOrchestra (MSO) which, coincidentally, was the first orchestra to play at the annual holiday concert when it debuted in 1983 with (future) National Artist for Music Lucio San Pedro conducting. Since then, “Christmas Concert at The Pen” has stayed true to its hallmark philosophy – the promotion of Philippine art and culture and a showcase of local talent where Filipino artists are accompanied by a Filipino orchestra.
Manila Symphony Orchestra
The 2022 “Christmas Concert at The Pen” artist’s line-up also stars soprano Jade Rubis Riccio and “The Voice Philippines” alumnus Poppert Bernadas.
Poppert Bernadas
The featured choir this year is the critically-acclaimed French children’s choir – Les Petits Chanteurs a la Croix de Bois – whose performance is one of the highlights of the celebration of the 75th anniversary of Filipino-French diplomatic relations.
Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo
Another first is the guest appearance of Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, widely considered to be the “first lady” of Philippine musical theatre. She will be the host of this year’s concert.
“Christmas Concert at The Pen” will open with the MSO accompanying Jade Rubis Riccio and Poppert Bernadas in “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” one of the Top 10 Christmas songs of all time that’s been described as “a celebration of the Christmas season, and of friends and families.”
Jade Rubis Riccio
Maestro Ryan Cayabyab says this year’s concert will be “a love song to music and musicians” after years of lockdown.
“We all feel like it’s a new beginning,” adds Masahisa Oba, The Peninsula Manila General Manager.“There’s so much hope. The whole program is a celebration of music and our love for it. We are also very excited and honored to have Maestro Ryan Cayabyab at the helm along with a raft of very talented artists.”
In closing, General Manager Masahisa Oba has one last bit of advice to all those who want to catch the concert: “Book and reserve your tables ahead of time or come early because seats are on a first-come basis!”
The 37th season of “Christmas Concert at The Pen” will be held on Sunday, December 4, 2022, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at The Lobby of The Peninsula Manila.
For The Lobby patrons, confirmed seating will be provided at P20,000 for a table of 4 (with a deluxe set festive merienda) or P50,000 for a table of 10 (with a deluxe set festive merienda and two bottles of Champagne).
Seating at The Upper Lobby will be on first-come, first serve basis with a P3,000 consumable feeper person (with a set festive merienda).
Prices are in Philippine Pesos which include VAT, a 10% service charge, and applicable local taxes.
Get in the festive spirit with the best Christmas carols, Broadway love songs, and Gershwin classics with “Christmas Concert at The Pen.”
For inquiries or reservations, please call +63 (2) 887-2888, extensions 6691 or 6694 (Restaurant Reservations) or email DiningPMN@peninsula.com. You may also visit peninsula.com, like The Peninsula Manila on Facebook and follow @thepeninsulamanila on Instagram.
This Yuletide season, the Cultural Center of the Philippines offers a wide variety of engaging performances and programs – from classical concert to contemporary dance production, and other traditional Paskong Pinoy activities – for just about every artistic preference, with festivities taking place throughout December.
The holiday cheers at the CCP kick off with Puso ng Pasko, an all-Filipino Christmas ballet, slated on December 2 to 4, 8pm, with matinee shows at 3pm, at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater). The dance production is an expansion of the dance film production Tuloy Ang Pasko, which premiered in 2020.
This year, Lolo Val, the main protagonist who now lives in California, reminisces about how he and his barkada would celebrate Christmas in the most Filipino way in the 1970s. Puso ng Pasko puts the spotlight on the Yuletide festivities and traditions from the different regions of the Philippines.
A ground-breaking work, Ronelson Yadao, artistic director of Alice Reyes Dance Philippines (ARDP) choreographs the Filipino version of Nutcracker, with musical arrangements by National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab.
Live opera returns at the CCP Main Theater after more than two years with Giacomo Puccini’s Turandot on December 9 at 8pm and December 11, at 3pm.
Directed by Maestro Vincenzo Grisostomi Travaglini (who also directed Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor in 2020), Turandot is a timeless tale about the daughter of an emperor who decrees that she will marry if a noble suitor can answer three riddles. Her most recent suitor, the Prince of Persia, is to be executed at the moon’s rising. Set in ancient China, the opera is known for Nessun Dorma, arguably the world’s most famous tenor aria.
The opera stars Korean singers soprano Lilla Lee and bass Jinsu Lee as Princess Turandot and exiled Tartar king Timur, respectively. Completing the cast are Filipino soprano Rachelle Gerodias as Liu, Byeong In Park as Ping the Grand Chancellor, tenor Ivan Nery as Pong the Grand Intendant; tenor Nomher Nival as Emperor Altoum, and baritone Greg de Leon as Mandarino. Maestro Valentino Favoino conducts the PPO, along with distinguished choral ensembles of the Viva Voce Voice Lab.
Watch selected films that feature family-oriented stories that inspire and give hope in Cinema Under the Stars (CUTS) on December 14 to 16, at the CCP Front Lawn. CUTS is an open-air, hybrid outdoor cinema to encourage moviegoers to walk-in, bike-in or drive-in. This is free to the public.
The annual CCP Light and Sound show returns on a grander scale, featuring the Christmas façade décor dubbed Binurda, to be launched on December 15, 7pm, at the CCP Façade and Front Lawn. The CCP holiday decorations are inspired by the Callado embroidery on piña jusi textile with Sampaguita design. A light and sound show compliments the façade décor.
During the launch, the Bayanihan National Dance Company, The Nightingales, Male Ensemble of the Philippines (MEP), and surprise performers bring the magic of the season and instill the warmth spirit that Paskong Pinoy is known for.
On December 16, 8pm, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra presents Handel’s Messiah, the greatest classical musical treat. Under the baton of conductor Mark Anthony Carpio, the PPO will perform alongside a 200-member grand chorus, composed of current members and alumni of the Philippine Madrigal Singers, Sing Philippines Youth Choir, Male Ensemble Philippines, and Musika Filipina. Completing the grand chorus are Coro Cantabile, DLSU Chorale, Lighter Side Movement, Novo Concertante Manila, Pansol Choir, Philippine Vocal Ensemble, and Song Weavers Philippines. Featured soloists are soprano Stefanie Quintin, tenor Ervin Lumauag, bass-baritone Enrico Lagasca, and mezzo-soprano Michelle Mariel Mariposa.
Ballet Philippines brings back the well-loved Christmas classic ballet, The Nutcracker, on December 17, 8pm, and December 18, 2pm and 6pm, at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo. The ballet production follows the adventures and misadventures of a young girl on Christmas Eve, in a magical land where every child’s dream comes true.
The CCP Arts Education Department will launch Vamos A Belen: Sama Samang Paggunita and Pagdiriwang, a Pastores dance competition, on December 21. This event is a platform for dancers and dance groups to showcase their skills in interpreting dance literature focusing on Pastores piece. This is in preparation for the 50th anniversary production of the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group in September 2023.
CCP continues its long-established tradition of Simbang Gabi, in partnership with Our Lady of Sorrows Parish and other hermanas, with on-site celebrations on December 16 to 24, 5am, at the CCP Main Ramp. The Misa de Aguinaldo will be held on December 24, 8pm, at the CCP Main Theater, with a pre-mass program featuring the Panunuluyan.
For the third year, the CCP will also have a virtual Simbang Gabi, in partnership with various parishes from the different regions of the country to celebrate anticipated masses. The Anticipated Mass from the Regions runs from December 15 to 23, 9pm, and will be streamed simultaneously on the CCP Facebook Page.
Celebrate the happiest season at the CCP with these heartwarming and amazing activities.
Follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tiktok for the latest happenings this December.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines celebrates Filipino Christmas traditions with PUSO NG PASKO as it lights up the CCP Main Theater on December 2 (8:00 pm), Dec. 3 (3:00 pm & 8:00 pm), and Dec. 4, 2022 (3:00 pm & 8:00 pm).
The first all-Filipino Christmas ballet, PUSO NG PASKO captures the true spirit of the Pinoy Pasko as Lolo Val, now living abroad in California, recalls to his young granddaughter Angelita, the magical Christmases of his youth in Tres Reyes with his barkada.
This production, conceptualized by Ronelson Yadao, and musical arrangements by National Artist for Music, Ryan Cayabyab, features beloved scenes of the Simbang Gabi, eating bibingka and puto bumbong, plazas decorated with big parols, and beautiful Christmas decorations. It also features different fiestas across the Philippine islands in celebration of regional festivities.
Alice Reyes Dance Philippines’ Artistic Director, Ronelson Yadao, works with an amazingly talented array of collaborators to bring this Flipino Christmas story to life. Joining him with the feat of choreographing this full-length Christmas dance celebration are Erl Sorilla, John Ababon, AL Abraham, Dan Dayo, Bonnie Guerrero, and Lester Reguindin. These creative staples in the company’s roster of young and acclaimed choreographers each have a beautifully distinct style of movement that somehow wonderfully compliments each moment in the story.
Erl Sorilla is an accomplished dancer with the CCP’s resident dance company and has choreographed notable pieces including Langit Lupa and The Weight on Our Toes. His works have received recognition including the Trudl Dubsky Award in the first CCP Ballet Competition in 2014. In 2020, he danced and choreographed with the faculty of the CCP Dance Workshop, creating two pieces in the Christmas offering Tuloy Ang Pasko! He became a grantee of the CCP’s 2021 Professional Dance Support Program where he choreographed Musa for its Culminating Program. Erl currently dances, teaches, and choreographs with Alice Reyes Dance Philippines.
John Ababon has been dancing with CCP companies since 2012 and has ventured into choreography. Among his works are Happy Thoughts, which won the Trudl Dubsky Zipper Award for outstanding choreography in the 2018 CCP Ballet Competition Junior Category. In 2020, John was part of the faculty of the CCP Dance Workshop and in 2021, he became a grantee of the CCP Professional Dance Support Program. He performed in several pieces of its culminating showcase, the Dance On! Online dance series, and choreographed a solo, Inlababo, and a pas de deux, In the Midst of Overcoming. Today, John focuses on choreographing.
AL Abraham pursued his professional dance career at the CCP. AL has created many pieces like Kada Paningkamot, a solo choreographed for the Young Choreographer Showcase. In 2020, he was one of the dancers and choreographers for the CCP Christmas offering Tuloy Ang Pasko! which was featured in the 2021 live Christmas show, A Christmas Celebration. With Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, AL continues to dance and choreograph. His Kada Paningkamot was restaged and included in the Visayan Suite of Dances.
Danilo Dayo holds a Bachelor of Performing Arts Degree with a major in Dance from the De La Salle College of Saint Benilde. As a company member of CCP’s Resident Dance Company, he has been featured in many of its productions. A budding choreographer, he has created pieces for the junior company among his works are Torpe, Belle DonneandMalamanyika, and Danse Macabre. A member of the faculty of CCP Dance Workshop, he performed and created the dance piece Kumukutikutitap in CCP’s 2020 Christmas offering Tuloy ang Pasko. He is currently a grantee in the 2022 Professional Artist Support Program.
Bonnie Guerrero is a professional dancer, choreographer, dance teacher, and Pilates instructor. A former company member of CCP’s Resident Dance Company, Bonnie has choreographed many pieces. His choreographies have been featured in the CCP Resident Dance Company shows such as Hugot sa Rosas and Bagong Sayaw. With Alice Reyes, National Artist for Dance, as his mentor for choreography, he created works such as his Magdalena presented in the 2018 Young Choreographers Showcase. His latest choreographic work was to the music arranged by Ryan Cayabyab, Anong Gagawin Mo Ngayon Pasko, for Tuloy Ang Pasko!, a 2020 Christmas dance film production of the Artists of the CCP Dance Workshop.
Lester Reguindin participated in the CCP Resident Dance Company’s Young Choreographer’s Showcase in 2019 where he choreographed We Men, which was later performed in the production of Alice & Friends and more recently in the CCP Dance Series’ Pulso Pilipinas I. In 2020, Lester choreographed and danced for CCP’s online Christmas Offering, The Nutcracker and Tuloy Ang Pasko. As a creative grantee of the CCP’s 2021 Professional Artist Support Program, his piece NOW was featured in the CCP’s online dance series, Dance On! With Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, Lester continues to choreograph, one of his recent works, GomBurZa, was a culminating choreographic study for the PASP in 2022. It was later commissioned by UP Arts and Culture Festival under the direction of Josefina Estrella.
Ronelson is a dance artist with 16 years of professional experience in dance theaters in Asia, the US, Canada, and Europe. Among his works as a choreographer are Sama-Sama, with the music of National Artist Ryan Cayabyab, as well as Ang Kabaligtaran ng Gunaw, a dance film produced by the CCP with music and film direction by Jerold Tarrog. In 2020, he became a grantee, choreographer, and Modern Dance ballet master of the CCP Professional Dance Support Program. Ronelson is currently the artistic director of the Alice Reyes Dance Philippines. His 2019 piece, Maupay is the latest addition to the collection of dances in Visayan Suite of Dances.
Behind this talented array of choreographers are collaborators whose significant contributions give life to the story and choreography. These include National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes, as Mentor and Artistic Consultant and National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, for his musical arrangements of timeless Filipino Christmas Songs performed and recorded by the San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra and the San Miguel Master Chorale.
Alice Reyes was declared a National Artist for Dance by President Benigno S. Aquino III through Proclamation No. 807 and was conferred at the Malacañang Palace on April 14, 2016. Her extensive body of choreographic works is a powerful expression of the Philippines’ unique history, art, and heritage, including Amada, Itim Asu, Tales of the Manuvu, Rama, Hari, and Bungkos Suite, among many others. She is currently the artistic consultant for the Professional Artist Support Program and the chairman emeritus of Alice Reyes Dance Philippines. She has collaborated with the CCP and its Arts Education Department in its educational thrusts, audience development, and regional outreach, as part of their Professional Artist Support Program.
National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, a.k.a, Mr. C is the most accomplished composer, arranger, and musical director in the Philippine music industry since the early 1970s. His learned, skillful, and versatile musical style spans a wide range of genres: from conservatory or art compositions such as concert religious music, symphonic work, art song, opera, and concerto to mainstream popular idioms in the music industry and in live contemporary multimedia shows (musical theater, dance, and film). Being very visible in the national media (once a TV host of a long-running arts and culture series and recently a judge in reality TV singing competitions), Cayabyab is a household name. His compositions reflect a perspective of music that extols the exuberance of life and human happiness, thus capturing the very essence of our Filipino soul.
Included on the list of brilliant collaborators are Eric Cruz (production design), Barbara Tan-Tiongco (lighting design), Dennis Maristany (Costume Consultant), and Eljay Castro Deldoc, who worked with Yadao on the script and story as co-librettist with inputs from Film Director Carlos Siguion-Reyna for the filmed scenes.
Joining the cast is acclaimed theater actor Audie Gemora, who will be taking on the role of “Lolo Val.” A terpsichore who has played a variety of roles both in English and Filipino musicals, Audie has been dubbed “King of Philippine Musical Theater.” He has co-founded one of the leading theater companies in the country, TRUMPETS which has produced musical hits including the long-running JOSEPH THE DREAMER. He won an award for “Best Performance as Male Lead in a Musical” at the 2010 Gawad Philstage for his performance in SWEENEY TODD, and in 2014 as “Best Performance as featured male in a Musical” for his performance as the flamboyant director Roger De Bris in “THE PRODUCERS.” His portrayal of Albin/Zaza in 9 Works 2015 production of LA CAGE AUX FOLLES garnered rave reviews and won him the “Outstanding Performance in Musical by a Male Lead” trophy in the 2016 Philstage Gawad Buhay. His latest acting recognition was for Best Actor in a Play as Norman in Repertory Philippines’ production of THE DRESSER at the 2019 Aliw Awards.
As the Cultural Center of the Philippines prepares to shut its doors for renovation, these performances will be one of the last to be staged in the CCP Main Theater.
Tickets are available through the following contacts: CCP Box Office (tel. no. 8832-3704), Bonnie Guerrero (Viber: 09154122152), and TicketWorld (+63.917.550.6997, +63.999.954.5922)
The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra celebrates the Yuletide Season with Handel’s Messiah at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater) on December 16, 2022, 8pm.
The classical concert features a mammoth choral ensemble composed of 200 singers from various Philippine choirs, performing the complete movement of the English oratorio which traces the story of Jesus Christ, under the baton of PPO guest conductor Mark Anthony Carpio.
“It is a tribute to George Frideric Handel’s genius. Even after 280 years since it was first heard in 1742 in Dublin, music lovers all over the world are still in awe when they hear this magnificent choral piece. This music which has transcended time should be experienced first-hand by Filipinos as interpreted by Filipino musicians,” said CCP president Margie Moran-Floirendo.
Floirendo shared that the idea for a grand Handel’s Messiah came from the late CCP president Baltazar Endriga some years back. “It is just timely that we are finally mounting this masterwork as our way of celebrating the return of live music at the CCP. It is also a fitting musical offering to thank the Messiah that we all survived the challenges brought about by the pandemic.”
Messiah has been described as a “grand musical entertainment” during its first few performances during Handel’s time. But the composer said entertainment was not what he had in mind when he composed it. “I want listeners to feel my message and become better people.”
Considered one of the greatest Christmas classical music ever composed, Messiah is naturally a big challenge for conductor Carpio. He has conducted selected movements from the choral piece mostly the first part, the Advent and Christmas portion ending with the Hallelujah Chorus before, but this will be the first time Carpio is doing the complete movements with an orchestra lasting more than two hours with him as the only conductor.
“I believe the challenge in this massive work lies not only in its duration (more than two hours) but in making sure the choir and orchestra understand this magnificent and probably one of the world’s most popular choral works,” said Carpio.
The 200-member grand chorus will be composed of current members and alumni of the Philippine Madrigal Singers, Sing Philippines Youth Choir, Male Ensemble Philippines, and Musika Filipina. Completing the grand chorus are: Coro Cantabile, DLSU Chorale, Lighter Side Movement, Novo Concertante Manila, Pansol Choir, Philippine Vocal Ensemble and Song Weavers Philippines.
Featured soloists for December 16 Handel’s Messiah are soprano Stefanie Quintin, tenor Ervin Lumauag, bass-baritone Enrico Lagasca and mezzo-soprano Michelle Mariel Mariposa.
This December, Handel’s Messiah will once more re-assert itself as the greatest classical treat ever composed for the Christmas season. The concert is one of the grand events that the CCP is mounting before it closes the Main Building for rehabilitation in 2023.
For ticket inquiries, call the CCP Box Office: 8832-3704/8832-1125 local 1409, or check out Ticketworld (https://premier.ticketworld.com.ph), or visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph). Follow the official CCP social media accounts in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok for latest updates.
Come and celebrate the biggest Christian worship festival in the Philippines this November 30, 2022 as Jesus Reigns Philippines Celebration gathers all Christian believers in all 82 provinces across the Philippines.
This is an annual festival held to honor Jesus Christ alone and to proclaim that HE REIGNS over our beloved Philippines and all nations.
In this celebration, JESUS is the center highlight. No church names, no personalities are acknowledged except JESUS alone.
After two years of virtual celebration due to the pandemic, Jesus Reigns as a movement is now ready to go out on the streets and worship as a united Body of Christ.
On its 11th year, over a million people all across the Philippines will come and declare that JESUS REIGNS over every home, city, province and the whole Philippines.
One Voice. One Lord. One Nation.
022 is the Year of No Compromise.
We are taking it from 2 Kings 18: 5-7 which states: “Hezekiah trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before or after his time. He remained faithful to the LORD in everything, and he carefully obeyed all the commands the LORD had given Moses. So the LORD was with him, and Hezekiah was successful in everything he did.”
We believe if we publicly come together as a nation and declare that Jesus Reigns in our hearts and live it out without compromising, the Lord will bless and prosper our nation.
Join the celebration as NCR kicks it off at 6am with a grand parade in Greenhills, EDSA to People’s Power Monument with people marching, dancing, singing and making a joyful sound pronouncing that JESUS REIGNS. Then celebrate the festival at Amoranto Stadium at 3pm.
Be amazed by the creative movements of worship of art, dance and music. As a finale, a spectacular grand fireworks display and feasting from every city takes place.
Gotta catch ’em all at Robinsons Malls starting this November! As the official partner of The Pokémon Company in launching Pokémon Scarlet and Violetin the Philippines, you can expect exciting surprises and activities from Robinsons Malls.
Kicking things off is the grand launch event happening at Robinsons Manila Midtown Atrium from November 25 to 27, 2022. There will be an official game reveal, game teasers, and actual gameplays to get you all pumped up for this new video game!
You can also check out fun booths and participate in activities at the grand launch event. Head over to the Trial Play Booth if you want to try out Pokémon Scarlet and Violet for yourself. Here, you can test your Pokémon trainer skills and explore Paldea’s towns and open spaces. We’re sure you’d want to continue the fun on your Nintendo Switch, so make a beeline to the Pokémon Goods Corner at the event to purchase the video game as well as cool Pokémon merchandise!
Of course, what’s a Pokémon event without the opportunity to meet them? Take selfies with Pikachu as well as Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly, three new starter Pokémon that you can find in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Look out for the gang as they make stops at Robinsons Magnolia from December 10 to 11, Robinsons Metro East from December 17 to 18, and Robinsons Las Piñas from December 24 to 25.
Show off your hunting skills—like the true-blue Pokémon trainer that you are—when you participate in the event’s Digital Bingo Rally. To join, look for nine QR codes in the event area and scan each of them. Once you complete bingo patterns, proceed to the goal location to redeem cool Pokémon stickers. Plus, you can bring home exclusive Pokémon Scarlet and Violet sun visors just for dropping by the event.
Robinsons Malls and The Pokémon Company have more exciting things up their sleeves after the launch event. From November 25 to December 31, 2023, spot larger-than-life inflatables—including Lechonk, whose name seemingly comes from the festive Filipino dish lechon—across 10 Robinsons Malls nationwide. For those who want to add toys, cards, and other merch to their Pokémon collections, visit the Pokémon Goods Corner made in partnership with Toys R Us. You can find the Pokémon Goods Corner at these Robinsons Malls: Robinsons Manila, Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Magnolia, Robinsons Metro East, Robinsons Las Piñas, Robinsons Galleria South, Robinsons Antipolo, Robinsons Iloilo, Robinsons Galleria Cebu, and Robinsons Bacolod.
For more information, follow RobinsonsMalls on Facebook; @RobinsonsMallsOfficial on Instagram; and download the RMalls+ app to get notified of all upcoming Pokémon events at Robinsons Malls!
Ayala Land will once again make Christmas happen at the launch of the Festival of Lights 2022! After running virtual editions of the Festival of Lights to ensure safety during the pandemic, the most anticipated family Christmas tradition is back LIVE and ON-GROUND at Ayala Triangle Gardens starting November 10, Thursday, with never-before-seen features to usher a BIGGER and BRIGHTER celebration.
In partnership with Kroma and Acid House, Ayala Land begins the affair with a fun and quirky introduction to the actual Light Show. Aimed to build a celebratory vibe by creating excitement in light of the two-year pause, the intro video—following the idea of “The Christmas Lights Factory”—suggests that Santa and the elves are working hard to bring the Light Show back. Projected on the canopy façade, everyone gathered at Ayala Triangle Gardens will catch the elves as they prepare the Christmas lights machine to work. As soon as it does, the machine produces lights of various shapes, colors, and sizes. The elves, then, pick these up and transport each element from the screen to the trees surrounding ATG. It ends with Santa with a powerful switch that turns everything on, ready for the Light Show.
L – R) Cheng Kabigting, Head of Sales and Marketing of Kroma Entertainment; Ian Monsod, CEO of Kroma Entertainment; GA Fallarme, Festival of Lights 2022 technical director; Sueyen Austero, Festival of Lights 2022 lighting director; Ohm David, Festival of Lights 2022 show director; Misha Quimpo, Project Development Manager for Makati; Mel Ignacio, Senior Estate Head of Makati; Robert Lao, Senior Vice President and Group Head of Ayala Land Estates; Bobby Dy, President and CEO of Ayala Land; Bea Zobel de Ayala, Jr.; Jaime Zobel de Ayala, Sr.; Beatriz Zobel de Ayala; Sofia Zobel Elizalde; Honorable Abby Binay, Mayor of Makati; Honorable Luis Campos, Congressman of Makati (Second District Representative); Honorable Monique Lagdameo, Vice Mayor of Makati; Chrissy Roa, Head of Marketing and Communications, Ayala Land Estates; Sharon Vital, Marketing Manager for Makati; Alex Jamisola, Senior Marketing Associate for Makati; Maestro Jeffrey Solares of the Manila Symphony Orchestra; Mikey Amistoso and Jazz Nicolas, Festival of Lights 2022 musical composers
Director Ohm David and Lighting Designer Sueyen Austero conceptualized this year’s grand presentation. As Christmas tunes play, visuals will be projected on the trees around ATG. It begins with moving constellations that slowly form colorful indigenous patterns to tell the story of creation. As the scene builds, the screen blacks out then reveals stars, halos, parols, and other festive icons, which then merge to form a kaleidoscope of images. Moving and turning, it will ultimately end with an explosion of colors.
Accompanying the light show are three holiday medleys. The first is an orchestral rendition headed by the Manila Symphony Orchestra, followed by an upbeat TikTok rendition by Tris Suguitan, Jazz Nicolas, and Mikey Amistoso. The show concludes with a soothing chorale rendition by Jazz Nicolas and Mikey Amistoso.
More to come
Ayala Land and Make It Makati are bringing back the kind of Christmas we all love and miss. With more upcoming events and festive displays, Makatizens can expect exciting reunions with loved ones this December and beyond.
Watch out! More to come are Ayala Land’s Christmas Market at Ayala Triangle Gardens on December 2 to 31 in partnership with the French Embassy; Simbang Gabi at Ayala Triangle Gardens on December 15 to 23 featuring a live performance by the Philippine Youth Symphonic Band on the opening night; and the Samsung Performing Arts Theater’s Christmas Extravaganza on December 20 to 22 featuring Simbang Gabi services and free-for-all concerts for any purchase receipt at Ayala Malls Circuit.
The Festival of Lights 2022 will run 6pm – 10 pm, one show every hour, daily, until January 8, 2023. The show, including the projection on the canopy facade of Ayala Triangle Gardens, runs around 20 minutes long all in all.
For more updates visit Ayala Land at www.ayalaland.com.ph and via social media on Facebook @officialayalaland and Instagram @ayalaland; as well as Make It Makati on Facebook and Instagram @makeitmakati. #MakeItMakati
It will definitely be a November to remember, as the country’s newest professional wrestling promotion, Filipino Pro Wrestling (FPW), continues the momentum from their maiden show with another showcase aptly titled FPW: Mawala Na Lahat, Huwag Lang Wrestling! Happening on November 20, 2022, 2PM at the Power Mac Center Spotlight in Circuit Makati, wrestling fans will enter the festive season with a good ole’ afternoon of smash-mouth action and daring athletics that local wrestling is known for.
For the marquee match of the show, two of the finest local grapplers face-off for the first time ever in singles competition, as the “#BLESSED One” Chino Guinto takes on “The Walking Death” Mike Madrigal. With both wrestlers coming off major victories from the previous show, this is shaping up to be a match that will establish who’s the biggest dog in the FPW yard.
Fans can expect more throughout the show, as the undercards will feature high-profile wrestlers such as the self-proclaimed “Doctor of Pro Wrestling” Jan Evander, ever-flamboyant James “IDOL” Martinez, and the promotion’s own femme fatale, Nina, who are all slated to be in action.
“We are happy with the success of our soft launch, as we were able to mount a wrestling show after more than two years. As we welcome back fans, old and new, to this new era of Philippine wrestling, we are excited to bring them a wrestling product that they can enjoy and also be proud to call their own. Now that the first show jitters are out, we aim to continue on with our momentum in showcasing what FPW is truly about.” said Red Ollero, President of FPW.
