Stars gather on May 11 and 12 for Ryan Cayabyab’s 'Gen C' birthday musical tribute

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The artists will be accompanied by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO). 

Ryan Cayabyab

The biggest names in Philippine recording, TV, cinema and stage are converging at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater on May 11 and 12, 2024 for “Gen C” — a musical offering in honor of National Artist Ryan Cayabyab’s 70th birthday.

Topnotch artists are set to perform and collaborate with Maestro Ryan Cayayab a.k.a. Mr. C. for this once-in-a-lifetime extravaganza.

On May 11, the guests include Aicelle Santos, Arman Ferrer, Ateneo Chamber Singers, Basil Valdez, Belle Mariano, Bituin Escalante, Dilaw, Jed Madela, John Arcilla, Kakai Bautista, Karylle Tatlonghari, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante, Nonie Buencamino, Nyoy Volante, Phi Palmos, Regine Velasquez, Sheila Valderrama-Martinez, Stell of SB19, The Company, and The Ryan Cayabyab Singers.

Returning for the May 12 show are Aicelle Santos, Arman Ferrer, Ateneo Chamber Singers, Basil Valdez, Bituin Escalante, Jed Madela, John Arcilla, Kakai Bautista, Karylle Tatlonghari, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante, Nonie Buencamino, Phi Palmos, Sheila Valderrama-Martinez, The Company, and The Ryan Cayabyab Singers. On this date, they are joined by Ben & Ben, Bini, Janella Salvador, Juan Karlos, Julie Anne San Jose, and Vice Ganda.

The artists will be accompanied by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO). 

The first birthday tribute of Mr. C was held in 1995 (a year after his 40th birthday) at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and produced by Culturtain Musicat Productions, the company of singer Celeste Legaspi and talent manager Girlie Rodis. ABS-CBN would produce all-star tributes for the composer in the next two decades: “Musicman@50” in 2004 and “Mr. C@60” in 2014. 

In 2019, the year Mr. C became a National Artist and a Ramon Magsaysay awardee, the UP College of Medicine honored him through "SOAP Opera (Musika ni Ryan, Medisina ng Bayan").

Mr. C wrote on Facebook that Celeste Legaspi and Girlie Rodis were insistent on gathering his long-time and newfound friends in the industry for the 2024 tribute. He said, “Hindi pumayag sina Celeste and GR na palampasin itong taon without a musical offering featuring more of my songs.” Culturtain Musicat is spearheading "Gen C".

The title—which is obviously a play on the first letter of the composer's last name and in reference to today's youth—describes the broad appeal of Mr. C.'s genius.

Producer Dr. Melfred L. Hernandez explained, “Gen C is not a demographic group; it’s not about an age bracket but a mindset, a group bound by love for and influence of the music of this National Artist and treasure." 

Producer Aaron Veloso also disclosed, "It's heartwarming to know that teenagers and people from my generation, together with their parents and grandparents, have been our early and excited ticket buyers." 

The National Artist expressed utmost thanks to all those involved in this project to be directed by Rowell Santiago. Mr. C said, “Hindi siya ganun kadali... Pagmamahal, pagkakaibigan at respeto sa craft ang siyang nangagpapatakbo ng ganitong klaseng proyekto. Isa siyang hiwaga. Pramis.” 

“Gen C” is produced by Culturtain Musicat in cooperation with the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Samsung Performing Arts Theater, and Ayala Land, for the benefit of the Philippine General Hospital Medical Foundation. 

Sponsors include Metro Pacific Investments Coporation, American Eye Center, Avolution, Ayala Land Premier-Dasmariñas Group, Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant, CMB Film, Joey’s Place, RMA Studio Academy, and Dawns Rack Kasuotan At Iba Pa, with benefactors: MedInfinity, Inc, RAF Forwarding Phils, Inc, Shiphealth and PNB PGH Branch. 

"Gen C" showtime is at 7:30 pm. To purchase tickets, visit the Ticketworld website https://premier.ticketworld.com.ph/shows/show.aspx?sh=GENC24 

Filipinos love concerts, but ...

... venue infrastructure gaps is threat to the experience

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Apr 21, 2024 03:18 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Once that’s built, Filipinos won’t have to fly overseas because they can watch top-tier performances right from the comfort of their home country.

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Taylor Swift (Facebook)

Filipinos' love for concerts presents significant economic potential, but the existing venue infrastructure gaps threaten this thriving industry.

Countries with better, bigger, and more competitive concert venues have reaped economic benefits, especially with the massive and significant influence of popular international acts like pop superstar Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and Coldplay’s World Tour in consumer behavior and spending.

Driving tens of thousands of ‘Swifties’ and concert enthusiasts, the success of these concerts was an economic stimulus for countries worldwide, including Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore and Japan.  

Filipino fans alike had to spend big and travel miles to watch the exclusive performance of superstar Swift in Singapore’s National Stadium. In contrast, others visited Japan’s Tokyo Dome and Sydney’s Accor Stadium in Australia. 

The massive concert gigs boosted the respective country’s economies, significantly benefiting the entertainment, hospitality, retail, and transport industries.

While Singapore’s strategy for a Southeast Asia-exclusive Swift performance piqued interest and likewise piqued its neighboring countries, the strategic move sparked conversations and brought to light what the Philippines can improve on in terms of concert venues.

1. Location is key 

The Philippines doesn’t lack in big venues. It boasts of venues rivaling Singapore’s National Stadium and Japan’s Tokyo Dome. Accessibility to the location, public transportation, and nearby commercial establishments is vital.

2. Concert experience

Photo credit to Stanley Quek. An empty Singapore National Stadium, viewed from the front stage.

Singapore’s pride, the National Stadium, has innovative features such as the world’s largest free-spanning dome, a retractable roof, and comfortable cooling technology for spectators’ convenience. Its innovation, strategic location, and efficiency bring positive and immersive experiences for enthusiasts and concert fans, making it a magnet for entertainment acts worldwide. A similar concert venue and experience is something that Filipino concertgoers are hoping the country can replicate.

3. World-class concert amenities and facilities

Accessing the venue's amenities and facilities should offer a premium music experience for a concert enthusiasts or convenience in a sporting event.

Architectural 'Eyecon' SM Mall of Asia Arena prides itself on having exceptional world-class
amenities unique in the Southeast Asia region. (Photo from SM MOA Arena official website)

FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 held at thw SM Mall of Asia Arena. (Photo from SM MOA Arena official website)

Take, for example, the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena – a flexible indoor arena developed in 2012 by leading integrated property developer SM Prime – which has been a top-of-mind venue for all sorts of events and offers a unique concert experience. With a full house seating capacity of 20,000, it has been a haven for thrilling sports events, remarkable OPM shows, and unforgettable international
superstar performances.

Meanwhile, the SMDC Festival Grounds in Parañaque City is likewise an enormous outdoor venue that can accommodate at least 50,000 people. Ed Sheeran’s Mathematics Tour and Rivermaya The Reunion were among the performers that have graced the stage recently.

4. Achieving Filipinos’ concert dreams

One of the most forward-looking plans of SM Prime is its 360-hectare smart city development which is envisioned to bring in a centerpiece to the country’s entertainment and sporting events – larger in capacity and a more enhanced venue infrastructure that would attract legendary icons in the entertainment scene and compete against Southeast Asia and the world’s best. It will feature an estimated 70,000-capacity stadium and concert arena connected to one of the island’s main destination paradises called Central Park. The sizable arena is envisioned to be the Philippines’ biggest concert venue, with world-class facilities and sustainable features comparable to other big concert venues worldwide. Once that’s built, Filipinos won’t have to fly overseas because they can watch top-tier performances right from the comfort of their home country.

An artist’s render, visual sketch of the proposed concert venue at Pasay 360 project.

Without a doubt, Pinoys live and breathe entertainment shows. According to the digital payments company Visa, Filipinos are Asia-Pacific's 4th top concert spenders, proving how passionate we are about concerts. By investing in developing modern, smart, and accessible concert venues, Filipino concert enthusiasts can continue to embrace and celebrate live performances with the convenience, comfort, and enjoyment they deserve. Beyond entertainment, well-curated, smart, and innovative concert facilities can benefit the Philippines’ national and local economies, including ancillary local retail, tourism, and hospitality spending.

Scream your heart out in 'Sem Break'

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Apr 24, 2024 10:06 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• This six-part series is directed by Roni S. Benaid, the director of last year’s hit horror movies Mary Cherry Chua and Marita. We follow a group of friends on their trip to a faraway province.

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The cast of the horror-romance flick 'Sem Break' (Images courtesy of Viva One Facebook)

We Filipinos believe that when we visit different places, we may unconsciously attract spirits and bring them home. Hence, our parents and elders remind us to be careful so that no one follows us.

A barkada’s quick semestral break trip leads to a series of terrifying events that they might not be able to escape.

Following the success of ‘Safe Skies, Archer’ of The University Series, Viva One and Studio Viva strengthen the bond among the “Univerkada” composed of Krissha Viaje, Jerome Ponce, Aubrey Caraan, Hyacinth Callado, and Gab Lagman in their latest project, “Sem Break," with Keann Johnson as a new addition to their circle. 

This six-part series is directed by Roni S. Benaid, the director of last year’s hit horror movies Mary Cherry Chua and Marita. We follow a group of friends on their trip to a faraway province.  

Krissha Viaje plays Mich. Her parents died in an accident, so she was raised by her Aunt Belen. At home, Mich doesn’t express herself much, but she is very lively and somewhat silly with her friends. She has a boyfriend, whom Aunt Belen approves of as long as she still prioritizes her studies.

Jerome Ponce plays Arlo. He comes from a wealthy family. Though an introvert and socially awkward sometimes, Arlo is fond of swimming. There are just a few people he can be open with – his girlfriend Mich, his best friend Tim, and the rest of their gang.

Keann Johnson plays Timmy. He’s into arts and he’s Arlo’s flatmate. He’s got that YOLO attitude. He acts annoyed with Mich’s best friend, Cora, but he has a crush on her.   

Aubrey Caraan is Cora. She believes in horoscopes, feng shui, astrology, and charms. Her being kikay is why she and Tim banter a lot, but her best friends Mich and Arlo still ship them together.

Hyacinth Callado is Jessie. She’s the most responsible member of the group. She works part-time in a café, which has become their tambayan. Jess is superstitious, a trait she got from her parents.

Gab Lagman is Pipo, a university scholar. His parents work as caretakers at a beach resort in the province. He offers this place for their weekend getaway.

But it will turn out to be a wicked getaway.

They are told not to go to the lighthouse near the resort, but while the others are asleep, Mich, Arlo, Cora, and Timmy head to the lighthouse to do the 3 a.m. challenge. Things turn scary when they get lost in the maze-like structure of the lighthouse. Fortunately, they safely get out of the lighthouse and decide not to tell anyone what they experienced.  

As they drive back to Manila, the barkada doesn’t know that they are not alone on their way home.

Catch the Univerkada as they fight for their lives in “Sem Break.” It premieres May 10, 2024, and a new episode airs every Friday exclusively on Viva One.  

iWantTFC brings its hot, must-watch picks to stream this summer

All streaming for free and on-demand on the iWantTFC app and website

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Apr 12, 2024 07:16 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Experience the beach vibes everywhere with these original titles fromiWantTFC, featuring its sizzling comedy-drama series "Beach Bros" starring KyleEcharriand Chie Filomeno, plus the island-mysteryshow "Fractured" top-billed by Francine Diaz and SethFedelin. 

ummer's here and the getaway season is in full swing—but the fun doesn't stop there as iWantTFC, the home of Filipino stories, makes a splash with its must-watch picks that stream for free and are perfect for audiences' summertime viewing. 

Experience the beach vibes everywhere with these original titles from iWantTFC, featuring its sizzling comedy-drama series "Beach Bros" starring Kyle Echarri and Chie Filomeno, plus the island-mystery show "Fractured" top-billed by Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin. 

 

Love whiffs the summer breeze with iWantTFC's romance picks for the warm season as viewers can watch on-demand the classic Kapamilya weekly series "Tabing Ilog," Gerald Anderson and Yam Concepcion's steamy drama "Init sa Magdamag," and feelsy love without borders in the reality dating series "Sparks Camp." 

 

Viewers can also feel the heat with iWantTFC's curated films that are perfect for the summer, with titles including the sexy comedy hit "Abay Babes," fiery romance in Xian Lim, Coleen Garcia, and Nathalie Hart's "Sin Island," and the immersive island drama of the multi-awarded film "Siargao" starring Jericho Rosales and Erich Gonzales. 

More summer picks await audiences on iWantTFC with Gerald Anderson's and Arci Muñoz's lovers-turned-friends comedy-drama "Can We Still Be Friends," plus a generational romance in the Piolo Pascual, Coleen Garcia, and Dawn Zulueta starrer "Love Me Tomorrow." 

Finally, feed your wanderlust for travel and good food this summer with a series of lifestyle shows on iWantTFC. Explore the best beaches around the country and international shores in Metro Channel's "Beached." Then, go on a food trip with your favorite personalities in "The Crawl," plus join Robi Domingo and Sue Ramirez in visiting the hidden gem destinations of the Philippines in the iWantTFC original "Unlisted." 

Catch all these and more for free and on-demand on iWantTFC via its official app (iOS and Android) or website (iwanttfc.com). 

Apart from these, audiences can view more curated titles that are perfect for the summertime on iWantTFC's "Hot Bods," "April Fresh Finds," and "Destination, Love" selections. 

In the Philippines, get easy access to iWantTFC's content library for free. Aside from portable devices, users can enjoy the iWantTFC viewing experience on a larger screen with select devices, available on Chromecast, and Airplay, among others.

Visit https://bit.ly/iWantTFC_TVDevices for a complete list of compatible devices.  

To learn more about the offerings of iWantTFC, follow iWantTFC on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.  

For other updates, follow @ABSCBNPR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads, or visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom. 

Rock band We The Kings to storm Davao City on April 21

BY JONATHAN HICAP

Apr 4, 2024 12:03 PM 

Wildly popular American rock band We The Kings from Florida will be taking the Philippine stage by storm when they perform in Davao City this month. 

The We The Kings Asia Tour 2024 Live in Davao will be held on April 21 at the SMX Convention Center Davao.

We The Kings (Pulp Live World)

After their memorable performance in the Philippines in 2014, and due to overwhelming demand, We The Kings are ready to perform before Filipino fans again. 

Formed in 2005, We The Kings became a musical powerhouse by blending elements of alternative rock, emo, pop, pop-punk, pop rock, and power pop to create a distinct sound. 

The band’s current lineup—all of whom will be at the SMX Convention Center Davao for the show—includes Travis Clark (vocals/guitar), Hunter Thomsen (guitar), Coley O’Toole (keyboard/guitar), and Charles Trippy (bass). They have consistently pushed musical boundaries while cultivating a dedicated fanbase. Having toured with industry legends such as All Time Low, Boys Like Girls, and Simple Plan, We The Kings demonstrated their prowess on international stages. 

Their hit “Check Yes Juliet” achieved platinum status in Australia, and their collaboration with Demi Lovato, “We'll Be A Dream,” earned a Teen Choice Award nomination. 

They’ll first join as special guest at Boys Like Girls in Manila on April 20 at Araneta Coliseum, followed by their headlining concert in Davao City. 

For the  We The Kings Asia Tour 2024 Live in Davao, they have  prepared a setlist designed to make the night memorable and linger in the hearts of fans forever.

Tickets are available through SM Tickets outlets nationwide or online at smtickets.com.  

For the ultimate fan experience, the VIP with Meet & Greet option is available for P5,000. Standard VIP tickets are priced at P3,000, while General Admission tickets are available for those looking to enjoy the concert at P2,000. Ticketing charges will be applied. 

The show is proudly presented by Skesh Entertainment, Davao Concert Scene, and Pulp Live World. 

AC Bonifacio: From dance floor to stage and screen

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

  

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AT A GLANCE

• When asked who she looks forward to working with, AC confidently named Kathryn Bernardo, Sarah Geronimo, and Jodi Sta. Maria, without hesitation. 

AC Bonifacio

AC Bonifacio, whose domain is the dance floor, even hailed as the "New Gen Dance Princess," is now expanding her horizons with ventures into acting.

“I’m just moving through that process, through that journey of learning and doing more. And whatever else I could do, I will continue to do so.” AC said, talking about her ongoing acting journey.

She joined the industry as a dancer, winning the "Dance Kids" competition in 2016. She has also already ventured into the music industry, with “4 Myself” and “Free Fall Into Love” as some of the tracks.

She first dipped her toes into acting in 2017, playing Mika in Wansapanataym. She then appeared as Cadence in the series Lyric and Beat and made her iconic cameo appearance in an episode of the international show Riverdale.

Now, her acting endeavors are flourishing more than ever. She appeared as ‘Ashley’ in the movie, “Shake Rattle and Roll Extreme,” with Jane Oineza, RK Bagatsing, and Iza Calzado as some of her castmates. Her performance in this movie earned her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the VP Choice Awards 2024.

Moreover, AC has now ventured into theater, starring in the interactive musical comedy, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," under The Sandbox Collective, portraying the character of Marcy Park. “Iba ang discipline ng theater po talaga. When you’re on stage, start na po agad ‘yun until the end of the show.” AC shared her insights about her theater experience.

Asked to share the transitions from dancing and singing to acting, AC acknowledged that her journey wasn’t entirely easy. “With dance, I can release how I feel through movement, and that’s what I am good at. I’m really bad at my words. Siguro, that’s when I had a hard time connecting my feelings with my words and releasing them for people to feel.” Yet, like the true seasoned performer, her acting endeavors have consistently garnered praise and success despite her initial doubts.

 "I’m very open to doing what comes for me, and I will do my best, my 100 percent for whatever role that is,” she said, expressing her sincere interest in pursuing acting.

When asked who she looks forward to working with, AC confidently named Kathryn Bernardo, Sarah Geronimo, and Jodi Sta. Maria, without hesitation.

“I’m still trying to figure myself out, trying to figure out where I am and how I’m going to deal with my life.” At 21 years old, fresh out of teenage years, and on the brink of adulthood, AC faces much to figure out. But amid it all, her talent shines through. Whether dancing, singing, or acting, she excels in every pursuit.