'Unbothered' Lala Sotto not resigning after MTRCB denies 'It's Showtime' MR on suspension

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) chairperson Lala Sotto-Antonio once again addressed comments about alleged "conflict of interest" after the agency denied Motions of Reconsideration (MRs) regarding the suspension of noontime variety show "It's Showtime."

The MTRCB released a statement last September 28 confirming that it denied Motions of Reconsideration filed by networks ABS-CBN and GMA about the suspension of "It's Showtime" as the result of an alleged indecent incident during the show's "Isip Bata" segment last July 25.

In the July 25 episode, host-comedian Vice Ganda licked icing off the fingers of co-host and real-life partner Ion Perez. The MTRCB also cited the show's past preventive suspensions in dishing out its latest decision.

The government agency held a press conference on the same day to respond to questions and concerns regarding its verdict, beginning with board member Atty. Paulino "Sonny" Cases — head of the adjudication committee handling the case — reading out the statement.

Cases noted that Sotto-Antonio, daughter of former Senate President Tito Sotto who currently hosts "E.A.T." on TV5, inhibited from the decision-making process and that the board cannot legally discuss the merits of the case though emphasized due process was observed.

Cases then explained that next step available for "It's Showtime" is to appeal to the Office of the President within the next 15 days, and another MR directed to Malacañang if the show does not receive a favorable response.

If Malacañang denies the MR, Cases said the case could be brought to the Court of Appeals then the Supreme Court who would have the final say on the matter. The 12-day suspension of "It's Showtime!" will begin once all periods and attempts have been exhausted, or if the show chooses to comply.

Sotto-Antonio was asked why not just suspend the "Isip Bata" segement instead of "It's Showtime!" as a whole, and the MTRCB chair said the agency can only suspend a network or production.

"We chose to suspend the production instead... the removal of a segment is on them as well," Sotto-Antonio explained further.

Despite Sotto-Antonio's inhibition from voting on the suspension of "It's Showtime," several members of the public remained concerned that her heading of the MTRCB would still be a "conflict of interest" given her father hosts a rival show.

"I truly believe my being a Sotto or my father's daughter should not be taken against me, instead it should be taken positively that I am someone who grew up in, loves, and understands the industry," said Sotto-Antonio, still acknowledging other people's opinons are valid but she is just humbly doing her job.

Sotto-Antonio added that she would not "satisfy the whims of detractors" by resigning from the top post at the MTRCB.

"I grew up in public scrutiny, I saw my parents always talked about, I would read about my family all the time in the paper," Sotto-Antonio said to members of the media after the press conference. "Bashing is not new to us, to me... I thank God I am unbothered."

'Pakak': Maris Racal sizzles in another birthday shoot

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

Singer-actress Maris Racal does a sultry shoot for her 26th birthday.

Maris Racal, Gee Plamenco Jr. via Instagram

MANILA, Philippines — Actress-singer Maris Racal celebrated her 26th birthday by having another sultry photoshoot.

Maris shared several pictures from a shoot she did with photographer Gee Plamenco Jr. on her Instagram last September 22, her birthday. 

Aiding in her looks were makeup artist Jay Salcedo and hairstylist Aries Manal, with styling by Adrianne Concepcion and Via Abbra.

In one set of photos, Maris wore a black tube top over denim jeans and a denim top over black leather pants. 

Another set shows the "Pinoy Big Brother" alum in a brown-gray tube top over brown leather pants, her hands raised as two hidden individuals embrace her from behind.

"Thank you guys for making me feel PAKAK on my birthday," Maris wrote in one post's caption, also sharing her astrology sign — Virgo sun, Gemini moon, Scorpio rising (even saying in the other post her birthday was a "Virgo season ender").

Her fellow celebrities greeted her in the comments section, including Aga Muhlach, Chie Filomeno, Agot Isidro, KaladKaren, Marina Summers, Esnyr Ranollo, Vance Larena and director Dan Villegas.

Not to be outdone was Maris' boyfriend and fellow artist, Rico Blanco, who posted on his own Instagram account a series of photos, including the couple's recent trip to Italy.

"More adventures, more dates, more memories with you. Happy birthday, my sunshine, my star," Rico wrote in the caption.

Maris quipped in the comments that Rico even included one photo where they appeared to be fighting, though the singer clarified, "'Di tayo away nyan, love, muntik lang tayo maiwan ng train."

The birthday girl still expressed her gratitude in another comment by saying, "I love you so much bums."

Maris had a similar sexy birthday photoshoot last year when she wore clothes from Calvin Klein, and the year before when she wore different garments while being splashed with water.

'Filipinos love music': 'Hamilton' international cast on how musical still attracts audiences

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

The international cast of "Hamilton" (from left): Darnell Abraham, Jason Arrow, Rachelle Ann Go, Akina Edmonds, and DeAundre' Woods

MANILA, Philippines — The Tony- and Olivier-winning sensation "Hamilton" has finally reached the Philippines where it hopes to find an even bigger audience.

The sung-and-rapped musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda is based on the titular character Alexander Hamilton's life particularly surrounding America's revolution against the British, which Miranda coined as "America then, as told by America now."

The rap nature of "Hamiilton" was a prominent factor to the musical's immense popularity, which led to a record 16 Tony nominations joint-most wins at 11 including Best Musical.

At a press conference held at The Theatre at Solaire yesterday, where "Hamilton" will run until November 26, Philstar.com asked how the musical's hip-hop and rap features will entice more Filipinos to see the show especially as both genres are rising in the local music scene.

"The fact that hip-hop and rap are growing is already a beautiful insight to how it will continue inspiring people to come along and watch," said Akina Edmonds, who portrays Angelica Schuyler.

Akina also points out that "Hamilton" covers multiple genres with contemporary and musical theater also in the mix.

"What I love about 'Hamilton' is that it's show for people who love theater and also for those who hate theater," continued Akina which ellicited laughter from the crowd. "[Spouses] bring their partners and they leave more inspired than those who dragged them along."

The actress finds the word "universal" the perfect adjective for "Hamilton" as it encapsulates so much of the human spirit, "The show itself is the star. Because its multi-genre and multi-faceted, it only has the potential to inspire more."

Jason Arrow, who portrays the titular character, reiterated something that his co-star Darnell Abraham (George Washington) mentioned about Filipinos' love for music, something that "Hamilton" is filled excellently with.

The actor also took into consideration the voices singing the numbers, and gestures to another co-star Rachelle Ann Go who is reprising Elizabeth Schuyler from London's West End.

"I get to be sung to every night by Rachelle," said Jason with a smile, leading to Rachelle belting an impromptu run much to the crowd's amusement. "Sometimes the ones I get are when the mics are off, I wish you could hear it."

Setting genre aside, Jason ended by saying the music of "Hamilton" itself speaks to everyone.

Philstar.com also asked if the international cast would be getting their own cast recording like previous "Hamilton" ensembles have in the past.

The cast all looked in laughter to the Manila run's producers hoping for a chance to do a recording, with Akina joking they could just make samples on Soundcloud or YouTube.

In the international cast of "Hamilton" with Rachelle, Jason, Akina, and Darnell are DeAundre’ Woods as Aaron Burr, Brent Hill as King George, David Park as Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson, Shaka Bagadu Cook as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison, Jacob Guzman as John Laurens/Philip Hamilton, Elandrah Eramiha as Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds.

Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra sets next season with new conductor

 Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) gears up for its 39th season under the leadership of a new music director and principal conductor Maestro Grzegorz Nowak.

Nowak previously worked with the PPO in the previous season in a concert held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Main Theater last October before the main building was closed for renovations.

In a press conference held last September 5, Novak said the musicians in the PPO responded well to his raising demands during their practices and sessions, something he found very encouraging.

"It's a big change and move, but the main thing is to build something to be recognized [globally] and we are on our way to achieve that," Nowak added.

Prior to joining the PPO, Nowak was the principal associate conductor of London's Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the music director of the Polish National Opera, and worked with other orchestras in Germany, Switzerland, the United States, and his native Poland.

For its 39th season bearing the theme "Switch," the PPO will move temporary homes from Manila's Metropolitan Theater to Makati's Samsung Performing Arts Theater while the CCP main building finishes rehabilitation.

All seven concerts will be at 7:30 p.m. with ticket prices ranging from P800 (Balcony 1) to P3,000 (Orchestra Center).

'Switch' rundown

The season begins with "Roman Carnival" on September 15 with Hecot Berlioz's overture of the same name, Edvard Grieg's "Piano Concerto, op.16, A minor," and Ottorino Respighi's "Pini di Roma (Pines of Rome)" featuring British pianist Mark Bebbington as a guest performer.

On October 13 will be "Italian Night" with Felix Mendelssohn's "Italian," Antonín Dvorák's "Cello Concerto," and selected Filipino composition, accompanied by guest Switzerland-based cellist Wen-Sinn Yang.

The third concert "Russian Masters" on November 17 is composed of Pyotr Ilich Tchaikovsky's "Eugene Onegin: Polonaise," Sergei Rachmaninoff's "Piano Concerto, no. 2, op.18, C minor," and selections of Serge Prokofiev's "Romeo & Juliet."

The PPO's holiday performance is "Ode to Joy" on December 8 with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's "Piano Concerto no. 21, K 467, C major" and Ludwig van Beethoven's "Symphony no. 9, op.125, D minor" — the composer's famous work that adapted Friedrich Schiller's poem "Ode to Joy" — featuring the Philippines' own Raul Sunico on the piano.

The 39th season carries on into 2024 with "Fate" on January 12 consisting of Johannes Brahms' "Piano Concerto no. 1, op.15, D minor," Tchaikovsky's "Symphony no. 4, op.36, F minor," and one commissioned Filipino work, with pianist Jerome Rose as a guest soloist.

The penultimate "Piano Rapture" concert on February 9 will have Poland's Krystian Zimerman as a guest soloist to help perform Stanislaw Maniuszko's "The Fairy Tale Overture," Beethoven's "Piano Concerto no. 4, op.19, Bb major," and Rachmaninoff's "Symphony no. 2, op.27."

As a Valentine's treat, there will be special performances on February 14 and 16 where Zimmerman will be conducting, performing as a soloist, and be part of an ensemble.

Wrapping up PPO's 39th season is "Fete Francaise" with a performance of Gaetano Donizetti's "Don Pasquale." Since it will be a semi-stage opera, auditions for the stage roles will be held in January.

LIST: Concerts in the Philippines this 2023

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

Clockwise from top left: Blackpink, Carly Rae Jepsen, The 1975 and Harry Styles

MANILA, Philippines — A new year brings a new set of 12 months full of opportunities, and with many artists flocking back to the Philippines to engage with Filipino fans, the concert scene is getting back to its brightest.

Last year saw the gradual return of several artists, bands and groups — some returning, others for the first time and a number of them visiting the country twice in a year — and the stage is set for more arrivals in 2023.

Check out the upcoming international music acts performing in the Philippines in 2023:

Wavy Baby Music Festival (Marreco Lot, Mandaue City, Cebu) - Jan. 13 to 14

The Wave Baby Music Festival in Cebu is headed by James Reid's Careless label where several of its artists will be performing.

Invited to headline the festival are R&B singers Pink Sweats and Destiny Rogers, Korean artists Sunmi and The Rose, Thai rapper Bambam, pop singer JVKE and electronic acts Bag Raiders and Yultron.

Additionally, The Rose will also have a comeback concert on Jan. 14 at the SM North Edsa Skydome.

ITZY (Mall of Asia Arena) - Jan. 14

The rising K-pop girl group will perform back-to-back nights in Manila as part of their "Checkmate World Tour."

AOMG (New Frontier Theater) - Jan. 15

The "Follow The Movement: AOMG World Tour" brings to the Philippines K-pop hip-hop artists Simon Dominic, Loco, Gray, Leehi, Yugyeom and Woo for a special night at the New Frontier Theater.

Ne-Yo (Araneta Coliseum) - Jan. 23

Award-winning R&B singer Ne-Yo returns to Manila with back-to-back sets at the Araneta Coliseum to perform some of his greatest hits.

Enhyphen (Mall of Asia Arena) - Feb. 3 to 5

The young K-pop boy group are coming back to the Philippines for a proper concert that isn't just one night but three at the Mall of Asia Arena as part of their "Manifesto" world tour.

Boyce Avenue (Araneta Coliseum, Waterfront Hotel & Casino, SMX Convention Center Davao) - Feb. 11, 12, 14

A Valentines concert awaits for Filipinos in Manila, Cebu and Davao as cover band Boyce Avenue returns to Manila to deliver all the necessary feels, with the help of local artists The Juans (only for the Manila concert), Adie and Nobita.

Mamamoo (Araneta Coliseum) - Feb. 12

Also hyping up emotions on a different spectrum is K-pop group Mamamoo as it makes its debut visit to the Philippines for the Asian leg of their ongoing world tour.

Wallows (New Frontier Theater) - Feb. 15

Alternative-rock band Wallows will begin their "Tell Me That It’s Over Asia Tour 2023" in Manila, performing songs from their three extended plays and two albums, the latest one lending its name to the tour.

The Vamps (Mall of Asia Arena) - Feb. 17

The British pop-rock band will be performing in the Philippines for the fifth time this February as part of their "Greatest Hits Tour." Their last visit was in 2017. 

Conan Gray (Mall of Asia Arena) - Feb. 18

Young singer Conan Gray has included the Philippines, his first visit to the country, in the Asian leg of his "Superache" tour.

PLUS63 Festival (SM Seaside Complex Cebu) - Feb. 18

This music and arts festival is making a grand comeback after two years with headliners such as Joji and Kehlani, the former recently visited the country last month for Head in the Clouds Manila.

Backstreet Boys (Mall of Asia Arena) - Feb. 20

Get ready to throw back the years as the Backstreet Boys returns to the country. The boys included the Philippines in the 2023 Asian leg of their "DNA World Tour," the 2019 edition of which was their last time in Manila.

Westlife (Araneta Coliseum) - Feb. 20 to 21

In true boy group rivalry fashion, Westlife will also be performing in Manila on the same day (plus one extra concert the next day) for their "Wild Dreams" tour to perform "all the hits."

OneRepublic (Araneta Coliseum) - Feb. 23

Manila will be the first Asian stop of OneRepublic's "Live in Concert" tour, almost seven years since the group last performed in the Philippines.

Wanderland (Filinvest City Events Grounds) - March 4 to 5

Perhaps the biggest music festival in the Philippines, Wanderland is making a grand comeback with headliners Carly Rae Jepsen and Phoenix, and supporting acts Sunset Rollercoaster, Men I Trust, No Rome, Stephen Day, Balming Tiger, George and Leo Wang.

Arctic Monkeys (Filinvest City Events Grounds) - March 6

A somewhat extension of the Wanderland Music & Arts Festival is a concert by British rock band Arctic Monkeys the very next day in what will be their first-ever Philippine show.

Simple Plan (New Frontier Theater, SMX Convention Center Davao) - March 10, 12

Bringing the rock vibes to Manila and Davao this March are Simple Plan for their "The Harder Than It Looks" tour.

Stray Kids (Mall of Asia Arena) - March 11 to 12

K-pop group Stray Kids have included Manila in their second world tour. The group initially had to cancel their supposed second visit back in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Harry Styles (Philippine Arena) - March 14

"Come on Harry, we wanna say good night to you!" Harry Styles will be returning to the Philippines for a third time, his second as a soloist, this March for his "Love on Tour."

Bryan Adams (Araneta Coliseum) - March 15

Also making a Philippine comeback is award-winning singer-songwriter Bryan Adams as part of the Asian leg of his “So Happy It Hurts" tour.

Sting (The Theatre at Solaire) - March 17 to 18

Just as big a return awaits Sting, the former lead singer of English rock band The Police, after more than a decade who will bring his "My Songs" tour to Manila with his eldest son Joe Sumner as a special guest.

Blackpink (Philippine Arena) - March 25 to 26

In what is primed to be the biggest concert of 2023 in the Philippines so far, K-pop girl group Blackpink is returning this time for their "Born Pink" world tour.

The 1975 (Mall of Asia Arena) - May 3 to 4

English pop-rock band The 1975 are certain to remind Filipinos once again of heartbreak, longing and love when they come back this May for their "At Their Very Best" Asia tour.